UDP member resigns to campaign as own man
(CNS): The latest candidate to declare for GeorgeTown is local entrepreneur Mathew Leslie. A founding member of the YUDP and more latterly a council member of the UDP, Leslie resigned from the political party this week to run on his own ticket. The only endorsement Leslie said he would be seeking is from the people of the capital. Leslie told CNS after announcing his candidacy Friday that he believes the people of Cayman have lost faith in party politics and want a cooperative, coalition government. Joining a growing list of independents who have now declared for George Town, Leslie said this election wasn’t about the "who you running with saga" but “who you running for". He stated, "I’m running for the people of Cayman.”
Leslie said it was important to move away from party politics so he could be free to think on his own and take on-board ideas regardless of the affiliation or view of those submitting them.
“This election is important to me and I want to concentrate on the people, not the party politics,” Leslie said after his resignation from the UDP.
Announcing his bid for office in a message on his Facebook page and calling for the support of over 3,000 FB friends illustrates that he already realizes, as one of the younger candidates in the field at only 32, how much social media will provide the forum for campaigning in this election.
Well known for his business involvements, such as The Cayman Islands Brewery (Caybrew) as well as being the CEO of the Titan Group of Companies, Leslie said it was now time for him to move into politics.
He said he believed he should be in government as he had many valuable skills, not least the ability to bring people to the table to cooperate and get things done. Leslie said he brought new blood to politics and someone who could take accountability to the next level.
Describing himself as a “new breed of politician”, he said, “I understand that this position has nothing to do with what you can get for yourself but rather what can you accomplish in the four years that people have appointed you to safeguard the best interest of the Cayman Islands.”
Noting that the cost of living in Cayman has displaced many families and caused hardships, he said he wants to change all of that. Vowing to work with the other 17 candidates who are elected, Matthew said that the time to come together and work as one team and one purpose was now.
"Cayman has developed into two groups, the lower class and upper class. We need to bring back the middle class into the picture and pull our people less fortunate back up the ladder," he said. “From unemployment to education and many other issues, these have to be addressed and dealt with to bring the standard of living back up for many who have fallen short during the hard economic times.
"As a Caymanian, I know what it is like to be in difficult situations. I am no stranger to hardships in life and I believe I am in tune with many people who just want the government to understand what they are going through and give them the time of day. The people need not just a voice; they need someone to do the work it takes to get this country in the right direction. Action speaks louder than words. Anyone can claim to be the voice of the people but if you are just going to go on the radio shows and on TV and just talk, you really are not accomplishing anything. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get some real work done," he added.
Unveiling his '10 in 10 Plan' , Leslie descreibes this as a mixture of items and causes that he would accomplish in his first 10 months of office. He said government should put forward a 'to do' list of items and tackle each one without excuse.
No stranger to community work, Leslie has been involved with many initiatives, including raising record breakingfunds for Kemar Golding when he was shot in the head during a robbery in 2011 that left the island stunned. He also assisted the Rattray family when the members were left homeless after arson destroyed their home. Involved in many programs for kids and young people, Leslie said he is taking a grass roots approach to earn him a seat in parliament. Motivated by the many new registered voters, he hoped he would appeal to the younger electors, as well as more experienced voters who are ready for a fresh start in Cayman.
Having launched his website www.Matthew2013.ky he invited people to log on and leave comments and suggestions and contact him for private meetings to discuss their needs and opinions.
"I want this election to be personal for everyone. So if seeing me personally is going to help you decide on the right choices for your vote then please feel free to contact me," he added.
Category: Politics
Why can’t I hear any candidates really touch on Education? The education system in Cayman starting with primary schools has gone to the dogs. More and more children cannot read and do basic math by the time they finish High School.
Also why do our kids need cellphones, iPods, and laptops at school? Please don’t give me the excuse that SOMETHING might happen because, last time I checked, that is what the teachers and the school security officers are for. People lets focus on our kids again…. lets not lower the standards of education to accommodate laziness, instead let’s push our kids from preschool through High School. I truly believe that Cayman should adopt the method that if your child cannot pass a grade they should be kept back. Don’t just pass them to another teacher or grade, that doesn’t help anyone.
