Manderson happy to see arrival of ‘new boss’
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson
(CNS): Deputy Governor Franz Manderson was happy, he said, to see the arrival on Monday of his “new boss”, Martyn Roper, after standing in as governor for five months, the longest any Caymanian has ever served in the role.
As the Cayman Islands’ new governor touched down at Owen Roberts International Airport on a Cayman Airways flight from Miami, Manderson said he had enjoyed the experience but was really looking forward to returning to his job as deputy governor, which he said he still preferred.
He said that during his time as the United Kingdom’s representative in his own country, he had been engaged in a variety of work but added that he did not feel a Caymanian could take up the post permanently.
Speaking to the media ahead of Roper’s arrival and before he formally stepped down from acting as governor, Manderson said he could see a Caymanian taking up the governorship of another territory by virtue of being British, but when it came to a Caymanian representing the UK in the Cayman Islands, there are parts of the job that would make it challenging.
“It would put significant pressure on a Caymanian to be governor in their own territory,” he noted.
Manderson said he had not experienced any particular conflicts that had caused him any concerns, though he had had to make difficult decisions that he hoped were in the best interest of both Cayman and the UK during his five months in the job. But, he said, there are some areas that are difficult, especially on the cultural front.
Although Manderson did not spell it out when he referred to equality and human rights, he appeared to indicate that the question of marriage equality for same-sex couples was one of the issues that should be left to someone who would not be here forever.
“Some of the very topical issues that the governor has to promote on behalf of the UK, such as equal rights for everyone, those are issues that are probably best dealt with by someone who would be here for a short time and then leave,” he said.
Manderson said he had enjoyed his time as governor and that the post had been hard work and enjoyable, but he was anxious to get back to his role as deputy governor.
“I am used to being very busy but this was even more challenging,” he said, adding he was looking forward to some vacation time.
Category: Politics
Well it looks like at least one MLA understood what was going on!
https://caymannewsservice.com/2018/08/opposition-rejects-local-governor/
Thank God. I was worried there wasn’t going to be enough time to properly plan for the 2019 5K. At least now Franz can get back to the real high value work.
So are so sarcastic and harsh and even unfair in our judgements of public servants — it is a wonder anyone wants to take on these jobs.
I don’t think that Manderson was saying that the work was above his capacity, per se, he was basically saying while he had not encountered conflicts, they could be expected, as the Governor was accountable to the UK in representing and safeguarding their interests.
Well ALL YOU CAYMANIANS who was advocating for Franz to be govenor can take that slap in the face with PRIDE and DIGNITY. DWRCL #damnfools he can’t run the civil service right it Cayman he going run. FOH
Glad he admitted the job was way over his head, and that he is so ill prepared.
It’s high time we look at really developing our leaders for such positions by selecting the best graduates from the high schools like Ezzard has stated. Then sending them to the best overseas universities for a wide variety of first degrees in the hard subjects like the pure and applied sciences, economics etc. ( not the easy topics) and then Masters degrees in public administration. After these successes, good exposure overseas in different situations and cultures. A stint in the London Office should also be mandatory, thereby allowing future diplomats to be created.
Those presently in the London office should be made to return to the Civil Service in stages to preserve continuity and to impart their knowledge for the benefit of all instead of that office being their permanent base.
Anonymous, 11:21: “over the head” is a loaded expression — he said no such thing.
No right thinking Caymanian would want that job — the potential for conflicts is exponential — that is what he was saying.
Maybe he didn’t use those exact words, but that’s a good part of the message. Confidence in abilities and our people in general has been weakened by the message sent, which is typical crab in a barrel mentality so ingrained from colonialism. And is also perpetuated by your comment.
You are missing the point. The fact is that constitutionality it is not possible for a Caymanian to be appointed to that position. It has nothing to do with local abilities. The Governor is expected to safeguard the interests of the U.K.
So making allegations about the lack of confidence as a colonial legacy simply does not apply.
You need to learn your regional history. Sir Arthur Lewis’ brother was appointed Governor in St Lucia before that country’s independence.
When you do not have the best in leadership, they become insecure with others around and below them.
If we do not “big up” ourselves, who will?
There needs to be a revolution in intelligence in the Civil Service leadership.
Exactly what did Mr Manderson have to do as acting Governor apart from taking his seat in the LA on the few days it met, and listen to all the drivel emanatiing from the mouths of our overpaid underworked MLA’s?.
4:37. Really. The Governor doesn’t attend the LA. Omg the level of intellect on this site is frightening.
You obviously cannot fathom the responsibility of the Governor
Seems as if both the Premier and deputy governor have or are planning retirement.
1:28 pm I didn’t see any comment about retirement — he said that he was looking forward to some vacation.
