Crisis Centre plans to decline Bush cash

| 20/04/2021 | 142 Comments
Cayman News Service
McKeeva Bush

(CNS): In a short statement published on the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s website and social media pages, the charity’s board of directors said that they will be declining the offer of a monthly donation from what will be Speaker McKeeva Bush’s salary. The charity, which runs a shelter for women and children fleeing abusive situations and advocates for the end of gender violence, did not spell out the reason for declining the cash but said it was unaware of the understanding between PACT and Bush and should it materialize, the board will refuse it.

“The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s Board of Directors would like to confirm that we were not aware of the understanding between PACT and Mr Bush regarding the proposed contribution of funds to the Crisis Centre in advance of their press release,” the statement reads. “The Board, along with the people of The Cayman Islands, await the formation of the next Government, however, should the proposed donation come to realization, we will respectfully decline the offer. Violence against women, men or children is unacceptable and we pledge to continue to work on eradicating this violation of human rights from our islands.”

In the immediate wake of the assault by Bush on the female bar manager at the Coral Beach Bar back in February last year, the Crisis Centre board issued a statement supporting the victim and reaching out to her, but they also said that the incident could help to get more people involved in eliminating violence.

“While we abhor violence against anyone and work every day with people who have been victimized by those they love and trust we also recognise that there may be a silver lining in this particular incident in that if we can get more people working, in whatever small way they can, towards eliminating gender-based violence, anger, hatred and even ‘locker room talk’ from our society, then all is not is lost,” CICC stated in February 2020.

Meanwhile, a number of other activist groups have also issued statements regarding the inclusion of Bush in the PACT Government, given that voters are torn between his conduct and the public desire for an independent government in the face of the PPM-Alliance’s refusal to accept that it cannot lead the next administration.

A spokesperson for the growing grass roots movement, Amplify Cayman, avoiding commenting directly on Bush’s appointment as speaker but offered its support to PACT.

“People voted overwhelmingly in favour of Independent candidates which includes the member for West Bay West,” the spokesperson stated referring to Bush. “We appreciate this has been a difficult time for all and we pray that people will put their differences aside for the betterment of country and people as a whole. We are proud to support the rights of citizens to be involved in the democratic process, being vocal and participating in peaceful demonstration. Thank you to all the elected candidates on both sides and together we hope they will work together to build a better country and community and keep our islands safe and prosperous.”

Meanwhile, Taura Ebanks of Cayman Voices was less diplomatic, stating that she believed the hypocrisy was no different, despite her support for an Independent led government reflecting the popular and majority vote.

“We do not believe that any person who has shown such disregard for our Parliament, our laws, or our residents should be given more power by sitting as part of a government,” she said. “The voters of West Bay West have every right to vote for whomever they choose, but it is the responsibility of the remaining 18 elected MPs to decide how much more power they will put in this individual’s hands.” she added.

Pointing to the division in the country Ebanks said the activist group for which she was speaking believed the way to bridge this division would be to form a true coalition government with capable members from within both groups coming together to lead. “Unfortunately, as we have seen, this does not appear to be possible,” she said.

Given the desire for change, she said people were “bending over backwards to rationalise the compromise”, and she accepted that PACT represented more than not being the PPM. “Representing potential change from the status quo, change from the old ways, change from business as usual. The PACT represents hope,” Ebanks said but added that Bush was “too high a price to pay”.

“When the PPM failed to act we lost. When the PPM failed to act again we lost again. Now, as the country grapples with a stalemate it appears that we will lose once more. Yes, it was the Progressives who put us in this untenable position yet again, and each elected PPM and Alliance member hiding behind party loyalty instead of putting the country first bears the weight of what is to come. However, neither side has the high ground on this,” the Cayman Voices spokesperson said.


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Comments (142)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Give your full salary and then I’ll think you understand the magnitude of hurt you did the poor woman and your country. 10% is like one hour at the Hard Rock.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Who was it that was appointed to the CICC Board again?

    Cant find it on their website.

