Tibbetts calls on governor & AG to uphold constitution
Posted on Sat, 05/23/2009 - 09:33 in Election 2009
(CNS): Leader of the People’s Progressive Movement and outgoing Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts has said it is the responsibility of the attorney general and the governor to deal with the apparent disqualification of Mark Scotland and Dwayne Seymour in Bodden Town. He said that before the governor swears in any candidate to the Legislative Assembly it is his responsibility to check they are qualified.
Although Tibbetts did not state that the PPM would not be challenging the result, in a speech to the country on television on Friday evening he indicated that he expected the AG and the governor to deal with the issue and not necessarily the two candidates from his own party -- Osbourne Bodden and Charles Clifford -- who both came in directly behind Seymour. However, a number of local experts in the field have indicated that the question of qualification must come as a legal challenge from either a candidate or from the district’s electorate. If no challenge is forthcoming, the governor may be obligated to swear in both candidates, despite the fact that the Constitution states they are disqualified.
Tibbetts said that before the elections the attorney general had announced that he would not take any action until it was over. “So we await a public statement from him now that the elections have been held. Furthermore, it is the duty of the governor to ensure that all persons he swears in as members of the Legislative Assembly have been duly elected and have not been disqualified under the provisions of the law or the Constitution. So we await his public statement on this subject. I do not wish to make any further comment at this time except to stress that the governor and the attorney general have no higher responsibility than upholding the law and Constitution.”
However, the only comment that the attorney general made before the elections was that the issue was a matter for the courts to decide. The governor had said that he expects all candidates in the forthcoming general election to operate within the terms of the Constitution and the applicable laws of the Cayman Islands, but also said cases of possible non-compliance with the legal requirements would be a matter for the courts.
Tibbetts also raised the issue of the investigations currently being undertaken by the Elections Office and the police over the accusation of irregularities that took place in George Town, where the United Democratic Party was accused of handing out voting instructions in contravention of the Elections Law.
“There have been serious allegations that UDP agents, supporters and some candidates attempted to unduly influence voters at some George Town polling stations on Election Day. These matters have been reported to the Supervisor of Elections and the police. We understand they are being investigated and that in due course a statement will be made regarding the outcome of those investigations,” he said.
Tibbetts said, however, that the voters had spoken and the PPM respected their decision as that is the democratic process. He told the country that he and the party were disappointed but he said the five candidates who have been returned would proudly carry out their duties as representatives and as the parliamentary opposition.
“As the opposition, our duty will be to question and criticize measures taken by government so that the public can better understand what is going on, and the government can be held to account. But we will do our best to perform our duty in a constructive way,” Tibbetts added.
He also said that the PPM had brought a new culture of governance to Cayman offering open, honest and transparent government and making huge strides in key areas like education and infrastructural development. “We have much of which we can be proud,” he said, adding there were lessons to learn and that members of the PPM would continue the mission to offer the Cayman Islands the right kind of government.
Speaking of the Constitution, Tibbetts said he was delighted that it had received the blessing of voters in the country’s first referendum.
“Cayman will now have a new, modern constitutional framework in which to negotiate the growing number of complex issues with which we are faced in these increasingly difficult times,” Tibbetts added. “The constitutional modernization exercise has been a protracted and difficult process, but together we have stayed the course, and I believe future generations will thank us all.”
Thanking all those involved in the constitution process, the referendum and the election itself, he also offered his thanks to the civil service for the work they had done during his government’s time in office. Noting that it was not necessarily customary to thank them, he said it was important to acknowledge all the work that civil servants do. “Nothing can be achieved by a government without the civil servants. LA, Cabinet and the governor are the head of the government, but the civil service is the body. I hope the civil servants are proud of what we have achieved together in the last four years,” he concluded.
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On the subject of US
On the subject of US Visa.
For sake of good order, we already know that a few criminal has found themselves on our shores. (Should I remind you about Ms. Estella Roberts murder), and how I was so afried during the day and night.
Do you know that if you commit a crime in Mo Bay and you go to Kingston for a Police Certificate it would be clean? YES
We have to keep the Cayman Visa thing going and we have to protect all who resides here.
These are some of the things I would like the governement to look into.
I too refuse to sleep in my bathtub to aviod a gun shot(s).
Bodden Towner
Mr. Iron-Wood you seems to
So I wonder Little Mac didn't
So I wonder Little Mac didn't step down after his defeat in 2005...... Ithink that would have done UDP good too.
Mr. Kurt Tibbetts need step
Mr. Kurt Tibbetts need step down after defeat on May 21, 2009!
