Premier warns MLAs to serve
(CNS): The country’s leader urged his Bodden Town team to make sure they serve the needs of their constituents, otherwise they would not be returned to office. Premier Alden McLaughlin said thatwithout the Bodden Town members the PPM was unlikely to get a second term and that he knew very well how easily the voters would turn against their representatives if they do not believe they are working hard for their interests. Speaking at the opening of the new Progressives’ constituency office in the district, the PPM leader urged the people in Bodden Town to use it and if they didn’t find any of the four MLAs there he wanted the people to let him know.
“Representatives come and go and when they do not measure up the people remove them,” the premier said. “You are entitled to access your representatives and I know that if they do not serve you well, you won’t put them back and we won’t get the next government.”
Pointing to the importance of constituency offices, hesaid that the PPM headquarters and George Town MLAs office was always a very busy place and unless he was not on the island he did everything he could to be at his MLA surgery on Thursday afternoons to meet constituents and deal with their issues.
McLaughlin said it was one thing for members to perform well when they were in the Legislative Assembly but the voters need to see their MLAs and the members need to address constituency issues and serve them properly.
McLaughlin said that eleven months into office things were going well with his government, of which many, although exceptionally well qualified, were novice politicians. Like any other job, he said, these newcomers to the political arena had to learn how to do the job, and although there had been some bumps along the way, he was still very happy with how things had gone.
“We have never had a more professionally qualified and broadly experienced group in the Legislative Assembly before,” he said. “If we don’t do well it is no one else’s fault and we must make sure we don’t disappoint those in Bodden Town and across the island who helped us get into office … I am conscious of how easy it is not to do enough he said, I’ve felt it before,” he added, ahead of the official opening, as he asked for feedback from the constituents regarding their representatives.
Category: Politics
I thought they ran for a political post BECAUSE they wanted to serve… now a year into the tenure they must be reminded of WHY THEY RAN FOR POLITICS? My employer doesn't walk around reminding us employees that we started working for this reason or that; sad, sad mess our Gov'ment is in!
We don't see our West Bay Representatives, either. I think they should all have monthly meetings in the town centers to keep everyone informed. On the other hand for those of you who cannot get out to those meetimngs, should try listening to the LA repeat broadcast on 89.9fm at 7:00pm to know exactly what their government reprensentatives are doing.
"You are entitled to access your representatives and I know that if they do not serve you well." – yeaaahhh right!!! i been calling PPM for the last 3 months, and all I can get is call back from Kenneth. I do not want to speak to Kenneth. I did not vote for Kenneth. I want to speak to who got my vote.
am still waiting.
I am glad that this Government sees it fit to clean up the image of the Cayman Islands and no one can tell me that this PPM lead Government is not better than that last awful UDP Government. You don't hear any corruption problems. You know the Islands have since stablized and you don't hear any scandelous news about the PPM Government. All the negativity being posted here now has to be those people that are no longer on the BoBo list of McKeeva's. These Islands are doing much, much better under the circumstances the UK have us under with the FFR. The UDP Government was a run-a-way train that has and would had cost us much, much more if we had allowed them to contimue to lead us down the destructive path. Mr. Premier McLaughlin, please continue what you are doing and do not yield to the naysayers.
It's obvious that the PPM is giving you a lot of swanky to drink. Until 90 percent of the unemployed become employed the spewed promises mean absolutey unequivocally nothing. Why is it that Divine intervention is not being called now by the Premier . Talk good na feel good absolutely no good.
But what has been done by the PPM governement thus far.
Stabilized? No "scandelous news"? These islands doing much, much better? Where do you live? Surely not in the Cayman Islands!
Dressed to the hilt and spouting s__.
If you could buy him for what he's worth and sell him fo what he thinks he' worth, all of Marco's problems would be solved!
PPM for Caymanian's jobs???!!! What a larf!! Try applying for any job, even the most menial, and see who gets the preference. The person who requires a WP! Because Government continues to depend greatly on WP revenues!!
Until that fundamental flaw of our "system" is rectified, Caymanians will be the last considered for jobs. That is combined with the fact that Government is doing nothing to implement its own apprenticeship programs or support those of the few private sector entities which have implemented same. Of course, it's the same old story with Government's approach to fixing our broken education system – nothing! So within a few months we'll expect their boasts and empty promises as hundreds of "graduates" pour out of schools and onto the streets!!
PPM = Piss Poor Management!!
HE “did everything he could to be at his MLA surgery on Thursday afternoons to meet constituents and deal with their issues.”
What is Alden a doctor now? Physician heal thyself…..
We need 1 person 18 votes. National election. The yoyos in one district impact my island too.
