Transparency required for terms of backroom deal

| 16/04/2021 | 38 Comments

Alric Lindsay writes: The independents (i.e. not the Alliance members and not Mr Bush) made a commitment to each other within 24 hours of winning their respective electoral districts. This was followed by a notice to the governor to form the next government. These two steps were taken after careful consideration of the wishes of many voters expressed on the valid ballot papers cast on 14 April. This was a “no brainer” as the people’s interests were considered to be a higher priority by the relevant, loyal independents rather than special interests.

Within hours of the foregoing commitment to the people of the Cayman Islands, rumours began to circulate about persons putting plans in motion to depart from a previous arrangement which was done in the best interests of the people. If the rumours turn out to be true, the people of the Cayman Islands should ask the winners in the relevant electoral district for a public explanation why they thought that their actions to walk away from the initial arrangement were in the best interests of the people.

Such a public disclosure should include whether or not monies were promised or actually exchanged to secure new commitments benefiting personal or special interests rather than the interests of the people. This level of openness and transparency would seem to be fair to the people.

At the moment, it is unclear whether the “new agreement” represents a document that was signed in advance of the elections date and dated yesterday to give the appearance that it was signed yesterday. While this type of thing could theoretically happen, it is hoped that this is not the actual case. In any event, it does appear that those who are desperate politically are making efforts to divide the Cayman Islands and pursue a course of action that is not in the best interests of the Cayman Islands.

In the absence of a confirmation by the relevant parties of the truth of the “rumour mill”, the committed independents intend to continue their scheduled meetings to proceed with the swearing in of a government that the committed independents know to be in the best interests of the people of  the Cayman Islands. Any departure from such a commitment without a peaceful protest from the people will be a signal as to the true and desired outcomes of the relevant stakeholders.

 May good sense and love for Cayman guide all hands involved in the decision-making in the coming days.

These are my personal views (not views on behalf of independents).


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Category: 2021 General Elections, Elections, Politics, Viewpoint

Comments (38)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    “The independents …” – Right from the beginning we see where this piece goes awry. The independents … except for the ones we conveniently right now don’t want to treat as if we were a team running in the election under the name ‘the independents’ … immediately took a step after careful consideration … “loyal independents” … “the people of the Cayman Islands should ask the winners in the relevant electoral district for a public explanation why they thought that their actions to walk away from the initial arrangement were in the best interests of the people.” Unless they are our arrangements, in which case don’t question them. Or ask for transparency on why I’m up in them.

    The usual political self-serving smoke & mirrors gussied up as erudite analysis and dispassionate advice to fool the gullible.

    If you like what Alric said, hold him and the PACT to the same standard. ’nuff said.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps we can provide some transparency that this group of “independents” have (per Alric) been in talks to work together for over a year. Sounds like a party to me. Ironically they didn’t announce as such over concerns about backlash (as in, losing any benefit of pretending to be “independent”).
    Hypocritical much? Between that and engaging in conversations with Mac I think the real character of this group is coming into the light.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Maybe Alric can give us another Viewpoint now that the Independents (not including Mr. Bush) are negotiating with Big Mac to give him Alric’s promised job in order to get a majority. In arguing his case, his opening statement may yet come back to haunt him:

    ‘This was a “no brainer” as the people’s interests were considered to be a higher priority by the relevant, loyal independents rather than special interests.’

  4. Anonymous says:

    wow…looks like the independents could not get it done at the very first hurdle…
    very glad this assortment is not in power.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Hearing Mac and Wayne had a meeting this morning. Interesting.

  6. Anonymous says:

    To 11″57 you is the idiot, u are ungrateful if alden didn’t close down cayman during this covid you maybe would have something else to say

    • Anonymous says:

      Wow, you make John John look smart. Maybe he should have “closed down” Cayman BEFORE that cruise ship came here back in March 2020…

  7. Anonymous says:

    Both the Independents and PMM worked the floors on this and both came away with agreements… stop the utter nonsense talk that somehow PPM is contravening the law or will of the people .. its a false narrative that social media is pushing. Our current style of government and campaigning affords these opportunities and therefore it is well within the realm of possibilities as seen now in two consecutive elections, the best negotiating team wins out. Making it some like somehow the Independents didn’t make promises and work their angles to find their ‘unity’ is rubbish … may the best team win!

    • Anonymous says:

      May the best representatives out of the 18 be able to form a government and stop fighting like little boys in a schoolyard.

      No Big Mac in any capacity.

      They need an old-fashioned head master grab them and bash their heads together.

  8. Anon. says:

    Turncoat? The candidates campaigned as “independent”. They are free to choose who they align with. That’s the whole point of being independent. This is what happens when you vote in independents in our system of government. You got what you voted for, now they made their decision people want to complain? Why? Because you don’t agree? Tough cookies. Once they are elected we all have to trust that they will make the right decisions for the country during the next four years. Like it or not the party system allows for more transparency because you know prior to voting what their allegiance will be after the results are in.

    Unless they plainly said they would never join ppm the what is the issue? I understand they both campaigned that they would work with whomever. So…there ya go.

    As it relates to any bribes, people with this knowledge should make a formal report. Otherwise it’s just a rumor.

