Mac stripped of finance job
Posted on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 07:59 in Politics
(CNS): The conditions imposed on the Cayman government’s 2012/13 budget by the UK have essentially removed most of the functions of the finance minister from the premier, the opposition leader has said. Speaking in the wake of news that the FCO had given conditional approval to the current administration’s final budget, Alden McLaughlin said that the four stringent conditions, in particular the establishment of a ‘budget board’ headed by the deputy governor, would mean that the role of the finance minister established by the Cayman Islands 2009 constitution has been handed back to the official rather than the elected arm of government.
Among the four conditions laid out by the Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham was the creation of a board or committee that will manage and oversee future budgets, with the deputy governor, not the finance minister, at the helm.
Bellingham also required that the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility (FFR) agreement signed between himself and Premier McKeeva Bush last November be passed into law before the end of September; that the FCO’s economic advisor who established the framework for this budget (and who Bush complained about, claiming that he moved the goal posts throughout the process) be allowed to review the state of public finances every quarter; and that there be no supplementary budget.
The conditions will remain in place for the next three years when the Cayman government, according to the latest financial three year plan, should be back in line with the five principles of sound fiscal management as set out by the Public Management and Finance Law.
These changes have pushed the office of the Ministry of Finance to one side, McLaughlin said.
“It was inevitable, given what has transpired over the last four budget cycles,” the PPM leader added. “The UK gave the premier every opportunity to make a start on improving the fiscal situation but with every passing year things simply got worse.”
He said the government’s persistent failure to take any steps to address the fundamental issues and the decision to “keep presenting pretend budgets” have resulted in the present circumstances.
“It is going to be very difficult for any future minister as the UK have clawed back more power over the budget than they had with the old constitution. There was plenty of warning, but the warnings were ignored,” McLaughlin added. “The sad thing is that Cayman’s fiscal challenges were not insurmountable; they still aren’t but the problem is they can’t simply be ignored as they were by this government.”
The opposition leader said the impact of this move by the UK would see expenditure being reigned in over the last nine months of this administration. Not entirely convinced that the revenue raising measures in the budget are necessarily credible, McLaughlin said it was going to be a challenge for public servants to deliver government policy and without the possibility of a supplementary budget if the earnings don’t go according to plan.
The opposition leader said he believed that the enactment of the FFR agreement into law would make it “virtually impossible” for the premier to get some of the projects he has heralded as Cayman’s future economic saviours off the ground. The proposed cruise berthing facility in George Town in its current format would not be able to go forward, he said, adding that he believed it may force changes to the ForCayman Investment Alliance as well.
following recipt of the conditional nod, Bush congratulated himself for beginning the budget process without agreement.
Speaking at a limited press conference from which CNS was barred Friday, the premier said he was justified in having started without the agreement as he complained about the independent and opposition members’ criticisms of the decision. In the face of the stringent conditions, Bush blamed the opposition but admitted that the loss of economic sovereignty would put the country back on a sound economic footing.
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someone better check mckeevas
someone better check mckeevas pension...!!!
Thanks for spilling the beans
Thanks for spilling the beans poster 06:08.
ANY young person interested in pursuing a degree in construction management is eligible to apply to the Education Council for a scholarship. And if they have the requisite grades and are seeking to attend a reputable institution, they would be favourably considered for appropriate assistance.
Clearly the only reason why you have sought assistance from the Nation Building Fund instead of the Edication Council is one or more of the following:
1. The institution that your child wishes to attend is not one recognised by the Education Council as suitable or reasonably priced;
2. You are not content with the level of assistance normally afforded by the Education Council; you want more;
3. As a "grass root UDP supporter", you are confident that your child will be awarded a generous package of assistance regardless of the institution and how well he or she performs in the course.
Those of us who despise this so-called NBF have known all along that the only reason it is being used for scholarships is to reward people like yourself for your loyalty and support of the UDP. You have come to believe that because you are a "supporter', you and yours have to get what you want. What we have had enough of is taking money from all of us to look after you.
Good morning 12:41 How you
Good morning 12:41
How you doing?
Spilling the beans you call it. Sounds like my comment really twisted your already warped mind.
Clearly the reason my son sought this scholarship, he wants to further his education and live a decent life, and be able to support his future family....do you have a problem with that?
1 He was accepted by two renowned Universities in the UK and Scotland.
2 We did not seek funds from the education council.... which answers your question. We only require assiatance for his further learning.
3 My child is a Caymanian just like any other students, who received scholorship through other past Governments. I have all confidence that my son will perform to the standard he wants to achive, and return to kick your ass.
You all can despies this NFB as much as you want, but we will educate our children. That's your problem if you see this as a political gain on Makeva's side.
