Independents join forces against PPM policies
(CNS): The five independent members of the Legislative Assembly are joining forces to host a series of public meetings across Grand Cayman, starting this evening in East End, to challenge some of the PPM government’s policies and laws that it is bringing to the Legislative Assembly, though there is no sign yet that they are forming a political party. Alva Suckoo told CNS that they are holding the meetings to engage the public on a number of specific developments and concerns, including the new lawyers bill, the elections law and same-sex unions.
“We plan to discuss the Elections Bill, proposed changes which will negatively impact our use of traditional beach accesses, the ongoing labour, education and employment issues facing many Caymanians, and most notably the Legal Practitioners Bill, which none of us are prepared to support,” he said.
The flyer also noted that the five will be discussing their motion regarding a referendum on same-sex marriage. All five are opposed to equality in marriage or legal unions and are proposing a referendum, also supported by the official opposition led by McKeeva Bush, as they believe those eligible to vote will oppose it.
The PPM has stated that it is not intending to introduce same-sex marriage or even civil unions but it has called for tolerance towards the LGBT community and it does not support a referendum. But with the church whipping up prejudices from the pulpit, the independents are hoping that a ‘No’ referendum would not only send a message to the UK that it cannot impose marriage equity but would also prevent the PPM from taking any further steps towards the recognition of same-sex unions of any kind.
The issue was key to the decision by Anthony Eden and Alva Suckoo, both former PPM members, to quit the government benches.
With just six months to go before Nomination Day for the May 2017 election, the independent members of the opposition benches have not declared their hand yet about how they will run, who they will run with and, as far as the three former government members are concerned, where they will run. But the five intend to meet in all six districts, including Cayman Brac, over the next ten days.
In addition to the issue of same-sex unions, Suckoo said that the independents will be talking about the Legal Practitioners Bill, which they say does not protect local attorneys and, in its current form, “falls short of what we feel is needed to properly regulate the industry and ensure Caymanian participation”. He added, “Passing this legislation now will simply reinforce the status quo and continue to disenfranchise Caymanian Lawyers.”
Successive governments have all failed in their attempts to pass legislation that meets the requirements of the offshore sector but that also protects local lawyers. Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton said he believes he has finally created a piece of legislation that meets the demands of both sides and has the support of the profession, including the Caymanian Bar Association.
Meeting schedule for Arden McLean, Alva Suckoo, Ezzard Miller, Winston Connolly, Anthony Eden:
- East End Civic Center – 19th September 8pm
- North Side Civic Center – 20th September 8pm
- Savannah Primary School Hall – 21st September 8pm
- South Sound Community Center – 22nd September 8pm
- West Bay Primary School Hall – 26th September 8pm
- Cayman Brac Civic Center – 27th September 8pm
- Seafarers Hall – 28th September 8pm
Topics:
- The Elections Bill
- The Legal Practitioners Bill
- The Threat to Our Historic Beach Accesses
- Same Sex Marriage Referendum Motion
- Education, Labour and Employment
Category: 2017 General Elections, Elections, Politics
Normally you try to surround yourself with smarter brighter people, I wonder what winston really thinks when he sits with this group and looks around the room. Ppm looking better every day
You are a coward Winston, no more votes for you.
They are like the world’s worst boy band going on a little tour, the “It’s 2016 but let’s party like it is 1616 tour”
I’ll be there. We can’t have the gays eating our babies!
Very disappointed in you Winston, I had hoped that you would have been the ‘breath of fresh air’ that is so desperately needed in government. However, with this move you have cemented the fact that you are only here to carry on as things have always been done and not to help bring about much needed change.
A young Caymanian.
Another party. Really?? With this kind of agenda which seems to be personnal btw all you need is a 6th candidate. Donald Trump another hater. Somebody just lost my vote ! We the People need to unite and don’t need this dividing crap. Can’t pay your bills with that! Really disapointing to say the least. Al and Winston you just joined the party of old foots that need to go in the first place.Sad.
Winston is doing a Trump/Boris.
Backwards policies for backwards voters. A key demographic.
That’s why Donald (gulp) has a chance of becoming the next U.S. president.
