Don’t follow leaders who make detours
Being rich and successful is not by itself a prerequisite for elected office, yet we hear ourselves crying aloud the wishes of some that those who have made money, retired from work and can now support the comforts and habits they have become accustomed to should now take over political leadership of our country because they have no need of our money.
I wish I could say the same about CUC, Fosters, my bank and other financial institutions, but when was need ever the cause of millionaires wanting to become billionaires and billionaires working even harder to remain billionaires.
Greed is never the reason members of civil society and holders of public office betrayed your trust; it was want, and mostly ‘I want to be like them’ or simply ‘I want to be better than them’. From the day mankind began stratifying society and stratification became the method of preserving the status quo or established order or hierarchy, it became not just an individual’s choice to want always more, it became our nature.
Of course, we may say that our civil society is full of greed (call it ambition, then) but, unlike our government, is free of corruption. However, discrimination in itself is corruption and there is still plenty of that in our work environment, even if what we call it is just ‘them not wanting us to have what they got’. The long struggle to establish a law to protect the wealth which Caymanians should be entitled to collectively as a nation in the form of the Legal Practitioners Law is one case in point of attempts by expat lawyers to preserve the perverted differences in entitlements between Caymanians and some expats.
As Caymanians we have always approached the issue of economic differences as if it was something ordained by God and therefore no one should question the realities of the social and cultural divisions this system of division of our nation’s wealth has created. It is as if we accepted from the outset that we had no wealth to start with and all that was accumulated over the years should go to expat knowledge workers and a few chosen Caymanians elected by them to partake in their private gathering of wealth, while little or nothing is paid towards the national entity which made the financial service industry a well sought after asset.
The Caymanian court of arms(flag) and our well established property laws govern and protects, with the blessing of the United Kingdom, foreign commercial entities from direct taxation and this allows many of them to make billions of dollars in untaxed profits. Our commercial value is therefore connected to the needs of international capitalism for neutral non-tax jurisdictions. But if this asset was not protected in a way that its benefits had a greater trickledown effect to all of us, then those now leaving the expat controlled world to manage our government cannot be entrusted to manage our government so that we as Caymanians will finally come first.
If we were talking oil, gold or silver, then anyone would have noted from the outset that the Cayman Islands has an economic value by virtue of its being a unique national entity, and would have wanted a greater share of the profits made by knowledge- workers employed by our on-shore cooperation, but because most of us cannot comprehend the concept of invisible capital or invisible gold we continue to sell off our entitlements for little or nothing.
Therefore, Caymanians, when asking what went wrong and what is wrong with our country and what kind of leadership we now need in order to deal with these challenges, we should not forget that: “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voices of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph.” (Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia)
I am very happy we now have so many educated Caymanians entering politics but I would have been much pleased if even one among them was an economist. And let us not forget that, although education or specialization in law and accountancy may be real qualities when it comes to accounting for someone else’s money, additional qualifications and experiences are necessary when the goal of the organization is human as well as material.
Caymanians, we have a long way forward and we must continue to think future rather than follow leaders who make detours. Man cannot live from bread alone and, regardless of what each of our contributions may be to our society, we each have the same share when it comes to the nation and the power of establishing government. Our new leaders may not need to know personally the plight of the poor, the sick or the unemployed and unemployable but a long career of rubbing shoulders only with the rich and powerful does not make anyone incorruptible or capable of providing the caring leadership we need in these serious times.
Category: Viewpoint
Frank
Whodatis.
Are you one and the same person?
