Independent covets Education Ministry
(CNS): Lyndon Martin has spent the last four years since losing the election in 2005 studying the social and economic issues facing the Cayman Islands, and a particular eye-opener was the 15 days he spent in Northward Prison. “That’s where Caymanians are in the majority,” he said. “Some of the brightestyoung minds are locked away and locked into a cyclical system, and we cannot afford to write them off.” At a party at his parents’ house in The Bight on Saturday night to celebrate winning his court appeal, Martin told CNS that he is not only looking to regain a seat in the district but has his eye on a ministry position. (Left: Martin and Quincy Brown perform a skit at the event)
Martin, who was arrested in connection to the Special Investigation by Metropolitan police officers and remanded in custody in April 2008, said of the inmates, "We have failed to address the issues that got them there in the first place, and noted that there is still no halfway house for released inmates to support their reintegration into society. "We have a rehabilitation programme that is extremely impressive on paper but lacks the will and commitment to truly transform the lives of the inmates,” he said.
He said we have to address the family structure in the community and the breakdown of extended family tradition in the Cayman Islands, which created social and economic issues and made the nucleus family more important
“Within the community I live in – Cayman Brac – and in the greater Cayman Islands alcohol and drugs are resulting in serious crime. Gangs are very formalized and gang structure is very entrenched,” he said, claiming that he has been able to build a rapport with people in gang areas and understands their desire to recreate the family structure that is otherwise missing in their lives.
It’s very possible that neither party will have adequate numbers after the election to form a government without the inclusion of independents, Martin noted. He said that if he found himself in this position of leverage he would align himself with whichever party would give him a ministry position and, given his political and life experiences, the one he wants is a possible Ministry of Youth, Education and Rehabilitation Services.
“Many people have asked if I still support the UDP,” said Martin, a founding member of the party now in opposition, but claims he supports any party that serves the interest of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Nonetheless, he went on to say that the UDP had proven that they had “a better grasp of the issues in Cayman Brac and greater concern for the people of the Brac.”
Both incumbents, Julianna O’Connor-Connolly and Moses Kirkconnell, are very strong but have proven their inability to work together, he said noting this is not a new observation but something he has been pointing out since 2006 and has been repeated over and over to him by constituents.
The records of the Legislative Assembly show that from Day One there has been disunity between them, that throughout the 4-year term no joint motions have been sponsored in the LA by the two representatives, and that there have been no joint public meetings to update the constituents on initiatives on Cayman Brac.
Admitting that the relationship between him and O’Connor-Connolly had been “less than perfect” when they both represented the district between November 2000 and May 2005, he noted that during their term they had had eight public meetings together and he had supported her nomination for a ministerial position, so the relationship had been “productive”. He said, “It would be better this time because we have both developed politically and have accepted we have different views but respect each other’s position.”
Martin also claims he could work well with Kirkconnell, and their skills would complement each other, with the PPM incumbent “a successful businessman and comes from a well-established family” and Martin, who “comes from a humble background with a greater focus on social aspects of the community rather than strictly dollars and cents.”
Martin said he fully supports the party system. “However, the party system in the Cayman Islands is going through growing pains and lacks political maturity.” Having represented the district for one year as an independent and three as a party member, he said he has the benefit of comparison.
As for the draft Constitution, Martin said he would be unable to support it since it failed to require a Cabinet seat for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, and because it “bastardizes the voting system”.
Turning to the Sister Islands economy, he said there was a need to rework the current concessions on import duty. Rather than give it up front , which in many cases is not passed on to end users, he suggests a rebate system whereby after a purchase of the concession items residents can go straight to the Treasury Department with their receipt and get an instant rebate.
He also wants to see a duty concession applied to basic food supplies similar to the reduction in St Kitts and Nevis. In order to make up the shortfall in revenue for government, he would join other independent candidates in a call for a national lottery.
In addition, he wants to address pensions and remove the requirement for pension contributions for work permit holders, which would ease the burden on small businesses and reduce the cost of living.
Category: Headline News
This criminal idiot is making a mockery of Caymanian politics – by all means suppport him but don’t complain if you go say the same way as T & C.
Good friend – Hardly.
Reading my post versus yours is two completely different levels. Yours looked as though you had a 10 year old write it. I’m glad that you are now able to use spell checker and perhaps grammar checker as well.
