Panton declines speaker’s job to speak
(CNS): Wayne Panton MP will not take up the position of the speaker of parliament but will instead take a seat on the back-bench, where he will better serve his constituents of Newlands, he has said. Panton resigned from the role of premier last week but had been offered the job of speaker by the newly formed United People’s Movement. However, he said that after much thought, he had “decided to decline the offer”.
Despite the title, the speaker’s position is one that prevents the office holder from speaking out about the government, the opposition and the politics of the day — a position that Panton does not see himself in and has made clear he intends to continue advocating for his constituents and the needs of the broader community, as well as on subjects he remains passionate about.
Panton did not spell out where he would sit once he returns to parliament in relation to the politics of the ‘green’ bench, but he told CNS that wherever he sits, he would “be supporting the government where it is in the best interests of our people and our country”. Explaining his decision not to take on the post of speaker, Panton made it clear he did not wish to remain neutral.
“The speaker of parliament is an important and prestigious position,” Panton said in a statement released Tuesday. “It is also a position that requires the holder to remain neutral. At this time, it is clear that where I can best be of service to the people of Newlands and to our three islands is from my MP position.”
He said that being a member of Cabinet and heading a ministry comes with a great degree of responsibility and privileges, but the people elect MPs to represent them.
“I am now in a position to direct more of my attention to my Newlands community, and am looking forward to continuing and jump-starting several projects,” he added, as he outlined some specific goals for his constituency.
But he also intends to advocate for the faster adoption of renewable energy, the need to address threats to our way of life identified in the Climate Change Risk Assessment, promote sustainable, managed growth and balanced development, and help address the coast of living challenges.
“My willingness to resign my position as premier was a clear demonstration of the love I have for my country and my willingness to always put it first. The decision to decline the position of speaker is made in the same spirit,” he said.
Reflecting on his more than two and a half years at the helm of government, he said he was proud of what was accomplished, as he listed the achievements, such as the rollout of the Ministerial and Parliamentary Code of Conduct, as well as the Cabinet Manual and the weekly summary of Cabinet decisions for the public to know what the executive branch was doing.
“Under my leadership the PACT government worked to address the housing challenges and to offset the sharp increases in the cost of living in several ways, including significantly expanding the stamp duty waiver initiative for first time Caymanian land or home buyers and introducing a partial waiver for second property Caymanian buyers,” he said.
The government had also increased funding for A-Levels and vocational training, raised the amount of monthly financial assistance from CI$950 to $1,250 for seniors and people on long-term assistance, provided free meals to all public school students, and increased salaries for civil servants.
Panton noted that his Cabinet had secured and strengthened Cayman’s reputation and financial services industry and introduced the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, which he said he hoped would be published soon.
With significant plans for his constituency, from introducing a community transport service within the area to creating spaces for children and families, Panton made it clear he intends to be active in his community over the next 18 months.
But as one of the few voices in Cayman that has advocated for the environment, his decision not to be effectively silenced by the speaker’s job will come as a relief to those fighting to conserve Cayman’s dwindling and ever-threatened natural resources.
Panton said that with the support of his family, he would continue to do all the good he could “for the rest of my days”.
So far, there has been no comment from the new premier, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, about the still vacant speaker’s post, but CNS has contacted her office. The UPM is due to hold a press conference tomorrow, when the issue is likely to be addressed.
See the statement in full below:
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Category: Politics
He never did for Newlands when he was on top…what can he do now whilst at the bottom????
Guess it is now time to give Gonzales a chance.
Gonzales?? That dude cannot even speak properly, yall messed up and got rid of Alva, try so get him back in office please!!
Wayne was the only one with integrity. Well done for reusing the speakers seat. Let those idiotic criminals get on with it.
Mr. Panton is what you just done ‘for LOVE of country Or self pride?