This time round, my vote is going to the educated and well to do. I tried all the rest, even Frank had his chance. When we all get the oportunities to improve ourselves, I want to be counted with the politicians that made it happen. Of course they can turn out different,for good or bad, but as it has been noted for donkey years, we continue to think that the person that is so called poor and had run in with the laws or uneducated are the best choices. Cayman, lets vote smart this time around. We all win with capable canidates, being successfull should not be an evil thing to use against a person. But make sure that it is clarified that good proof is availible that crab in the bucket mentality comes from crabs in a bucket. Dont vote for yourself this time, vote for your kids that will need to have better examples. We spending so much money on persons that have had first chances, second chances and on and on. But we should also pay attention to the children that did not get a first chance. Its good to talk about reform for the criminals, but what about the good kids that have stayed on the straight and narrow? We want to discourage young ladies from getting pregnaut at school age, we spend money on those that do have babies so early, we let them get chances for jobs they are not qualified to do, for the sake of helping, then when the children come along that have did there homework, studied hard, stayed away from drugs and thugs and punks, and looking for the same jobs we tell them no position is availible, then the low class politician will blame the expat for taking the BK and cashier jobs, while at the same time make the message seem that you dont need education to make it in life, and just like Frank is trying to do, will say that being educated is not the qualification, Frank and whodatis, please shut up, if you dont like to see sucessful people join the political fight, then climb back into your buckets and continue the backward mentality that only the down and out knows the plight of the people. As for me and my family we will serve the Lord and vote for persons that have made somthing out of there lives and are able to hold there heads up high even if it means to pass whodatis and Frank on the street without speaking. That is one way to stay away from bad influences. Frank promote yourself without demote anyone.
Very thoughtful response! Those who think about future generation vs. own immediate needs for more, bigger and better deserve a praise.
Just for the record, Dr. Frank McField and "Whodatis" are not one and the same.
Lastly, I am confused as to why I have been made such a prominent focus of your post.
If you took the time to focus you would realize that we share many of the same concerns. However, the things for which you are charging Whodatis could not be more off target.
Anyway, I have long realized that people tend to get emotional here on CNS and that has all sort of unintended consequences.
Finally, young, talented, educated, bright professional Caymanians taking on the future of their country. I am proud of each and everyone of them and I pray that they will all walk in the wisdom and knowledge of the God of their fathers who were visionaries and the solid foundation of this society and who put God first, family and country after. We have nothing to lose and all to gain and may I remind the likes of the Frank McFields of this island that we all have a better chance with the rich Caymanians running the government. Number 1, they are rich and don't need to steal from the country to make themselves rich; 2. They became rich from their own labour; and 3. they had to be smart to become rich in their professions in the Cayman Islands seeing that that status seemed reserved for others with the right colour and the right accent. Frank, please retire and for the sake of the title, give up Doctor because using Doctor in the same sentence of Frand McField brings discredit to the word alone. Oh! by the way, rich people can afford their own travel…I tell you, Nothing to lose.
Frank talks more sense than Whodatis. But then Frank is real, Whodatis is a character invented by a flamer.
Hmmm … aren't you early to the "anti-Whodatis circle-jerk"?!
🙂
Well written Dr. Frank let them know what u stand for.
“I am very happy we now have so many educated Caymanians entering politics but I would have been much pleased if even one among them was an economist”.
Dr. Frank, it may interest you to know that Marco Archer, who has declared his candidacy in your district
George Town in the upcoming general election, is a qualified economist who worked in the economics and statistics department for years.
Dr. Frank thank you for letting it all hang out in public and reminding everyone with an education why its time for some new blood. You teach what the good guys can't. Well done.
Frank, try so go sit down. Money should not be the basis for which we elect leaders, poor, middle-class, or rich.
just because you are not rich, and I am not rich either, dont "hate" on those that may be considered rich.
No one can have a straight conversation with you, everything from you is politically-motivated.
Just go and sit in the corner and put your cap on.
McField, you never have, and never will have anything to say, which warrants any attention. Go away and stop using valuable cyber-time.
Don't reply to his articles – it only encourages him.
So, what ‘detour’ is it that you are accusing the other candidates of making?
They detoured to have successful private sector business careers?
And this is your criticism?
Why – cuz you didn’t? Hater!
Frank, you will never tell the truth. I wil never vote for you. EVER!
For God's sake Cayman! Why do we give McField the time of day?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
I would follow you to the Police Station if you ready to tell the truth about Who Shot Ya
Is that what you calling it, Frank? Never heard someone who got shot call it a “Detour” before…. Thanks, I guess
Dr Frank.
Just confide in me – I wont tell the Po Po or anybody else.
