MLAs ‘grossly irresponsible’, says Panton
Minister Wayne Panton
(CNS): The minister responsible for the offshore sector has described a motion by two independent opposition MLAs seeking the prosecution of attorneys and law firms as “grossly irresponsible” as it is an unwarranted attack on the very foundations of the country’s financial service sector and there is no basis for the allegations being made. Wayne Panton said it was a political move that served their interests but undermined the interests of thousands of Caymanians working in or depending on the offshore industry.
He said there was nothing to suggest that any firms were breaking the current Legal Practitioners Law. Panton told CNS Friday that the two members were well-aware that they were wrong on this issue and they were engaged in an unwarranted attack on the sector for wholly political reasons.
As the Legislative Assembly met this week for its final session before Cayman goes to the polls, Arden McLean filed a last-minute motion, supported by Winston Connolly, a lawyer who previously worked for one of the firms that the motion is targeting, asking government to direct the attorney general to investigate local law firms for breaking immigration and professional laws.
Both men know their claims and allegations are incorrect, he said, because the firms are not breaking the current legislation and having offices overseas is fundamental to the work that Cayman does and what has made the jurisdiction such an important financial hub.
The new Legal Practitioners Bill is about to be debated during this current meeting so there was no need for the members to file this controversial motion that attacks the sector and the people working in it, Panton said. “I have grave concerns about the approach they are taking to serve their own political interests,” the minister told CNS.
He said the insults against him personally, as the MLAs have accused him of being conflicted and for drafting a flawed piece of legislation, are one thing but trying to undermine the industry when the allegations “have no merit whatsoever is reckless and irresponsible”.
Panton said that he was aware that the independent members have been told by the attorney general and other legal authorities that there is no evidence that any firm has breached legislation relating to the offices they have overseas.
The police also confirmed Friday morning during a press briefing about crime statistics that they have never received any reports complaining about law firms breaking the law.
The Cayman Islands Law Society also waded in on the issue after the private member’s motion was accepted by the speaker and the details were reported on CNS Thursday.
“We strongly object to the allegations of any breaches of the laws of the Cayman Islands and we are concerned that this motion is simply a means of diverting attention from the merits of the Legal Practitioners Bill,” the society stated in a short statement.
The CILS and the Caymanian Bar Association have supported the new bill and believe this move is an attempt to derail legislation that has been a point of contention for more than a decade. “The bill brings the framework governing Cayman’s legal profession into the modern era and must be passed in order for the Cayman Islands to comply with current international best practice.”
McLean and Connolly, along with most of the members sitting on the opposition benches, are opposed to the legislation as they say it does not protect local attorneys.
It’s not yet clear when the Legal Practitioners Bill will be debated, as the government has only just begun working through the list of 38 pieces of draft legislation, several motions of its own and around a dozen private members’ motions among other business that the parliament must deal with in this final session before the parliament must be prorogued on 28 March ahead of Nomination Day, which triggers the official general election campaign.
Typical politician. This is a page straight out of McKeeva’s playbook. Call the righteous opposition irresponsible. Failing to put Cayman before Cayman. Grossly irresponsible is what someone in power calls a fair accusation. What a joke.
Methinks you don’t understand 9.46
Meknows you don’t understand 9.51.
Winston has just ended his political career and ruined his chances of finding a job in the corporate world ever again! I hope he knows how to mix drinks, perhaps he could become a bar tender?
Winston lost my vote.
You do not want to see if he’s right?
He’s won my vote!!!!
He had mine anyway. Now he has it for life!
I can’t vote.
At the end of the day Wayne can cry to the media as much as he wants by these serious complaints and allegations must be independently investigated and if laws were broken there must be prosecutions!
Did you read paragraph 7? The part where it states that the AG told them that there was no evidence any laws had been broken?
Oh, it must be all OK then!
Yeah, how dare the AG think he knows anything about the law.
Yeah. He is so good he knows all the facts and evidence so that he can apply the law, without the facts and evidence ever even having to be gathered and disclosed!
We have an Attorney General…?