His failure to respond to one recurring question is amazing given his speed of response to other questions. What is odd is that the question concerned involves criminal activity.
So please Mr. Leslie just answer this:
1) Have all your business in which you have a management or direct or indirect shareholding in excess of 10% paid all workers overtime in the last 10 years?
2) Have all your business in which you have a management or direct or indirect shareholding in excess of 10% paid all workers statutory pension entitlements in full in the last 10 years?
We are waiting. And watching.
Doesn't make sense Mathew you stayed with UDP when the going was good, but now you are saying you are going out on your own so you "can think for yourself"???? It took you four years to realize this LMAO LMAO
Go for it Matthew. You already secured 3 votes with me and my family. I personally have you and Winston and Stefan and Roy so far. Will see who my other 2 votes go for with the future announcements.
In other words, all UDP-Independents.
He is starting to act like a politician already, answering the questions that he wants to answer and conveniently ignoring those that are embarrassing to him.
Not at all my friend. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to answer quite a few questions but I will. At the same time I answered some that I felt deserved answering right away such as the RCIP question. I am not online 24/7 as I do work quite a bit so please give me some time to reply.
Joey Ebanks, trouble maker, is that you again?
I got to give credit for Matthew coming out and clarifying his stance on what happened in the RCIP. I will respect the fact that he has come out and given his opinions and replies to some of these comments. That is a far cryfrom a normal UDP person,
Go for it bro!
They bashed Kennith when he declared and now they bash Matthew. You guys need to grow up and realise these the guys we need. The ones that know how we the normal Caymanians have struggled. You think Roy and Jude know the importance of $100? They probably use that to wipe their a$$ everyday. Nothing wrong with them being elected but we need balance in the house. You get 6 votes and use it wisely. Vote for the big businessmen but also remember people like Kennith and Matthew will be the ones that give you the time of day when you need it and understand your problems when you have it.
Yep just like Elio right? He knew and knows the struggle of Caymanians because he has been on the ground just like Matthew and Kenneth, but can you talk to him now? No! Makes all kinda promises and doesn't follow through with them. Money can be a terrible thing for some people, turns them into evil people who just don't give a damn about anyone but themselves and their own pockets! Chaaa, FED RIGHT UP WITH THE BS ON THIS ISLAND!!!
When I was just a normal guy on the street you could talk to me. When I started my first business you could talk to me. When I grew my businesses you could talk to me. When I got into politics you could talk to me. When I get elected you can still talk to me. Nothing changes. Things do not swell my head if you know me personally as many can confirm. I will tell you this much… If I am elected and cannot fill my 10 in 10 Plan and if I cannot accomplish what the people want of me in my term in office I will not seek re-election. Because the day I lose focus of why I am here is the day I fail the people and in this important role failure is not an option.
Matt thanks for being there for me and my family when we needed help and you and Ellen Peguero was the only ones to come and help me and my mom and kid. Never saw Mike or Ellio or Alden or Kurt. Saw you and her and you were not even in the UDP then. So you got me and my mom vote for sure. Good luck with your campaign and even if you do not win at least you tried.
Gooooo Matt!! Proud of you for putting yourself out there. You really gotta have some thick skin for some of these commenters!
Will give him a chance. I like the 10 in 10 Plan
I hope to God this guy gets elected and once in he proves you people so wrong that you build a statue for him. Seriously gotta laugh at some of the comments hitting out at him. Well Matthew Leslie yiu got 5 votes in my house. You, Winston, Stefan, Kennith, Roy and Jackee!!
Go Matthew. Guy done good things in the community and that what counts. Nah really care bout he personal life. Bill Clinton had his Monica Lewinsky and he still was a great President. Lots of haters at this guy cuz he a former UDP. People can change you know!
