Cabinet shuffled for Ozzie
(CNS): There will, it seems, be no resignation by Minister Osbourne Bodden as the premier has shuffled his own ministries around to separate him from his chief officer. Premier Alden McLaughlin has swapped his community affairs ministry with his Cabinet colleague’s health portfolio. In a short statement from his office Friday, officials said that from the start of the New Year the premier will take responsibility for health, including environmental health, and culture with Jennifer Ahearn as the chief officer. Bodden will then assume responsibility for community affairs, along with youth and sports, with Dorine Whittaker as the chief officer for that ministry.
Roy McTaggart, councillor to the financial services ministry, will also assist with the Ministry of Health and Culture. The premier will retain his Home Affairs portfolio in addition to the responsibilities for health, his office added.
In the very short statement it was said that the administrative detail and “re-arrangements resulting from these decisions” would be handled by the deputy governor as the head of the Civil Service.
No comment was made about Bodden’s tirade against Ahearn in the Government Administration Building last week w,hen he launched a verbal attack that was heard across the entire top floor. It was witnesses by dozens of civil servants and security officers were called to the location. Although there have been no denials that Bodden made derogatory comments about Ahearn’s Caymanian status, it appears there will be no consequences for that.
It was apparent from the statement that despite the public outrage and calls for Bodden’s resignation, the premier is not demanding that his Bodden Town party colleague step down and has found another way to accommodate the workplace problem created by the major bust-up. However, while the reshuffle will succeed in keeping the chief officer and minister apart, it will do nothing to address the widespread public concerns about the manner of the attack and the divisive insults made by a Cabinet member.
The reshuffle will also mean that as well as dealing with the controversies surrounding his home affairs ministry at present, including the ongoing issues relating to police management and the immigration department, McLaughlin will be heading into another potential public firestorm. The premier will now have direct responsibility for overseeing the solution for the country's waste management problem and the George Town dump.
Vote in the CNS polls:
Should Osbourne Bodden resign from cabinet?
Category: Politics
Does this mean that we are now going back to the old CNS Site? I prefer this one.
I have been here 50 years next month(Jan)and proud to be called a Caymanian(paper one at that)and Mr.Bodden has insulted me by calling me a "driftwood"Caymanian.
"
15:41. Ozziedid not call you driftwood Peter. Come on Peter,you are Caymanian in every sense of the word,in thought and in deeds. You are not a paper Caymanian; a "paper Caymanian ' is an expat who obtained status simply as a security of tenure, ie no more need for work permits.These type of individuals have no loyalty to Cayman or Caymanians,and identify themselves as Caymanian for immigration purposes only and not at any other time. (Not entirely their fault as our legislators should have come up with a better solution to replace the work permit ,such as something similar to the Green Card in the USA.) There are many others like you Peter especially those who came in the early years,and made it their business to fit in ;but lets face it Peter there are others who do not care about Cayman ,even though they have come here and are able to provide for their families.In fact ,in a cruel twist some seem to resent the fact that they had to come here to make a living ,and so resort to hate and disrespect.(In no way am I casting aspersions on Miss Ahearn when I say this ,as I do not know her well enough to pass judgement) .Incidentally Peter Miss Ahearn was the only person that was allegedly called driftwood on the day in question and not yourself or any one else.
I'm glad I left the C Islands when I did…shame on you all!!!
Government for the government by the government. To bad the people of Cayman don't have that kind of representation.
To 08:45! I think you meant "A government by the people, for the people! Or did you mean that we have is what you said! A Government by Government for Government? I think for the most part the latter is true,
Merry X-Mas!
But seriously….who was stupid enough to put the man in charge of health and culture in the first place?! He’s morbidly obese, XXXXX and the closest I see him getting to culture is holding up the bar at Calico Jack’s!
Can you look back and think of the many others that held that position and were Obese. This has nothing to do withthe position, they will look after themselves in their due time – you seem to be the frequent visitor of CALICO JACK'S BAR. You seem to be a nosesy person. Get with the programme and mind your business.
As a Team Driftwood member, I want to also state that Bodden has lost my few hundred dollars a month at Lorna's Texaco, his liquor store and Grapetree Cafe.
I will be happy to give my Driftwood money to other local establishments.
Unfortunately this just confirms that Cayman is not capable of self rule. UDP, PPM makes no difference. Incompetence, corruption and self dealing are the norm, and the population can't see their way to put a stop to it, electing and reelecting the same incompentants over and over again.
Merry Christmas to all.
If you live in the Cayman Islands, we all have a lot to be thankful for,
Yes, our situation can be better, but also a lot worse.
It's our choices, our time, you decide, are we going to make it better
or just roll along and complain !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You decide.
Caymans christianity . . . .
Does Ozzie claim to be a Christian? Comments like those are ignorant and divisive.
I am so tired of these bullsh*t politicians.
They don’t do anything besides mediocre work on mediocre issues and collect a huge a** salary!
The modesty of a woman was insulted which is against the law and alden simply shuffled the joker in the deck. It’s disgusting!
not even a public apology…not even.
I am sick of the bunch of ’em! We need new people with new ideas and drive…not these old has beens!
The saddest day in the history of the Cayman Islands. And there is nothing you can do in a country that is being run like a Mom&Pop shop by shameless corrupted people. I am sure Jennifer Ahearn was intimidated not to follow up with a lawsuit. In a place like the Cayman Islands one has to take a warning from a politician "I can make your life a living hell" seriously.
Well, I guess women of the Cayman Islands can’t stand up for themselves.
Alden is Cayman's Jimmy Carter…….just as useless as bubbies on a bull !
…mudflaps om a tortoise!
I don't know why people elected this clown. Oh yeah, the alternative clown was even less funny.
10:33.Shame on you.So disgusting and demeaning to make such a statement about the Premier of the Cayman Is.I am waiting to see 200 posts taking you to task,bet it won't happen..I quess he is just a lowly Caymanian,which means he is nothing in some people's eyes.
