UK gives conditional nod
Posted on Fri, 08/24/2012 - 11:01 in Politics
CNS): Updated full story -- The UK has finally given its approval to the government's controversial 2012/13 budget but not without strict conditions. Sources tell CNS that the government have been given the much awaited nod from the FCO overseas territories minister, Henry Bellingham, on the basis that the premier agrees to pass the agreement he signed in November into law. The UK has also stipulated that for the next three years government will not be able to appropriate any more funds to any budget once passed, that it create a budget board headed by the deputy governor and that the CIG facilitate reviews of the budget by the FCO's economic adviser up to four times throughout the year.
The premier recently complained vociferously about the level of interference the UK now had over the Cayman Islands government's budget but with these conditions that is likely to increase and continue until the government returns to compliance with the Public Management and Finance Law.
Sources have revealed that Bellingham is pressing for the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility (FFR) agreement he signed with Bush last year to be brought to the Legislative Assembly as quickly as possible and made into law, a move Bush was hoping to avoid.
The appointment of a budget board headed by the deputy governor will also ensure the UK has greater oversight via the Governor's Office, and the requirement to allow the economic adviser full and unfettered access to the government's financial situation throughout the year will ensure that the FCO can step in and head off any potential financial disasters before they occur.
With the stringent conditions imposed by the UK, and in particular the requirement to make the fiscal agreement a law, the hands of the UDP administration will be increasingly tied during the next nine months, forcing government to follow due process when it comes to financial issues.
The passage of the FFR into law will also threaten the proposed deal with CHEC in its current form for the George Town Cruise Port and may also affect the ForCayman Alliance deal with Dart.
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Cheezz people! Some things
Cheezz people!
Some things are starting to really burn me, in relation the wastage of our money & country:
1. If the local Churchs were doing what they shoudl to keep and develop their flocks they should not need the support of the government - but instead should be helping, espec by guiding our teens/young adults.
2. The UKs nod may be fine, but many low-earnign relatives are miffed about the civil service deal!
We can see by the names that those who choose the 3.2% cut solution were the 'top brass' - why didnt they do a graduated cut and take a slightly larger cut themselves, and scale downwards for the middle-earners.
Those making less that $3000/month should not have even been cut.
3. Any why do they continue to fiil top positions bakign nega salaries (at the excuse of 'these were pre-approved' before the budget)?
4. And why is the Civil Service Assoc only giving weak 'rubber stamp' comments after government cuts are made - why not negotiate and inform the wider membership (again) in the solutions.. as was the case in the past of the many (ignored) solutions for cost-savings?
5. What became of these many solutions to save/cut expenses?
Eg - private businesss often benefit from govt services at no cost, as they profit. Eg - why is there no tippage fee charged, even though the private container/skiff rentals charge $100-200plus/day?
6. And does govt think it can meet the recurrent expenses of the new big schools if it has a hard time servicing the interest on the loans now?
Why not lease them on a peppercorn lease to the private schools to manage? The quality would improve Im sure - and of corse subsidise (but charge a nominal amount) for all students -- there no such thing as a FREE Education!
6. Not to mention the Social services dole.. why support teen/adult mothers of multiple children who refuse to name the fathers, so they can be forced to support the kids?
It is also a disgrace to have kids born with "NO DAD" names on their birth certificates.
7. Why target the good newcomers who are making positive differences in our economy and culture? Why are we intent on only keeping and protecting/supporting these who have little to offer our country?
My poor Cayman... Ahhy - no Papa!
I heard on Rooster this
I heard on Rooster this morning that there is an appointed financial advisory Board headed up by the Deputy Governor. This board is unknown and the public is awaiting to see the names of these individuals to ensure they are properly vetted publicly. Those who continue to abuse the work permit system keeping Caymanians unemployed while employing cheap labor, continuing to disenfranchise our people are NOT QUALIFIED TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON FISCAL MATTERS! As Deputy Governor it is his responsibility to gradually reduce and make extinct work permit grants inorder to create those jobs for Caymanians. The current system granting of work permits barring our people from rightful employment in their own country is not only a human rights violation but is in itself a 21st century model of Apartheid at the highest level. We await anxiously to see just how Caymanians will benefit from these changes recommended by the UK as they have not renounced the excessive abuse of work permit grants permit grants that have devastated the Caymanian people.
Perhaps you don't realize
Perhaps you don't realize that the Deputy Governor is FRANZ MANDERSON. I'd say if anyone is going to help keep this board logical and on track, it's him.
The board is unknown because it was only established 2 days ago!
Get a grip buddy, Sheesh! I'd like to know how people applying for a job are "abusing the work permit system" when permit approval is at the mercy of the work permit board run by who?? CAYMANIANS!
(And I whole heartedly agree with the other 2 comments as well.)
Welcome to the Ezzardian
Welcome to the Ezzardian parallel universe of zero sum economics. Posters like this do not realise that the presence of many businesses which would not operate or operate on the scale they do without improted labour increase the size of the Cayman economy and provides greater employment opportunities for Caymanians. I would like to see someone explain why employing someone on a work permit constitutes breach of the human rights of someone local who does not have a job, especially since that job would be given to the local if they applied and were merely suitably qualified, ie not even the best candidate. It is the deluded, angry, entitlement brigade of which posters like this are a prime example who give a bad and undeserved reputation to Caymanians.
