PACT confirms Cabinet, Bush apologises
(CNS): Premier Designate Wayne Panton has confirmed his Cabinet after five days of political wrangling following the inconclusive election result last Wednesday. Isaac Rankine has reneged on his early agreement to support the group now known as PACT, however McKeeva Bush will return to the speaker’s chair in support of the new line-up. Bush apologised for his assault on a female bar manager and agreed to donate 10% of his salary to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre in a public statement released with the details of the new front-bench.
PACT will also be immediately implementing a code of conduct for all parliamentarians, where any infractions would lead to immediate dismissal from any official position, which Bush said he fully supports.
While Panton may now face criticisms in some quarters for dealing with Bush, the stalemate in the face of overwhelming support for the former environment minister to lead an independent coalition government had to be broken and Bush himself said he was obligated to support PACT, given the election result.
With Bush in the speaker’s chair, he is able to offer the necessary majority for government and will be in a position to break any ties in Parliament in favour of government if the PPM-Alliance members persistently vote against the PACT’s legislation. Panton told CNS that if those in opposition choose to block his government’s business, then they will have to answer to their constituents. However, he said he was confident that the members of the Progressives, now to be in opposition, would be supportive of the work his government intends to do.
He said he was “humbled to be leading a team with such diverse backgrounds” which reflects a mix of political experience and youthful energy. “It is clear from the electorate that they wanted the torch passed to the next generation, and I am honoured to be at the helm of such a transition in our history.”
Panton will lead a Cabinet that includes Chris Saunders as deputy premier, Kenneth Bryan, Sabrina Turner, Andre Ebanks, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Johany “Jay” Ebanks and Bernie Bush. None of the portfolios of the new ministers have yet been revealed but with eight seats now in Cabinet, there will be a need to realign the existing ministries within the confines of the existing budget. Meanwhile, Heather Bodden will serve as parliamentary secretary with Bush as speaker of the House.
In his statement, Bush said the early elections were called by former premier McLaughlin “to resolve, in his opinion, the issue surrounding my personal conduct with the voters making their wishes known”.
He stated, “Based on the results of the elections, it is clear the voters overwhelmingly want a government led by Independents and as the duly elected member for West Bay West, who also ran as an Independent, it is my constitutional responsibility to respect the will of the Caymanian people.”
Bush accepted that many of the PACT group had campaigned against him, and while the post-election talks had been heated, he said he was “encouraged and inspired by the patriotism of Premier Designate, G. Wayne Panton, members of the PACT Independents, and their families who chose to put aside personal differences in the interest of our country”.
Bush said he wanted to apologise for his prior conduct and “pledge my commitment to sign the code of conduct”. He said, “While I cannot change what happened in the past, I can learn from my mistakes and hope that my actions going forward also serve as an example for others to follow. To my family, the people of the Cayman Islands, and in particular the people in my home constituency of West Bay West, I would also like to apologize for my actions and thank you for your prayers, support, and understanding.”
He also urged the elected members of the Alliance to respect the will of the voters, where twelve Independent members were elected, and asked them to join the thousands of Caymanians who have already congratulated Panton and the members of PACT.
Panton offered his gratitude to the outgoing administration and former legislators, thanking his one-time close friend and political colleague, Alden McLaughlin, and his team for their service to Cayman, saying public service is still a noble calling.
“I also want to use this opportunity to thank the other parliamentarians who also served our islands over the past four years but were unsuccessful at the polls. In their contributions they have left their fingerprints on the development of our islands,” he said, before also offering his gratitude to long-time MLA/MP Anthony Eden.
“My team wants me to recognise the contributions of Mr Tony as a legislator for almost three decades. His unbroken service to the people of Bodden Town, Savannah and Newlands is testament to his commitment to public service and I wish him well in his retirement. I want to thank his family for sharing some of the best years of his life with us and we are forever in their debt,” Panton said.
See Bush’s full statement and the PACT release in the CNS Library.
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Category: 2021 General Elections, Elections, Politics
Once everyone calms down sufficiently, they will soon come to realize that they are in for four more years of the very same.
Saunders Bryan and Mac can hardly be described as “the same”.
Watch and see.
I have no faith in people whose values keep changing.
I liked Wayne because he appeared so innocent that butter would not even melt in his mouth.
He claimed in his campaign that he broke with PPM because they would not get rid of the Speaker. Also that he would dedicate himself to listening to the needs of his community, and that he would work with the Govt – the meaning of which I understood to be the PPM Govt, for the betterment of Cayman.
Once he won he quickly backtracked on his promises.
Anyone besides myself who believed in his promises, please accept that all of us in Newlands have been conned by a fast talking power hungry politician.
His interest is not what is best for Cayman.
Heather. I also expected better of you.