*************************************************************************
It would be better now for Mr. Tibbetts to step down as leader of the PPM after be defeated. The mantel should be taken up by Mr. Arden McLean. If the PPM wants to show the true way forward for party politics, then they should call on the general assembly to gather all districts and vote.
Cayman not like Jamaica The
Cayman not like Jamaica
The reason I mentioned that we do not want to end up like Jamaica was because:
Back in the 1980s the politicians and some wealthy individuals sucked everything out of Jamaica they could. They stirred the people up against each other for their own (or their parties) advancement and benefits. Corruption was (and probably still is) rampant. In the long run, this has run people into poverty and violence. We do not want this happening to us, so stop your ignorant and blind support of the UPD or PPM to to win a battle! It is the Constitution we are talking about - that should be upheld at all cost, no matter if it backlashes against the UPD or PPM. We don't want it to backlash against us, do we?
In response to what was
In response to what was posted by Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/25/2009 - 21:41.
Finally someone is getting it. That is exactly the point! If the constitution is not going to be upheld now, then it is going to bite all of us in our asses next election around (of even sooner). Don't cry then when they are allowing "foreigners" to run next time around because why should this part of the Constitution be upheld if the other rules seem to be conveniently washed under the table. You all need to think long term. DO NOT SET A PRECENDENCE LIKE THAT. It will come back to haunt all of us.
I agree with Bruce I am sick
I agree with Bruce I am sick of being compared to Jamaica,and I also refuse to have bars around my home making me a prisoner in my own home.We cannot let that sort of lifestyle here!!
This election/referendum
This election/referendum has set some interesting precedents.
1. Many are saying that the eligibility requirements, set out in the Constitution (old & new) do not need to be enforced as the elected are popular enough. This means that in the next election, all those status holders will be eligible to run for public office, as the restrictions on who can run for office apparently don’t really matter. They will have a whole “New Caymanian” voting bloc behind them.
2. The first and therefore precedent setting referendum, dictates that a 46% (no, it is not 62% as reported by many in the media – do the math 7045/15361) approval by the electorate is sufficient and legally binding on the population.
Interesting times and it has been less than a week…
"The first and therefore
"The first and therefore precedent setting referendum, dictates that a 46% (no, it is not 62% as reported by many in the media – do the math 7045/15361) approval by the electorate is sufficient and legally binding on the population".
Two corrections:
1. The media correctly reported that the referendum was passed by 62+% of the voters who voted in the referendum. As far as I am aware no one reported that it was 62% of the entire electorate. CNS specifically reported that it was not a majority of the electorate. However, the referendum was therefore passed in accordance with the Referendum Law which required a majority of those voting. The Referendum Law does not say that the outcome is legally binding. However, it is fair to say that this is a clear expression of the will of the people as 73% of the electorate participated in the Referendum. Note that in California the Constitution may be amended by a Proposition passed by a bare majority of those voters who actually vote. Therefore is no reason why we should be held hostage by voters who do not exercise their civic responsibility to vote.
2. This referendum does not provide any kind of precedent going forward. Under the new Constitution Referendums will need to be passed by 50% of the entire electorate in order to be binding on the govt. and legislature.
Young voters, I hope your
Young voters, I hope your taking notes on how your counrty is being ran. It appears that no one upheld the law's of these Cayman Islands.
These islands will soon be getting a wake up call, because most of you are still sleeping.
EXPAT
Joe we're all so proud of you
Joe we're all so proud of you for always taking the high road!
PETITION: to Sign the
PETITION:
to Sign the Petition See the following link: http://www.gopetition.com/online/28022.html
Petition states:
To His Excellency The Governor:
His Excellency is aware that two successful candidates for election in the District of Bodden Town have acknowledged that they did not fully comply in a timely fashion with the requirements under section 19G of the Constitution. They then later attempted to comply but after the time frame called for. Due to this potential breach the Constitution states that these candidates may not thus qualify to be elected.
Whilst the undersigned have no interest in seeking to disenfranchise the Bodden Town voters, we non the less feel strongly that there is a more important issue at stake in that respect for the law and upholding the provisions of the Constitution is paramount to good order and good governance in these Islands. Without this understanding, any election to establish those who would govern us stands for naught.
Precedence shows us that after the 1972 general elections the situation existed where there was doubt that a candidate elected in Bodden Town was qualified under the constitution. The then Governor refused to swear in the candidate and called on the Attorney General to bring the case to court to determine whether the candidate was constitutionally able to be elected or not. This was the correct thing to do as it ensured that regardless of the popularity of any political candidate that the rule of law and requirements of the Constitution took precedence.
