UDP will support Bush
Posted on Mon, 04/30/2012 - 08:06 in Politics
(CNS): At least two Cabinet ministers have stated publicly that they will be supporting the premier despite the three police investigations surrounding him. Health Minister Mark Scotland has said that all of the UDP members of the Legislative Assembly will be voting against the opposition’s no confidence motion and will not be asking the premier to step aside. Scotland has said he wants to see a speedy closure to the investigations but he did not believe the premier needed to step down as there was no constitutional requirement for him to do so. He said the issue was made worse because of press coverage and the distortion of the facts. Police confirmed last week that McKeeva Bush is the subject of three RCIPS enquiries, two into financial irregularities and the third concerns an unlicensed shipment of dynamite.
“The continued carrying of this in press and by the opposition” was where the damage was occurring, Scotland said on Rooster’s morning show, Cayman Crosstalk, on Friday.
He suggested that coverage was causing people to distort the facts and they were calling in the talk show suggesting the premier had been charged when this was incorrect. “The best thing in this instance is a speedy closure.”
Scotland stated that if there was any damage being done to Cayman’s reputation it was because of the continued press coverage and the behaviour of the opposition – not, it seemed, the fact that the premier was the subject of three police probes.
“I believe the greatest damage is being done now by the continual coverage in the press in the negative way it is being done ... and by the opposition who are perpetuating the coverage in the press,” he said. Scotland believed that the real damage would only be if there was any outcome from the investigations but the damage now was because it was making the headlines every day. “With the stories being embellished,” he said, accusing the media of speculation and rumour.
Scotland asked why it was that the investigation in Arden McLean and the accusations made by the premier about his CUC bills not being paid was resolved quickly, although he acknowledged the point that McLean had cooperated fully with the Anti-corruption Commission by going to the police and releasing all the relevant documentation.
He said that the investigations had to be solved quickly as he feared that they would carry on up to the next election, but denied that the situation was impacting on government and the day to day functions of Cabinet.
Although Rolston Anglin said on Tuesday that Governor Duncan Taylor had not discussed issues with the Cabinet members, Scotland revealed that on Thursday Taylor had informed the members that the investigations were going on but he had given no details.
Speaking about the opposition motion, Scotland said, “The UDP will not ask the premier to step down. We are not going to vote in favour of any no confidence motion.”
Scotland said all of the members would stand in solidarity with the premier as they had done before and he did not believe that leaders had to step down because of accusations. Despite the very recent example of the speaker of the Australian parliament stepping aside until he had cleared his name, Scotland said there were other examples where leaders did not step aside. He said that the US president didn’t step down, nor did Charles Clifford step aside when he was minister and under enquiry.
The minister said it might be the desired outcome of the opposition for the premier to step down but that was not what the UDP members wanted; they wanted a speedy resolution to the investigations.
Email this pageLatest Classifieds
- WTS: BB Q10...BB Z10 & Samsung Galaxy S4 BBM Chat: 23A0C377
- Work permit as Online Investor (Personal Investor)
- House for sale - Mt Pleasant WB
- \'09 Honda Fit 4sale
- New Blackberry Q10 Gold Plated and Gold Porsche Design (24 HRS BBM Chat:295941E1)
- Town - Extra Large Bedroom with XL Walk-in Closet
- ONE BEDROOM SHARING $325.00
- CINSA RElays
- Retirement plan
- Make Money Now - Easy as ever
Comment Policy
The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of CNS or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by CNS. Read more
Recent Comments
- Ozzie, I woted for you and if
8 min 27 sec ago - You were probably a useless
11 min 57 sec ago - Would Mr Hampson, let alone
14 min 2 sec ago - Please provide names and
14 min 20 sec ago - You hit the nail on the head!
15 min 40 sec ago - Do you thing she will look
16 min 32 sec ago - Take what?
17 min 44 sec ago - True enough, but also s.14(4)
27 min 36 sec ago - Agreed!
33 min 17 sec ago - Most of the things you
34 min 36 sec ago
Search
Follow CNS via ...
Facebook Twitter RSS
Comments
Mark, I thought you were
Mark, I thought you were intelligent. Following Mac is not the wisest thing for your political career. You see what it did Roy and Gilbert? You have just committed the unpardonable sin. Hope you have decided to not run for office next election, because if you do, you will receive your reward for following Mac; a seat on the outside. I can't believe you would follow him blindly.