You want to organise boat ramps and fish fries? Run for district commission.
Otherwise we will forever be mired in ping pong politics. Back and forth. Back and forth.
Putting the same peoplein term after term and yet expecting progress and change. Pure insanity.
– 23:47.The only people supporting one person =18 votes are people who obtained status by grant,not born Caymanians.
100-percent wrong comment!
I’m Caymanian, and i can’t wait to see national elections!
How foolish. There is a reason you don't find such a system anywhere in the world. People don't know how to use 6 votes now let alone 18. Also since GT is by far the largest district GTers would elect all the MLAs.
When since George Town PPM meeting with their constituents???!!!! Was calling for 5 mths straight couldn't get a meeting with none of the GT PPM members. Spoke with Lucille very briefly and she didn't have the courtesy to give me her full attention for 30 seconds. I just simply gave up after all the run around and begging for a meeting. Called Ezzard, got a response and the matter resolved. Alden just stop lying. My grandparents and parents failed to see through you and your kind. Trust me this generation will not. All the fish frys, turtle stews and whatever other foolishness you guys come up with to try to pull the wool over people eyes and not deal with the issues will not help you after all the older Caymanians voting for you die out.
You can't possibly have been trying to meet with them. I've met with Joey, Marco and Alden in the last several months. Joey sees people the most often as he has more time but the all have weekly appointments unless they are in the LA or away. Call the PPM Office at 945-1776.
Can anyone tell me what the government intends to do about the astronomical health insurance increases that are now being levied by some of the leading insurance companies? They need to hold an emergency meeting to deal with this issue because if they do not it is clear that serious social problems and a bigger burden on the HSA is looming. How many families can afford over $2,000 for health insurance? Every year these huge increases are taking place, hundreds of dollars of increases per month, and no one is standing up! There is a very sad story and plea for help circulating on Facebook right now, where a well known family has been denied the coverage it needs by one of the largest local insurance companies for an ill child who requires emergency surgery! This family has been reduced to friends and family begging for help to try to raise the needed funds. People this is not right and the government needs to step up and deal with these insurance companies. I am sorry to sound so frustrated but that I am!
23;07
Please call the GT office to make an appointment, unless you dont really want to face them.
945-1776
926-4717
electe the Jordanian he is honest …..
On 20 January 1961 at the Inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy he made these words famous " ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."
Seriously..one year in and he has to warn them…They should have known that when they were running around looking for our votes..
Sorry Alden…your warning has come too late..You guys have lost the plot and you have lost me..
The last thing politicians care for are the people they serve.
They make the impression that they do, but that is just in election time.
The only person that cares for you is yourself.
Unemployment, omov, crime, lower gas bills, cuc etc was on your manifestos! Ppm you all better do what you promised or else goodbye ppm!
Alden better heed his own advice because without KT none of the GT MLA's can win in 2017
Am i missing something, Alden has to tell Boden Town MLA's to do what they are suppose to do??? Why does he have to remind them? They are being paid a job, how come they are not doing what they are suppose to????? But then again, UDP, MLA whats the difference same s..t different day…we had and have plenty of useless politicians still collecting a cheque, ie "West Bay" do I need to say anymore…..
Come on guys, we all know that the OMOV was only an election promise to get elected. Next election we will fool the people again.
Omg what about the Brac they dont even comes here anymore
Didn't they just hold the L.A. with all the MLAs in the Brac?
16:08 If you are going to tell a lie ,try to tell one that is not easily exposed.FYI your information the Legislative Assembly held meetings in the Brac from 9-12th April ( attended by all MLAs ) Perhaps you should have asked around for help if you were not aware of the last time they visited.
So are we going to get started to fix the economy anytime soon?
"…fix the economy…"
Self serving politians are a big part of the problem, not the solution.
Everyone better worry about their jobs, I’m sick of promises! I want actions=results or GOODBYE! Gt voter
Serving Bodden Town?Wow !!!What happened to the rest of the Cayman Islands?Were you just voted in to serve one area?Get real folks and get on with the jobs you were elected to do.Mr Premier I suggest to re_state those Comments ASAP
pmilburn, You say "ServingBodden Town?". as if Alden was suggesting that Bodden Town MLAs serve only constituents of Bodden Town but in the last paragraph Alden said otherwise.Quote “If we don’t do well it is no one else’s fault (but our own) and we must make sure we don't disappoint those in Bodden Town and across the island who helped us get into office …".Please note that words in brackets are my own and were inserted for the purpose of clarity;words in bold print were used to highlight a point.
