‘Opposition’ accuses premier of hypocrisy
Alva Suckoo, MLA for Newlands
(CNS): Some members of the ‘opposition’ have issued a statement calling on Premier Alden McLaughlin to apologise to voters for criticising them for electing independent members and accusing him of hypocrisy. The statement was circulated by Alva Suckoo, the independent member for Newlands, who triggered the recent split on the opposition benches. It takes aim at McLaughlin for capitalising on those opposition divisions when he is leading a government of “yes people”, for which he compromised on principles in order to remain in power.
The statement reminds the public how much the current premier criticised McKeeva Bush when he was premier on a range of issues, including the appointment of councillors, excessive travel and negotiating with China Harbor Engineering Company, “only to make an about-face and do exactly the same thing”.
“The premier had to turn to his political nemesis of 16 years and enter into an ‘agreement’ just to hold on to power after failing in two successive elections to receive a full and decisive mandate,” according to the statement, which appears to be supported by four opposition members.
“Two years on, despite promising to do so, the premier has yet to reveal the agreement made to ensure he remained in power. It is hypocritical actions such as these that undermine our democracy and the confidence in elected representatives.”
The statement describes the current government as being “dictated by narrow vested interest” with no regard for democratic value. It claims that the Cayman Islands electorate rejected the two-party system at the last election and it was not the premier’s place to question the choices of the voters.
“This is an insult to the Caymanian people and the premier owes them an apology,” it said.
Suckoo confirmed to CNS Wednesday that statement is supported by himself, Chris Saunders and Arden McLean, as the opposition remains split. But the three members believe the current PPM-led government is failing current and future generations.
“From basic and essential services such as garbage collection and traffic management to fundamental services such as health, education and immigration, this government — his PPM-led government — continues to fail. Caymanians continue to live pay cheque to pay cheque while being marginalised and unable to realise their full potential.”
The statement, posted in full in the CNS Library, follows a statement issued by the premier, in which he said that electing independent candidates without a shared view does not work, as he pointed to the continued political infighting and personal ambition riddling the current opposition.
He said the opposition was showing why it is not practical for a group of independent candidates to get elected and then seek to come together, because they want to maintain their independence.
McLaughlin still has three theoretically independent members on his own benches. But as Dwayne Seymour and Tara Rivers are both ministers and therefore bound by the collective responsibility of Cabinet, in order to retain those ministry positions they must support the government’s policy.
Austin Harris has not yet joined the Progressives party and continues to claim independence, but he has effectively also toed the government’s line, even against his own campaign promises.
In the run-up to the May 2017 elections, Harris stood as a candidate opposing the cruise berthing facility, but since joining this administration he has changed his mind.
The CDP candidates ran on a platform opposing the current cruise port proposal, though supporting the principle. But since then it appears that McKeeva Bush (WBW) and Captain Eugene Ebanks (WBC) have given their backing to the current process.
It is not clear where Bernie Bush (WBN) stands on the issue, as he is understood to no longer be part of the CDP but has remained on the government benches.
Category: Local News
Feels more like an own goal to me. Ezzard appears to have been one of the few opposition members who consistently challenges issues he believes in even if that brings him problems. So he takes a moderate view on gay marriage, whilst everybody else, including his own opposition colleagues, scrabbles to political safe ground, entirely for their own sake. And only then do they count the cost of not sticking together.
By the way, hypocrisy is championing referendums into the constitution and then insulting nearly 25% of the voting public who want one, or passing a law on standards in public life but then not implementing it on your watch.
I wonder what type of “Opposition” they will exert since the four have already declared in writing no less that they wanted to have independent views and want no one to speak for them.
Anyone else wondering if team work is possible and if such a group will achieve anything at all as a group?
They are pushing to form a party but want to be independent…
9;29 am: So in other words, they are either completely confused or feeding the public a load of crock.
How can they state in black and white, in a letter that they or their cohorts leak to the press, that they cannot remain in the group because of their desire to remain as independents and to speak their minds unrestrained, yet now be seeking to form a party that would require them to toe the party line?
