Newspaper accused of ‘treason’
Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin in the Legislative Assembly
(CNS): An editorial which appeared on Wednesday in the only daily newspaper in Cayman was described as “treasonous” by the premier in the Legislative Assembly on Friday. But the allegations in the opinion piece by the editor and his board about local corruption that upset all legislators as well as the country’s leader may have cost the paper much more than a dressing down, as the Finance Committee voted to stop spending public cash on advertisements with the paper.
The Cayman Compass and its editor, David Legge, were called all manner of names by Alden McLaughlin in a statement delivered in the Chamber ahead of the Finance Committee proceedings. The premier said he believed in a free press and that he expected government to be held accountable by the media but he described the editorial as taking aim not at politicians or the authorities but the Caymanian people as, he said, Legge had implied that every person here and the entire country was corrupt.
Taking aim at the direction the country’s only newspaper has taken since Legge, reportedly alone, bought the paper, McLaughlin recalled a recent racist cartoon that led to a boycott, personal attacks and the general development of anti-Caymanian rhetoric in the editorials but said this time Legge had stepped well over the line.
The premier said Wednesday’s editorial was not about him or even the government but the Caymanian people. Querying what the editor was hoping to gain with the direction he was taking against Cayman and its people, he claimed Legge was on “a crusade against an enemy of his own creation” and that it was a testament to the tolerance of the Caymanian people that he was getting away with the ongoing insults against the country and the people here.
McLaughlin said that while the editor was accusing everyone except himself and his own board of being corrupt, he was not above taking $100,000’s from these corrupt people and entities every year in advertising fees.
Following McLaughlin’s statement, in which he described the editorial as “self-righteous”, “hypocritical” and having a “reckless abandonment of the truth”, as well as being treasonous, the members of the committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of no longer using the publication for any government advertising or promotion, from planning notices to job adverts, threatening the paper’s bottom line.
The premier’s speech received a standing ovation from most members of the House attending Finance Committee, before Arden McLean, the member for East End, proposed the vote to stop spending money with the paper from the public purse, which passed unanimously.
The premier offered support for a free press and pointed to the Bill of Rights and said the local media was “unregulated … and at liberty to say what it wants and promote its own agendas”.
However, he said he would not let the allegations of corruption against the Caymanian people at large go unchallenged. He said Cayman was not perfect — nowhere was — but the editor had deliberately painted the country and everyone living here as a place and a people that are entirely corrupt.
CNS has contacted David Legge and the editorial desk of The Cayman Compass about the allegations and is awaiting a response.
Read in full – Premier’s response to Cayman Compass Editorial of 3 June 2015
Category: Local News, Media
Can’t wait to see how many Caymanians will lose their jobs as a result of the actions if the Premier.
Just like the editor said. Corruption is a matter of perception. Most people who did not grow up here but in a more developed country see corruption as a way of life here. As you can see by the comments those who grew up here can’t see it. Just like they are not able to see that saying your all for freedom of speech then attacking that right proves that you are not. All the many almost daily government dealings we see in the newspaper mostly point to corruption and yet government here and those who government feeds don’t see it. Do you really need examples? Of course you do. The never ending road paving in the Brac and leasing of equipment to pave in Grand Cayman by? Gas card that by the last account years ago that was audited was $500,000 over? Nothing has changed. The many millions that went into the “Honorable” (all evidence to the contrary) Ex(for good reason)Premier 5 star travel vacations all around the world for himself and all his friends and his many failed “deals”. Completely forgotten and forgiven because? I could go on but there is not enough room or time to do so. Only half of the people who live here remember things like this. Why? Read the article in the Compass one more time. Then admit it. What some call corruption others call an honorable way of life. One way to tell which side your on is one side wants to hear it and talk about it and the other wants to silence it and not talk about it. Read the many comments here and you can see the two sides and who see’s versus who does not. Hiding from the truth is different then hiding the truth. The editor’s comment was all about trying to start solving the problem of corruption in Grand Cayman Islands, The current Premier’s is all about “there is no problem to solve”.
Joe B: thanks for your kind interpretation — but no one is saying we do not have some corruption and maybe even a lot. We are just saying, don’t condemn everybody and, at the same time, show us the money. Compass, do your job! You complain about other sectors of the workforce not being effective — guess what? You are at the top of the list — you publish your inaptitude and signal your ineffectiveness every day!
Je sui Charlie
In response to Fred the Piemaker, Anonymous 05/06/2015 at 2:38 pm, and Anonymous 05/06/2015 at 4:18 pm:
Come on now, don’t muddle the meaning of these facts. The fact that Premier Alden McLaughlin has expressed outrage at an outrageous newspaper editorial does not mean that he does not support freedom of the press. The fact that Independent MLA Arden McLean and apparently all the Ministers and MLAs in Finance Committee supported the motion to stop all government advertising in the Cayman Compass does not mean that all of our government leaders do not support freedom of the press. What it means is that one newspaper’s editorial blatantly and egregiously crossed a line that the people of the Cayman Islands are not going to tolerate any longer, and those people’s elected representatives have finally emphatically made it abundantly clear that one newspaper’s so-called “editorial board” has gone way too far in casting aspersions on the “native” people of the country in which that newspaper and its reporters and editors have been given the privilege of operating.
