Volunteers wanted for ‘bring back governor’ petition

| 27/07/2018 | 125 Comments

Cayman News Service(CNS): The group of anonymous people who have begun a petition to get suspended Cayman Islands Governor Anwar Choudhury reinstated in his job are asking for volunteers to help them circulate the petition this weekend after receiving considerable public support for the project. Organisers said that people will already be able to sign the petition at a number of locations but they are seeking others willing to host the petition at local businesses or other locations. The petition will be sent to the overseas territories minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon.

The petition, which was circulated Wednesday evening, has generated considerable attention; the CNS story yesterday attracted more than 70 comments, and it appeared to trigger a response from the governor’s office about the probe into Choudhury and the public interest. But neither the head of the governor’s office, Matthew Forbes, nor Acting Governor Franz Manderson made any comment about the inquiry, nor did they confirm any of the speculation about the reason for Choudhury’s recall.

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about who can and cannot sign the petition. When it comes to civil servants, the civil service management position is that all those not in a senior management position within government can sign petitions that do not directly impact their work. However, in this case, since the governor is in theory every civil servant’s boss, it is not clear whether anyone who works in government could openly sign. CNS has contacted the authorities to get a definitive answer and will post the details as soon as we have a response.

Although it is not a legal requirement for people who sign petitions in the Cayman Islands to be registered as electors unless the aim is to trigger a people-initiated referendum, past petitions have been undermined because the signatures of those who are not permanently living in the islands were included.

As a result, those organising this petition are requesting that those who sign it are voters.

Locations where the petition will be available include:

  • Rayburn Ebanks (Smith Road Fruit Vendor, Smith Road, George Town)
  • Funky Tangs (Shedden Road, George Town)
  • Renaissance Salon and Spa (Walkers Road, below RCIPS Records Office,
    George Town)
  • Simply Computers (West Shore Center, West Bay Road)
  • Sunset House (South Church Street, George Town)

Anyone who can volunteer to assist in collecting signatures is asked to send an email to:
bringbackgovernorchoudhury@gmail.com

For more information on the petition visit the petition website

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Category: Local News

Comments (125)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    No signing this time….UK knows something we don’t know. God appoints and takes away kings for his saving purposes. Be glad and rejoice in The Lord, who knows whats best>

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes they know he is good for Cayman but the Lord don’t want him mix up with these demons here! Yes you self righteous prick he would be great if he was White too i eh. Let me burst your little bubble! We don’t need you to sign !

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    • Anonymous says:

      Don’t involve God in any FCO dealings please.

  2. Anonymous says:

    watching too many 007 movies?

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  3. Anonymous says:

    You’re noisy troublemakers with too much time on your hands, who love the sound of your own voices. Any bandwagon, however flimsy, you’ll jump on as long as you can do so anonymously. And this is a particularly exciting one because it allows you to anonymously encourage others to sign an anonymous petition. You brave, brave little keyboard warriors.

    You haven’t a clue what this governor is like because he wasn’t around long enough for any of us to find out, and yet you’re acting like he’s a cross between Mandela and Mother Theresa while gifted with the reforming zeal of a Martin Luther.

    Just let the inquiry take its course; you’ll lose nothing by doing so except the juvenile excitement of moaning at the authorities – anonymously of course.

    Final thought though: the Leader of the Opposition raises a couple of good points about the so-called head of the governor’s office (who we now learn is not the governor!). If we pay for the governor and his office, we should at least be told what its apparently most senior staff member does – apart from playing Iago, that is.

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    • Sound Frank says:

      Completely agree. This petition is an incredibly immature gesture and hopefully not indicative of the typical resident here. If the man has to answer for something back in the UK then so be it. They’re not fools in the Foreign Office. And if, as so many posters think he is blameless, then no doubt he will be back soon. Until then, stop acting like schoolkids missing their favorite teacher.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Preach….could’t have stated it any better.

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    • Mike says:

      So, 1.40 am, why have you posted as “Anonymous” then? Put your name where your mouth is!

