Search Results for 'no confidence'
Week passes with no sign of missing wanted man
(CNS): Despite continuing their searches at sea and along the shoreline in West Bay in the area where Anthony Smith went missing last Tuesday evening, no additional evidence to his possible whereabouts has been revealed, police said this week. Although the RCIPS has not yet stated that they believe he has been lost at sea, no friends or family have reported hearing anything from the missing man since Tuesday, 1 October. Smith (33) dived into the ocean to evade police, who then lost sight of him, on the night of 1 October at around 9:50pm.
Because he is wanted as the subject of a Fail to Appear warrant in relation to multiple offences before the court as well as police drug related matters, officers had approached him as he sat in a stationary car close to Alfresco Restaurant.
They asked him to step out of the car but as he did so Smith ran from the officers and dived into the rough seas. The strong tide started pulling him towards the West Bay dock, so officers immediately called for assistance and the air operations unit was deployed.
A cell phone and shoes were recovered from the shoreline but the search was suspended due to the severe weather conditions. It was resumed around 7:30am Wednesday and has continued since but there is no sign of Smith.
It is still not clear if Smith managed to get out of the water and evade the officers and has chosen to remain in hiding to avoid detention or if the man has been lost at sea. Smith is described as 5ft. 10 inches, large built, light complexion, wavy hair, usually in plaits. If anyone has seen Smith since 9:50pm 1 October, they should contact their nearest police station. Alternatively people can call 526-0670 or 949-7777 or 800 TIPS in confidence if they know Smith is alive.
Governor commends voters on election involvement
(CNS): The governor has applauded the Cayman people for their participation in the democratic process during the General Election last month. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony last week, he offered his thanks to everyone involved in the election and described it as disciplined and dignified. He took a lot of comfort, he said, from the findings of the observer mission that had been invited to Cayman for the first time to monitor an election, which found that the national ballot met international standards. Duncan Taylor said he was looking forward to working with the new government for the last few months that he remains in the Cayman Islands before he moves to Mexico.
With 18 members and only 18,300 voters, this has led to a strong sense of engagement in the election process as all voters and MLAs have strong ties and much closer relationships with each other than is common in larger jurisdictions, Taylor said, as he congratulated everyone for what was, by and large, a well conducted dignified campaign.
Taylor said that an election is an exciting and dynamic moment as he congratulated the new government.
“I know that I can say with confidence that my successor, when they come out here, can look forward to a three or four year appointment here in the Cayman Islands and working constructively and cooperatively with the members of the Legislative Assembly and the government in the spirit of partnership set out in the white paper published by the UK government last year,” he said.
Having had a tumultuous relationship with the former premier, all eyes of the gathered audience were on the moment when Taylor and McKeeva Bush came face to face at the swearing in ceremony. However, following a brief handshake and Bush’s decision to use his own pen rather than the one offered by the governor, there was little evidence of the major friction between the two men as Bush was sworn in as leader of the opposition.
Political non-party releases political non-manifesto
(CNS): The Coalition for Cayman candidates, who still insist they are not a political party, have released a national plan, which they insist is not a manifesto. However, the ‘non- manifesto' lists the collective agreed policy positions of the seven candidates on six key areas, from education to political reform. The candidates say that manifestos are long documents containing ‘big, lofty promises’ but their plan outlines their top priorities for the country, based on discussions and feedback from the people, that they say they will tackle f they are elected and able to form a government. The C4C said that if they are elected, they will not implement any new initiatives without consultation.
"Successive governments have left behind many problems that we will address because we are committed to improving the lives of our people,” the C4C candidates state in their national plan. “Successfully implementing these national priorities that affect all of us will enable the country to focus on the many other issues that need to be improved to ensure that our children and future generations have the opportunities that they deserve.”
The seven candidates running in George Town and West Bay say they will establish the Cayman Islands as a centre of educational excellence; promote job opportunities and liveable wages; implement a comprehensive crime reduction policy; provide responsible and prudent financial management; ensure planned and managed growth and development in harmony with our environment, society and economy; and lead with integrity, honesty, accountability, and competence.
