Archer’s budget cleared without question
(CNS): The finance minister was given a free pass by his legislative colleagues on Friday when he was told by the opposition benches that they would not be asking any questions on his appropriations in the budget. Thecommittee members all agreed that they were prepared to trust Marco Archer because, despite being in the job for just over a year, he seems to have engendered considerable support and backing across the political divide. He was described by his colleagues in the Legislative Assembly as “fair, honest, open and transparent” and it was said that he had been as “decent as possible” when it came to allowing questions on appropriations. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)
Arden McLean, the independent member for East End, said Archer had earned the respect because when people see "hard work and straight forwardness", as was displayed by the minister, they could have faith in his ability to get the job done. “Hard work is always rewarded,” McLean said, as he and other members thanked Archer for his stewardship.
McKeeva Bush, the opposition leader, said that Archer had handled the committee without any political bias, as he also offered his support for a job well done.
The finance minister was clearly surprised and touched by his colleagues' trust in his ability as more accolades came from the government benches as well. He said that he was not often speechless but "didn't know what to say" and was clearly appreciative that his ministry would be cleared unscathed as he put all of the appropriations to the vote.
Following the committee’s proceedings, Ezzard Miller, the independent member for North Side, told CNS that he believed Archer had done a great job and had given the opposition benches considerable leeway to probe ministers and their staff and hold them accountable for the money they will be spending this coming financial year and what they achieved in the last.
Miller contrasted Archer’s stewardship with that of his predecessor.
“All in all, the chairman handled Finance Committee well and the ministers were also tolerant of our questioning as we looked for answers,” he said as he thanked them all for their tolerance.
“It wasn’t that way under the UDP as the then finance minister was limiting us to two or three questions … This time government allowed the process to be much more open and the public got a much better picture of what going on,” Miller added.
Category: Politics
Now if we could just get rid of Alden and Kurt, the PPM would start looking a lil better…
Cleared without question, and without diligence.
Yeeaaaaaaa, we did a half-assed job, and are too embarrased to tell the public the details of the inadequacies of the budget. Drowning out the reality of the situation by over indulgent complements, yeaaaaa, we did it.
Archer for Premier!
Best Finance minister in the Caribbean!
Will done Marco!
Minister Archer sir, will done job. You don't cut no bones during this budget address – Even the old man (and other Sr Politians) in the house carry that respect within your domain. Keep up the great work.
The budget is a good plan.
The proof of the pudding will be when we see how well the government executes the plan. Will the books be auditable?
Now only if some other government members would folllow,good job marco keep up the good work
Well done Marco. Honesty is always the best policy. Proud of you.
Cay Man needed a Man like MR Archer long time ago, and we would NOT be in the Mess we are today. Thanks to MR Archer from the People of North Side. Mitzie Tomlinson.
Even the smartest and most trustworthy person can make an honest error. It's not a popularity contest. These representatives are being paid by the public to go through the budget line by line as a matter of responsible governance. To do so is not an act of defiance, challenge or disrespect, it is a point of procedure. Instead they opt to rubber stamp his budget because they assume he's infallible – like a bunch ofGeorge Costanza's.
Wow this must be a first for these islands and just goes to show you that there are some(very few)actually doing what they are being paid to do.Keep up the good work Marco as at least some of us respect the great job you are doing.Some of our past Finacial Ministers can certainly take a page from Marcos book.
Good to read some good news about the government for a change.
All the best Mr. Archer.
This man is a true caymanian hero! Without him our government would not look any different than the last few decades. Been a long time we had mature, unselfish, Christian example in leadership role. I pray he is our next premier!
The very last thing the people of the cayman islands trust, is politicians trusting each other. We pay them to keep each other in-line, not to have a touchy feely sobbing meeting about the budget and future of the cayman islands.
A bunch of goofs making way over what they are worth.
A qualified report that was passed by leaders who just gave up on legitimizing the accounts and passed it off as a "harmony" vote. That type of "harmony" in other parts of the workd would have been called collusion among parties to allow incompetency.
Marco for Premier.
It goes without saying…… that Mr. Archer in a short time has proven himself as an oustanding person. He has always been known to be an honest , fair, calm and educated young man, we are proud to have him as a minister .
Marco is a born leader and will stand up for what is good and just… we can only Pray for him that he continue to be lead by his values and not by Power or fame.
Job well done Marco, God bless and we are Praying for you and the Government .
Marco is the man.
Archer is merely being a Caymanian that loves his country.
Good. Too bad we cant say this for the rest of his team