We the undersigned were heartened by statement made by His Excellency The Governor prior to elections confirming that his expectation was that all candidates in the general elections would operate within the terms of the Constitution and applicable laws of the Cayman Islands. His Excellency added that should there be any cases of possible non-compliance with legal requirements then that would be a matter for the courts. It was correct for HE The Governor to make this statement as his post is charged with, amongst other things, ensuring that Good Governance and Rule of Law prevail in these Islands
Hey stop comparing Cayman and
Hey stop comparing Cayman and Jamaica- Jamaicans are flocking to Cayman- Caymanians are now bypassing Jamaica and travelling to Bahamas to get a visa why? Jamaica is described as a killing society and has exported criminals arround the world. Jamaicans know this and are grateful to live in Cayman. They know that Politicans destroyed Jamaica in the 1980's and they have still not recovered. Jamaicans have contributed to the success of the Cayman Islands- all we ask is that they don't try and turn Cayman into Jamaica. I refuse to sleep in my tbathtub to aviod the gun shots.
Your are an idiot as with
Your are an idiot as with many other ost i have read
The only reason why Caymanians bypass Jamaica and go to Bahamas is because of the fact that Caymanian now need visas to enter Jamaica.
It is time you Caymanians get a hold of yourselves and stop disrespecting and discriminating against Jamaicans. As in all countries, there are good and bad people. So we ought not to be subjective in our reasoning, which brings about venomous relationship between Jamaica and Cayman people.
Let us respect each other and the historical ties that we share. Cayman was once a colony and dependent of Jamaica as Jamaica was a Crown Colony aka Administrative Colony in the caribbean that governed both Cayman and Turks and Caicos.
Stop bashing Jamaican. How dare you comment not wanting to be compared to Jamaicans.
Jamaica is one of the most accomodating nations in the caribbean and that has led to their downfall. If Jamaca was protective of itself and harsh to other nationalities, they would have been much better.
Each year Jamiaca is flocked by illegal immigrants from all over such as Haiti, Honduras, Cuba, Etc.
The Jamaicans then treat them like brothers and sisters. The Jamaican labour market is flooded by people from all over the caribbean and they sit quietly.
The Jamaican supermarkets are flooded with goods from other caribbean countries and they buy them. On the other hand they do not take Jamaican products.
Until the Jamaican leaders start to send a harsh message to all other nationalities, Jamiacans will continue to be treated this way.
Jus as Jamaicans are in prisons all over the world, people from all over the world fill Jamaican prisons. and rightly so Jamaica is much larger than Cayman and the Jamaican population worldwide exceed 2 million (excluding Jamaica) so yes, it will appear as if we are the worst.
Please take stock of yourselves, Caymanians and dont look for someone to blame for your internal problems.
Cayman by far cannot be compared to Jamaica. Jamaica built Cayman. I rest my case.
Kurt Tibbetts statement of
Kurt Tibbetts statement of "..it is the responsibility of the attorney general and the governor to deal with the apparent disqualification..." is classic pass the buck Kurt Tibbetts style decision making.
No wonder the PPM was unsuccessful at forming the government.
As a party of integrity who claims to insist on transparency and the rule of law the PPM Party should challenge the election of Bodden Town candidates Dwayne Seymour and Mark Scotland.
If these two seats were the difference in making a majority for the PPM govt. then i bet the PPM would challenge the outcome.
Does this mean that the PPM only upholds the law when it is expedient for them to do so??
Cayman Gladiator
I couldn't disagree with you
I couldn't disagree with you more.
If you do not see what he is attempting to do then you are as blind as a bat.
This is a case for the courts to decide then why not the party bringing action be that of the legal department. If his team brings the motion then it becomes a political issue when in fact it has abso-positively nothing to do with PPM or UDP or Independent.
Ladies and Gentlemen who are fighting this motion this is about everything that we stand for here in the Cayman Islands whether you believe in the new constitution or not. It is about our foundation of law and order. Do we want to become like other locations around the caribbean and the world who go by laws when it works for them? This is the precipice on which we stand right now in these islands. Our foundations of law is at stake.
I am happy to see Mark and Dwayne get in if they did not do this. More than happy but because they did what they did this is a necessary evil so as to speak. It's necessary to show our due respect for our system of governance.
Again let me state this. It's not that PPM doesn't want to challenge it's that they think it is "truly" the job of the AG and the Governor and much less again I say this they don't want it to be politicized and that is mostly because of what comes next.
