Minister amuses LA with homophobic ‘joke’
Dwayne Seymour in the LA Wednesday
(CNS): Members of the Legislative Assembly all seemed highly amused by the health minister’s description of this month as “Gaypril”, as he answered questions Wednesday from Chris Saunders (BTW) on issues impacting the health ministry. As Dwayne Seymour struggled to supply answers about problems with staff and management, from the suspended security team and the ongoing internal investigation to questions about pay increases for senior staff outside the normal process, he instead opted to distract his colleagues with a homophobic joke.
Saunders asked the minister when he was likely to get answers to his questions, and the minister responded that, technology being what it was, the ministry would try to get the information as quickly as possible.
“I would say, with all the technology that we have and given the urgency of the matter, and today being the 10th of Gaypril …oh sorry, April …sorry …but …” as he winked several times at his giggling colleagues
The members’ amusement at the expense of the LGBTI community comes at a time when the country has been embroiled in a divisive debate about marriage equality and the issue of discrimination.
However, there has been little division among members of the parliament; all but three MLAs spent hours last week berating the concept of marriage equality, making it clear they had no issue with the violation of rights for people in the community rather than dealing with the scheduled business.
Seymour’s unpleasant attempt at a joke, which went down well with his colleagues, came hours before the Court of Appeal temporarily reversed the chief justice’s ruling on same-sex marriage, at least until August.
The ruling legalising same-sex marriage had removed the discrimination and put an end to the violation of the rights of Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden by government after they were refused a marriage licence because they were a same-sex couple.
But just hours after Seymour’s joke the women were forced to cancel their planned wedding and found themselves back in the same situation of being discriminated against by the government, with their rights being breached.
During the exchange of questions Seymour managed to get back on track and supply the member from BTW with information about plans for a ‘mini’, or satellite, hospital in Bodden Town. He said the government is currently looking for land to address the long-term proposal in the health ministry’s strategic plan to build the facility in the fastest growing district.
The proposed project is to replace the current clinic with a facility that would include an emergency room and operating theatre. The minister said that officials were currently looking at potential crown land sites in the district and a time line for the development of the project would be made later this year after the costs had been established.
He said that if it goes ahead, the new centre would offer 24/7 emergency services and urgent care, as well as specialist services and dialysis improving access to core and medical services for the Eastern Districts.
The minister had earlier refused to give details on the ongoing probe into irregularities found in overtime payments of the security staff, who have all been suspended. Two men have also been arrested by the anti-corruption unit, but no one has been charged in connection with the more than a year-long scandal and one of many surrounding Seymour’s area of responsibilities.
Saunders, who was asking the questions, said that the minister was being misled when he gave him incorrect information regarding the current internal probe.
The minister was also asked about changes to contracts and who approves them and the possibility that a member of the senior management team had been given a pay increase without the knowledge of the ministry. Seymour committed to undertaking another audit at the hospital to examine salary awards.
See the minister’s ‘joke’ below:
Category: Government Finance, Health, Medical Health, Politics
My last comment ending should have read. Vote, Yes or No to ALL 4 QUESTIONS.
Signed,
Chet Oswald Ebanks.
Good Evening My Fellow Cayman Brackers and Cayman Islands Citizens, Residents, Visitors. I truly hope you enjoyed your Sunday here on our big island of Grand Cayman. A very Welcome and Warm Caymanian Hello. We are born into this Big, Big AMAZING WORLD, that, Lord, Father, God, HAS GRANTED EACH OF US THE GIFT OF LIFE. It has been said, many, many a time. That no one is allowed to take another’s LIFE .BUT YET DAY IN AND DAY OUT, lives are FOREVER GONE.
From a sumple little child.