Firstly what else do you
Firstly what else do you expect from Mark Scotland? He is so afraid of what McKeeva will do to him if he even dares to vote against him so no great surprise there. I always thought Mark is an intelligent guy and I choose to believe that it is not that he is not seeing what a lot of other intelligent people are seeing and it is not that he is not concerned about all these investigations but what can he do? He could be a man and make his good sense and the love of his island be his guide but he is afraid. XXXX
Secondly "Scotland asked why it was that the investigation in Arden McLean and the accusations made by the premier about his CUC bills not being paid was resolved quickly, although he acknowledged the point that McLean had cooperated fully with the Anti-corruption Commission by going to the police and releasing all the relevant documentation"
I think it is pretty clear he realized he asked a stupid question and answered it himself. The investigation into McKeeva cannot be resolved quickly because
1. McKeeva refuses to even acknowledge there are investigations against him, he said he doesn't know anything about them.
2. Even if he did acknowledge the investigation he is not running with evidence supporting his claim of innocence or co-operating with anyone. He just keeps saying "I have a pure heart and clean hands and the truth will come out" How? Help the authorities bring out the truth Mr. Bush.
3. The accusations against the Premier are a lot more serious and more far reaching than a matter of simply not paying his electricity bill. These things take time to investigate, particularly when the person being investigated is not co-operating.
All them UDP members are just
All them UDP members are just Yes men to Big Mac.
Boddentowners come May 2013 I
Boddentowners come May 2013 I hope you know hat to do....Run these crazy ball heads out of Bodden town!
Anon 22:38 Those UDP
Anon 22:38
Those UDP members are no fools. You and others like you calling for them to vote on a noconfidence motion against their own party, and for the Premiere to step down.
This is the only way you all think you might be able to remove UDP. You damn well know, if he steps aside, then the party will lose support. XXXXX. Mac is no fool, we are supporting him all the way. and let me say this, there are many many UDP suppoters not using this site.
I know i step on your corn
I know i step on your corn bobo but dont worry next year not far away and UDP will be on the outside looking in.
Yea right! It just so happens
Yea right! It just so happens that you are the only udp supporter using "this site", give us a break please!
Your post greatly amplifies
Your post greatly amplifies the FACT that the UDP members are putting themselves and their Party above the greater good for the Country.
This is why the Party system is so detrimental and damaging, particularly to a small place like the Cayman Islands.
If a decision is good for the Country, you dont need a Party system to get it passed in the LA, as the majority of right-minded ppl will vote and pass it. However, when a decision is bad for the Country, with a Party system, and because the Party members are FORCED to vote the Party's (Leader's) way, and NOT VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE for the greater good of the Country, the bad idea or decision goes ahead because ppl in the party put self and party above their Country!
You mean UDP supporters like
You mean UDP supporters like YOU!!!
YAaa aaaa aaaa, Scot scot
YAaa aaaa aaaa,
Scot scot showing his real inner self,
he is being cooked in a slow boil like the frog
you all are shameless and treat most of us with contemp
croak croak
Mr. Scotland days in the LA
Mr. Scotland days in the LA are numbered anyhow. He must well know that fact already...
Lets see:
1) DUMP
2) Following Premier...
He don't need strike 3 to be out.
I was one who voted for him.....not hoing to happen next elections....I am voting straight PPM not because I love PPM because I hate UDP. PPM is lesser of two evils.
Lets not forget some very
Lets not forget some very lucrative government road building contracts after he left public works to start his own company. Amazing coincidence that his company was awarded those contracts.
Was McKeeva born here? Most
Was McKeeva born here? Most of them were born in Jamaica, but they have cleverly arranged that Caymanians by status or naturalisaiton can only run for office 25 years after receiving it. This was clever since is increases the current ministers chances of staying in office until they retire on their BIG FAT pensions. Only the next generation needs to fear the threat of more viable candidates!
Kurt Tibbetts was born and
Kurt Tibbetts was born and raised in Jamaica. (Yes, same one that made it harder for Jamaicans to get their papers)
What is your point?
What's yours?
What's yours?
born not raised.
born not raised.
Peter Milburn, if you are
Peter Milburn, if you are inclined to run for public office, please go ahead. You have every right, I would hope. I believe you are just as Caymanian in your heart as any who have that designation by birth. You made Cayman your home for three-quaretrs of your life or more and yes, you have contributed to building the economy in at least one prominent area. Your childen are Caymanian and frankly, there may be many people who don't even realize that you were not born here. Please don't feel that you are not Caymanian and I would hope that no one has ever made you feel that way.
Humpty Dumpty sat on the
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the kings donkeys and his very few men.
Fell with the king to the very end.
Right on top of their supporters.
Right in front of the news reporters.
