Connolly not running for re-election
Winston Connolly in the Legislative Assembly
(CNS): Winston Connolly has revealed that he will not be running for re-election. The independent member won a seat in George Town in the 2013 election on the Coalition for Cayman ticket and served for a while on the government backbenches as a councillor in the education ministry before following Anthony Eden and Alva Suckoo to the opposition benches. However, speaking in the Legislative Assembly Monday aftenoon, he said he did not “love politics”. He said he thought he could have won a seat but the party system and government were not working properly and he no longer wanted to be a part of it.
Connolly said he had been “contemplating getting out” of politics for some time and had made a decision not to seek re-election in May. The former attorney accepted that some might think it strange after he had “hit the hornet’s nest”, referring to the issues regarding the Legal Practitioners Law, that he would now be going back to work in the private sector but he said his passion was for the people and not for politics.
He said he did not “crave power” and he had never intended to stay in politics for long. Criticising the party system and the introduction of single-member constituencies, he added, “I’ve loved working for the people of Cayman but I don’t love politics.”
Connolly said he had neglected his family and his decision to pull out of the political fray was a “difficult personal decision”.
Category: 2017 General Elections, Elections, Politics
Best decision he’s made in 4 years and one that will impact Cayman in the positive. Thank you!
He will work with Jason on the tire shredding project which was the plan all along
Winston is hardly innocent. As a fully paid up Lodge member, he is privy to far more than the average bear. He and his Lodge brother Kurt are both standing down. Hopefully, we’ll get some real independents, not those maniacs that destroy their countries behind closed doors.
Real independents like who? I can’t find one independent in george town or bodden town that I could possibly vote for.
NOTE: This is the most HONEST comment on this article.
Some people don’t like when the fox get in the hen house and feathers are flying everywhere.
You will be missed, Winston.
Winston screwed up the legal profession and did a runner. Classy.
Another baseless, unsubstantiated comment… what a surprise!!!
Winston came out too early.
Thats not what she said.
Too much sunlight in politics, back to the shady world of secret societies and sweetheart deals. Winston will land on his feet unlike the kids in the government schools he has criticised so publically yet opted not to try and fix.
Well what have you done or contributed?
Oh how those who believe their little stooge and their plan would gain traction in his final hour on the final day. Now they balling like little children because their affluence has no sway. Tek wood mr Lawyer man in your high airconditioned sanitized perch for the light is coming bright and will take your vampire policy away. A couple of your peacock feathers going to get plucked too!
Winston Connolly thank you for your service to the Cayman Islands and her people. Stay strong and pay no mind to the cabal who want to tear you down for upsetting their applecart and speaking the harsh truth of these matters. It is obvious what their ulterior motives are and modus operandi is, and that they are as ugly as sin itself. The truth is an offence, but not a sin. While I am somewhat disappointed that you have decided not to run for elected office again I respect your decision.
Damnit…was hoping Winston was the beginning of change and we would start to get rid of the slimy old boys club dinosaurs running our country. Thank you Winston for bringing some honesty and intelligence to LA for the last four years. I didn’t always agree with you but admired your integrity.
To paraphrase Tropic Thunder, he went “full Ezzard” so quickly.
never go full Ezzard
Never go full Ezzard man, if u dont believe him, ask Dwayne “Jon Jon” Iscariot-Seymour
Went home empty handed.
People don’t seem to understand how dirty politics is in the Cayman Islands. This country could be so much better but you have too many politicians and civil servants who are working on automatic cruise control.
I don’t blame Winston one bit. Life is too short to get up every morning just to be beaten down, not just by opposing politicians and civil servants who are hell bend to do what THEY want to do, but also by the ever thankless and critical residents of this Island.
So let’s continue the good old boys club style of politics – let the law firms and developers run the country as usual……….
That’s politics everywhere…doesn’t make it right but these days, that’s what it is.