Even if all seven of their candidates are returned after Wednesday’s election, the group will still need to sell these policies to the other three MLAs with whom they will join forces to help them form a government.
Ironically, in the group’s sixth national priority regarding political reform, and despite many of the coalition candidates and previous members of the advocacy group being heavily involved in the one man, one vote campaign last summer, there is no mention of introducing the new voting method. Although most of the candidates on the C4C platform advocated for the more equitable and democratic system that would be far more likely to favour independent candidates if implemented, there is no commitment in the C4C national plan for OMOV.
However, the group does focus on integrity and, echoing the PPM campaign, they highlight the need to restore confidence, trust and respect to re-establish good governance. The first step, they say, is for Cayman to elect responsible, accountable leaders who are committed to putting the interests of the country first.
“Political partisanship has divided Cayman, limited ideas, and taken away the voice of our people. Smart, honest, independent minded leaders working together can form a robust government that will draw strength from diverse ideas,” the national plan states.
Another important point raised in the plan is the need for the wider public to understand exactly what constitutes conflict of interest and corruption in public life, which is a valid point given the tolerance across the community for a lack of integrity in their politicians.
When it comes to the environment, the group is promising to pass a National Conservation Law but it appears that they, like most of the parties and groups running in this election, will be going back to the drawing board rather than bringing the existing law, which has been through a dozen consultation periods, to the Legislative Assembly. The C4C states it will: “Pass a National Conservation Law that is holistic in its approach, balanced in its perspective, and informed by public, private and civil society interests”, but makes no mention of the pressing need to amend the marine parks legislation and protect Cayman’s precious marine environment.
When it comes to finances, the team is promising a plan to make Cayman debt free by 2030. While they talk about expenditure, not revenue, being Cayman’s stumbling block to that goal, they do not say what they will cut. Instead they point to inefficiencies as the source of the local government’s financial recovery and the need to “eliminate unnecessary spending in the budget” and “a revised and comprehensive procurement process". The C4C also say they will “assess all government-owned companies and services to determine whether privatisation is appropriate” and “review the Public Management and Finance Law PMFL to reduce bureaucracy”.
The crime plan includes developing a crime reduction strategy, but while the candidates have embraced the current education minister’s recently published education strategy, they do not state how the crime reduction strategy developed during this administration will fit into their crime plan.
Finally, in the plan for the economy and creating jobs, the group has set out a long list of what they call 'Strategies For Success' that range from reforming the work permit system to apprenticeships for young Caymanians.
See the C4C’s National Plan below.
Vote in the CNS Poll: How-will-you-be-voting?
Mac: ‘No time for learners’
(CNS): The former premier of the Cayman Islands said that the electorate needed to return an experienced government to office at the forthcoming polls, as he took aim at the independents on Thursday night at the UDP national campaign launch. “This is no time for learners,” McKeeva Bush told an audience of almost one thousand people, as he accused the candidates running on their own of being “lone wolves” who were “chanting empty slogans”. Bush said that if people split their vote among the independents they would simply return a PPM government, as he told them to vote for the six UDP candidates in her capital, just the two in Bodden Town, as well as his team in West Bay.
Given the challenges facing Cayman at present, he said, he knew what needed to be done and that the country needed the best government, which would not happen under a collection of independents. Criticising the empty rhetoric of the independents, he said the UDP had solid policies and that it would stand up to the UK and protect the country.
“We will fix the problems that stand in the way of progress,” Bush said, promising a government that “brings value for money”.
Bush has more than 28 years of experience in government; his George Town team leader Mike Adam almost served one full term as a minister; Ellio Solomon was on the back-benches for one term and Capt Eugene Ebanks has also sat on that same back bench for the last twelve years. However, the rest of his team are novices to the political arena.
The UDP split in December, following Bush’s arrest for theft and other offences and the subsequent charges, led to the more experienced members of his UDP team leaving the party. However, with a lawyer, several businessmen and four former civil servants on his new team, Bush is hoping to carry the eleven candidates with him for what would be his eighth term in office.