Just because there is not a law preventing you from doing something, doesn’t mean that you should do it. Furthermore as expressed by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in Schenck v. United States, “The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic.”
If good sense does not prevail, nonsense will emerge. In failing to exercise good sense, the Cayman Compass has degenerated to nonsense. In so doing, instead of being an asset in our endeavors to build a nation here, the Cayman Compass has become a liability.
A recent incident in the US is a poignant example of nonsense emerging when good sense is not exercised, and that acting within one’s legal rights is not the only qualification for being a good citizen and making a positive contribution to one’s community. Just because a man lives in a state that gives him the legal freedom to “bear arms” openly in public does not mean he is demonstrating good citizenship and good community spirit when he carries openly into a busy airport a huge intimidating AR-15 automatic assault rifle loaded with 100 rounds of ammunition.
Similarly, freedom of the press does not mean that the press has carte blanche to intimidate or insult any or every one and paint them all with the same nasty brush without fear of consequences. It does not make it acceptable for a publisher to demean and castigate and damage reputations on the basis of that publisher’s own lopsided preferences and prejudices. Just because many “native” Caymanians by and large may be tolerant, longsuffering and forgiving of those who came to our shores more recently and still haven’t learned to respect the dignity of the people of the community they have entered, should not be interpreted to mean Caymanians individually or collectively are powerless to defend their reputations or their rights in their own country. If you misinterpret silence, politeness or patience as ignorance, weakness or acquiescence, then you do so at your own peril.
So if one of the publishers in “the press” abuses its freedom they are not immune from the liabilities and consequences arising from what they publish. The Cayman Compass is now reaping the bitter fruit of the bitterness it has sowed. “Da wha ya get!”
Alden’s over reaction to the Compass editorial makes his reaction look like he has something to hide. He is in a legal battle with the leader of the opposition which might explain his strange “treason” comments.
Since when is even handed journalism treason? Arden reminds me of Tail Gunner Joe McCarthy…google it.
Check Alden’s hair nah. I bet all that breeze and rain last night couldn’t ruffle that boy.
And what’s the relevance. It just shows how artificial the Premier is – both in his appearance and what he says.
Despite whatever we want to chat about on this board whoever owns the compass just bought an expensive toy. If Mr. Legge owns it he will be finished in a year but if the backer is Dart as many suspect then the Compass will be making noise for a good while however, it circulation will falter. Bottom line is this, if the Government took this step and the private sector (who will follow through) wanting to appease the government. After all we want work permits to be granted…so, we close the book on the Cayman Compass and that is not a bad thing! Corruption exist as it does everywhere and when discovered it is prosecuted and that is not a secret….
I am your typical piece of driftwood. I love Cayman but suspect I will not see out my days here, I get on with Caymanians both in work and outside, but most of my close friends are expats from my home country (we just have similar interests and sense of humour)
I must say however the Premier is spot on in his comments, the editorial in the Compass is a step down from gutter press and this week seems to be taking great delight in using the FIFA scandal to make disparaging generalizations about Caymanians (whether directly or inferred).
I do agree with the commentators that state government and the Premier should not inhibit on free speech with undue influence and they have done here. Having said that I am glad someone has put a shot across their bow and hopefully the editor will take the Premier’s comments on board and offer constructive commentaries rather than the tripe they do currently.
David Legge is very balanced and fair in his opinions. We can see that by the way he was able to give such unbiased reports in the Stuart Kernohan affair at the same time that he was engaged to act as a spokesperson by Stuart Kernohan.
Cayman27 has no comment from Mr. Legge either. He must be in meetings with his boss/handler on what he is going to say.
All the while, it’s 8:07PM and I’m still stuck flood-out at my office. Mr. Premier, send me the helicopter or a canoe! I wan’ go home to my family.
…and for God Sakes man, build some drainage in George Town.
Wha I see happenin is how the Compass always give old Mac a free pass. Either they love him or they really scared a him. Either way they always given him the benefit of doubt. And there is a lot of doubt. They not afraid of the PPM so they can be as brave as ever when they in office. It is a real double standard anyhow. Wha the word is? HYPOCRISY!
Here’s my two cents,
The only corruption here has been brought from other so called developed countries. My family has been here since the beginning and fought and worked hard to keep their lives. We were raised with morals. Most of these that have come here don’t have any. They only know one thing, do anything to survive, and I mean anything.
For anyone to come here and blast them I say unto you, go back to your mama. If you don’t like it tough, there is not anything you can do about it. Realistically you couldn’t stand face to face. I am always on the street. Maybe even right outside your door. I am a Caymanian.
Yes there are some bad apples here, just like everywhere else. But we have to take care of our own. Remember we didn’t leave our country, those others left theirs to come here. Let’s not even begin to talk about the corruption and other atrocities that occur where they come from.
If you don’t like it here, if everyone is so corrupt, then leave. Hurry up. Otherwise stop your misinformation and bigotry and trying to make your money at our expense.
