Mac may reject some of FFR
Posted on Wed, 09/26/2012 - 16:07 in Politics
(CNS): The Cayman Islands premier has said that he has not committed to making the entire Framework for Fiscal Responsibility he signed with the UK last year into law. In a statement released by his office Wednesday, McKeeva Bush, who is currently in Greenland, contradicted comments from the governor’s office about when the document will be made law and how much of it will make the statue books. Evidence of further difficulties in the relationship between the premier and the governor, Bush said the office had created a “misleading picture” of what he had discussed in London last week with the new OT minister Mark Simmonds.
“The statement from the Office of the Governor regarding assurances given by Premier McKeeva Bush to Minister Mark Simmonds during a 20 September courtesy call that the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility will be transposed into law 'no later than 9 November 2012' has omitted important information that creates a misleading picture of what was discussed,” the statement from the Premier’s Office said.
Bush was in London on Thursday and made a courtesy call on the new UK minister, which his office said was initiated by the Cayman leader, who was on his way to Denmark and then Greenland.
The meeting reportedly included the premier’s Chief of Staff Leonard Dilbert, his Senior Political Assistant Richard Parchment and Cayman’s UK representative Lord Blencathra. Bush was said to have reassured Simmonds that Cayman would cooperate in putting the FFR into law.
“However, Premier Bush also stressed that it was necessary, and important, for the government to consult with the private sector on the FFR prior to the bill going to the House. At no point did the premier indicate that the entire FFR as was signed in 2011 would be enacted in law," the Premier’s office stated, adding that this was not made clear by the Governor’s Office this week.
During the meeting the premier was said to have confirmed that the FFR bill was going to the House on 5 November but no further timing on the legislation was given except to say that it “should take no more than a few days to have it passed and to have the UKG, give assent to it, to bring it into effect."
According to Bush's office, he “could not and did not give the specific date of the 9 November, contrary to what is now being reported in the governor's statement. The date from the premier was the 5 November. That is the date the House will resume.”
The UK said recently however, that he agreement which was signed between Bush and the former UK FCO minister for the territories in November last year had to become law in the Cayman Islands by the end of September as a condition for the UK’s approval of the 2012/13 budget.
However, this is the first official and wider public comment the premier made about his decision not to honour that commitment and the revelation that he does not necessarily intend to implement the FFR as it is.
The opposition leader and both the independent members of the House have expressed their concerns about the premier’s reluctance to pass the FFR into law and the continued deterioration of the relationship between Cayman and the UK.
CNS has contacted the Governor’s Office and is now awaiting official comment regarding the latest development in Cayman-UK relations.
Meanwhile, in the same statement from the Premier’s Office, the issue of Bush’s attendance at the EU-OCT meeting in Ilulissat was addressed. The office said the premier was going to the EU territories meeting in Greenland to deal with possible measures that if not addressed, could negatively impact Cayman's financial services industry.
See the full statement below.
Related articles:
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| FFR Legislation Timing Statement - 26 Sep-2012.pdf | 74.1 KB |
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You know our Premier has
You know our Premier has large pockets of grinding poverty in his district and he has been in office so long, it is clear that he doesn't care about the rest of us. If he don't care about his own district you know he don't care about anything or anybody. Our future is on the line with this cold, calculating politician that never misses an oppertunity to pull the wool over our eyes.
If Mad Mac told me the sun
If Mad Mac told me the sun would rise in the east tomorrow I woul not believe him. At least I learn from experience - why on earth doesn't the UK?
Or the Caymanian people? You
Or the Caymanian people? You know, the ones responsible for him having the job and keeping the job.
This man will stop at nothing
This man will stop at nothing until he achieves his life-long, burning ambition - to be the 1st Prime Minister of an Independent Cayman Islands!
Well I got news for him, OVER MY DEAD BODY, trust me and I not the only person with those sentiments!
Thank you for identifying
Thank you for identifying this for all to see. I stand with you, for the good of the Cayman Islands and her people. A re-election of McKeeva Bush may well result in civil conflict, armed or otherwise. To allow this charlatan to continue is a death sentence for the Cayman Islands.