You won’t find any evidence if you don’t look for it
Grossly irresponsible, are the atrocities Wayne has created on his own people. New T&B license that burdens young and existing Caymanians entrepreneurs trying to make a living in their own country with unnecessary red tape and exorbitant fees. A system that allows a bunch of invited Caymanians to control the legal fraternity and its own regulation and my daughter will never have a hope of being an equity partner regardless of how much I mortgage my properties or she exceeds in her scholastic abilities. Grossly irresponsible is that I cannot fish where I want, when I want as a Caymanians with conscious limits on my take but he can catch anything he wants offshore where we have limited means and dollars venture. Grossly irresponsible is not allowing me to have a spear gun, which is my right, and I want it to be my children’s right to learn. As for shams in Beneficial Ownership and the Copyright laws. You are a one time MLA, carry that to the bank, or get all those mouth champions to help vote Newlands for you. I certainly will not vote for you and encourage anyone that even thinks of supporting you or that you have a grain of empathy for helping your own to think of the damage Wayne Panton has done to his fellow Caymanians.
I think you will find if your daughter puts in the time and is great at her job she will have every opportunity she could dream of working in a law firm here. Many of us have fantastic careers.
That is not what the statistics or history show here. Hard work should lead to reward but that is not the case in this industry!
Thanks for the advise, why did you not do it in your own country?
Because it is so much easier to do it for more money in the territories where there is less competition. As long as one can accept having to live in a cultural wasteland there is a sizeable premium paid for having to live in the place.
It is why so many left home. They could not afford to attend any of those cultural activities. Now that you live in the Cayman Islands and hit it rich you have become the same people that put you down in your own country.
11.05, I think you are weighed down by that chip on your shoulder-people should have T+B licenses precisely to protect the public from unscrupulous practitioner’s with jet skis or food providers who don’t have to go through the same standards and cost as everyone else, which creates and unfair playing field for those who do it properly and professionally. Furthermore the public has no protection from the unlicensed vendors. As a Caymanian, you can fish were you want. Non Caymanians can’t. You seem more concerned with your spear gun than protecting the species you wish to fish for. Why should you not pay for copyright of someone else’s hard work, are you so busy counting their money that you cannot see they have a right to earn? Not sure anyone cares who you vote for. Whichever way you look at it, Minister Panton is one of the brightest sparks in government.
A clarion call to support the mediocre extracting enhanced income by the state imposing a oligopoly.
Perhaps a little perspective is needed. This is another blip on the radar screen of political events. A quick prediction: This too shall pass.
While we hear cries of reputational risk because of this private members
Lotion, let us not forget nearly
2 years ago a certain ‘owner’ of a local newspaper decided he had to run to the US for his life after being serenaded by the Premier who sang a Merle Haggard song in the LA. (A few other things happened like the entire country Caymanians, expats and other journalists shaking their heads and kissing their teeth but the song is the best part).
Not only did he attempt an Oscar worthy performance in an effort to convince people his safety was at risk, he also went on a media blitz calling his few furry friends in the pre-Donald Trump news world to try and put the worlds eyes on Cayman…which was according to him a most dangerous, un-democratic and media hostile country in the Western Hemisphere. (Nothing like America today right).
My point is, despite his efforts to bring the entire country into disrepute, the rest of the world ignored him. And even though he returned more red faced that his orange skinned libertarian idol the Donald, we’ve all let him continue to pretend he is important. He’s still running around with his camera determining who is important enough to be considered the in-crowd, incorrectly spelling colour and grey (and many other words) and running what used to be a respectable newspaper into the ground. Come to think of it why doesn’t he try driving on the right since the American way is better. I digress…
So my prediction based on recent history is that the rest of the world will I gnore our little spat over lawyers acting illegally. No one will go to jail. In fact maybe we will end up with a better legal practitioners law, one which the partners aren’t the only ones claiming victory.
Just remember our fights in Cayman mean nothing to the bigger world. Little people like the leprechaun-editor and these jumped up partners who have earned a few million dollars would like to believe that London, New York are watching out every move with baited breath. No they are watching their own mad governments, real terrorists and tax collectors. That’s what keeps them up at night.