"...especially since that job
"...especially since that job would be given to the local if they applied and were merely suitably qualified, ie not even the best candidate".
That is just not true in practice, Pit Bull. Suitably qualified Caymanian applicants are often not even given an interview let alone the job. Sometimes the job is re-advertised with different qualifications if a suitably qualified Caymanian applies for it (of course ensuring that, having seen the CV of the Caymanian, this time the ad contains qualifications that the Caymanian does not have). Sometimes employers fail to acknowledge to the Board that there were any suitable Caymanian applicants because they know it will then be difficult to justify the work permit. Often times employers see the ad process as a bothersome formality to comply with the law and have no real intention of hiring anyone other than the person who is currently sitting in the job on a temporary permit.
BTW this is not some personal gripe, nor do I believe that this applies to all employers. There are some very good employers out there. Personally, I have never applied for a job for which I did not receive an offer.
It's a vicious circle. The
It's a vicious circle. The country relies on work permit fees to fill the government's coffers. If you "gradually reduce and make extinct work permit grants", you will need to find another way to create revenue for the government -- which, if it continues to exist in its current bloated form, will require a great deal of revenue indeed. It is telling that Mac has managed to avoid more hard-hitting cuts in the civil service only by *raising* work permit and related fees. I can't see them being made extinct anytime soon.
"My poor Cayman... Ahhy - no
"My poor Cayman... Ahhy - no Papa!"
Well said. A very good perspective.
Wait for it now!!! you know
Wait for it now!!! you know he is going to blame the PPM once again!
What's the point of
Indeed. An what are the
Indeed. An what are the sanctions? What happens if the government continues to ignore its own financial laws?
Can we add a condition that
The UK govt have a
The UK govt have a responsibility to oversee good governance of this territory.
They would appear to be failing their responsibility if they approve a budget that incudes a nation building fund which has been used in an untransparent way to buy votes.
Where is the good governance?
Where is the oversight?
While we all wait with bated breath for the UK to please wake up and stop the madness we must realise that we are awake, on the ground and have the most to lose.
Caymanians, it is time to rise up and stop this carnival of mismanagement.
Fees and duties constantly being hiked up, gas taxes increased which lead to an major increase in the overall cost of living.
We are all worse off as the cost of living keeps rising while wages stay the same.
All because the government insists on wasting millions of our dollars for their slush fund which is used to campaign against the people and buy votes.
This is not a bad dream my friends, this is our reality.
The UK is not coming to save us but i bet my bottom dollar they are hoping we are strong enough as a people to rise up and save ourselves.
What if he DOESN'T bring in
All I have to say is "McKeeva
All I have to say is "McKeeva Take That and put it in your pipe and smoke it. You too out of order."
Mr. Bellingham, "Thank you." My only complaint is that you didn't get rid of the Nation Building Fund. Why should government offer scholarships to people that aren't making good grades? If they can't get a scholarship from the Education Council, then they can't cut it at college. We have had many students go to school overseas and couldn't make it and had to come home. It's just vote buying. That Home Repair Fund thing is another vote buying gimmick. I know some people who have businesses and plenty money that applied for that.
I think we have to give
The Premier, watching events
The Premier, watching events on Cayman from a distance on his latest excursion said he is appalled at the oversight. The FCO, watching events on Cayman from the U.K. has said they will continue the oversight of his government. Meanwhile, on Cayman the public is watching the watchers and wondering.
What is the status of the in
Is "investigations" the word
Is "investigations" the word you're searching for?
This in an effective piece of
This in an effective piece of Macproofing. Effectively he is on "Strike Two" and has been prevented from making any financial decisions during the rest of this parliament with the UK's approval. If he is replaced in 2013 then the UK will no doubt work with the new government but if, heaven forbid, Mac is re-elected then he will not be able to do as much damage. My only thought is that it would have been better to require Mac to incorporate the Framework Agreement before approving the budget, but if Mac tries any funny games it will be "Strike Three". The UK has firmly put Mac in his place regardless of how he tries to explain it to the WestBay automatons.
Looking forward to the
Better start the non
Better start the non conforming process. No way Bush and CIG turn into responsible and competent leaders. Three years of incompetence and broken promises should be enough proof for anyone. (with an education)
Keke you are a puppet! you
Thank you Jesus! I prayed and
Yabba dabba do!
"Ensure it is an intelligent
What's the use of
Anyone who thinks Keke going
Anyone who thinks Keke going to turn into the Virgin Mary because of what the FCO said must still believe in the tooth fairy. Keke just finished presenting a budget that wasn't a budget, without the FCO's approval, and gets rewarded for it. Call me crazy, but I just don't think he gives a hoot what the FCO tells him. Oh, but wait! Keke is now going to be bound by the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility. Ha ha ha ha ha! Do you people realize how ridiculous that sounds? The only framework for fiscal responsibility that Keke going to abide by is his own. And who could blame him? Even a three year old can tell an an empty threat from a real one. Bound by the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility - ha ha ha ha ha Good one.