Alden’s feeling got hurt??? aaawwwww…what happened to freedom of speech???? the truth hurts huh??? Good for you Cayman Compass keep it coming!!!!
In corrupt societies, those that dare to challenge the established way of business, get clubbed.
I have read and re-read the editorial in the Compass and I see no treason or cultural insults in it. Legge points out the hard truth about SOME cases. It is no secret that political parties in Cayman have bought voters home appliances and things of that sort. Legge simply calls it out. Legge also calls out cars on the road that manage to pass inspection, but are clearly unsafe by a quick visual inspection. All Legge did was raise the question of how this could be the case. There are many examples of this and what he says may not be the norm, but it is not a lie and it is certainly not treason.
In any small population center, it is common that the population is tightly connected. And as a result of this, it is also common for “favors” to be done by people in power for their family or friends. Make no mistake that this happens in small towns in the U.S., Europe and yes, even here in Cayman. This doesn’t make it excusable, but it is also not extraordinary.
I would argue that “soft corruption” is rampant in Cayman. Corruption is not simply paying someone cash to get something done. Soft corruption occurs when a person in government puts an application for their friend or cousin to the top of the pile. Or when that same government official tells their friend about an application made by their friend’s competitor.
Legge may have been sensationalizing to prove his point, but his point is valid.
And frankly, it is unbecoming of a sitting Premier of a democratic society to call for, or allow, the boycott of a newspaper by the government. Alden should face the criticism head on and, if he can, he should defeat the criticisms directly.
I hope Alden and crew are happy to know that they have joined the ranks of the National Team Government which banned government adverts etc from Desmond Seales’ newspapers and the Jim Bodden Government which banned the old Norwester magazine from Cayman Airways. Shame on you, Alden. You are educated-some of the other poor fools there are not but we expect better from you. That is not good company to be in.
Don’t forget the harassment that was dished out to Jim and Mary Lawrence even before those examples. This immature approach to criticism goes a long way back.
Of course, this is nothing exclusive to Cayman. Mr. Obama regularly expresses his dislike of the US media.
But Obama does not call for boycotting them or trying to put them out of business. Big difference.
Quite the contrary. According to reputable journals like the Washington Post and the New York Times, the Obama White House is waging an unprecedented war on press freedom.
Instead of being puerile about this why doesn’t the government use it as a wake up call to denounce corruption of any form. The reality is, as it is in most countries, there is corruption here. So why doesn’t alden and his team stand up and accept that, and prove they are not corrupt by stamping out any form of corruption. That is a far better statement than the outrageous step of passing a motion to stop advertising in the Compass. Wait until the international press get a hold of that. I’m not surprised the opposition supported it as they see how pathetically immature and dangerous a move it is and so wanted it to pass to show how pathetic Alden and the PPM really are. I am shocked that it was tabled and even more shocked that MLa’s I voted for supported it. It is wrong on so many levels. Really a sad day for Cayman. SMH.
The guilty flee where none pursueth
You are probably on Peg legg’ payroll. You and what you could’nt see is irrelevant. All of you and Legge type think that we are idiots. You all have opened up a can of worms and you might just have to eat the. Would you like some ketchup on them ?
Can you give us that in English please?
Childish comment in the extreme. Alden is only doing what Mac did back in 2008/2009 when he had his tirade ordering CS that they were not to place any advertising in Desmond’s paper.
Now I do not like the Compass for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it is a poor excuse for a newspaper. However, it is important that we have as much freedom as possible and I do not consider the Wednesday editorial to rise to the level of an attack on the nation.
Most Caymanians are of the view that there is a good deal of corruption BUT that this is something that has never been part of our culture. It is more of a recent phenomena and can be directly linked to the introduction of party politics. After all, the failure of our government to produce audited accounts has arisen only during the political party era.
Remind us again. How much is the total monies spent by the government in the last ten or more budget cycles that cannot be properly accounted by audited financials? There are only two reasons why our government cannot produce proper accounts. The first is incompetence. The second possibility is……..what could the second possibility be?
The point? Don’t shoot the messenger just because the message is uncomfortable. The better approach is to prove the messenger wrong. Or, if the messenger is not wrong, fix the problem.
How about some audited financial statements?
A better approach of the Compass is what is called for — show us the evidence — not this lame, empty, totally unreliable “everybody knows.” No, everybody does not know. Let us have some real investigative journalism, not these vague allegations.
Perhaps the police could show us some arrests? Gasboy for example?
I couldn’t see anything controversial in the Compass editorial at all
@ 1:54. Before I write what I intended to on learning of this let me be clear: I am a minority and the most despised group although the Filipinos (no disrespect) might be taking that badge of [dis]honour soon. I am sure by now you have guessed that I am Jamaican and unashamed of it and the idiot that burned the CI flag is just as despicable as those who burn the flag of the USA (Yes, I am also pro USA despite its flaws, which pales in comparison to its greatness and that no matter who you are you can be whatever you want to be). I see Cayman much as a microcosm of the USA, flawed in certain respects but a great place where you truly can be free, raise a family, live and enjoy peace and harmony. My wife is Caymanian and so are my children. They all went to private Schools and didn’t rely on government grants and I taught them some good Jamaican/Caymanian values!