All we have to do is keep working, keep serving clients with efficiency and professionalism and ensure we don’t create the system of apartheid which some seem hell bent on implementing. If we end up with two classes in Cayman and cement ceilings I will make another prediction: no one will be here to enjoy our sun, sand and sea and Caymanian lawyers will be practicing Cayman law in Jersey, Guernsey and Geneva.
Excellent post. While Arden is a self-serving blowhard and Winston is a twit to follow him, the Compost has no legges to stand on.
This attack on the legal profession would appear so much less hypocritical were the Government to obey the very laws by which they themselves are supposed to be governed. Why, for example, have all Governments refused to address the issue of the Cayman Islands strategic development plan? This is mandated by law to be reviewed every five years, yet the Government considers itself above the law in this respect, and nothing has been done about it in nearly 20 years. This is grotesquely irresponsible, and is already leading to some serious problems with infrastructure and planning. Get your own house in order please, before casting aspersions!
At the end of the day, we politicians, bankers, lawyers and other paper shufflers extraordinaire will look back over our miserable, grubby lives and wish that we had chosen a more simple existence.
It takes a lot of effort to keep a plane up, even more so a jumbo!
No, I am not referring to the girth of my esteemed colleagues, merely the size of their problems.
Come on people, simplify your lives!
Wayne welcome to political tricks as displayed by East End Arden Mclean. Expect to see and hear much from them in the near future.
Yea nothing unbecoming about Wayne’s behaviour
Would not be surprised if one or more of the big law firms left for greener pastures next year. The impact of the significant drop in hedge funds in 2016 and the drop which is continuing is having an impact on many big law firms. This simple fact cannot be under estimated.
McLean and Connolly had better be careful what they wish for. The Golden Goose can be killed.
If it is killed it will have been killed by the unsrupulous conduct of some of the players in the industry. If they have done nothing wrong there is no basis to fear the motion, and no reason to leave.
The politicians are just the messengers.
12:50, what is to be feared is Cayman’s reputation in the international financial community. It would not take much to destroy internationally a good reputation which has been built up by so many over the past 40 years. This is the point that you, McLean and Connolly need to give some thought to. Do we really want to kill the Golden Goose? If we kill the bird we can expect a major drop in our living standards in these beautiful islands. It does not take much, just remember Lyndon Pindling in the 70’s in Bahamas.
Not all that shines is gold. The law firms are living a lie pretending to benefit the jurisdiction whilst really sucking us dry. Eventually they will pick up and leave but it will be because they sucked us dry and we will have nothing to show for it. If they had played by the rules they wouldn’t be in such a panic now
Think of the knock on effect of the offshore industry leaving, it will not just be the law firms and accounting firms leaving. A great chunk of the governments income is derived indirect taxes on the indutry, whether work permit fees, stamp duties and licensing fees. This will lead to massice cuts to the CS and many job losses for all Caymanians.
Then add to that the expats that will leave and the lack of spending at local resturants and stores, and it just keeps on getting worse. All the money withdrawn from the pensions will destroy what is left for thiose that remain.
These firms are here for the tax free stays if they leave others will replace them in a heartbeat so I say good riddance and don’t let the doors hit you in the arse on the way out
Moron!
What exactly is being sucked dry?
We remember Lyndon Pindling. We warned newcomers here as to what could happen if they abused their welcome. The ignored us.
Yeh, that’s a Cayman thing, warning everyone…its kind of tiresome when it comes from a position of ignorance and the great uneducated. Why don’t you try catching up with the times and see if you can improve your own lot…
Catching up with the times? Trump? Brexit? OK .
11.24, it took you until today to find all that out? You really must try harder.
Plus the new law means one either has to absorb the talent tax in fees or use less impressive fee earners.
Law firm partners are only loyal to the money they can make. If the hedge funds industry dries up in Cayman due to onshore pressure, they’ll still move on elsewhere where they can line their pockets. Stop using this as an excuse.
Why do politicians do nothing for the ordinary people? Am I missing something here? Why are we even bothering with elections?
No merit whatsoever? How come only one Caymanian has become a partner in a major law firm in the last 15 years?
