Mac goes on attack against PAC chairman
(CNS): Speaker McKeeva Bush courted even more controversy on Monday, when he went on the attack against the Public Accounts Committee chairman. As he sought to justify his recent decision to withhold a report by PAC, he questioned why Ezzard Miller was still holding the position when he was no longer a member of the official opposition. But as Bush tried to defend his own actions, he succeeded in reigniting the OfReg firestorm.
Fresh from his own courtroom scandal, having pleaded guilty last Thursday to a violent drunken assault on a female bar manager earlier this year, and as the newly christened legislative body opened for its first proceedings as a parliament, Bush was hogging the headlines yet again.
Within minutes of the start of the meeting Bush was on his feet delivering a rambling justification for his recent controversial decision to withhold a report by PAC. The report was the committee’s conclusions from live hearings on the already controversial auditor general’s findings regarding the beleaguered utilities agency, OfReg, and the behaviour of its chairman, Linford Pierson.
Bush defended Pierson rather than addressing the significant issues surrounding OfReg and the catalogue of problems there, and he berated Miller for taking to the radio airwaves and criticising his (Bush’s) actions. The report, which remains under wraps but is now expected to be laid during this parliamentary session, is expected to call for the removal of Pierson from the top position at OfReg.
Pierson has himself triggered some unsavoury headlines since taking over the job, including coming to near physical blows with a board member on one occasion and making an angry appearance at the meeting which gave rise to this report, where he refused to take any responsibility for any OfReg issues. Pierson was caught out giving false evidence to the committee, and it is understood that Miller removed the incorrect information from the PAC record.
Following the mounting scandal around the PAC report, Pierson wrote to Bush complaining about Miller and the committee’s conclusions, despite his performance at the hearings, which were broadcast live and remain publicly available on the government’s YouTube channel.
Bush appears to have jumped to the defence of Pierson, a former MLA for George Town and political ally who also served for a short time as speaker. In his diatribe against Miller, Bush implied that the PAC chairman was indulging in a personal vendetta against Pierson.
Over the last few months, as well as challenging Bush in the Legislative Assembly on the grounds he had delayed the laying, and therefore public release, of PAC’s report, Miller has also sought legal advice.
The North Side MLA has also also been at odds with Bush over his own scandal. Miller has persistently called for Bush to step down ever since he was arrested in the wake of the violent attack last February to which Bush has now, eight months later, pleaded guilty.
Miller has been largely commended on both sides of the political divide for his role as the PAC chair. The committee has a clear remit to scrutinise how public servants and elected officials spend public money. Nevertheless, in his parliamentary tirade, Bush appeared keen to undermine its role and, more importantly, its independence.
The PAC chair has not released the content of the report because under standing orders it is against the rules for him to do so until it has gone through the formal procedure of being presented to Parliament.
Given the detailed audit report and the public hearings, the findings are unlikely to be much of a surprise, but the speaker has put the scandal over Pierson’s false testimony back in the spotlight, and with it the troubled regulator and its catalogue of problems.
Despite his efforts to prevent the release of the report and his claims that he had the right to delay it, which flies in the face of the attorney general’s advice to Miller, Bush said he was going to order that the report be laid during this current session, but he said what he called his “ruling” would be laid with it.
See the proceedings on CIGTV below:
Category: Government oversight, Politics
Mac sit your cush down. You are the last person to be on the attack on anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Time to send in the dogs, to end Mac’s influence. Where’s Sandra Catron when we really need her…
Bush must go, bush mustgo, bush has to go, lock him up.
Male chauvinism is condoned in the Cayman Islands. All international women’s organizations must warn its members against visiting it.
That’s BS and you know it..Stop the Cayman Islands bashing and focus on those people that are guilty of these things..
You don’t like it? Ask if Livia Kwong and the woman Austin Harris assaulted agree.
The entire Parliament, but E.Miller, condones male chauvinism.
Not a single “women’s “ organization in the Cayman Islands made a statement in support of victims of assaults. And there are many, professional and social, all run by women. Why?
So it does appear that Cayman society (except CNS) condones male chauvinism. Proof me wrong.
When it comes to civic matters Caymanians, us, are pussies! Gossip, gossip, but no action by enough people to make a difference. We deserve the morons and disgraces we continue to vote in.
