King at all costs?
101 writes: Wayne Panton’s reign as Cayman Islands premier faces an inevitable early end unless a miracle surfaces over the next week or so. His PACT Government, ironically, doesn’t seem to have been kept together by any sort of ‘pact’ at all or anything remotely close to a consistent, agreed set of policies or principles.
We can all be forgiven for giving Mr Panton the benefit of the doubt at the beginning because, based on all the evidence of the man himself, he deserved it. Mr Panton is a man of principles who clearly cares for his community, understands social issues and has been an advocate for the environment long before becoming a politician. He appeared to be a compassionate leader who genuinely cared for the input of others. He had a strong business acumen, with proven success in the financial services industry, and is known for supporting many local charitable causes.
It seemed difficult to find another leadership candidate with all the right qualities. But there was always doubt about one particularly important personal attribute: his leadership skills.
Make no mistake, it takes more than being qualified or having the right background to lead a government. It requires a lot of compromise (even of some of your own core principles at times). It also takes some of the less acceptable types of politicking when necessary to address certain threats and to deal with personalities within your own group. Mr Panton either doesn’t have the patience, skills or willingness to pick up that particular mantle.
This government was given all the benefit of the doubt (yes, there were doubts) when announced as the new group of leaders for this country. The group of independents that the country appeared to wish for was finally here and, it seemed, could possibly work together.
Doubts about whether some of the proposed ministers were qualified to take up cabinet positions were put to the side. Doubts about whether persons with no clear, consistent principles to guide them were able to work together for the benefit of the country were cast aside. The celebration that we had ‘finally’ come up with an alternative to the previous government that was ‘not a party’ became more important than the question of whether this new grouping could work.
And now we are getting some answers to that question.
No one can argue at this stage that it has actually worked. If you have any knowledge of recent political history in Cayman, it’s easy to conclude that this was one of the clearest examples that lack of cohesiveness within a political group is extremely detrimental.
So how did we get here? One touted reason is that Mr Panton initially opted for being anointed as ‘king’ over ensuring that the country had the best possible group to take it forward post-COVID. Could it be that having the numbers to form a government that would ensure that he was elected as premier was more important than whether the new government had the individuals with the right credentials?
In assessing the downfall of the PACT, and being fair to Mr Panton, it must be said that there are a lot of mischievous actors within the PACT group, where some individuals are clearly more motivated by their own egos and personal ambitions than doing what might be the best thing for us citizens.
But that is not a get-out card for the premier. As the country’s political leader, it is his responsibility (and no one else’s) to keep those individuals in line. To keep them on track. If people are not following you or buying into your vision, you are not, in fact, ‘leading’ anyone. It is your job to convince them to come together to develop a shared vision and to pursue it as a team. Losing three members over the past few months means a 25% decline in support and likely means the premier has lost several others who, for varying reasons, have not said anything publicly or left.
Where to now?
The opposition may be playing politics with calls for the premier to step down, but let’s be honest: we don’t need politicking by the opposition to tell us that there is a lack of confidence in the current leader. The country deserves either a quickly put together coalition government with the right individuals from both the PACT and the others in the parliament or an early election.
What we don’t need at this stage is for the premier to attempt to hang on to power at all costs. If he chooses to do so, it will only serve to support the notion that his initial government was formed to facilitate him being premier instead of being based on doing what’s right for the country. Despite the criticism about his leadership abilities, one thing that has never really been in doubt about Wayne Panton is his integrity. This is an ideal moment for him to demonstrate that attribute.
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Category: Viewpoint
I like Mr. Panton as a person, but despise his decisions. The Cardinal Avenue project was a massive mistake. It decimated my employers business, and gave all of the high street units to deep pocket expats. No one could sustain two years of no trade after a two year lockdown from Covid except the deep pockets. The deep pockets do not hire Caymanians. His choices were highly anti-Caymanian. And it is so sad, so many young Caymanians will pay for his foolishness. Whilst our tourism product looks more and more like Jamaica, with aggressive sales person from an area that rhymes with Bindia.
King of what? The hill? Wayne need try go sell propane and propane accessories down Clean Gas.
Looks like the “people” are getting the government they deserve. The big question for me is why they expected a different outcome. Past and present edumacation system has failed and can not be fixed. Intelligence is paramount to make it in the world today and can’t be faked. Watch what happens next.
As I see it, with very few exceptions: Those that can govern are not offering themselves and those that are offering themselves cannot govern.
In my opinion, in order to be allowed to be a candidate for election to the Parliament the potential candidate should have to meet certain basic standards including; obviously current connection to the Cayman Islands, personal history both personal and professional, character, education, world situation awareness, not being bankrupt etc.
0h please- do yourself a favour and watch the Cold Hard Trust on Marlroad to understand what is really going on.
This is all about stakes and Hon. Panton is doing all he can to hold the greedy money grabbers and sex pests at bay.
Be real- those crossing the floor or fighting for the floor don’t have the interests of this country anywhere in their focus.