We will return him to office next year... mainly because he has what many people like you lack, foresight, vision and love for the common man.
Your story does not add up.
Your story does not add up. If your child has been accepted by two renowned UK universities (Scotland is a part of the UK) why did you not seek a scholarship from the Education Council in the normal way? The application would be virtually guaranteed success. Why rely on this backdoor when you must be aware that it is used by people who have not been accepted by recognised universities and do not have the academic credentials to qualify for the grant of a proper scholarship?
I'm amazed but not - that
I'm amazed but not - that there is nothing about this on Cayman 27 or the Compass websites. It just goes to show that only CNS has the courage to report what is really happening. Its also amazing that the UDP are patting themselves on teh back for getting the UK to approve the budget. No wonder the King of Cayman barred Wendy from the LA - he knew she wouldn't be afraid of him. Well done Wendy and Nicky. Thanks for being the only ones in Cayman with the courage to report the truth.
I can't believe that it took
I can't believe that it took the United Kingdom 3 years and 3 months to determine that he was not up to the job. I knew from the day of the elections, if they had asked me then, millions and millions of $$$ could have been saved and we wouldn't be in this mess now. If they can take this action now so late in the day can someone please give me a credible explanation why they didn't act sooner? Why close the barn door after the horse has left?
Not so... according to Mac on
Not so... according to Mac on Radio Cayman this morning. CNS, how dare you?
Every time I read a story
Every time I read a story with Alden and fiscal responsibility in the same sentence I have to grind my teeth. Politicians are unbelievable he is also so positive that he is going to get in next May that he is pissed off that the UK will have so much control and he won't be able to go on another spending spree. I really hope that people are not fooled by him either because he is definitely not the right alternative!
I honestly hope we get some new blood next year because this country simply cannot manage another four years of UDP (please God NOOOOOO) and most definitely not PPM either!!! Ughhhhh
Sorry but I just have to ask:
Sorry but I just have to ask: where have you deduced this secret plan of Alden's from? All patriots mourn the loss of sovereignty no matter which country it is. We gain it under competent administrations and lose it under Mac-led administrations. The UK is constantly watching our politics to see if our electorate is maturing and voting for the right reasons...otherwise they have no basis to trust that when some good guys get into office, they will remain there to continue working with the UK constructively to develop this country. Their faith in YOU, the electorate, was misplaced when you voted the UDP back into office, and now they are clipping wings again to limit the damage. If the PPM get back in you will (once again) be able to thank them for repairing our relationship with the UK with a display of competent government.
In this case it is for our own good that budget preparation has been placed in the hands of the civil service, because Caymanians still can't get into their heads that 'competence to do the job' is the minimum qualification for an MLA/Minister and AFTER THAT they can pick who they like and, possibly, who may benefit their endeavours in life. A lesson which I still don't think this stupid elecorate has learned. Alden is just drawing attention to Mac's spectacular failure in being stripped of a responsibility he should never have had, which he gave himself purely out of hubris & compulsive need for control. People are wondering what happened to him that now he destroys everything he touches. Mac hasn't changed...what has changed is the calibre of people around him has plummeted. Roy Bodden & Linford Pierson would not have put up with this and must be easing very heavily into their easy chairs every evening. And before anyone clicks troll, this is not Alden...it's really not...it's just the truth.
Good riddance he's finally
Good riddance he's finally gone to roost. We can all sleep better.
He has been stripped, but
He has been stripped, but still tooting his own horn....lol
Sooooo now! What will happen
Sooooo now! What will happen to the Nation Building Funds? Will those poor students ever get their school cheques. So Many children has contracted out to the YNBP and cannot collect their cheques to pay their tuition, rent and other fees. What is going to happen to them now? However, I am hearing that certain children of the closely connected UDP Members already were given their funding to send their high school aged children to boarding schools and these children have both parents making big time salaries and are driving around in very expensive cars. Whereas, prospective students with very poor parents or only have one parent working is still on the waiting list for this funding. They may even get kicked out of their colleges or get rejected by their potential colleges, because no funding is fortcoming and no one is coming out to explain anything to the children. Got them waiting like hungry puppy dogs and you call this.... what? is this not discriminating against non UDP connected children. Man I tell you, this Nation Building funding is so wrong and unfair. If the Premier says the funding for these children has not been affected, then pay the children and stop stressing them out.
I am so glad I had the
I am so glad I had the foresight make something of myself so that I wouldnt have to resort to waiting around for this so-called Fund to finance my child's education. I sacrificed so much to better myself and many times I questioned why, but I can finally see the results. I can pay my own child's tuition or walk into a bank with good credit and collateral to get a loan. I'd rather owe the bank tuition money than owe a politician my soul/vote.