I have evolved into a wiser, smarter more tollerant, loving, caring Cayman Bracker, Caymanian. Yes, If anyone knows us Brackers, really well, you TRULY are Blessed. But please not let me ramble on, I have something more important to say tonight. To the registered voters of this country. For almost 7 years, I have been subjected to your hate, criticism, down right HATE, STIGMA, DISCRIMINATION. When it comes from a total.stranger I would say woow. And then from one of my own. Woow, woow, really. What have I ever done to you. For you to show, and speak such HATE. And you call yourselves a child of god.
Woow, woow, I care not now, nor ever to class you all, bunch of haters with the God I call, Lord, Father, God. Never. He never taught, nor preached hate against Anyone. HOW you little, simple minded, hating, bunch of liars. And you call yourselves a child of My God. Never, Never. Now to Mr Dwayne Seymour GA joke, hating remark in the PEOPLE’S HOUSE THE LA.
You and many others in the LA. For anyone who lives in glass houses shosho never throw stones .KARMA ALWAYS COMES BACK BIG TIME Bobo. You spread your naha with your Gaypril slur, hatred. Shame, shame on you. Am a PROUD OPENLY GAY CAYMANIAN YOUNG MAN. AND YOU HAVE PERSONALLY OFFENDED ME. AND MY FELLOW LGBT GAY CAYMANIANS, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND YES LOVED ONE’S. YOU Mr. Seymour are a biggott, hater, and I would not want to share the same heaven as you, never. ONE SET OF Citizens can’t be less important than another, class, seck, race, religion, sex.
Get off your fat, overweight, waste of my PRECIOUS tax jdollars and stat earning your big fat, MONTHLY SALARY. I will leave you and the other waste 18 of my tax dollars these 4 VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.
NOW LISTEN AND READ CAREFULLY, Cause I this Cayman Bracker, Caymanian say. Cause you all 19 gonna jump up, and parade like a kindergarten class of children. Shame, shame on you ALL. Our next Honourable Minister Of Heath For The Cayman Islands. Should hold a health degree and live healthy. No more overweight MlA’S allowed to run in our hopefully very soon GENERAL ELECTION. AM in way better shape, phyßically, mentally, emotionally, and Common Sense.qxd
1.) TO REMAIN AS A BOTC, COMMON WEALTH CITIZEN, COUNTRY?
2.) SEEK INDEPENDENCE?
3.) CALL COUNTRY WIDE GENERAL ELECTIONS?
4.) CALL FOR VOTER REFERENDUM ON NEW PORT AND CRUISE FACILITIES?
Please cast your vote. Only registered Caymanian Voters. Vote yes or all 4 questions. Open your mind, help yourselves. We can no longer provide for our families or ourselves. I am on my last of my pension funds. But yet am denied housing, food, and my CINICO INSURANCE HAS TO BE REASSEAD EVERY 3 YEARS. ALL WHILE THE YOUNG CAYMANIAN WOMEN CONTINUE TO HAVE CHILD AFTER CHILD AND ARE SUPPORTED.
THE SOCIAL, FAMILY, COUNTRY, GOVERNMENT, HEALTH, INSURANCE SYSTEMS ARE REALLY NOT FOR US CAYMANIANS. Sad isn’t it. Woow, but every 4 years. YOU, not Chet Oswald Ebanks have elected these so called, called for the people.
My Fellow CaymanianS the system is broken, our country is not only broken. We have lost our identity. Wake up and demand those you, not ME Elected, PUT YOU FIRST.
Lord, Father, God Bless who all read this, Amen, Amen.
Signed,
Chet Oswald Ebanks.
Joke joke.
Whilst I am straight, I come from a culture that practices tolerance and acceptance – notice I do not include religious in that statement as often, neither meet.
I suspect that the actions of these so called representatives will go unchallenged by the tiny voting pool, most of which are beholden and bought by these “statesmen”.
Change is needed in Cayman but the representatives rely on a fear to change, the non motivation of the “woters” and the blind ignorance held by most.
So, they have literally got you over a barrel and you either grit your teeth and bear it or do something about it.