I'm inclined to agree with you, Alden is lowely. Can someone please tell him to stay out of Country and Western and start leading the Islands in a dignified manner.
Ma’an, sounds like SOMEBODY needs to stay out of country and western.
So what on earth makes you think you have a right to go to Country and Western and Alden doesn't?
At least he's not gambling and nation building and otherwise throwing away millions of our money.
The beautiful thing to me is that he is (was) the minister of culture.
If he represents Cayman culture, then fine, let him stay ans be a shining example…..
Pardon us, but when we said ''step down'' we actually meant "step out" of the LA.
LOL. I am sure you did. Tough.
James Watler, Head of CICSA, speaking on behalf of that entity which (supposedly) represents civil servants, is reported by the Compass as declining to comment saying "A cockroach has no place in a rooster fight". What a "brilliant" statement -astonishing in its complete missing of the point.
Shouldn't the head of this civil service "union" be protecting one if his own instead of referring to the civil services as cockroaches in his metaphor? True many scatter when you shine light on them when it comes to tracking them down to do some work but certainly not all of them are cockroaches I think this is an instance of where he would've been better off keeping his big mouth shut but the same could be said for Ozzie!
9;05, there is no point in expecting the management team of CICSA to support us driftwood civil servants as they basically believe like Ozzie (without the obscenities) and Ezzard that we are not "real" and are keeping some of them from getting jobs that should rightfully be theirs simply because they are the born variety.
don't forget the CO was someone's Sacred Vessel as well!
Cockroaches have survived for millions of years!
Dont worry folks – Ozzie is gonna fix the dump…
Oh no sorry – Alden is going to fix the dump…
Lodge member or no Lodge member, justice should be done.
How can one be considered fit for a position of leadership if he is subject to such outrage and the use of such abusive and foul language?
What kind of example is he setting for youth that comes under his ministry?
No Mr.Premier the people of Cayman deserves a more suitable person in that role.
If the premier is fit for the positon that he holds, he should retire Ozze regardless of membrshp in the same society.
Otherwise he should abdicate his own position and pass his authority to someone else that may be alble to do a better job, even if it requires a bi-election.
Bi-election? If you get the churches involved this will never end!
I vote North Side as the District most likely to have a Bi-election, and West Bay the hands down favourite for a Buy-election.
I agree 23:11 – Just look at the repercussions threatened on the Public Notices in such places as Hospital Waiting rooms etc…. If the Public are entitled to such punishments for unsociable behaviour, then why isn't a Minister held to an even higher standard ??
Our dear Premier has done it again in fine fashion. He has managed to once again successfully display a shameful amount of incompetence, lack of leadership ability and a total lack of testicular fortitude.
All qualities that he show is his previous post as Minister in the last government he was a part of, but it looks at if he has learnt nothing since he cried crocodile tears when they lost the elections.
The constant cocktails at “The Station” with you friend “Ozzie” may be nice today Mr. Premier but if you continue to put that before your electorates you may as well be prepared to take it like a man at the Polls in a few years
The missing piece of this puzzle is why Alden is powerless to deal with Ozzie. Find that and they’re both done.
I agree this is another problem with the closed Lodge membership. Cronyism has replaced ethics and this nanny-state politics is killing us, We need leaders that will enforce police, immigration, stamp out corruption and make education a real priority, but we still suffer the same fools that truly want to keep us down so they can stay in power. Sorry, we need to fix our problems without politics- the folks we have elected are fools and not the answer.
Education is the key. If every child of this generation aim to get a college degree, become, vocation skilled, or take up a profession, we will no longer have unemployment which does fuel crime.
Time to fix this by our own children! stop asking for handoutss and stand up. Realize that relying on our polticians is a poor way to focus.
Alden has dealt with Ozzie. Perhaps not to your satisfaction but that is not a requirement.
SMH The Regressives blogging machinery is hard at work to justify more diasterous decisions from a govt that is out of touch and losing the confidence of voters with each passing day.
He just misread his Bible and thought it said "Spare the Cod and Spoil the Woman".
And that my friends (lucky for you) is my final post on CNS, although I reserve the right to reappear under a different iteration.
Wishing all CNS staff and readers a Verry Happy New Year!
I am a ‘paper Caymanian’ and yes there is a difference. I come with a different frame of reference. I grew up in a competitive culture, where you had to work damn hard to be sucessful. Fortune via nepotism
was not an option, as it so often is here. Good, bad, of otherwise, as a manager I will always look to hire a person with a strong work ethic, and no fee status.
I really am dissapointed by this whole state of affairs….but not surprised!
The disrespectful, abusive, threatening behaviour by Bodden to begin with. Then the premier's pathetic response….from attempting to sugar coat this as colleagues having a passionate disagreement over work matters, to this shuffle of Ministries (Cathilic Church style) which leaves Bodden a Ministry that is so light on responsibility (and now the premier's Ministry dangerously high on him having too much responsibility – a position he said he did not want to copy the previous premier in doing). All while Bodden continues to collect the same huge cheque….and he also has "Youth" as a responsibilty?
Can you imagine one of us walking into any Govt. agency and behaving the same way, and not face arrest and charges for breaching the peace, threatening behaviour at least?
And the silence from the top echelons of society (the Ministry of women's affairs, the churches and others) is just plain deafening!
No justice evident here at all!
Well, this piece of f%#@ing driftwood won't be voting PPM next election.
Yeah, let's vote for expat tax, casino gambling on govt. credit cards McKeeva instead!
Therein lies the problem, there is no one to vote for, even the supposed independents e.g. tara rivers are a huge disappointment.
She might be disappointing, but right now I'd rather have one that does virtually nothing than ones that are doing the kinds of things the PPM and UDP do!
So agree with you … responsible for "community" which encompasses a great deal of "driftwood"; youth, for whom he set an awful example and sports, where athletes are disciplined and must never react like he (Minister) did when competing.
What you all are forgetting is the Lodge Brothers ALWAYS stick together. There is no way one Lodge member would ask another to resign so the Lodge running the country so nothing anyone can do or say about it! So get used to it!