Because they do not have the necessary ability, 8:23. Its simple.
Says one of the big firm partners. You people are sick, rasict and evil. Go home take your damn firms with you
8.37 your point sadly proves 2.05 to be correct-precisely the unintelligent type of behaviour he or she was referring to..
Greater ability than some who have made it and anyway, why not tell immigration of the Caymanian loser if the expat is so much more impressive?
Because the of the cult of mediocrity clinging to the hopelessly imprecise concept of “suitably qualified”.
Hey. You told your clients they were suitably qualified.
Where do you get that statistic from?
Name them.
They need angels like the medical profession who say they will hire Caymanian doctors. No mention of the best doctors….
That purported statistic is not true.
What is true is that there has not been enough.
But that is a separate issue from the motion. The motion claims the current Legal Practitioners Law has been broken. That is again simply untrue.
Same reason there aren’t more doctors and neurosurgeons.. unless if course, they are busy holding Caymanians back as well…
Hello Pot? This is kettle.
Panton has huge conflicts here and should be recused!
And his conflict is what exactly – being a former CAYMANIAN managing partner in one of the two big Cayman firms so he knows what he is talking about?
How about his attempt to shove legislation down our throats that is horrible for cayman? How about the fact that he hs done nothing other than protect the firms
8.55 what is wrong with defending something? Especially when the two attacking it are not known for their worldliness in matters of finance, and just grandstanding for the election?
Many talented local attorneys share Winston and Arden’s concerns and the cba themselves have said “the bill is not perfect”
Has the existing law been broken by the firms:
10. (1) Subject to section 4, a person who, not being admitted to practise and enrolled as an attorney-at-law, or otherwise lawfully authorised, shall, either directly or indirectly, for, or in expectation of, any fee, gain or reward, draw or prepare any instrument relating to movable or immovable property or any legal proceeding, or shall receive any fee, gain or reward for drawing or preparing any such instrument or proceeding, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of two hundred dollars.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not extend to –
(a) any public officer drawing or preparing instruments in the course of his duty; or
(b) any person employed merely to engross or copy any instrument or proceeding.
(3) In this section, “instrument” does not include-
(a) an agreement under hand only;
(b) a letter or power of attorney; or
(c) a transfer of stock containing no trust or limitation thereof.
To answer this question its a simple matter to look at the online bios of the lawyers in the Cayman firms who offer their services in regards to Cayman Islands Law and then to cross reference them to the roll of Attorneys licensed to practice Cayman Islands Law.
If they are not on the roll then they may have broken the law, if they have there is a minimal fine. If the firms have broken the law then they should be held accountable. Lets deal with it and move forward. Don’t deny that it may have occurred. It can’t be wrong for MLA’s to ask the DPP and the AG to do their job can it?
If he was the Managing Partner of one of the two big Cayman firms and during the time he was Managing Partner it is found that the firm was in breach of the existing law by allowing attorneys to practice Cayman Islands law without having been admitted to the Cayman Bar, do you think that could be considered a conflict by any stretch of the imagination, just maybe you think?
Let’s what the AG says… looks like it’s time to pay the piper
Could the Hon. Minister please confirm to whom allegations of misconduct are to be reported? The Law Society is plainly not an option and the Attorney General appears disinterested.
Well, if the MLAs passed the new law there would be a disciplinary system. But it seems some would rather have the status quo if they can’t get a law exactly the way they want.
Oh the amalgamated Cba and cils council that’s comprised only of large firm slaves. Yes… they would definitely regulate themselves
The claim by CNS and Mr. Panton that Arden McLean ” filed a last minute motion” is absolutely erroneous, incorrect and wrong. It is impossible under the rules of the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly that is, “Legislative Assembly Standing Orders (2006 Revision). I know that Wendy Ledger knows this as I have explained this to her on numerous occasion but it is quite possible Mr. Panton does not know the Standing Orders, after all a lawyer of his brilliance and experience would know these things without reading Standing Orders. Mr. Panton has been chairman of the Register of Interest Committee since May 2013 and has never filed a single report as required annually by the standing orders, nor do I have knowledge as a member of the Legislative Assembly that he has held a single committee meeting in almost four years.