  3. Anonymous says:

    cicc has more morals than the the entire cig.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Garnishing of wages is a common practice in civil and criminal proceedings were damages are awarded to compensate the victim. So what is the difference if this is done outside of the courtroom? As a survivor of domestic violence I have no problem with taking his money to help others in need. It should be more than 10% but it’s a start.

    • Anonymous says:

      Except in this case , the lawyer orchestrated offer to donate , was an insincere slimy and devious attempt at buying forgiveness without shame or remorse.
      Shame on you a Mac for years of unacceptable behavior , shame on all of Panton’s lapdogs counting their money at your feet.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Fact#1. Wayne Panton did NOT consult the CICC before Mac made his announcement. It was sprung on them thereby they were dragged into something not of their making.

    Fact#2. Mac had many a chance to donate money before this election but chose not to. It was nothing more than a political gesture designed to make him look penitent.

    Fact#3. The board of the CICC have made a great decision and have led by example that the dollar is not always important. Integrity and principles trump that every time.

    Fact#4. By accepting his filthy lucre, they were slapping the face of every victim of domestic abuse, female AND male.

    Fact#5. People who are shouting ‘take the money’ truly do not understand what the CICC is all about.

    Fact#6. May more people will contribute to the CICC who previously haven’t done so. They recognise integrity.

    Fact#7. The CICC would GREATLY appreciate men turning up to Walk In Her Shoes tomorrow evening at Caymana Bay.

    So guys, don your heels and make a massive contribution to all victims of DV.

    • Anonymous says:

      Very hypocritical when there are others in parliament who have beat up their wives and yet nothing has been said by the Crisis Centre. Get off your high horse!

      • Anonymous says:

        Thou shall not look at the actions of others as justification for the hypocrisy of the new government. Own it!!!

        You don’t go stealing because others have got away with it and when caught you tell the police what about those others. Why don’t you try that stunt.

      • Anonymous says:

        Where is the hypocrisy?

    • too much woke stuff? says:

      I remember United States v. Josef F. Boehm case.

      Defendants, including prominent Anchorage businessman Josef F. Boehm, aged 61, were involved in sex trafficking of children and drug distribution. Defendants recruited juveniles using cocaine. The Defendants then had sex with the juveniles and paid them with cocaine and money. Each of their victims were U.S. citizens, and at least 8 of whom were minor. All of the defendants pled guilty to various charges. In particular, defendant Boehm, as part of his plea agreement, agreed to forfeit his residence and provide $1.2 million in a trust fund for the benefit of the victims.

      Boehm’s penalty represented the first time a trust fund had been set up in Alaska, and potentially in the United States, for the benefit of minor victims of trafficking and drug distribution.

      Does providing $1.2 million in a trust fund for the benefit of the victims constitutes “slapping the face of every victim”? I don’t think so.

      Then why some see Bush’ future contributions to CICC as insulting? I don’t understand. In fact, the judge could have set a precedent by imposing penalty in the form of contributions to the abused women shelter.

      • Anonymous says:

        And if the judge at the trial had done EXACTLY that then Bush’s posturing and Panton’s clumsy press release would have been moot. It is quite astonishing how many people don’t get that the CICC board have acted with integrity and displayed what principles really are.

      • Anonymous says:

        Guy should be in prison. But Cayman is corrupt and he’s the speaker of the parliament

    • Anonymous says:

      This was political posturing. Full stop. Your word salad doesn’t change that.

    • INTEGRITY FIRST! says:

      AMEN AND AMEN! Love how loud these facts ring. Well done to poster 4:47pm. Your work here is done, irrespective of the naysayers on CNS comments thread promoting their rubbishy arguments and using unethical examples to bolster their lack of integrity.

      CAYMAN WOMEN KNOW WHAT’S UP.