In a restrained political speech for Bush on the hustings, he spoke little about his current legal troubles except to point out that he sometimes felt battered. He could have hung up his political boots, he said, but he was not that old yet and was determined to work for the people of Cayman, which could be a better place to live.
Although Bush is due to appear in Grand Court to answer the 11 charges against him on 28 June, the adjournment on Friday has cleared the way for the UDP leader to focus on the campaign and his bid for a second term as premier.
The campaign launch was also meant to introduce the party manifesto, which was delayed until this weekend. However, Bush said that the document (now available on the UDP website and posted below) contained solid strategies and not empty promises.
Claiming to have stabilized the economy and public finances over the last administration, the document states that the UDP will continue to build on that stability over the next four years. With a promise of fifteen things the UDP will work for and a commitment to reduce unemployment by 25% in the first 100 days in office, the party is hoping that recent events will not prevent voters from returning a UDP government.
With a significant number of independents, former UDP members who are now running as the People’s National Alliance, the Coalition for Cayman and the PPM, the opposition vote to the UDP will be split three ways, giving Bush’s team a genuine chance of being returned to government, despite their leader’s criminal charges. There is nothing in the constitution that would prevent Bush from taking the helm of government once again, even after being ousted in a no confidence vote last December.
See UDP manifesto below.
Annual oratorical contest winner announced
The winner of the fifth Annual Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Optimist Club of George Town last Saturday, 23rd March, was David Forbes, a 15-year-old, Year 10 student from Clifton Hunter High School student. David will now represent the Cayman Islands at the District Level Contest in Jamaica. The local contest at the Harquail Theatre, provided a great opportunity for contestants from schools throughout the Cayman Islands to speak publicly for 4 to 5 minutes on this year’s topic "Why my voice is important". Contestants included students from: Cayman Islands Further Education Centre; John Gray High School; Clifton Hunter HighSchool; Prospect Primary School; George Town Primary School and Layman E Scott High School (Cayman Brac High School).
Contest Chairperson, Ms. Elaine Harris, said “the participants were courageous and outstanding in their orations. It is essential for us to empower our youth with the right skill set and opportunities, for we are not only encouraging success but we are also investing in the future leaders of these islands.”
Only 1 ½ points separated David from second place finisher Abijith Anu of Layman E. Scott High School, and even closer was the ½ point that put Abijith ahead of Jada Ramoon, also from Clifton Hunter High School.
The 1st place winner was awarded US$500. The 2nd place winner received US$350.00 and 3rd place received US$150.00. Each contestant was presented with a certificate of participation, Oratorical Pin and an Optimist T-Shirt. The top three contestants received monetary prizes and medallions.
Club President, Mark Ray, stated, “Once again we had a very high level of competition this year. We are excited to have David represent us at the District level contest on the 13th of April in Jamaica, especially after our excellent showing in Jamaica in 2012 by Abijith, who won our Club competition last year.”
In Jamaica, David will have the opportunity to interact with and compete against other Oratorical winners from the region including countries such as Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. The winner at the District level Contest will receive a US$2,500 scholarship.
Ms. Harris noted that Cayman’s Oratorical Contest would not have been possible without the efforts of the students, parents, teachers, the Oratorical judges, volunteers, sponsors and supporters, who included: Cayman Airways; NBS-Cayman; The Cayman National Cultural Foundation; Mr. Adrian Estwick, Department of Agriculture; Kirk Rowe and the KRI Dance Studio; Foster’s FoodFair and the Caymanian Compass.
The Optimist Oratorical programme was first conducted in 1928 and is aimed towards building confidence and public speaking skills. The contest provides a platform for youngsters to share their opinions publicly and an opportunity to speak to the world.
More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundation is awarded annually from this programme. Nearly 2,000 clubs worldwide participate in the Oratorical Contest each year.