PMilburn I have to respond on this one. I believe Alden is correct in telling the Bodden Town MLAs to serve their District. After all it was Bodden Townners who voted them in.
I do not see any reaso why they should do any house keeping in East End, GT or WB disricts, because when the time comes these districs will not be the ones votinng for them.
Alden is quite right Take care your own house before you take care someone else house.
my suggestion would be to help people get work who are able to work, and also make sure the elderly getsa raise THOSE POOR PEOPLE CANNOT LIVE OF WHAT THEY ARE GETTING Alden you need to pay attention to the needs of the seniors, they are dying slowly living off the few pittance they are geting. BoddenTown MLAs look into this.
..
So, what had Alden Hon. Premier done for the capital, G.T? That is his district is it not? What has he done? I still see Mt. Trashmore everyday and smell it too. Do you all?
PPM = Piss Poor Management, Peoples' Problems Multiplied, Poor-People Manipulators.
I could do this all day. :-/
No coincidence this is published the same day the PPM's dump policy is. Message for Alden – you may have 4 seats in BT, but you cannot ignoire the rest of the country and remain electable.
Ozzie in over he head!
That actually is a big issue here, with most, if not all of our bush- pols
None of them are doing anything they promised !! Including the premier sick of them already!
McKeeva loves comments like these; they are his ticket back to power.
Also doing things like allowing a highway to be paved through the mastic trail can assure that you won't get my votes next election. Think carefully on this matter.
For all of you who gave me thumbs down so fast. Sorry for you but the premier has announced
that the road will be rerouted around the mastic trail! Take that all you nature hating greedy people! Lol!
Wel well. Looks like the honey moon is over eh internally and externally. Seems like yesterday when el capo tuti felt on top of the world, now reality sinking in. The people have always spoken Alden and rest assured you will ge their message loud and clear, although I'm sure ya hearing the whispers already, getting stronger eh Cuya.
In other words, the Premier has basically admitted that his BT colleagues are getting paid a fat monthly salary for doing nothing.
My question is: if they're not serving their constituents, what the hell are they doing?!
did he mean that message for himself. I mean the PPM said they would deliver one man one vote and then he voted against it.
Taking all expenses paid trips to see how to handle rubbish . I believe Mr. Anthony Eden must be the only representative that doesn’t get to jet around the globe. The others there for the joy ride. There are enough sectors in the civil service that could do with a pay raise instead of a pay cut. These people are jokers from the head down. Future isnt looking too bright if they continue with this trend.
what about serving the country first!!!!………….forget about the small town backward nonsense of the past!
I'm already disappointed with them. I only had one request of them and that was to remove that stupid mural that hangs on the fence fronting on North Church Street around where the old tower building was that was put there by our first premier, W. McKeeva Bush, as he planned to build a monument/tower to his legacy, as all dictators normally do. This is in plain view of our visitors and it highlights just how gullible and stupid we are. Two of my Bodden Town representatives promised me that this mural would be removed immediately after they were sworn in, well eleven months later it is still there. Once again I am appealing to my two Bodden Town CABINET MEMBERS, please have this removed NOW, and if it remains there for another week, come next election you will have lost my three votes!
Really? That's your priority? Hahahahhahahahaha. No wonder we in trouble.
Mr Alden Mclaughlin April19,2013 Little red book of promises Made promises Broken
Speaking during the official launch of the Progressives campaign at Grand Harbour on Wednesday night, Mr Mclaughlin noted that the Progressives government would address youth employment that currently stands at27 per cent.
“As a candidate in this election, and the youngest on the team, I have taken the responsibility of being the voice of the youth. The Cayman Islands currently has an unemployment rate of 27 per cent for those under the age of 30. The youth are our future, but what future do we have if they can’t find work, if they can’t be educated properly, if they can’t be trained and if they are not given a chance? With a Progressive government that will change,” he said.
“As the voice of the younger generation, I’m here to say, we don’t see people as rich or poor, black or white, old Caymanian or new Caymanian. What we care about is a fair opportunity for all, a fair chance to live, grow, prosper, and to build our country,” Mr Mclaughlin said.
He stated that in the past four years of UDP rule, McKeeva Bush and his supporters had used a divide-and-rule approach to govern the country.
The past four years have divided us as citizens and we must mend that broken bond. The problems we face as a nation can only be fixed with all hands on deck. I’m proud to say, a Progressive government will be that glue needed to bring us together again and steer us towards a better Cayman.
“I first want to let you know that I understand why you are here tonight. You’re here because you’re disappointed; you are here because you want a better future for yourself and your family. There is good news, ladies and gentlemen. That is exactly why we, the Progressives are here tonight,” Mr Mclaughlin said, as he rallied the large crowd.