If you don’t like the HRC and its associated functions, get the hell out of here and seek independence.
If you don’t want that, then those that can vote (and are ultimately responsible for this mess) need to do something about it.
Meanwhile, I will be in Palms having a cool one and chuckling with the rest of the progressive world.
Its not the amount of Hospital buildings we have but the staffing is what makes it a life saving place to go. Our HSA seems to be staffed with only one Nationality who brings rules from their own Country and is causing nothing but law suits. Guess these questions are confidential too. Professional staffing is the key to an improved Bodden Town Hospital with international staffing.
If you actually had any real experience at the HSA, you’d know that there are so, so many nationalities working there. I have worked at the HSA since I was 18 and met qualified, caring, professional healthcare workers from all around the world.
Anyone that thinks this is funny needs to consider that the members of the L.A. are directing their bigoted humour against Caymanians , as well as other nationalities of various origin in this group of members of our society . Anyway you want to slice it for or against , is unacceptable.
Morning all – My name is Dexter Layman Ebanks
The reason I posted my name in full so that there won’t be any mistake as to who wrote
these comment
After reading the comment that Dwayne Seymour made in the House of Representative
I find it despicable and disgusting and all others that agree with him should be ashamed of themselves
STOP ACTING LIKE CHILDREN and BE INTELLIGENT ADULTS
When any or all representative are asked Import questions they should have the decency
to admit they are wrong or don’t have all the answers to questions put to them
One of the greatest lies a person can tell is – When they can’t acknowledge you are wrong or taking responsibility for ones action
Then you are lying to yourself and if you are lying to your self who else can you be honest with
I don’t see a problem of not having all the answers to these important issues
But no they prefer to ridicule or blame others because of their arrogant or stupidity
and make derogatory and stupid remarks against some one that might not agree with them
There are so many IMPORTANT issues at Hand that need to be addressed
Such as Social issues that everyone are are aware or WALMART on BLACK FRIDAY – in other words STINGRAY SANDBAR to name a few
When was the Last Time our Representatives got their asses of the warm seat and went out to see what an ZOO it is at the Stingray Sandbar when there’s 3 – 4 or 5 Cruise Ship are in Port
Numbers is are one thing but I have been in Business for 30 Years and people are not enjoying themselves or not getting VALUE for MONEY
Every week there are New Boats or water sport Licence Issued
Something is wrong with that picture
Government need to Clamp down on these Licences being issued to TOM – DICK or HARRY
The Marine Police aren’t doing their Job being out there and watching for safety issues
There are people who don’t have a clue of what or why they are the Captain of a Boat
The Department of Tourism is the like the Politician – so long there are an increase in numbers of tourist that come to the Cayman Island they think that’s a great thing
I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH THAT CONCEPT and MINDSET that the increase in NUMBERS are BEST for US
Look at the Condition of some of these boats
Dexter
Excellent post, I have been complaining about overcrowding at the sandbar for years but no one listens. There needs to be a daily cap of number of visitors. Where are DOE/Marine Police to enforce the handling rules.
I once volunteered to be a marine officer, even using my own boat. I have 30 years of experience in sail and power. They did not even reply.
I used to clean my fish at the sandbar. I stopped going there years ago for the reasons you stated. People would anchor over my anchor and a couple of times I had to fend boats off. It is all about collecting those tourist dollars now. Rum point on a Sunday is now about who can play the loudest music and get the most drunk. A beautiful spot ruined by inexperienced boaters with big expensive boat, oversized engines with matching oversized egos. The politicians haven’t worked for the people that elected them for many years now.
You know the difference between Forest Gump and Dwayne? Forest KNEW he was stupid!!!
Thank you Me Seymour for your joke. You have emboldened many racists to continue on with their thoughts knowing that if you can be as frank and backwards about a group of innocent people then they are in the clear to think the same about black people.
