Bryan on the road, will be back for confidence votes

| 03/10/2022 | 117 Comments
Cayman News Service
Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan addresses Parliament

(CNS): Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan will be travelling for much of October promoting this jurisdiction “in a bid to “enhance destination awareness and deliver wide-ranging media coverage for the Cayman Islands”. But the MP for George Town Central will be back on-island for Friday’s parliamentary meeting when the government is expected to deal with two no-confidence votes, one against the PACT Government and one against Speaker McKeeva Bush.

As with all Cabinet members, Bryan’s vote will be very important in holding the PACT coalition together in the face of the opposition’s motion challenging the government. Two and a half years ago Bryan blocked a motion by his then opposition colleagues to hold a special meeting of parliament to oust him as speaker.

This had been suggested by Ezzard Miller, the MP for North Side at the time, following Bush’s arrest for assault against the Coral Beach bar manager in February 2020. Bush had taken a leave of absence but the PPM-led coalition had avoided dealing with the issue.

Seven members of parliament were required to call a special meeting and they needed Bryan’s vote to make up the numbers. However, he had scuppered the plans, justifying his position by saying the call was premature and the MPs should wait for evidence showing the speaker did something wrong. Because of this, Bryan was later thrown out of the official opposition.

Despite Bush’s ultimate conviction, no debate to oust him as speaker has ever taken place. But following the extensive horsetrading to form a government after the last election, PACT cut a deal with Bush and put him back in the speaker’s chair. And now, once again, MPs are dealing with a scandal resulting from Bush’s inappropriate behaviour towards women while intoxicated, this time at a government event.

If Bush continues to avoid demands by the premier, the public and even the governor for him to resign, when Bryan returns from a Caribbean tourism marketing meeting in Puerto Rico at the end of this week, he will have the chance to take part in the vote on Bush.

But Bryan will be on the road for the best part of five weeks, taking part in several speaking engagements, panel discussions and networking events “to optimise networking opportunities with airline, cruise and other industry stakeholders”. Bryan said the goal was to “drum up new business and reengage with our existing partners”.

Following this week’s trip and after Friday’s parliament meeting, he will be heading to the Dominican Republic on 11 October for the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference, then on to Las Vegas for the Routes World 22, before heading to Florida for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Bryan will wrap up the trips with the inaugural Cayman Airways flight to Los Angeles in November.

“The Cayman Islands was one of the last countries in the Caribbean to reopen, fully removing COVID-19 travel restrictions only in August,” Bryan said. “Especially in the lead up to the high season, it is imperative we take an aggressive approach to marketing our destination.”

Bryan will also be hosting in-person meetings with the CTO membership as part of his role as president of the organisation. “We are capitalising on the instance that regional ministers of tourism will also be attending many of these conferences. This allows me to work efficiently in both capacities at no additional cost,” the minister added.

Bryan will be accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Transport and the Department of Tourism during each travel appointment.


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Category: Business, Politics, Tourism

Comments (117)

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  1. Beaumont Zodecloun says:

    “… enhance destination awareness and deliver wide-ranging media coverage for the Cayman Islands …”

    That sounds like bovine excrement and/or a euphemism for “self-service vacation on the CIG teat.”

    What a crock. Five weeks. To accomplish what? Talking to people and governments about diverting their own tourism share to the Cayman Islands?

    You know what is terrible? We can only hope that this “tour” only costs us $50,000 — $10,000 per week.

    …. but I imagine it will cost much, much more. SO glad we have money to burn, while Caymanian families are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table.

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    • D. Truth says:

      I say, Beau…… You seem to keep up with the crappola from our leaders very well. Were you ever a part of our representation?

  2. Anonymous says:

    What’s going to be built on the Seamen’ Center dock and island that govt has leased to a private company?

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    • Anonymous says:

      What’s going to be built on the Cayman Islands High School site that PACT is fixing to sell? Affordable housing? Nah.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps Kenneth should stay home and focus on the latest issuance from the US Department of State and its impact on Cayman’s tourism sector:

    There were 10 new “Level 3” Travel Advisories for people to “reconsider travel” due to “risks to safety and security.” These countries include El Salvador, the Cayman Islands, and Colombia.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I only saw ‘COVid 19 related restrictions’ 8:05, – ‘safety & security’ 🤷🏻‍♀️

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      • Anonymous says:

        @6.30, Covid is still related to safety and security, Dosent matter the heading, what matters is the travel advisory, makes us look bad. I think that’s what the previous poster meant.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Is the the guy that uses his government position to promote his family’s real estate business? Or is that a different guy? I lose track…

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  5. Anonymous says:

    And to think he’ll be Premier one day. SMFH. Thank goodness i’ll have left the island before that happens. This place is going right down the Gary Glitter.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    So Kenny is the Face of Cayman now? What have we come to……..