Some might fight back and say they didnt have any other choice than this NBF but sorry I'd rather have a payment plan for the rest of my life than owe one of these not so cleverly hidden political agenda vehicles. So, while unnu scratching unnu heads waiting on cheque my child is suited and booted for 1st day of school and I have the Lord and MY hard work to thank for it. Stop waiting for Government hand/buy outs and secure your children's futures YOURSELVES.
to 22;42 Your gripe is
to 22;42
Your gripe is still with the poor Caymanian children, getting a better education.... no matter how you spin it.
I'm a grass root UDP supporter , and yes my son is one that is waiting on the funds, to attend University, to study Construction management. He is planning on taking over his poor father's construction business, and run it professionally.
We all understand the funds will be paid after the first of September. We will get our poor Caymanian children off to university.
Sorry that this will disappoint many of you F@@@@ hypocrites. We will get OUR children EDUCATED!
The trouble with "grass root"
The trouble with "grass root" UDP supporters is that you only get the leftovers. I know one "tree top" UDP supporter (rich enough to pay for her daughter's education) who got the $70,000 for her daughter from the two-month budget.
You end you comments with the
You end you comments with the statement "We will get our children educated"
What you mean is US the people who are paying and paying for Mackeeva's slush fund will be paying!!
"His poor fathre's construction company"
Why didn't you save a little from all the money nearly all the so called construction companies made from ripping prople off after Ivan! Instead of buying your fancy cars etc.
08:47 Let me tell you, I was
08:47
Let me tell you, I was not one of the fly-by -night contractors that people like you hired.
Some of you wouldnt hire Caymanian, that were well established contractors, for the same reason you are against the NBF.
I have no sympathy for you, or your kind. I have 30 years of building on these islands with a superb track record, and many like myself....but we never get hired for the money making jobs....simple, its your plans to keep us poor.
The poor Cayman contractors couldnt save what we made, we have to struggle to make ends meet. This is not so with the fly-by-nighters...the ones that people like you keep hiring. to buy their fancy cars.
Just to let you know, we will continue to get our children educated. We also pay our share of government tax towards this Makeeva slush fund...as you hypocrites call it.
Actually I DID employ a long
Actually I DID employ a long established Caymanian contractor, who is still in business. I also had an American contractor do some work for me in the States. The difference was like night and day!
America contractor...reasonable price
America contractor...turned up on time
America contractor...gave warranty
American contractor...did the work properly and cleared up after him
America contractor....used skilled men / women.
Cayman contractor NONE of the above
And by the way just in case you are wondering and before you start your rant I AM CAYMANIAN.
You can get a degree in
You can get a degree in "Construction Management"?
Yes loopy lou. My God, your
Yes loopy lou.
My God, your world is so full of idiots!
Yes you can and many people
Yes you can and many people are here doing a very poor job of it, but making a mint anyway
If you believe there is some
If you believe there is some truth to this you shoul do an FOI. Boarding school scholarships sounds far fetched but it is our money we have a right to know.
Why didn't they apply to the
Why didn't they apply to the Scholarship Fund? I don't understand that. Can they not meet the requirements?
After seeing all the water
After seeing all the water passed under the bridge, it seems like the wind has blown out of the sail of the Opposition. No one is talking much anymore. Can it be that they have realized too late what damage they have done. Sorry it is too late my friends. You ploughed the Premier for the past year. I do not know what you were expecting, but come next year, I do hope the Premier hands you the keys to LA and say "You wanted it now take it" Yes I am sure many of you are shaking in your shoes, scared stiff, because we all know that there is not one of you who can do the job McKeeva Bush was doing. Best of Luck, you all will need it.
We can only hope our next
We can only hope our next Premier will not "do the job McKeeva Bush was doing". Where do they find all of these idiots that blindly support XXXXX?
Correct me if I am wrong but
Correct me if I am wrong but isn't this the SECOND time Mac has been stripped of a minasterial position (although the first time it was actually termed as being a member of Exco).
Remember the 1st. Cayman Bank debacle.....and you still did not learn. I say you for as sure as H*** I did not vote for him!
My issue with the UK is what
My issue with the UK is what the @#@ too you so #@# long!!!!????
Can we please strip him and
Can we please strip him and all the UDP of the "Honorable" title? I beginning to question my belief of the meaning.
It has no meaning. Never has
It has no meaning. Never has had, never will. It's just something introduced by the politicians to boost their own self-importance (if that's possible).
I suggest we keep calling them Mr or Ms, at least until they pass another law making that a criminal offence.
It also boosts the going rate
It also boosts the going rate for "consultancy fees".