Do yourself a favor and stop watching that absolute pile of trashy shit, paid for by Panton.
Someone’s a little worried they’re going to lose all their cushy board appointments.
Sandra is clearly worried about her benefactor
I see a lot of good comments here ranging from Panton is an egotistical selfish Premier to poor Wayne was doomed by … to it’s all about the system. The truth is somewhere in the Middle.
Personally, a) I agree with the notion of the People should elect the Premier, not the MP’s. b) the education system here in Cayman is very poor, and it leads to unintelligent voters electing pitiful politicians c) Pitiful MP’s then leads to stupidity on the part of our government
And so the cycle has gone on and on …
What’s missing in this country is ACCOUNATBILITY. Why aren’t blatant violations or misconduct punished? Where are the consequences to deter this kind of action to be done Again?
Ours is not a Presidential system – ours is a Parlimentary system. People vote for politicians/Parties and they elect a Premier/Prime Minster.
We do not want/could not survive a “Great Leader” aka President type – Banana Republic territority, and very quickly. Imagine a Great Leader “President” type from WB-W. One term only, as he would never step down!!!
What we MUST rid ourselves of are “independents”/ being personality/venal/vanity politicians. Also get rid of “first past the post” (winner take all)/single seat constituescies. Bring back multiseat constituencies.
We need proper political parties; left, centre, right, green etc. – like normal democracies. Then a parlimentary type system works best – warts and all.
Democracy is a system where people get the Government they deserve and get it good and hard!
#leggewasright
#ifyouownamassivefishingboatandclaimtobeanenvironmentalistyouareahypocrite
If Wayne Panton’s integrity is beyond reproach, why does he Jay Ebanks and Kenneth Bryan and Bernie Bush as Ministers? This brings his integrity into question. Wayne showed very little respect to Roy McTaggart who had 6 other members with him and was closely linked to at least 2 other members. Surely a leader whose integrity and acumen are beyond reproach would have compromised with Roy McTaggart to form a more effective Government. Let me also say Sabrina, Isaac and Andre were also supported by the PPM, and their supporters and this is one of the reasons they did well at the polls.
Don’t forget the Dwayne Seymour CUC pole incident. Or the continued support of Mac.
It’s sad that such a small country, that wouldn’t qualify as a small city in most places around the world, can’t find quality people among its population for government. There are a number of these politician that couldn’t hold an executive position in any corporation, for their blatant incompetence, that are handed important portfolios. It became painfully obvious during Covid that several of them were clowns. Now this mess of a replacement to the previous administration has turned government into a laughingstock. Sadly, any replacement or reorganization will include the same losers and it’ll probably just be more of the same.
Wayne had to cobble together a half-better government by combining with deplorable self-serving members of previous regimes, and their first time running mates. Playing by the rules doesn’t pay as well, and that’s why these other characters are sabotaging this team ahead of next election cycle. It can’t be easy to run things when there are opponents within their own Cabinet. It’s a shame voters can’t the logic in pressing for Elections Law reform.
Cayman needs new blood. Not the current morons. And certainly not the previous ones.
Wayne was hampered from the start by the fact that he had a completely unscrupulous Deputy Premier who was actively undermining him and using the dumber and more self interested stooges in Cabinet to support him – Kenneth Bryan and Jay Ebanks. Chris did not resign, he was fired for many good reasons. Not least of which was his active undermining of the Premier and his contentious relationship with both the Governor, the DG, and most of the senior civil servants forced to work for him. Sadly, he appealed to the rest of the Cabinet’s baser instincts, and groomed his cronies to rebel against Wayne both before and after his departure. If he succeeds in this – with the power hungry cooperation of Sir Alden et al, it will be a true travesty of democracy and a spear in the side of a truly principled and intelligent leader. Julianna, McKeeva, Dwayne, Kenneth and Jay combined don’t have the intelligence and integrity Wayne has in his little toe. Chris is intelligent, but it is a warped and cunning intelligence with ZERO integrity. It will be a very sad day in Cayman if his machinations to oust Wayne succeed.
Kind words for Wayne, but he has been demonstrably terrible and should never hold office again.
Sort of agree on Saunders, except of course the part about him being intelligent! The bar is very very low for politicians in these islands.
For love of country though, right?
I would love a straight answer about what happened the night Dwayne crashed into the light post and no breathalyzer after Wayne showed up – the answer to this will allow us to make a proper call as to integrity.
I think we all know what happened and any semblance of integrity or character that Panton had was lost.
The integrity of the cops who attended MUST also be called into question. Who was the senior officer who allowed this to happen?
Byrne, him gone clear.
Before we start rolling out the “Poor Wayne” comments, lets remember he had a choice between working with his former colleagues the PPM and the current muck that is PACT. He chose to form his own Government and took on Mac, Chris, Kenneth and company under the #sheissupported banner.
Since then He has been unable to control Mac and his impluses, Kenneth and his ambitions, Chris and his delusions, Julie and her thrist for power, Jon Jon and his lack of sense, Jay and his ignorance. Hell the only two people currently under the leadership of Wayne are Sabrina and Heather and that is only because they feel beholden and we know why!!!