At least we can say the guy is human and lives his life without hiding behind a closet. He has his faults and he has his good sides. At least he is genuine enough to want to care and do something. Sure we got Roy and Jude but have you personally ever met these men? You ever seen them hang with you in Crewe Road, Palm Dale, Swamp, Rock Hold, Scranton… At least this guy can shake my hand and say hi and ask how I am doing. I support Mr. Leslie and remember there are six seats in George Town. Vote for the millionaires and lawyers who are out of touch with the common people. But save a vote for someone like this guy who will actually talk to you.
No offense to anyone but I don’t see Roy McTaggart and Jude Scott coming to Windsor Park to help us poor people struggling. But I remember seeing Matthew Leslie down there to help 6 families at 2am in the morning that was getting evicted from their apartments so the landlord could tear it down and without notice. Did not see Mike or Foolio either. Just this guy trying to help them relocate 2am in the morning. He has my vote!
On the bright side, each one of these declarations is free money for the CIG to waste. Come to think of it, that’s another fee that needs to be increased. 10k seems reasonable.
Judging from the comments listed under this story, i would say he will not be getting voted in. I mentioned that i would run on Facebook for a joke and got more likes in 20 minutes…. Hhhmmm…watch this space.
Ok then Mr Leslie, what is your position on the following questions:
1/. The Minimum Wage.
2/. Businesses paying and being held accountable for the Pension and Health benefits for their employees.
3/. Domestic violence against women.
4/. Persons with questionable "criminal" association running for public office.
5/. Freedom of Information requests for (closed) internal investigations by the RCIPS on their own, and emloyment records, including reasons for dismissal.
6/. Political Candidate's having to present Audited Statements of their Financial position and Interests BEFORE running for office.
Or what about candidates who ran a business working employees up to 75 hours per week without paying overtime????
1) in a country with a cost of living as high as Cayman I do support a minimum wage.
2) business must be held accountable for health being provided to employees and a retirement plan being made. As for pensions I believe the system needs to be properly reviewed. Too many issues of people losing money based on rosk being taken by the pension providers.
3) domestic Violence needs to be addressed here as it is a serious problem. I support the crisis center and the work they do. I had a great talk with Len Layman on this recently. We need to put stricter laws on this but also assist in counseling for women to help themselves get out of the situations they are put in.
4) Cayman is a small place and it is hard to determine the association of many with others. I believe if someone is suspected of illegal enterprise they should be made to come clean on their dealings but remember once again everyone in Cayman probably knows everyone else. Very hard to determine if you understand the point I am making.
5) I support this. Government must be transparent.
6) Support this point as well.
What a curious list; it's almost like you had someone in mind.
Sorry all UDP members and supporters allowed the travesty of the last administration…you are all tainted and need to be kept out of any position that requires intelligence and integrity.
Independent my @$$$$
How do you plan to implement this so called 10 – 10 plan as an independent Dot you think the other independents parties will have their own plans ? Why is yours so special that they will all support it ? why are so many women making negate comments about you on Faceook?
Word of advice!You shoudl have never started responding to every single post because now that you are avoid ing certain difficult questions you are reinforcing the belief that you are ngeniune and you have something to hide.
Nothing to hide.
I am sure other candidates have their plans and some of them will very well be the same as the 10 I have listed. However I think these 10 are achievable. I would hope they support it as its good for Cayman as I will support their plans that are good for Cayman. Teamwork is the key here!
But you are not part of a team, remember. Each independent candidate could have their own policies and plans. What makes you think they would gather around you to implement yours as a team?
I seriousy think that in order to run in this country you have to have a clean slate….and you my friend don't really have that and this statement has nothing to do with thr RCIPS thing….. is this the same guy that used to hang with a certain crowd….getting into nothing but trouble…I know that was 15 years ago but some people don't forget……and since then I have heard tons of stories from the sources about your work antics……I'm with some others…….you may be a good guy……..but running for office……..I dunno….
Leave the young man along if George W. Bush can run and win in the great USA, with his suitecase and backpack so can Matthew with the little baggage that he might have. Caymanians need to lighten up and stop, you haters need to stop pulling your own down while building up others like the good manager of the Chamber of Commerce pension plan.