I don’t care for local politics and I believe that the PPM do not like expats, especially Jamaicans but I truly love this country as I love my homeland, the USA and western values and while I believe that the government should be careful about boycotting the media as it can send the wrong signal to investors and visitors it is clear that the Cayman Compass so-called editorial board (because I honestly believe that is a one-man show) have a worrying dislike for the Caymanian people. There is hardly ever a positive thing about Caymanians and I agree when I read the editorial in question I wonder if this is the same place where I live that he is writing about. To suggest that corruption is widespread and rampant is a gross exaggeration. and misrepresentation of the truth.
Also, the chap who claimed that he had to greased hands since moving here is nonsense and falsehood and if he did it and not report it to the authorities then he is just as guilty as facilitating the corruption.. I have lived or conduct any other business. If anything the processes are damn overly bureaucratic.
For the Editor to insult the integrity of decent people by arguing conflicts of interest in the manner described and forced resignation is reckless and borders on bullying two successful women in their own rights. Why wasn’t it a conflict of interest when certain nationalities are doing similar things?.
Was it not a profound conflict of interest for a certain expat to sit on a panel and hire his wife’s friend and now will be investigator and judge in her disciplinary case? Where is the outrage Mr. Editor?
I admire and support Dart as a good investor and corporate citizen but when the hotel under construction went two floors above what the law allows I didn’t read about it in the Compass. Where is the openness?
Yes, the status grant was a disgrace and tantamount to treason but I bet you will never hear that from the Editor. I know that I am a Driftwood but I have worked hard for what I have and made sacrifices even above many who were born here but I would never disrespect the people in the land of their birth as in the case of the Compass or otherwise. What will happen is that Caymanians will flee from this slow one-sided news source and maybe its private advertisers will take note and its shareholders.
Finally, I believe in every bad situations that there is an opportunity for good and maybe the Premier, who seems to dislike expats, and the Editor, who seems to dislike Caymanians, could use their bully pulpits and work towards uniting the country because at the moment that is one of the good things about this country that is quickly disappearing and might destroy what is good and prosperous about these islands. Caymanians you are a very tolerant people please don’t let this incite you to change such a profound and admirable value system.
It is refreshing to read a positive post.
You are right, we are a tolerant people, but I am afraid that is changing. Our kindness has ended up costing us to be in this position we now face. You see the problem is that we believed that every person we smiled at and welcomed was like us, friendly and not full of hate. Most were good people, but others were not.
We continued to to be welcoming even after we saw that there were those who brought their disgusting ways with them. We have finally had enough. I’m afraid the dam has a crack and the pressure is too great to stop. So, if need be, we will go the Bahamas route.
Not smart Alden. The premier of a modern democracy just declared war on the press for its exercising free speech. This is going to sell a lot of papers. The problem is that will be in London and Washington. A leader might denounce what was said but even more strongly defend their right to say it. That may be what you thought you were doing – but you did not. Shame.
On the contrary, I cancelled my subscription today. I am sick of the offensive, biased, pompous diatribes as of late.
That still won’t stop this being reported in London, Washington or New York. Don’t forget David Legge was on the Washington Post during Watergate – he’s not exactly a novice in the media business.
5:32 pm : No where do I see that expertise in the Compass. And by the way, never heard of him. This is the most fame he has ever had.
I wonder what his former colleagues think of his spectularly “success” here. I see one joined him as the writer of these fanciful editorials : if that is the brand, not too impressed right now. wonder what Woodruff and the other guy would think of Legge’s rise to the Pinnacle.
Now that is a fair and reasonable response, and you should absolutely let them know why, but the head of government calling it treason is outrageous.
Good for you. Thank you, now please go and inspire a few of your friends to do the same. I wish the government and Premier could go further and refuse to do business with all who support the Rag Compass!! Let us kick him where it hurts – in his pocket
4:18 pm, the hard earned money that could go to the terrible needs in our community should never be supporting the destabilizing force that the Compass has become. We have much better things to do with our money.
The compass can say what it wants if it insists on going down this road, but don’t expect the people that you denigrate to subsidies your newspaper. I am content with the actions of the Premier.
The Premier punished a local paper for making criticisms of corruption by withdrawing state funded advertising while the head of the local banking regulator saw nothing wrong with her subordinates running an investigation into the affairs of an entity associated with her husband. Nothing wrong here, move on.
He has a point. Referencing tinted car windows and shabby housing in the article as evidence that Cayman’s corruption has cultural roots is offensive, and its incorrect. That’s evidence of poverty not corruption. The evidence of corruption is more obvious in the flashy houses and expensive cars owned by public servants, politicians and the local “businessmen” that have their fingers in seemingly every pie. Cayman has a massive corruption problem but its greed and ego that are the causes, not poverty.
So, 3;56 pm, you are deducing that since they have “flashy houses and expensive cars” that that is evidence of corruption. Now that is majorly faulty reasoning — all that means, dear heart, is that they will be working for a long time to pay back the bank. Or are you that asinine?
