Roy forces PACT to embrace Mac as speaker

| 21/04/2021 | 110 Comments
  • Cayman News Service
  • Cayman News Service

(CNS): Roy McTaggart and Joey Hew made their first strategic move towards undermining Panton’s PACT when they nominated Barbara Conolly for speaker on Wednesday, following the nomination by Jay Ebanks and Katherine Ebanks-Wilks for McKeeva Bush. The move forced the newly formed PACT to vote for Bush, despite the viable alternative, because of the risk to the still loosely gelled coalition. A secret ballot enabled them not to have their names called but the result of 12 votes to Bush and seven to Conolly made it plain that the PACT had stuck together, despite the obvious criticisms they will now face.

The vote was the first move in constructing the new parliament once all 19 members elect had been sworn in as MPs and taken their seats. Following a short address by the governor, in which he raised the issue of the need for a code of conduct for MPs and the recent rancor in the wake of the election, the speaker was elected and Bush returned to the chair in his full regalia to oversee the first meeting of the House and to deliver his opening address.

Bush said the new government was led by a “capable lawyer”, as he reviewed the new Cabinet. “This Cabinet is as good as any that I have seen and they must be given the chance to do the work they were elected to do,” he added.

He also revealed that Ebanks-Wilks will be the deputy speaker. However, the opposition leader again nominated Conolly, forcing another vote with almost the same result along the now divided lines, with 11 votes for Ebanks-Wilks (as Bush was in the chair) and seven for Conolly, which pressed home the point that Panton cannot waiver because of the commitments made to hold together the PACT.

As he delivered his address, Bush said, “There is no time to bicker and to plot.” The speaker, who managed to reposition himself in his old job after five days of political wrangling, promised to keep order in the new Parliament. Bush said the mistakes were in the past, as he spoke of moving forward. But he made no mention of his own conduct relating to his assault conviction.

The proceedings continue.


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Category: 2021 General Elections, Elections, Politics

Comments (110)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    A more fitting headline would be ‘Roy forces PACT to expose exrent of support for Mac’.( they all voted yes). Without a vote each member if questioned could claim that they did not support Mac’s appointment.

  2. Joe B says:

    Same circus, same clowns, same show. This is what Caymanians want. More of the same. What does that tell you?

  3. Anonymous says:

    So after the swearing in ceremony i got in my car and started to drive off.

    In the parking lot I could see something that resembled a big deflated red ballon. I got out of the car to check it …. punchline coming….it was RM and MK both had fainted out in the parking lot!!!!

  4. REAL Representation says:

    Another 4 years of PPM government would have left Dart in charge…

    CNS: The rest of this comment can be read here.

  5. Anonymous says:

    The PACT promise of transparency hopefully means that somebody , Wayne or otherwise, who has a copy of the terms of the deal with Mac and the terms of the “Code of Conduct” please make those documents public so that the entire public can see what PACT is talking about. Otherwise it is all just lies and business as usual now that PACT has had our votes.

  6. L says:

    Is Barbara really a viable option? Maybe if Roy had been nominated. Although the misinformation he has been spreading regarding the forming of a government leaves much to be desired as well. Just saying….

    • Anonymous says:

      1.22pm Roy was correct that is why then announced that they were going to take the previously unheard of step of appointing a Temporary Speaker. Thos temporary speaker was to be appointed just for the selection and appointment of Wayne. Then she would have resigned for Mac to be appointed. Don’t believe that is provided for in the Constitution. So no misinformation by Roy. Lucky for them two more members joined and they could appoint Wayne without using a temporary speaker.

      • Anonymous says:

        So Roy was doing that so Mac could help vote in Panton…what a bunch of BS!!!

      • Anonymous says:

        You’re and idiot…while not addressed directly in the constitution (nor is Speaker ability to break tie in leadership vote) all aspects of appointing a temporary speaker are addressed and therefore it was a totally viable option had Roy’s misinformation about eligibility of the speak been factual.

    • Anonymous says:

      Barbara is a viable option only if you are looking for someone who is useless. That may be a better option than Mac though.

  7. Say it like it is says:

    Ironic that the two ladies who jumped ship simply to line their own pockets, must now be referred to as “The Honorable”.

  8. Anonymous says:

    The people of West Bay West talk they voted Mr Bush in I guess they must be happy with him so all I can say is just get on with the job and for all who dont like to see him well we just have to shut our eyes, it’s time to put away this sort of foolishness and work for the betterment of the caymanian people and it’s resident

  9. McKeevas Wig says:

    I’m back baby!

  10. Anonymous says:

    Genuine question here as I do not understand quite how this works.
    Why were the only 2 options for Speaker; MacBeaterDon’tRememberItHappened or Mrs SpendOthersMoneyOnUnnecessaryWork@SmithCove?
    Why are they the only ones nominated?
    TIA

    • Kmanman@hotmail.com says:

      There were only two sides and those were the agreed upon nominations.