Welcome to the real world. Minister Seymour has been the brunt of many jokes and I haven’t heard him respond. Christians, churches, members of the legislative assembly, anyone who do not agree with this lifestyle has been insulted and all manner of detestable things said about them by this group and their supporters and have had to go on breathing. Don’t take yourselves so serious, remember what comes around also goes around.
Typical christian choosing when to turn the cheek. You can’t be christian if you can’t endure suffering. I have seen enough of the glamour and luxurious living christians to know they are too weak to get into heaven, but they sure as hell like to point out those who they think wont make it. Church is just another club, stop pretending it is not.
What an embarrassment that someone like Dwayne Seymour is in the Assembly. Talk about being ignorant…
JonJon just got my vote
He is far from impressive in regards to public speaking, but we do have a bunch of snow flakes in this comment section. People can’t take a joke nowadays.
How do you think black people would have felt and reacted if he said Nigvember while we were trying to legalize interracial marriages during November?
Find it funny or not, it was extremely childish and embarrassing to see one of our elected members conduct themselves in such a way to resemble high school lunch room behavior! Where is the decorum?
Coming from a Minister of Color… saying Nigvember… Nothing would be said. NOW! If a Minister of Caucasian … saying Nigvember; all hell will break loose.
you mean wote….
Typical of this ignorant oaf…….
What a vile bunch of bigots our so called statesmen have proven to be.
As much as a tourism boycott will hurt, it seems to be the only option that will truly focus narrow minds on these sad islands.
Money and greed are the only motivators on Cayman, perhaps once the begging bowl comes out the religious animals that spew this garbage will think twice.
Cut them off and throw them out. NOW!!
Pathetic joke, pathetic Minister, pathetic MLA.
Absolutely incredible stuff from an elected member. Worse is that the other elected members chose not to challenge it but laugh along with him. Are you not ashamed Caymanians with the way that the people you elected are behaving?
Yes, yes I am.
This is neither classy nor professional and unfortunately that seems to be a trend with Caymanian politicians. If this is the standard, the bar needs to be raised. We can disagree on policy without being disrespectful and uncouth. This “grown man” should be ashamed of himself and his juvenile antic as should anyone else who found this buffoonery amusing.
In truth, this is likely the best idea Jon Jon has had since being in office. We should absolutely have an annual month long celebration of all things gay. Next month is best, we’ll just call it Gay. Thank you sir for the wonderful suggestion and also the other members for their support.
I went to school with this idiot and he was a homophobic bully then … what a disgrace I hope voters see what the PPM is about to not even address this type of unacceptable behavior in their ranks … truly a disgrace
I worked with this idiot and he was a homophobic bully then as well. He appears to have only gotten stupider and more homophobic as time went on.
Obviously the people of Bodden Town are just as idiotic, homophobic and backwards as John-John.
I am truly ashamed to call myself a Caymanian.
Please do not be ashamed of being Caymanian. Only be ashamed if you are a Caymanian standing idly by.
The PPM is doing the best with the hand the voters dealt them.
The “new” hospital is in East End. So why are the putting up a version of a smaller hospital that even has an operating room? An Urgent Care I can see but not one with an operating room. Really? Did the new hospital close or something? Just asking.
I get your logic. But I think it might have something to with CINICO insurance. I think you can only go to GT Hospital with CINICO, unless approved by CINICO. So they would need to get approval to use Health City or pay up front.
I’d like to know why they can’t work out something with Cinico and the ambulance so people in the east can go to Health City.
ah…yes…pure caymanian comedic gold!…..
the caymankindness is never ending…..zzzzzzzzzz
… and is a mini’, or satellite, hospital needed in Bodden Town with an emergency room and operating theatre?
I would like to know how much this is going to cost.
I’m a 5th generation Caymanian and I find this to be… hilarious! CNS commenters need to loosen up!
Were the previous 4 generations as ignorant as you too?
Most likely, but the current young people are going to shock them. They’re itching to vote.