100% third world.
True – Perfect Banana Republick canditate once Buzzard and the Brownshirts (or red ties) move the independance agenda along!
The writing is on the wall for this "Driftwood" and (I will not leave the door hit my behind on the way out – as I am sure I will be offered this advice from Caymankind) but I will set up shop elsewhere – somewhere less hostile to me and my family – personal choice, but I believe my children can have a more accepting life elsewhere!
Good luck with the direction you choose. I will watch with some interest.
s'long
Can you leave all your money behind when you go? It's the only reason you were wanted here in the first place.
Oh boy, Why did Alden shoot himself in the head?
He did, wondering if he will have te courage and or backbone to see the folly.
He won't. Weakness of character.
And you know what is so sad about this whole thing, is that the drftwood Jamaican status holders were convinced by some strong and influential Jamaican driftwood Caymanians who normally support McKeeva 100%, to switch over to PPM. And now, to be styled as DRIFTWOOD? Let we tell you something bloods, if Ms. Jennifer is a F#%king Driftwood, so are we and all the Cayman Status holders who votes in these islands. We want to see how the rest of Caymanians who has a mindset like Mr. Osbourne Bodden and his associates, outnumber us at the polls on election day. Ms. Jen, justice iscoming for you because it could have been one of us that he disrespected. To Mr. Bodden you not only owe Ms. Jen an apology, but also to all the Status Holders, who you view as a piece of FU#KING DRIFTWOOD in your country. Not t worry, in Jamaica we say 'Time longer dan rope'.
I heard some big PPM supporters say that this happens all the time and that there is more important stuff that the government needs to focus on. How convenient. Well no, this is so important because now we have that XXXX in the ministry of youth! What message does that send to kids! Those comments made those supporters sound even more ignorant and Ozzie needs to go!
Why did they leave Jam? How do they treat expats there? Even their own are afraid – same thing happening here – soon be exodus like Jam.
09:47.There is absolutely no proof of Ozzie or anyone other than yourself referring to Jamaicans as driftwood.You are just trying to use Jamaicans on this ocassion for your own selfish gains.
More proof that you can't get f..cking fired no matter what the f..k you do if you work for the Government of the Cayman f…cking islands.
Mr Premier here is more proof that you can not be the leader of the Islands . For you to handle this situation like how you are . I think that you have to see and know that the time has come , the political process is the wrong way to handle these things today , remember that Cuba is also great threats to the Islands feature . This is the best time for you to start cleaning up the Islands of all the corruption and crime and make Cayman Islands be seen as a safe place to live and work and do business with . Stop protecting your friends , I know that it's hard but man has to do what a man has do !
The people of Grand Cayman have spoken. The Leaders of Grand Cayman have not noticed.
Be afraid Cayman, be very afraid. This guy packs a very mean cow cod.
The "Leader" noticed but was too scared of Ossie to do the right thing.
Sure they have noticed…….they just don't care. Your opinion only counts a few days before voting time.
Apparently the opinion of some of us has no value at all.
As this Government has officially come out of the closet as to what they think of me and all my kind (f…cking Driftwood) I will no longer pretend that I find them competent. intelligent, and fit to lead.
08:46 It is doubtful you ever did,since the majority of posts in the past say so.
What did Ozzie’s rant unleash?
This has been the most rabid, one-sided series of posts I’ve ever seen on CNS.
Worse of all, not a word about serving the people of Cayman; just about destroying people’s lives, stirring crap, prejudices, bullying, exaggerations and “who won”.
Quite a sociopathic + pathetic display!
God help this country if this is the new direction.
The fu@kng driftwoods are waiting on election day. It is plenty of us here. Eg. born to one Caymanian parent, grandhild of one grandparent, married to a decent Caymanian, McKeeva Status (20D) Caymanian, PR turn Caymanian, Naturalized individuals turn Caymanian, Being liked and given status from higher -ups, Cabinet Status, Divorced from a Caymanian but still have Cayman Status, parents of Caymanian children. In other words, Mr.Alden, you have failed us on this one. Alva, Tony, Marco and Roy, we driftwoods will employ you at the next election. In other words, YOU ARE HIRED!
This is crazy. Do and say whatever you want and get rewarded. Please Premier reconsider your decision. C4C please say something you are part of the government.
"Rundown " has loads of material for next year!
It won't make any sense if they have to **** all the bad words.
Instead of "f**k", substitute something like "Fuddle Duddle".
It worked for Pierre Trudeau in Canada, why not in Cayman?
I hope that Run Down goes for it. This comedy material is too good to ignore.
I'm as appalled as everyone at this mess.
But I wish to point out that unfortunately just as a comment said on cayman compass on this issue that this bunch were voted in with a vengeance to get McKeeva out and to keep the dump out of BT. so now…this is what we have to deal with. Sad to say sometimes we cut off our noses to spite our face….when will we learn. I too have been fooled by these party politics. Now we see what happens with the bunch. Their allegiance to the party comes before serving the people and it always will. SMH. Last time any of these donkeys get my vote. Independents next time.
Calling people “donkey” is disrespectful.
Sad to say we got that from one of our politicians.
And that disrespect has been hard earned.
You shouldn’t disrespect anyone. Justifying your wrongdoing is part of your culture I guess.
In this case, particularly to donkeys.
CICSA ?! Where the hell are they in all of this ? Or maybe they taking the 'caymanian' part of their name to heart a bit too much ? Says a lot about that organization and their 'loyalties'.
I am REALLY surprised the the "shuffle" was done without consultants .. hmmm .. lol
Fix the dump Alden!
Yea am seriously tinking BT bro. A jes need mek shore dat still ok wid mista Daat.
Poor Little Ozzie…
This is truly unbelievable. Caymanians should not accept this. It means that we accept ossie's behavior. It doesn't matter who did it. What he did should not be acceptable for a member of the cabinet. It makes me sick to think that people on the outside can see this and get the impression that this who we are.