  6. SOMETIMES ETHICS MATTER MORE THAN THE BOTTOM LINE says:

    The Cayman Crisis Centre is under NO obligation to accept a donation just because they need the money. And who could ever frame their refusal to accept McKeeva’s donation as them not needing money? Are you living on the same Island? The Crisis Centre has always operated in the red as a struggling NGO in a largely misogynistic society where many men— young, old, rich, poor— still believe a good slap across a woman’s face is needed every now and then to straighten them out.

    The Crisis Centre will never have enough funding for what they do.

    But what they don’t need is to be shamed into compromising their ethics just because they’re cash strapped. Should the Jewish Defense League accept money from a foundation that was founded by Nazi supporters? Should PETA accept donations from Taco Bell who may buy meat from unethical cattle ranchers? Should Save The Children accept donations from the Jeffrey Epstein estate?

    While I am NOT comparing Mac to any of the above hypothetical examples, I do want to highlight that sometimes NGOs have to make ethical decisions that may affect their bottom line. Recently, certain charitable organizations in the United States refused tp acce[t donations from Trump donors or those supporting extreme right wing policies. What the Crisis Centre did is not uncommon in the world of charities.

    While it’s impossible for any organization to track every donation to suss out whether or not it’s from a “clean” source, this is not the case here.

    The Crisis Centre should not be condemned for their decision. In fact, some upstanding non abusing citizen with means should best the 10% offered and end the debate.

  7. Anonymous says:

    The money are not for WCC administration per se but to run the shelter. Abused and battered women are the beneficiaries of all donations.
    I don’t see any issues with McKeeva contributions.

  8. Anonymous says:

    I get what a lot of people are saying but isn’t accepting his small tiding actually acknowledging his pretty pathetic penance and in a way reinforcing his behavior? It’s kind of altruistic in they are saying don’t give me money but instead stop beating up women…like put us out of business.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Accept the money!

    • Anonymous says:

      The money seems somehow dirty..now if it was court mandated instead of “voluntary” and came with a even more significant pay raise..that would be different. Actually it would have been a bigger deterrent if he had went to jail…not to him as he’s a lost cause but the up and coming beaters.

      • Anonymous says:

        Why don’t you go after other members who have been known to beat their wives? You’re hypocrites! Obviously a personal thing. I will never donate to your organization!

        • Anonymous says:

          This guy is a high ranking politician who did it in public…lied until the cameras proved his guilt…then lied again like 3 weeks ago in campaign meeting. Even when found guilty he barely was punished and allowed to represent us as a high ranking politician. Any other POS does this, yes I would feel the same. He’s not even repentant.

  10. Anonymous says:

    I understand why they declined. I am sure if he had made this gesture after he was convicted and before he was offered speaker they would have gladly accepted because it would have been given in true faith and not as a condition for him to remain as speaker so I truly applaud them for not taking blood money. On the other hand I would have demanded more money from him to ensure the people I take care off at the CC had more financial help. You have to admire their principles though not enough people with those these days!!!

  11. Anonymous says:

    I do not agree with McKeeva’s behavior at all but it appears people only have mouth and might for him. Nobody protested Austin 4 years ago, not a single soul. Keep this energy for all abusers. I think they should take the money as this organization is ran through donations. I’m sure they’ve accepted funds from persons who’ve done far worse. Don’t chop off unuh nose to spite unuh face.

  12. Anonymous says:

    men get abused also..yet we get no help? i am an example of caymanian man abused by ex wife…

  13. Anonymous says:

    Just a casual observation here on some of the “tainted, blood or dirty” money comments. While I fully understand the principled argument completely and what appears to be a attempt by Mr. bush to “save-face”, aren’t the source of salaries paid to politicians the peoples money in the first instance? Generated by us all through the various govt fees (at least in part)? If so, then isn’t is ultimately “US” that would be paying those funds into the crisis center? This is perhaps an over simplification on my part but just wanted to share an alternate perspective.

    • Anonymous says:

      Once an individual gets paid the money is his money, not the governments. That individual free to spend his money as he sees fit. Booze, Gambling etc. It is not the peoples money once it is paid to the individual.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps this board should personally match the money they just gave up.