Never mind that at the same time they are claiming their intellectual independence, they are breaking away from the group ostensibly because one member of the group takes an independent position.
“Oh, what a tangled webb we weave, when first we first we practice to deceive.”
Alva Suckoo – too little too late. Grow some and actually do something useful. Newlands needs somebody better now!
Wayne Panton please run again in the next election. Newlands deserves better.
I listened to Radio Cayman today. My, my, my!!! I have never heard a more incoherent pile of BS in a long while. I am disappointed in the track the my member from BTW took this morning. I for one always thought that he was a very reasoned person in terms of his discussion and thoughts and what he wants for his constituents. If he continues to do this sort of crap and in essence following in the foot steps of the one from East End, then I am going to have to reconsider where I place my vote in the next election. While it may only be a total of 4 votes in my household, every vote counts!!
Love the idea that you decide where all 4 votes go. What’s with the other 3? Women who need a mans guidance on how to vote? Or do you pay the bills so get to decide? Here’s a thought though – how can you be sure they follow your instructions once they are in the voting booth? Perhaps you should go in there with them. SMH.
If you think this is a problem, quantify the issue of CMA pastors brainwashing their congregations to do whatever they please, be it threatening death on another human for loving another human.
You just fo fool
Nothing like a reasoned response lol. You missed the bit about assuming they are an expat and telling them to leave. Or was that too many words for you, especially at 3 am?
@11:17am
Having a very close knit family that you can sit and have rational discussions on all subject matters including politics help. So when I say I have 4 votes it is because we have sat and discussed.
Now see if you can get your non-loyal back stabbing opposition to work in the same manner.
10:26 am: I am not surprised — when your strategy is to play to your voters, you can get really confused and disoriented. Not even you know where you stand on issues.
These fly by night politicians are hoping that this gay marriage issue will propel them into a seat come next election.
The best one Mr. BTW came up with was just after wishing his own son a Happy Birthday he wished Kenneth Bryan a happy 3rd Anniversary since the day he declared he was running in the Elections (1 year before the actual Election). I assume the Opposition is now trying to get Kenneth to rejoin them.
The opposition is scrambling to make themselves relevant.
1:15 pm: and apparently they think that quantity (1,200 words) will make up for quality.
The press release for full of opinions and other irrelevant BS that has nothing to do with what they were elected to do and that is to work together for the betterment of this country.
Cayman Gal: you made me laugh.
10:14 am: oh my God🥴. I wonder which one of them came up with that transparent childish ploy.
They underrate Kenneth.
Hey I have a thought! Since Suckoo likes apologies, why don’t he apologize to the LGBT community over his treatment of them.
What did he do to the gays ?
This is a good example of why we cannot become independent from the UK. Men behaving like children. No one with leadership qualities. Lets stay as we are before we end up worse than Jamaica.
Independence would open the floodgates to unfettered corruption.
Prime minister would get a private Jet.
Ministerial Mansion.
Ministers would own majority interest in businesses.
CHEC would be contractor of choice for all govt. contracts.
All MLA salaries and benefits would be doubled.
Nepotism would strangle the jobs market.
Etc etc.
Why ? Because there won’t be anyone telling them they can’t do those things.
9.09am Seems like you have some really ambitious plans.
You act like this sort of stuff only happens in Cayman. It’s par for the course as far as politics is concerned, Ezzard isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last. It’s the same as when you vote someone out of office, are you blamed when that happens ? No ! It’s all par for the course.
We can never become independent from the UK as the day we do that is the day we become exactly like Jamaica.
whichever way you spin it…the current gov set up is better than the alternative….
I do not always agree with the Premier, I am still unhappy with his continuing deal with the devil, but I would take him anyway over Alva—and Chris too. No toss up for me at all. And God help us if we had Arden as premier. Can you imagine the chaos!