If the cap fits wear it. How is it not a representation of who you are, when the democratically elected representatives act like this – not just one angry man with a childish inability to control his temper, but supported in that behaviour by the Premier. If you are feeling embarassed – its entirely appropriate. You elect numpties like this dont try and shy away from the consequences.
Not all Americans thought Bush represented who they were though he was democratically elected. Same goes for Obama. Your logic is faulty.
The BIG question here is:
What would happen if a Chief Officer acted the same way and said the same things to a minister !? We all know what would, happen – this is pure hypocrisy.
Essenntially Premier and PPM have condoned:
1. That its ok to mentally and verbally abuse a Civil Servant – particularly a white naturalised CO and
2. Blatant racism
Appalling..
How the heck did color get into this??
You are stirring wayy to much sh#t now…
We heard ya..ok
Have a drink!
Discriminating between "true" Caymanians and "driftwood" is racism pure and simple. It is discrimination on the basis of national origin.
Yes it is discrimination on the basis of national origin, but it is not racism.
Oh dear – you need to check the definition of racism. Hopelessly wrong. Just why so many caymanians try to hide behind 'nationilism' when it's racism.
History may remind us of a Nationalist movement in Central Europe a little over 80 years ago. We can debate the merits and several achievements attained under this system of governance, but not in isolation! We should also remember the negative effects and divisive nature of policies forged from nationalistic sentiment and the destructive effects of dividing a society you may have to live in!
PPM, in my opinion have always favoured nationalism, and therefore through poorly thought out policies have promoted divisions within society.
The absolute failure of the (eternally honourable) Premier to address the sectarian actions of a minister only confirm the divisive nature of this administration.
sick of it!
Weak weak weak excuse for leadership!
Treating someone differently on the basis of skin color?
" but it is not racism. "
Maybe that is true.
If it is not racism, then it is bigotry…..same crap, same smell.
This racist behaviour is a two-way street.
Now the Premier and PPM has proved they share Ozzie's values. Enjoy the time you have let save your money and cut more land deals. We will d the talking next.
Alden has somehow managed to make himself look more incompetent than Ozzie ! This move is reprehensible and disgraceful and makes the PPM look even more xenophobic, racist and sympathetic to bullies !!!!
CNS it's time for another poll – Should Alden McLaughlin step down or be removed as Premier by the PPM ?
I will be raising with my company in the New Year withdrawing all funding support for projects linked to any Ministry headed by this grubby man.
11:21.Troll,I believe that funding to be a figment of your trolling imagination.Perhaps your would have appeared to be more authentic,and carried more weight had you submitted your name and that of your company.
Irony
It is like taking a page out of the Catholic church playbook. Abused some kids? Here, let us move you to another church.
At least the Catholic Church did it surreptiously. Alden has no shame and does it all in public. Alden has no problem with bullies and racists.
Honestly! The stupidity that gets written on CNS. So transparency is now bad but when you do something wrong and hide it that's better.
The matter was skillfully handled by the Premier. Also shows strength that he did not bend to the beying mob.
Look over there, a shiny object! It is easy to distract the stupid.
Where ? ! Where ?!
….dammit!
Offensive that you would compare rape in the Catholic church to using fowl language. If you or anyone in your family had ever been a victim of a sexual offense you would not make this outrageous comparison.
"Cluck off, you clucking driftwood". Is that what you mean by fowl language?
haha! very good!
I was and believe me I the comparison not to be an issue. This is just someone trying to convey the enormity of what has happened here in Cayman. It may not get near what my experiences were at the hands of the Catholic Church but I am not offended.
I am confused by the thumbs down. Are you denying my feelings and what happened. How can there be a thumbs down when all i have said is that, despite being abused at the hands of the catholic Church, i am nit offended by the poster neither is my experience demeaned by the poster.
So let me make sure I have it right. He throws a "tantrum" within earshot of his staff including a teen. The he gets to be responsible for the teens of this country? Wow! Sad
Next up Mac will be on the committee to consider legalising gambling.
Or placed on the PAC or Ministry of Finance …………………….. oh wait!
As long as they keep him off the CHEC and Dart committees.
Ozzie did not break any laws. While his behaviour was unprofessional, it was not illegal.
'Insulting the modesty of a woman' is section 133 of the penal code amendment bill (see below) which refers to actions of a sexual matter. Other sections include the penal code governing attempted rape, indecent photograhs, etc. It does not refer simply to using offensive language.
Ms Ahearn has not reported, and witnesses have not reported anything that in any way constitutes a legal offense. Allegations have been made only of 'unprofessional' behaviour.
The Penal Code Amendment Bill (2012) was published in the Official Government Gazette No 17 of August 13th, 2012, prohibiting child pornography for the first time.16 The Bill also deals with the online distribution of indecent images of children, as well as simple possession.
Oh that makes it alright? Seems like race and sexual discrimination may have been in there too . That's ok in Cayman?
That is a sexual offence. An outated, embarrassing one, but still a sexual offence. It has nothing to do with what happened.
Once again, legality trumps justice.
The PPM damage control squad are really working hard to contain the fallout from this PR disaster.
And failing miserably!
Wrong. CI Penal Code (2010 Rev); he seems to have broken that Law in a LOT of sections:
164 Disorderly Conduct (c) uses any threatening, abusive or calumnious language to any other person publicly, as tends to provoke a breach of the peace; or uses such language, accompanied by such behaviour to any person publicly, as tends to a breach of the peace;
86. A person who takes part in a fight and thereby puts in fear or apprehension for his safety any non-participating person is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for two years.
and,
215. A person who unlawfully assaults another is guilty of an offence and, if the assault is not committed in circumstances for which a greater punishment is provided by this or any other law, liable to imprisonment for one year.
Apalling that he is able to break the law, be in breach of all sorts of codes of conduct and defy the bill of rights and keeps his job.
This does not apply in this situation. This is only for 'breach of the peace'.
The calling of security indicates that the peace was breached.