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    • Andrea Calderon says:

      Who are you to speak? It’s a free world he was elected by a majority and the present Govt has faith in him.

      He’s doing just as good or better job than the past Minister!

      Find so else to pick on like the Speaker!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Aww. Is he going to cry again?

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      • Corruption is endemic says:

        A few hundred people in George Town voted for him. He has told them he will look out for them and engages in the longstanding Caymanian tradition of “Gifting” as mastered by one McKeeva Bush.

        He is an embarrassment to the Islands and if a Judge hadn’t done him a solid on his assault conviction we might not have to worry about his sorry backside.

        https://caymannewsservice.com/2016/02/bryan-guilty-of-assault-but-no-conviction-recorded/

        Never forget that he is also the Minister of Transport and has promised to “revolutionize” transportation in the Cayman Islands… still waiting on that one.

        But hey he does great videos and billboards.

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    • Anonymous says:

      KB is a better face for Cayman than Wayne, Saunders, Alden, Roy, Ju Ju, Joey Hew, Dwayne “The Brain” Seymour, Sabrina, Heather, David or Barbara. Very, very sad. 😢

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Many of our Ministers keep responding to the imaginary question, “how dumb can you get” as though it’s a personal challenge. What would really stand these guys out from the historics, is if they could produce auditable accounts every year as required. No point holding our breathe on that though. Egos away!

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Bryan will be on the road for the best part of FIVE weeks:

    ✓Following this week’s trip and after Friday’s parliament meeting (7/10/22); then,
    ✓he will be heading to the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC on 11 October for the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference; then,
    ✓on to LAS VEGAS for the Routes World 22, before heading to Florida; for,
    ✓the FORT LAUDERDALE Boat Show; finally,
    ✓Bryan will wrap up the trips with the inaugural Cayman Airways flight to LOS ANGELES in November.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Wait, I thought he was not allowed to travel to the US?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Since Kenny is travelling for official Government Business, his travels in, on, and over U.S. Territory may suggest that he has political immunity.
        Otherwise, an expunge criminal record may be his pathway to a legitimate U.S. Travel VISA and, as a result, unprohibited U.S. Travels.
        Kenny’s U.S. Travels are permitted within State & Federal Immigration Laws & at the discretion of the U.S. State Department.
        From the looks of it, He (Minister Kenneth Bryan) may be the only Active MLA/Politician/Member of Parliament (Cayman Islands) who is freely travelling to the USA-Mainland & its Territories, these days😊.

        Something’s afowl; and it’s almost time for U.S. Christmas (Gift) Shopping & U.S. Winter Vacations.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Haven’t yet seen Jamaica, Cuba, Honduras, or Columbia as part of his current 5-week travel itinerary.
          I presume it’s because Kenny doesn’t have Minister Jay Ebanks & Mac in tow. This might be a GOOD thing.

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        • Anonymous says:

          High season is about to start, he has to promote cayman so people like me who work in hospitality has a job. Or do you want to go back to us getting hand outs (happy to but it wasn’t enough), and I like to work for what I get. Plus I like to see the tourists and talk to them.

          Either way he doing his job at least compared to some.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Is he going to take Flashlights and Candles to Puerto Rico? I thought they just had a Hurricane.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What tourism is he going to drum ip at the boat show? Seriously? Just a jolly at our expense!

  9. Anonymous says:

    Isn’t the reason why we have the DOT is for them to market our country?

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  10. Anonymous says:

    who cares.
    .i dont…politics will be politics…i ignore…live longer happier life without politics in it!

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    • Anonymous says:

      He’s spending your money.

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      • Anonymous says:

        You don’t know that, this person could be on NAU payroll.

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        • Anonymous says:

          You don’t understand. You and me and everyone else are charged fees and duties. Those monies pay for whatever the government chooses to spend it on. CIG doesn’t have any money without us. Thus, it is YOUR money (unless you are a person who consumes nothing).

  11. Anonymous says:

    Because his conviction has been expunged so no one else outside of the islands would ever know?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Is it possible to have jail time “expunged”? Certainly, any drug crime will make a visa waiver impossible. Does he have diplomatic immunity?