I live in WBW and thankfully didn’t vote last election and have no intention in doing so next election. Ok, so I lose my right to criticize. Well, even when I vote I’m ignored for the next 4 years anyway, so what good is my vote? Until there is a VIABLE candidate to oppose McKeeworse in my constituency, I will stay home on election day!!
Im having the same issue in WBS. Tara Rivers (no WAY) or ????? but you get such criticism for not voting – because there is NOBODY TO VOTE FOR!!!!
Less votes are still better than voting for!
Both of you realize that voting for another candidate serves a purpose even if you end up with Mckeeva or Tara in office again
Even if your single vote wont be enough to cause Mckeeva or Tara to lose it can certainly put pressure on them
Both of you complain that your representative are bad and that you are essentially ignored so let me put it this way
Which MP is more likely to cave to public pressure and vote for popular proposals?
An MP with a comfortable 200 vote win over their nearest opponent?
Or
An MP who barely won or hung on to their seat and will spend the next 4 years fretting about what they need to do to survive politically?
You need to apply ALL the pressure you can as a citizen you only get to vote every few years unless their are early elections that means vote when you can but call your MP, write emails, show up to meetings
Your vote is only a small part of what you can do to ensure representation and resigning yourselves to accept piss poor elected members is exactly what Mckeeva and Tara Rivers want from you
You aren’t winning or proving your point you are empowering them to continue what they have been doing for years by sitting out
10:46 and 11:56: Call people that you feel are worthy of representing your constituency, and encourage them to run for office. For all you know they have thought about it but need encouragement.
You still have every right to critize and voice your opnion.
One less vote for him is good! Let’s hope more do not vote for him!
Both Mac and Pierson are pathetic excuses for men – both need to be sent out to grass like 2 old bulls who have no use!
The both alike, cut from the same sailcloth ! He sounds a like TRUMP.
Gee, such a surprise. MAC goes off on the one member of parliament who rightly condemned him for his outrageous behavior. Ezzard has earned my vote. The rest of the members are wimps for not having the backbone to do what Ezzard did.
Mac doesn’t have dirt on ezzard that’s why he’s not afraid to go after him.. the others let’s just say they better be loyal
Isn’t that why Ezzard doing it- not doing it cos he loves you.
It was repulsive to watch every one of them just sit there yesterday like the man did not plead guilty to beating someone-man or woman is irrelevant at this point. The seriousness of the charges are a disgrace to the high position he holds! We pay their salaries, let us whattsapp, call or e-mail our representatives and DEMAND they show us the respect we deserve by removing that thug from the Speaker role.
Well have you done it?
Where are their phone numbers?
Just when you think this fool can’t get any dumber he proves us wrong.
Mac is a political genius, so hear me out: No one particularly cares for Ezzard (his politics nor his personality) yet here is Mac practically forcing those of us with moderate inclinations (which is most of us) into Ezzard and his new political party’s arms.
Why?
I posit that Mac is bending all of this to his will and everything is just part of his grand scheme!
We all hate the Progressives now and will lineup behind Ezzard and his new party (whose name escapes me at the moment). After the next election the Progs will be decimated yet Ezzard’s party won’t have enough seats to form a government.
At which point they will turn to Mac and his 2 or 3 seats for help…and Mac becomes Premier again.
A GENIUS I Tell Ya!
He is a sociopath also suffering from delusion of grandeur. The fact that everybody else but E.Miller remain silent speaks about something else. I don’t know what it is. It would have been simply impossible in any country/territory.
Is Livia Kwang going to file civil suit claim to go after his assets? Hope she is protected.
If she does, I will donate to support her legal claims.
That’s the whole point, why should she or anybody else have to? Now is the time to stop this crap of threats and running scared once and for all! Bullies your time done!
Stop asking the Governor to do something. He can’t. MP’S answer to their constituents.
They have now separated the Parliament from the civil service in terms of financial management and HR matters. So the MP’S run the show. Good luck.
The problem I see here is that we better stick with this bunch except Bernie because the new field of candidates who have stepped forward is really frightening.
Stick with the devil you know.
No way, Jose! There has got to be better MP material than what we are seeing today or the ones trying to join.
Unfortunately the political talent pool in Cayman is very, very thin. Very much like a small city in America or Canada. Unless we open up the talent pool we are politically doomed to banana republicanism.