Not just hypocrisy, there is a thick conspiracy at play.
Al Suckoo, your hypocrisy is not knowing what side of the fence you wanna be on. You my friend need to take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself, where have I come from and where am I hoping to go!!!! Honestly, you will not be able to answer, or at least not answer honestly.
The whole lot of them are guilty of hypocrisy — going on the radio lauding the accomplishments of Ezzard, prior to that giving verbal assurances that meant nothing, and then writing that insulting letter.
That is hypocrisy.
If political prostitution was a crime, Alden would be doing time.
You know if I had a choice between Alden and Alva—It would be an easy choice.
Who? Neither.
The choice is so obvious I don’t have to spell it out.
8.39: and just to be clear it would nor be Alva.
I may not feel a strong personal connection with Alden, but he has represented these Islands well and as a Caymanian I feel proud of him and his accomplishments.
Maybe one of these days if Saunders and Suckoo bridle their ego and work hard and can muster some team spirit they might rise to the status of an Alden. But you both are a far way off from commanding that level of respect, whether you realize it or not.
If it came to a toss-up, I think I’d take the toss-up.
What a miserable choice.
CNS: in one paragraph you said that Suckoo had confirmed that the statement had been issued by himself, Saunders and McLean. But in a previous paragraph you said the statement appeared to be supported by four opposition members. So who is the fourth? Is it Eden or is he left out in the cold?
So are we to assume that Eden has dropped out? It is already a brilliant start.
LOL, he would have gotten the electric chair already!!
Actually, the mistake that people made was not in voting for independents—but in voting for power hungry misfits that are not willing to put the country ahead of their own egos.
I just had a look at the Compass’s version of what I learned was a 1,200 press release from Suckoo. It is on CNS’s library. Happy reading.
But I couldn’t help smiling at the criticism leveled at the government for not following Nolan’s seven principles.
This may be a case of doctor heal thyself:
1. Selflessness —what I see is rather selfish, ego-centric behaviour in this schism. So far not seeing a lot of country-first operating.
2. Integrity — I have seen a lot of back-stabbing going on, if that is the new lingo for integrity.
3. Objectivity —the 1,200 article is exactly the opposite.
4. Accountability and 5. openness — I have seen only one person consistently speaking to the press. When last had any of them held a public meeting? Called a press conference? Attended their offices? Visited their constituents?
6. Honesty — two members of the opposition gave verbal assurances and followed that up with a letter putting in black and white the total opposite.
7. Leadership — we haven’t seen much of that from any of them. What we are hearing is that every man wants to do his own thing. “collective responsibility” amounts to “yes men”.
Well we have a chance now to see what type of leadership will emerge—who among them will be able to do the hard work of leading the two of the apparent three-man group. Who will step into the PAC and carry on that important work following the example of energy and integrity?
We will all be able to judge — and pass the sentence on Election Day.
@9:48PM
Brilliantly said. Nothing more need to he added.
Hey that rimes .LOL
You meant rhyme?
Alden gloating about the state of the Opposition when his premiership hangs in the balance based on the mood of his new bff McKeeva boggles the mind. His legacy is based on hypocrisy and failure best illustrated by the $110 million Clifton Hunter high school in Frank sound and becoming Dart’s new toy. The difference between Alden and McKeeva is about 150lbs and shiny hair grease
The trouble makers need to stop attacking our great premier and speaker as well as the other proud members of the Unity team because they overlooked their personal differences and are working for the betterment of our country. If any of you are that unhappy then you should leave as you are only clogging up the system. Unity Team forever!
We need a new, younger generation to literally *progress* this government out of 1970.
ABSOLUTELY!
All this over some god no one can prove exists except quotations from a book written by MAN
6;07 pm: the breakup really is not about same sex marriage. That is a total fabrication to find a reason that they feel will go over well.
It is about power and jealousy.
And you sir/madam are right. Go to the head of the class.