The real topic is exactly what I stated last, and that is, I am not targeting any candidate, per say, but rather am looking for one with proven leadership skills.
I asked if Lyndon wasn’t involved with the Status grants as well. Maybe you received yours at that time… I don’t know. I didn’t say he did, I only asked the question.
My defensiveness is a state of mind that you have placed upon yourself. By me asking questions I am only looking for truths. I have recently found though, that it is obvious who is not involved in that category!!!
yes, he was involved with the status grants.
If these people are all big jokes… why are you wasting time on them??? just an observation.
There is nothing wrong with me as a YOUNG Caymanian stating the things that discourage us (my generation).
With these kind of behavious, comming from our leaders, are these really the people we are being asked to turn to??? Depend on??? VOTE IN??? THAT IS A JOKE
It is my humble opinion, and I WILL state it as I feel like. For those of you who don’t like it:
I COULD NOT CARE LESS
HAPPY VOTING!
Blah blah blah lives again. This thread is DEAD!!!!
The posts have gotten plain silly, Then again it seems fitting….
"My good friend" Since when? Paloma?
If I could get through all of the typos you have then I might be able to make sense of your babblings.
King David was said to be a man after God’s own heart… I don’t see it written in the Bible that Lyndon is… so that is what I was referring to.
What in the world does a family name have to do with anything?
My good friend, the teacher,
I am happy to see that your absence of typos has brought you some sense of greater understanding and perfection. This pefection of which you allude to can be attested to when you wrote" … seem situation" . Is this a misuse of the word, "seem" for "same"?
Let me set the record in order in stating that I was never suggesting that Lyndon is or was by any means King David or that he was mentioned in the Bible. Where did you see that? Statements like this tends to lead one to see your defensiveness and aggravation on such matters. Obviously you have a chosen candidate and have discredited Lyndon because of his typo filled life record.
Let me refer back,. Your typo, along with my many typos, was the moral of the story…no one is perfect, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t be used and for the greater good of all! Yes, this includes Lyndon, but it also includes Moses, Julie, Maxine, and any and everyone else. I’m sure they make"typos" too.
Your elementary student,
Still Learning.
I am certainly intelligent enough to understand your comment… I was simply coming down to your level so you would understand the response.
If you aren’t voting… and are simply complaining about people arguing… then call someone who cares.
You are indeed right that you can vote in the Brac… however, why would anyone vote somewhere that wouldn’t effect them? If you live in Grand Cayman … vote there! You obviously aren’t affected on a daily basis like the rest of us who live here full time.
But then again… since you are not voting… why write on this forum about it??? Why not call the politicians and say…. "Hey, stop bickering."
You use a phone… by pressing those numbers on it!!!!
You are in NO position to instruct me where to post my VIEWS or FEELINGS.
This is a free country and no matter which Island I reside on, I can state how or what I feel. Ya see mi?
Have you ever thought that the IDEAL thing for you to do was READ and MOVE ON?
Again I state that YOU misunderstood my comment, and are trying to make a BIG deal out of NOTHING!
So please DO….MOVE ON!
If you are a young Cayman Bracker in Cayman then you can’t vote over here… so comment on some other thread. Also…. I see you have the same syndrome that just about all the others get…. you spend a little time in Cayman and think that you are so great!!! Spare us please, I am not sure we are worthy. (Hey… could you smell the sarcasm… I spread it on as thick as possible)!!!!!!
This proves just how much YOU kno…
It is my political RIGHT to come HOME and VOTE….so if it was MY CHOICE to do so I COULD!
MEMBA THAT!
It is NOTHING to do with THINKING I AM SO GREAT! Born and raised, nothing changes my love for MY ISLAND, I just think that all the bickering and fighting is uncalled for especially from people who CLAIM to be SO concerned about THEIR ISLAND!
Sorry that you were not INTELLIGENT enough to UNDERSTAND my comment, but rather igronant enough to BLOW IT OUT OF PRESPECTIVE!
Have a wonderful Day!
Your last paragraph proves that you haven’t been to all meetings and further that you don’t read this very website. Look around and make sure you have your facts straight before you lump everyone in a certain category.
We are all aware that people are to be forgiven. That is not what the problem is. We have moved on from that a long time ago.
King David, Lyndon is not!
Another point… evil and criminal are two completely different things. If you don’t know the difference you should look into a dictionary once in a while.