On Motions the Standing Orders Clause 24 (5) says ” Subject to the exceptions in paragraph (9) no Member shall make a motion unless he has given notice in writing of that motion either at some previous sitting of the House, or to the Clerk, not less than five clear days prior to the commencement of the meeting of the House at which such motion is to be made.”
This means that for the motion to be placed on the Order paper As was done on Thursday February 23 Mr. McLean and Mr. Winston would have had to submit their motion on Thursday February 16 before 5:00 pm, hardly last minute.
I will reserve my response to the other allegations made in the article IF and WHEN the motion is debated in the Legislative Assembly.
I say “IF” because although Standing Orders reserve Thursdays for private members motions; Standing Order 14 (3) ” On Thursdays, private Members’ notices of motions shall have precedence on the Order Paper, followed by private Members Bills, followed by Government Business”, I fully believe that Government will use it’s one member majority to suspend this Standing Order and place Government’s business on Thursday thereby preventing debate of Mr. McLean and Mr. Connolly motion.
I also take issue with the police statement as reported in this article that they have never received any complaint about the lawyers breaking any laws unless the DPP has lied in written correspondence to me replying to a complaint I made to her office on this said matter.
All will be revealed in due course.
Ezzard Miller
Reserving your comments until you have parliamentary privilege against being sued for libel, perchance?
Are you threatening an MLA, Fred?
So Ezzard, did you make a criminal complaint to the police or not? A letter to the DPP about something or other is not a complaint to the police, as I am sure you are aware. Meanwhile, we in the peanut gallery would like to see whether yout letter to the DPP contains anything beyond opinion and gossip.
Order number 18(3) (ii) let it be stated that MLAs who achieve nothing for their country other than to object and impede any and all members bills, especially when it is for the the purpose of a) self promotion and b) self preservation and furthermore when c) to appear important and knowledgable by d) boasting of parliamentary rules which are e) convenient distractions to the real issues around getting things done, then let it be said that such MLAs either need to i) offer some proactive legislation and/or ii) retire.
Ok so its satire. But come on.. enough with the parliamentary rhetoric man. Ezzard, sir, with respect thank you for your service. But i dont believe you have anything positive left to offer this country. This is not about protecting caymanians. I put it to you that you are engaging in populist politics. Time to call it a career.
Expect this kind of garbage from Arden, but Winston. What, have you become so desperate for reelection that you will stoop to this level. You are wrong, you are being used, you are damaging your own country and by extension the very people you represent.
He’s doing right by his people and conscience. Man I wish we had an LA full of winstons
Suggestion: a law firm could offer Connolly a position as Partner, forcing him out of politics and he would have demonstrated he means business. Okay? Win-win right?
Should be easy to check the various applications filed with immigration and see if they are compliant; assuming of course applications were even made.
Well, given that one of the conditions for a work permit is being resident in Cayman, it would be a little difficult to apply for a work permit for someone resident overseas. And given that work permits are only required for people working in Cayman, it’s difficult to see why you would. May as well tell Digicel and Lime that any engineers providing IT support from overseas to Cayman as well as other countries have to have WPs, or the Dublin based fund administrators that they need WPs before doing work on a Cayman Fund.
You are obviously entirely disconnected from the issues. We are talking about people living and working here when we refer to immigration. We are talking about people overseas when the Legal Ptactitioner Law is referenced.
So FRED how does a non-Caymanian meet the requirements for a PLC by being resident in the Cayman Islands unless he/she has a work permit. RTFL.
I’m surprised if Winston Connolly and Arden McLean would fabricate this. Neither man is an idiot nor, to my knowledge, blatant liars. However, I would not rule out political grandstanding by any politician at this stage, including Mr. Panton.
I do know for a fact that a respected lawyer I know has expressed serious concerns with the revised Legal Practitioner’s Bill as presented to the LA by Government.
Report to police? Seriously? What are they going to do and how could that possibly be in the interests of the jurisdiction. What about other regulators? Are you saying that they do not know what is going on?