    • We coming Fe ya says:

      Heller independents free to aligh with whomever is true, but ask yourself can you trust anyone who signs an agreement to form a government witnessed by by 8 other persons snd within a matter of hours does an about face to first those with whom he/ she made the agreement and most importantly to the public who on voting for them expected a high degree of integrity. Oh this is sl even before they have been sworn as MPs . Listen ya if that’s the kinda representative you want the majority of voters DONT. Treason me once and you’ll do it all the time. So dearie you and dem the drop off is there use it nah! You know it ain’t right.

      • Anonymous says:

        Bet you don’t mind her lack of integrity (as you described) now that she’s back with PACT?!

      • Anonymous says:

        So you don’t want her back in the ‘independent’ govt. and PPM can keep her in theirs? Is that what you’re saying? 🙂

    • Anonymous says:

      A basic human honour code dictates that if you sign an agreement letter in good faith stating you are going to do something, you don’t abruptly contravene those stated intentions and do the opposite within hours.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Hearing rumors that Sabrina Turner wanted speaker of the house (or at least that’s what she has been told to give as her excuse for jumping ship)!

    She should just disclose [if] she was paid to renege on original PACT deal, that would at least help people understand…

  10. Anonymous says:

    Transparency would be good.

    I would like to know the deals that were cut among the independents and their backers within 24 hours of the election – who was promised which Cabinet position and the extra money that goes with it – who was going to be a ‘Councillor’ and get extra money – what was considered in allocating Cabinet positions – relevant experience if any? relevant education if any? criminal records if any?

  11. Anonymous says:

    They are big people and they made their choice to switch to ppm at the end of the day its not all about them, but putting cayman first I must say Mr McLaughlin did a wonderful job with this covid problem may the best persons who have cayman at heart rules god bless

    • Anonymous says:

      Can’t believe idiots like you still believe Alden is our savior from COVID.

      • Anonymous says:

        Well, it certainly wasn’t John John

      • Anonymous says:

        I’m not surprised that idiots like you can’t understand that Alden protected Cayman. It’s idiots like you who are now now interfering in the election process. Your mentality is comparable to a trump supporter and even more historically, a mckeeva supporter.

        • Anonymous says:

          If there’s anyone you should give praise to for the handling of COVID-19 in Cayman, it’s Dr John Lee and the advice of medical health professionals, not to mention hundreds of civil servants and essential workers.
          Alden, being the narcissist that he is, wanted to make himself the face of handling the pandemic, which he used as leverage during the election season to win votes. I guess it worked out for him in the end, in combination with his decision to call an early election. So think about that before you accuse me of interfering with the election process.

    • Edgar Poe says:

      He may have done a good job with Covid-19 but that’s not the only issue. He has fallen short on many other issues.

  12. Anonymous says:

    It’s a crying shame do nothing Barbara was re-elected over Alric, a young, brilliant and promising Caymanian.

    • Anonymous says:

      The power of vote buying.

    • Anonymous says:

      So you would like selective respect for the majority, only when they agree with your views. Barbara worked hard for all of the people of GTS and not just for the well heeled and that is why the majority re-elected her.

      • Anonymous says:

        “Barbara worked hard for all of the people of GTS and not just for the well heeled”

        Not really. I had to choose between useless and somewhat harmless, or vote for someone potentially dangerous.

  13. Cicero, Pro Murena 35-36 says:

    “What strait or what channel do you imagine has as many currents, twists, and tide changes as the disturbances in the breaking waves produced by elections? A missed day or extra night often changes everything and a small whisper of a rumor can transform public opinion.

    Often too, something happens without any clear reason and and you notice how the people are frequently amazed at what happened, as if they didn’t do it themselves! Nothing is more uncertain than a mob; nothing is less clear than what people want; nothing is more obscure than the whole logic of elections!”

  14. Anonymous says:

    It is difficult to claim what is or is not in the best interest of the public, especially if the backroom deal involves giving the Speaker position – one of the highest paid in government – for purely political reasons to someone who just lost his election bid. Are you sure you are devoid of self-interest Alric?

    • Anonymous says:

      The Speaker position isn’t just a chair to polish for four years – it comes with real duties we haven’t seen in action for several election cycles. So long that we forget what it’s supposed to look like.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Whatever the truth of the matter and whatever was or was not agreed and for what, the rumour mill has been active and the public perception is that a very large amount of money changed through slimey hands. Unless the turncoat candidates make clear statements about what actually took place and give solid reasons for their abrupt change of heart, those rumours will forever cling to them, like rotten sewage. That may or may not be fair but it is reality.

    • Anonymous says:

      And the ACC continues to sleep deliberately ignoring the signs. I suspect the governor is as well.

      • Anonymous says:

        The ACC is simply part of the establishment and will never investigate certain things or things involving certain people. The governor is Alden’s lap dog. Look elsewhere for integrity.

      • Rick says:

        They go by signs now? As long as they are at it, they may as well read the tea leaves and stick their fingers in the wind.

        • Anonymous says:

          “As long as they are at it, they may as well read the tea leaves and stick their fingers in the wind.”

          … or where the sun don’t shine!

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