I would certainly support them, at least they some backbone and can stand up for what is morally right!
These MLA’s make me laugh silent for all these years and then the light bulb is switched on “oh s**t I might lose my $100k part time salary best I look busy for 6 months”
If they actually had any sense and the well being of Caymanian people the only thing they would be pushing is education education education
What an odd list of topics for the meetings. Aside from the last one (education and employment) are these really the most important issues facing Cayman today? Is it really necessary to have a referendum on same sex marriage? I think we all know how that vote is going to turn out – why spend the time and money (not to mention having to give everyone the day off work so that those eligible can vote) only to prove your point and create more division? Because that’s what Cayman needs, more division amongst her population. I was so hopeful that “young blood” with bright minds like Winston and Alva would make a real difference, but when they tie their fortunes to the likes of the other three I have to shake my head. Where are the efforts to address real issues (crime, poor education standards, the mess that is Immigration, I could go on…)? Where is any real leadership? Pandering to the populous and throwing tantrums about minor bills is not leadership – proposing solutions, even unpopular and hard ones, and then getting on with them is real leadership. I can’t vote, but it’s just as well. I wouldn’t know where to start.
Hahaaa the PPM bloggers are out in force and shaking in their boots. Go deh Fab 5 lets git er dun!
Fanatical 5 Is a truer representation. Didn’t think we’d see Winston teaming up with the Bigoted Zealot Party.
Shame on you Winston. Expected better.
Absolutely, Winston WTF, you have lost your way man…and my vote.
Those that believe that rights for same-sex couples should be put to a referendum seem to fundamentally misunderstand Cayman’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and the 2009 Cayman Constitution. While neither requires the recognition of same-sex ‘marriages’, both already require Cayman to amend its laws to recognize LGBT unions. No referendum can change these obligations. It is a waste of time, money and energy.
In the words of our Cayman’s own Human Rights Commission, “For the avoidance of doubt: States are required, by law, to make provision for same-sex couples to have their relationships legally recognised (although that recognition does not have to be by ‘marriage’). Any suggestion that Cayman’s current legal framework is sufficient to survive a legal challenge in the Court on same-sex unions is wrong as a matter of law.” See http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12321147.PDF
I encourage readers of the Cayman News Service to review the following materials, which explain Cayman’s obligations in great detail:
http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12320915.PDF
http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12320890.PDF
http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12320888.PDF
http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12320894.PDF
http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12320896.PDF
http://www.humanrightscommission.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12321147.PDF
I’m curious about those that marked this post with a “dislike” or “troll”. What is it in particular that you dislike?
Is it Article 9 of the Bill of Rights in the 2009 Caymanian Constitution, which grants the same rights to private and family life under which the Olari and Chapin courts found there was an affirmative obligation to extend legal protections to same-sex couples?
Is it the existence of the Human Rights Commission, which was established by (and is fulfilling the duties specified in) Article 116 of 2009 Caymanian Constitution?
Is it Cayman’s status as a British Overseas Territory, which makes it subject to the European Convention on Human Rights?
I ask earnestly because I find it surprising that no one is calling for a referendum on any of these issues. If our people truly want to prevent any recognition of same-sex unions, then why aren’t we spending our time, money and energy calling for changes in our Constitution and our relationship with the United Kingdom that require the extension of legal protections to same-sex couples?
And……what exactly is the ECHR going to do? Matter a fact what is the UK going to do? U.K. Got themselves into a world of political problems at home. Human Rights ignored each and every day bo bo. Will that CJ uphold HR his views are Jamaican…bunch of Jammys to uphold rights ..wait for that one!
You misunderstand, I think, the role of the UK and the European Court of Human Rights in the argument.
By being a party to the European Convention on Human Rights, the government of the Cayman Islands, through its legislature, is already required to secure to everyone within its jurisdiction the rights and freedoms articulated in the Bill of Rights of the Convention.
If the legislature fails to do so, a private person whose rights under the Convention have been violated has the right to sue the Cayman Islands government in the Cayman Islands courts for both monetary and non-monetary relief. The Cayman Islands courts would then be required, under the Convention (or Cayman’s own Constitution), to grant the person that relief.