No way. I’d rather vote for a hermit crab.
But basically you are already voting for hermit crabs. You just are not smart enough to recognize this fact.
Banana republics around the world will be up in arms, complaining that Cayman makes them look honourable, competent and democratic…
If it was a chairwoman it would have been different type of attack.
Mac and his new BFF Arden needs to go. East End and West Bay, please please, get rid on these dinosaurs
At least it wasn’t a woman he was attacking this time..
Alden good so long as Bush not yelling at him.
Had he been drinking before this sustained assault as well?
Seriously, the man is out of control. Any half way sentient person in his position would be keeping a low profile at this point, but he wants to have a public rant against Ezzard on grounds where he knows there isn’t a snowball in hells chance anyone will agree with him. He has either developed the view that absolutely nothing he does is either open for criticism or has any consequences, or he is not fully in charge of his facilities. Whether you like him or hate him, he has always been a consummate politician – you rarely find him on indefensible ground, and yet the way he’s behaving now looks like he should be quietly retired to the Pines where he wont embarrass himself (or the country) anymore. Reminds me of Margaret Thatcher in her final year, before the men in grey coats engineered her removal.
Another option is that he knows his time is limited and he’s acting out. That’s the optimistic view at least
Not the Pines, putting good quiet peaceful place n people in danger.
The ‘Elephant in the room’ is not Bush, but the 605 voters who yet again will vote him back in the next election. How much would it cost to build a wall around his constituency and just keep them all there?
11:20pm well aren’t you cute, maybe we should build an electric cage for you
Their point is well taken; a small number of voters continue to return a person to government who has a history of embarrassing and damaging the honour of the government.
Why does this continue to happen? They can’t ALL be relatives. The popular narrative suggests that they are “paid” in material goods.
Can people really be that self-serving and stupid, or is something more sinister going on here?
All these guys make Trump look totally sane
10:13 You thinking that makes you look like the insane one Elvis.
I’d be angry too if someone attacked my character with impunity. Rest easy Mac, nothing you did was wrong. Big up to Mr. Speaker for holding steadfast. Perfect no but willing to keep hypocrisy in check.
Why did he plead guilty to a crime then if he did nothing wrong?
Surely you speak in jest..Mac needs to rest easy but in his home in West Bay not in the Parliament!
Northward.
The both alike, cut from the same sailcloth ! He sounds a like TRUMP.
To 10:05pm: Your washer/dryer still going strong or you looking for a new one?
I watched YouTube; they will meet again Wednesday morning at 10am (11 MP time) if we are really that disgusted with this man’s antics, then let’s have the guts to stand across the street and demand his resignation.
Yeah right. See you there, Anonymous.
Let me know if you are serious because I will be there. We need to blast this on social media and ask CNS to let the public know. I’m sick and tired of complaining with none of our representatives listening. Even if it’s just the two of us, I’m standing for what’s right!!!!
sheredan1980@yahoo.com
Sheredan
A protest has been organised for Friday 1-3 pm outside of the House of Parliament. The details are on Cayman Marl Road.
Come on out people and stand for something! We need to stop violence against women, especially in this society where we are still being treated like lesser thans. If you’re not angry you have not been paying attention. Every Dad’s girl and mother should be out there too. Stand for your girls. Any one of us could be next!!
Those women in the LA need to be removed as well, their SILENCE is deafening.
I will ensure to walk with the names of all the other women beaters in the LA.
Be afraid vermin!
Sher
Unfortunately, no civil or public servant (aka government employee) can don their voter’s hat and participate in these demonstrations for fear of losing our employment, otherwise I would have been the first one there on Friday.
lunatics are now running the asylum
And the asylum is running the lunatics.
Done been Bobo
Perfectly said JTB!!! What will it take to remove this man!!! If our government, or “The Governor” doesn’t do something quick, then we all need to make our voices heard loud and clear and make it happen!!
Manstrosity not a man
All though Mac rambled all around the burning Bush and accusing Ezzard of all manner of evil, even complaining about Ezzard’s three minute speech o at the last meeting of the Legislative Assembly and going as far afield as New Zealand and ignoring the legal advice given by the Hon. Attorney General.
HE HAD TO AGREE THAT THE REPORT COULD BE TABLED.