Why we need Government ran Senior Citizen Programs
I would like to make a public private proposal that is highlighted below for ease of your reference
We seem to have extremely great softball, football, basketball, volleyball, netball and cricket youth programs organized for our youth to be involved in constructive and productive activities, but we do not have any programs for our seniors
Neithier do we have similar Art’s and Craft Programs for kids and seniors who are not involved in sports and would like to earn an income
An Intetnational School Program geared at helping stimulate the minds of students to become entreprenuers so that they can think about operating there own business when they leave school, has created after school and week-ends Lemonade Stands gaining enthusiasm and interest
https://lemonadeday.org/
Perhaps, or just maybe, vacant derilict buildings like the A. L Thompson Building located in Industrial Park could be utilized by students, retired seniors and other unemployed citizens looking to earn extra income, could easily find full time employment from a public private partnership the government and one of the civic societies to make clocks in the shape of the Island, Dolphins, Sting Rays where school kids or unemployed teens could put the wodden clocks together and/or make wooden cups and beer mugs to be sold at the proposed Waterfront Project
https://caymannewsservice.com/2023/01/designers-wanted-for-tourism-waterfront-project/
This would not only create jobs, but it could also bring in much needed foriegn income to the island
https://youtu.be/hy8OPCmW1hY
https://supplyleader.com/quartz-clock-movement-kit-diy
https://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/clock+kit.html
https://m.alibaba.com/showroom/clock-kits-wholesale.html
https://youtu.be/Bbup29DTgzg
The A. L Thompson derilict building could also be used and managed or operated by the Schools Parent Teachers Association to make Uniforms, Back Packs & Legal Pad Portfolios for School Kids, Uniforms & Legal Pad Portfolios the Police, the Fire Department, Public Works Department, Customs & Border Control, the C.I Coast Guard, the C.I Regiment and the Health Services
https://youtu.be/PXciMtUGNzw
https://youtu.be/sH_G1BavTH4
https://youtu.be/q1xObSgNdec
Income earned from the sale of these items could easily fund daily Senior Citizen Programs for Social and Leisure Activities which would allow our senior citizens to stay connected and be a part of there community
https://elegantcarevilla.org/careblog/the-importance-of-leisure-and-recreational-activities-for-seniors
Through leisure activities, seniors can build relationships with other seniors or caregivers and help them improve their social life which increases happiness and a piece of mind.
Why we need a local Government Seniors Community Center with daily Programs and activities
https://elegantcarevilla.org/careblog/the-importance-of-leisure-and-recreational-activities-for-seniors
Today’s senior centers are reinventing themselves to meet the needs and desires of three generations of older adults.
These social programs were only once found exclusively in wealthy senior retirement residential gated communities and are now begining to be available to the middle class and lower income bracket average citizen in the community to stay healthy, engaged and continue to be a part of there community by the government and service clubs like the YMCA, the Rotary, the Kwainis or the Lions n Leo’s Club
Seniors feel a sense of independence when they’re involved and it helps them boost confidence and trust with their capabilities.
Additionally, being in a group of seniors gives them a sense of belonging and importance.
Research has shown that physical activities help seniors improve their sensory abilities, and exercise their thinking.
With a full day or half day activities such as playing board games like Manopoly, Checkers, Chess, Cards, or Dominos or just going on a hike, touring recreactional facilities like Pedro St James, the Turtle Center, the Crystal Caves and Sting Ray City, seniors are given the chance to refresh their minds and improve their memory, especially elders with dementia.
Through leisure activities, seniors can build relationships with other seniors or caregivers and help them improve their social life which increases happiness and a piece of mind
Good, not a position we wanted him in anyway. He’s just trying to start his campaigning early.
Starting his campaign early. I’m sorry, but I won’t vote for anyone who condoned forcing people to vaccinate, especially when apparently a medical company may be in his best interests. There is no reason he could not have appointed someone to look after his community since his dictatorship took all jos time. All his focus on wasting money on sand that he cannot command to stay in place, making policies that hurt the increasing poverty level Caymanians, not being honest about how unsustainable going green is will not be forgotten.
whilst unpopular, the statements are so true. Why can’t Caymanians recognize what’s bad for them or remember what has been done to them? Do you think anything is going to be good for us if we are totally influenced by developers, lawyers, and tree-huggers? Wake up and look out for your family, children, and grandkids.