    • Anonymous says:

      Procedural: Speaker is nominated (and elected) by the Parliamentarians. So the only people they choose to nominate is the only people they have to vote on.

      Political: PACT made a deal with McKeeva for his support. So they had to nominate him as speaker. Barbara is also a past speaker. Put in to replace McKeeva during the court case. So nominating her makes the political point when PACT had to vote against her that, even with a more secure majority, they are standing by McKeeva.

      • Anonymous says:

        Agreed.

        Re Political – a promise was made which was conditioned by Mac: (1) making an apology; (2) donating 10% of his salary; and (3) implementing a code of conduct for parliamentarians. If Mac keeps his side of the bargain then PACT/Panton is obligated to do the same as they may be exposed to litigation. What is interesting is that implicit in the so called bargain is there are checks and balances via the code of conduct which gives Panton a mechanism to remove Mac for future misbehaviour.

        • Anonymous says:

          You can’t sue a politician for reneging on a promise. They’d all be in jail now.

        • Anonymous says:

          “there are checks and balances via the code of conduct which gives Panton a mechanism to remove Mac for future misbehaviour”

          The only mechanism for removing Mac is in the Constitution. Unless the Constitution is amended to include a Code of Conduct, then it’s not worth the paper that it’s written on.

          • Anonymous says:

            Thank you. I do not see the new Cabinet wanting to amend the Constitution in order to restrict either their freedom to do what they want or to restrict the Speakers freedom to do what he wants.

          • Anonymous says:

            Yes of course. I meant removal as speaker and not as an elected member.

  11. Just checking says:

    A lot keeps being made about McKeeva assaulting a woman.

    Would it have been okay if he just got blind drunk and attacked a male employee at Coral Beach?

    He is a national embarrassment.

    • Anonymous says:

      His history with taking advantage of women. But it would have been just as reprehensible if it had been a male.

      • Anonymous says:

        It would have been fabulous. I’m guessing that most male employees would have battered the drunken fat slob into a bloody heap on the floor.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why on earth would that be okay?
      TBH if it were a male employee Mac may have come away in worse shape. Men tend to be better at defending themselves physically.

    • Anonymous says:

      Wayne wanted power, Roy did not force him to take MAC!

      He had many other options.

      But power was the only one that mattered.

    • Anonymous says:

      Sounds as if the current Government made a decision to compromise their integrity and their righteous indignation for power. That was right out the gate. Wonder what other compromises and deals they will be prepared to make with the devil.

      • Anonymous says:

        We should also uncover the deal alden made with the devil 4 years ago to form his government. Bet that would be a shocker. Lets be open and transparent put all those sealed deals in the public domain. I wonder what the outcome might be.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Still looking for No Shame guy, anyone heard from him?

  13. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to Mr. Panton and the new government . Despite the current negative rhetoric ,I have every faith in the man to do a good job .

  14. Anonymous says:

    …and with just cause, perhaps just weeks away, this time, the House will be able to remove him from politics entirely. Wait for it….

  15. Anonymous says:

    And they now have the likes of Jay Ebanks joining them and we all know his reputation in NS.

    Whilst I am not an ardent supporter of the PPM, this make up of a government will last 12 months maximum, when you have the likes of Saunders, Bryan, Bernie Bush and NS Ebanks who all have their own egos and adgendas. God help the country we call home.

  16. Anonymous says:

    spineless on their first day in office….
    right this down: pact voted for a convicted woman beater to be speaker of the house.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, because they had agreed to do that. Critically though, they are putting everyone on a leash. Something PPM/UDP/CDP couldn’t implement in the last 20+ years.

      • Anonymous says:

        There is no leash. if you think that any of the new lot will allow their power and appetites to be limited then you are in for a rude awakening

    • Anonymous says:

      Disgusting to see the new govt. overweight reclined and slouching in their shiny MP seats . No dignity right from the start .

      • Anonymous says:

        Did you miss some of the new politicians doing the same thing? Really embarrassing and not setting a great example.

  17. Right ya so says:

    Time for them all to stop #$^&%# playing stupid playground games and get on with it. Roy McTaggart shame on you! Stop pandering to Alden and special interest groups and do what you’re paid to do – help run the damn country for the betterment of ALL that live here. Grow a pair and get on with job and stop putting roadblocks in the way. Cayman needs healing, do it for your grandchildren.

    • Anonymous says:

      To not have a vote on the speaker of the house would be a shame. These ‘roadblocks’ are meant to demonstrate to the people PACT will go back on their word in a heartbeat.

      Pre-election PACT = Bush Bad
      Post-election PACT = Bush Good

  18. Anonymous says:

    So how do you go from Deputy Premier (Moses K) to not even being Deputy Leader of your own beloved PPM, tell me please.

  19. Anonymous says:

    It is time for the people, women and men, of Cayman to march on the Parliament to show our disgust at this shameful and disrespectful appointment.

