Seymour ‘doing incredible job’ claims premier

| 28/04/2020 | 228 Comments
Cayman News Service
Premier Alden McLaughlin at Tuesday’s press briefing

(CNS): Premier Alden McLaughlin went to town with his praise for Minister Dwayne Seymour on Tuesday, claiming he was “doing an incredible job” and that he was “proud to have him” as his health minister. The plaudits came as McLaughlin backed Seymour, despite the response he gave on Monday to a CNS inquiry about an alleged breach of curfew at the minister’s home, which the premier said had caused a “firestorm”.

The premier made a number of accusations against CNS reporter Wendy Ledger for asking the question, describing it as a “gotcha question” and implying that this media house has a political agenda.

He said he had spoken to the minister and was satisfied that there was no breach of curfew, though he did not explain how he was assured that was the case. He added that if there had been a breach on the part of the minister’s wife, it was not fair to suggest that the minister was responsible for any of his family’s behaviour.

However, Ledger had made no accusation but had asked for comment on the accuracy of the allegation.

“It is wrong to suggest by the question alone that somehow because of an allegation made against his wife that he is somehow guilty of anything,” McLaughlin said.

In what was evidently an inadequate response to the potential curfew breach and another attempt to blame the messenger, McLaughlin accepted that Seymour could have responded more appropriately and apologised for that to the country but certainly not to Ledger.

He continued to berate her, and despite claiming that his ministers were accountable for their own behaviour, he said they could not be held responsible for their family. Although the question related to the COVID-19 curfew, McLaughlin suggested that Ledger should not have asked the question during a press briefing, even though the curfew is one of the key reasons why the briefings are held at all.

Far from putting out the firestorm, McLaughlin appears to have fuelled the flames, as there has been no let up on the clamor for an explanation as to why the wife of a minister had apparently breached the government’s curfew regulations without consequence or if she did not, under what circumstances she was allowed to have a personal trainer at the family home.

Ledger did not to respond to the premier’s comments during the briefing on Monday, noting that she obviously has no position on the issue but was simply doing her job of holding those in public office to account.

“It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last that the premier or any other leader has tried to shoot the messenger,” she said. “McLaughlin is by no means the worst and it really is irrelevant what politicians think about the questions we ask.”

She explained, “The point is that we ask the questions on behalf of the public and then they make their decisions about their leaders. Contrary to what McLaughlin thinks, I have no agenda or bias and am not standing on any political platform. I’m there to ask questions. It is the voters, not me, who will decide whether or not the minister responded appropriately, whether or not the premier handled it well, and whether in the end either of them are doing an ‘incredible job’.”

See the premier’s comments at Tuesday’s press briefing on CIGTV below left, as well as the CNS question and the health minister’s response at Monday’s press briefing below right:


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Comments (228)

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  1. Queenie Ebanks says:

    Disgraceful. Does everyone in government have a double digit IQ? When the rest of the world hears about this we will get a reputation like we are like a corrupt African country. Did these two clowns graduate from the same clown school at the circus? Makes me embarrassed to be from Cayman. All he had to do was be open and honest. His legacy could have been golden. Now is shown he is as idiotic as the rest. And, what is just as scary … if he thinks the minister is doing a fantastic job, then how can we trust him to make the right decision with hard matters regarding our economic future. Cayman is finished with this kind of leadership.

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  2. Anonymous says:

    If Alden had said: “Please answer the journalist’s question, Mr. Seymour” he would have secured his tenure as Premier for the rest of the Century!

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  3. Middle School Drama says:

    For the most part I have been quite impressed with the Premiers handling of the Covid virus and suppression attempts. Yes some things could be done better but there is no road map for pandemics. And he could not control how businesses reacted to the shutdown.
    He seems to have a balanced view on how to mitigate the health impacts, he speaks well and connects with the people by putting things into layman’s terms.

    The whole issue Around MOH wife alleged breach could have been handled differently.
    Sandra at Marl Road could also Advised the “informant any” to advise the cops to investigate instead of throwing a fuel tanker on a camp fire.
    Wendy At CNS Could have asked the Question differently.
    Seymour knowing the topic was likely to come up in some way could have asked in-house PUblic relations specialists to draft a script emphasizing curfew requirements and acknowledge that even he has had challenges enforcing the requirements within his own home or something along those lines.
    Premier could have re-iterated the laws need to be adhered to and regardless of who it is, ALL breaches will be reviewed seriously.
    This would have sent a Consistent message.