Who shot you?
Another priceless gem of intellect by Dr Frank – to the rest of us – its just Hateration, Throwing Shade on any candidate who has the N.E.R.V.E to be everything jealous Frank wants to be: rich and successful!
Dr. Frank is not rich and successful, but he had every opportunity to be, the man is just out of control and has no boundries and as a result he seems to be angry at himself and the world for the opportunities that he wasted but jealous not really! Dr. Frank had every opportunity and more to be just as successful or more than any Caymanian or expat that is now enjoying the good life in Cayman today. For the Caymanian who is intimately familiar with Frank's history and family connections everyone knows that the man come from good family tree on both sides with very educated people and even a millionaire or two.
Frank ,,try so go sit down and stop talking foolishness nah…Cha! ..enough of this sh#t already
Holy crap this guy talks more crap that Mac!
Crap!
Crap it is. The man is a moron. Mr Moron, a word of advice to you. Never ever criticize Fosters. I have known this group from the day I arrived in 1968. At that time I knew David and since that time his brother Steve and many of their offspring. They havedone incredible things for this island over the years where you have done zilch and in fact cost the common man a lot of money. If you see me in the street it is best you cross the road for safety’s sake, and that is yours and not mine.
We know Dr Frank knows people with guns. He just doesn't wants to tell us who or why.
Could not agree more. The Foster Family have done more for this island than this man ever could. I remember working there after Ivan when they were handing out food for FREE. They came from nothing and built their empire, there are not to many people at their level working six daysa week, they all work hard and especially Woody and John Michael, why did Frank have to come back….
Chris, in your opinion a Frank might be a moron and you have your reasons as to why you believe that but to say that he has done nothing for his country is not the truth, given that you have been here since 1968 you should know about a lot of the programs that he put in place back in the mid to late 70s that are still in place and maybe someone else is being given the credit. I was a teenager at the time but can still remember, if many of Dr. Frank's social policies were implemented back in the 70s we would have a much better society today where Caymanians could now have a face, name and place in their country. Dr. Frank was his own worst enemy and as a result he has set himself back and his country by extension.
Another anonymous I have to address. It would have been useful if you had mentioned all these programmes that he put in place in four years in the 70s for the younger readers. I remember none although I remember the parrot. And pray what did he do as a minister apart from screw up the Affordable Housing Initiative subject to investigations by the auditor general and the police.I am afraid you have no case to answer. As to your friend, having a go at the Foster family was not too bright. He needs to know what is going on in the Cayman Islands.
Chris you are so right in this and many of your other responses. Keep up the work and take no prisoners.
This Dr. is amazing, he harmes himself
constantly IN EVERY WAY and with all his
degrees cannot figure out FOR HIMSELF,
his biggest and worst enemy is "HIMSELF"
For the benefit of readers who may not have actually lived here …..
Dr Frank is a real person not a comic book character…really! You just couldn't make him up!!!
He is priceless!
Dr Frank's next Viewpoint will be "What I Was Doing When I Was Shot". Surely.
Dear Dr. Frank McField,
First of all, kudos to you for being braver than myself and all of the cowards that have replied to your post.
Your post has addressed many issues that are crucial to our society and it is quite sad how they have been ignored, spun and ridiculed for the general amusement of your regular naysayers.
It is an unwise and petty man that refuses, or is unable, to set aside his "dislike" or the (perceived) shortcomings in another's life in order to find value in his words.
(Interestingly, what you have outlined could be easily transplanted and generally applied to many other societies today – our "mother country" as well. A quick glance to current events support that claim. Sadly, narcissism is an incurable and blinding disease.)
What is even more pathetic is the support that some of these replies have received from the CNS readership.
Regardless, I am certain you shall trudge ahead as it is clear you are unfazed by their actions.
– Whodatis
P.S. I welcome all opposing views that are sure to come my way. However, I do ask that respondents refrain from personal insults, attacks and ad hominems.
(This should be interesting …)
Birds of a feather.
You are writing support for Dr. Frank. We don't need to say anymore. If you support a man who abuses police officers and refuses to assist police in gun crime investigations then that speaks volumes.