Speaking from the inside, I think same-sex law played a huge role. Ezzard is for giving them civil union, which is not a conservative stance. Anthony Eden, Arden Mclean, and Alva Sukoo I believe are staunch conservatives.
9:12 am: inside of who or what?
Ezzard had told them he was taking the personal position of civil unions — and I understand that Eden conceded that change wold come eventually.
And I absolutely do not believe that either Alva or Chris are in their heart of hearts against civil unions — I believe it is just a convenient position to appeal to one sector of the voters.
But in any case, they all declared they wanted to be able to be independent in their views.
All of this just does not add up. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I don’t believe the they are telling the truth.
It is all strategy which in politics is basically hypocrisy.
It won’t add up. It is constant lies and obfuscation by Team Alva and Arden
Our God is an Awesome God he rains from Heaven above. Thank God I believe I come from someone, maybe this is why I have self worth.
nothing – nothing = nothing
I’d vote for Jontar
These fella say that…
“The Premier had to turn to his political nemesis of 16 years and enter into an ‘agreement’ just to hold on to power after failing in two successive elections to receive a full and decisive mandate,” according to the statement, which appears to be supported by four opposition members.
But didn’t these guys have “the power” post election after an agreement with Mac and they messed it up royally?
Ezzard messed it up royally
These guys could not hold a candle to our great premier who has done so much great things for Cayman. Get CHEC and Dart going on the port
Name 1.
1 they should look into is deporting you trouble makers!
The ‘Opposition’???? Ha!
Guessing since Suckoo is circulating this that he has already proclaimed himself Leader..Lord help us!
Would be interesting to know which of the independents besides Suckoo signed this?
What a bunch of lunatics! Can’t blame Ezzard for moving on..
Apology? Really?
Wouldn’t it had more sense for these Bozos to come out with something positive and name their new leader?..guess they still fighting over that as well..
Alden did the best with the hand that the voters dealt. Can you imagine the mess we would be in if Suckoo and his gang had managed to form a government. Total chaos.
Totally Agree
I am happy that things are starting to backfire worse than my Daddys old truck did .
Alva ain’t wrong! And anybody that believes that the current Govt is all playing nice together in the sandbox is fooling themselves. And btw, case in point re Alden’s hypocrisy is the very same cruise port issues. Alden speaks with so much venom against a people initiated referendum that he so proudly and gallantly fought to include in the constitution in the first place. It was a good thing then, but now all of a sudden it is an issue for the people to have and exercise this option. That is the definition of hypocrisy, but then to sell his soul to place McKeeva as the Premier after all that he said about that man prior is the icing on the cake. And yes, don’t fool yourselves, McKeeva is the current Premier of this country.
I remember Alden’s ‘venom’ when there was the campaign to stop genetically modified mosquitoes being released in West Bay. After his personal attacks against the campaigners, I can’t remember him apologising to those individuals after the “science” was latterly proved to be wrong and Oxitec were kicked out of Cayman
what a bunch of whiners.
I really don’t know what this fuss is all about , the government calls the opposition unfit, the opposition calls the government inept and at the end of the day they are all being paid handsomely salaries to act like a bunch of school children. Ona all the same cut from the same cloth and we tge people keep recycling you.
People we really have a problem like I said in previous posts we need complete change to ensure we don’t become or get caught up in this stupid saga which no doubt does nothing for the betterment of these islands and its people.
Change will not help. This is not unique to the Cayman Islands. Look at the stalemate situation in Washington. We all ask for better. Those who are not in power always promise better to get into power. Unfortunately that is the state of politics for ever and ever. We will never get 100 percent. Our current situation is really not that bad compared to the challenges of other Caribbean countries. The current government is not doing a bad job in the big scheme of things. It is just how the world turns where political maneuvering is concerned. We just have to continue to hope for the best.
Watch out what you wish for… You may get it. Some of our friends to the north had similar ideas and if you think things are better today for them then God help you. The key is to ensure change is really for the better and using broad brush emotive generalities is not going to cut it.