Neither of you would get my vote again anytime between now and the morning after eternity ends…
Jay and Mac are Siamese twins. It doesn’t matter where Isaac went, but when this all plays out he will be the one who saved us
That didn’t take long !
Casting judgements is easy when we are not the ones having to make the hard decisions.
I notice Bush’s apology takes in just about everyone – apart of course from the woman he beat up.
Which tells us he still isn’t really sorry. He still doesn’t see anything wrong with his actions, other than the political damage they have caused him. He still, really, doesn’t see that he has anything to apologise for. Because it was HER fault, after all.
What an honourable man he is.
He’s sorry he was unaware of the cameras….he hopes to do better next time…or some of the next times!
XXXX 60% of readers are unhappy (as am I) with these turn of events, therefore I think a by-election is the healthiest option for the country. If it happens, I hope the 6,000 who shirked your civic duty will take the interest to come and cast your ballot. This mess is partly a result of your nonchalant attitude towards our future and our democratic process. In other countries people die fighting for the right to have their vote count, while you ignore your duty. 😠
There’s almost 40,000 people who aren’t allowed to vote despite living here
Yes 40,000 expats who should not be allowed to vote. Hence being expat. Get a grip of your entitlement please.
9:28 preach! They love to overstep regarding EVERYTHING
I’ve lived here 14 years (longer than I’ve lived anywhere else) and intend to live here for the rest of my life. So to have absolutely no say in major decisions that affect me is deeply disappointing. And then to see comments and opinions like this one at 9:28 every day is so hurtful. Expats have a lot to give to the community if you would let them.
If you are privileged enough to receive status, then you may vote. NOT before. It is the height of privilege to go to another person’s country and expect the right to vote without have first become a citizen.
12:30 agree 1000% it is people like 10:07 why so many people become angry. You decided to live here, wonderful. However, that does not give you the right to have the same rights as us. Not until you have earned your place through gaining status.
As I said in an earlier post, the greatest political comeback ever. McKeeva is by far the shrewdest politician these islands have ever had.
Panton is the biggest turn coat of this election.
There is now a fox in the hen house as the Speaker, if this Scheme goes through.
I am thoroughly disgusted with PACT.
At least PPM did not remotely entertain McKeeva.
This is simply outrageous.
Completely REVOLTED! SHAME on Panton!
If you believe that you’ll believe anything
Don’t kid yourself. If PPM needed Mac to form a government then they would court him as well.
They did need him, but they didn’t court him
What a mess, these beloved Islands have got into. Can’t believe some of the promised elect ministers, will be ministers.Truly a mess and Speaker,oh no, not again.
I am quite sure that the incoming ministers will not be any worst than previous ministers. Let’s hope that their CO’s now do their job thus ensuring continuity of already good policies in place in some ministries.
Little piece of advice for the incoming ministers, remember we are holding you accountable, at ALL times, and everything done MUST be in the total interest of the people of these islands to whom you owe your job to.
What a mess
I thought the A in PACT stood for ACCOUNTABLE? I guess for everyone except Mac.
I wonder if Roy ever thanked Alden for the leadership….it would be like the captain of the titanic handing the wheel to the chief mate right after the big bump…”ok that should do it…you take over”
PPM still making sure a woman beater gets paid.
So we got a former convicted drug dealer as a Minister, one who can barely say a proper full sentence and another who has a temper almost as bad as Mr. Cow Cod. What a mess. I wonder if they realise only one can be Sports and Youth Minister.
Andre and Sabrina I can see adding value. Chris what a joke.
I see this Government lasting 9 months or less before their egos and “Independent Minds” lead to some heavy infighting and then a split.
PPM take the opposition as that is just temporary.
YUP, totally agree, however, I think only 6 months.
6 is alot… maybe 6 weeks. This should be interesting.
We are warned in the Bible to never make a PACT with the Devil
Alden did four years ago, that’s what put us in this mess. Alden disrespected the people and disgraced the honourable house. Don’t blame Wayne for Alden’s XXXX.
“ While Panton may now face criticisms in some quarters for dealing with Bush”
Clearly not this corner.
“the stalemate in the face of overwhelming support for the former environment minister to lead an independent coalition government had to be broken”
Because the ends justify the means.
Call me cynical, but I dare say we’re witnessing an old fashioned white washing taking place.
Whatever happened to all the “never forgets” and “never Bush” voices out there? Did not Wayne and Bernie both join those who opposed McKeeva remaining as Speaker? Did not this very same media source cover it and deride the government for their choices to maintain him in this role? Where is that strong moral stance now? Could it be that it was all just convenient posturing using McKeeva’s victim as a prop? Say it ain’t so!
Poor Alric, the first casualty of the 2021 war.
He’ll be either a Chief Officer,Council Member or Head of Cayman Finance. I think he’s understanding that he wasn’t elected but will do a great job serving his country in some major capacity.