And by the way both parties are playing cards here. You don't think UDP by making sure their candidates don't just throw their cards in are not playing the crowd. They want PPM to file the grieviance so they can say "they, PPM are taking away your votes now you tell them how much you dislike this by.......". What comes at the end depeneds on the outcome by the courts.
This is just all cat and mouse routines and you have to just sit back and watch the political pinball and see which way it goes but as for whether it should be challeneged I would say their is no other choice but to challenege as it is our laws at stake.
And on my final note I would say this. I hear Mr. Bush speaking about transparency and good government but when I hear about election wrong doings and ineligible candidates I sit and ask myself where is the transparency gone? Where is the good government when before you even sit you are up to "stuff".
Hey folks, Whoever is going
Hey folks,
Whoever is going to mount the challenge, please do so in a timely manner because Wednesday is practically upon us already................. PPM has let me down again, so BT voters, BT candidates, the Governor or AG someone please let's get it done.
Sorry I am not a BT voter.
Please allow me an
Well said Joey. You are a
Well said Joey. You are a bright educated young Caymanian and I expected no less from you. Your time will come my friend let no one discourage you. You have what it takes to be an excellent politician and leader.
Your Friend
The majority of the below
The majority of the below postings are the best examples to prove why party politricks is running the Islands further into the ground! Apparently many of you don't seem to be concerned with what is right or wrong, just who is affiliated with which party and who is going to win! Whewhew! Let's go outside, party flags swinging, runting and raving, carrying on really ignorant and loud! That's how the country can advance and we can secure a future for our childen..............or perhaps we just end up like Jamaica if we continue down this path? Ever thought of it?
You have answered your own
You have answered your own question...
The law is the law... if we don't uphold it we will without a doubt end up like Jamaica.
Looking forward to finding out the date of the by-election.
A Independent Caymanian
What does the writer mean "we
What does the writer mean "we will end up like Jamaica"? What has Jamaica ended up like - the land of wood of water, out of many one people and on and on and on.
If it is the crime then we are already there. We will not end up with millions unemployed as we do not have millions to be unemployed. We already have a bunch of uneducated youngsters and some serious young criminals.
What we do not have that Jamaica has is a much large tourist product and with all the problems that they have and that you and others insinuate that they have their tourism product is as good as ours if not better and they get far far far more tourists per year than we do,
Stop trying to blame others for our problems and come up with some sensible solution to our own problems.
I'm sure the good people of
I'm sure the good people of Bodden Town will appreciate the chance to vote again, now that they have woken up, realizing they are being governed by West Bay. It just goes to show what can happen when you try to oust an encumbent and end up splitting the vote in favour of the opposition.
A by-election which is required by law of these Islands will definitely have a totally different outcome. If you don't beleive me...wait and see!
"I'm sure the good people of
"I'm sure the good people of Bodden Town will appreciate the chance to vote again, now that they have woken up, realizing they are being governed by West Bay. It just goes to show what can happen when you try to oust an encumbent and end up splitting the vote in favour of the opposition.
A by-election which is required by law of these Islands will definitely have a totally different outcome. If you don't beleive me...wait and see!"
Well said! UDP may have the majority but BT deservse the chance to pick the candidates they wish the LEGAL way! Maybe MS and DS will get back in but we won't know until the bi-election. Keeping in mind that all those who voted for AE will now have to opportunity to place those votes to the other two PPM candidates. Also, if the two are disqualified from running again that leads to a whole new development. OB, CC and TP will all have a good change of winning those two seats!
I am sorry, I do not agree
I am sorry, I do not agree with you.
The people have obviously voted for a change, further delay in government is becoming a huge pain and this may result in an even worse observation of the PPM. Remember, this issue has been known by the public and and has not changed the people's vote. I believe the only difference will be made if MS and DS become disqualified and even then, will leave a bad taste for the majority of BT voters in regards to the PPM.
Even after the ship sank on
Even after the ship sank on election night Alden Mclaughlin is quoted in the Cayman Compass today (May 25th) as having said "To lose the government in light of the tremendous strides that we have made is difficult to cope with and rationalise," (emphasis added).
Can someone please tell Alden that the circus signs claiming that the PPM made "progress" has been firmly rejected and he should accept that the people don't eat roads, the 1000's he left unemployed couldn't eat his words (or they would be full), and the country is still on the grey list he was hell bent they would be removed from.
So, git Alden! shew - no more PPM!