    • Anonymous says:

      The board is a volunteer board. They give of their time and talents for free because if their passion for the work CICC does. They are not all high paid individuals. Your suggestion is ludicrous and not well thought out. Some people have standards not influenced my money or political or personal gain. I know this may be hard for you to understand.

      • Anonymous says:

        Not ludicrous. The board’s only job is to raise money. Maybe their wealthy friends will chip in.

        • Anonymous says:

          They already have

        • Anonymous says:

          The boards job is to run and oversee the operations of the Centre. Not just to raise money. They spend more time assuring that the clients and staff are cared for and programs developed to help our community. Yes, there is a fund raising committee but it works under the guidance of the board. A lot of you are acting like the board is an elitist rich club. So far from the truth. Some people have morals and try to help others with no concern to personal gain.

      • Anonymous says:

        You sound pedantic.

    • M says:

      I am proud of the board’s refusal to accept the money. Such an acceptance would have implied a forgiveness of abusive behaviour that would be a dagger to the heart of every survivor of abuse. The board Is sending a clear message that they will not allow anyone to offset their conscience with something as easily given as money. They demand more. They demand that the abusive behaviour stop. I will be making a donation to the Crisis Centre precisely because the members of the board acted in accordance with their principles and in the best emotional interests of the people they help.

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree. Put up or shut up!

  15. Anonymous says:

    People can we please get some facts in order and stop with the blaming, pointing fingers, damnation of other humans. First of all McKeeva was tried in the court of law and was not sentenced to any time, removed from office etc. He was allowed to enter the political arena just like every other candidate and unfortunately won in his area. He was never removed or asked to step down by the former government (if memory serves me right it was due to instability to our country hence the early voting). If the man is equivalent to stand a position just like anyone else then there is no argument that there is no reason for him not to be the Speaker of the House if that is what the agreement was. Is it morally right? No, but guess what it’s legal as he falls under the same category as all the others (he was voted back in). I will not cast stones because that just doesn’t get anywhere and I believe in forgiveness to a certain extent (no one will ever forget but then we can go on about the rap sheet of others and guess what no one has time for that!). We need to get this country moving forward, upward, successful and in balance. Maybe put on the agenda laws to remove any person who serves of misconduct etc. If the CC does not want the funds that’s ok put it elsewhere. Good luck to the new government and let’s all work together for the common good, the LOVE of Cayman.

  16. Anonymous says:

    I’d take the money and use it to publicly lobby the UK government to have him removed from office.

  17. Anonymous says:

    This is amazingly short sighted of the CICC board. They can’t campaign for funds and then be fussy about where it comes from. They could have contacted Mac or Wayne privately and expressed the need for Mac to actually apologize to the victim herself, as advocates for the victims of violence, but dumping on the new government has not benefitted anyone, least of all the women and children the charity exists for. Shame on the board. They should remain apolitical.

    • Anonymous says:

      A forced apology is not an apology.

    • Anonymous says:

      They could have contacted Mac or Wayne privately and expressed the need for Mac to actually apologize to the victim herself

      Why didn’t Mac and Wayne make the donation privately without a press release? The Crisis Centre didn’t need to know where the money was coming from or why. It’s quite obvious that the donation wasn’t intended to help victims of domestic violence, but rather to try to improve McKeeva’s tarnished image.

    • JTB says:

      I know, right. Imagine thinking sticking to your principles is appropriate behaviour.

  18. WaYaSay says:

    This proposed “gift” to the CICC is tantamount to Paublo Escobar promising to build drug rehabilitation centers if he is forgiven of his past transgressions!

    To those on here who are going to curtail their “charitable” contributions to CICC, you should, because you were obviously giving for all the wrong reasons. You only care about the political leanings of the Board of CiCC, you don’t give a rats A** about the suffering abused women.
    Nothing has changed for the situation of these abused women because of the Boards decision. If you cared about the people abused you would continue to support the CICC.