    • You're talking BS says:

      8:59 pm: Don’t even think about it, my friend; Parliament is not some shack to be disrupted. If you are unhappy, take it up with the voters who put the likes of Jay, Mac and Turner in – and the remaining 6,000 who did not even bother vote.

    • Anonymous says:

      Im in if light refreshments are provided.

    • Anonymous says:

      Have you just arrived? You had 4 years to march and show disgust at this shameful disrespectful appointment by the arrogant Alden and the unity government.

  20. Anonymous says:

    As a practical matter, will it be a problem given that a person with a criminal conviction cannot enter or travel through the United States on official business – not that I want that type of representation internationally.

    • Anonymous says:

      or locally

    • Anonymous says:

      Never stopped him before

    • Anonymous says:

      As much as I can’t stand Mac…..not all convictions prevent entry to travel through the US. This is exactly why the judge that sentenced him screwed us all! A custodial sentence of, I think, 12+ months would have made him ineligible to run.

      • Anonymous says:

        I suspect the reference may have been made regarding the one with a conviction for dealing drugs.

        • Anonymous says:

          Can we please start including Kenny’s name when we mention the convicted drug dealer. It appears that quite a few people are unaware of this.

          Now if we talk about the unconvicted drug dealer we can’t mention their name as that would be libel.

  21. Political Watch says:

    PPM used McKeeva when they needed to, and didn’t remove him when they could have, now they’re saying he’s not right for the job….. really PPM

    • Anonymous says:

      It was Kenneth who refused to cast the ONE vote needed to get Mac out… he refused for personal gain.

    • Anonymous says:

      When they needed to? When was that? When Wayne and his hidden party members called for the Government to denounce him? Now he is suddenly a good woman beater for them but not when he was with PPM? Do we look stupid to you?

  22. Anonymous says:

    The Speaker’s chair has the highest elevation in Parliament so clearly it is impossible for Wayne to claim any moral high ground at this point.

    • Anonymous says:

      Christ Jesus, can’t we get rid of that stupid Speakers wig and robe that they did away with in Britain years ago?

  23. Anonymous says:

    Barbera as speaker…can she even talk….not when the topic is abuse of women.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Is Roy still playing games? He should take the time to reflect on why the PPM/Progressives did not get re-elected and apologize to the people of the Cayman Islands for the poor conduct of his political party.

    • Anonymous says:

      He should have become an independent again & crossed the floor.

      • Anonymous says:

        Yes!!!! They could definitely use his knowledge and expertise. If he’d been willing to collaborate, it would have been far better for the country.

  25. Anonymous says:

    How ashamed we should be – not many Parliamentary democracies have to live with the shame of a person with a criminal record in such a position.

  26. Anonymous says:

    The sight of that awful man in that chair makes me sick to my stomach

  27. Anonymous says:

    Roy did not force PACT to do anything. He offered them an honourable alternative which would have increased their voting majority by having an opposition person in the Speaker’s chair. Instead they chose to disrespect all women of the Cayman Islands.

  28. Robert Mugabe IV says:

    Every member of the government should hang their head in shame for bending to the pressure of McWoman Beater to form a government. It’s a simple as this and none of ye can deny it, that you approve of physical violence against women. Your mothers, daughters and sisters must be so proud of you all setting such high standards for the up and coming children and teens of our nation.
    You are an absolute disgrace, and the same can be said for all the PPM aswell.
    Then the icing on the rotten cake, Juju back in charge of education. Helllooooo have you seen what the standards are in our schools. An embarrassment to anyone with half a brain.
    Dinosaur Eden is gone, but Juju still remains.
    Da wha ya get.

  29. Anonymous says:

    Seeing him in that chair again fills me with disgust

  30. Anonymous says:

    Glad they are sticking together despite PPM’s underhanded attempts.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Wayne votes for Mac as speaker. Disgusting!

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh, shut up and get over it!

    • Anonymous says:

      I think he had no choice. He made a deal with McKeeva in order to form a government. McKeeva was the number 10 man that rejected by PPM … So Panton had to work with what he got.

      • Anonymous says:

        Wasn’t it the 1980’s comedian Flip Wilson who had a line ‘The Debil made me do it’. Seems apt

      • Anonymous says:

        He definitely had a choice, not one he liked, but to be CLEAR, he CHOSE to make a deal with Mac and it’s SO disappointing, I had such hopes…

        • Anonymous says:

          To 7.41 He left Progressives because of not wanting to be associated with Bush. He could have rejoined PPM because of not wanting to be associated with Bush. He could have encouraged a few others including Andre to come along and form a coalition Govt with Roy.In return for helping Roy break the deadlock and form the new Govt ,Panton could have demanded to be appointed as Premier. He had choices.

    • Anonymous says:

      Psh. Would you rather another 4 years of PPM led government? Seriously you need to stop trolling.

    • Anonymous says:

      Love your comment.

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