    Instead it became all about Seymour. His response; his job performance etc etc.

    Premier was coming from a good place trying to show support for his colleague. But that was neither the place nor the time. It is now clear Premier is working with peers willing to bend rules to suit themselves regardless of the knock-on effect, and it seems Premier is willing to accept that. That in itself is what is most disappointing to me. Keep this in mind for election time when you choosing your future candidates.

    Media, please, less focus and attention on one man who is already writing his own political career obituary.

    Instead Let’s Focus on the virus suppression and the real issues at hand here.
    People getting sick. People hungry. people homeless; people unemployed. These are REAL problems that need to be addressed and the Media should be focused on that and all the good work that is going in to address these issues.

    Media has a powerful role to play in all this. Let’s not make the Cayman Covid be a middle school drama production.

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    • Anonymous says:

      @Middle School Drama – Wendy’s question was along the lines of “…can you comment about a video circulating on social media of a family member of yours working out…possibly breaching curfew”.

      How do you think it could have been worded better?

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  4. M McLaughlin says:

    Alden McLaughlin should be proud of the firestorm he’s start with sticking his nose in the matter, the he did. Time for new leadership!

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  5. Anonymous says:

    Held up some pretty cover page from his PR agency and called it a plan

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    • anonymous says:

      “Ingratitude is a crime more despicable than revenge, which is only returning evil for evil, while ingratitude returns evil for good.”
      ― William George Jordan

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  6. Anonymous says:

    He also keeps calling Eric Bush “competent”, tells us all we need to know.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    What a goof. He just said “we’re not out of the woodworks yet.”

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  8. Anonymous says:

    And as we wait with baited breathe to see what these creatures do today…. David Attenborough voice folks.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Best show on earth. Get your popcorn 🍿 !! Lol 😂 would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Alden was gravely mistaken with his comments yesterday. He rhetorically asked what was Seymour meant to do if she had broken curfew – put her on the naughty step…? The answer Alden is actually very simple; act with integrity befitting of the office and tell the truth. If she has committed a breach, then apologise on her behalf and accept that a fine will be payable by his wife.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    I drove by AL Thompson’s yesterday after seeing more cars than usual in the parking lot.
    Alas my hope was unfounded.It was closed.
    The helpful gentleman informed me that, “Alden still has the key.”
    We had a laugh about liquor stores being open and that he has been drinking rum like “a son of a bitch” during this lockdown.
    This whole situation has been a criminal enterprise and I for one would like some answers.
    McLaughlin will have a lot of questions to answer and if they cannot be answered honestly, I see jail.

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  11. Who the hell are we going to elect next? says:

    Does anybody else feel that Alden has simply given up? Because he knows that he can’t run for another term, he now appears to have a “f*ck it” attitude to good governance and accountability; and does not seem to be prepared to stand up for what is right and just. Surely Mr Premier, you can see the folly in your response yesterday. I’ve never been a fan of yours, but I thought that to date, your response to the Covid19 pandemic has been exemplary. Now you have lost all credibility by throwing your support behind that twit. Surely you know better; and if you don’t, then heaven help us all; because if that’s the case, then we need better leadership, and fast.

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    • Anonymous says:

      12:41 pm And you are just seeing it now???

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    • Fair and Balanced says:

      Good comments above, at 12:41 pm.

      Not meaning to detract from those comments but, why did you say he can’t run for another term?

      He can run for another term, get re-elected and rise as high as Deputy Premier : the only limit in the 2021 to 2025 term is that he can’t be Premier in that term but, run he can and he can become a Minister, he can become Deputy Premier but, not Premier in that term.

  12. I'm-not-a-jackass-you're-a-jackass says:

    Alden, you have got to be f***ing kidding me! You are talking about a man who before the pandemic spent less than 4 hours a week at work (ask his staff); a man who threatens and bullies his staff. Where is the former Deputy Chief Officer for his ministry now? … and why wasn’t she given the position of Chief Officer when the last one was pushed aside? Why has she left the ministry? These are questions the public should be asking; XXXXX The former DCO was a total professional, and responded timeously and competently, and was an absolute pleasure to deal with. You are lucky if you get a response from this current Chief Officer after a month. This may seem slightly off-topic, but not really, because it XXX shows again that the rules of good governance don’t appear to apply to him.