  19. Anonymous says:

    PPM Supporters: This is an insult to victims of domestic violence! You’re condoning Mac’s actions!

    PACT Supporters: McKeeva said he was sorry. He wants to make amends.

    Sensible people not blinded by tribal politics: Take the money and use it to further your cause, idiots!

  20. Anonymous says:

    What has happened to the Lady he attacked is shameful and disgraceful. Any person who has been subjected to abuse in any form is traumatizing. My problem with the ppl protesting, most who are not from Cayman, Just recently there was a video and voice note released of a young local woman being abused. Where is the protest and support of her from the foreign community? What about the guy who was abused by his wife to the point where he thought it was better to hang himself? My point is if you are against abuse, be against it in all forms. Keep in mind Austin Harris just served 4 years after abusing a woman where was the protest then?

  21. Anonymous says:

    Does the Crisis Center vet all donors- Do you have to present a clean Police Certificate before donating to the Crisis Center?

    This is shameful surely $15k+ can help someone in need

    • Good for the Crisis Centre says:

      I’m sure refusing Bush’s tainted cash will result in a significant increase in funding to the Centre.

      In any event it is the right thing to do. This is not a new issue and Bush could have made the donation months ago.

      This is an attempt to garner some goodwill off the back of the Crisis Centre and victims of violence. Just because the PACT and PPM before them chose to play along with Bush for political expediency doesn’t mean that everyone else has to go along for the ride.

      • Anonymous says:

        I won’t donate a dime to this obviously political organization who has no business being political!

    • Anonymous says:

      There contributions will drop significantly. I for one wont give them a penny going forward.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Oh, please stop shaming while remaining Anonymous.

  23. Anonymous says:

    Soooo many people in these posts have clearly displayed what is morally wrong with Cayman as a whole. Greed! No Morals!

    How can they criticize the Crisis Centre for rejecting this disgusting money? Shame on those people!

    Wayne Panton – who has already severely damaged his political career – has sunk even lower in the name of self-interest! Unilaterally arrange for a donation of Mac’s bloodstained money?

    Double shame on you Wayne!! Premier or not, you’re done in my books!

    • Anonymous says:

      Would you prefer that he sat back and watched the destruction of the Cayman Islands’ environment? the building of the port, which we know would happen? the total sidelining of Cayman’s poor and elderly? the continued lack of a decent education for our children? the continued rubber stamping of all development, no matter the cost? skyscrapers on 7MB? …and on and on. Shame on you! Wayne made a hard choice. You just throw stones.

      • Anonymous says:

        I think Big Mac is a big proponent of tall buildings (50 stories) and now he has political sway yet again.

      • Anonymous says:

        Ask me in about a year

      • Anonymous says:

        9:25am – Hmmm… you’re going to base your commentary on promises? Let’s review in 4 years and see how much of that Wayne Panton will address. I won’t hold my breath.

  24. Anonymous says:

    The purpose of the Crisis Center is to help the victims – not to legitimize the abuser.
    Shame on Wayne and Heather for even agreeing to this.

    Strange that the same people who hated the PPM because they did not remove him from Speaker are now the ones talking forgiveness bulls#$% and making him Speaker again – to represent us to the world.
    ‘UNNA’ all a bunch of CONNIVING PIRATES…

    • Anonymous says:

      Is the Crisis Centre now vetting all donations to make sure that they come from approved donors? This was an idiotic decision by the board.

    • Anonymous says:

      The purpose of the Crisis Centre is to help the victims – not play politics. UNNA part of the PPM tribe and can’t see past your hatred.

  25. Anonymous says:

    Am I reading this right that some people on here are excusing and justifying McKeeva Bush’s actions because others have carried out the same act of violence but got away with it. A deeper routed problem, and a problem in certain areas and cultures of Cayman. Maybe check with the RCIPS and the Crises centre on the ethnicity of their referrals.