WRONG! I agree with the person who listed the various laws. Common assault is also one of the laws he broke. Telling someone you can make their life a living hell is a threat to their safety or their job. That is against the law and can be interpreted either that he will take away her livelihood or do her harm. Either way, its an offence. WHy oh Why do we make excuses for bad behavior? Its like excusing our children when they do wrong and then we wonder how they end up in jail!
Not good enough!
You are right to say that lazy official t response is not enough. What a cop out…..let's just shuffle the same deck of cards again and then we wonder why we get the same results. The CIG takes Caymanian society for a joke. In the words of Judge Judy (if she were Caymanian.)…Don't pee in my cup and call it swanky. Wake up, Cayman, we need a new deck of cards…..
Practically all comments on here are missing the significance of this subtle move by the Premier. It is a demotion for Ozzie. Health was the flagship in his Ministry and Community Affairs is a minor Ministry by comparison. It also takes the dump issue away from Ozzie. Finally, it is statement that Jennifer is a more important asset to the Ministry of Health and Environmental Health than Ozzie. It is a promotion for Jennifer who now works for the Premier.
No the posters get that. But a demotion is not enough for behaviour so incompatiblewith being in the Cabinet.
Agreed. Yes it may be a demotion but he should have been relieved of his duties as a Cabinet Minister, not given another Ministry.
Evidently they don't since they make statements suggesting that this amounts to endorsement of his behaviour or there have been no negative repercussions for him or that he has a cushy Ministry.
That is the opinion of the mob on CNS. The Premier had the strength to address this with wisdom and tact rather than chasing after the good opinion of the mob.
Sorry- you have this totally wrong and you are giving the PPM far too much credit for being sensible and just. It's just a fudge and the fact is that, if you were in Jen's position, would you want to work with any of the other ministers who no doubt hold the same views as Ozzie ? She had worked with Alden previously as his sidekick on some matter- he was the only option.
Ozzie should have been sacked – fact – end of.
And they have the nerve to call themselves "progressives"!
What a TOTAL COWARD the Premier is. ITS DIGUSTING.
Alden ows this now. Its on your head.
The decision to move Ossie must have been an economic stimulus. After all the government will now spend 10s of thousands on new stationery and signs and web updates to reflect the new assignments. If they simply removed Ossie and appointed someone new the it would only have been the cost of business cards. Wasting the peoples money as usual.
I am looking forward to the Youth Ministry's anti-bullying and anti-racism campaigns.
Ossie showed such grace apologising to the young intern about his bullying and racism that he obviously was well suited to a position overseeing protection of the vulnerable in society.
It's not even clear he apologised to her directly, she is only work shadowing once a month so wouldn't be part of the "staff" to whom he apologised by email. As far as has been reported in the press he only apologised to her father!
If the Premier is so impaired or compromised that he could not make the right decision on such a clear cut matter, then he needs to go to.This is 'Leadership 2+2=4, r-a-t is rat'. And he failed.
I am not sure an outed racist is suited to the Community Affairs portfolio.
Alden must be taken as supporting the driftwood comment after this. Another example of how spineless Alden is. This is worse than leaving Ossie in his role, as the pressure in course would force him to step down. No, Alden is worse because he is protecting Ossie.
Isn't laughable that one has to have a degree or, at minimum has taken a course prior to being employed in the simplest of jobs, but those who run for political leadership in our country can be a dumb as a rock but are allowed to become members of our legislative assembly with little or no knowledge political protocol.
I suggest that UCCI start teaching a new course which shall be called Protocol & Diplomacy in the Cayman Islands, and at the same time create a law that says: No person shall be allowed to run for, or be elected to political office in the Cayman Islands unless they have taken this course and passed with a GPA less than 3.0
Maybe, just maybe, then we will finally get a group of persons who will abide by house protocol and not constantly interrupting others who are trying to present a bill or discuss some important aspect of the peoples business. It is totally disgraceful to listen to the snickering and the uncalled for remarks being made by some during a debate. It sometimes seems that the old adage "ignorance is indeed bliss" is applicable to some in the hallowed halls of our Legislature.
It truly has now gotten to the point where it has become comical! One-up-man-ship, making threats, taking forever to say absolutely nothing just to kill time, trying to impress those poor ill-informed who listen in awe while saying something like: "Das rite you tellum boy." I am so disappointed in so many things that have been happening to our island in recent years! Politically, ethically, socially and especially in our lack of good leadership abilities.
START THE SCHOOL OF PROTOCOL, DIPLOMACY & STATESMANSHIP!
What a shameful decision by the premier and an insult to Ms Ahearn, her staff and the public in general. Alden has again shown himself to be a weak leader and appears to be out of his depth.
A well-respected chief officer does her level-best to protect her minister by refusing to approve his request for reimbursable expenses on a private phone, because he can't substaniate any of the claim (despite his attempts to intimidate and bully her and the others who had reviewed his claim). He, in turn, goes completely ape-shit.
What should have happened: The idiot minister should have been escorted out of the building by security, making sure to not let the door hit his arse on the way out.
What should have happened next is that, after reviewing all the facts, our illustrious leader should have said something like: "What the fcuk Ossie. You're not at your fish shack on the beach now; you are in a position of high office. You cant behave like this. You have committed so many crimes and offences that my only course of action is to relieve you of your position".
What actually happened: (1) Under Alden's instruction, Ossie writes a pitiful aology to his CO, saying she made him lose his temper. Please. I'm a dude; and even I know that as far as apologies go, that one sucked. Big time.
(2) Our illustrious leader then decides to really insult Ms Ahearn and the rest of the civil service by rejigging his cabinet; and to make matters worse, he doesn't just give Ossie the small ministry of Community Affairs, he also lets him carry over Sport and Youth.
Well done Alden. You have well and truy nailed your colours to the wall and shown the country how you "punish" bigotry, misogyny, xenophobic racism, bullying, verbal threats, abuse and intimidation. A leader to be proud of, and a miniister who will be a shining example to our youth? I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. Both of you men are a disgrace to the good people of the Cayman Islands (true-born and driftwood alike).
Aha,this is what had happened. It makes the matter even worse.