Free at last beloved Cayman
No more rap from the one man band.
Fuel taxes they are a droppin.
Now we can all go back shoppin.
No more silly double pension.
Surely that will ease the tension.
No more chinese memorandums.
No more little boy temper tantrums.
No more outrageous nation building.
The Lord will provide for his church, God willing.
No more loan deals with Mr. Cohen.
Since he always comes out glowin'.
No more first class at our expense.
We've had enough of that nonsense.
Good governance is what we need.
We have our families to feed.
No more bowing to the well to do.
We have our God Almighty too.
FOI is here to stay.
Process over substance now rules the day.
No more B-brurocratic harrassment.
No more national grade 5 embarrassment.
With free refrigerators a thing of the past.
We'll think about which vote we'll cast.
Praises be to God above.
We're finally free of the one we love.
Someone needs to ask Truman
Someone needs to ask Truman and John were McKeeva's fellow ExCo members that forced him to resign amid the First Cayman Bank scandal whether he should resign now. Go for it CNS!
The resignation was the
The resignation was the product of a (then) Governor John Owen summons. Mac wasn't even leader of gov business at the time.
Not true.
Not true. Constitutionally Governor Owen could only take away his responsibilities as an ExCo member; he could not compel him to resign. It was his own fellow ExCo members that insisted that he resign. Even more so if he wasn't even leader of govt. business at that time.
A reminder to all, anything
A reminder to all, anything concerns you have with the Premier you should have about every supporting member. I hope this is the end of all their political careers.
Supporting member, I assume
Supporting member, I assume you meant every elected member.
every elected supporting
every elected supporting member.
I hope McKeeva and his
I suppose McKeeva could
I suppose McKeeva could always appoint a new head of C*M* just a quickly as he appointed Joey to the ERA.
Mr. Solomon: I pledge my
This is why our Premier said
This is why our Premier said "WE DON'T NEED EDUCATION' it rules him, Elio, Juliana, Captain, Cline and the rest are educated fools out of the power. The worst Premier is the first Premier.
I think that the UDP members
I think that the UDP members should think more about the country and less about Bush. If they don't ask him to step down their chances of being reelected are very slim.
One of the sayings my Mother always told me was " YOU ARE JUDGED BY THE COMPANY YOU KEEP"
There may be no
There may be no constitutional requirement for Mr. Bush to step down but it is the RIGHT thing for him to do. He or anyone else that supports his decision to not step down until the investigations are over do not have the best interests of the Cayman Islands and her people in mind. If nothing comes out of the investigations, then by all means, he can take the reigns again. That said, hopefully, OMOV will speak very loudly come next election.
Sounds like a bunch of
Sounds like a bunch of brown-nosers to me!
One thing about UDP - they
One thing about UDP - they are UNIFIED and behind their leader
One thing about PPM - they are still in the valley of indecision
Still.... to date, the Opposition has no evidence, yet spinning this issue like a gig. They as well as the UK care not for this islands reputaion.
Ignorant drivel
You must be kidding. Neither
You must be kidding. Neither the PPM or the UK brought starte these investigations . The police did.
If the Premier thought about the Caymand Islands instead of his ego he would step down while the investigation is in progress.
Now this is a revelation!!
Now this is a revelation!!
Actually it's an exodus in
Actually it's an exodus in disguise.
Sounds then like Mark/UDP
Sounds then like Mark/UDP would prefer the days of past where things were just swept under the carpet.
News release...Dem days gone!
Let's keep up the pressure for "Good Governance" all involved.
I didn't expect any different
I didn't expect any different response from the other UDP members. For them it is not about country and what is right or wrong, it is about keeping a well paid job for as long as possible.
Sometimes, we all have to make hard decision and doing the right thing often requires personal sacrifice (ie a lower paid job etc).
The problem is to get this into the head of a bunch of self centered people who are unable to see the big picture is pretty much impossible.
I can only suggest that all Caymanians no longer associate with those people and feel free to tell them to their face how they feel.
In other words DON'T BITCH ABOUT IT ON CNS AND THEN SIT DOWN AND HAVE A DRINK WITH THEM AT THE BAR!!!!!!
Great idea show them the
Great idea show them the Scorn that they have earned. Let those who are at the trough keep sucking up. The rest of us should now snob them and their cronies.
I disagree. As a beer snob,
I disagree. As a beer snob, Apple snob, Benz snob, job snob, and an outspoken admirer of fascism, I find it just attracts them!