  12. Anonymous says:

    Can we just call an early election please? This PACT government has done nothing to date that has truly benefited the people.

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  13. Anonymous says:

    Might as well squeeze in a Pompey game or two while he’s at it. Big match against Fleetwood Town on Saturday…

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  14. Anonymous says:

    The USA can allow whoever they want to enter their country – what is it to you?

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  15. Anonymous says:

    This donut again.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    He can’t go to Vegas without taking Mac to show him around.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    $25 says he’s either “unavoidably delayed” or comes back and votes in Bush’s favour.

    “enhancing destination awareness” what complete BS.

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Does he realize that most of the properties are booked to 75-80% already for high season so the cost of this travel is wasted. Perhaps spend the time enhancing the offerings at home that will bring the people back. What can people do when they arrive? Go see atingrays, that’s one day. Go to one expensive restaurant , that’s another. Go to the museum, that’s 15 minutes. Sit on the beach. That’s a lot of sitting on the beach. Develop som activities here on island. Don’t worry about swimming up Buainess. The people already come, they just don’t return because there is nothing to do

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    • PleaseevolveCayman says:

      Agreed. Wife and I first came on a Honeymoon dive vacation in 1984. Loved the water activities and laid back island lifestyle and wonderful Caymanians. Now the restaurants are very over-priced, I don’t feel safe driving the roads due to the unsafe drivers (drove a scooter on our honeymoon), don’t feel safe walking back to our room after dark, little nice shopping in Georgetown, a markedly negative attitude to US tourists, poor protections for women in general, unwillingness to enforce laws, and the ongoing corruption in the gov’t is not a society I will support for very long – I am hoping for change in this Territory I loved for the past 38 years.

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      • Anonymous says:

        If you have not been to a restaurant since 1984, then yes… You will find them expensive.

        But if you have been to an airport, a sporting event, an urban hotel or just about anywhere in BVI or Bahamas… We still offer good value.

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        • Anonymous says:

          You have got to be joking. A restaurant or grocery bill (given a lot of our tourists are condo bound) compared with a couple of years ago is way more expensive – comparisons with 1984 are hardly the point. I am sure the OP has been on holiday either in Cayman or elsewhere in the last 40 years, and is making a more immediate pricing comparison. As for suggesting we are price competitive with the Bahamas or BVI, you are living in a fantasy world.

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        • Anonymous says:

          2:45 here.

          We have been back many times, and always eat out 2-3x/week. My comment is based on the steady increase of high prices over 38 years. And I have been to other countries and NO – Cayman is not a good value anymore. Your silence on my other comments is very telling – you apparently agree, or have no ability to refute; very sad.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Sad thing is that it’s people like Kenneth that have made Cayman the place that 2.45 is describing…heartbreaking truth.

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      • Anonymous says:

        A very distasteful but accurate list of only a few of the issues facing Cayman. We have neither the competence or moral fortitude in our Ministers for the changes that are needed.

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    • Anonymous says:

      There is a great Heritage tour up in the East highlighting Cayman’s culture (circa 30-60) which I am sure tourists would find very interesting. If Kenny had any sense he would develop this it could be a gold mine. Unfortunately, he lacks real vision.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    Well, that head will be even bigger now if that is possible. He has been given a great opportunity and responsibility but watch him screw it up again because he is a legend in his own mind just like the dumb woman beater from West Bay!

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  20. Anonymous says:

    Great!!! Not only can he embarrass himself here in Cayman he can go overseas and embarrass us all.

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  21. Anonymous says:

    Junket –

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    • The Urge to Splurge says:

      8.03 No -“Junkets ad nauseam” for Air Miles Kenneth. How about he produces a spreadsheet detailing all his air fares, hotel and dining expenses, paid for by the taxpayer. Business class travel and deluxe hotels have gone to his head and now he can’t resist them.

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  22. Sunrise says:

    yeh ha!! I have been pardoned by the governor, got my visa, now I am going to travel the world on the people money, got to make up for lost time you know!!

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  23. Anonymous says:

    Brian instead of wasting tax payers money, fix the traffic problem it’s worst than ever and for no reason!!! Number to Bumber traffic from Bobby Thompson all the way to Hirst Road on both roads. The quality of residents and tourists are suffering. Fix this problem now!!! Ps the east west extension is not the answer either!

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  24. Jtb says:

    Of course he’ll be here. He has to vote in favour of his boss.

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  25. Anonymous says:

    Jeez hope he flying economy and paying for offsets. What is he marketing?

    This dope wouldn’t understand the word sustainable if it hit him in the face.