I am embarrassed to call myself a Caymanian. Whatever his own personal thoughts on LGBT issues, I would have expected a certain degree of statesmanship from Dwayne (I don’t even think he deserves to be called, “Mr.” much less “honourable”).
I hope to Christ, just for his Gaypril comment alone that Vickie and Chantelle sue the government for millions in damages. And I hope they do it in Kleptember…sorry…September. Bunch of F@&$ing liars, thieves and idiots, the lot of them.
What an embarrassment.
Next months is just Gay
Well im saving my screenshot of this one.
The judge will see that even you my dear can make a mistake with the months.
So you are allowed to make that mistake?
Im offended by that Kleptember comment. It hurts. In fact im calling in Sick.
Who is Sue. What side is she or he on?
As the whole world shakes its head in disbelief. Come on Cayman, you can do better than this!
Sadly …no they can’t. After 14 years of watching the third world, corrupt cogs turn in a well greased xenophobic. Homophobic structure …. I left.
I had reached the point where the world was laughing at Cayman…that included me so back to Europe. I quickly found out that the world isn’t flat, you can still live a decent life here surrounded by culture and the plane door didn’t hit me on the ass.
Yet here you are – taking time out of your Utopian European days to follow and comment on all things Cayman.
Awesome.
– Whodatis
😉
Because someone has the balls to tell the truth and doesn’t give in to the notorious Cayman bully culture.
Just because we leave your idiotic thoughts behind, doesn’t mean we don’t care.
Oh yea, and it’s a big world out there, with the internet and everything. Dodo!!
Re: “Just because we leave your idiotic thoughts behind..”
Ok Buddy.
Well, enjoy your Neo-Fatherland that is modern Anglo-Europa.
You are much better off there.
(foh)
– Whodatis
😉
Oh rah… you’re still around? You’re still spouting hateful and ignorant garbage? I thought the days of seeing uneducated and bigoted opinions signed by Whodatis were over.
Too bad. I suppose it just leaves something else for us all to look forward to.
And considerably a lot cheaper to live too
Yes, you are correct. I take the time to see what is happening as I still have property there that I rent out. I still have a lot of friends there some of whom may be affected by the open rise of homophobia displayed by the politicians. I spent 14 years of my life there and invested in the country several times.Despite this, I did not want PR or any other carrot dangled before me. I needed more – history, culture, diversity and rationality.
So why should I not still have an interest in the affairs of Cayman and the politics?
Unless, the normal procedure is to take what you can and then dismiss the country quickly? You were in UK too so you should be down with that.
Your type of person needs to get out of Cayman. Praise to our strong leaders!
klassic kayman komedy……
not sure to pity dwayne or the morons who laughed at this.
Very disappointed. I don’t agree with same sex marriage but he has gone to far.
Sad for the Minister of Health to make such an insensitive joke on this considering it was the government who fell asleep at the wheel with this Gay issue. Had they made a decision on a civic law, they could have save the public a lot of money and the danger of sc@#wing with our constitution. I guess I had high hopes but has been let down time and time again by this government
Ape prll HEh Heh. Heh heh heh. They won’t get but most people will.
😂 😉 😉
Racist POS
Which is the point the poster was making – it doesn’t seem so funny when you change the minority its aimed at, does it?
And just like that the poster proved your hypocrisy.
Old style Caymanian culture is the only cole this tribe follows. It used to be called the Pirate code but Mac changed it when he was still King.
He wasn’t making jokes when he picked on the wrong dude and got his ass kicked.
Will the dunce still be laughing after Govt loses the appeal and they have to tell the voters they wasted about $5 million in the process. Can’t fix stupid.
Ignorance has a price. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. It’s one thing to be ignorant and not know that you’re ignorant. For them I don’t know which is worse, that they’re ignorantly ignorant or that they’re proud that they’re ignorantly ignorant…
7:17 am – I fully support this post!
My vote is that they are proud to be ignorantly ignorant.