If the Cayman Islands courts fail to apply the law in this manner, the aggrieved person has the right to appeal to the UK courts (which would most assuredly grant relief), or, failing that, to the European Court of Human Rights.
To say that human rights are ignored each and every day, or that the UK has its own problems to deal with, does not diminish the certainty of an ultimate victory on this issue when a same-sex couple in Cayman eventually sues.
It is, for this reason, a waste of time, money and energy to hold a referendum on same-sex unions, since the referendum does not have the power to overturn existing Constitutional protections or international treaty obligations. It is also a waste of time, money and energy for the Cayman Islands government (which the government understands) to fight these issues in the courts, since a holding denying these rights would ultimately be overturned by the UK courts or the European Court of Human Rights.
Stop wasting our people’s time, money and energy.
It is a shame that these five politicians are ignorant of the fact of the real problems that are plaguing the Cayman Islands. It is also a pity that they are selecting the one area that really does not impact the Cayman Islands negatively no more than the high cost of living, the every increasing crime rate, the every increasing unemployment, the every increasing abuse issues, the overall poor impression of the police force etc.
All of the issues mentioned above should be tackled first and foremost rather than hampering on an issue that can truly only increase hate and bigotry amongst the citizens and residents of these islands.
“Let people do what they need to do to make them happy. Mind your own business and do what you need to do to make you happy” because it is obvious not even a $9,081.00 CI per month salary for doing minimum work can bring a smile to your faces.
Unless you are tackling the more critical issues that plague our Caymanian society, you will not be getting a vote from me Bobos.
Would not the things you speak of be the responsibility of the elected cabinet and the PPM?
I do agree with you though, If the PPM do not fix the things that really matter, those Bobos will not be getting a vote from me.
WaYaSay.
So surprised to see Winston joining forces with these backward thinking bigots, very disappointing.
Once they don’t throw in with the Gambling man we will be alright.
Environment and Energy. Two of the most important topics to address to fix and prevent problems now and in the future.
What’s that book Al is holding in his hand? Is it the one that tells you to love everyone equally?
I think it says to follow Gods law first
That is correct. The bible is the supreme law. All other laws must be in line with Gods word. Thank you guys for standing up for our beliefs.
And you know it is “God’s word” because some men with an agenda told people that it had come from God when they wrote it? Hmmm. There is a fundamental flaw in your world view.
Laws of a god no one can prove exist.
It’s the book that orders you to kill your family if they happen to serve any other god or gods.
Or if you bake cookies with different cereals.
I applaud the Independents for holding the town hall meetings. It seems incredibly odd to me however, that these politicians are not including Energy Security – the one topic that absolutely affects every single citizen in the country. The one topic that spans age, religion, race & creed. It is the single most important factor in the cost of living in the Cayman Islands. Energy increases our costs at the grocery stores; our hospitals; our homes; our forms of transportation; and our cost of goods on all three islands.
The PPM and the ERA have made the decision to ignore the steps being made by the rest of they world to “END” the burning of fossil fuels in favor of renewable energies. Instead, they just signed a new 25 year deal for more diesel generated electricity. Most people don’t realize that we spend over $100,000,000.00 per year on diesel fuel just to make electricity. Once it’s burned and has polluted our air – it’s gone forever. It’s not reusable. We have to pay for it again each year as the prices historically go up & up. Worse yet, is that we pay that money to foreign countries who don’t care anything about us when we could be keeping it here in Cayman to assist the poor or educate or train our unemployed or any of a thousand uses that would all be better than making electricity. Especially, when you have sunshine that can do that same job for free – year after year after year.
I hope the politicians take heed to this note because while the topics they’re asking you to attend these meetings for affect certain select groups – they do not affect everyone who lives here. This next election won’t be about the topics listed but anyone who does not look after Energy and the cost of living in Cayman will not be elected.
If you can make the case that diesel is gay and sunshine is straight then you might get their attention.
100% correct Jim.
Hmmm… come on JIm.
I don’t think many would dispute that renewable / sustainable energy has a vital role to play in any country’s future, saying that it is ‘the one topic that spans age, religion, race and creed’ is taking it too far. There are many such topics, such as education, law abiding citizenry etc etc that come quickly to mind.