PPM at it again Hello - the
PPM at it again
Hello - the UDP Cabinet has representation from every district, except East End and North Side.
Even with North Side, Mr. Ezzard Miller has been afforded certain responsibilities.
If Scotland and Seymour are
If Scotland and Seymour are not contested how is that going to show a good example towards the youth of the Cayman Islands? If they are not going to be contested we're going to start to hear "Well, if those two can brush off the Constitution why should I have to follow it, they're human just like me and should be law abiding citizens."
As if we don't already have enough youth in this country who are serverely either lacking respect for themselves or other people. How can we expect to lead the youth of these islands if we act no better than bickering toddlers!!!!!! Pull up your pants, stand straight and let them know that wrong doers will be punished no matter they're status in life!
To all those party supporters who wish to think I am affliated with one party or the other...I am not a registered voter, I could not figure out who was the lesser of the two evils. Yes, I am a born Caymanian, not a "paper" Caymanian. How this election was run has been the most disgusting propaganda I have ever seen.
Yes and we were born
Yes and we were born yesterday. I don't know who you're trying to fool but you should start telling the truth and admit you are a PPM, or are you too ashamed to be known to be one?
I think we all know where a
I think we all know where a lot of the hatred has derived from (party politics) and I assume this is just the beginning of what will continue to transpire betwix people / voters bcoz of party politics. In my humble opinion we need a REALLY GOOD GOVERNMENT so good, that they won't be contested during the general elections, is this possible?? If this was possible non of the people / voters would be left with hate, hurt, division, anger, resentment, etc. In my conclusion, party politics has surely divided this nation, some politicians are also guilty of causing conflict, I have listened to some speeches from them that made me wanna loudspeaker them back, but a still tongue keeps a wise head. Peace Out !!
Jahleb
Question: Is this the VERY
Question: Is this the VERY SAME Mark Scotland who brought out an 8 year old police report on Sandra Catron?
Seems to me that if he's so concerned about people doing the right thing then he needs to step up to the plate and do the right thing. He wants us to condemn Sandra for an accusation that was made against her but does not believe that people should challenge the legality of his eligibility to stand for office?
Sandra was never charged with anything or taken to court; yet Mark had Ellio waving this police report all over the TV.
Double Standards eh? Sounds just like the UDP to me.
I hope the people of Cayman can live with the choices they have made for lawlessness for the 4 years. I for one have options to leave Cayman and may exercise those when things get bad.
I know for a fact many of my fellow Caymanians do not. So dog will eat your supper!!
LOL! Anon our healthy debate
LOL! Anon our healthy debate has denigrated to uselessness. Your tunnel vision is laughable. I re-read some of your postings and your bias is glaring. You would start off really good and then bam you would drop in some personal attack or snide remark, which as per your deluded mind set claim it to be "factual".. I will not "argue" with someone who has tunnel vision because it serves no purpose.
I was able to categorically state that I voted independents which is FACTUAL but I will credit you that at least you didnt have the face to say you did the same........................
I reiterate my point in closing: The constitution provides certain remedies for a challenge, ONE of which is the AG just as the AG can bring forth a challenge so too can the BT electors, BT candidates and Ossie and Chuckie. PPM's press briefing was shallow and political rhetoric and lacked the genuine concern for the interests of the people of these islands. The UDP candidates were wrong and quite slack and should be challenged because we have to uphold the Constitution. The Courts will need to decide this matter and the people of BT should once again get their final say. I am sure the Courts will take into very strong consideration the will of the majority of the people because that can by no means be taken lightly or disregarded.
All said without any snide remarks or personal attacks on anyone.
Firstly let me state, I am a
Firstly let me state, I am a proud PPM BT member and nothing would change that. I understand that the people have spoken, they wanted a change ok. I accept that this is the new government that we have now, and I am prepared to work with them for the benefit of my BT district and the wider Cayman Islands.
We needs to abide by the Constitution.
Possibility, the AG or the Governor should make that call within the next 48 hours whether Mark of Dwyane will be sworn in, this will be interesting . The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and if we are not going to abide by this then what is next, will it be something else in another couple of months that is not with in the laws of the Constitution and we let it go. Please, we do not want our Beloved Isle Cayman to become like some of these other places. Why do you think we have so many nationalities here, because they like what they see.
So we as Caymanians need to ensure that we continue to build and uphold what we KNOW is right and that is the Constitution. We need to unite, and become ONE LOVE, let us stop being like crabs in a basket.