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  13. Anonymous says:

    The Premier misspoke, he clearly meant to say “incredulous job”. Easy mistake to make.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    With hair salons and barbers closed, I’d love Alden to share his tips for keeping one’s hair such a youthful colour

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  15. Anonymous says:

    Of course, the Premier would say that! He need John John to remain loyal to him!

    Tia is politics 101. Notice that the Premier was on busy “texting” when John John was speaking in tongues??!! Alden himself knows John John is incapable. But holding on to power is more important.

    Bodden Town East must not be an enlightening place….if John John is the “best” they could put forward.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    “Incredible” doesn’t necessarily mean good. Something can be incredibly bad as well!

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  17. Anonymous says:

    The bait and switch tactic employed by the premier was not lost on the community. To hijack the issue and flip the script in order to cast blame on the reporter was appalling. The question posed by Wendy was appropriate and fair – it in no way made it seem like he was responsible for wife’s behaviour. The question was simple and clear cut – was there any truth to the public post? It was a lifeline thrown to the minister – either deny it or offer no comment. The rambling answer on Joseph, Jesus and a donkey was ridiculous at the very least.
    The premier’s follow-up role was reprehensible. Instead of apologising on behalf of the minister or addressing the situation in a constructive way, he twisted the matter and made it seem like the reporter asked an out of place question that cast aspersion on the minister himself. As a result, he put the reporter and media in the firing line unfairly for asking relevant and pertinent questions in that forum.
    This is why journalism is in danger: When you have leaders who berate members of the media for doing their job and confusing those who may not know better, it discredits the role journalism plays in making sure accountability and transparency remain first and foremost.

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Wendy, please ask the question again today and tomorrow, and the day after that and the day after that. To keep it fresh, rephrase it in simpler language for our dear Jon Jon to understand. Keep asking the pressure. What they should do is open up the platform for the public to call in and ask questions directly and we all ask the same question you asked.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Why should she take all the weight, which in turn allows the Premier to characterize it as personal? Compass should weigh in too. They have already submitted a written enquiry to the RCIPS as to whether any action has been taken in relation to the allegation. They should follow up in that at the presser ( although I suspect the COP will make damn sure he is never seen at the press briefing again to avoid exactly that happening). The contrast between what happened on the allegation about the Governor’s wife and this is appalling.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Nah, like trying to get blood out of stone. Best to pose the question to the COP. I think Wendy did in writing and a response was pending. Not sure if she has since received a response? Will be interesting to find out also about the status of the case of fake news against the Governor last month.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    Forrest Gump always said: “Stupid is what Stupid does. “

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    • Anonymous says:

      A man with very basic schooling, no intellect and proven lack of integrity has no place as a Minister of anything.
      Mr Seymour, resign and accept that you are not capable of managing all the demands of your high office.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I think you may be in to something here. If he gracefully bowed out that would be the ideal scenario to end this for him and the Premier.
        Alden and him to resign for the sake of your government and the people of the Cayman islands.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Yeah right. Where else he going to earn 12CI a month?

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        • Anonymous says:

          If anyone else did their job that badly, they’d be fired. His incompetence is fully on display and yet every single press conference we have to see his miserable performance in the role of MOH. He wouldn’t get a government clerk position in any other country

  20. Anonymous says:

    Please take a minute to complete the one minute poll. It’s an opportunity to send a message. I think the measures have been too harsh and that statistics/data clearly demonstrate the wisdom of the Swedish response. I also think the Health Minister is a joke, while the Governor has been working his butt off behind the scenes trying to help. Dr Lee has been a disappointment but compared to the Premier and Seymour… Anyway. Let’s make our voices heard

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  21. Anonymous says:

    In typical Caymanian fashion, commit your sins then spit out a bunch of religious nonsense to your victim to get a free pass. Eden would be proud.

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  22. ThIs WrItInG Is VeRy IrRiTaTiNg says:

    If the Governor has not instructed the police to look into this matter his worth here is highly questionable as well.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Especially when he thought it was imperative that he go after the fake news commentator only just weeks ago.