No drunk driving urged ahead of minister’s hearing
(CNS): Government Information Services released a tip sheet on the dangers of drinking and driving on Monday as part of a March safety campaign to raise awareness about not using alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The tips come just one week ahead of when Education Minister and Deputy Premier Rolston Anglin is expected to return to court to hear what punishment will be meted out to him following his arrest and conviction for drunk-driving last year. Anglin originally denied being intoxicated behind the wheel when he was involved in an accident on the West Bay Road in May and arrested for DUI at the scene.
Anglin was with a mystery female passenger when his car veered off the road in the early hours of the morning and ended up in the bushes by the Avalon Condos on 23 May. When the trial opened in traffic court last November before magistrate Kirsty Ann Gunn, the crown claimed that the minister gave three different accounts of how the car smash which led to his arrest for DUI occurred. The court also heard how police officers who responded to theaccident report managed to ‘lose’ the mystery female witness who was a passenger in the car.
According to the prosecutor, Anglin recorded 0.136 in a roadside breathalyzer just before his arrest at around 3:45am.
Crown counsel Matthew Coles told the court, in a detailed opening statement relating to the case, that Anglin had given his first account sometime around 2:30 in the morning to the then Chief Inspector Angelique Howell, saying he had been involved in an accident after falling asleep at the wheel. The second account was to the sergeant who arrived at the smash, when he said he had swerved to avoid an on-coming vehicle. Then in his final account in his formal statement to police, Anglin said he had attempted to turn his car around as he had forgotten to buy dog food.
On his return to court following the adjournment of the trial after the firstday, Anglin changed his plea to guilty and is now expected to be sentenced on Tuesday 19 March.
Since then the minister has assumed the post of deputy premier after he and four of his former UDP colleagues sided with the opposition in a no confidence in government motion, which resulted in the ousting of McKeeva Bush from the office of premier following his arrest on suspicion of theft and corruption related offences in December. As a result, Anglin now has a car and driver with his new job, at least until 22 May when Cayman goes to the polls to elect a new government.
Driving drunk is a criminal offence and goes on an individual’s permanent criminal record. It carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison, a $1,000 fine, and a loss of license for 12 months for a first offence.
According to the tip-sheet released by government officials Monday, alcohol slows reactions, creates a feeling of over-confidence, impairs judgment of speed and distance, and reduces the field of vision. Officials urged people to assign designated driver, walking to the restaurant or bar, calling a cab, or asking the bar or restaurant staff for help. They also encouraged people who see friends that have been drinking to follow the steps to keep them safe and keep the roads accident free.
Related article on CNS:
TCI premier asks UK for a new governor
(CNS): The new premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands has written to the UK’s foreign secretary asking him to withdraw the local governor, attorney general and chief financial officer from the territory. Rufus Ewing, the leader of the PNP, currently holds office by default after losing one of his party's seats following a successful challenge to the November election result. He has alleged that “atrocities and wrongful acts” are being committed by the UK’s officials in the country. Ewing said Ric Todd, Huw Shepheard and Hugh McGarel Groves are obstacles to prosperity. “They never have, and even more so now, enjoyed the trust, confidence and support of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” he writes in his letter to William Hague.
In the letter sent on 10 February, Ewing has asked for the men to be “replaced by unbiased individuals, better suited to adapt to and to work synergistically with a democratically-elected government, the business community and the local community."
The TCI authorities have already claimed the full confidence and backing of the FCO in London and have denied Ewing’s claims that the alleged wrongdoings of the former PNP Administration and associates are a farce. The UK Administration took direct control of the islands in 2009 following a commission of enquiry which exposed serious corruption and mismanagement of public money. Since that time the UK has been investigating the findings of the commission.
Twelve people have already been arrested on charges relating to corruption, including five of the ministers from the former premier’s Cabinet. $19.5 million and 2,500 acres of crown land has been recovered..
Michael Misick, the former premier, is still in Brazil, where he fled after the investigation began to target him directly. He was arrested and detained in prison on an international warrant but has since been released on bail as the TCI authorities are going through an extradition process. Misick has said he will not fight that and intends to return to TCI to face questions, claiming there is no substance to the charges.