Somebody should take the cow cod to Ozzie and put him in his place…..I for one would volunteer and would not be intimidated by someone this backwards. Signed…..another piece of driftwood!!!
Alden – did you sleep well with a clean conscience on Friday night after making this career breaking decision?
useless!!!
All of our government is useless spineless bunch of I don't know what ….
Can someone explain why this man hasn't or wasn't arrested? Isn't there signs in all government offices about the modesty of a woman? Didn't he insult her, curse her, and made a racial slur? If this is true, then the law states he should be arrested and charged!!!! What kind of message is this sending? That it is ok for a man to treat a woman like this? Racial Slurs? Cursing? and get away with it??? Come on, I cannot believe this country has gotten to this point that this is going to be allowed, and he is going to get away with it…
22:52.Doesn't "insulting the modesty of a woman" involve actions with a sexual overtone? Is it really about cursing?
And all the driftwood Caymanians will be drfting on Electiond Day, What an insult to us . Do you realize that is only paper Caymanians mostly comes out to vote?
Yes they do that's why they are scared of the Jacan paper Caymanians
Trust me PPM got my last VOTE…. Alden should be made to step dowoon. This is completely WRONG. Bodden should have been removed as a Minister . Not to worry we will remove them all soon I am sick of the PARTIES. the only people that are having a PARTY are the Politicians and we FOOLISH Caymanians repeat this mistake every 4 RASS years.
21;33
You got that so right!! big fools we are,waiting every 4 years to change the name of the game players.
The Headline and call from the Compass that Mr Bodden "must resign" is one of the biggest abuses of power and responsibility I have ever seen. I have personally heard Mr Legge say that his goal was to bring responsible reporting to the Cayman Islands. Job failed Mr Legge. I guess in his description of "responsible reporting" he must have assumed that the Compass is judge, jury and executioner.
I agree on the grounds the media should NEVER take sides only report the news. They could say "Many caliing for his resignation" but to empahtically state it as their opinion is outside the bounds. But this is nothing new. Our papers has always been one side or another and their ability to stay neutral has never been achievable. This is not about my opinion because in truth I believe he should resign also. What he did, and said is totally and utterly WRONG on so many levels. But this is one persons opinion not that of the local paper. By taking sides one always has to question the stories produced as to what agenda they hope to attain. Are they trying to damage a party by reporting only one side of an event or are they trying to prop someone up. When a newspaper takes sides you can no longer trust their reporting as facts. This is what kills a paper and makes it become tabloid.
Kind of missing the point of an Editorial it is just that the one place where the press can express an opinion one does not have to agree with it and perhaps they were a bit over the top in placing the editorial on the front page as it should never appear there but it is being used correctly.
back to the more important part Ozzie just got awarded a cushy ministry for his actions and now the bait and switch can truly happen Bodden town will be getting a landfill and Ozzie can say he had no control,over it, well done best piece of true nasty politics in action ever.
and we can continue to ensure nothing happens to help our youth and protect gender bias
Wow it just astounds even Big Mac couldn't top the sneaky snakes that created this mess
You fool. Ozzie just got demoted. The Ministry of Health is far more important than Community Affairs.
The editorial Tag is a farse, Worse than political smoke and mirrors. If it's the main, first, headline, it is not the place for editorial.
It's for these reasons that i don't waste my 50 cents on the worthless compass. I wouldn't even use the compass to wipe my arse with. The compass is just as pathetic as the way Legge dresses!
Never trust a man in a two-tone shirt.
You must be young or have a short memory. In 1974 during the run-up to possible impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon due to the Watergate affair, "Time" magazine editorializrd that he should resign: there is nothing wrong with that. Newspapers have opinions like people. They were correct in this call, but the premier has blown it. Ozziegate will haunt Alden until the end of his term.
"Ozziegate will haunt ………………"? I hardly think so. Along with vast sums of money paid to phantom security guards, pins that don't work/did work, and diamond-studded watches, it'll all be expunged from the public's mind very shortly.. That's how things work here, along with mostly everywhere else, it's true. And let's not get really carried away and cite a Time editorial alongside a screaming-with-indignation front page Cayman Compass's editorial's usual rousing and flowery HS newspaper stuff, shall we? That's a stretch that not even Ozzie could reach with his cow cod at maximum range, I would imagine. The Time editorial (which I read hot off the press) was based on reality as regards the mechanism to impeach President Nixon. By comparison the Compass editorial was riddled with inaccuracies, including a barmy reference to Chief Officer being a "professional colleague" of the minister. But at least, mercifully, the editorial failed to have the opportunity to employ the crackpot American English spellings so beloved of its new master. Advice to the Compass "Editorial Board" (sounds mighty important/impressive, I must say) : get the spelling sorted out (Cayman uses British English) then do a lot more research.
Say what you will about the Compass (and I'm sure the newspapers are ever-so-much-better back in whatever part of the Commonwealth you come from) and its owner, but if the Compass doesn't report what it did, specifically what the minister said to Ahearn, this story was dead in the water and nothing happens. I say good on them. And I say good on CNS for posting the comments that they did. Between the two main news sources in Cayman, they caused the government to acknowledge and address this issue, and I suspect the story isn't over yet. This story was a coup for the local media; why must everyone find fault with everything around here?
Pay no mind to the whinging Brit. Complaining about how much better everything is back in jolly old England is just what they do. It's a cultural thing, similar to the way some local guys like to cuss out women in the workplace and call them driftwood Caymanians.
You are missing the point of my post. my dear gullible friend, as well as the form of the English language used here in the Cayman Islands. It 'ain't American-English. Don't you know that? (Oh, and I read the Mirror, the Telegragh, the News of the World and the Sun (minus page three, honest) whilst living in the UK. Good enough, sportsfan?) It's a big world out there.
Who really cares about the spelling of words in a multi-cultural place that displays both forms of writing all the time, sometimes even in government correspondence. Can you not understand written English if American spelling is used? Stop snobbish, pedantic fool and try to focus on the point of the writing, not the spelling.