Poor Alric. He lost before to Barbara, then he lost again in this election, then Wayne and his happy band made him speaker, then they dismissed him before he even started…
Alric – you are a good guy, but always seem to be on the wrong side…
checkmate …??
This will play out on the floor of Parliament – it will be interesting to see whether Standing Orders will be followed as required by the law – if so stalemate not checkmate
Disgusting
So will the road by the horsey stable not get finished because Roy is out?
If that list of Ministers doesn’t worry you then nothing will.
Perhaps it’s time to acknowledge that leaders on both sides have large egos and look at other reasons to choose sides.
If it means PACT gets in and the PPM gets the boot then fine… hopefully Wayne can be a positive influence on McBeater. If not hopefully Wayne will at least keep him on a short leash.
Shame on Isaac = shame….
Now lets see him explain how this was all for them.
I feel conflicted.
I’m happy the people of the Cayman Islands have a new set of MPs and a leader who is an avowed conservationist.
The environment may finally catch a break from rapacious destructive over-development.
And the ordinary people will catch a break and be better supported in their desire to buy homes, create thriving businesses and educate children and young people to a high standard.
But as a woman I cringe to see Bush as Speaker, a convicted assaulter, as Speaker of the House. He does not serve such honour.
Yes, I can see he needs to be neutralised from making mischief and is better to be under strict control than a rogue lone agent.
And of course he won his district – albeit by about two dozen votes, and with his allies falling away.
But now we have a hung Parliament. We risk bitter partisan politics, vengeful stalemates and special interests still having an unfair influence in a democracy that hangs by a thread.
Politicians can be targeted by dark money and picked off. The precarious situation when passing legislation means MPs are at grave risk from extreme pressure from powerful wealthy forces.
Now is the time for patriotic and cool heads to prevail. To put aside the old ways and work collectively for the stability and greater good of these beloved isles.
Or the price already paid in several women’s silent pain and shame at the hands of a powerful man will be paid by the whole of Cayman.
Not a very good start. Can you imagine what panton and gang would be saying if ppm had made this deal.
PPM caused it.
With Ropers help Alden, McTaggart, Bush, Rankine have destroyed my islands.
WTF you saying to me?
They say it’s not over until the fat lady sings so let’s see what else will happen between now and Wednesday
Watch now how the Speaker position quietly gets a 10% raise.
He already at least 50% more than a back bencher. Could have at least committed to the full net increase going to pay for his restitution. As it stands, they just gave the ole woman beater a 45% net raise! Smoke and mirrors.
8:48 – You nailed it! It always gets passed on to the taxpayer…
So the most powerful person in Cayman is not the Governor, the Premier designate or even the Queen. Step forward Mckeeva the Puppet master.
This outcome is PPM’s and Issac’s fault for refusing to acknowledge reality that they do not have a majority and refusing to work with PACT in the better interests of the Caymanian people.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
This outcome is literally because Wayne is willing to give McKeeva this position to form his government. Nothing else.
Actually if the PPM were willing to work with the independents and then this wouldn’t be happening. Blame them. They are power hungry. The people are overwhelmingly in support of a independent lead government and Wayne tried to work with them but they wouldn’t budge. Blame the PPM.
Did Roy give Mac the Speaker position to push his group to 10? Doesn’t look like it to me…
Spin whatever yarns you like, but you cannot avoid the fact that Wayne has done the literal thing he left the PPM over.
You can claim it’s worth it to have PACT in power, but it was still a choice he made to do so.
#sheissupportedunlessitdoesntsuitmypoliticalinterests
He has lost any integrity he may of had, and it only took less than a week! Wow. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the idea of Independence floated within a year.
You know, I was a strong supporter of the PPM for many years but I cannot in good conscience accept that they should continue to be the government under these circumstances. Mac could have been left twiddling his thumbs if the PPM accepted the will of the majority of voters and chose to support an independent-led government. At least Wayne got something out of working with Mac (code of conduct to be implemented and 10% salary towards women’s issues). Ask yourself what the PPM got when working with him last election – NOTHING. As much as I can’t stand him, WBW elected him again. The PPM refused to be reasonable and Issac is a coward who has already been bought. What other choice when PPM is literally holding the country hostage when they only got 29% of the vote?
How’s that moral pretzel you just twisted yourself into to pretend it’s now okay? When you next get let down (and it’s when, not if) I wonder how far you will continue to let accountability slide before you realize the emperor has no clothes.
ask yourself – if she was your mother, your daughter, your friend – would you be ok with this? would a forced apology and 10% donation from a millionaire make this acceptable? if the answer is yes – and from the posts i’ve seen, from the very people who were behind #sheissupported, who have suddenly abandoned her in the their blind hatred for the PPM – is beyond comprehension and utterly despicable.
Very true. Seems #sheissupported has quietly taken back bench for #supportthechange.
Hypocrisy is the cornerstone of Cayman’s society.
