Mac accuses media of lies
Posted on Wed, 08/29/2012 - 10:07 in Politics
(CNS): Full story -- The Cayman Islands premier has launched another attack on the local media, this time over reports about the UK’s budget conditions. McKeeva Bush said that the UK would not be “so spiteful as to suspend powers of a government that has produced a budget with an $82 million surplus.” In statement from his office he hit out at both The Caymanian Compass and CNS for reports pointing to the UK’s conditions for approval of the budget as essentially stripping the premier of his functions as finance minister. “The whole matter of these media reports is vicious and deliberate in trying to hurt me and in so doing, harmful to country,” he said. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)
In the statement the premier claimed that the establishment of a “Budget Delivery Board” under the leadership of the deputy governor and not the minister of finance was because the vast majority of the commitments to cut costs in this and future budgets impact the civil service. He listed a number of examples, including the as yet unannounced reduction of some 360 jobs over the next five years, as well as pay freezes, voluntary redundancies, a revised health plan and the centralization of both finance and human resource functions.
Bush said that the minister of finance, as with all elected ministers, had no “domain over the civil service” and it was for that reason he was not heading up the board. He described media reports about the functions of the finance minister being stripped from him as a “quantum leap from the truthful explanation” that he gives in his statement.
The premier stated that the articles were “tragedies" of reporting because they were “viciously inaccurate; and viciously misleading” and said that he was going to “tell the Cayman Islands and the entire world, the truth” regarding the agreement between the Cayman government and the FCO.
“There are no matters existing in these islands on which the FCO would have grounds to remove any minister from office or to remove responsibilities from any minister,” Bush said. “In as far as my responsibilities as Minister of Finance – the Opposition, including the Compass, CNS and others would love to see me so embarrassed and are probably hoping for such an action, not caring what the consequences are for the Cayman Islands.”
However, the premier maintained that the UK has no such authority and no reasons under the Constitution to remove his functions.
Despite Bush protestations regarding the media reports and the comments made by the opposition leader, the FCO has attached a number of stringent conditions on the budget approval and will have considerably more control over public finances going forward.
As well as the budget management board, Bush, as finance minister, will not be allowed to add any supplementary appropriations to this fiscal year’s budget; he must make the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility agreement law and follow it; and finally, the FCO’s economic advisor is to be given unfettered access to the country’s ‘books’ once per quarter to ensure that the budget is on track.
See the premier’s full statement below.
Related article:
| Attachment | Size |
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| Premier's statement (27 Aug 2012).doc | 504 KB |
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What about the lie Mac told
What about the lie Mac told about GLF that has cost this country far more than the $2million CIG had to pay GLF. His lying about GLF not having acceptable financing has cost this country tens of millions if not hundreds of millions of dollars in lost business for the private sector, as well as the strengthening of a very important revenue stream for CIG. One can only imagine the possibilities if we were now looking at an almost completed berthing facility and the arrival of Oasis class cruise ships this fall. Investor confidence would be through the roof with the anticipation of the increased business opportunities a proper berthing facility is capable of providing.
It is no wonder the UK has hamstrung Mac. He does not understand what it takes to carry out infrastructure projects of this magnitude. One only has to look as far as the Bahamas and their $400million airport redevelopment project. A project that was financed using the same method that GLF was intending to use. A project where Citibank has actually won awards in 2009 for their financing approach. A project that our competitors built using the same method of financing that our Minister of Finance said didn't have "positive proof".
Well, the proof was right their in the Bahamas, and now our competitors have used what was deemed unnaceptable by our brilliant Premier to strengthen their tourism product while we look like fools.
Man you should stay
Man you should stay frustrated for ever. You speculate you have no evidence like them that they had the financing. A letter of intent to go to the market to raise funds on someone's behalf is not a commitment. Stop talking what? A pile of dodo.
What would it have costs us
What would it have costs us for them to go to the markets to raise the money?
Nothing.
What would have been the result it they didn't raise the money?
They would not have been able to build the dock.