How could the attorney general or other legal authorities possibly comment on the legality of what has been going on? They have no clue as to the structure and ownership of many of the firms, nor who is doing what work where and why.
A little condescending of the AG and DPP are we?
No. Just stating a belief that they do not know the ownership structures of law firms. Do you allege they do?
Fact: The greater the significance of our legal / financial industry to Cayman’s economy, the lower the welfare of the average Caymanian.
I say ‘eff em – let their numbers reduce (seeing that is the threat of the day).
With that comes a reduction in population and in turn a reduction on required government revenue.
Not to mention a welcome decrease in DDC (domestic douchebag concentration).
Furthermore, let us not forget we currently exist in a 50:50 “expat: Caymanian” ratio.
We are living in bold and risky times – see USA (Trump) and UK (Brexit). Things may be shaky for a while but WE WILL SURVIVE.
There is no mandatory path for Cayman’s future and ‘eff whoever feels they have the right to dictate otherwise.
Our natural resources are plentiful and endless …at least until the sun burns out and the oceans dry up, literally.
Fearless. Innovative. Focused. Determined.
– Who
(Caymanian)
Agree with some of what you say but not sure about reduced govt revenue. I’m pretty sure that expats put way more in govt. coffers than they pay out. That is free money for locals. Also not so sure your first fact is a fact. Your calling them (and me) douches makes me think you may be a bitter little twat. Also your natural resources are about non-existent unless you count that great Jamaican invention, Rum Cake. Trump is indeed bold, and douche calling twats are now on a bit of a high, but most of that will cool down with some self reflection by afore mentioned twats and deplorables, and the cheeto shitgibbon and his girlfriend Bannon are thwarted.
Oh look. I don’t areee with anything you say:-)
Shitgibbon – what a great term.
It’s actually his middle name. German I’ve heard it said.
I don’t agree with everything YOU said but dam that was funny. Thank you
(what’s Bannon?)
Signed,
Another Deplorable Douche
Steve Bannon. They call him President Bannon. He’s Trumps # advisor. Believes in inevitable Word war. He’s a daisey.
Hate to be blunt, but your lack of logic concerns me greatly.
An exodus of professionals from Cayman’s most vital industries has nothing but serious socioeconomic consequences for us all. It’s simple arithmetic; less people equals less revenue to provide the public services we depend on.
Lawyers and financial services professionals generate millions in government revenue; review past budgets and analytical articles written by CNS and the Compass – all the information and statistics are there!
A decline in our workforce will likely lead to economic recession, given the fact that these many of these white-collar workers spend significant sums of their locally earned salary on-island.
Lower demand for goods and services is NOT what we need.
America first. Britain first. Cayman first.
Suddenly there is great objection to the philosophy? Interesting.
Our standard of living, middle class, social stability, and happy-index have all steadily decreased as this particular industry / general economy has increased.
If not for our benefit then we should not treasure it.
I take no pride or comfort in being a suck-fish in my own country. At the end of the day self-respect must be valued.
Lastly, come what may, Caymanians will be fine and shall find a way. We did so between the period of enslavement and convenient tax haven for the wealthy – you know, back when we were “the islands that time forgot” – so anyone believing otherwise better check the resume.
– Who
At the end of the day your self respect is your responsibility.
I never took the history test…so Caymanians were slaves. Crimany, do I owe you guys money too?
That you all will be okay, that I agree with.
1.) I trust you are not one of our esteemed and educated professionals because…wow.
2.) We wouldn’t take a red cent from you buddy. In fact, the last time the nations traded funds it was FROM Cayman TO the UK to assist her unfortunate war efforts against Argentina.
So, keep that chump change fella. We’re good over here. In fact, there are a few million of your fellow home country citizens that are in desperate need of it at this very moment.
– Who
1 not an esteemed, educated professional. Probably a bit wiser than most of them though.
2. I’m American, not British and I have already given you plenty dough man. I was referring to your whiney claim to be a slave people and the money I mentioned was referring to reperations that some ‘slave people’ sometimes request.
Not sure why you’re (or anybody is) so nationalistic. It’s such an unpleasant concept.
We are all peoples bro.