Almost everyone on the island has the characteristics you have stated you would vote for but I must ask you… will those things put bread on your table? Wouldn’t you prefer all of those good characteristics plus someone who has a vision that can be delivered upon? Wouldn’t you prefer someone who has a heart for the people and a plan to take our island into economic growth?
Let us all be wise in our voting and realise that a good heart and sense of responsibility are needed but that a proven leader is the key ingredient!!!
My good friend,
Your maybe the King David thing was a bit to "common"for you, you know with the whole forgioveness thing that we moved on from, but it’s a little deeper than that.
Shallow minded, pesimistic individuals vote for the likeable or friend. I really don’t care who your are too much, I care about the better person for the job.
As I see it, and obviously you see it differently, names etc doesn’t mean too much to me. In referencing King David, he was not necessarily a great man before God set him up, was he? He was notfrom a great family name etc, but he was chosen. Does this say that having a good name means that one cannot be great or should not be given a chance? Not at all, what I am saying is this alone should not be the requirements for the MLA job. Plain and simple.
As for evil and criminal…why focus on the simple things, simple person? Can you have criminal without evil? Who cares? It’s a statement.
As for the leadership thing, and do NOT take this out of context!!! Was Adolf Hitler not a great leader with vision? What I want to know without the boasting and Bulldroppings is what is your candidate’s vision?
The difference between you and I is that I am not defending any candidate, in fact I have not even chosen a candidate to support yet.
I am a young Cayman Bracker, living in Grand Cayman. I have been eligible to vote for the last five years, and I have NO interest in doing so, for this very reason.
ALL OF YOU ARE A BIG JOKE!
Who’s already in there….and whoever will get in…..ALL equal CORRUPTION (no matter how good your intentions may FIRST be)
My one vote can’t make a difference, neither can any ONE man….HELP ME!
Lyndon, Julie & Mose are ALL Cayman Brackers, and I have respect for them all, but HOW can there be ANY hope, with such LOW and CHILDISH behaviours??? This sounds more like a WAR GAME, than a RIGHT DECISION for our country!
When I went to school X meant WRONG! Think about it!
"P P M" and "U D P"???
MY CHOICE: "G O D"
Yes… "boy" but none of those people are running for the LA. That’s the difference.
Come on, give the man a break.
He’s a good person who try to help people and a amazing father.
Everyone makes mistakes… Leave the man alone.
Is it hard to understand that Caymanians deserve representatives that are not convicted criminals?
Listen, I think all our candidates have something positive to add and something to bring to the table. Some are more apt at debating, persuading and down right just getting things done.
On a serious non-partial note; they all also have negatives that will rub many off us the wrong way. Some people are just too partial becuase of a candidates likeability to really take note of how one should perform as a true representative of the people. Not because one is liked means that that same one will do a better job or be more productive than anyother. What happens is that we allow our emotions to control us and are willing to support and forgive the likeable person much faster than the person we öppose".
Bear with me briefly, while I mention one of the greatest Kings in the history of earth in terms of greatness, King David, the even know influencial and much love and respected King of Israel. Even the scriptures refer to him as a man after God’s own heart.
In these same scriptures however the story is told, as I can remember it from Sunday school, that he aw a beautiful woman naked one day while he was on the roof of a building, focused on her nakedness, ended up messing with her-pregnancy ensues and the husband of Bathsheba (correct me if I’m wrong), is sent for tried to be played of for him to lay with her for the first attempt recorded as a "joe"and when failed, sent to the front lines to be killed.
While God punished him for that, Israel grew and his greatness was not considered too much less becuase he was a well likedable king and thus tolerated. Corrected and punished but tolerated.
What I am saying is that yes Lyndon has done evil, but who hasn’t? Julie? Moses? Maxine?
I haven’t even decided on whom to vote for as yet, becuase there has not been too much talk from any of the candidates on what is to what they will bring to the people, but rather on what hasn’t been done and what has been done. I don’t see much to talk about either side.
One thing for sure, my vote will go to those who have a good heart, mind and sense of responsibility. One who knows the trials and tribulations of the sister islands and who feels the pain and thus will have the islands and it’s betterment at heart as a must not just as another job.
Everyone wasn’t hiding silly… they’re homes were destroyed… that’s why they were in the caves.
You’re saying then that we didn’t need him over the last 4 years… in that case… I agree with you!!!
Is Quincy strangelling Lyndon?