Do we have a dock now?
No.
Did it cost us anything to not have a dock?
Yes, $2,000,000 paid to GLF.
Blaming one man, blaming any
Blaming one man, blaming any one person is by far the most ignorant of all comments.
When we start to accept that as a country it is our responsibility just as much as any politician out there, then we may just start to see the light. WE, the people, vote these members of parliment in. WE, the people have given them, MAC, whoever, ultimate power.
I know how i feel, just like most others....frustrated, angry everyday (but still smiling), anxious for the unknown ahead. But, within all those mixed emotions I feel more than anything else, disappointed, embarrassed that this is how the Caymanian people choose to conduct themselves and in the manner also in which they choose to voice their opinions.
More than ever, NOW is the time to work together as we all did after Ivan, as we will do again one day....more than ever, we need to stop being selfish people.
We are a small nation, call it that. Yet, we are so selfish and vindictive. We expect so much for giving nothing at all...I am young, by definition, old at heart and sometimes I wish i was a child again as to not worry about the seriousness of our current situation in Cayman.
Education should be our main priority at this point. Our people are losing because we are not educating them...the country will continue to lose because our people are ignorant. The definition of ignorant/ignorance is literally: 'Lack of education'.
What a sorry situation
What a sorry situation Mr.Bush has created for himself and the Cayman Islands. And no amount of huffing and puffing, rants, tantrums and generally angry pronouncements will make anything better for him. In fact he's making a bad situation worse with his really quite remarably poor behaviour. So, he has had his key to the cash drawer confiscated and he's, understandably, mad about it and lashing out to blame everyone under the sun except himself. This is not exactly surprising, of course. Mr.Bush has seemingly always liked to be in sole charge of things, and has always gambled on being able to silence his critics by whatever means, but tjose days are long gone (thank goodness). Cayman's electorate has become increasingly savvy and well informed (thanks to entities like CNS), and the old tricks that at one time gained noisy politicians some traction (like castigating and trying to smear other politicians, or members of the electorate, even) are over for good. Today's new generation of voters are interested in credible individuals who exercise dignity and restraint and a sense of decorum, and who are prepared to debate within a working relationship of mutual respect with those holding differing views and perspectives. No wonder then, surely, that Mr.Bush finds himself in today's Cayman like a fish out of water, writhing about the place and gasping for air. Time to call it a day, Mr.Bush.
What I have to say is this.
What I have to say is this. People withcommon sence will hate the sin, and not the sinner. Remember none of us or our families are perfect. Think and reflect if you have no or do not have a child, cousin or parent who is either stealing, selling drugs, taking drugs killed someone or cheating on you. Be honest with yourself. You may not realize it, but it is a pitty some of the bloggers cannot see or feel for themselves the hurt and stress they are causing people. WHY?
Have you given some thought about this. I do not believe you go to church. Gosh, how can some of you be so angry. You can only have problems at home to be so visious on the outside world.
Mr Premier please stop giving
Mr Premier please stop giving the press reasons to write unflattering stories about you. The Pen is mightier than the sword and if you continue to give the press reasons to write unflattering articles they have no choice but to do so. Mr. Premier I know that you can conduct yourself above board and the people of the Cayman Islands expect nothing less. CNS and the Compass have a job to do likewise yourself. I ask that you conduct yourself in such a manner that the press will have no choice but to write positive reviews about you.
Lies!? Bwaaahahahahahahahahah
Lies!?
Bwaaahahahahahahahahaha.
Hello Kettle this is Pot...come in over.
Any crank can stick their
Any crank can stick their finger in the air, pluck up some numbers and fabricate a budget with a surplus. Actually implementing and adhering to what's contained within it is an entirely different kettle of fish. I hope the guy will be providing a variance statement to the public this time next year to show how the budget compared to actual figures, and why a deficit was achieved instead of a mystical $82m surplus!.
A "well-written and unbiased
A "well-written and unbiased news paper" in Cayman? RIP, Desmond Seales
Yes, he has now become St.