The headline you are referring to is an 'editorial' not a news article. Big difference.
First article, dead center on the front page is not only a headline, it is THE headline and the "editorial" tag was just a much lamer excuse than the Premier's shift of ministries.
Quite the contrary, it is better to make the editorial view clear than simply slant stories in one direction. Good show to the Compass for speaking out so clearly.
Well, well ,well; isn't this turning out just as expected.
Anyone who knows the Premier knows that he would not have taken kindly to one of his female family members being treated this way by a male superior. Nor should he. He would not have been at a loss in decidng what should happen to that superior. Nor should he be.
Suddenly, the Premier seems to have either:
Keep watching this space!
Ozzie you should do the honourable thing. Put your party and country above yourself. Apologise to Ms Ahearn and to the country and resign. Take time out to rebuild your life and your temper. Time and some humility will heal.
well I hope the effin community and effin youth listen when he bellows like a mountain gorilla.
Anybody surprised? Who can remember Alden's position on thr Expat Tax?
Vocal, or was he?????
Alva Suckoo get out now! Please!!!!!
Marco Archer, Winston Connolly and Roy Mctaggart…Please also get out now if you want our vote next go around.
You didn't hear anything out of Alva Suckoo on this issue did you? Did he comeup agaist this? Nope.
What does he have to do with it? He didn't cuss anyone! Matter of facthe was in my Neighbourhood visiting senior citizens yesterday and today. Leave him out of this. Why does he have to speak for OSsie?
I stil say that…….. "what's good for the goose is good for the gander" as it relates to Ozzigate and Bainesgate !!
Alden is over his head in the job as Premier, he isn't up to the task as leader. It is now obvious to everyone in the country and when his party members look at him what can they be thinking?
No doubt the Governor will be unimpressed with the Progressive leader.
Too bad, Alden could have moved the country forward.
Yes, Alden could have moved things forward, but he didn't! Ignorance and cronyism has no place in government…….. although it seems pretty well entrenched in ours!
Responsible for the youth? I guess he will be able to teach them how to speak with decorum and pride. Strange enough, the minister seems to think that his behavior and verbal expression was acceptable.
It proves how weak the premier is as a leader. Choosing party before best interests of Cayman.
What a shame and disgrace. Alden you should be ashamed of your decision in this matter, you chose self over country. You will live to regret this decision, the ppl of these islands have their heads low in shame tonight!!!
A sideway "promotion" is a sign of incompetence.
The proper response is a downward "promotion".
Ozzie cannot be trusted to run a professional organization because he is clearly not professional.
You are all mixed up. Moving someone sideways can never be a promotion, but that is not what happened in any event. The opposite of promotion is demotion not "downward promotion". That is what happened to Ozzie – he was demoted.
Bet his salary remains the same.
That's small minded thinking. Promotions and demotions are sometimes about the amount and scope of authority you wield. For example, the Financial Secretary still receives the same salary but he has been demoted from his pre-2009 position as a member of Cabinet and member of the legislative assembly.
The Premier just made the worstpolitical decision of his career. Alden, what the hell are you thinking???
I can't believe the same person who called for Mac to resign has reshuffled to help his buddy out of an inexcusable situation.
This, I hope, will make us think about the sins of Party politics. Once again, as in the last administration, the party and its members are more important than right or wrong, or the people. I fought hard for the PPM in the last election because they promised to bring change, honesty, good governance, and OMOV. They have not brought those changes and OMOV is still a tenuous promise.
Shame on you Alden. It looks like you will be hoisted by your own petard as the saying goes. The PPM has no one to blame but the Premier for putting party friendships above country and right.
I think when all this plays out the Premier may think that it would have been better if he had forgotten/put aside friendship and instead acted promptly in a manner which would have reflected well on his and his party's view of the make up of the Cayman population today and what the future prosperity of Cayman will depend on. But he did not. He did the same as all the Caymanian civil servants do in performance management exercises – namely, remember they were at school together, were church brothers and sisters, dated each other, indeed in many cases were family to each other. So stick together, cover up inefficiencies, blame someone else. But the world…and even Cayman…is changing. And if the offshore business collapses and tourism too, Cayman will be nothing but a burnt out case with people wondering why they did things the way they did and why they listened to people like Ezzard Miller and Osbourne Bodden. And they will not be able to blame it on Britain…….although they will try to.
Or, as you've seen in some of the narrative on this forum, blame the driftwood, or at least rationalise Ozzie's actions because the driftwood supposedly does it all the time.
19:33.In your haste to criticize and take a shot at the Premier, you ended up shooting yourself in the foot.You did this when you stated "Hedid the same as all the Caymanian civil servants do in performance management exercises – namely, remember they were at school together, were church brothers and sisters, dated each other, indeed in many cases were family to each other."In other words you are saying that Ms Ahearn and all Caymanian Civil Servants got their positions not on merit, but as a favour (nepotism). While attempting to criticize the Minister for demeaning,and insulting a civil servant,you resorted to demeaning and insulting "all Civil Servants".I guess it was just too hard to conceal your prejudice and so it showed through.
He will now be responsible for community affairs and youth and sport ?
WTF. Youth ?? Yeah, he will be a good example to them.
He should have resigned and pump gas at his gas station in BT.
Boycot this place. Go to Savannah, a lot cheaper too.
He already had Youth – though I agree it should have been reassigned as well.
What an appaling decision. Mr. Bodden should have relegated to the back-benches and a new Minister appointed
Under the circumstances it was probably the best that could be done. Now bring on the attack dogs!
I am calling for an amendment to the Constitution that provides for a law and regulations that define the role and powers of MLA and Cabinet Ministers and penalties for any breaches or offences as well as giving the Governor and Deputy Governor the authority to suspend them over misconduct.
Politicians are disgraceful. They beg us to vote for them saying they want to be public servants but once elected they become public tyrants it seems. Time to reign them in. Winston and Suckoo, I am depending on you to lead the charge.