    Where is the reopening policy to be safe, clean, recycle, reduce waste and stop polluting the environment that comes with tourism not to mention a decent bus service. Matey, you have to have a product to sell before doing a road trip.

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  26. Anonymous says:

    I’m wondering if during the jaunt prior to coming back for McBeaters no confidence vote one of his hosts might ask,- ‘Hey Kenny, why don’t you stick around for few a days before you head back ?’

    Would his answer ever be, ‘Sorry I cant, I have another vote to attend for the same guy that I blocked a no confidence vote against him after he physically assaulted a female bar manager and was eventually convicted’. Would this shyster ever divulge that, and if he’d be unwilling to doesn’t that say he knows way down within himself what a real scumbag piece of s*** he is, – just wondering 🤫

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Ah boy, his head wont fit through the GAB front door now

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  28. anonymous says:

    All the UDP behavior has started again with this PACT lot – taking a delegation for shopping and party trip after trip. Wasting the people’s money on a bunch of tourism nonsense. Anyone taking wagers that he won’t make it back in time to take the vote.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I am thinking the same thing. He will probably miss the flight or some such nonsense. Let me also remind you all that GTC is full of the Big Mac supporters. For years and years, every Sunday morning they flooded the airways on Rooster with requests for him. It was pathetic and sickening back then and moreso now. If he manages to get back for the meeting he will vote no! Watch this space. Also what is he trying to say in the sentence “we are capitalizing on the instance, bla,bla,bla”

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    • Anonymous says:

      maybe he can do a mail in ballot!

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    • Anonymous says:

      There’s no shopping in Honduras, but plenty other attractions to keep a couple of our ‘honorables’ happy….and all at our expense.

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  29. Anonymous says:

    Well done Mr. Bryan. Tirelessly putting your Country first. I travelled relentlessly with my job and know that hotel after hotel, plane after plane and living out of a suitcase is no fun.

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  30. Anonymous says:

    Spineless

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  31. Anonymous says:

    Amazing that 1000 people can elect someone and they can travel the world all expenses paid as if they have a mandate to represent the 70,000 population of the island. What a mess.

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    • Anonymous says:

      1000 idiots.

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    • Anonymous says:

      One man one vote or we keep getting robbed

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    • Anonymous says:

      Second largest vote of all MPs, way larger than the Premiers. Bigger majority than most of the MPs. You may as well ask why someone with less than a 30 vote majority is the Speaker 😉. As for no mandate to represent 70K people, do remember that there are only 23K people allowed to vote at all.

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    • Anonymous says:

      17000 idiots collectively managed to elect the totality of our government and opposition – its not as if most of them did any better a job in picking honest, competent people, did they?

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  32. Anonymous says:

    Didn’t Puerto Rico just have a Hurricane? He’s sure enjoying travelling on Govt’s dime.

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  33. Anonymous says:

    He needs to come back and take down his illegal signs. Then leave and stay away.

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  34. Anonymous says:

    Who is paying for all of this travel ?

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  35. Anonymous says:

    I’m starting to consider a vote of no confidence against the PACT Govt might be correct vote if they have the confidence to send this clown gadding about the place in this capacity, I’m embarrassed before he’s left 🙈

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  36. Anonymous says:

    I hear Venice is lovely this time of year.

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  37. Caymanian says:

    He is always on the road. Never mentally checked in in Cayman

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  38. Anonymous says:

    Does he know if he will be representing Cayman or the Caribbean?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Funny he didn’t mention his rinkydink football club somewhere in the U.K. Wasn’t that touted as ” tourism potential”?

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  39. Anonymous says:

    He’ll be back to F&$K it up again.

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  40. Beaumont Zodecloun says:

    “enhance destination awareness and deliver wide-ranging media coverage for the Cayman Islands”. LOL! Good one.

    “Here! Look at the map. Cayman Islands are right there. Want to watch some Youtubes?”

    I believe I also told everyone about home when I was last on vacation. Hard to recall for certain, as it was more than 15 years ago.

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  41. Anonymous says:

    He has absolutely no need to travel. When words like ‘enhance destination awareness and deliver wide-ranging media coverage for the Cayman Islands’ are used it is meaningless because it is not measurable. There is no value for taxpayers money other than to give him a free trip. Total claptrap BS!

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  42. Anonymous says:

    When will CoP Byrne announce new charges and make an arrest for probation breach? Deafening silence.

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  43. Anonymous says:

    How does Bryan, also a felon, qualify for a USA travel VISA?

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