10% of what? A month’s salary? Or a year’s?
I applaud your post and values. In a perfect world what should happen is with the PPM swimming upstream they should extend an offer to Wayne for a bi-partisan effort to collective uphold the same principles between them. The truth is the PPM is no better than Wayne (it could be argued even less upstanding) by taking the stance they have and digging in their heels. It’s very reminiscent of the port referendum attitude, I don’t care what you want, this is what we want instead.
Tell you what. I’ll take it if Mac dons a pair of six inch stilettos and shows up at A Walk In Her Shoes on Thursday evening.
For the sake of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Julie please jump ship – you are the most experienced politician with this issue. Jump Julie Jump.
Miss Julie has a lot more integrity than that!
Sounds like someone who got their parking lot paved.
Yes a majority of independents were elected but that is because people had no choice. PPM were the only party running candidates, and all 7 of them were reelected. I hope the “independents” don’t scream about the moral high ground, not with McKeeva in their government.
Their publicly declared alliance members with the exception of one were all rejected.
9.29pm There were 50 candidates in this election;12 for the Alliance and 38 independent candidates not affiliated with the Alliance. 27 of those 38 were defeated.
I ask, how many seats were available to be won? Math wasn’t your strong point apparently.
Not ALL of the PPM were re-elected. I know it’s easy to do so, but did you forget about Frank Cornwall?
PPM keep saying they all got re-elected… just more of their lies that led cayman into the mess it’s currently in today.
Better than 4 more years of PPM, that’s all I can say. And their beloved OMOV system is what keeps getting McKeeva re-elected.
9 to 9 tie means Speaker of the House cast the tie breaking vote.
All you lawyers, and supporters of both sides just need to read what our constitution says
SEE SECTION 75(2). It is clearly written in black in white.
Speaker Denison’s rule?
Absolutely – Speaker Addington’s Rule and if that is not sufficient then Speaker Denison’s Rule
8.30pm But the accepted practice had been for the Speaker to have a casting vote and vote only to maintain the status quo, that is to keep things the way they are. That means if Govt moves a motion and the votes are tied, the Speaker can only vote for the motion to fail. If opposition moves a motion and the votes are tied, the speaker has to vote to defeat that motion also.
If this gov can do this an then don’t legalize the herb I will be sick
Come see now which cushy job Alric been promised now so they can make their deal with the devil. Any bets?
Roy Tatum old job! He will be Wayne P’s PA!
I really hope the Independent do not succumb to this low.
Get rid of all these “special Premier appointed posts”, as its disgusting to know precious money has been wasted just for an entourage!
Independent retract the law which gave huge unwarranted salary increases to MPs and other senior heads of the Civil Service.
Our country is in debt, put that money to balancing our budget and helping our people.
Bye bye Cayman. Good times gone.
Cayman first – except women who are assaulted. Don’t you dare use #sheissupported unless you demand Panton reject his PACT with the DEVIL.
Well, at least McKeeva Bush admits his wrong and finally signs a code of conduct. I think he realized how PPM was treating him, hoping that early elections would have caused him to lose his seat. It could be the PPM were supporting Mario to unseat him. The PPM had indicated they didn’t want Bush back. So now, this has backfire on them, and Bush joins PACT
They treated him better then he treats female bar managers.
this is shameful. #sheissupported? how dare you. indefensible. and Kathy, Heather and Sabrina, I have never felt more disgust at your betrayal.
We got the government wanted. It is now time to volunteer our time and skills to strengthen from our communities up. Let’s do this, Cayman!
I knew the deal with this particular devil was coming. Absolute and utter embarrassment to this country to even have him back in office, let alone elected to the speaker’s role again. I had higher hopes for mr panton. But frankly the true colors show through and he clearly will do anything for power, including appoint this dufus back into power as well. They want their money and power and that’s it.
Remind me again how they’re going to put caymanians first?
Wow – it is obvious Wayne wrote that for Mac but nonetheless I am happy to see Mac release it. The results in his district must have finally had reality set in for him.
Bernie, Jay and Kenny as Ministers? Quite the brain trust you got there Wayne. You do know there is only one Sports Ministry right?
What a shameful disgrace, Mr. Bush must not be allowed to be appointed to any position of power in our Islands.
Mr. Panton and Mr. Mctaggart should get together and form a coalition government with only qualified persons serving as ministers.
Careful what you wish for.
Boi, EE, if there was EVER a time that you messed up, this was it. Arden would have GLEEFULLY gone with the PACT: 1. to spite Alden and 2. with a Ministerial post. But oh no, you wanted a fresh horse. Now you got what you voted for: NOTHING. Arden must be both angry and laughing; angry that you all cheated him out of his most dreamed of revenge on Alden and laughing because your choice left EE in opposition – again. You can have your MP, by the by. He proved he’s not Cayman Islands material.
Nope.