Yes, he has now become St. Desmond. Please.
How does one "troll" Mac's
How does one "troll" Mac's statements???
Mr. Bush has just declared
Mr. Bush has just declared war on all those who oppose him and his views. He has had ample time to tell his side and present his case for all to see. NOW its our turn so please show a little class, shut up, and listen to the other side like we listened to you. If your right then your right but if your not then take a bow, and run off with what ever you have saved up and go away quietly. Not to hard to see you ending up like the former "honorable" premeir (or what ever he wanted to be called of T&C.
Come on now folks, this is
Come on now folks, this is all getting a bit silly now.
For months many of us were up in arms proclaiming that; the Cayman Islands was in a grave financial crisis, the UK should come and save us, we ought to fall under direct rule, the budget is a sham and will never be approved, etc.
However, we are currently at a point where we have actually turned a crucial corner, and with the 'blessing' of the watchful eyes of the UK, no less. (Are we now also second-guessing their capabilities to oversee our financial affairs?!)
Nevertheless, it appears as if what we are most prepared to do is harp on about how uneducated, uncouth, and bullyish is one particular individual.
Really, folks? Is this the priority at the moment?
Yes, we know Mac is cut from a rugged cloth however, there is no question that the media has never missed an opportunity to highlight every single possible negative regarding his administration - deservingly or not. However, we have much bigger fish to fry people.
Will any of this bring any benefit to Cayman whatsoever or help us along the path to securing a better future - in the short and long term?
We have just pulled through one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Cayman Islands yet all I am seeing is an encore of the ridiculous name-calling, sarcastic humor, and snide remarks that are beyond tired now.
I love my country above all else and only wish to see her in good shape. I insist on remaining positive and optimistic with senses on alert in order to find the best path out of the darkness.
Unfortunately, many of us would rather sit around and bitch and complain about only God knows what.
Very disappointing.
* We need to take care how we throw around these buckets of water ... there might be a baby in here somewhere.
Ok folks, So is the general
Ok folks,
So is the general consensus that of we should focus on the negative and continue to lambast, ridicule and downcry the situation that we face as we did earlier - regardless of the recent period of intense negotiation and consultation with the UK?
Are we now to wake up every morning and dwell on worst case scenarios until ... eternity?
The gist of my post was simply a suggestion to do otherwise. However, the reaction has ranged from me being a McKeeva-hugging fool to being the proverbial "angry Black man" mad at "Whitey", to being ignorant to everything under the sun.
I propose a cessation to the over-the-top bitching on the forum and as a result receive a textual smack-down by those clearly offended by such an unreasonable proposal. Who, by the way, clearly have no reservations about pulling any and every despicable, irrelevant card.
Lol ... stay classy folks.
It must well and truly suck to be you ... not everyone, only those that are offended at this very moment.
Your posts are
Your posts are incomprehensible.
McKeeva, is that you?
No, seriously, is that you?
Whodatis, have you considered
Whodatis, have you considered that the people inviting direct rule are not necessarily the same people who are lamenting the fact they now have direct control of our finances? I for one have never welcomed the idea of direct rule and I am very concerned about the present situation.
It is a gross overstatement that "there is no question that the media has never missed an opportunity to highlight every single possible negative regarding his administration - deservingly or not". The Compass was previously very generous and kind to Bush and his administration while it viewed the PPM with obvious distaste. News 27 has also been kind to him and of course Radio Cayman is obliged to be kind to him. His only consistent critics for the past couple of years have been CNS and Rooster.
"We have just pulled through one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Cayman Islands". We have not pulled through anything. We are worse off now than we were 3 years ago.
You talk like the disaster is
You talk like the disaster is over. Mac's still in power, there's no economic recovery on the horizon, the budget that's been approved will bankrupt the nation, crime is "down" to only hundreds of burglaries a year, there's no dock, the tourism product remains over-priced and under-delivering, the increase in fees will drive away the last of the business... but no, you say it's over. WEll it is over, but not the way you say.