I voted for Winston, after much deliberation, and came to regret it pretty early on. In no particular order, these are the things that bothered me over the course of his tenure:
1. He went head to head with Austin H. on Crosstalk where he denied being a member of the C4C. Now I know he’s a lawyer so semantics and technicalities are everything, so he was probably being truthful as far as the definition of “member” but it still made me question his thought process and in part, his moral compass. Moreover, it made me wonder what he thought of the public’s collective intelligence.
2. When he left the PPM, he declared he was not a politician. Nothing cemented him as a politician in my mind more than that.
3. For three years, he was second in charge of the Education Ministry, did nothing then came out saying he would never send his children to public school. I interpreted it as an admission of failure, but of course, that’s not how it went down with the naive upper middle class who had just gotten smug justification of their private school choices. What about us who can’t afford private schools? Guess it’s just tough for us, the people he loves. I can only imagine how it insulted all who toil in that field. Whoever thought he would send his children to public school anyway? Doesn’t exactly fit the lifestyle.
While he deserves credit for the energy policy and his fearless fight against the LPB, he hasn’t exactly proved himself a man of the people. Ever seen him mixing and mingling with those on a certain side of the tracks? What bills did he propose that sought to directly improve the life of the common man, middle class or otherwise?
Regarding the pressures on his family life, that is understandable but not surprising. He entered the race with a young child, had another one during his tenure — not exactly the best time to get a job that sucks your time, life and soul, eh? How could he not realize that?
I am sincerely happy that he will have more time for his family now as we know the power of a strong family unit and ultimately, we will all benefit from strong families.
Winston is a well meaning guy, I still believe that. But he is not one of us and his arrogance got in the way. It was simply the wrong time and as much as I hate to agree with the Premier, he did have a point when he said Winston needs to mature politically in order to maximize his contributions in the island. (For the record, I didn’t think it was fair of Mr. McLaughlin to say that of Alva Suckoo).
I look forward to seeing what Winston does in the foreseeable future to prove that he loves people. For me, lunching with the boys at Rotary meetings and attending every charity gala won’t cut it for me, but I wait with hopeful anticipation.
Hmmm – in regards to the education system, you may want to not jump the gun. Perhaps there was plenty he put on the table but ultimately the responsible minister pulled the plug or couldn’t be bothered?
You seem to have a lot to say – so why don’t you get involved in politics? What is it that you do for the people?
A lot of people I see criticizing these days are just upset when something didn’t go their way – their situation is always the fault of someone else.
If you pay close attention to my contribution, you will note that I laid out what didn’t appease me. The only misstep identified above is his comments about education after being 2nd in charge for three years. It’s just my views as a voter not sure how they’ve led you to assume I’m uninvolved in societal development. It’s called an opinion, bro, you don’t have to agree.
Winston don’t pay any attention to the critics. Anyone who dare to stand out and stand up for truth and justice will be criticized. One day they will get it.
Winston stood for justice, for country. Many many of us will forever be grateful to you for trying to make the legal fraternity more amicable for Caymanians. I know you will continue to agitate for us. As a matter of fact you have only just begun. Spend some quality time with your family and then prepare for round two which we know will come, not necessarily as a politician but as a great statesman nevertheless. The battle has only just began and we are proud that we still have “a few good men”. See you around chum!!
True to form. Can’t stay anywhere for long…..always jumping ship looking for a short cut to glory.
Walkers, Maples, High water, Government, Backbencher.
Quick and easy to blame others. Harder to take a long look in the mirror.
Bit harsh, considering he’s a newbie.
He was doing just fine until he got in to bed with a bunch of bigoted haters.
I wish yoi would have a change of heart Winston.
Good luck in yhe future.