On his Facebook page he writes about destroying 23 Blackberries in 2 years. If he can't manage to care for his personal smart phone how can we manage to care for this country?
That's reason enough to run, once elected CIG will cover the cost of replacing his Blackberries.
"Young" and "Old" electors alike. This is not a good move to better our country. While Mr. Leslie is a likeable guy, as others have stated. Worthy of a vote is an entirely different subject.
I'd rather vote for Jacqueline Haynes!
Wait a minute I just heard the Pope just resigned I guess he’s coming here and running independent too! Lmao…….
And i just heard Misick is out of jail. Lawd hep us.
Have anyone noticed that all the independents running used to be all UDP one way or the other? I smell a rat!
WHO in their right mind would EVER TRUST a past, present or EX UDP MEMBER. The have shown their people and this country that they are totally non tranparent, secretive, dishonest and unethical in every respect and are NOT worthy of any support or votes from the good people of the Cayman Islands.
VOTE "NO" TO UDP members, ex or present who are running on either a UDP or INDEPENDENT ticket.
Your 10 in 10 Plan, impressive…
Impressed with the first 4 points:
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"1. Tackle the Civil Service issue – I do not think that downsizing, with layoffs, will fix anything. You are shifting the problem to the unemployment office and social services department, eventually having to provide for these people and their families if they cannot find work. I propose a “Public to Private Intergration Program.” With this program, we will transition our qualified Civil Servants into the Private Sector with businesses seeking staff. This will shift the burden of the heavy Government Payroll and enable a person to continue employment without falling victim to layoffs. Our Civil Servants work and have families like everyone else. We must ensure continued employment and integration can and will work!
2. Relocate the Humane Society Headquarters – In our community, 99% of us love animals. The Humane Society is dear to the hearts of many! They provide a much needed service to this country and we would be in a mess without them! They need relocation of the existing facilities for economic and practical reasons. I propose a Government swap of land. The old Farmer’s Market by the cricket field perhaps? Or better yet, leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts!
3. Pass the National ConservationLaw – The Environment should be of importance to everyone. This law has been shelved, collecting dust. This law must be passed to preserve the environment. I am all for progress and development, but it must be done with an environmentally conscience approach! We have one home and we must protect it!
4. Address the OLD LAWS OF THE LAND THAT ARE OUTDATED – Yes, the forbidden topic of Sunday trading will be addressed. I love the Church and support their work, but we should never have laws to force people to go to God. Businesses should have the option to open on a Sunday. We are a small metropolis in the Caribbean and it’s 2013. People work 5, sometimes 6, days per week and may only have Sunday to visit a supermarket. Is this fair to them? This leads to another forbidden topic – the liquor licensing laws! We are a Caribbean island which relies on tourism. Some tourists are here only for a weekend getaway. Should we limit their Saturday Night to midnight? What message are we telling our own people? Should we be encouraging those visitors to drink like crazy simply to beat the clock? I propose we revamp this law to fit the times and address the issues we currently have with it."
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Best of luck Matt,. Any candidate facing the church bullying/influencing into politics/government has my vote. And you love animals too! Aww, you have me hooked, I can't believe it. If you stay the course and push your 10 in 10 plan, you'll win more converts.
I bet if we lowered the MLA salary to $1,000 per month we would attract a lot of candidates…
At $500 a month we'd have the best gowerment the world has ever known.
No, but we'd have the most corrupt … wait, I think we ran a close second to TCI.
Even if it was lowered to $1000 a month I would be running. It is not about the money. I gladly would support pay cuts for elected officials. If elected most of my money would go to the community sponsoring events and projects. Something I would gladly audit and make public.
Of course you’re gonna say that! You’re trying to get elected!!
How do you feel about companies following the Labour Laws, specifically paying employees for overtime and companies refusing to contribute to pension and health plans?
Sorry BoBo, No more UDP!
Paying legislators a lot of money so they can afford to hand out freebies to voters is a sneaky form of corruption.