Yeah, call the police! lol …………it was a skit you dodo, if you were so interested you should have been there — probably better that you were"nt.or perhaps you were; just want to be troublesome, I almost forgot that we have your kind in exixtence.r u crimminal? May the 20 soon come and go ya na……..relax.
At a time when Cayman most needs its politics to be clean, this man does not have the humility to stop running even though he is a criminal. It is a disgrace.
At a time when Cayman most needs its politics to be clean, this man does not have the humility to stop running even though he is a criminal. It is a disgrace.
Cayman Brac is Lyndon’s home and he is always welcomed here. He came back home when we needed him most and when everyone else was in hiding. Who else did you see helping the people, not Miss Julie, Not Moses K nor Maxie
Was Ms Julie not out and about with supplies and even hamburgers? Mr Moses gave away 1000s of meals. Many other Cayman Brackers returned home to help why are you forgetting them?
I’m sure that the common talk for people in Russia is how to talk about the economy of the Cayman Islands is.
In fact, I heard that in Japan they are laughing about it over tea!!!
Just having fun people. I know we need people with a business mind to run the country!!!!
What is this Country coming to? The government are turning down needy families but can continue to entertain people lik Martin and other characters…. Come on Cayman wake and smell the dust because thats what were going to have on our shores instead of Sand and people where going to have nothing.
People I plead with you come the 20th of MAY, pray that GOD leads you to choose the right leaders for your country….
The Cayman Islands have become the laughing stalk of the world….the ecconomic recession is not going to harm us as much as we are HARMING our selves by selling our birth rights in the diffrent industries…. We need to be more proactive in our choices and we can acheive this by being in the "KNOW", don’t trust hear say anymore because the MARL road has black top now….so you never know what your getting….
We should have control or some say in the stakes that affect our everyday lives, but how reralistic is that when you look at the back drop of democracy and how it is applied to our jurisdiction?
As it is true that only God can judge me, it is the same for ONLY HIM can redeem us fromthis mess, that we have created…..
Think strong think long becasue after May 20th you don’t want to sing the wrong SONG.
At least Lyndon looking out for the 2 islands and not just Watering Place. I wish i could vote in the brac cuz i would vote for Lyndon and Moses. Which politician went into Spot Bay after Paloma and help the people? Quincy you are so right, and u know what, make them talk all they want if Lyndon buy you beer/rum when he ready. Caymanians/Brackers only look at all the bad things in life. I wonder why all the churches on the brac got destroyed and all the bars stood up during Paloma! Too much sin.
GO PIM PIM, you ain’t no worse than any other politician. Keep your head high. Like what the old people say " the more they talk, the bigger my ass gets"
boy , now that is a reply for all you out there who just want to put down Lyndon Martin, come on people, everyone makes mistakes in their lives, you have to remember that we will all be judged when the time comes so do not forget about yourselves
Yeah you’re right other people do make mistakes. I voted for him in twice but never again!
Think of all of the good that could have been done with the money that was spent on operation Tempura. The operation was caused by Martin’s lies.
Caption suggestion for Picture
"Quincy lays to rest Mr. Martins political career!"
It’s not really a matter of forgiving and forgetting. It’s more a matter of wrong is wrong. Do we send a message to the world that it’s ok to forge signatures and be convicted and still be an elected official? In any other country he would have to find different employment. Mr. Martin should recognize that he can do other jobs and not run for office. Many, many people have just as valuable a contribution without ever setting foot in the LA. Your vote does count on May 20th and everyone in the Cayman Islands is counting on you to use it wisely. Use it for someone who can truly make things happen. It is not about a family name or others who have done wrong… it is about a group of elected officials who can bring the change we can touch to our islands. So vote wise!
People really do forget ! ………. what about all the good Mr.martin has done ? oh! no one remembers that now of course, he messed up terribly, but who has’nt – give me a break you think that all that are in thereare saints? not at all because the good book tells me ,that none is good no not one. Forgive, Forget and move on for what’s best for this Country. I pray that my one Vote could put Mr.Martin in he would go with flying colors, for the simple reason ; to show certain people that power belongs to God and God only…. and to minimize how powerful some families believe thay are, and can’t be removed (TIME) , then again none of them helped me – only my creator does that and I’m thankful. I thought it was a lovely evening ! and people had an evening of clean wholesome fun. Thks to the parents for allowing this to take place in such a lovely yard setting. Thanks to Quincy for doing a good job as master of ceremony.Thanks for all those who attended to show your support, trust you will do no less come May 20, 09.