Yes Masa – understand the ‘local’ people should not have nice cars or houses. Only the recent carpetbaggers.
How is a car with dark windows driving past the police every day with no action taken an indication of poverty? How would non application of planning regulations to a sector of our community be an indication of poverty?
since when are tinted windows evidence of poverty?
Kudoos to the Premier; enough is enough!!
Don’t use fancy words you cannot spell.
So you now condone surprising of the press? And you all called Mac a dictator? Wow.
I just read the Compass editorial that everyone is referencing since I seldom bother to read it because it is so irrelevant and asinine most of the time. What I find so surprising is that a rich man like David Legge would print such innuendo instead of citing a specific example where he himself had to pay under the counter to get something done.
I’m not saying that everything is great here, but the least he could have done is offer someone a bribe so he could take their picture of them receiving it. Maybe that would be too close to investigative reporting.
Every country has its share of corruption to deal with but this time Mr. Legge has gone too far. If he is so against the entire community of these Cayman Islands he should pack his ass up and leave. He should not be grabbing our money for Ads in that piece of rag called The compass. He is a destabiliser to our homeland and his status should be taken away on the grounds of treason? he is no longer welcome here. Good job Mr. Premier and fellow members of the LA. I was wondering how long he would be allowed to insult us. he should leave immediately.
Maybe you should ask yourself where he gets his directive from. You think he doesn’t have someone breathing down his neck on how he should do his job. My guess would be to first see who the majority shareholders are.for pinnacle media then maybe then you have a start as to understanding the motives behind the journalism approach. Good luck you’re going to need it.
Why does the Premier care? Nobody reads the Compass…..they may tell us that 000 ‘s of people read it every Friday…but really? probably more like a few hundred read it…have you ever gone to the gas station on a Monday and seen how many of last weeks papers are still there? its a joke….who knows how many papers they really print…..anyway, more people are concerned with trying to afford their CUC or Gas bills and supermarket trolleys rather than worry about what some guy who pretends he owns the Compass has to say…..well done anyway Mr Premier, that actually took some real guts…and well done to the LA for standing up with him……a good day in a long week or so of pretty dodgy news for Cayman.
Now if the Government would just stop doing business with those who don’t pay pension or health insurance for their employees OR if the Government would prohibit civil servants from running their side business during their working hours at Government, that would be what I call progress!
Well done Premier and the entire government of the Cayman Islands.
Divided we fall – together we stand tall.
(Let the sourgrapes massive suck on that …they know themselves).
– Whodatis
You can’t fall any lower and you certainly couldn’t stand together, you’re far to greedy and self absorbed to actually care for each other.
Divided we fall – together we stand tall…..and get to keep getting our bribes, not declaring our business interests while giving our own companies government contracts.
Typical politician action attack the messenger not deal with the message. denying corruption exists here is a lie plenty of evidence of it including many legal cases.
There is corruption in many parts of the local economy and the Compass has been pushing an anti Caymanian agenda.
It isn’t mutually exclusive so all please get off ‘Unna’ soapboxes and tackle the problems instead of taking the easy route.
I agree they are running a crusade — but crusades built on flimsy innuendo will come crashing down on you — which is what has happened to the Compass. Again, if they have evidence of widespread corruption, take it to the authorities and/or publish the evidence in your paper. So far we have seen zilch evidence other than the charge of having a “culture of corruption”. What do you Johnny-come -lately bunch of amateurs know, having isolated yourselves behind a cascade of charges without substantiation?
To all the Anonymous post- Couple of things why “we” (aka Ironwood Caymanians) say and feel the way we do about the supposedly Driftwoods…
1- You all keep referring to “us” (as the Compass did) as “you all” clearly indicating that “Unna” don’t have any allegiance to Cayman…even though you swear to be Caymanian!
2- You always try to downplay our intelligence (Anonymous- Merle Haggard) when most of “Us” have gone to your big Cities and/or Universities and excelled…meanwhile Unna have had to run to a small pond to have any success
3- Yea we know Unna up and soon go…after all that’s how you work…make your profit and move on! Just like any other ‘ol parasite…
Well done Premier! Wonder how the editor made his money…
Wonder if this will get posted??
An ironwoodz, a drifrwoodz and a Logwoodz walk into a bar
Does the Premier understand that with a free press you have to put up with extreme opinions that you may not agree with, especially when they cast politicians in a bad light? Surely the answer is calm, reasoned response pointing out any logical or factual deficiencies in the reporting ? Because the alternative is quite frightening. -. Any criticism is denounced as treasonous and there ends up being no critical comment in the press for fear of retaliation.
I suspect Allens reaction would have been very different had the criticism been limited to his political opponents – but you don’t get to pick and choose with a free press.
You don’t have to like Leggett or agree with him, but to try and stop him commenting smacks of totalitarianism. And it’s completely ineffective – it plays into the hands of offshore commentators who will spin it as the corrupt seeking to suppress the truth. The fact that MLAs are so keen to suppress an allegation of systemic corruption rather than deal with it calmly and using facts will simply reinforce the arguments of overseas critics. It’s just sad – amateur hour.