Ewing, who is clinging on to power ahead of a by-election next month that will either put him back in office or on the opposition benches, criticized the constitution, which was reformed by the UK, and the imposition of VAT in the territory against the wishes of the entire community. He also complains that the UK officials in Turks are reluctant to give up their position of dictators in the islands, despite the re-instatement of the democratically elected parliament.
“The Governor and other remaining officials from the former administration, the Attorney General and the Chief Financial Officer, have demonstrated a reluctance to facilitate the transition of governance back to the people of this country,” Ewing wrote and asked Hague to recall the men and send new UK representatives.
Juliana anointed premier
(CNS): The governor has revoked McKeeva Bush’s appointment as premier and handed the leadership job to Juliana O’Connor-Connolly to take the now beleaguered minority UDP government through the next few months before Cayman voters can themselves elect a new government. This exchange of power is likely to see Cline Glidden and Dwayne Seymour become Cabinet ministers as a result of the party split following yesterday’s no confidence motion. In the very public division of the party, Bush not only carried his West Bay colleague Capt Eugene Ebanks and GT back-bencher Ellio Solomon across the floor, but he also took community affairs minister Mike Adam, who has now lost his Cabinet job.
Cayman Islands Governor Duncan Taylor said that, following the passage of the lack of confidence motion, he had consulted with the premier as required by the constitution and Bush had suggested to the governor that he dissolve the Legislative Assembly. However, Taylor took a different approach.
“After careful consideration and using my discretion as the Constitution entitles me to do, I have decided not to dissolve the Assembly but to revoke the appointment of the Premier. Formal notification of my decision has now been given to him. As a consequence, all Ministers have vacated their office, as required under Section 52(2) of the Constitution,” he explained.
“Following representations made to me by a majority of UDP MLAs advising that they support the appointment of Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP, MLA as Premier of the Cayman Islands, I have this morning appointed her in this capacity. I await her advice on the appointment of Ministers. I am satisfied that the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly can form a stable, functioning government,” the governor added.
However, because Mike Adam crossed the floor with Bush, in order to form a new Cabinet Cayman’s first female leader must now appoint all of the remaining caucus members in the LA as ministers as she attempts to lead a minority group, with the help of the independent members and the opposition, until the elections in May.
There is still a considerable amount of legislation which the UDP had promised to pass before the Legislative Assembly is prorogued, including the introduction of a human tissue donation law for Dr Devi Shetty’s proposed hospital, the controversial Legal Practitioner’s Bill, changes to the seven year term limit in the immigration law, as well as government’s pre-budget plans in the Strategic Policy Statement.
The new government will now struggle to get much of this work done without the good will of the opposition benches. While the PPM and independent members have all agreed to prop up the minority UDP administration to give government a quorum for legislative sessions, they have said they will treat each piece of legislation on merit as it comes to parliament..
In one of the biggest surprises of yesterday’s no confidence vote, Adam who had reportedly been one of the original members of caucus strongly pushing for Bush’s voluntarily resignation, made an about turn and stymied his own political career in his support for the premier.
Check back to CNS for full details on the cabinet reshuffle.
CIG will function normally, says governor
(CNS): The Cayman Islands governor, Duncan Taylor, has said that he is committed to ensuring the normal function of government, regardless of the arrest of the premier this morning. Taylor said the whole of the the Cayman Islands Government would ensure its effective functioning and the continued efficient delivery of services to the public. The governor further stated that he had confidence in the police commissioner to carry out a robust and fair enquiry. The statement was released in the wake of the arrest of McKeeva Bush Tuesday in connection with the misuse of a government credit card and the importation of dynamite.
The governor said, “The conduct of criminal investigations in the Cayman Islands is a matter for the police commissioner. If evidence is brought to his attention which leads him to suspect that an offence or offences may have been committed, I expect him to carry out a robust, fair and comprehensive investigation, regardless of the individual concerned. I am confident that the police commissioner will ensure that this applies to the ongoing investigations involving the premier.”