God Bless all!
and all the best to Mr. Martin in the up coming elections.
I think the picture accompanying this story needs a caption. What on earth is that?
I’ll remember to invite CNS. My party will probably not be as big though. I don’t have a conviction to celebrate.
Oh GOSH!!!! I need good humor like this in the afternoons. After working all night it is great to have some laughs in the afternoon.
Lyndon a minister… of youth? Well he has experience… he can show them how to go jail in the proper fashion.
Boy i know alot of you negative posters are frightened but get used to it hes gonna be our next MLA!! GO PIM PIM
A winning combination!
I believe that Frank McField, Charles Clifford and Lyndon Martin should start a political party.
Some DoDo bird left a comment below that indcates that they think "Ministry" refers to some Godly relationship that Lindon has.. LOL LOL LOL ….. well if yuh beleive dat, then call me; I have a piece of HIgh & Dry land I want to sell you in South Sound !!!
Is it good PR to celebrate that you got your sentence reduced? Still guilty of a crime. Caymanians need to stop supporting a politician just because they are friendly, family or church mates.
Martin for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
I was the MC for Mr. Martin’s Party/Thanksgiving Celebration on Saturday Night. Trust me, it was not a political meeting. It was a night of great musical entertainment, skits and drama!! Kirkconnell and Martin, my choice for MLA’s!!!!!
Our Laws need to be changed….people like Lyndon Martin, Frank McField and McKeeva Bush should not even be allowed to run in an election….embarassing!
Same old story, two MLAs need to work together. Would be nice but even when he and the First Elected were fellow UDP members they did not work together, One person in the last 4 years has accomplished more than was done in the 8 years prior.
It is unfortunate that Lyndon has become contaminated with so much allegations of corruption over the past years. Regardless of the truth to these allegations, what he has said in his interview has much merit. However, his most recent past may unfortunately cost him a seat in the LA. But as he said, the Brac needs TWO representatives who can come together as one and work hard for the benefit of the Cayman Brac people. The truth is there is not much choice. When the polls close on May 20th, the TWO elected candidates, whoever they are, need to put all thier differences aside and work together in making the Brac a better place to live for all. I hope that it will be TWO true leaders who will balance taking care of the needs of Cayman Brackers while fostering harmonious relationships between Brackers and Expatriates. Afterall, we are considered one in the sight of the Lord and it is critical that our leaders promote that.
My goodness the people of the Cayman Islands can do better than a candidate who’s major eye opening experience recently has been being locked up at Northward.
This is where the electorate has a responsiblity to the country in a democracy to vote in a good honest person to represent the people.
If it was only a party why was a reporter there? Ms Julie’s meeting the same night had almost 100 people but there is no report on it in CNS.
Nicky: I attended a UDP meeting last weekend and wrote two articles on the basis of that. I can only be in one place at any one time and cannot cover every single event that will take place between now and election time. I’m sure the first Elected Member will have more meetings.
Why was the media there? That tells me it was political. If I have a party would CNS come? I doubt it unless it was political.
CNS: Yes, if you have a party CNS expects to be invited.
Ministry!
There is nothing wrong with Lyndon Martin turning to the Ministry.
You go Lyndon – serving God is the right move.
I thought his party on Saturday wasn’t going to be political? Another lie.
His less than perfect relationship was because he couldn’t work with Mrs. Julie.
Lyndon would like to think he is in the seem league as other politicians. He needs to realise that he had his opportunity and lost it.
One other thing, since when does he "live" in Cayman Brac? Since Paloma when he saw a chance to try to gain favor. Didn’t all of his crimes happen in Grand Cayman… where he lived!!!!
Nice party but leave it like that.
CNS: To clarify, this was an interview at the party, not an address to the crowd.
Common Ground
We need politicians that can find a common ground. Take Frank McField, Charles Clifford and Lyndon Martin for example. The three of these have a lot in common.
"We need politicians that can find a common ground. Take Frank McField, Charles Clifford and Lyndon Martin for example. The three of these have a lot in common".
Frank McField and Lyndon Martin were convicted of crminal offences. I am not aware of Clifford being convicted of any. They should not be put in the same category.
Martin a Minister? Is today April 21 or April 1?