This is perhaps the most ignorant comment I have ever read on CNS. What about the governor makes you think she would make a better decision? We all see the fumble she made with the Commissioner and he has alot more than Ozzie to answer for. Their powers are separate for a reason. We can cry all we want about Baines. He is going no where. The politicians can be dealt with every 4 years.
Suggesting that a Governor or a civil servant like the Deputy governor should have the power to remove elected ministers from power is almost as daft as Legge’s editorial today which insisted that she actually has the power now to do it.
It was a bad idea before, it’s a bad idea now and it will be even worse in the future. That type of power will be abused. Remember McKeeva’s trial showed us what extent they will go to exert power they have no legal or constitutional authority to exercise.
As expected, nothing to enhance accountability and good governance was implemented. This issue should not have been treated lightly.
Oh dear. I think it just got worse.
Oh Goodness! Alden becomes the Rubbish Premier.
OK Premier Alden. Get that Dump out of George Town and your Voters will Love you for it and possibly forget this coddling of your Minister Friend by next election.
No they wont
Just exactly what message does this send to the civil service and the people of the country? You can be abusive, get a slap on the wrist and remain a minister.
It seems like a non soution.
So, because of a foul mouthed racist rant by a politician, two innocent senior civil servants have their lives altered? Something seems wrong with that scenario but I cannot quite put my finger on it.
"Bodden will then assume responsibility for community affairs, along with youth and sports, with Dorine Whittaker as the chief officer for that ministry."
Brilliant, now we will have everyone in the community swearing at each other, especially our youths! They will learn how to use profanity, as it will be thought well!! They will have professional training from the Ministers themselves, what a shame!!! Slow boat (Cayman) a sinking mama, bring the life boats!!
This will make history.
So the Premier is going to be the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer is his sister? Am I correct? If so, what governance model would that be?
Yep. Same governance model as when Premier was Minister for Education and his sister was John Gray High School principal.
Need for a 3rd politial party. this cant be C4C because they say they are not a party. glad to know this elitist group wont be successful.
Dr Kieran Kumar is the chief medical officer
No, 21:58, Dr Kumar is the Medical Officer of Health. Different position altogether.
Great start to the New Year. I guess things can only go downhill from there. How the heck can someone who seems to lose his rag at the slightest provocation be entrusted with community matters?
does that mean we will give the dump to dart ? and start a NEW,
state of the art , Waste management facility in Midland ?
could it be Christmas????
WTH – Youth? he gets community affairs, YOUTH & sports. Are they buying the crack that was selling in west bay? Have mercy has all intelligence left? What a wonderful (SARCASM!) role model the oz is for our youth. Somebody tell me please that a mistake was made on the reporting of this shameful debacle.
Shocking,indeed.
Cover it up and then sweep it under the carpet. We are brilliant at that in Cayman. But the voters of Bodden Town will take care of him, eventually. Ms Dorine, please do not be afraid of him and be prepared to ask him about his phone bills and other expenses he wants to charge to Government. They may well be legitimate but the Auditor General expects documentation of such things and he will not be swayed by angry obscene racist outbursts just because you may have questioned the Minister about them. It is the duty of the Chief Officer to monitor such things whether Osbourne or Ezzard likes it or not.
The elephant in the room swept under the largest rug in the world………
Move along people nothing to see here.
Travisty! The Premier obviously is trying to escape the firestorm with smoke and mirrors. The Progressives, the Premier especially, should remove Ozzie from their political party or the entire Progessive constituency should step down! I am Caymanian dating back to the first settlers of the Cayman Islands, born overseas, and therefore am what they call a paper Caymanian, although my heritage in Cayman is as old as anyones. I am insulted by Ozzies comments and he himself should perhaps depart our beloved islands and drift ashore elsewhere! Actually didn't we all drift ashore at some stage? You are a poor example of a Caymanian, a man, and a politician, and I am ashamed of you! And I am ashamed of how the Premier has dealt with the situation!
Disgraceful decision Alden and PPM are cowards!
He he health? Culture? Lmao
They just lost my vote…. Oh we aren't Caymanians we can't vote… PPM will be out just because of this one man… Way more of us driftwood on the rock now.. And therefore Mac is back…lol
You are not driftwood. More like sargassum. You could become Caymanian though.
Ridiculous boys club! That doesn't address his behavior in a proper manner. The guy should have been arrested!
Is it possible to start a petition for him to go? What a slap in the face to all women and status holders! PPM sucks!
Status holders, yes. Women, no. His comments did not speak to gender. I do not condone his behaviour in anyway but just because she's a woman doesn't make this a gender issue.
Insulting the modesty of a woman law, makes it a gender issue.
I think we need to reshuffle someone into the Premier's position…someone like Al Suckoo who has the balls to deal with these circumstances the right way….the people's way. He would not be sweeping this under the carpet. Ozzie should be a man and step down. Alen should be a man and make that happen if he did nto do it on his own. This is exacgtly what we do not need in government….Leadership is sorely lacking and this is concrete evidence that much is lacking in the moral compass of these rocks we live on. Ms Ahearn please accept my apology for the abuse you have dealt with. I pray you do not think all Caymanians think, feel or act like what you were exposed to.
I'm not a supporter of this govt but I have to say the premier was put, as they say" between a rock and a hard spot"- but it is against the law to question a womans modesty – Bodden now will have another lady to yell at, but this lady is a born and breed CAYMANIAN, lets see what happens now— a zebra cant hide ts stripes
All I have to say is WOW PPM, let's keep this disgrace of human life in charge of youth and culture to show our young people how to treat a woman and be a bully, great job guys.
Spinelees weasel.
Soooooo, Kenneth got suspended by the Premier for telling out an officer who was being unjust, but Ozzie gets to man a new ministry for cursing out his CO? Nice.
Alden got want he wanted out of kenneth already. He doesn't need him anymore. LOL. True PPM style, use and throw away.
Disgusting. Arrogant. Humiliating. Pathetic. Unconscionable.
You just killed the PPM and embarassed all the people of the Cayman Islands.