1:28 pm — he spoke about leaving difficult subjects such as same-sex marriage to persons who would not be here “forever,” meaning someone like the Governor whose appointment is short-term. Did not see anything from which a pan for retirement could be deduced. A little baffled.
Yes 9:01am the rest of the civilization. Do you mean those who have prior knowledge of a murder about to take place but instead of putting measures or stopping a human right activist from be killed chose to do nothing because they are collecting billions for weapons sales. Which enrich those very same people and their government economic coffers who go around naming and putting financial laws and penalties against others and dictating to others morality. It is Hypocrisy in its most obscene and highest form.
Reply to the comment, stop making new comments with a time stamp to look for.
wtf is this rant…get help.
Not as happy as the citizens of this islands to see this would be wanna be stooge vacate that office. His speech reflects and re enforces exactly why the average Caymanian feel and view Mr Manderson in such a negative light. What about Caymanian basic rights which are now being undermine and trampled everyday.
8;18. Oh how wrong you are. The average Cayman has great respect for our DG. Have a look at his FB page or ask any civil servant.
The 50 negative posters on this site are just that negative posters!!
Sign your name and be counted!!
I congratulate Mr. Manderson for his service/job of holding the Islands together for short time .
The statement he made about same sex marriage , that sounded like it’s acceptable to him for someone to come in the Islands and make a mess and leave the people to live with it , but is happy that we have someone to come in and do it and leave .
I believe that when you do something it should be done with no regrets/satisfaction , even for the ones it was done for.
Lolllllll so hard.
Holding the islands together? The governors really don’t do very much for us. They work for the u.k., to make sure her majesty’s orders are adhered to.
THANK YOU @ 5:57 pm
I hope people read your comment and let that sink in.
B.O.T Governor = paid vacation for 4 years. Simple.
Afraid of doing the right thing? Never a good quality in a leader.
Same-sex marriage and basic human rights for all. That’s what happens in a civilised society. Welcome to the 21st Century. Anything else is stone age thinking.
Clearly you haven’t read the Cayman Islands Constitution which has basic human rights already. Perhaps your own thinking is stone age?
Did he just admit that Caymanians were not strong enough?what a let down. I thought he was going to take this and run with it
Thst should hold all of you who were advocating for him to be guvenor. What a giggle!
As long as Franz no longer in charge, I’m happy too. Word to the wise, if you’re a Caymanian outside of the Civil Service realm,
and need to address an issue, don’t waste your time with the deputy, go straight to the real governor.
10:59. Stupid advice. The Governor will likely refer you to the DG if its not a matter for his office. Stop the jealously and Hate.
DG you continue to make us proud.
Well done Mr. Manderson
Thank you DG you have made us proud.
How? By saying we can’t work hard and make tough decisions?
Manderson – What does it say about the Cayman Islands and Caymanians that equal rights advocacy should have to be championed by short-term outsiders?
9:11. It says the truth that the islands are deeply devided when it comes to equal rights and gay marriage. Look at what happened with our MLA’s Panton Suckoo Eden.
Mr Manderson is right anyone who champions gay rights is in for a tough ride they and their families will in for a tough ride.
Cayman is just not ready for this progressive mindset.
Thank you Mr Manderson for your sterling work during these past 5 mths. You have demonstrated that capable Caymanians once given an opportunity and support can perform any role in our islands.
The assertion that the islands are deeply divided is flawed. The minority far-right Church lobby, numbering only about 2000/>15,000 are the only opposition to contemporary social justice, honoring our obligations as a UK Dependent Territory, and joining the rest of civilization. Those minority outliers can’t be allowed to oppress and demonize their own people!
What validated data do you have to support that “the Islands are divided” is ‘flawed’? Or are you just psychic? And please stop your bigotry against the Church who have shown you nothing but love.
Clearly no love for equality in love.
Demonstrated that capable Caymanians can perform any role – as long as it doesn’t involve making controversial decisions, in which case they would prefer a foreigner make them. Both the Premier and DG have come out with exactly the same line. Downright sad if you ask me.
It says the topic is a challenging one, and just like in large corporations where a board brings in a CEO to make major decisions in a short tenure, so is the same when it comes to political heads who have zero conflict of interest. They are best suited to work through complicated & sensitive decisions. Yes, Cayman has a few subjects they need to confront if they’re to compare themselves to other parts of the world who have adapted greater freedoms when it comes to certain equal rights. However, this is not Saudi Arabia or even Cuba for that matter. Things could be much worse…
One step at a time-
Doing the right thing isn’t hard if you are a leader.
This is an authoritative regime that rejects widespread public opinion and cares not to poll anyone outside their inner circle. History has proven this scenario doesn’t end well.