Enough said. The report will be tabled this week and I am sure Ezzard will have a few well chosen words when he lays the report
Governor’s office must get involved now as a matter of good governance and remove Bush as Speaker. He must inform the Premier and his government their own poor judgement and mismanagement is unacceptable and an embarrassment to the FCO. He must act in the same way he was involved in the civil partnership legislation he passed into law enough though the bill failed to pass in the LA and was voted down by MLA’s.
Wait for him to say something or do something. It isn’t civil partnership, is it?
Exactly! It’s the Governor’s zoo and he needs to get control of the monkeys in Parliament.
Not a chance. Roper is here to keep his head down.
What did Bush say to him when he got off the plane..a roach has no place in a rooster fight. Threatened immediately.
@8:19 am, roper here to keep his head down? He has his unwanted self into everything and has disrupted these islands more than anyone!
Yep. The Governor. Its not like the Caymanian people can clean their own house. If he can’t do it, no one can.
Gong Show
Where do voters go to sign the petition to remove this member from our parliament? Tough luck West Bay Central, but we cannot have the chamber tainted by the serious criminal charges facing him, with three out of four already plead guilty!
He’s WB West.
7.41pm Correction WB Wild West.
Shut up and go back to where you came from. Honorable Bush is a good man and only wants to help us poor people.
my perception’s different, – seems to be more like behaving he’s ‘the Sire’ and laying into ‘his peasants’
To 8:30: one can be poor and still have DIGNITY. Don’t sell your vote for a washer/dryer/turkey !
Poor fools would be more accurate
Bush only wants to help himself…
Well seems one of Mr Bush’s supporters took a break from beating his wife.
Your comment is very disrespectful. Someone should beat you and then load you on a flight back to where you came from. Speaker Bush is our elected leader and will stay that until we the voters decide to vote him out.
Oh you know the word ‘disrespectful’ but your so called leader does not know the word ‘respect’. Beat me? Typical promoting violence! What flight is that – already where I came from. Next…
Help the poor like paying the CUC bill or giving them a washer. Then let him help get you a job. Do something about the primary school in his district which has failing grade. He wants people to be poor and uneducated like him so they can come begging for handouts . Can’t afford to retire too many mouths to feed.
How does he (Bush) even still have his job?
Ask Alden and his cronies. They are a pack of clowns!
That why he was wagging his finger in Miller’s face on steps of LA/Parliament – warning of revenge?
Mckeeva has gone over the edge now. He needs to pack it in and move on. He has lost the plot. What an idiot!
He LOST it long ago, but he does need to go!
Ezzard “The Opportunist” Miller is no better.
Well would you call him an enabler if he stood silent? Part of the boys club?
He still shook Bush’s hand as they all did!
You’re right, shaking Bush’s hand negates every other statement he’s made and action he’s taken. Wait, no it doesn’t
Hypocrisy is alive and well in the Cayman Islands
Didn’t say it did, but explain why he did?
When will Alden wake up?
Oh, I forgot! That answer is, of course, not until McKeeva tells him to!
Sad day for our so called democracy. Sad day for the new Parliament. Even sadder day for Cayman.
Alden doesn’t care..this hole administration was about stepping as much as he could after he barely retained a seat.
Sorry Mac, before we discuss whether Ezzard should still be PAC chairman, let’s discuss whether you should still be speaker, or indeed a member of the house at all (hint: you shouldn’t)
I’m far more concerned about whether a violent, drunken, homophobic, misogynist thug keeps any kind of job, or goes to prison where he deserves, than I am about who chairs a committee.
Obviously, I realise you’re too shameless, thick-skinned and pig-ignorant to step down voluntarily, but I live in hope some of your fellows may finally grow a spine and dispatch you to the unemployed obscurity you so richly deserve.
I’m hoping the judge will take care of it before Christmas..
Enough is enough with this fool.
Dementia kicking in?
Not sure what’s kicking in but I know he surly NEEDS TO BE KICKED OUT for good
Tell that to his die heart WB West constituency. What a shameless piece of humanity. He has Gall.
McKeeva is a God in West Bay. Looking forward to a turkey and new fridge for Xmas.
Help the poor like paying the CUC bill or giving them a washer. Then let him help get you a job. Do something about the primary school in his district which has failing grade. He wants people to be poor and uneducated like him so they can come begging for handouts . Can’t afford to retire too many mouths to feed.