I didn’t vote for CDP or PPM, I can tell you that. Most of us didn’t vote for status quo in 2017 and I was looking forward to an Independent coalition gov’t. Victory margins were down to 15 votes in some cases. We still haven’t been told what the deal was between Alden and McKeeva. That says it all.
https://portal.elections.ky/files/downloads/ge2017/COUNT-FOR-COMMAND-CENTER-%202017.pdf
Sonce you haven’t figured it out for yourself 2.24pm let me spell it out. The deal was ..if you join CDP with PPM and a couple of independents to form a Government of National unity then we will make you Speaker. Hope that is clear to you now.
Bodden Town really did Cayman a disservice in the last election. Look what the results are across all four electoral districts.
Sav – Hate, hate, and more hate wrapped in Love? Someone who should be home with his grandchildren rather than being coaxed into running again to spite his former party.
New – Read the above. Buffoonery mixed in with no introspection.
BTW – The brightest star in Cayman…in his own mind. Gasbag, blowhard, etc.
BTE – Poor Dwayne. He might be a nice guy. Just in way over his head.
Shocked…not! Pretty good summary.
Lets hear for the other districts.
Not any worse than the buffoons that the sister Islands and West Bay have been picking for 20-30 years
Alden McLaughlin sold out the PPM and all his ethics by making McKeeva Bush the Co-Premier with their marriage of political expediency and convenience.
https://cnslibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/Opposition-response-to-Premier-Alden-McLaughlin-9-May-2019.docx
Thanks for the helpful comment. What was the alternative? The independents couldn’t put together a child’s lego kit even with the instructions.
Arden is an Engineer. He could pt it together all by himself.
Just a third engineer, making $500 p m .
Nahhh….he had qualifications. He was a good engineer
The alternative should have been the resignation of both Alden Mclaughlin and Mckeeva Bush as the respective leaders of their parties who both failed to secure workable majorities and the calling of new elections as laid in law when no clear majority is present
To give the people of the Cayman Islands an opportunity to decide what government they wished to see be created
Rather than backdoor deal, horsetrading with Machiavellian double deals and hastily erected politically convenient alliances
4:48 which will you pick to represent Cayman on the global stage!
The new leader of Alva, Chris, Anthony and Bernie is Mr. Non-action, all show but no go Arden Mclean
ppm Distress SignAL, you hit the nail on the head , I just learned yesterday you can’t trust him or the other .
ppm Distress Signal . You are really a joke. When our representatives don’t compromise and work together you criticize them for ‘ crabs in a barrel mentality’; when they compromise and set aside differences for good of country you criticize them for a ‘marriage of political expediency and convenience’. It’s a lose/lose situation for these people.
Alva is trying to find a home and is actively seeking to try and form a party with Arden but yet he is now heavily criticizing the party machinery. The same party system now in place when he was a founding member of one of the two. He was was first elected because he was a member of a party.
CNS: Please choose a different username if you want any of your comments to be posted.
2.08pm And Al will be a membrr of a party in the next election if he thinks it will give him more power.
2.08pm You are so right.Al was a founding member and supporter of the UDP led by McKeeva. He then switched to PPM (led by Alden) in 2013 and got elected. By 2015 he left PPM (supposedly because of their stance on immigration changes to accommodate gay partners) .Shortly after the 2017 election he reached an agreement with CDP to form the Government along with some independents but was unable to keep this alliance together for more than one day. Ezzard was made leader of the Opposition and did a credible job of shaping them into a force to be reckoned with but once again Al has come up with and excuse to break away.Now he is issuing statements on behalf of a group? but it is unclear just how many signed it.Al is all about power. Just watch.
I’ve see kids in the playground behave better than these bunch of fools. Suckoo give it a rest no one is interested in what you have to say.
What a hot mess. Circulated by Mr. Irrelevant himself. Alden went fishing and…hook, line and sinker.
Ezzard must certainly be laughing.
I thought hyprocrisy was mandatory to be in politics.