This has nothing to do PPM OR UDP, this has to do with us Caymanians, when the foreigners have gone, we will remain, this is our LAND, THE BEAUTIFUL CAYMAN ISLANDS.
WEST BAY/ GEORGE TOWN/BODDEN TOWN/NORTHSIDE/EAST END/CAYMAN BRAC AND LITTLE CAYMAN - Let's come together as one, let there be peace among us and let it begin with me.
Ladies & Gentlemen I suggest
Ladies & Gentlemen I suggest you say what you have to say now! Because mark my word when "BIG MAC" takes over! They are going to silence CNS!!!!!! And we will no longer be able to speak freely about how we feel about this joke of a new government!
Got a silly question. If
Got a silly question. If there is a bi election, will Mark and Duane still be eligible as candidates, and if they are, and get elected again, will they be subject to another "trial by fire"?
By-Election?! My Fellow
By-Election?!
My Fellow Caymanians,
Can you not see that the "by-election" has already taken place?!
Pay close attention:
Had these issues / allegations against Mark Scotland and Dwayne Seymour come to light after the election I would be all for a by-election or similar action.
However, Bodden Towners went to the polls with FULL KNOWLEDGE of the issues and the possibility that these two individuals may face a challenge in the event of a successful campaign.
In essence - that WAS the "by-election" that was held on May 20th!
If we were to reschedule the Bodden Town vote and carry out this very tedious and EXPENSIVE process once again there would be NO DIFFERENCE in the circumstancial frame of mind of the BT electorate! What would be the point of it all? Furthermore, the dynamics of the designated government would remain the same!
Folks, outside of "election time" our country is facing some very serious challenges - I am hereby referring to the financial industry. What we are up against is NO JOKE this time around. The entities that we are facing are much bigger and yield far greater power than Obama or Brown! We need to apply a common-sense approach to this matter and ensure that we do not further damage ourselves by prolonging this matter - only to end up right back where we started - with MS and DS being voted in by the BT electorate.
Instead of focusing on this futile matter we should be coming together and organising the new inevitable goverment and working together to defend ourselves and to protect our collective future.
Lastly, please do away with the PPM vs. UDP rhetoric - can we not see that this is only causing division and in-fighting between us - so much so that we are forgetting what is of ultimate importance to the Cayman Islands today.
All the best,
whodatis
(* Interesting how every person is now a Constitutional lawyer and calling for righteousness - had MS and DS not won the seats no one would have even batted an eyelid! Even though that too would have been an "unfair / biased / unconstitutional" election.)
You kinow this morning I was
You kinow this morning I was reading my Bible as do every morning and I could not beleive the passage for this morning, It was about the Crucification where Pilate said he could not find anything wrong with Jesus therefore he washed his hands in front of the crowd saying that he was innocent of Jesus's Blood. But wsith all this the Chief Priests and Elders still persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas. Since we are such God Fearing Citizens we should now what happened next.
I said all this to say all this to say this in reading through many, many of the comments the majority of the people are calling for investigation into Joey Ebanks and the repayment of his salary advances from Boatswain Beach inspite of the fact that The Boatswain Beach Board has said that he has done nothing wrong, the Auditor General has said that he has done nothing wrong. Yet you are all crying out for money to be spent on an invesatigation into this matter.
On the other hand you feel that no money should be spent on a Bodden Town Re-election when Mark and Dwayne has broken the constitution. Come on people lets do whats right regardless of the cost just think about the future of our Islands.
God Bless All.
Election office has no
Election office has no application,checklist or due diligenc as to candidates regestering to run ? they take there money give them a receit . we could have a non caymanian or a communist running ? Its there fault .
PPM wants to hide behind the governor again ?DECLARED GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ?? What about the ones they use second party persons to optain on there behalf "LOCAL INTERNAL FRONTING" . Mark and John John won do not chalenge the will of the people you will start poliical violence and that this country does not need. the elections were well organised and well run with nil incidends or violence Great country congrats to those that were involved . lets move on
Just like Kurt, can't make a
Just like Kurt, can't make a tough decision to save his life...and he wonders what happened at the polls.
Why is Kurt still leader of
Why is Kurt still leader of the PPM?
Sorry Anon, I am a GT voter
Sorry Anon,
I am a GT voter and I voted straight independents. I have no use for the party system but your comments were muddying up the pool and clearly biased. So I called you on it. You personally attacked the AG and questioned his integrity because he was granted status.........The fact that you do not see anything wrong with that is what led me to believe you were PPM affiliated. I also noticed you didnt stick with the facts of our discussion you just threw your hands up said I was UDP and left it at that.