Let me be the first to welcome more of your words of wisdom Whodatis and I stand humbled and ashamed in unworthy silence at how wrong I was. This isn't just another veiled attempt at campaigning using a Viewpoint on Frank McField's part. How infinitely right you are as usual.
I agree completely Whodatis sadly narcissism is an incurable and blinding disease. Thank you for pointing it out.
You're welcome – hope it helps.
I meant you were showing the symptoms.
(Sigh)
I know what you meant.
God didn't stop making smart-asses when he made you, my friend.
How to win friends and influence people.
I agree with what you said Whodatis. I found Dr. Frank's post enlightening. I don't think those who gave it thumbs done actually read it. If they did, they'd find it difficult to give that kind of shared insight a thumbs down.
– Almost Thirty.
Proof that there is free internet in prison. Almost thirty years?
Whodatis – Dr. Frank's alter ego…
Whodatis i do agree with you,fools will kill the messanger and totally ignore the message,i bet you that if this viewpoint was written by someone other than Dr. Frank you would see the idiots saying something else, nothing but a bunch of emotional and split personalities with a small village mentality making noise.
5.59 The problem is that the article IS written by Dr Frank, and he's not the messenger, he is the orator himself. We split-personality idiots with a small village mentality,' are familiar with his track record. We therefore consider our disparaging responses entirely appropriate, as we did when Mr Bush lectured in Jamaica to university students about good governenance. Why should we not snicker at this sort of mind-bending hypocrisy? In any case, everything will be sorted out in the elections, enough said. As for Whodatis, hatred for the mother country is so evident in his rants, that when he asks for moderation in critics, I think he should spend more time looking in the mirror and broadening his narrow and slanted view of history.
Re: "As for Whodatis, hatred for the mother country is so evident in his rants … "
Blah, blah, blah – aren't you guys tired of that same old record?
The problem is that no one can successfully argue my points when it comes to the UK because I ALWAYS speak absolute truth about the UK and our relationship therewith.
As an example, I will even use a quote from your post to highlight one of my main gripes when it comes to us and the UK:
"We therefore consider our disparaging responses entirely appropriate, as we did when Mr Bush lectured in Jamaica to university students about good governenance. Why should we not snicker at this sort of mind-bending hypocrisy?"
Am I too allowed to snicker over the mind-bending hypocrisy of the UK attempting to lecture us on good-governance and fiscal responsibility?
The above are but a few examples.
Pray tell, why should we sit back and allow the failed philosophy and policies of a country to take control of our better than existence?
Regardless … some will simply dismiss this as just another "rant".
They can rest assured that Whodatis will be "ranting" for as long as necessary.
He really does need to go talk to someone about his Daddy issues.
Whodatis they just can't handle you,you are my hero buddy,thanks.
I think you should think about your own words
"It is an unwise and petty man that refuses, or is unable, to set aside his "dislike" or the (perceived) shortcomings in another's life in order to find value in his words".
I cannot think of a single eample of a post by you in which you have acknowledged that the UK government might have something constructive or positive to say, but rather anything that is attributed to them is dismissed as being hypocritical or unworthy of consideration because of the many flaws you attribute to them, both current and historic.
The proof is in the UK's pudding – and that is my focus.
There is too much at stake for us to ignore or overlook their significant shortcomings.
My concern is solely that of my country – the Cayman Islands … and I make absolutely no apologies in that regard.
Sounding like a politician Whodat what with the "us" and the "that of my country".
I guess I do, however, I am not.
Although, much to the horror of a few, I believe it will be a natural progression of my life.
What you mean you have exhibited an over-valued impression of your own self-importance already? Really? I would never have guessed that.
Hello again, poster.
Re: "What you mean you have exhibited an over-valued impression of your own self-importance already?"
Kindly elaborate and provide examples.
Many thanks in advance.
The poster was referring to traits endemic in localpoliticians which might be the reason why people say you would be well suited to politics rather than making a reference to your activities. But if you want examples, I suggest you use the "Search" function on the right side of the website, enter the word "Whodatis" and read your posts. The evidence, my dear chap, is overwhelming.
