Thoughts on some statements made by the Premier on Wednesday

The Premier said - “Community Enhancement” is not a tax and the media calling it such are the cause of all the bad publicity and do not love these Islands.

I say - Just because they are not spelled the same way does not mean they are not the same thing – if it looks like a donkey, walks like a donkey………..

The Premier said that he was not in charge of the Civil Service including  hiring or firing which was strictly up to the Governor.  A few moments later, the Premier elaborated to state that it was unconstitutional for the Governor to interfere with the daily running of these Islands which was strictly the responsibility of the elected Government.

I say - You cannot have it both ways – this is either the responsibility of Government or of the Governor – the Premier did say that the Governor could make a recommendation and that as Minister of Finance, it was solely up to the Premier to make a recommendation to Cabinet so I think we’ve just solved the question of whose responsibility this really is and it’s time that the Premier started earning the enormous sums ‘we’ pay him and do his job – despite at times being difficult – this is why he gets the big bucks!

The Premier said - The Auditor General is the Governor’s “hitman”

I don’t think I can actually form a sensible thought in response to this

The Premier said - Low to middle income Caymanians are struggling more than anyone which is why we don’t want to extend the tax to them

I don’t disagree that low to middle income Caymanians are struggling.  But I do disagree that low to middle income Caymanians are struggling MORE than low to middle income expatriates.  Low to middle income expatriates don’t usually have extended families to help with children (so money is spent on helpers and babysitters) and low to middle income expatriates cannot take advantage of free schooling – just 2 examples of many reasons why low to middle income expatriates should be considered to be struggling at least equally if not more so.

The Premier said - The FCO only gave the Premier 2 months to come up with a budget (and during hurricane season - how dare they?!)

Correct me if I’m wrong but the annual budget is due annually – why is it a surprise?