Not today BoBo! Actually, Not anyday BoBo!
independent my foot. This is all the work of the puppet master to split up the votes and return his majesty to the throne. Pleople please beware of the split vote. We did the split vote in 2009 and see what we got
We arenot electing any UDP or their associates ever again. Sorry. You all ruined our country!
I know Mr Leslie, I can can wholeheartedly endorse the fact that he will be the ultinate independent. He will be running for himself, noone else.
ROFLOL!
He’ll eat ya suppa!
Sorry Matt, unfortunately for you, you’re not an electable candidate. Too much baggage, both personal and political. But I give you credit for going forward and giving it a try.
Btw; Your website address, http://www.Matthew2013.ky, when interpreted as Matthew: Chapter 20: Verse 13, reads:
“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?”
Now if only you’ll work for that amount, you’ll have my vote. As a business man, you should not need the extra ca$h.
For the People!
Not here for the cash my friend. And I appreciate your comments and as you can see I am not scared to publicly reply to anyone. As I mentioned before to another reader, I have intentions to use my salary to support community projects and will gladly audit and make this public every year. Yes I do make enough from my businesses so no worries there. Yes I am a former UDP member. I make no shame in that. However people adapt and change and this is the course I have decided to go. Some may agree and some may not. Feel free to visit my site and leave feedback.
Being a former UDP member is exactly what you should be ashamed of. Well, that, and your inability to write properly.
Do not use your salary for the community, that will always look like vote buying, no matter how publicly done, if you don’t need all or most of your salary just refuse to take it all….Mrs Thatcher never took the whole of her salary, leave the spending of it up to properly regulated public services. Ie it never leaves the pot…. Spend your time making sure the civil servants spend the money wisely and in compliance with Financial Regs etc.
Yes, Matthew, people do adapt and change, and many times they give the appearance of adapting and changing because it is politically convenient.
Can you please tell us where your differences lie with the UDP since you have adapted and changed?
What would you do different?
If you had fundamental differences with the UDP why did you wait until 3 months before the elections, and two months after the UDP ceased being the govt., before resigning from it?
If you are elected as an independent, and the UDP needed one more seat to have a majority and form the govt. would you vote with them to do so?
There is a credibility gap here and the onus is on you to fill it.
I respect the members of UDP and PPM. At the end of the day we are all Caymanians first and the political drama is of no significance. The party is well aware of my concerns prior to me resigning as I voiced them to several of the members.
I would never change my decision to join the UDP. It made me see the good the bad and the ugly of politics and thought me a valuable lesson that I can now use in my life as I moce forward. I had stopped attending the UDP meetings quite a while before resigning and resigned once I decided I wanted to run as I wished to not be affiliated with any party so that I could focus on the people’s problems and not the party’s problems.
To answer your question if the UDP needed one more seat to form the Goverrment I would clearly have to decline as I wish to stay an independent. I am willing to work as a team and believe a coalition must be formed however I must take an issue with giving one party full control, it tips the balance and we have seen how that has gone.
It is time Cayman saw some changes don’t you agree?
You still don't get it, Matthew. You have not answered the first two questions. The voting public needs to know the answers to these questions and not simply the UDP. It is the voting public who will or will not elect you. Unless they are answered we can have no assurance that you are truly independent.
If you would decline to join any coalition how would you get your 10 for 10 plan implemented? Either you are very naive or you are being disingenuous.
Just look at his facebook profile. You want THAT to be running the country? NO SUH.
Better wash…ahh I mean Watch your feet! Mmmm lovely toes.
I knew Matthew relatively well a few years ago and still see him around from time to time.
Although he is a likeable guy, and perhaps means well – I am not certain he is up to the task at hand.
These are serious times for the country and in my opinion, this is not the time to be electing anyone that stands in the shadows of any doubt whatsoever. Unfortunately, I cannot say that Matthew is completely out of the shadows.