Overselling a good case does not make it a compelling one Jim. Step back just a bit.
It’s so ironic that some of the same politicians that are now opposing these laws, sat on their chairs for many years and done very little to solve the problems. It’s obvious to me that their main objective is now to gather votes for the next election, rather than finding solutions. It is easier to complain about something rather than helping to find solutions. I want to remind them that some people are not blinded by such obvious political tactics.
Really? Seems to me they have accomplished quite a lot.
Funding for Education increased
Baines gone
Electronic Clearings approved
Renewable energy motion passed
And all since leaving the PPM
On top of that they were part of the Govt Bench so they can take credit for the achievements that took place when they were there.
Come on now, try and behave, dont be a hater!
Oh they take credit for interfering in civil service matters and costing this country Baines salary for a year. So sad. Guys political victimisation is wrong. Shame on you.
My prediction only one of these guys will get their seat in 2017.
So you would rather they sat doing nothing for 4 years? Your logic is flawed my friend. Its the PPM who are not doing anything for their people!
“DREAM TEAM” 2017
Does this sort of public meeting mean that this grouping will be defined as a “Party” under the proposed Elections Amendments 2016 Bill by the Elections Supervisor etc?
The proposed legislation is intended to solidify the power of the established dysfunctional political parties while attempting to limit the influence and support real Independents or groups of 2-3 persons can achieve. The political parties fear the ability of those who are prepared to stand up to the party agenda that seeks to assist a select few to the detriment of the many.
Agreeing on a position does not immediately mean that a party is being formed. MLA’s should agree on a quality public education, jobs for Caymanians and living in a safe society. How to achieve that is where the divergence occurs which should stimulate the best solutions for the Cayman Islands.
This another attempt to force people to drink the KOOL AID and sell their souls and political futures to the party instead of serving in the best interests of Caymanians.
You are correct that just because politicians agree on the goals ‘better education’ that doesn’t make them a party. The test is in how they want to achieve it. And its not even a question of policy. They may all agree that the solution is ‘no charter schools’. The test is in how they go about things. Do they, for example, campaign together and urge the voters to support the members of their group – and their goals & methods – instead of other candidates?
If it swims like a duck, its not a penguin.
CNS, is it possible to get email addresses of the above five MLAs, particularly the one form George Town since that is where I will vote, so that I can let them have my views on the subject(s)?
CNS: Perhaps if they read this they will provide one for you.
BZP coming out party!
good – PPM needs to be exposed for all their back room dealings with Lodge brothers. Although what worries me is that even this lot of 5 are deep into Lodge. Lord help Cayman – someone needs to step up and it cannot be a smooth talking wannabe …. I think all the present MLAs need to be voted out. All bar none.
What a pathetic bunch of sad XXXXXX. Our politicians are reaching new depths.
Why so much hate bro?
Not so much hate, more balanced political commentary.
Not hate, disappointment.
Gentlemen, it is a real pity that you have chosen to put your efforts into the wrong areas especially where it concerns the rights of ALL Caymanians NOT just who you think should be represented by your naïve, intolerant, uncompassionate, non-empathic, and certainly lack of love for us the people of the Cayman Islands, actions.
Now, as we get closer to another election year, you are finally trying to what . . . prove that you are worthy of another run of four years to help break the public purse – NOT MY VOTE BOBOS.
wow….I’m actuallt siding with the ppm for once…..
independents only serve a small minded, smalltown, backward agenda…concerned only with their own re-election….
What iis it exactly you are siding with the PPM on? For instance have you read the legal practitioners bill ( law) do you understand if it is passed in the format it is now in that it will disenfranchise all of the younger Caymanian attorneys who would aspire to become equity partners of a major law firm in Cayman as Wayne Panton was able to do? Back then when he was so lucky to get a chance he had lawyers like W. S Walker and David Bird who wanted to to help young Caymanians get a fair chance. Are you aware that the laws were drafted by the big wigs of the major law firms on the island? Who do you think it will benefit? Are you still siding with the PPM.? If you doubt what I have said try to find a copy and read it. “There are none so blind as those who refuse to see”
That makes them a political party. Not a very good one but a party all the same.