OMFG how is this allowed to
OMFG how is this allowed to continue?
How soon can we reject
How soon can we reject MacShambles?
"CONSULT WITH THE PRIVATE
"CONSULT WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR?" (Hysterical laughter in the background, heavy thud from fallling off my chair and rolling on the ground, can't catch my breath laughter, wiping tears from my eyes). Oh, you mean like he "consulted" with us over the expat tax, the higher work permit fees, the fuel tax, higher duty fees, boat fees, the higher fees against the financial services and so on and so forth, and all the while giving concessions to the rich developers? Sort of like robbing Peter to pay Paul? My bad - how could I forget that he is a man who believes in "consulting" his people. My only question is, who exactly is he really consulting with? Steve Chewbacca? Some other esteemed lawyer? Some bigwig financial tycoons (take your pick which one - Dart, Ryan, Chinese).
Mac is a one man band
Mac is a one man band
Bush says the Governors
Bush says the Governors statements are misleading????
Mr. Bush, no authority known to God or Man understands more about "misleading" than you. You wrote the book on this subject, used the Nation Building Fund to print it at an inflated price, overcharged the wholesalers for it, lied about the content, got bribed by book stores to put it on the shelves (because you are, without question, a Super hero and everyone wants to read you).
I hope the FCO just shuts him down now, enough please...
In your (hopefully very soon) retirement you could actually write books on your true story...they will end up in the fiction section, but hey, who cares??
If The Dart deal is singed
If The Dart deal is singed before the FFR is made law. the UK should step in and shut Mr. bush down. It is an obvious ploy to push the deal through without the limitations of due process that the FFR demands.
He needs to "consult" prior to passing the FFR but keeps the public iin the dark aobut the Dart deal and pushes it through without the people having the facts .
A sad sad day for Cayman.
I would suggest that it is
I would suggest that it is the Chinese dock deal not Dart that is the fly in this ointment. If the FFR becomes a "law", it may be enforceable in the courts by interested persons such as MLA's or citizens. That is a bigger problem for the Chinese deal as it does not work financially without turning over all the passenger fees to CHEC.
Actually neither meets the
Actually neither meets the sniff test. The Chec deals is the awarding process and the Dart deal is value for money and other reasons.
BUT I get your point. This is probably him trying to get CHEC as he seems to be progressing towards finalising Dart now. God I hope we can squash both of these messes.
Dred, What do you know about
Dred,
What do you know about the Dart deal and value for money? How can you draw such conclusions when we all know you don't have the information necessary to properly evaluate the deal? Why don't you leave it to the professional independent reviewers to complete a fair assessment and reserve your armchair analysis for Sundays?
Dred is actually right. As
Dred is actually right. As to your comment about leaving it to professional reviewers to evaluate and waiting for all the necessary information to come out - How come the independent report by PWC has not been released when it was completed, and now we hear they are keeping under wraps while making modifications to the deal? How come the Government was hiding all the details of the proposed alliance till someone leaked it and Ezzard was able to highlight the dangers? You are the one that needs to reseve your armchair analysis for Sundays. Or maybe you work for Dart. But we see what is going on. Go back under the rock you been sleeping under.
" Premier Bush also stressed
" Premier Bush also stressed that it was necessary, and important, for the government to consult with the private sector on the FFR prior to the bill going to the House.....".
Hands up all those who have been consulted, or know of persons who have been consulted by Premier Bush on the FFR in the past year. No? Thought so.
Hey Hold on a
Hey Hold on a second....
Hands up anyong who has been consulted on.....(I could just leave it there)
- Cohen & Cohen
- GLF
- Oil Refinery
- Mega Quarry
- ForDart Alliance
- BT Dump
- CHEC
- God this could go on for EVER!!!!
This man does not consult anyone. He just DOES stuff.
Sad part is we are left to pick up the pieces after.
If any deals are signed in the interim period they should be made VOID PERIOD. Then the UK should step in and make him step down because this would constitute and OBVIOUS abuse of office. It would demonstrate CLEARLY and EMPHATICALLY that these items do not meet the sniff test and are being pushed through so as to avoid deep scrutiny.