Lastly, I am not certain of the details surrounding his departure from the RCIPS, however, the rumours surrounding that story are very grave indeed and carry the potential for me to blatantly refuse my endorsement of any potential candidate … for life.
Perhaps he can provide some clarity on that situation for the rest of us.
Personally, I would never consider him as worthy to be my representative until that matter is explained.
(Normally I don't believe in condemning an individual on the basis of one's past – but certain instances deserve such an approach … in my opinion.)
It was your comment that sparked me to register for this site and respond. So let me address the RCIP tale…
The case involved an English Sergeant who headed the shift I was in having a sexual affair with a female inmate who was sentenced for importing cocaine. Myself and several officers were also accused of having some dealing with this girl as she was in our custody for quite some time. How the case came about was that he (the Sergeant) was allowed to go into the cells of the female area alone. However as Constables if a Sergeant tells you to give you the key for the cells I doubt you would say no yourself. Lo and behold this female prisoner became pregnant.
A few months later 4 officers including myself were suspended pending a police hearing because of this. Well of course Cayman is small and the rumors flew sky high. Sad to say I really had no clue all that happened but I found out I was accused of Misconduct.
Well as the case approached for the Police hearing the English Sergeant somehow managed to get his passport and left the country and did not return to the hearing. The baby was born and DNA results showed that it was his child.
I was found NOT GUILTY of having any part in that fiasco but due to the fact I was the person that gave him the key one of the weekends he went into the cells alone I did not follow protocol and was given a severe reprimand by then Commissioner Thursfield. Even though I had no clue what was happening in the back.
Discouraged from this I decided to not have my contract renewed and left the force. However it did not end there. Because I was found not guilty I was due to collect my back pay owed to me of over ci$10,000 as I was suspended with half pay. The Police refused to give it to me because I had appealed the severe reprimand for not following protocol because my argument was that I was following the direct order of a PoliceSergeant. In meeting with a Senior Ranking officer I was told that if I played ball and withdrew the appeal I would be severenced out accordingly. As a young man in my 20’s and such $10,000 back then was something I did not want to miss out on so I withdrew my appeal and recieved payment in 3 days and carried on with my life.
12 years later all sorts of stories have been said and this is the first time I have ever talked on the issue but I wanted to make that clear. Your choice for voting for me or not I will respect but I hope that has cleared your curiousity on that chapter of my life. It thought me a valuable lesson and that lesson being that even in an organization such as the RCIP there is alot of bad things that happen but it definitely made me a better person and my life has taken the direction that has led me to here!
Hey Matthew,
I am the poster of the original comment.
Thank you for addressing the issue, at the very least I must respect your decision to do so. I will now carry out some personal research, within the legal parameters, as a way to corroborate your version of events.
Rest assured that I took no pleasure in airing your suspected / alleged / slanderous "dirty laundry" in this way. I simply expressed what came to mind at the time of hearing of your plans to run for political office.
As you also noted – Cayman is a small place and rumors can be stubborn and carry the potential to ruin any of us.
I wish you well going forward.
Well, that's a first that I can recall. Good on you Matt. Don't ever be afraid to speak about issues (true or false) regarding yourself.
"Truth is the only safe ground to stand on." – Elizabeth Cady Stanton
And you who know “Matthew”very we’ll why are you afraid to disclose your name? Believe you can better the cause by declaring your name,
I fail to see how delaring my name would "better the cause".
My concerns remain the same, self-identified or otherwise.
They say when the rats start to abandon ship it is also time for humans to leave. I wonder though if people can be fooled into supporting these candidates knowing that they are UDP and PPM at heart and will simply just continue their ways if elected wearing a different suit.
PPM???????????????? None of dem is PPM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One step forward………………………
Two steps back……….just say’n.
All that glitters, is not Gold.
“Opportunist” is the best descriptive for this candidate.
A UDP stalwart who now jumps the sinking UDP ship like a rat to suit his own interests. Yes, he has helped persons of the community, but that doesn’t make him good candidate orrepresentative.
Sorry – you lost your moral compass through your standing by and with blatant misdeeds for a decade. Now you have seen the light? I smell Bushit.