    • Anonymous says:

      No. You’re not reading this right. But a bigger question is why you would subtly point a finger at the local culture when it comes to domestic abuse. I seem to remember more than one white attorney being brought up on charges of domestic battery. Of course, maybe “white attorneys” was the “ethnicity” of culture the RCIPS should check on at the Crisis Centre you were referring to? Fact is, domestic violence is an issue that crosses demographics and your insinuation that it’s the local culture makes you a bigot.

      • Anonymous says:

        Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! No one is justifying McKeeva. They are simply pointing out that it’s a deeper problem than just him. At least he got caught and convicted. To the others… we see you!

      • Anonymous says:

        And your refusal to consider the data makes you ignorant (and will keep you there). In the Cayman context there is an unfortunate demographic element to the propensity towards broken homes, disfunctional nuclear families etc. denying it helps no one. We need to honestly and openly learn the facts, whether they suit an agenda or not, is irrelevant. Only when we have the facts can we design and implement policies to address this major problem.

    • Anonymous says:

      Nobody excusing and justifying McKeeva.

  26. Anonymous says:

    No, someone has to stand by their principles. We get upset when our politicians get bought by dirty money rather than standing up for what they believe in and what is right. The charity are doing the right thing. They are standing up for what is right even though it will cost them. If only our elected members did the same thing and couldnt be bought we wouldn’t be in this mess we have now.

    • Anonymous says:

      It won’t cost the board members a damn thing. They all have well-paid jobs and are sitting pretty. No, the people who suffer from their selfish decision are the women and children who need help. If they replaced the money they would have got from mac with their own, now that would be standing by their principles.

      • Anonymous says:

        I am going to send a donation cheque to the Crisis Centre right now for standing up for right. They are standing by their principles which more people should do. I hope the crisis Centre gets thousands of donations which is what they deserve.

  27. Anonymous says:

    Read 10:20 pm post before commenting.

    “Cn help to wonder why did the Crisis Centre not protest or speak up when they should have.”

  28. Anonymous says:

    Disgusting that Panton would drag a non-profit organization in to this for his own political expediency. Give the funds to the Alex Panton Foundation instead, apparently their anti-bullying message has not been widely accepted to date.

    • Anonymous says:

      Your mind would certainly benefit from meditation or a walk in the beach.

    • Anonymous says:

      The Alex Panton Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation with the primary objective of raising awareness of mental illnesses affecting children and young adults in the Cayman Islands with a particular focus on anxiety and depression.

      XXXX

      CNS: If you want to find out more about the APF you can contact them directly. This is not the appropriate platform for the questions you ask. In the meantime, visit their website here to find out more about what they do.

    • Anonymous says:

      Nobody dragged the CC into this except for the board members. They got a donation. Thank you very much. End of story. But no, they had to make this political.

      • I think you have this backwards says:

        PACT & Bush made this political.

        Also not that it really matters but perhaps McKeeva could direct his donation to a charity that helps with addiction.

        Most victims the CC helps are not the result of a bar fight. We seem to have lost the understanding of what happened. Mac got drunk and assaulted the manager of a bar who was trying to help him. It happened to be a woman but the underlying issue is he was blind drunk and violent.

        Hopefully he is staying sober…

  29. Anonymous says:

    Mac isn’t the only one who has committed violence against women. He’s not even the only one to be arrested for it. And we all know there are others who have done similar or worse and not come close to a court hearing… But since we have managed to give so many of these same, lecherous old men back their seats, the least they could do is contribute to charity.

    • Anonymous says:

      Crisis Center think hard. You might lose a lot of donors. Stay focused on what you are to do. You are not the be POLITICAL and have MALICE. Shame on you. Like Bush or not its funds to help.

      • Anonymous says:

        With this action, the Crisis Centre just made itself a small fortune

        • Anonymous says:

          Maybe in the short term, but it’s a long game. They’ve lost me as a donor PERMANENTLY. There are other charities I will support in the future. The food charities are probably in bigger need right now anyway.

    • Anonymous says:

      But he has been charged and convicted

      • Anonymous says:

        Barely.
        And he still denies it!!!
        He has made up story after story about somethin he initially claimed he could not remember.
        His sentence was disgusting.