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Mr. Franz Manderson to be the governor for the cayman islands LOL. Look at the mess he left immigration with and then he became the deputy governor by political power and made a complete mess of the civil service. The deputy governor can not talk properily nor he can not make a proper speech when he talks on the radio my family turns the radio off. Oh my god the Honourable MLA captain Eugene from West Bay can talk better than him and can give a better speech also. Anyone know the Hon. Capt. Eugene should know what i mean. Dress-up a cat to be the governor for the cayman islands and we all will be better off if we can not have governor choudury back. Or ask the UK please to urgently send some FBI’s.

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    • Anonymous says:

      2:50 why you so jealous. Compare your record and that of the DG’s.

      The DG gave the best speech recently at the HR conference. Not sure what happened to your ears. Get them out of the Bush.

      Stop being so angry and jealous.

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    • Anonymous says:

      2:50 and you can’t spell properly!! Now that is a real mess. Poor you.

  5. Anonymous says:

    The very concept of an anonymous petition is so cretinous that that should be the end of the story. And why we should care WHICH third-rate civil servant the UK sends us is beyond me, particularly since he was only in office for six weeks before being hoiked and therefore nobody can have an informed view of him anyway.

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    • Zimma says:

      Yes yeh rass i wonder if he was white would he be re classed to 2nd rate Its very obvious from your little post whence you hail. Its also obvious many do not share or care about your view or opinion either. the trouble with ignorance as it goes along it picks up confidence and you appear to be over weight .

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      • Anonymous says:

        You mean I’m literate? Sorry about that.

        Actually I meant they’re ALL third rate civil servants. They have to be, to be sent to some tiny islands in the middle of the Caribbean.

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      • Anonymous says:

        We don’t care what color he is just send
        Mr Chowdhury back, we want our Governor.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Mr Chowdhury did a lot in his time here.

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  6. Cayman Loyal stooge says:

    I aint signing no old petition for Choudhury he on his own! Anybody heard when the FCO big pay out is? i need my check

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  7. Anonymous says:

    franz… i demand a detailed report on the implementations of the recommendations in the miller-shaw and e&y reports.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You can’t personally “demand” something if you remain anonymous, you buffoon.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You need to ask Mary Ridriguez (her recent fame was in Doctoring-Report-Gate) in the SRIU (Strategic Reform Implementation Unit) about that

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  8. Anonymous says:

    the governor came and was shocked to see what a mess and disgrace the civil service is.
    he wanted to change that. he was then removed by a local civil service conspiracy.
    these are the facts

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    • Anonymous says:

      10.08am Wow. You state this rubbish as fact and 40 agree? Wow

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      • Anonymous says:

        Well to be fair, most of us (and that’s a lot more than 40) can agree with 10:08’s first sentence.

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    • Mike says:

      All I can say 10.08 am is that nature attempts to fill a vacum, meaning that when there is a total absense of facts, information, or any meaningful communication, speculation and the Marl Road take over and fill the vacum. This can all be prevented by appropriate persons in authority keeping the public informed as best as possible, maybe not with details, but what process is taking place and when. It is simple ABC public relations, which is painfully lacking in this sordid mess. Poor show FCO!

  9. Jacky Boatside from OldBush says:

    STOP!!! this abuse by the FCO Cayman please sign the petition! Could the Taxi license board please give Franz a little licence Im begging you now! Boat operators said NO!

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  10. Sucka Free Cayman says:

    Those crying about the anonymity of the petition organizers it would appear have no problem with the anonymity or the absolute secrecy by which the UK govt or the FCO operates or does transparency rules only apply to us. Their lack of transparency is very abusive in many many situations and has been paid for in lives in some instances. Another thing the whiners aren’t complaining about either?

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  11. Anonymous says:

    I’m more interested in the petition demanding the super-expensive cruise port be decided by public referendum.

    – Who

    *Find it very depressing that a “servant’s” discomfort regarding massage requests carries more clout with the FCO than national objection to a corrupted, hollow and fruitless $10,000,000.00 “investigation”.

    I’d like Choudhury back as well, but the maniacal UK / FCO will do whatever it is they do at times like these – a petition won’t make an ounce of difference.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Why can’t you just fit your long ramblings into one statement instead of post script x5?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Yeah – that particular post-script REALLY got to you, didn’t it?
        I understand…but don’t worry, you’ll be okay in time.