In fact the UK should make it clear that no deals are to be made in the interim.
Will they. NO. Cause they say one thing but always do the other.
"Consult with the private
"Consult with the private sector"?! - just as he did over the expat tax, permit hikes and all the unsustainable increases still to come from this unachievable Budget! What a joke
Not to mention the disastrous
Not to mention the disastrous changes to the Companies Law that nearly became law before anyone with a brain saw them.
... and another thing Re:
... and another thing
Re: EU-OCT
See if you can't push for a duty exempt relationship regarding imports / exports between the overseas territories and the (4) European Union countries, can you Premier Bush? Thanks.
Such changes, together with improved trading logistics between the regions, will go a long way to enhance the cohesion, economies and overall relationship between the groups.
Neither side should expect to receive or give any free handouts (e.g. Guadeloupe citizens can draw social security directly from French government), but as it stands, the supposed 'relationship' between us and them is felt mostly within, and often limited to, the political realms of the respective coutries.
Furthermore, the way the situation stands places severe restrictions regarding manufacturing / agriculture within the Caribbean and its subsequent trading to sizeable markets abroad.
(Let us bear in mind that not so long ago the Caribbean with its booming and ever-flourishing agricultural industry practically fed both the 'old' and 'new' worlds for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, due to domestic mismanagement but more so international economic manipulation (IMF / World Bank / IADB), most of it has been rendered obselete.
Enter currency warfare, between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place types of treaties, deals and "partnerships" ... and the results are dead industries, politically selected argricutlural "hot-spots" within the region, mass unemployment, rise in crime, sociopolitical instability and worse of all - dismissal of the reality on the basis of "typical" or "expected" behaviour.)
* Sometimes those Indian plantains, Thai coconuts, and Nigerian yams simply don't cut the mustard over yonder! Not to mention the cost of ackees in the EU. The last time I passed through France it was over 8 Euros a can - yikes!! Not to mention breadfruit - couldn't even find that, lol!
:-)
"Let us bear in mind that not
"Let us bear in mind that not so long ago the Caribbean with its booming and ever-flourishing agricultural industry practically fed both the 'old' and 'new' worlds for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, due to domestic mismanagement but more so international economic manipulation (IMF / World Bank / IADB)........"
When you say "not so long ago" are you refering to the period pre-independence of much of the Caribbean when the islands were run by European powers and many of the population were mere unpaid indentured slaves? Actually when you then mention hundreds of years you must be refering to the colonial period. Its not like you to suggest those times were better than today and the Caribbean was a potental agricultural powerhouse. Are you feeling ok Whodatis?
(Nice try - but I'll
(Nice try - but I'll bite.)
The "Caribbean" was an "agricultural powerhouse", however, that was never done in the name of or for the benefit of the people known as Caribbean people today.
I intentionally skirted around the obvious with an aim to focus on the simple reality regarding the longstanding agricultural potential / output of the region.
As for who was in control of it and under what circumstances is not my concern at the moment - my eyes are focused on the road ahead.
Obviously you are one of my regular respondents so I would have thought you would have appreciated my neutral approach to the issue at hand ... guess not.
* In no way would I ever suggest "those times were better than today", would you? If so, please elaborate. Do not neglect to include all aspects of the period in your response.
Might be a good idea in
Might be a good idea in principle, but then where is the revenue going to come from? Tax ex-pats more? I dont think so.
If we can introduce SEZ's
If we can introduce SEZ's which cater to the wishes of faraway companies to operate in a tax-free and fee-free environment - why can we not explore a notion like I have proposed?
Unless of course you are equally skeptical about SEZ's in regards to revenue? Somehow I doubt this is the case. I wonder why?
Anyway, moving swiftly along ... as for real world examples - I know personally of local business ventures (consisting of a modern multi-national operation) that were drawn up and experimented, only to be rendered inefficient due to EU / UK expenses relating to duty and VAT. That was the sole hurdle and it was quite a shame as one of the ventures was one that would have required and appealed to young (unemployed) Caymanians - primarily males as well.