That's what's wrong with party politics followers and no leaders no independent thought ,no intelligent discussion just us against them. We are too small of an island for this mess. But from the clear outcome of the votes it is obvious that party politics is here to stay unfortunately.
A challenge should be made, enough talk about it already. Wednesday is right around the corner so before they are sworn in and start off with this black cloud over their heads (esp Mark as a Minister) we need to get this process going to right the wrong that happend. It was most disappointing to me that PPM ducked out of this as per usual. If they cared about doing what was right vs getting their party in a challenged would have been made. But they realize their party would have no chance of getting in regardless because the numbers are against them so they start with the political posturing and passing the buck. Call a spade a spade please.
It is just as easy for me to say that Mark and Dwayne are wrong and should be challenged. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth that someone who is taking up a ministerial position cannot follow simple rules on their SECOND attempt at running for politics. That is most pathetic!!! However, the people have spoken and it will be most interesting to see if they get to speak again and what the end result would be a second time around!
Let's promote independent thought and lively DEBATE and not political rhetoric please!
Politicks, my comments are on
Politicks, my comments are on the mark. As I said before it is completely appropriate to point out conflicts of interest. You see that as a personal attack, I don't. The status grants issue goes beyond PPM vs. UDP. What is wrong, is wrong regardless. I don't know what facts that you think I didn't stick with, and I certainly didn't muddy any matters but clarified them. I doubt very much that you voted independent otherwise you would be on the same page. So enough of your political rhetoric.
Why isn't PPM just
Why isn't PPM just challenging the BT candidates themselves? Cowards.
My god, you all can't get it
My god, you all can't get it straight. It has nothing to do with UPD or PPM, it has to do with the fact that rules and regulations set out by the constitution has not been followed. It doesn't matter if they haven't been followed a little bit or a lot, they haven't bee followed! What example is this going to set? What message are we sending to our own people and the rest of the world? He, look at us, we have a constitution but we only apply it when it suits! And then you all get insulted when you are called a banana republic! How about next election we don't have any guidelines and rules. Everyone just run however they want to run. Why bother? If you can't enforce the constituion now, what makes you think you can enforce it the next time around?
You all need to get passed this PPM vs UDP thing. This is not what this is about!
PPM is always trying to get
PPM is always trying to get someone else to do their dirty work. The People of Bodden Town have chosen their candidates, and rather than accept that, the PPM is now all bent out of shape trying to get the AG or Governor to make a challenge that the PPM knows should be made by them.
If the PPM was so interested in upholding the Constitution they would not pass the buck to someone else - they would challenge the two elected candidates in Bodden Town. But no, the PPM wants the benefit of a challenge without taking the risk of the challenge.
What really needs to be challenged is the PPM leadership -that is what let us down and now has every PPM member being the laughing stock of the block.
Upholding the Constitution is
Upholding the Constitution is now "dirty work"?!
You obviously cannot get the benefit of the challenge without taking the risk of the challenge. Any application by either one would involve taking a risk of being defeated at the polls again.
I say we hold another
I say we hold another referendum to decide...:)
All the UDP backers on this board tend to repeat the same thing about PPM being sore losers and their minister should have stepped down blab blah, which is clearly the repeated blabber they are being circulated in the UDP party. They so passionately repeat defensive comments they are being told it's equivalent to a 4 year old trying to convince me there's a Santa Claus. It just frabrications of the truth. Whats not a fabrication, the UDP candidates missed a deadline in accordance with the constitution, and still insist they are within their rights even though proven to be in the wrong (in black and white). And to think they will be swearing in to honor the same constituion they are stepping over now for power. The AG said he would deal with in after the election if in fact the candidates in question were voted in. The people of BT who voted for them chose these candidates because nothing was done to prove they would not be able to take office. The BT people were fed up and dying for change one way or another so who could blame those who did give their vote to them. I've spoken with a few voters that were leaning to Mr. Scotland in the beginning and asked if they did infact vote for that way. Some replied no they decided to vote otherwise but others said that did and had split their vote, one for UDP (Mark), one for PPM and an independant. I then ask "well why would you vote for UDP if there is the chance they are disqualified", one replied "Well...I know I thought if I should...but I dont know, I just did" and just shrugged, another was similar. I left it there as that was their right. I wonder though, how many people thought the same thing? I'm not PPM affiliated so dont get it twisted. I'm for smart choices, not hear say, what your paster tells you, of cause they are running with so and so. To think this island has to go through this cause they never stated it clear when it was first brought up, I feel it's an injustice of the BT people to be placed in such a conterversial turn of events. What I found funny is how there were never any laywers that weighed in on this to give a real legal view. Just the new Speaker of the House. Funny how the 2 contraversal areas of the election revolve around not reading and understanding the constitution(current and draft).