        – Who

        * Btw, that was by no means a “long rambling”.

        ** Happy Sunday.

        *** Does this annoy you?

        **** 😀

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    • Anonymous says:

      With the right media contacts Cayman could make its voice of support for Mr Choudury so loud that the UK would feel compelled to respond. They couldn’t stand the public embarrassment.

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    • Anonymous says:

      We will not hear anything about that as all of them are in the same bed.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    Lol, he was here 5 minutes. 5 more and those same petitioners would hate his guts.

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    • Player Hater says:

      So says the government’s little minion try hush, 5 secs more and you wouldn’t be writing foolishness because you would probably would be out of a job for doing absolutely nothing and being a useless govt loud mouth. Go sit down wid garbage!

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    • Anonymous says:

      SO true! People, he wasn’t here long enough for you to truly know him; a few public appearances have you all excited….sheeesshhh

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  13. Anonymous says:

    I hope the governor is found to have done nothing wrong and returns to island vindicated. That said a petition is premature and utterly pointless. We don’t know what he is accused of, nor if he guilty, nor the severity, nor any likely sanction. Secondly the FCO will reinstate him or not based on their investigation; they won’t pay the slightest bit of attention to a stupid petition.

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    • Anonymous says:

      But it would raise awareness with the UK about what is really going on here… the things Mr Choudury set out to deal with.

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      • Anonymous says:

        We can have the petetion go to CNN that should give lots of exposure.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Seriously? No one in the UK could care less about Cayman, the governor or our politics. No one. I bet 95% couldn’t even find us on a map. Get a grip.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Caymanians will FOREVER be eachothers worse enemies. There is no politician out there that can impact the islands like Gov. Choudhury did, no politician will even dare.
    This entire government is a huge game and it involves division, gambling, buying votes, and keeping select people stupid, hungry, and financially weak so they are dependent on the government.

    May the entire government be cleansed. All power to the people.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    Is this why you manoeuvred Mr Choudury out?

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  16. Voter says:

    Organisers say who you are and I will sign.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Deal with the message!

      The messenger is immaterial.

      Would you refuse a FedEx package because you did not know or did not like the delivery driver?

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  17. Anonymous says:

    This is a UK matter not a Cayman matter. There is no UK petition and what happens in the territory is irrelevant to the issue.

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    • Proper @$$ing says:

      You wrong deh BOBO! It became a Cayman Problem when you remove him from our shores secretly! then tried to tell us a bunch of mumbo jumbo and lies. Stop trying to tell us what to think and if we and the issue are irrelevant you stop writing foolishness Go Home before i take off my belt!

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      • Anonymous says:

        @ Proper @ssing
        Seriously? You want all of Cayman to take on and back up this man that’s been here all of five minutes, without knowing all the details?!?!!! Yet those that start this petition remain anonymous…..

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  18. Sounds says:

    There is a new better petition in circulation and it is calling for the formal appointment of Hon Franz Manderson as Governor of the Cayman Islands. Son of the soil and poised for this post. Cayman is ready for a Caymanian Governor.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    The reason they are remaining anonymous is because of fear of the backlash from either the present regime or their boss who is probably a regime gopher. I have seen people doing things for the right reason that has nothing to do with their job get fired because their boss was a certain MLA’s drinking buddy. People may scoff at this post but 99% of the population know it to be true. Ruffle the wrong set of feathers and if they know who did it then your life becomes a living hell after.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    you can try…but what the Lodge say in the cayman islands goes…????

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  21. Anonymous says:

    I do not know anything about this man other than what I’ve read in the media outlets. How can anyone feel comfortable pledging for someone they know nothing about o_O

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    • E. Nygma says:

      Do you ever truly know any government elected or unelected persons?
      Assuming you don’t have a convenient personal connection with representatives, the vast majority of persons in my opinion generally don’t know anything about the people in positions of authority
      Campaigning generally treads the fine line between flat out lying and misleading people
      and once they actually get into office representatives rely on staffers and aides to monitor their outreach and relations, (write their speeches, arrange events and appearances, along with other jobs)
      Very rarely do people truly get to know their Reps
      So this idea that you can’t support someone without knowing their entire life story seems kinda off to me
      There are 19 MLAs and everyone seems to have an opinion on them individually and as a group, do you know them all well, all 19 of them?
      Did you have a personal interview with all the candidates running in your constituency before you voted (assuming you are a Caymanian I think not)