Matthew, I know you are a good guy but I could never vote for anyone who was part of the UDP. We can blame Mac all we want but the UDP MLA's kept him in power until they had no other choice and the UDP members supported all of them.
Is "Declare" like the flu? if so I hope we can find a cure before we have more candidates than voters in Cayman. I am sugestting an exam or runoff before nomination day. Whats that Joke about Fathers day being the most confusing day? Please stop the Carnival.
Good luck young man. It is clear that certain cells are hard at their dirty work! All the positive comments on this release were given thumbs down! I just wish more ordinary "Matthews" would seek office. We certainly do not need anymore washed up wanabe millionaires seeking public office!
Ellio made tons of very similar campaign promises too, like "making Caymanians king of their own castle again". Oh well.
The one single thing foolio excelled at was kissing up to McKeeva to secure that paycheck indefinitely. We hope you're happy now, donkio.
And what are his intentions related to his businesses if he is elected? Strong business connections are a common theme among candidates and i have no confidence that those interests will not continue to be placed ahead of the voters and populace once they are in office.
I would like to independence from not only political parties but also undue influence from business connections!!
I can promise you thst my business connections will not take a priority if elected. This is something that I have prepared for and can answer with confidence. The business of the people is what will matter to me. The good thing about my businesses is that I have excellent staff to carry forward once I am gone. Their is no gains for me in the fields I am in. Yes I will still own them but you will never see any of them tangled with any government issues. Transparency is key here for all businessmen being elected to office.
Cayman elections never have a shortage of candidates in terms of quantity. If the quality of the candidates was only as high as the candidates themselves think.
Go for it bro!! You got my support. People we need new blood and new ideas and regardless what you think of Matthew or Stefan or Winston and the other new candidates they deserve our respect and a fair chance.
Grayson
Congrats and good luck Mr Leslie
Congrats Matt. Another one like Kennith who has worked themselves from one side of the fence to the other. For that you get my respect.
Good luck sir! I give kudos to anyone jumping into this election. Gots to have thick skin.
This is going to be one war zone. PPM’s … C4C’s …. UDP’s…. Indepemdamts … Former MLA’s… Former UDP’s … Power really can make people do crazy things!!
What is your 10 in 10 plan??
Please visit my website http://www.matthew2013.ky and have a read of it. Please feel free to comment on it.
I commented and you removed it. You can't just post positive comments.
Matthew Leslie?? Wait………did I read that correctly? Come on CNS, please don’t be messing with your credibility like this and tell us this is a joke. Reality is that it isnt a joke and that’s the sad part. Goes to show the race is open for anyone. I say Curwell should declare for WB, Rudy for GT, Soler for BT and Dario for the Sister Islands. Add Leslie, Dr. Frank and we are well on our way to a real showdown with the other parties. Certainly there is some requirements that persons have to possess to run or is the $1000 deposit all that’s required???? My day was lousy but after reading this I can truthfully say- only in the Cayman Islands!!!!!!!!!
Don't forget about Kirky!
Better than foolio anyday
But does that not set the bar too low, I mean come on now. After Foolio there is no way but up.
Honestly how far would you have to go to find worst???
You set the bar far too low.
George Town ballot going be on legal paper!
Everybody and their mother running.
Another UDP spoiler.
Claiming to be independent all of a sudden!
Really? Everything sounds great when written. May I suggest you get a grip on your health before you even consider taking on such stress. Run, run, run, jog, jog, jog, walk, walk. Faster, goooooo, move it – here, take a hit of this oxygen and keep moving.
Yes my health has been an issue as I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Something I personally have started to work on. I dont see the running of a country as stress. It is only stress when you make it a stress. I am looking forward to the challenge.
If you think there is no stress involved it means you don't have a clue.
Most importantly, what is Mr. Leslie’s stance on the most pressing issue facing our islands today, alcohol advertising?