  30. Anonymous says:

    The Crisis Centre is shortsighted and the management of the center should resign without further comment on the issue. The management of their Crisis Centre is allowing their personal hate for someone to detract from their core mission of the Centre and are not fit to provide leadership going forward.

    • Anonymous says:

      ..should resign..?
      More Drama?

    • Anonymous says:

      Wrong in so many ways.
      You might take blood money but some people have standards.
      Well done Crisis Centre.

      CNS please post how we can donate with clean money to the Crisis Centre.

      CNS: Honestly! All you have to do is to google the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.

    • Anonymous says:

      I wouldn’t necessarily pin this on management, although the Board is definitely responsible. NGOs shouldn’t wade into political frays and when they do, they lose my support. I’ve supported CICC for more than a decade, but since they’re so flush they can turn down money for political/personal reasons, I guess they don’t need my support any more. More money for kids and dogs now, I guess. The ironic part of this is that when situations like this arise in a court setting, financial restitution would be a reasonable penalty. But in this situation, the board sees it as an insult and would rather not accept the donation for reasons of principle. Dumb.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Why? Take it and ask for more. Stop making big deal out of such things.

  32. Anonymous says:

    The money should be sent to Caribbean Haven Rehab Centre where people go to seek help with drug addictions…alcohol being a major one.
    That place can really use the money in a number of ways. Not for staff, as they are paid by government, but for things that can improve the lives of residents while they are there and help expand ancillary programs amd activities.
    Bush should have went there for help.

  33. Anonymous says:

    It wasn’t just gender-based violence, the multi-pronged attacks that evening were triggered by his deep-seated hatred of LGBTQ and voices from allies. PACT and Crisis Center should steer that $15-20k to Colours Cayman and both should (I hope) support the efforts of Cayman’s LGBTQ community and allies to seek just and equal consideration in regards to their human and civil rights.

  34. Without Sin says:

    Cast the first stone again.

  35. Know Dadeal says:

    Typical of Cayman. The charity must be flush with money so the privileged in the board can decline a donation. I thought the funds were to be used for the victims. If they can benefit people who are in need and who the charity is set up to help why would they decline them?

  36. Anonymous says:

    Can you clarify exactly what Alden was supposed to do about Mac? He is not the judiciary that sentenced him with a slap on the wrist nor is he the DPP that brought the (arguably light) charges. If Alden had stepped across the judiciary line to ‘deal’ with Mac you would have said Alden was abusing his powers. The only thing he could have done was remove him as speaker, however as you see with what is happening now Alden couldn’t do that for the same reason Wayne has to appoint him – it’s a numbers game for the entire 4 years.

  37. Anonymous says:

    If they don’t take his cash, some other charity should. Paying might not make things right, but it’s better than Mac not paying. Use the money for a dedicated anti-physical abuse awareness/education fund for goodness sake!

    • Anonymous says:

      Colours Cayman? It’s not like it’s a colossal donation…maybe $20k? He’s drawing salary and a govt pension simultaneously, along with indeterminate consulting fees.

  38. Anonymous says:

    Ppm was fine with Mac AND Austin – another woman beater – for 4 years, so hush your mouth.

  39. Anonymous says:

    Deduct it from his salary each month and rotate to all of the other needy charities. This money is not for the board of directors, it is to help those women who have been abused.

    If the judge had any sense he would have put that in place when he sentenced him.

    As far as the PPM weighing in on this…Remember you had him for 8 years and did nothing. At least the new government is trying to correct some of the wrongs that you ignored.

  40. Anonymous says:

    Where do i donate to the cc

    • Anonymous says:

      If you would like to make a general donation which does towards our daily operations and all programmes and services we deliver to the Cayman community, you may do so via online bank transfer, cheque or cash. Cheques can be made payable to Cayman Islands Crisis Center and cash donations can be dropped off at Estella’s Place, 2nd floor, Crown Square, Eastern Avenue (online bank transfer and cheque preferred).