      People support him because as far as we can tell (without setting up camera’s in the Governor’s house or reading his diary) he seems down to earth and truly interested in improving the lives of the citizenry
      We Caymanians are also not particularly fond of change especially when it happens suddenly and out of nowhere
      Not to mention the fact that they announced a 4-6 week investigation and having now (almost) made it to to the 6 week mark people want answers or they want back to the regularly scheduled programming

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    • Anonymous says:

      We got to know a lot more about Mr Choudury, and saw more good being done for Cayman in the short time he was here than we ever did from his predecessors for decades. Actions speak. Caymanians and residents alike actually had an active listener through whom our voice could be heard and we could finally see positive changes come about. Remember this is what the people we elect are supposed to do but seemingly they want to continue to screw us over and enjoy their lavish lifestyles than act in the best interests of the people and the island like Mr Choudury did.

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    • Naya Boy says:

      We do that everyday we issue work permits to those just like you!

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    • Pixel says:

      I agree your deliberate and obvious ignorance is clearly reflected in your post but others have met and seen him in various public venues thus you and your other ignorant followers trying to impose both your opinion and view, speaks volumes about the type and class of persons you are? or are you part of this sinister situation too.

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  22. Mike says:

    Three cheers for the five persons / enterprises who are facilitating this petition! That give a face to the initiative, which people were clamoring for. Mr. Choudray appears to have been putting his “boot” under some complacent and deserving C.S. asses, and to boot, he was willing to make personal contact with ordinary people and show some interest. That has been a missing ingredient in so many Governorships of the past, which regarded tea or cocktails at that house on SMB as getting to know Caymanians!

    I have to wonder if that aloof behaviour is reserved for the colonies only, because I see no evidence of it in the present day U.K.

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    • Anonymous says:

      If this was the UK all parts of Government House used for public functions and all of its grounds would be available to the public even if only at specified times of the year or under certain conditions. Without that openness, an invitation is coveted and this is one method of controlling the locals is deciding who gets to ever see (let alone sit at) the high table or even stand on the back porch.

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  23. Totally DISGUSTED with Govt disingenuousness says:

    Hmmmm….interesting……..got me thinking….why would the “group” who is bringing this petition chose to remain “anonymous” whilst they wish/want everyone else to declare / expose their own identity??

    Shouldn’t they all stand up bravely, together as one?; or should some hide behind the backs of others: or should they all hide like cowards!!??

    Something just doesnt add up.

    Suggestion: publish a Petition for the residents of Cayman Islands to sign, to make a formal request to the FCO to send a newly appointed Governor for the Cayman Islands.

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    • Anonymous says:

      2.02 pm is that the best you have to say in the face of overwhelming evidence of popular support for Mr Choudary?

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      • JR Whatkins says:

        That’s because 202pm and 207pm is the regime propaganda mouth piece probing and trying to put doubt and create dissension in people minds because they feel threatened now. No body his begging anyone to sign this petition and as for you fence warmers who do absolutely nothing but complain, stay right there we don’t need you bastards who will watch other people get hurt and victimized yet say nothing until unnah get a bitch lick then the whole world must stop and pay homage to unnah self inflicted suffering. This ain’t about Governor Choudhury its about what happens to us as a people as for those waiting for resolution from and entity that has little or no regard for you our little egos keeping waiting sooon come yeh hear! yes you stupid a$$. When some takes out a down payment on a brain for our dear DG i will sign his petition! I aint going to hold my breath though.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Whatkins you are wrong . This secret group is asking/begging for signatures. There is no other way to say it.

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    • Anonymous says:

      We do not want another Governer this one has proven he is for the people and the
      Cayman Islands. We have had our fill of those other ones.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Great comment. Was thinking the same thing. Why are they anonymous and wanting others to sign and expose themselves?