Well clearly it is you we
Well clearly it is you we need in power, isn't it.
As does the USA, UK, Spain, Greece, Portugal ... you get the idea.
Re: "WEll it is over, but not the way you say."
Feel free to leave then (be you Caymanian or otherwise), some of us are not as convinced as you are.
However, do send us a postcard from those greener pastures.
Good luck finding them as well.
:-)
That was my postcard Crusty,
That was my postcard Crusty, and no the plane's door didn't hit me in the ass on the way out, I tripled my salary back in the world (seriously), and I still get to surf CNS and hit the "troll" button for your posts (and mine too for that matter). I truly do wish Cayman luck, but I don't actually believe it's coming. Stand by for a troll push.
What evidence do you have
What evidence do you have that Cayman has “actually turned a crucial corner….”? You write, “We have just pulled through one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Cayman Islands.” Really? Where is the evidence that the worst is behind us?
Instead of continuing with your usual rant about the colonial past and the indignities that you and your forebears have suffered at the hands of the perfidious, deceitful British, why don’t you indulge us with your views on something that is actually relevant today - something that truly matters? You can’t continue to live in the nineteenth century.
Why not treat us to your opinions and ideas about the Caymanian UDP administration and while you are on the subject, let us have some ideas on how the current problems may be solved?
We all know by now that if it weren’t for the dreadful Europeans, Cayman would be rivalling Japan and Germany in turning out wonderful manufactured domestic products and would have an economy that would be the envy of the world but that, sadly, is not the way things have happened.
On behalf of my white ancestors I sincerely ask for forgiveness for:
The way they ruined Cayman and at the same time apologise for the other things they caused:
There, I feel so much better. Maybe now I’ll be able to sleep at night and you will have no reason to ever bore or irritate us again.
Wow, my post must have really
Wow, my post must have really rubbed you the wrong way, huh?
Feeling a bit exposed are we?
Anyway, the only direct reply I have to your rather interesting and delusional post is ... up your dosage, my friend.
I sincerely hope you make it through what is clearly a difficult time in your life.
- Whodatis
Thanks for your concern but
Thanks for your concern but my life is wonderful, as I don't have a chip on my shoulder. Please don't ever refer to me again as your "friend". I doubt that we have anything in common other than a love of this country.
Your post didn't affect me in any way. It's just that the drip-drip effect is wearing and tedious. You have never, in all the time that I have been aware of you, offered one single suggestion to do with the problems we face. All you ever offer is an irrational and distorted view of history and society. Be constructive for a change!
It must be pretty clear to you by now that you are in a minority of one. It's not just expats who give you the thumbs down post after post.
Which begs the question, what
Which begs the question, what dose are you on to spout the stuff you do? I think you might need more of the anti-psychotics because your world and the real world are two different things.
Whodatis: Is the baby
Whodatis: Is the baby McKeeva?
Well said, Whodatis. I agree
Well said, Whodatis. I agree with you 100%,
Thank you, poster. It is good
Thank you, poster.
It is good to know at least one other person sees the bigger picture ... or in fact actually gives a damn about the bigger picture.
More and more the posters and visitors of CNS are proving correct the suspicions about this forum - and that is quite unfortunate. It was not always like this.
You and one other, you must
You and one other, you must be right on the money then, all the rest are wrong and you are not a moron. You sound more like macidiot every time you post. say bye to your hero
Whether real or otherwise, we
Whether real or otherwise, we know that perception is everything, and right now I would not want Our Dear Leader to manage my checking account.
The Premier needs to relinquish finance.
I suspect that what is operating with regard to the new board is that there is more than one way to skin a cat. The UK is probably taking the path of least resistance and going around the obstacle.
Everyone is tired of the
Everyone is tired of the ridiculous name-calling, sarcastic humor, and snide remarks. Also The jet setting, slush funding, incompetence that is CIGs financial section. Thank you for seeing both sides.
I do see all sides my
I do see all sides my friend.
However, if I was to acknowledge that - what role would you and your friends have to play in this debacle?
I suspect none.