Therefore it shouldn't be difficult to highlight.
Still waiting …
You are what we are looking for.
Quote:
"My concern is solely that of my country – the Cayman Islands … and I make absolutely no apologies in that regard."
That should be the oath of Office for all our politicians.
Clearly from your posts you are supremely confident in your logical / intellectual prowess.
Could we ask for more in our leaders?
You also stand ready to rebut others when you feel they are wrong and not just run away and hide.
Such open debate and frankness has been missing too long.
So….
Just declare your candidacy (in your real name) and commit to doing what you say you stand for.
Otherwise …
Blah Blah Blah!
Very true, poster.
Interestingly, my own mother often tells me the same thing.
Being that poster perhaps I can put it more simply.
You have an exceedingly high opinion of yourself and your abiltiy and claim to be selfless in your motives.
If that is true stand up and announce as a candidate.
If not just shut up!
Ummm … excuse you – this is a public, online forum. Its basic function is to enable the general public to air their concerns, opinions and perspectives on various issues. As everyone else, yourself included, I have done so.
Therefore, WTF is your problem, buddy??
Who the "eff" are you to tell me, or anyone else, to "shut up"?
You have allowed the postings of a virtual and anonymous character to manifest such bitterness within you.
Whatever you imagine me to be has obviously had an affect on your frail, little soul.
I pity you (and your like-minded friends), honestly.
*Actually, I love replies like yours – you have no counter-argument therefore you resort to personal insults. Typical of some people though.
The hipocracy of Whodatis always astounds me. Here is a person living under the protection of, and enjoying the benefits of, Caymans longstanding relationship with the mother country, yet finds every opportunity to attack the mother country and complains bitterly about her faults. She may not be perfect, but she extends stability, oversight and prosperity to these islands, all of which would be absent without her.
Whodatis: if you hate the mother country so much, why not go live somewhere which has chosen the route of independence such as Jamaica, or Bahamas?
What does your reply have to do with my post?
Did you just up and decide to get some anti-Whodatis stress off your chest?
Anyway, I am not anti-UK … I am simply pro-Caymanian.
Frankly, there are many instances where one cannot be both at the same time.
Quite simple really.
Lastly, I don't know many Brits that wouldn't jump at the chance to leave their country and relocate here permanently.
Therefore, I consider it a duty to do all in my power to prevent us from becoming whatever it is that makes so many of Britain's residents so very unhappy and depressed.
I trust the above clarifies the situation for you.
As British territory, allegiance is to the Queen and Britain first, local regions a very far second. Anything else is treasonous. One cannot truly owe allegiance to a non-sovereign entity.
Sometimes I don't agree at all with Whodatis, but in this instance I will have to state that you can have allegiance to your own country. In all honesty it makes more sense. Why have allegiance to a monarch in some other country? As she has done just a little for Cayman as she has for the U.K. She's a figurehead. We don't even get to see the real live horses and coaches and flags and what not. And being a 'territory' should also not prevent you from putting your country before the 'mother country'.
God I choke on those words. Who came up with mother country? It sounds too much like fatherland.
Since you are half-British by birth, a UK passport holder and the beneficiary of a British tertiary education, your comments are treachorous.
Nice try, but somewhat wide of the target I am afraid.
Keep it up though – after all, quitters never win!
By the way, in light of your unrelenting attempts to "nationalize" me; just so we are clear – every fibre of my being is Caymanian.
No rocket science required. Keep it simple.
No surprise that the mentally unstable think everyone else are the fools and idiots.
yea we all know that it's you.
Why you putting yourself down bro? you letting everbody know that it's you
Careful what you shoot for ….sorry wish for.
You may have won the prize. 23 trolls so far. Go back to your comics.
Every politician it seems uses the down trodden Caymanian shtick in order to take the focus away from their own failed policies. And McField is no exception. Give it a break already!
Another political diatribe and he still didn't answer the question. Frank, you must have read the comments related to your last rant. The question remains.