We fall to much sometimes for "they say". Don't stand for what your being told, read and research, someone tells you something ask for sources. Try to have some understanding before you sign your name or mark an X, sometimes the results are permanent, and cant be changed after the deadline.
On another note, thank CNS for allowing us state the different and some not so different views. It's like therapy:)
"The UDP wants to have it
"The UDP wants to have it both ways. First, nobody can say Scotland & Seymour (S&S) are disqualified before the elections, that is for the court to say after the elections. Then, after the elections when faced with challenge, you can't challenge you are sore losers, the people have spoken, doesn't matter what the court says etc etc."
AMEN!
It's absolutely disgraceful to listen to all the propaganda, lies, and misrepresentation that have oozed from the UDP camp time and time again. As was done on the "Keeping Them Honest" segment on CNN during the past US election, it would be immensely beneficial if the local media, especially CNS, would provide a similar service during the next election. Moreover, it would be particularly worthwhile if this is done from hence forth; however, knowing the vindictive and dogmatic nature that the UDP administration has been known for, I would venture to say that this would not be readily accepted.
Also, what I find truly amazing is that the majority of UDP supporters that I have observed calling in to the radio talk shows etc all appear to brandish Jamaican accents. This leads me to question, if it were any other nationalities that reside here (e.g. Filipinos, Canadians, etc) being so actively involved and vocal about Cayman politics, would we too be okay with that? Just a thought. The fact remains that everyone has a right to express their opinion(s) but, at the same time, I would venture to say that am quite certain that these very persons would not be so vocal in their country about their own politics and politicians. I say this because the general understanding is that some of these individuals who have so much to say here, don't even bother to vote in their own country! For the most part, this is largely owing to the undisciplined, tension-filled political climate there.
As a young Caymanian, what I am hoping for is for the minds of local voters not be tainted by the radical fanatics who believe that politics should be marred with belligerence and negativity. And that applies to both parties. It's often said that the downfall of the leader of the PPM is that he is "weak". This view is mostly associated with his collaborative leadership approach. However, isn't it ironic that we often seek to mold our children into decent, principled, individuals; but, yet, to know that this very quality can ultimately be misconstrued as "not having a spine"? Barack Obama was lauded by many for demonstrating statesmanship during his campaign...and remains highly respected for this quality to this day. Therefore, it perplexes me how we can uphold such nonsense that lying, trickery, mischievousness, and maliciousness, equates to being a good leader. Interesting, isn't it?
If we begin a new government
If we begin a new government with members already breaking the Law of the Land then what is that saying about our newly elected Government.
If the UDP is committed to this country and committed to the voters who gave them their supports such as myself, then I would want this Government to make a clean start with all the issues of unresolved consitutional mishaps or mistakes cleared up.
Therefore, the UDP should permit this process to take it's course this way we the constituents out here can feel comfortable that the Government we voted to power is on a the cusp of a 'clean start' and not one that is left questionable.
Regardless of who initiates this contest, the best man will surely come out the winner.
This is not the time for the UDP to start covering up something that is clearly wrong. Let the Courts decide.
Anon lets not play coy please
Anon lets not play coy please This statement REEKS of a political affiliation:
"I have little doubt that the Attorney General (who owes his Cabinet irrevocable status grant to the previous UDP Govt. and who will be the chief legal advisor to the new UDP Govt.) will not do so at his own initiative"
To be clear it would be most appropriate for Chuckie or Ossie to challenge the election of Mark and Dwayne, hence my lets get on with it comment. I am ready to move past this issue and get to the real business of this island.
I was most surprised that the people of BT overwhelmingly voted in both candidates when they were aware of the potential issues surrounding these gentlemen which indicates to me they were sending a resounding message i.e. NO TO PPM!!!
My thing is if PPM is so outraged and concerned about upholding the constitution instead of that pathetic press briefing Kurt should have been putting forward the challenge on behalf of Ossie and Chuckie instead of the useless oh let the AG or Gov do it. It is well within their right to challenge the election!!!! LET'S GET ON WITH IT!!!!
You guys are posturing and playing politics, the Constitution should be upheld and it is clear that Dwayne and Mark would be disqualified so I repeat LET'S GET ON WITH IT!!!!
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