BTW, for your files, I’m the guy that sometimes implores you to ‘think bigger’
So simply referring to a historical fact is being whiney? Interesting.
No. What is whiney is being a broke, “White and angry”, government-subsidised, multi-generational coal-mining family from America or the UK today, and – rather than skilling or educating yourselves in accordance with a changing and diverse economy – remaining stagnant and emotionally voting for an a$$-wipe like Trump or undeniably racist, xenophobic, and destabilising policies like the Brexit.
That, my friend, is whiney.
Then again, I am not surprised by your remarks as your perspective has demonstrated its limitation of considering historical and ongoing issues along colour lines as opposed to economic and or diplomatic.
I.e. “I’m white, do I owe all the brown and black people something??”
Get over yourself. In fact, you could benefit greatly by implementing your own kind advice in your existence.
– Who
TL;DNR, but at least we agree on trump. Now whatever you said, Take a deep breath, pretend it’s just a jumble of self-serving words, step back and think bigger. Cmon, I know who can do it.
Amazing how some people wanna enter the forum, throw stones, and then finish the act by high-tailing out of the yard.
You get zero respect from me.
Signing off.
– Who
I’m not out of the yard. Here for your pleasure. Can you please explain your statement about “between the period of enslavement..” I had no idea Caymanians were enslaved. Owners maybe. Are you African?
Aaaand about the respect. Did I ever have any from ya?
Dear “Anonymous says:
02/03/2017 at 12:57 pm”,
Please read a book.
I am not about to teach Caymanian and regional history (because as one studies Caymanian history one inevitably has to consider the region) to a cynical individual in a thread line of CNS.
I’ll be right here when you’re done.
Hurry now…
– Who
Well said sir. A bit of logic to refresh Who’s emotionally fetid air.
If we have lawbreakers , let them exit. If you conspire, exit too..
Those endless natural resources translate to reliance on the tourist industry, which has no threats of its own, like Cuba, rising domestic crime and cost. Yes, sounds like a really good idea to eff off the industry that currently furnishes most of the GDP and put all your eggs in that basket.
Fearless. Innovative. Focused. Determined. Bermuda.
-Who
(Half Caymanian)
Wayne. Some firms may well be breaking current legislation. Ask them about their ownership structures!
What legislation? Genuine question – I thought the Local Companies Control Law didn’t apply to either partnerships or the law firms?
It doesn’t apply to partnerships so they can’t get exemptions hence ALL partners have to be caymanian! But are they??? No.. law broken
It absolutely applies to law firms if they are incorporated. Othe regulatory regimes also apply including the Legal Practitioners (Incorporated Practice) Regulations which is amongst the legislation that seems to be routinely ignored by some.
As a young Caymanians administrator in the industry this is my livelihood you are threatening Arden and Winston. I feel selfish for saying that because it’s much much bigger than my little monthly salary as your actions threaten our entire economy!! As such I IMPLORE you to make a public apology and withdraw your motion!
As a young Australian in Hong Kong this is my livelihood (and that of a large number of other Commonwealth and Hong Kong citizens) that you are threatening Arden and Winston! Please think of us.
Do the politicians of your country support you? You are guests in this country, don’t forget that.
I’m in Hong Kong. Never been to Cayman.
Well said Minister. Stops election grandstanding in its tracks.
What do these firms think would happen if they held non qualified persons out as U.K. Attorneys or Hong Kong attorneys? They would be prosecuted in those jurisdictions!!
That is the basis for the LPB and the private members motion. Firms have been caught in other jurisdictions like Hong Kong not being compliant with local laws! Wayne Panton knows this as a fact!
Bull you money hogs just want to have it all. Laws are laws and must be adhered to by all so if your firms break the law then they are liable, just like everyone else who skirts the laws. Yes the place is very slack on enforcement but that is no reason for heling them. But of course the old story of money talks and horse dung walks! Don’t worry you soon will be back with your associates and wont have to deal with us the common folk!
Election grandstanding or a desperate last ditch plea (after exhausting all alternatives) to force our regulators to do something they have failed to do for a decade? Enforce our laws!