      Online banking details:
      Bank of Butterfield Cayman
      Account Name: Cayman Islands Crisis Centre
      CI account: 1361629840014
      US account: 8401629840037
      https://www.cicc.ky/you-can-help/

  41. Anonymous says:

    As if . . . Mckeeva will just have more money in his pocket dah!!!!

    Cn help to wonder why did the Crisis Centre not protest or speak up when they should have.

    I would not doubt that PPM is behind this statement.

    In no way I’m saying that wrong has not been done.
    Of course, he should have had the book thrown at him but … that was up to the courts.

    An apology, whether sincere or not and a monthly cheque (Roughly $1,421.50 KYD) is going to be the best we can get out of this mess right now.

    Why did the PPM Government not throw him under the bus when they could or should have. The answer is plain and simple. None of them is morally better that’s why.

    In conclusion,
    “. . . Mr Panton has done more to hold McKeeva to account in 3 days than PPM did in over a year.”

  42. Anonymous says:

    Guaranteed next voter turn is lowest on record. Why bother there all full of it.

    • Anonymous says:

      Actually this mess is exactly why everyone should vote. Mac won by 27 votes. Only 27. If everyone in that constituency would have voted we might not be in this situation. Every vote counts in this very small territory

  43. Anonymous says:

    Woohoo Big Mac gets a ten percent pay raise!

  44. Anonymous says:

    This is one of the best articles I have read in quite a while. People actually standing up, saying the truth and showing more moral fiber than even half of one of these so called MPs. I felt shame for Panton when he made a deal with the devil.

  45. Anonymous says:

    Mac, time for you to retire. You should be in jail for what you did to that poor lady.

    • Anonymous says:

      Are we confident that is the only reason?

    • Anonymous says:

      You say Mac should be in jail. So what should happen to the other habitual wife beaters?

      • Anonymous says:

        McKeeva should be in jail for assault.

        This isn’t a case of domestic violence. The bar manager just happened to be a female who tried to help him.

        He just happens to be a very bad person.

      • Anonymous says:

        I can’t believe you needed to ask ……. they should be jailed too, of course, not used as shining examples as to why we need to overlook this particular case.

      • Anonymous says:

        9:33 pm, you are right and don’t forget the ex drug pushers that ruined some young people for life, they should still be in jail and not voted M P by stupid voters

  46. Anonymous says:

    I’ll be there on Thursday evening to support A Walk In Her Shoes, might even wear my speakers wig.

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe it’s just me, but I find that whole event rather weird. I get that it’s a fundraiser and supposed to be fun, but the way some of those guys carry on, it’s almost like they’re making fun of women. It’s one thing to wear women’s shoes and walk down the street, but something else to dress if full drag and prance around in affected – and sometime raunchy – ways. The spectacle seems to take away from the message/mission of the Crisis Centre, no matter how many “Real Men Beat Eggs” signs they hold up.

  47. Anonymous says:

    Unlike the Catholics, there will be no indulgences for sale today. Can’t buy your way to absolution in this case, Wayne. Maybe accrue the payments for McKeeva’s next victim.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Respect Crisis Centre…he’s effectively just reserving beds for his victims.

  49. Anonymous says:

    Very well done indeed. Look for major increases coming your way from donors who legitimately support the cause.

  50. Anonymous says:

    Panton and all his newbies will not last long with us all knowing they shook McKeevas hand.

    • Anonymous says:

      Mckeeva just spent 4 years working with Alden and Roy
      The selective memory of some is astounding

      • Anonymous says:

        Absolutely! This is a case of keep your former friends close and your enemy closer! Oh and I’m sooo glad the Crisis Centre staff/board can turn down the money! Not! I say take every penny from him but let him know you are not bought! Don’t let pride keep you from helping more victims! If my abusive ex drops a penny I take it because I DESERVE that and so much more!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Leave Mr Panton alone. Give them a chance. Change is good! Next time you should run!!!

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