Hmmmm let's see – I'm a voter in George Town, a real independent. No affiliation with either party that contested the last election. My choices are as follows: vote for a candidate that is endorsed by C4C an "advocacy group" more accurately described as a party with no credibility. Why no credibility? they blame Cayman's current state of affairs on a system of government i.e. a two party system rather than acknowledging we are where we are as a result of corrupt and inept individuals – many of whom were financed and supported by key players in the C4C party. The UDP have demonstrated by their actions that they do not deserve to be re-elected. Then there are the PPM candidates, some strong, some weak, the last time they held power some good was accomplished such as infrastruture projects yet they wasted money and did nothing about real issues like an oversized civil service and making nimble decisions to allow the private sector to flourish. No doubt there are some capable individuals that have thrown their hats into the ring as independents but my suggestion would be to not align yourselves with any party be it UDP, C4C or PPM. Run on your own merits, disclose where your money to finance your campaign comes from, show by your actions and your platform that you deserve a chance at making decisions at a national level. The PPM deserve a bit of credit in this regard.
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!! Oh, & BTW, hahahahahahaha me belly hurting
Independent? Since when? Who is he trying to fool? He has been YUDP since it started & has defended the UDP to the max & now he wants us to support him because he claims he is independent (until he gets in GOD forbid). No way! He is sounding like the C4C (ex disgruntled UDP supporters who are claiming to be "independent"). This is not even a good joke.
The UDP have played this boring game before; put as many "so called independents" into the race as possible to split up the votes in an attempt to get the UDP re-eleced! It will not work!
April fool! Ohh we still in February…
YA!!!! way he come from??? Who he mama is??????Ooooops Roy McTaggart just popped up, lets see what he has to say.Okay Roy – ohm just saw Jude Scott and Winston Conolly These are guy to choose from.
Its crazy how some people comment on all these ex udp members getting the balls to run for office on their own. Things here will never change.
Matthew,
Your deeds over the years have spoken. I have seen you in the media helping many people and I hope this will give you the chance to do even more good. I always could never figure out why you joined the UDP. The one blemish I always had against you. But I like what you have to say here so lets see where you take it.
Ron B
Good luck Matthew! You have my vote. You bring balance and know how to deal with the normal folks like me.
It seems alot of former UDP members have taken a stand and left the party. I hope he and the others are sincere in their intentions. I am curious about his 10 in 10 plan?
Please see the website and have a read.
Another young Caymanian in the race. I like this!
Would sure love to see some Brac!!!!!!!!!!!
mid to late 30's isn't considered a young caymanian
This race is getting interesting. I already like the field of candidates announced! Good luck Matt!
Do these people really take us for fools? Mr. Leslie never saw fit to challenge anything in the UDP or resign from it until a few months before elections when suddenly he is an independent?! Give me a break!
We need to ask EVERY candidate in all districts, what is your steady income level now and why do you want to run. It has been clear for many years that many people run for election because they are failures in their every day job and can pick up a big salary if they are elected. Failed lawyers, failed civil servants, failed pharmacists, failed consultants and so on.
Umm…he only resigned this week, not a few months.
Huh? Try reading the whole sentence next time. Obviously early Feb is 3 months before the elections.
Is this a joke? He has not ran a successful business and yet and his personal life is in shams. Please will some real candidates please stand up!?
Last I check that beer company was doing pretty dang good and tasted pretty dang good to me!!
Don’t know the guy personally but his life seems pretty good to me everytime I see him. Always at some charity event contributing. Can’t be that bad at business.
As an ex employee of Mr Leslie I can tell you he ran a very successful business that he put his heart into. Even when he was full for staff he hired Caymanians like me so I could have a job to earn a little income. He was one of the few businessmen I know who gave a 24 year old like me a chance. When I left I actually wished since I had a boss like him still. I don’t know bout his personal life but I still got to thank you.
Sam
Hiring more staff when you are fully staffed demonstrates he is a poor businessman and probably the last thing we need in an overspreading government.
Wasn't he asked to leave the RCIPS or did he resign on his own? Just asking?
I left on my own. If you scroll up you will a full statement on the issue.