You need to take note that the Premier never said that Legge did not have the right to do wand say what he did. He actually supported a free press in his comments,
how can he say he supports freedom of the press when he is effectively castrating the Compass by withholding advertising funds? Grow up people.
Call the spade a spade. The fact of the matter is that they are quick to point fingers and play the it wasn’t me game but now the carpet has been lifted off the surface you are crying. Man up, take licks and fix the corruption in Cayman. The Premier knows that corruption is rife in Cayman.
Yea, ask him who got the million dollars for renting those equipments to use in the GT landfill! I’ll bet cronyism was the motive. That money could have bought 4 new excavators and DEH along with the Cayman people would own those equipment today.
He knows because he is a part of it. Shame people aren’t privy to see the documents he signs off on behalf of the cayman people. I said cayman people not caymanian because he is signing for everyone who lives works and plays here. Using dart Lil phrase there. The paper was justly trying to shed light on all involved in the scandal going on now. They have rights too. The “premier” will see.
I must then deduce that the age old practice of requiring employers to advertise in said publication has also finally ceased.
Nothing in that article can be called treasonous or racist as far as I see. It sounds like they were just making a point and calling the government to task, which in turn now has them in the CIGs cross hairs. Alden is trying to turn the public against the paper and it’s owner by making it seem like they are degrading the Caymanian people. These seem to be his regular tactics similar to what landed him in office. He’s is really good at attacking his opponents character to try and build his own.
A better response would be for him to insure everyone that the government is doing everything it can to fight corruption, not bash those who call them to task on it..
You want to know what Treason is:
It is leaving the dump the way it is. It is not expanding the economy to create jobs for the people of these islands. It is putting your heads in the sand when it comes to Healthcare. It is failing the children with an inadequate school system. It is risking a capital and job flight with not looking at PR cases and an immigration system so confusing and tedious it is an utter shambles.
It is playing politics and never having guts to do what actually needs to be done.
Do not standing on your soapbox and pat yourself on the back when we all now nothing every gets done. We will wait until the next election cycle for the promises to start again.
Well said. Add to this sexual of abuse of children that has become a cultural thing
5:42 pm: nothing about sexual abuse that is exclusively cultural for Cayman — unfortunately, it is a worldwide disaster. We are just now acknowledging that we also have a problem with this — and we need to address this from perspective of prevention and treatment.
Thank you kitty. My people like being lied to and they like to have these types of arguments about expats vs locals. I think you have hit the nail on the head. If we take the compass personally then we need tougher skin. They do their job whether we like it or not unlike the damn politicians who put the country in debt then cut poor civil servants salaries who make peanuts already. My people better see the party politics for what it is. And I for one do not see anyone worth voting for next time. I am nearly 40 but when my people realise it’s their own caymanians holding us back it will be too late. It has always and I say always been caymanians holding down their own. The people at the top of government and statutory authorities are all the same in it for their own egotistical gain! Wakeup people because it is all relevant.
The statement reminds me of a classic French saying, “péter plus haut que son cul.” Look it up.
I prefer Abraham Lincoln’s observation that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
Doesn’t the Premier realise he walked into a trap here. This is exactly the kind of childish reaction that editorial was intended to provoke.
5:27 pm: that speaks vulumes for the Compass’ motivations and commitment to Cayman.
Pathetic reaction. The difficulty is that the editorial was extremely well observed.
The editorial was packed with innuendo, generalizations , and unsubstantiated and spurious tarring of the population. When the Compass gives some real evidence to support its charges of widespread corruption, I will regard them as a serious media. Until then, I regard them as a rag operated by an arrogant bunch of expats looking down their noses at Caymanians on this, as the Premier so well put it, “crusade of their own creation.” If you have real evidence and facts everyone knows what you do with that — hand it over to the proper authorities. And they have enough friends in high places — yea, at the top no less — of the RCIPS.
I agree with the Premier — I don’t think they have any idea what they are exactly trying to do — destroy the place? Be careful what you wish for!
OK David, we didnt expect for you to enjoy your comeuppance. But please can you wait until Monday to make your response and leave CNS to us common folks. Thanks buddy.
The only thing missing from his statement was ” I am instructing the Immigration department to classify him as persona non-grata and give him 14 days to return to his country”. Problem solved.
Too late. He got a Cabinet status grant. If it was given corruptly then he could be sent off, but since all the grants were totally above board and legitimate (there being no corruption here), that is not an option.
If that is the case then the Premier should amend the law to be able to reverse the award under such circumstances as this treasonous act.
CNS we really need the LoL icon. Some of these comments crack me up. However, I have to say that I agree with the majority who are expressing concern about the Compass and rallying behind the Premier. Time for Caymanians to stand up for Cayman and Caymanians.
You know what was treason? The Jamaican who burnt our flag at a football match and nothing was done about it! The good ‘white’ people soon catch on to just how brainwashed you all are and leave this place, want to see what that Jamaican culture will finish doing with us then? Remember the Jamaicans depend on us for work, peaceful life and millions of dollars to help their economy because the same type of greed that destroyed that place is being used here. you all better wake up and really see the traitors.