Purple Dragon professor honours black belts
(PD): Three dedicated youngsters were honoured last week by Professor Don Jacob, the founder of Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu System, when he presented them with their black belts at a special ceremony held at Cayman’s Purple Dragon Dojo at the Mirco Centre. At the ceremony, Sensei Karen Baptiste and Sensei Cindy Allison were also promoted to their fourth-degree black belts. Both women also earned renchi sensei belts, marking a peak of personal achievement for them. To gain this prestigious accolade all five black belt recipients had taken part in a grueling three day grading event in August at the Purple Dragon World Headquarters in Trinidad, along-side 30 other black belt candidates from around the world.
The ceremonial presentation of their black belts last week marked the culmination of years of dedication to improve their skills and enhance their fitness, both mentally and physically.
Sensei Floyd runs Cayman’s Purple Dragon Dojo (training hall) and explained that the youngsters were able to realise this incredible achievement at such a young age through strength of character as much as body strength. “11 year old Dante Baptiste of St Ignatius, 10 year old Luke Byles from Cayman Prep, and Joshua Kerr of Grace Academy also aged 10, demonstrated tremendous dedication and determination and we are all extremely proud of them.” he said.
“Years of commitment to training culminated in the demanding three day event in Trinidad where they were required to undertake vigorous testing, performing different drills, katas, sparring, endurance and exercise routines. The testing, which was the same for the all the candidates, regardless of age, was as much a test of their mental will, discipline and self-confidence as it was their physical abilities and they clearly demonstrated that they were able to take on the challenges that lay ahead of them. These skills will serve them well in the future, both in the dojo and in every other aspect of their lives.”
Describing the last of the challenging three days, during which time they ate and slept together at the dojo, Luke Byles explained that “Sunday was the most exciting day to me. We woke at 4am and went on the 5 mile run. While on the run we had to stay with the team and sing chants until Professor said “go” and then we had to run as fast as we could to the end. Then we had breakfast, and then the sparring (fighting) which was very exciting. Then it was time for the results.”
Dante Baptiste added, “when they called us to get our results, my friends Luke and Josh and I were called up and we got our first degree “jet black” belts. The Cayman Purple Dragon team had survived the three days of black belt grading”.
Sensei Karen and Sensei Cindy were put through the same high level of testing for the 4th time to achieve their Fourth degree black belts. Awardee Sensei Karen Baptiste explained that all the black belt awards were the result of a combined effort by everyone at the Purple Dragon Dojo.
She said, “Attaining the level of black belt is the culmination of an extreme amount of effort by many people. Our instructors are dedicated to our development and are instrumental in our success,” she said. “We are extremely grateful to Sensei Atonio, who put us all through an incredible 3 month training programme leading up to the black belt grading, and to all our instructors and fellow students at Purple Dragon. Thanks also to Sensei Floyd and Sensei Geddes for their continuous support, to our friends and family and especially to Professor Don Jacob, for his leadership and continued inspiration. He and his wife also showed us all great hospitality when we were in Trinidad, for which we are very grateful”
Asked for their thoughts on their achievements, 11 year old Dante commented “I felt so happy and relieved that I made it, and that I persevered and never gave up”, while 10 year old Joshua said, “I feel I have gained a greater sense of responsibility and that that this is only the beginning of my training”. 10 year old Luke added that there were candidates grading from around the world, but that “while we were grading it’s like you are all from the same place”.
Sensei Floyd applauded everyone who managed to achieve such a high accolade and confirmed that they are truly representative of the Purple Dragon theme for the grading: “We Are Purple Dragon: No Artificiality, Only Originality”.
He said, “At Purple Dragon we challenge our members to show tremendous dedication and spirit and to stand out positively to help better their lives. I believe that these five individuals have demonstrated these virtues. Well done to everyone for the hard work that they undertook to develop their mental and physical stamina to such great lengths.”
For more information about the Purple Dragon Martial Arts programmes, call 946-1241, email: purple@candw.ky , visit www.purple-dragon.com or www.facebook/purpledragoncayman.