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  23. Anonymous says:

    LAUGH OF THE DAY. Seymour doing an incredible job!!! In what universe?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Incredible means difficult to believe. It’s incredible that the Minister would respond to a simple question with a story about Joseph and Mary, but he did. Not that Alden probably understands the subtlety of the language.

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    • La la land says:

      He was appointed by god!

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  24. Anonymous says:

    I am so full of love right now reading all the supportive comments for Wendy by obviously intelligent people. I am a born Caymanian and I could not be more disgusted by Alden for his comments yesterday supporting that MOH buffoon. People of Cayman remember yesterday’s PR and cast your vote for others who will represent all people of Cayman and respect everyone and not use bullying tactics and the bible to evade the truth and degrade others. Dr. Lee and the Governor must be very embarrassed having to share the stage with the likes of Mr. Ego Alden and Mr. Useless Jon Jon. Wendy I would like to apologize to you you did not deserve that but I applaud you for taking the high road and showing dignity and continuing with your questions. I am sorry the apology had to come from me and not the soon to be Ex-Premier. Keep up the good work!

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  25. Anonymous says:

    It seems like the disrespect towards women runs rampant in this administration. I was appalled yesterday with the Premier. His strong condemnation of Wendy and support of the MOH was just abhorrent.

    The Premier, in my opinion, acted as judge and jury and was satisfied that nothing occurred based on a conversation he had with the MOH. What would have been better if the Premier had taken the hit as a Leader and apologize for what occurred at the last meeting and his MOH was sorry for his outburst. He should also should have went on to say that since this has become a very public issue and he had asked the Police to do a thorough investigation. Instead he accused the reporter of being politically biased and accusing the minister of doing something wrong…I guess the Premier did not listen carefully to the reporter question but I certainly did not glean that from the very straightforward question asked but it was certainly spun that way by the Premier…Very insulting and unbecoming of someone that I have held in great regard.

    The MOH sits there every day, adding very little to the press briefing and always has the longest speech of the entire panel and has very little or anything to say regarding health but instead talks about banks not opening a branch in the eastern districts, reading scriptures and the most ignoramus of all, trying to speak in languages that no one understands including those for which it is their native tongue..

    It was also very surprising to me that the Minister who broke down in tears because of earlier criticism of his role, did nothing to improve or change is modus operandi and instead continued on with the help of two pats on the back by the Governor and the premier. I noticed that the Governor chose not to get involved in this one nor did he do his customary “I agree with the Premier” lead in and instead looked completely perplexed at what was happening around him. I am sure he was hoping a hole would open up and swallow him in at that time.. What made me even more mad was the MOH offered very little in terms of an apology and instead patted himself on the back and smiled that he was getting help from the Premier..Again very insulting!!

    These hard questions will need to be asked and true leaders will take their licks and stand up and be counted. Insulting and belittling and twisting things to make yourselves look good is not leadership..

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  26. Anonymous says:

    Never have I seen the comments section be so united. Hopefully this give the whole regime a wake up and they see that their responses will not be tolerated. Their childish and cocky behaviour must stop. Bunch of school boy bullies who like to pick on women apparently.

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  27. Anonymous says:

    This is becoming ridiculous. We have a good Premier who is making very good decisions for the well being of all.

    Let us all get behind him and support him. He really does not deserve a lot of this piling on.

    He is not perfect, but neither am I or anyone else on these blogs.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, but are you Lodge?

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      • Anonymous says:

        12:22: not I am not lodge. I am not anything but a normal citizen and I have no axe to grind, no allegiance to any particular party or group.

        He simply does not deserve any of this punishing commentary. He is doing an outstanding job, and we need to move on.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, no one is perfect, but I suggest to you that this misstep can be fixed by him asking the MOH to step down. It NEEDS to be acknowledged and dealt with so then we can get in with putting out country back together, which is more important at the immediate moment.

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    • Moi says:

      Dat you Jon Jon mi boy?

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  28. Anonymous says:

    It is obvious from Alden referencing “gotcha” questions, that he has been getting his cues on how to avoid “inconvenient” questions by watching Trump’s press briefings. His use of the exact word that Trump uses, along with his bullying of Wendy, his misrepresentation of the truth, and his blatant lie about Wendy’s question just goes to show the type of man that he is.