But agree with the move to take ads from Compass, now send that message to the Jamaicans if you all have any sense left…….show them ALL Mr. Premier that this is our land
I do not believe that any Jamaican burnt any flag here. If that is true, then prove it; tell us when and where.
Burning flag is the least of what hey have done.
Burning a flag is legitimate free speech.
ask the WB people who were at the football match, I don’t need to lie about this my dear, plus all Jamaicans hate Caymanians and it eventually comes out, they have been taught to hate Caymanians, Americans and British yet they flock to the shores of these countries because the hate is based on fear, jealousy and being rejected but their own government….. they will always be running from country to country like lost souls because despite being so aggressive they are easily controlled by the elite class in Jamaica who took all the riches from the British and left them worse off
Well this is the first I am hearing about this!!! Did you say anything to them about burning out flag? or did you just witness and not say anything at all?
We told several MLAs and many witnesses were there at the football match.. but you know how it is, use that Jacan accent and all our so-called-men go running to their little corners, from the AG right down to the last one to get off the plane today
Find this very hard to believe. In this day and age surely someone would have filmed such an act with smart phone. Can we see it please. Otherwise just more bashing of Jamaicans.
I am proud of Alden and The Government for standing up to Legge and the ” Editorial Board”. Nice to see the unanimous vote.
How I miss the LOL button at times like this.
Indeed 1:48 pm. This was well over due. Enough is enough.
I have never been more proud. Fantastic and much needed response to the wanton attack on Cayman and its people. We needed someone to stand up for us.
One can only commit treason in respect of a sovereign entity.
Well done Mr. Premier.
Perhaps the Premier could confirm that not a single person received a Cabinet Status grant in 2003 for improper motive. Surely not, because we do not tolerate corruption and we stamp it out. No one has been arrested. No one has lost their status. That means no-one became Caymanian based on who they knew, or what they knew, but only because they were fairly assessed as being more deserving than other persons who had lived here even longer. That makes me feel comforted. I am so happy to know that my country does not and will not tolerate any impropriety whatsoever, and that those engaging in inappropriate conduct will be prosecuted and held fully accountable.
1:20 pm– perhaps you should provide evidence of implied corrupt practice to the proper authorities, rather than spouting innuendo. If you and others who make these claims do provide evidence, then and only then can the authorities act appropriately. I am tired of this every one knows mentality behind these innuendos.
I am not a robust enforcer. I just know some people who had no obvious or compelling connection to Cayman got it, and many long established excellent residents did not. It’s not like anyone is suggesting anything as crass as choice of realtor or political affiliation having been a determining factor as to how persons made the “list”. Of course, given the incredible attributes of our leadership they were able to properly vet hundreds of names for status in a single afternoon. Anyway, it seems the authorities to who anything would be reported were there at the time so they saw first hand if anything inappropriate happened. As they are robust enforcers, had anything untoward occurred, they would have acted. They have not and so I know everything is fine.
Long live our illustrious leaders!
Well, we’ve seen what good evidence does in the court of law around here. Even if the guilty is found with a smoking gun, or a smoking slot machine, Caymanians can’t find Caymanians guilty of corruption.
cns and the compass are the only truly independent voices in the media in cayman….
Compass? You must be referring to the compass on a boat or plane but certainly you can’t say or shouldn’t say that the compass newspaper is independent
What planet are you on???
So the Government seeks to silence critics by punishing those who criticise the local establishment through economic punishment. Alden been looking to Mugabe for tips? That way lawsuits lie.
Punish? I thought he would be doing him a favor by not tainting his organization with our corrupt money. Make up your minds.
In other countries, advertising dollars speak loudly when it is necessary. Now we need the private sector to do the same. After all, when Legge destroys perceptions of Cayman so unfairly, unjustly and outlandishly among the global community he is damaging business prospects and opportunities and ultimately business in the Cayman Islands.
This is one time we must all stand up for the right and be counted.
Do you really think anyone outside of Cayman really cares what Caymanians think or say? You have no global credibility, you are just known as the place where rich people hide their money. Don’t try and big yourselves up, you are a very small and insignificant rock on a very large planet.
And yes, I have already left, thank you anyway but twenty five years of dealing with corrupt Caymanians is enough for me.
Compass obviously does not need the corrupt dollars of these culturally different natives nor their banana republic government. They can say and do whatever they wish. It’s a free world.
Since the publisher has become a crusader for truth and transparency we look forward to them clarifying once and for all who the beneficial owners and shareholders are.
the truth hurts….
Delusional. Trying to claim that corruption is not endemic in the Cayman Islands is like saying bears don’t go poo-poo in the woods.
I’ve been dealing with these islands for over 20 years now and the first thing I learned was that you had to grease the wheels to get anything done.
Ironically, most of this statement was probably written by someone who is not only an ex-pat but is also a former editor of the Compass. I doubt that the Premier even knows who Merle Haggard is.
You must be driftwood. Everyone knows Cayman grew up on country music.
Definite driftwood – and the best smack-down comment I have seen.
I have been “dealing with these islands” for over 50 years and NOT ONCE have I “had to grease the wheels to get anything done”. I’ve not asked for any favours and not been offered any.