“I know that you are fed up with politicians who run and hide in their offices as soon as they are elected, who never answer your calls, your emails, and your texts. You don’t want politicians; you want representatives. You want to see them and know that they will be there for you when you need them. You want representatives who will make moral and ethical decisions with dignity, transparency and honesty and I’m pleased to tell you that such will be the Progressives’ government,” Mr Mclaughlin promised.
I proposed amendments to the Elections Law in our party caucus from as far back as 2007 to change our system of voting to this fairer system. The issue was also on the table during the constitutional negotiations, but was negotiated out of the original draft constitution because the UDP objected to it and the PPM did not fight for it. It was then substituted for a constitutional provision, which basically preserved the status quo. So we had many opportunities to implement this during the PPM’s term in government but it never happened,the Progressives party manifesto released prior to the May 2013 election reads, in part: We shall continue to uphold the highest standards of good governance by:… Amending the Elections Law to establish single member constituencies in good time for the 2017 elections, thereby giving effect to the desires of a majority of Caymanians who participated in the One Man, One Vote referendum.
2013/2014 Budget Address
The Plan favors an initial aggressive reduction in public sector operating expenditure, significant increases to Government’s cash reserves, no new long-term borrowings, continued repayment of existing loans and zero inflationary revenue measures.We have no plans to introduce any measures that would further burden the cost of living; as a matter of fact we are looking for ways to give our people, residents, visitors and businesses some relief whenit comes to their pocketbooks.I have to be honest with you. The lack of jobs for Caymanians was not created by this Government. Like many other issues facing this country, we inherited this problem.We are also working with the private sector, including Health City and Cayman Enterprise City, both of which have made commitments to hire Caymanians. Employment opportunities for Caymanian artisans and construction workers will improve with the start of construction on DART’s new hotel property on the West Bay Road and a new hotel in East End being proposed to service Health City. A proposed new golf course development in Frank Sound will also provide opportunities for employment.
PPM manifesto
A New Progressives Wil:
Roll back the most damaging tax increases ASAP.
Welcome and encourage openness in all parts of government.
early priority
more to come stay tune…….
Alden did not make those comments. That doesnt even make sense as Alden is certainly not the youngest member of the Progressives team.
Those comments were made by another candidate who did not get elected.
So the PPM takes no responsibility for promises made by its candidates? then again, they don't take responsibility for anything!! Mckeeva is to blame for it all. In the meantime, Cayman continues on the downward spiral. Very sad indeed.
The point here is that the comments were wrongly attributed to Alden.
If I remember correctly, those comments were made by Kenneth Bryan but he didn't get elected LOL. But I bet if he was elected he would have been a fighter for the people. Kinda like Suckoo.
so Osbourne had all that mouth before election seeking votes is he now dumb ir is it the others?
Mind, Boddentowners are true politicians from the original Capital of the Cayman Islands and they' re serious about throwing out and voting in makes no sense to test them!
The Premier better worry about his seat because once KT retires after this term, his coat tail retires with him !!! Bye Alden !!!!
I thought he retired last term?
Where is the promised district council?
11;00
Good question!
Let me say this, go and formulate that council yourself, stop depending on elected members for your guidance.
It is you Civil rights to create a body of people, it is your civil rights to assemble your selves to be the watch dog for your elect, you really think these guys are going to cut their own throat? that's why UDP never wanted it.
Let me tell you Caymanians one thing, you had better open your eys and see whats happening, stop letting these politicians fool you, you should have enough sense by now.
Get off your derriere and start to do something for yourselves. stop thinking that you will lose your economical and social position in your own country….if you do.
Stop the chat and walk the walk!!
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" ( Edmund Burke)
We need to get the littering along the Newlands bypass and along Hirst Road under control. While the MLAs seem to be aware of this and are probably equally frustrated, it appears that DOEH and NRA are refusing to work together to coordinate grass cutting and litter pick up, so what already looks disgusting gets even worse once the grass cutter shreds the litter into a thousand pieces.
Whilst nobody should have to pick up litter in the first instance (cause their shouldn't be any!), unfortunately we have plenty nasty people residing on this Island who just lover to toss their trash left, right and center! We need to do something to get control over this escalating issue! Either enforce the law or have regular pick-ups (and I mean regular, not once in a while).
I cringe every time when I see a tourist in a rental car looking lost and confused and wonder what goes on in their heads when they drive along the garbage lined roads, starting from the airport heading East! But hey, we are a top notch destination and want to charge accordingly, right? Wonder how much longer this will be possible………..