      Could this be a publicity ploy by the media to create a story out of nothing? “Oh look, seven people have signed a petition to bring back gov”

      In my view, the man has lost all face and the office of gov will remain damaged if he comes back as gov. Just send the other designated retiree to gov Cayman.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Yea, you are probably circulating the other anonymous petition to appoint Franz. God help us that does not happen,

    • Wee too Disgusted says:

      2:02pm you forgot to say make sure he White too say this does not happen again!

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  24. Mike says:

    Three cheers for the five persons / enterprises who are assisting in this petition! It gives a face to the initiative. Win, lose or draw, it can only do good to show support for a Governor who showed a bit of interest in ordinary people, AND, appeared to be kicking some complacent asses that have become accustomed to lethargy for far too long, and been allowed to get away with it. If Mr. Choudray returns to office, I suggest that our D.G. leads a celebratory half marathon jog around the capitol. LOL.

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  25. Anonymous says:

    I am a Cayman Islands registered vote and I would sign a petition for the timely completion of the investigation and for the facts to be made public (though I wouldn’t hold my breathe on the latter). I will not support a petition for an unconditional return until we can assess whether the facts would support such a move.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Sorry I just realised I posted this somewhere else by accident when it was you I intended to direct this comment to, so here goes again:

      But you are happy for corrupt politicians to openly abuse their positions and the public purse without the same conditions, and continue to get away with it perpetually?

      We had, and may have lost our one chance to fix that if we don’t demand the return of Mr Choudury. To any reasonable person he is the best (by far) of two evils.

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      • Anonymous says:

        That is why we want him back, he can help us clean up all the trash we have in
        our Government get all the corrup out and some…

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    • Anonymous says:

      1:17 pm: the petition does not call for the “uncontrolled return”, whatever that means. Get a copy and read it. It is actually very well done.

      • Anonymous says:

        11.35pm The poster at 1.17pm does not use the term “uncontrolled return” that you mention.Perhaps you should take your own advice and read the comment again.

  26. Ann says:

    This is rubbish Who knows if something happened before he came here. Just leave the uk govt to sort it out

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Not until the organisers put their names on it.

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  28. Anonymous says:

    Although I echo the sentiments of many in appreciation of the novel administrative approach this governor was taking, I would not be in a hurry to recall him back to his post until the boorish personal allegations have been cleared. We won’t be signing this petition until there is clarification. He is the appointed representative of Her Royal Highness, and should be held to a higher standard in both professional and personal conduct throughout the life of that commission.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What goes on behind closed doors is none of our business or anyone else..

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      • Anonymous says:

        That’s what your mum said.

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      • Ron Ebanks says:

        Anonymous 3:10 pm , I know that kissing and that kinda thing going on behind closed doors is non of my business , but real dirty stuff / business going on is my business , and should be yours too .

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    • Anonymous says:

      But it’s OK for your politicians to grope butts, double-dip, rip out coral reefs, sell-off to Dart, disrespect women, abuse Gov credit cards and the public purse, rae, rae, rae. Sounds like double standards to me.

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      • David S. says:

        Anonymous 5:48, you are ascribing sins of US officials to Caymanian lawmakers, why should we listen to you? You dont even know the difference between your local legislators and US lawmakers! LOL

        • Anonymous says:

          Not seen one single US politician come down here and do any of the stuff @5:48 said but I have seen local politicians go to the US and do it.

    • Anonymous says:

      You should expect the same from your elected representatives.

  29. West Bay Premier says:

    CNS , can you get someone name from this anonymous group that is sending this bs to you before you publish it . Here they are looking for volunteers to circulate the petition, and have locations where you can go to sign it . I hate to say that I think the ANONYMOUS GROUP is Governor house staff who is trying to fool and make game of the public.

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    • Anonymous says:

      @WBP I thought the Governor house staff were part of the problem or was I mistaken. If they were why would they put through a petition to bring back the person they don’t like?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Its a good way to find out who the ‘troublemakers’ are.

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      • West Bay Premier says:

        @ anonymous 2:44pm , did you ever see someone do something,, and then try to make it look like they didn’t do it , and the one that did it is now trying to make everyone else think that he or she that did it , and is try to help solve it , by in this case signing anonymous so that no one really knows who you are . It’s called who framed Roger Rabbit.

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