My point is let us not remain stagnant and paralyzed by our criticism and fears. The sun is rising at the moment and it is a new day ... yesterday is not coming back.
I choose to live for today while planning for tomorrow. I rejoice in the fact that yesterday's fears are no more ... why should I hold on to it?
(Of course, all of the above and my related postings are under the assumption that the majority of posters actually give a damn about the welfare and future of Cayman and its people.)
I and many like me play the
I and many like me play the role of a good citizen no matter what country we are visiting by following all laws and paying any and all fees, duty's,and taxes that we would hope would go toward the future upkeep of the country or its citizens. So yes WE ALL give a damn and wish (since most of us can do nothing else) that "honorable" meant something good to everyone in Grand Cayman.
It is always darkest before
It is always darkest before the dawn. Not always easy to remember.
Whodatis would you really
Whodatis would you really give your gardener $800m to play around with?
Well, certain countries gave
Well, certain countries gave trillions of (£) pounds to long succession of Oxford and Cambridge graduates to play around with and look what they ended up with - a far greater mess than Cayman has.
Regardless, this is not about any one individual. Furthermore, never before have there been so many eyes on the situation yet we still can't manage to move beyond these criticisms and fears of said individual?
This is like beating a dead horse now.
Surely it is time to move on - no?
We have had Caymanians dating
We have had Caymanians dating back to 1925 who were Rhodes Scholars (Oxford UK) and most of them would be ashamed of how our politics has evolved into cronism, socialism, and greed.
For one thing he would have
For one thing he would have to be honest and not take money from plant supply companies.
Yes, we have much bigger fish
Yes, we have much bigger fish to fry as does the Premier.
Good grief.
The article in The Royal
The article in The Royal Gazette included in a previous blog clearly indicates that some people at government level in Bermuda consider bush has lost a great deal of the authority attached to his position as Minister of Finance.
Unrelated to the article, I
Unrelated to the article, I think people are having a bit too much fun with the new "troll" button, because I see 5 or 6 "trolls" on comments which do not strike me as trolling at all. People need to get caught up on their internet culture. lol
But the little troll button
But the little troll button is sooo cute!
That statement - LOL!!!!! He
That statement - LOL!!!!!
He thinks people are trying to embarrass him - Pssst
Dude - you do a fine job of that yourself multiple times a day.
Go hide in a cave or play on the freeway.
Verbal diarreah again? Be
Verbal diarreah again?
Be glad when this baffoon is gone!
Dear MAC - some advice Make
Dear MAC - some advice
Make certain the words you speak are sweet because they will taste good when you have to eat them.
The Premier's command of
The Premier's command of grammar and punctation is just breathtaking. I'm in my 60s and have never seen English written like that before, have I missed something?
That's OK, I'm in my mid 70s
That's OK, I'm in my mid 70s and it's new (and embarrassing) to me too!
I'm in my 50's, same as
I'm in my 50's, same as McKeeva, and this only proves that there was no "generation gap" in ignorance. It's a personal problem.
Thank you CNS, for a good job
Thank you CNS, for a good job on reporting the goings on in the Cayman Islands. I get up every morning and read my local news source on the internet and and shake my head at the crap our federal opposition gets up to down here in Australia. After a deep breath, I click on to CNS and the Caymanian Compass to get a little relief from my own depression as misery loves company and by God, you guys alway deliver. McKeeva Bush makes me so glad I live where I do, I can almost forgive some of the shenannigans of our politicians. XXXX Even though I do get some comic relief from his rants, I do feel sorry for the people of the Cayman Islands for having to endure his tenure as their elected leader. I guess I'd better read as much as I can now as it appears that come the next election, I will again be stuck with the B.S. down here in my own backyard....and that is not very funny either.
Don't worry - whether it"s
Don't worry - whether it"s McKeeva or the oppostion, you'll continue to get your relief. He's not the one we have here. Come next election, I'm hoping for a coalition government, with some fresh minds.
Today, we are all liars...
Today, we are all liars...
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