    That is to say, a man who bullies and insults people, women in particular, arrogant and ignorant. The signs of a weak man. Those characteristics equally apply to Jon Jon who is also spectacularly inadequate to be in government, much less the MoH.

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  29. Anonymous says:

    They both blew it.

    Seymour has been a joke all the way through but they’ve both managed to tarnish their work with a display of arrogance and petulance.

    It didn’t take much for the gloss to be blown off and their true colours show.

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  30. Anonymous says:

    “National Vote” people. If we are not prepared to support a referendum on a NV for the next election, please stop posting about our shock and ignorance of the present government. It is getting us nowhere. My apologies to every woman that had to encounter ill-treatment from the government. A Caymanian.

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  31. Gilligan's Island says:

    After listening to the Premeriers yesterday diaster of a response to Wendy-Gate, they should now rename the press conference “Story-Time with Alden”.

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  32. Anonymous says:

    And I wish Alden would stop indulging his ‘Fat Elvis’ alter-ego and dress appropriately as his office of state and the solemnity of the situation requires.

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  33. Anonymous says:

    Should this be added to the recent hush money enquiry or investigated separately?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Talk about “herd mentality”–What has the Premier done but dedicated himself exclusively to formulating and implementing the very best plan possible for Cayman?

      I am completely opposed to all the bandwaggonism, the piling on, that is going on.

      There were missteps, but not to warrant the type of overboard reaction.

      Time for us to move past this.

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      • Anonymous says:

        No absolutely not time to get past this. Don’t you see that our politicians are doing the same things over and over and over again and keep getting re-elected because people say “ok enough bandwagonism” and the issue conveniently goes away, rinse, wash, repeat every 2-4 years. It is time we keep remembering this incident and all the other ones before at least until
        May 2021!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      What hush money..need to know. Who allegedly paid it and to whom and for what reason…?

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  34. Anonymous says:

    I was left absolutely disgusted with Alden after he defended Joke Joke yesterday. Both “men” are utterly pathetic.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Alden lost so much respect from his fellow Caymanians (like me) and residents yesterday. Alden this should not be brushed under a mat like a piece of dirt. It is not too late to investigate the matter and if they are both guilty, fine them – like 100’s of others who have broken the rules. That way we main gain a bit more respect for you.

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  35. Anonymous says:

    Can someone please explain why this was a “gotcha” question from Wendy. The issue had already been highlighted on CMR and Mr. Seymour seems to be very well up to speed on reporting there. He should already have been aware of the issue and briefed/prepared to provide a response if it came up.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Nah, why do that when you have the ignorance to think that no one should think that you are a Government official and no one is entitled to question you.

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    • who cares? I DO! says:

      Why do we all have be kept up to date of the news by gossip columns and fake news. We seem to feed on these things. I pray to God that we would instead be thankful for the people we have who are trying to take care of us as a people and be grateful for the efforts being made to keep us safe. Stop the bashing. CNS, you all encourage this sort of thing too much, you appear to be anti government.

      CNS: Regardless of what the premier said, the issue here is whether the law applies to everyone equally, which is a concern to all right thinking people. If this is indeed just gossip, then the minister had the perfect opportunity to say that, to put rumours to bed, explain the actual situation and thank Wendy for asking the question. Instead, he bungled it in the most inept and disgraceful way, fuelling rumours rather than damping them down. The premier did the same, though rather more eloquently and with no mention of donkeys and virgins. Asking politicians hard questions is what journalists are supposed to do. It is not anti-government unless you think that the current crop of Cabinet members are so pathetic that they should only be given the softest of softballs.

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  36. Anonymous says:

    This trainer-gate needs to be addressed. Can the commissioner be asked to open an investigation?
    Regardless, the way it was handled by the MOH was appalling as well as the Premier.
    You NEED to find a way to repair this, you really do!

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  37. Anonymous says:

    I’m waiting for the investigation to begin to prove whether it’s true or not.
    CoP, the people would like an answer.
    Simple!

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    • Anonymous says:

      It needs to be done, then we can move on. Otherwise it shows there are double standards. If they are guilty – fine them. Job done.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I agree with the Thumbs Down, It’s not going to be simple!