If this region does not think outside the box, or if it is continually restricted to the box we will only see a worsening of our conditions.
Time is of the essence and if changes do not come about very soon then I dread what could become of the Caribbean.
Last time I was in England,
Last time I was in England, Ackees et all were cheaper than they are here in Cayman - selling at 2 cans for 4 pounds!
“However, Premier Bush also
“However, Premier Bush also stressed that it was necessary, and important, for the government to consult with the private sector on the FFR prior to the bill going to the House".
So why wasn't this done in the +10months that has transpired since Nov 2011?
Hope the next headlines read"
Hope the next headlines read" FFR rejects all of Bush".
"Submitted by Whodatis on
"Submitted by Whodatis on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 13:48.
... and another.
My goodness, exactly how many of these "bosses" will we have per decade?
This is really not the best way to cultivate strong and meaningful relationships between 'mother country' and her territories. Consider the intense back-and-forth that just took place between CIG and the FCO regarding our finances and budget situation - suddenly we are facing a 'reset' button in terms of familiarity."
Further to my comments on the day the UK switched the post of overseas minister, yet again, if this agreement falls through it will be primarily the 'fault' of the UK.
Certain positions in the UK government are nothing more than musical chairs in order to test the acumen or delay the ultimate promotion of the MP in question. Unfortunately, this beloved "British Overseas Territory" falls under the remit of one such position.
That is not how to run even a domestic government, more so the position "responsible for Africa, international energy, consular services, the Caribbean, FCO protocol, conflict issues, climate change and overseas territories."
Many of us continue to look to the UK as an ensurer of good governance for the Cayman Islands, but not only are they struggling to maintain their own affairs - but they clearly do not consider us worthy of the required focus and attention.
Therefore, if we wish to see a change in our political and democratic reality we must rely on ourselves. Otherwise, we will ultimately see direct action from the UK, but not before a point where shock and horror can be feigned and proverbial hammers dropped.
This should come as a surprise to no one as it is the same old tactic used time after time.
What next - I had me finger
What next - I had me finger crossed behind me back so it nah count?
In the real world agreements are made between governments not between the men who happen to be in office at the time they are signed.
If Cayman gets a reputation for renegeing on its agreements it's the beginning of the end for the Financial Services sector.
In the words of Mr Dylan "To live outside the law you must be honest".
Bush finally got his budget
Bush finally got his budget approved so can now get his own back and give the UK the run around for the time being. Embarrassing and childish, but no-one here other than the Governor taken by suprise, surely? Politically, he needs to line up the Port, Dart, Shetty, Ritz, before the general election in less than 8 months from now. He cant do that "the Bush way" if in a legal strait-jacket. String out the FFR a few months longer, FCO will privately fume but wont do anything in the meantime. West Bay electorate is no doubt fully supportive. Re-election inevitable.
The West Bay electorate is no
The West Bay electorate is no doubt fully supportive? I don't think so.
Well, only West Bayers can
Well, only West Bayers can change that so get on top of your family and friends AND DO NOT VOTE FOR BUSH!
I do not believe the Governor
I do not believe the Governor was taken by surprise. He has had plenty of time to understand the nature of the Premier and can comfortably predict his actions to any issue. The Governor is currently handing the Premier yet more rope.......
FFR=Framework for Financial
FFR=Framework for Financial RESPONSIBILTY, yes, its in the name! This two faced acceptance and then avoidance of enacting the law is evidence if any more was needed of the irresponsibility of this man. This double dealing has a reason, and it seems to be that he doesnt want to be financially responsible because to do so would preclude certain projects, that are themselves irresponsible. If so, the question is his motive, and certain posts on earlier CNS articles suggest that it is self interest in the projects themselves. That would be appalling, and I do not see how the FCO and Governor can allow this to continue, it is time the LA met regardless of his presence to stop this financially irresponsible mess.