Good Heavens, N Somniac,
Good Heavens, N Somniac, despite their wonderful titles, who is going to consult McKeeva or Mary Lawrence on anything? I mean, really!
This is as a typical
This is as a typical example of why the MLA'S should all be working together for the greater good of the country.- Even though this will now affect the "current UDP administration" as well as all other administrations to come-as they too will have to deal with the same "Rocky Road" conditions ahead -as the PPM & Independents collectively never tried to prevent this as they were all too busy "spewing venom" and as such- it has blew back in their faces as they too will face similar challenges on the way forward if they are elected again. “It’s NOT about "Mac" or the Premiere- it’s about the Cayman Islands- deal with the issues- and leave the personalities out of it. But then again if that is done it couldn’t be called "Politics".
It is about time! Really,
It is about time! Really, should anyone who could not qualify for an entry level job as a bank teller be allowed to run the finances of a country?
Hey - where's my post? I was
Hey - where's my post? I was looking forward to hitting the "troll" button on myself!
Customs must be burning
Customs must be burning something illegal at the dump!!!!!!! I would swear I read a post that said that Mac Poppins is going to watch Charles Whittaker fight in Pennsylvania!!!! Well that great as long as he is paying his own way, and he can take 9 months off if that is the case!!! If I'm paying for any part of it though I hope it's the toilet paper at the Sands Casino & Resort and it's woven out of nice velvety Mucuna Pruriens!! Nothing better for the Presidential Suite!! BTW velvety Mucuna Pruriens is an exotic plant species commonly known as "coweech"!!
That is right ! I posted
That is right ! I posted that comment about Big Mac going to see Charles Whittaker in Pennsylvania. XXXX And I can betcha it wont be paid for out of his own pocket, I can also betcha he'll be taking a whole posse of folks also not paying outta their pockets....and it will be said by his press people that Big Mac and his posse are all representing Cayman and hafta go to be by Charles's side to support him. And fly first class, and stay in posh hotels, and eat lobster and filet mignon dinners and drink expensive champagne, all to support Charles Whittaker at this fight. Maybe Big Mac and the posse should take a run up to Connecticut and see how the big Indian reservation casino is run out of Foxwoods? That would be fun too, dontcha think????
CNS: Whittaker gears up for biggest fight of his career
Pay his own way? Come on.
Pay his own way? Come on. Ask yourself "what would Bush do?" Seriously!
A message from Her Majesty
A message from Her Majesty the Queen:
'As the good people of the Cayman Islands have had their unruly Bush clipped from all sides, they should now be known as the Brazillian Islands and their leader known from this day as the Brazil Nut without portfolio'.
God save the Queen.
The arrogance of the British!
The arrogance of the British!
..........and the stupidity
..........and the stupidity of those who can only see the Bush for the tree of hope, or the dollar signs before socio-economic responsibility, or cheap labour before human rights, or greed before compassion, or development before the environment, or the gravy train before fiscal prudence or BlackBerry before customer service, or texting before road safety, or entitlement before contribution, or discrimination before equality. Need I go on or do you get it now?
It's arrogant to assume its everyone elses fault, when clearly it isn't.
Well, it can be viewed as one
Well, it can be viewed as one set of arrogant islanders yelling at another set.
18;45 So true! so true! and
18;45
So true! so true! and we have them here amongst us, spewing their venom at Makeeva, on this site.
Look at the thumb down, and that will prove they are the majority of the arrogance statements, made on here.
What no more cookie jar?
What no more cookie jar?
Maybe someone who can write
Maybe someone who can write and has a command of the English language can start signing the currency notes in the future to save the country further embarrassment.
You are the Weakest Link!
You are the Weakest Link! Goodbye
Praise the lord.
Praise the lord.
Oh ohhhh.......A L Thompson's
Oh ohhhh.......A L Thompson's can cancel the 2013 order for fridges, stoves, washers and dryers etc !!! Freebies done !!! UDP in deep trouble now with no achievements and no gifts to give out. !!!
The Chuckster gave Mac the
The Chuckster gave Mac the plan to cut expenditure and prevent this from happening but nooooo KeKe wouldnt listen. He had to have his Nation Building Fund for 4.5M; his Turtle Farm Wildlife Encounter for $10M, free flights and parties for God only knows how much etc, etc, etc !
Well Mac he who controls the purse strings controls the choir so guess who is in total control now ???
Its a shame McKeeva........as our first Premier and Minister of Finance you have failed us miserably and as a people we are ashamed of you. You're fired !!!!
Whats he going to use to buy
Whats he going to use to buy votes now??? Breadfruit??
Hey, don't degrade breadfruit
Hey, don't degrade breadfruit like that!!
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