11;00
There were a bunch of workers from the Ritz Carlton Hotel cleaning up the Island for Earth day, where were you??
Again, I must say this, until Caymanians in droves take the time out and pay attention, not ony with their mouth but phisically do some thing for their country.
Littering = very bad
Mt. Trashmore = biggest issue facing our country / health problem for entire public body!
How about we ask all the minister to serve by keeping their promise of OMOV. Without doing so PPM is cutting their own throat
Read their manifesto. It is black and white. "Amending the Elections Law to establish single member constituencies in good time for the 2017 elections thereby giving effect to the desires of the majority of Caymanians who participated in the One Man One Vote Referendum."
They are going back on their promise to the people.
PPM little red book of Promise made Promise broken
Moses Kirkconnell May 12,2014
He promised that "there will be a new timeshare resort in Cayman Brac and residents should expect more of their people to be employed.You have the infrastructure you need you have roads; now you will have the flights if you elect Moses K as your MLA.I want to tell the elderly that there is hope again. I want to tell the women that i will not forget you after Mother’s Day. I want to tell the women, especially those who father their children, that i will be the hope for them.For example, there was mention of reducing fuel used by Brac Power & Light Company. Fuel that is imported into Cayman Brac costs 12.5 cents per gallon for the power company, but Little Cayman is 75 cents per gallon for gasoline for the power company there. Diesel in Cayman Brac is 60 cents per gallon and Little Cayman is 85 cents per gallon for the power companies, bearing in mind that all the fuel comes to the Brac then to Little Cayman from the storage facilities in the Brac.More things to come These include a golf course on the Bluff, a hotel on Spot Bay Bluff, a trade school of the bluff, weekly cruise ship visits and cruise berthing facility,”I believe that the establishment of a medical school on the Brac would help to serve as a positive catalyst to the Brac’s economy and also aid in the social and educational development on the Brac. It would also enhance medical tourism for us and it would create an excellent source of additional qualified medical persons who could work at Dr Shetty’s hospital and any other hospital for that matter. Our local students could be given scholarships to attend the school as well. Even Cayman Airways would benefit from the air travel with students, teachers and their families. The Faith Hospital could also partner with this medical school and students could assist there, which would mean that our hospital could get more modern equipment and increased services."I fully support getting a medical school on the Brac.”he told the enthusiastic crowd.
will be continue Mr Alden Promises to GT Voters…..
But wait; he has a lot of nerve!
Two of the four Bodden Town members WILL be returned to office if they continue to keep to their word as they have been doing about OPOV and if they distance themselves from Alden unless his memory comes back and he decidesto stick to his word too.
As for the other two, they either need to join Tony and Al and let's get this thing done or they can stick with Alden who as sure as there is a hell and a heaven ain't going back!
We refuse to be lead by someone who so passionaely tells you what you want to hear to get elected and the less than a year later completely forgets he told you so!
Too late to say this Alden..I certainly won't be making the same mistake again..
I'm very afraid you will make a mistake no matter which way you vote.
Wow!! Serve your people to preserve your position in government. Not because it's your job!! I wonder if Mr. McLaughlin ever listens to a playback of his remarks.
I know – thats exactly how I read it to be… keep them sweet so they vote for you again. No mention of accountability. Give them a written warning liek a real job would for lack of performance SMDH.
Caymanian MLAs serving the public? That's a novel concept. Thank goodness. As the dinosaurs from the past who resent "being told what to do" by those they have been elected to serve fade into the past we may be entering a welcome phase in this country. Let's see how it goes.
Ironically, those are very wise words from our Premier.
So, you heard that Suckoo?
You make sure that you continue to rightly serve your constituents of Bodden Town and the people of the Cayman Islands!
đŸ˜‰
Yep that's right serve the Bodden Townians screw the rest of Cayman remember that's how we got in office. Hell of a message Mr Premier
I think the Premier should really censor his speech before he goes ahead and make them. I know that any time I need to find Mr. Suckoo and Mr. Eden I can find them at the PPM House., orthey will answer their phones Ossie is also there sometimes, and I can excuse him because he has such a huge job with the hospital and the other things. Mr. Panton is the only one missing in action as far as I can tell. He won't even return a phone call. I guess we are not big shot enough for him to deal with- but we will deal with him in 2017.
",,,we will deal with him in 2017…"
This is music to McKeeva's ears.
When 2017 does come around they (PPM) will have had there way with us and we will be finished. U.K might even step in at that point. Country is being run by wild horny dogs who have their own ulterior motives at play.
Less talk please from ALL, more action please from ALL!
09:09." Bodden Townians "?Definitely not posted by a Caymanian ,so why are you all up in our election business.