  38. Anonymous says:

    If inappropriate behavior of another infamous public official was stopped the day it became known, it wouldn’t have escalated to the next level. Premier maintained silence in both cases. Does he condone violence and abuse toward women? He indirectly contributed to occurrence of the WestBay bar assault.

    Has it been a male reporter, would Minister of Health allow himself such condescending remarks? Male chauvinism is thriving in the Cayman Islands.

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  39. John says:

    I am in total agreement with the above comments. After hearing the Premier defend this MOH was appalling and I now lost all respect. In the last election I voted for the opposite party and until recently was indifferent but seeing the way the Premier has handled the pandemic, I was swayed to vote for him next election if all remained the same. Unfortunately, after yesterdays briefing he has now lost 3 votes in our house. He had already lost 2 as we have to turn the briefing off when the MOH starts his daily biblical / translational rant which brings absolutely zero to the panel. The party has now lost 3 “wotes” in the upcoming election due to the double standard we are witnessing. So sad there is no accountability.

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  40. Anonymous says:

    Is this guy for real….Alden.

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  41. Anonymous says:

    Wow! I have never seen CNS commenters this United on an issue. Hopefully big head Alden understands just how wrong and offensive he was in his statement. A talented man who again has let his arrogance and hunger for power get the better of him. Truly sad.

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  42. Anonymous says:

    I feel you have missed the point Premier. What you did yesterday was to show your ignorance to the idiocies of your MOH. The public did an about face in terms of your leadership during this crisis. Now with your good old boy display at the conference that has been stripped away. The on camera Childish gloating By the MOH sealed the deal.

    Your MOH is rude, unstable and immature. It is evident that he does not have the maturity to lead. I would be embarrassed if other leaders around the world saw this disgusting display of male ego and ignorance when it is clear that Mr Seymours wife and then him (benefit of the doubt) knew that he broke his own social distancing rules! How can we take this man seriously when he doesn’t even “man up” to a violation of the law. All he needed to do was say yep my wife did do this stupid move. Instead he launched an incoherent disgraceful attack on a reporter who’s job is to report.

    So this is what the Cayman public sees:

    1. Two possibly, 3 members of the public violated social distancing laws. Mr. Seymour’s wife, the trainer and whoever took the picture
    2. These people risked passing the virus further into the community by their actions despite pleas by the MOH to “Stay Home Cayman”
    3. The person in question IS the MOH’s wife!!!! She should know better and he should acknowledge this
    4. The rules were made for everyone. If he can’t so called control (ignorant comment) his wife, then make her accountable. My father who was a police officer, years ago gave a speeding ticket to my mother for instance as she wasn’t above the law. They are still happily married after 56 years
    4. The verbal ramblings of a “Christian attack” on someone who reported news of a possible “weak link” in the Nation’s plan to eradicate a life threatening disease, is something that should be addressed publicly. It isn’t even democratic
    5. Your unwavering support of a man who has tried to undermine the democratic right to Free speech is frightening
    6. You just proved that there are two laws that exist in Cayman. The rules for The majority of the populous and then the rules for the “ruling class” of government. Pathetically sad to see that it’s just so evident.

    As Bob Dylan says “These times are a changing”.

    You should also be ashamed of yourself. People now are so disgusted with the two of you they are talking about not adhering to the rules because of the double standard

    I feel sorry for the Governor and Dr. Lee and all of their hard work

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  43. Mikey says:

    Be a man about it and man up!!! Dont have your Premier fight your battles and you sir back and grin.

    What a joke no essential value to our panel, seems like the Minister of Biblical translations

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  44. Unbelievable response says:

    Basically we got told to F@ck off by the Premier. I can’t beleive he sat there and defended Seymour then blamed the reporter for asking the question.

    Seymour then went on to say some sh@te in Spanish to the Premier and only to the Premier not Wendy and giggled at the end.

    I have money on it the gave each other a big hug afterwards, saying that’s it.

    As a member of government you and ‘all’ your family members are held to a higher standard and we the general public expect better from you, by the way Mr Premier by saying you don’t control your wifes actions BS!

    Mr Premier you and Seymour over the last several weeks have preached to us to stay at home, social distance and abide by the rules.