McField has figured out that this forum is a place to get his views published. My question is where are the pieces written by all the other candidates? Why don't they publish their views and proposals? Do they have no views or are they afraid to say? It matter whether the candidates have actual thoughts about what to do in the future. The voter need to demand this.
Voters nevah demand anythin. Dey jes wantin pliances an TVees.
Lots of words, not much meaning!
This man clearly wants to use this column as his way of getting elected, so he needs to be a bit clearer, long sentences that mangle facts and opinion dont tell you what he stands for. His past record does!
"Our new leaders may not need to know personally the plight of the poor, the sick or the unemployed and unemployable but a long career of rubbing shoulders only with the rich and powerful does not make anyone incorruptible or capable of providing the caring leadership we need in these serious times." How interesting that Frank would chose to create a stigma against those who have made choices in their life to stay away from crime, drugs, etc and get an education and make something of themselves before taking the next step into politics. Is it a better credential, be poor or to live in a poor neighbourhood. Or is it now necessary to have a history of drugs and crime to fully understand what is best for these islands. How irresponsible of you Frank to continue to promote the growing rift in our society to suit your own needs. I am Caymanian andi have come from a modest background. Ive worked hard and have friends from all walks of life, but i chose not to hang out with people in any part of society rich or poor who do drugs. By society standards i have done well in life. does that make me inelgible to run? i will say though, that i would think long and hard before i would do some of the crazy things that some of you who were in power did to this country, and i dont know what in your background made you do it.
Poster 10:54 the rich is very corrupted also, and they did not all work so hard or stayed away from drugs to make money,they take drug and steal also its just that thay gets away with it.
Dr frank we know that you have made your mistakes like eveyone else but they have done worst things than you will ever do, i see a very dark future for all concerned because of who is in our midst,it looks like these people hate us for our Islands but the youth is reading and watching what they have been saying about us/them,once this thing start no one can stop it please CNS report when you see the wrongs that is being done or we will all have to run and leave and i know that i can't just run to another country.
I don't know who these people are but the insults and the disregard/disrespect that is shown for the countries peoples will only lead to violence,some Caymanians will then hate expats and it is coming close to it now,please do not ignore this see if you can get people to talk about this,this effects you also and you have a responsibility to help find a solution as a news organization, to ignore this will be our downfall… i do not know why we cannot see this coming? what kind of people would come to another mans country and openly insult them and expect to be welcome in that country,what kind of human beings are you?.
please read what i said again "Ive worked hard and have friends from all walks of life, but i chose not to hang out with people in any part of society rich or poor who do drugs. By society standards i have done well in life. does that make me inelgible to run?" I was never implying that the rich are never corrupt. I am saying that unjustifiably promoting strife amongst us simply because others have done well, is a crab in a barrel mentality. Its not right and theres nothing you can say to defend that. Simply because someone is poor doesnt make them a better candidate than someone who is wealthy and simply because someone is wealthy doesnt make them bad. Frank's article is against anyone who has done well including Caymanians such as the Fosters! Thats crazy talk. on a seperate matter, its hard to overlook the opportunities he has had versus the choices he has made personally, but that is for Frank to deal with. I care about Cayman and i care that we are stronger together than we are fighting and hating each other simply because others have done well amongst us.
"I am very happy we now have so many educated Caymanians entering politics but I would have been much pleased if even one among them was an economist."
Marco Archer?
Marco is the nearest we have to economist among the expected candidates. He has a degree in Finance and Economics as well as an MBA on top of his law degree.
Yep, and am am voting for Marco!!
I'm still awaiting to hear if you accidently shot yourself in the leg and if you didn't do it, then who did it ??
This issue needs to be cleared up, before any of our voting public would ever trust you to hold "public office again".
Oh……… and I forget to mention, what about all the other "drunken escapades" that you were involved in as well ??
Now you want to legalize drugs as well ??
Give me a break !!!!
Is there a cure for verbal diarrhoea?
Yes there is- he needs to shush. He had the great opportunity of moving from Cayman to the land of milk and honey supposedly got a good education and it has all gone to pot. Pardon the pun!!