Typical reply from our Govt
Typical reply from our Govt ministers.Self preservation is the main item here and certainly not what is good for this country in the long term.Again I call for those in our community that have the Cayman Islands at heart to step up and do what is right for this country.I would certainly be one to step forward if indeed I was allowed to run for election but would meet with much resistance from certain people in our present Govt of that I am sure.I have been here for 47 years now and have given as much to this country as anyone else because I have been accepted by most people as one of them.and for that I will always be grateful.Most people know me for my Conservation efforts and not being afraid to speak out on many issues.Cant say the same about too many other folks though.Such a shame when one considers how important it is to have your voices heard.especially if its YOUR country at stake.Others only follow the leader as it were and sadly blindly.What we are trying to do today is not for me but for my kids and your kids and their kids as time passes.Lets all REMEMBER that ok?
Peter....this whole situation
Peter....this whole situation is beyond comprehension. It is all about power and money for a few people. It is not about governing the country and taking care of the people. We have to get back to a place where our elected leaders WANT the country to prosper, not them selves. This is ridiculous for such a sofisticated place. How did we get here, how did we end up with leadership AND supporters that blindly follow and think more about themselves than the whole friggin country.
People, stand up, bring Cayman back. You all debate the crap all day long while the few continue to suck off the country for themselves.
Lachlan MacTavish
Peter, you ARE ALLOWED to run
Peter, you ARE ALLOWED to run for office. You have Caymanian status just like Sir Vassel Johnson. Of couse, some ultra nationalists will not support you but many people who know you will support you. All you can do is lose. Then again, you just might WIN because the collection of scum bags in both parties and independents may not receive the support they have in the past. Nothing ventured-nothing gained. Go for it.
No, Mr Milburn is a fine guy
No, Mr Milburn is a fine guy but we don't want him as an MLA. Unless you are born here you can't really understand the place and represent the true interests of born Caymanians. Only those born here must be elected.
That's not what the
That's not what the Constitution says.
Your email is a clear
Your email is a clear indication of the mentality of many who simply DO NOT understand people like Peter Milburn and others who have CHOSEN to make Cayman their permanent home and who LOVE it and its people MORE than many BORN Caymanians.
"Unless you are born here you can't really understand the place..."
That is absolute bollocks! Peter has been here almost FIVE decades. Almost HALF a CENTURY! He has done MORE for this country than MOST Caymanians will ever achieve in a lifetime!! He has championed his passion for our Sea and environmental issues that are of no concern to the average person - expat or local. He has spent time learning, teaching, educating and protecting.
Many young Caymanians I know do not know the first thing about the environment - because THEY do not have the "true interests" of their country at heart. They are about partying and having a good time.
Peter is a GOOD man, with a passion and a drive to improve our country. HIS country. I respect him for CHOOSING to do that.
ALLLLL of that said - I do NOT feel that expats should be able to run for government. But my reasoning is based on the mal-intent of many who are fly by night, johnny-come-lately's who truly do not have a clue. The potential for people like that to take control of the reins scares me more than I can express.
And it is for that reason alone that I could never support a change in law to allow someone like Peter to run.
And yet it doesn't frighten
And yet it doesn't frighten you that those young Caymanians you mention who are "partying and having a good time" without having the "true interests of their country at heart" might be elected?
That is what your vote is for. It works for and against anyone who might choose to run for election, born Caymanian or paper.
Anon 16:52. No, there is no
Anon 16:52. No, there is no point in Peter running, excellent candidate though he might be. He would be trashed abused, humiliated, accused of pandering to foreign interests etc because he was not born here. Vassel was of a different time many long years ago when Caymanians were not so xenophobic and I have even heard certain Caymanians (the ones with no brains) disrespect him and the rest of the Johnsons as not "real" Caymanians.
What do you expect from a
What do you expect from a taintedly elected MLA? This guy should have never been allowed to take office in the first place. Mark's "things are ok and we stand behind our unstable leader no matter what" shows that he puts party before country. Question is will voters in Bodden Town remember this XXX move by Mark "PARTY FIRST" Scotland? I think they will XXXX. That $120,000 a year job comes before country.
We live in a democracy and we
We live in a democracy and we subscibe to this democratic process. This is not in defence of McKeeva but I think something is wrong with the notion that you can demantle a democartically elected government with the announcement by the police that there are investigations in process against the Premier. Its almost as though you can thwart the will of the people by some willy nilly announcement by the police. This is not so farfetched as Tempura is still very fresh in our memory. This shows the weakness in the constitution. It seems too much power is consentrated in the position of the Premier and one has to wonder why when there are 15 MLAs for a population less than 50K. This would have been understandable if there were say 4 MLAs.
Post new comment