I am very sure the Premier knows who Merle Haggard is. Maybe you should go have a chat with him, but remember not to ask for a favour just his music tastes.
If you have been dealing in international finance that may be your experience. Anyone working in the on island economy will be able to confirm the rampant corruption.
For over 42 years I have lived and carried on business, not in the financial industry, and not ONCE have I encountered any corruption. I have proudly bragged to clients of this fact and can only assume that it is the corrupt who attract corruption.
What is your agenda Legge, and why were you so quiet when so many allegations were sterling about when the previous govt. Was on power…?
Go home.
Then you should just leave because obviously you’ve played a role in the corruption, we really don’t want you here anyway…truth be told
Exactly. People like him/her is who helped to create such a tainted picture. One word – UHAUL!
Why did it take them so long to address this one-legged-paper. This started when when the new owners took over, the paper is definitely anti Caymanian and our Government should have stopped patronizing it long ago. Caymanians should boycott this publication entirely, don’t purchase nor advertise in it.
The truth hurts dosent it????? If cayman is so bad, why have you been here 20 years. Surely you have GAINED from being here, but hey my friend, if it’s that bad I say leave. Meet me tommorow morning at the airport and I will buy you your ticket to Miami on KX 102. But then again since Cayman is so bad you might not want to fly Cayman Airways but it’s ok, the ticket can be bought on American. People the likes of you are PATHETIC.
One word – MONEY. With the kickbacks and corruption here I can do things that would get me time in a federal penitentiary back home without having to put up with Third-World living conditions. If it wasn’t for people like me putting $millions into your economy these islands would have folded years ago. FYI, I wouldn’t fly CAL if paid me.
If you have been giving bribes 1:09 pm , we do not need you here. Please pack up and leave while you are ahead of the arrest that could very well be coming your way soon.
If most people who write venomous comment s ( like poster at 1:09) regarding Caymanians were of any worth, they would publish their name, but , they would rather hide under the umbrella of freedom of expression, what a cowardly act.
It is sad indeed and while it has been said before I will repeat it,;we have allowed those we have welcomed to live amongst us to take us for granted and disrespect us. This tolerance we have as was said by the Premier is an innate aspect of the Caymanians character, which day by day is fading away as we continue to be subjected to verbal abuse by anonymous and spineless persons. The kindness and the quiet and tolerant mode which is being taken as weakness will come to a head unless rational thinking and respect for your hosts prevail.
We all need to understand that civility and working together and learning together is in everyone’s best interest. We all stand to lose if we live in a country of prejudice and disrespect and advocate same just because you can remain anonymous. These Islands have been Blessed continually and with hard work of past and present citizens and all who have come to our shores to make a living we have moved forward. Let us respect one another as we journey together through this life for there is a path on the road that we all will face no matter who, where or what you achieve before that final moment
All a we together as One.
One way of looking at this development is that advertisers have to assess where they get the most bang for their advertising dollar and make a business decision. When you have huge segments of your population angry at a media house, with some, for example, cancelling subscriptions or no longer reading publications, you have to question whether your advert will bring results.
As for the question of not respecting freedom of the press — true, no one likes criticisms but sometimes we have to sup it up — but what is more at issue here is that the Compass has failed to do any serious investigative journalism. If they have their ear to the ground, as they would like to impress us that they do, it should not be hard to come up with something that would prove the endemic corruption. Look, they did not break the Jeffrey Webb story — the CONCACF story has had a lot of history and some of the evidence was in our own backyard. The Compass was not even sniffing around.
We do not actually have a credible, effective, impactful media. If they were, they could make a difference — not by loud mouthing and browbeating but by building bonds with the local community rather than creating the disaffection that they have brought on themselves.
We need a professional, above board media house that will work by well established journalistic standards, working for the good of all in Cayman.
Right now, that does not describe the Compass.
Many years ago, while operating a sailboat in the Mediterranean I learned a lesson.
After greasing the wheels of the Harbour Master, The Port Medical Officer, the Customs Officers and the local police who fined me, without a receipt, I said to a number of locals “why do you allow this corruption to occur so blatantly?”
The common answer was, ” every one in this village is hoping and praying that some day his brother, child, or other close relative will be wearing an official uniform and our family will be the envy of the village. True story. In addition, I never thought and neither did they that this “bakheesh was in any way treasonous. Alden, you are qualified in Law and should know better than to incite this sort of anger amongst the people on such an inflammatory accusation.
Yes, I believe that we all know who really owns the Compass and that entity could simply close down the only remotely reliable print media in the Cayman Islands. He would shrug off the loss without a mere grimace.
Did any member vote NO? That would be a sensible person who does not try to surpress the press!
You see corruption. Others see normal. Depends on the culture you grew up in.
Ironically, this statement was written by someone who knows nothing about the person who wrote it but thinks he does. Probably went to the same school as the Premier. I doubt that they even know what corruption means in other countries.
Other than the 2003 status grants, the Cohen deal, the CHEC deal, and a few others of the previous govt.I have not heard of any examples of Mr. Legge’s friends activities.