Yup. Spot on.
Get rid of Cryin Bryan while you’re at it. He’s a disaster also.
Much better than Hew.
Both awful.
Get rid of him lol. He has the second largest majority of any MP. He’s with us for years to come. Mac revisited.
I will support whichever government does NOT have Mac, Jon Jon, and Chris as part of it. Things are looking up for Wayne.
Look at the tools he inherited at the election, Inter Alia Bryan and Bush.
What a handicap .
Inherited ? You mean paid handsomely to acquire!!! After Refusing to work with his former PPM Colleagues
I don’t blame anyone for not wanting to work with the PPM.
He didn’t inherit them, he sought them out, some say paid for.
I think they smelt $$$ and sought him out.
Integrity you say? Was John John breathalyzed? If not, why not?
… that is a question for the police to answer, isn’t it?
No, it’s a question for Wayne to answer.
Wayne has no power over the police. Unless we (and they) are corrupt.
Answered your own question
Jamaican to Jamaican
You must be new here.
No, it’s actually the Police’s call for listening and acting on anything Wayne might have said, instead of doing their jobs! If Wayne paid money as suggested, they should have arrested him too.
What we need is for the electorate to be the ones who choose who is to be Premier, not the MP’s and their inevitably self interested debacles of’horse trading’ cluster fahkooks of miscreant malarky.
We so desperately need reform around the voting and electoral process. As a young Caymanian studying abroad, seeing home delve into this madness and feeling like I can’t do anything about it is beyond heartbreaking. I know we can all still take action for a better future, but sometimes I worry paradise may already be lost.
I dont know where you are studying but I doubt it is any better than here.
You can still vote!
Wayne’s hubris in insisting that he alone could be Premier (rather than Roy) has cost us dearly … a price we will be paying for generations to come … shams in you Wayne!
So you would prefer a Premier controlled by Alden who is controlled by Dart and other developers?
Not me.
I am sick of the UPD, PPM gang.
And who controls Wayne ? The other extreme ! The lgbt community and the environmental lobbyist groups
Nobody wanted Roy or the PPM. Let’s get that straight.
The majority of us still do not want to ever see the PPM back in power.
yup, you’re completely right.
A man of principles? Hardly.
https://caymannewsservice.com/2020/03/panton-finally-quits-ppm/
Is she though? Is she really?
This. 1,000 times. She was never really supported by Wayne.
Who’s viewpoint?
Early elections is the best and only answer. To allow the vultures who are now circling above to seize power to only benefit their own agenda’s and personal egos will be a huge mistake. We the people need the elections immediately and allow us to make a choice and not the big money power brokers who are licking their chops to get what they want and paid for.
You are the company you keep.
Panton made so many errors.
Who he is appointed to be his chief advisor was one of them.
Will she take responsibility for his downfall. Or will she talk mumbo jumbo on steroids as usual.
There will be charts and strategies sure.
I think it’s all much simpler than that. At the last election…and people forget this…the PPM did very well. Jesus, they even got David and Barbara elected. If they had candidates in all constituencies they might even have gotten a clear majority though one never knows with this crazy boundary system we have with the North Side, East End and the Sister Islands mess. But Wayne saw a chance to cobble together a team from a bunch of unimpressives who had gotten elected because they said they wanted a halt to development and hinted…wink wink…they didn’t like too many foreigners around the place destroying our culture and heritage, always a winner with certain voters. And yet, development is still racing ahead with a Central Planning Authority no different from the last one that was reviled so much. PACT was even less than a “party” than any of our political groups are…just a bunch of people who saw a chance to become bigwigs. I mean, really, Kenneth Bryan? Bernie Bush? Sabrina Who? And then there were the unprincipled fence jumpers with the gold medalist in this category, Julianna followed by Mckeewa. And later the full moon donkey rider. God help us all. There must be a better way to run a country.
Next election remember these lessons that people who can’t get a job in the real world , are not able to run the country.
Apart from Andre and Wayne , the rest of UDPACT are uneducated unemployables, and are guided by self interest and nothing else.
A Snap Election asap !
This is the most sensible post I’ve read on CNS.
talk about low standards. What did anyone get from this redundant ramble? The level of awareness and general intelligence on this rock is so low. It’s discouraging. 🤦♂️ where did the writer present any actionable intelligence, a solution moving forward? Nothing just some captain obvious observations and waffle about how they personally feel about Panton.
Addressing the root problem of our political issues means accepting the fact that the education system has failed generations of caymanians and the average voter is a dunce. Has absolutely nothing to do with Panton or his integrity. But sure let’s all pay attention to the wrong things while we keep kicking all the relevant cans of substance, down the road.
Kmt. Get juju out of there and let’s focus on the next generations and hope that we can prepare them for the shitty future we have left for them.
FORSIGHT ffs
THIS is the most sensible comment I’ve read on CNS!!👏👏👏
We’ll said, 101.