Politicians still ‘on edge’ over private eyes

| 13/03/2017 | 40 Comments
Cayman News Service

Alva Suckoo in the LA March 2017

(CNS): When Alva Suckoo began his debate on the controversial Legal Practitioners Bill Thursday, he raised the issue of the claims he made about being followed by private investigators hired by local law firms. Although the police have said that they were unable to substantiate the allegations, the Bodden Town opposition MLA said the police were still investigating and it was a local lawyer who alerted the independent members to the alleged tail on them via a text message, which Suckoo read to members.

As he read the message, Suckoo indicated that a consultancy firm had been “employed by blank and blank”, who he said were local law firms: “They are declaring all-out war on Winston and Arden. No limit on money or method to get them out. They hired some people to follow them and dig up dirt yesterday. Please advise them pronto, they are going to need help.”

Referring to arguments made by the attorney general Wednesday about accepting the word of Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton that he was not conflicted over the Legal Practitioners Bill because he was a lawyer, Suckoo said that was why, coming from a lawyer, the text had been taken seriously. He also revealed that the local attorney in question, whom he would not identify, had confirmed sending the text to the police.

Suckoo said that despite what people were saying, the path that he and other MLAs have taken to oppose the Legal Practitioners Bill had created a “large number of enemies” for them and some people “would stop at nothing to stop us”, but he said he was determined not to support the bill.

His comments came in the wake of concerns raised by the member for East End, Arden McLean, who said there was “a gentleman walking around” in the upstairs gallery of the LA who had been there for a few days and no one knew who he was. The sergeant-at-arms was dispatched to investigate. However, there was no indication from the speaker who the person was before the LA was adjourned later Thursday.

See Suckoo begin his debate on the Legal Practitioners Bill below at 1:30

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Category: Laws, Politics

Comments (40)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Is there some law against following a politician? What is the big deal? It’s not like the KGB is after them.

  2. Anonymous says:

    They are copying Trump in the hope they can corner the key “very stupid” vote.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Newsflash: If you’re abusing the power of your office in public, you should expect EVERYONE to notice, not just any paid observers (if they even exist). We’ve seen these characters cruising up the middle “VIP” lane at airport Immigration more than once. We’ve seen them parlay excess and oversized baggage onto our flag carrier. We’ve heard stories of the appalling behavior of past MLAs. We’ve been among hundreds of paying patrons and international guests at charity events made to wait patiently for an expensive overcooked meal when a much-ballyhooed “VIP” Minister couldn’t be bothered to be punctual. Most of our MLAs are guilty of these chronic and embarrassing local public abuses with or without “private eyes”. They are public figures ALL THE TIME and we all see these things and remember.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Stand up and fight Cayman!

  5. Ppm coolaid says:

    Lol the PPm bloggers are out in force. I hope he spills the beans on everyone

  6. Anonymous says:

    “Paronoid delusional behavior” The regular antidote for these ideas is the consumption of lots of Cheetos

  7. Anonymous says:

    Alva overestimates his importance. Unlikely he had a PI on him.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Maybe some of these “homophobic” politicians have skeletons that conflict with their public views “in their closet” that they don’t want the voters to know about.

  9. Anonymous says:

    These guys are digging themselves deeper and deeper into a hole.

  10. Soon come to you says:

    Why should the law firms be afraid of an investigation into their practices of hiring lawyers abroad to practice for and on behalf of Cayman Islands law and not be paying for practicing certificates in this jurisdiction. Shameful me say fi

  11. Anonymous says:

    Paronoid delusional behavior. Don’t believe the hype. Those who believe this for a second are the gullible ones.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Oh boo hoo, precious angels are scared.

  13. Anonymous says:

    What a bunch of total amateurs, these idiots aren’t worth the effort of any more comment.

  14. Anonymous says:

    I heard Hurley’s sold the extra heavy aluminium foil

  15. Anonymous says:

    This gets more unbelievable each day. You are politicians, you should be used to scrutiny. If you are not into any monkey business then you have nothing to worry about.

    • hmmm says:

      I hope next time he speaks he will give all the details! Seems like some lawyer gave the police half a clue and needs to speak up

      • Anonymous says:

        It is not illegal to employ a private investigator folks so regardless of what has (most likely hasn’t) happened, there would have been no crime committed unless the PI was working in Cayman without a permit.. Winston is just spitting the dummy after not getting made equity partner and has burnt his bridges.. He’s a nice guy but right now he’s behaving like a toddler.. “It’s my ball and I’m taking it home with me!”

        • Anonymous says:

          Actually he’s being brace and strong and standing up for his people

        • Anonymous says:

          Uh, no, the firms are saying it’s our ball and we’re taking it wherever will give the most and ask the least…good luck to them…

          • Anonymous says:

            4.50pm Then why are they practicing Cayman Islands Law? It makes the most money foor them that’s why.

    • Lemming says:

      Scrutiny, sure; spied on, no way!

  16. Anonymous says:

    Well done Winston!

  17. Diogenes says:

    Cuckoo

  18. Anonymous says:

    Why would you be on “edge” if you are innocent?

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