What the OT Minister at the
What the OT Minister at the time did not know was when he made the promise....he had his fingers crossed! A sign of a true diplomat. And, when he signed the agreement, he signed it McKeeva Bush, Scheemer of the Cayman Islands! Not Premier!! The guy is just too clever
No Actually he probably will
No Actually he probably will say it was Richard again. That darn guy does all the bad things.
I wonder if he has some sort of split personality disorder cause there are just too many people now say he did or said stuff but it wasn't him. Maybe he is a Shaggy fan!!
How can bush have any
How can bush have any discretion over the content of the FRAMEWORK FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW which he was told HAD to be passed by 30 September, and in the exact terms of the letter he signed in 2011. Theoretically, the 2012/2013 Budget , as approved by the LA, is now void, as the passing of the FFR law was a condition precedent for the content of the Budget to be approved by the UK. Is any government expenditure, after 30 September, effectively UNAUTHORISED. As a layman, I would welcome commentary from some of our local Legal Eagles - not least that well known attorney and Leader of the PPM - Mr. Alden McLaughlin.
Even M O R E glaring
Even M O R E glaring incompetence from the UDP administration by McKeeva?
Lord I don't no how much more I can take .... May 2013 elections can't hurry up and come?!
I want to NOT vote for UDP so hard it might tear the paper !
URGHHH!
Make sure you don't spoil
Make sure you don't spoil your ballot :)
But that were yesterday!
But that were yesterday! Today tings different! Only a fool can't change he moind!
Do we have an email for the
Do we have an email for the new minister?
I don't know if its the
I don't know if its the relevant address but this is an email address for the new Overseas Territory Minister: mark.simmonds.mp@parliament.uk
Suggest you copy Bellingham in at the same time. After all, he might not be OT Minister any more but he's still there and no doubt will retain an interest with regards to agreements made with him and now being renegued upon.
so what else is new?The moon
so what else is new?The moon is far more interesting than the stories on our premiers antics.Well shame he cant see whats going on in the real world.One day it might happen.zzzzzz
Surely, if matters of Cayman
Surely, if matters of Cayman governance were discussed, the Minister's secretary would have kept Minutes of the meeting, however informal - or in this day and age perhaps there was a digital recording, or even video record.
And I am sure such minutes
And I am sure such minutes will be a lot more fulsome than those we recently saw here from the CIG meetings!
Either I am going senile or I
Either I am going senile or I heard Mac say in late August that as part of the agreement to get the budget approved, he had agreed to include the FFR into law before the end of September.
I dont recall Mr Bellingham having a televised meeting and informing us that the budget had been approved, and that there were 4 conditions set by the UK as part of its approval. So if Mac did not tell the public that, then I must have imagined the whole thing...
But lately I have been imagining a lot of stuff. Like just a few days ago I was so happy because I imagined that Mac had moved to Greenland...
Don't know whether it is
Don't know whether it is still an avenue open to them, but is there any possibility that the "mandatory" legislation which bush is now trying wiggle around will be imposed on Cayman by a direct "Order in Council" from the UK , with immediate effect. Suspect that if Bellingham was still OTs Minister, he would be stepping off the next BA direct flight to the island, with a very big stick in his carry-on bag.
The quicker we get this
The quicker we get this bafoon out the better. He is going to get our country in hot water with the UK all because he wants to get all these messed up projects off the ground.
All signs of a good liar /
All signs of a good liar / deceptive person
Honourable people make
Honourable people make agreements and follow them though. Those without honour will say anything to make it through the day, or the crisis, or the critical moment, and then waffle on the follow-through.
I am disheartened to see this manner of disingenuous discourse being put forth by the leader of our country. Honour means something to me, and it should mean something -- everything -- to our leaders.
You make an agreement, and you stick to it. I am so disappointed in Mr. Bush's performance of late, that I am almost sick. We, as a country, are going downhill fast. Mr. Premier seems uncompromising and we, the people, have no instrument at our collective disposal toward causing our leaders to comply with any agreements they have made or will make in the future.
We have no voice. God bless the Cayman Islands, and let us survive until we can elect new leaders.
Amen.
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