Query- were there lawyers in Hong Kong and other places who were being put forward as practising Cayman Islands law who were not called to the Cayman Bar? Yes or no?
Yes and Wayne himself admitted this when he was managing partner of walkers
unreported crimes are still crimes! The PPM seem to be all about legalizing criminal activity! First the Cautions bill now the LPB and the biggest offenders — the lawyers!
Or in this case, made up crimes… here’s a lesson, just because an MLA says something in the house doesn’t mean it’s true.
Caymans regulators are intimately familiar with the issues. They have simply chosen to do nothing, and perhaps not for the right reasons.
True True True!!!
Er…excuse me, but shouldn’t that be mac’s wonderland?
McLean and Connolly are just trying to get re-elected by appealing to the dumbest most xenophobic voters. Never mind that they undermine the entire economic basis of the country if it helps them keep their jobs right? Disgraceful.
Worked for Trump and the UK – and for as long as I’ve been alive we’ve been advised, by them, to follow their lead…or else.
Last I recall, it was the liberal wack jobs that lost. People woke up and decided they didn’t want to continue losing their country to ILLEGALS and foreigners taking their jobs. Fortunately, Americans found someone with brass ones to fight for them. Too bad we don’t have any of them in Cayman. Politicians in Cayman are in it for themselves only. Just look at what has happened to tv around here. Who owns the cable tv and the laws that are being implemented to benefit the same law makers. Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
Partners in big cayman firms conspired to hold these overseas people out as cayman attorneys in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore breaching the law. That is beyond debate.
Do you think for once that the minister cares about the Cayman lawyers. I think he cares more about his friends in high places.
Would it not be illegality (if there has been) on the part of some law firms that has undermined the basis of our economy? I would suggest you not shoot the messenger.
Winston Connelly said last night on TV that the local law school touts itself as Ivy League Law School standard. You must be friggin joking if you seriously believe that Winston.
You have no idea what you are talking about if you believe that the local law school is of an Ivy League standard. I suggest you spend some time as a lawyer in NYC or Miami at a major corporate law firm to find out what Ivy League lawyers are all about. You are simply creating allusions of grandeur about the extremely high quality of lawyers educated on this island. Please stop talking rubbish.
I know of two lawyers who attended Ivy League schools before attending law school here and both have claimed the standards here were equivalent.
Sometimes I feel as though some politicians forget that their comments are read by international observers online.
Anyone – including Arden and Winston – who seeks to bring Cayman into disrepute, based on unfounded allegations, should be barred from the LA and prosecuted for endangering national interests with irrationally reckless rhetoric.
The legal and financial services industry are the lifeblood of our economy; it’s where our government generates significant revenue. This last-minute motion filed by the opposition only seeks to economically jeopardise our prosperity.
This political grandstanding was far from mistimed. It’s truly saddening to see how low some would go in order to gain greater popularity among voters right as elections approach.
Why do you say the allegations are unfounded?
Perhaps he has read the current legal practitioners law, which Arden and Winston don’t seem to have ( or don’t understand what Section 10 means as opposed to what they would like it to).
They just think what past Attorneys General thought, and even what law firms used to think. So passé. Ain’t revisionism great!
I think section 10 clearly states you cannot practice Cayman law unless you hold a practicing certificate. if they do not have practicing certificates they are breaking the law. that is the situation in EVERY JURISDICTION! I cannot simply call myself an Australian attorney without being qualified to do so- I cannot do it here or in Australia. Why on earth would Cayman be any different?????? Why would any person have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a qualified attorney and be called to the bar when we can simply circumvent the need to do so by living in another country and holding ourselves out as a qualified attorney!
Please answer this question honestly. Since these financial lawyers are so great, why haven’t they made a success or partnership in their own home country?
I shall answer it for you , it is plain and simple the new form of colonialism. Mass day come at last!
I’m on your side! Vote for me!!
Typical muppets in the MLA. Would absolutely p@@s myself if one of the big law firms left and the house of cards started.
Be even funnier if any persons who have indeed broken laws and mislead regulators were prosecuted.
Typical. Shoot the messenger rather than confronting the truth. Pathetic.