    Around the world several government officials have broken their countries curfew policies and have been forced to resign, eve the Prime Minister of the UKs daughter this week has made the press for purchasing high end items, so guess what ALL your direct families are open game for criticism in the public.

    Mr. Premier, you also stated the that Seymour probably didn’t know his wife hired a trainer, I call bullsh@te, he knew and probably paid for it.

    Seymour may not have directly broke the curfew rule BUT he did something else and that was go verbally abuse and threaten a member of the press on public TV (which is a criminal offence), that is what we are p@ssed off about and then you go on to defend him say he’s a hard worker, WTF Alden, all the hard work you have done has gone out the window.

    If Seymour was had some b@lls he would request that the RCIPS investigate the apparent breach of curfew by his wife and accept their findings (which of course won’t happen as he believes he’s above the law.

    Mr Premier, my personal advise would be to remove Seymour from his position immediately, he is a waste of space on the panel in fact he’s a total waste of space overall.

    I can tell you if I happen to get a ticket for breach of curfew (which won’t happen) but I would use Seymours video as part of a defence (yes I’d still probably be found guilty) quoting the corruption in the Cayman Islands government.

    I do have a question for CNS,

    I know Wendy will probably not make a complaint to the ombudsman for these apparent criminal offence make by Seymour, but as there is already evidence on video can a member of the general public make an official complaint, not for the threats or insults but for corruption and actions of government?

    I’d also like to know, does all the members of public family members have exemption letters?

    Why have we not heard from the opposition on this issue? I would really like to know their thoughts.

    We can’t let this story disappear but unfortunately thing is that in the next few days, we would have our Caymanian memory loss and this story will go away. I for one will not forget, elections are around the corner, yes you can’t be Premier but if you are running you have definitely lost three votes from our family.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I’d also like to know, does all the members of public family members have exemption letters?

      Very interesting question!!!

  45. Anonymous says:

    They do easily forget who they work for.

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  46. Anonymous says:

    Weak men, such as Alden and Dwayne, fear strong women and resort to intimidation and bullying when they feel threatened.

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  47. Anonymous says:

    Absolute cart full of ball cocks Mr Premier. First it wasn’t a ‘gotcha question’, that was however conversely a ‘gotcha response’ essentially throwing the MOH under the bus and we’re expected to adhere to your mandate, – ‘Mr ROOOper! order another dozen!’

    You’re become not much more than a spin sorcerer tilting the narrative to create a conceived prejudice of hostility against yourself and your Ministers, – Oh and since when did you tally up ‘ministers were accountable for their own behaviour,’ as Viscount Speaker sits in his house on self appointed leave of absence due self assessed mental health issues I’m assuming still on full pay all under your watch.

    Grow a pair Alden and refresh yourself with the underlying reason the New Zealand Model (and Sweden) worked so well for them – the populace overwhelmingly trusted and had faith in their Leader and elected Officials. At this point Mr Premier, especially after today, there’s a significant void that needs to be looked at here.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Wow… Bro wow…. You just put him in his place like a coach roach or a lesser chink!

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    • Anonymous says:

      It is not a good idea to compare with New Zealand which has a very different culture. Wendy’s question would be considered unethical in New Zealand and dealt with in a different manner by the reporter. Discussing an MP’s family member’s behavior is considered off limits in NZ media and is treated with the same disdain that Alden showed. Obviously quite a different culture to Cayman if these comments reflect our culture here.

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      • Anonymous says:

        So what can you tell me about former PM Helen Clark having to answer questions/allegations about her husband, – no unethical bounds adhered to or anything considered off limits there.

  48. Conrad Black says:

    I call on the Government to close down all news organisations until the crisis is over.
    If we cannot get fair unbiased reporting, lets have no reporting at all.

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  49. Anonymous says:

    Is it just me, or did the Premier of this country compare “controlling your wife” to giving orders to a dog? The fact that he’d categorize them together in any way at all is deeply concerning.

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    • Anonymous says:

      No, he sort of said you couldn’t control your wife in the same way you can control your dog. John John found that out some time ago when his sacred vessel got out a little out of hand in another well reported personal training incident. Honestly someone with this much baggage/reputation and so little value-add really should not be in public life. But then all you have to do is look at the Speaker to understand how it goes.

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    • Anonymous says:

      And extremely telling

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