As many of us i expected the younger professionals voted in last election to have a bigger imapct upon entering the fray. I think this goes to show as elections are soon that change may be harder to effect than just voting in younger candidates with a professional background may not be the key
Which of the new gen have made an impact?
perhaps because some of the long term carrier politicians are hell bend to protect their club and resist changes . Better to coddle the residents for votes than forcing some folks to look and the mirror and start holding everyone accountable for their own actions……………
While people are quick to slag winston and i was a bit dissapointed myself i think it goes to show how hard it can be to effect change as a younger professional entering the fray. For those who voted in a couple of the younger candidates last election i think it has become clear that changing of the guard will be hard to achieve. The political game, even here in cayman is not for everyone. Choose carefully as you vote this time around
What are you talking about? Winston put more heart soul and battle in than any of the old men there that sit around and do nothing other than further their own special interests!
Very sad as he’s truly an amazing man with a true passion for helping his people! He will do great anywhere he goes! Honored to know him!
A weak disappointment to many of us. The curse of Ezzard/Arden brought him down, as it will the country.
You are an idiot.
Any politician who we vote for is on premise that he/she is going to represent the people. If they are not going to look for the well bring of the their people, then do not vote fir them. All those who changed laws and made laws for the expats should be kicked in their butts and not voted for.
The natives first, and others after. Be careful who you make an X for.
Hey, I’m not running for office either. Its amazing what counts as news nowadays.
Me too. Was hoping for at least a whole page on your and my not running. Might go swimming tomorrow.
I agree. One of the most talked about politicians of recent weeks announcing he is not running for RE-election IS exactly the same as you continuing to be an anonymous private citizen. CNS, can you please contact this commentator for his/her story.
Sorry, Winston.
You would have been much better advised to make your fortune before trying youir hand at politricks. But you had illusions of grandeur popping in your head. You could have made a difference but did’nt. You wanted to be King but was’nt prepared to serve as Prince first.
Sure hope you find something to do. The legal and financial sectors will not want to even be seen in your companty. And the accident chasing lawyers are already too many!
Goodbye!
What a stupid comment. OMG
Obviously, you do not know the VERY honourable Winston Connolly!
Don’t worry when we’re done cleaning up those industries and ridding them of the corruption it will be fair game again
He will do great. Unlike you he had morals and happiness in his soul that doesn’t require $ to achieve. he will continue to do great things and change people’s lives for the better. You can keep your money and your misery all for yourself until someone like you pulls the rug from under your feet.
One of the most courageous politicians we’ve seen in a long time. Too bad he’s not running again.
Agreed. Winston is a great man and it’s truly a shame that he will no longer be our voice. I wish him well!
Thanks Winston for your contribution to our country. At least we can say GREED was not your modus operandi. People may criticize you but I do honestly believe you had the Cayman Islands at heart.
Any man who puts his family first I MUST respect.
I wish you success in all you do.
Regards,
A Fellow Caymanian
quitting again?
Don’t be so jealous
hit and run politician
Wish Keke, Anthony and the most useless of them all, Captain Eugene would follow suit.
Who is this Captain Eugene I keep hearing referenced on this site?
So need the lol button back. You had me literally laughing out loud in my office !!!
Poorly old UU will have another 4 year sleeping pad. What a mess. He should just sleep the balance of the years,
Maybe try the hospitality industry next…? You’re ruined in the finance sector.
Except God honors those who honor him and will provide for them even in unexpected ways. Hold on to your integrity, Winston, and always seek God’s guidance. You have conducted yourself like a statesman and Caymanians can be proud of men with your character and abilities.
Except god is a figment of your imagination.
What if he isn’t? What will you have to say on that day?
Just wondering about all the folk who insist that there is NO higher power….what little imaginations you must have.
Sad really…
I won’t have anything to say. I’ll be dead.
He will be real to you soon enough.
Using fear of the unknown to trick people into believing in your make believe “god” is the oldest trick in the book. Too bad educated people can see right through it.
The church ain’t getting a cent of my hard earned cash.
My, my how we love to hate and wish bad on others. And his work in both financial services and law is far from over.
A man with integrity like Winston will succeed at anything he does. He’s not finished… He’s just starting!
Please…..
What a stupid Coment. He is an amazing man!