The Beaver
Goos!!! that's puts a stop to
Goos!!! that's puts a stop to the 9 Month kick start for May 2013 money give aways.
The opening speech for the
The opening speech for the budget by Mac earlier this week left me in stitches. I learned more gossip, old time Caymanian expressions and sounds than one would expected during a serious financial address by the Premier. My personal favorite is “Phew-Phew music”!!
I have to say he is quite the entertainer. He speaks from the heart with passion, anger, or humor in the language of the lay person. He knows how to fire up the masses, evoke sympathy or leave you laughing. But a government leader? A financial leader?? We all love the “star boy” or “star girl” in a good movie but let us not forget they are actors and do not achieve those amazing feats in real life.
He sings well, acts, dances, loves money and the attention of the masses. He needs to harness his talents and follow his heart into the entertainment industry. He could be a real “Star Boy” in the right environment.
Mac will most likely never earn my vote, but I would pay to see his show!
Sadly, you already are.
Sadly, you already are.
Good idea. I picture him
Ummm yeah - pay too see his
As a born and bred Caymanian,
As a born and bred Caymanian, I'm happy to see that Bellingham has applied logic and brakes to the financial fiasco our current Government has been engaged in.
It is a disgrace that our Government, the Government of a world class financial center, has forced its mother country to bring back the "training pants" due to the childish way in which our finances have been handled by a careless few.
I’m thankful that someone with financial sense is above our local government and trying to help us before we completely lose control of the run-away train our current Government has become.
This coming election, let us have MORE ethics and brains and LESS ego and greed.
CNS- What was the agreement
CNS- What was the agreement signed in November?
CNS: The Framework for Fiscal Responsibility
Oh, you don't need to tell
Oh, you don't need to tell him to watch Jamaican politics; he and Ellio have been enrolled in a distance learning course for 3 years. And by all accounts, they're doing exceptionally well.
Tell me that isnt true,
Tell me that isnt true, elsewhere in this issue there is a story of corruption in Jamaican politics. Surely you dont suggest that this lot is involved in any of that?
keke sounds like you are
keke sounds like you are under the microscope now, you better watch what you do lamo!
caymanian
It looks as if the FCO
It looks as if the FCO is trying for a " TCI Lite" solution - taking more control without having to suspend the government and the constitution.
Hope the Auditor General keep
Hope the Auditor General keep in close contact with the FCO and the UK Adviser.
A subtle but small step
This is great news, any
This is great news, any oversight of government spending is excellent news for the country. I do wonder what the UK will actually review each quarter though since there are no accounts? Or maybe....just maybe...the CIG will actually have to keep track of its spending??
At least they are making it
At least they are making it harder for him to dip into the cookie jar... mind you that won't stop him, like i have said all along, they keep feeding him more and more rope...........
Good UK. I know that you
Good UK. I know that you would not let us down. Hope that you protect the West Bay Road as well. You can see that something is wrong. The Dart Agreement has fallen short that is why they now want to give us part of the Victoria property.
"...agreement he signed with
"...agreement he signed with Bush...made into law...
It seems that the premier does not like to deliver what he has promised.
No wonder that the Cayman Islands Government has been sued for millions because of the Premier's broken promises. The man is not a man of his word or his signature.
And what will happen when the
And what will happen when the CIG and Bush specifically still fail to follow the rules? Everyone knows that it will happen. No way Bush just grows a new brain now. Plan accordingly UK. Lots of yelling and blameing coming up.
Let Cayman self fail. It is
Let Cayman self fail. It is well deserved. Unless the UK takes over (and who would want to?) then it is only the Caymanian people and the civil service tribe that will ultimately pay the price. Everyone else can take their time and money elsewhere until Cayman gets its head above water if ever. Some things can not be saved, and should just be left to the inevitable. After the fall everything will be cheap including land to all those who still have a job and savings. The UK has tried to do its part but thats all it can do.
i wish the uk were more
i wish the uk were more insistant on spending cuts and reducing the civil service.....
as it stands the government has cobbled together another pretend budget which is again based upon increasing fees on business...... the cayman economy cannot bear more fees and indirect taxes at this time....
i fear more than ever for the future of these islands
I have an idea on saving a
I have an idea on saving a few bucks Big Mac; "Separation of Church and State" It works well in other countries.....Just saying....
This budget is set to kill
This budget is set to kill the financial services industry in Cayman. According to the buget address, this Government is targeting $58.9m more revenue from exempt companies, partnerships, bank, trusts and directors - this is excluding the work permit fee increases that are principally targeted at the financial service providers. When will the current layer of politicians (and it is not all Mr Bush - UDP MLA's have the power to stop this apparent dictatorship) realise that a strong and sustainable private sector is the only way that Cayman's economic model really works.
When? Never! the Current
When? Never! the Current layer is what it is. Maybe the next layer if they have anything left.
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