Wayne, when you get into bed with fleas, you can’t help but to get bitten. You chose to form a Government with Mac and turncoats like Andre, Jay and Isaac, who’s only loyalty was to power and money. I have no idea why people are surprised by the recent events. Frankly, I’m shocked that this dysfunctional group could last 2 years. Its really a shame that PACT spend all their time bickering and trying to stab each other in the back, rather that actually doing something for the country.
Good riddance Wayne – you bought your way in and you were bitten in the ass to remind you that what goes around comes around.
Your departure from Walkers had some glaring similarities.
What a slice of humble pie.
Sir everything you and your horse trading government did was to make things more expensive. All the said accomplishments had to be paid from somewhere and it’s certainly not from the wealthy cause you gave them lots of concessions and not from the poor either cause they live on NAU. Stop dividing the country where there will be only the rich and the poor!
Instead of parks and play grounds for kids, help the parents so the kids will have a roof over their heads by reducing the cost of electricity, the cost of groceries, the cost of rent. Instead of community transport, lower the cost of fuel so the elderly can afford to drive themselves and most of all, if you are for the environment then remain stead fast on protecting it! You actually did agree for the east west road to proceed and as the premier in charge of climate and sustainability, your agreement to proceed was just pure unadulterated politics. I wish you the best and hope one day we can climb out of this mess.
Your points about the cost of electricity are well made. The problem is OFFReg, not the politicians. OffReg does what is in CUCs best interest.
Citizens were better off when it was the Electricity Regulatory Authority. Alden and PPM created OffReg.
I hope Katherine now loses that huge Speakers salary. We have a bad habit here in Cayman of leaving people with salaries…”personal to holder”…. they earned in higher positions when they leave these positions.
8.40pm So true. Is Chris still being paid the Deputy Premier’s salary? Did Juliana ever lose the Speakers salary from years ago?
Too little too late Wayne, this country will never forgive you for your support financial and otherwise of the hate mongering tabloid CMR. No individual or organization has done more damage to this country than your unofficial mouthpiece!
No truer words have been said.
Liberated from his addiction to being Premier, he can actually espouse his principles and look after his constituents.
he should have dissolved the government and called new elections and then maybe we wouldn’t have the idiots we have now as a government
Premier can’t call elections. Only Governor can.
If I were a betting person I would bet that by this time next week Wayne will hand in his resignation and leave the government altogether. Or he will be wishing he had. It would be great if he could stay around and work on the climate change and sustainable issues but if he couldn’t do it while Premier I cannot foresee him getting it done from the backbench of a disfunctional government being run by a bunch of nimbies. From election they have been on their own agendas with no regard for what is best for all the people of the Cayman Islands. The next time around do not throw your lot in with persons who can barely read, who if they can does not understand the written word. Enjoy your retirement!
He is that type of person. He will take his ball and go home if it’s not his rule. Look at the political history; don’t be blinded.
He did best he could surrounded by idiots
Crooked idiots.
True, but they were his choice of idiots.
The person who funded KathyAnn, Alaric, Jay, Michael, Isaac and Kenneth is responsible for this.
Panton is now a powerless backbencher. The only surprise is how long he was able to hold a government together.
The fact that he is now a powerless backbencher is proof that at no stage did he ever hold it together.
Arden McLean or Ezzard Miller should be offer the Speakership post. Both are very knowledgeable and would bring decorum.
Decorum my ass
DECO rum. You know who owns the company don’t you?
I really wonder where Alden has been. He is my rep in Red Bay but we haven’t heard from him. our roads are littered with junk cars and whatnot and that park is a disaster. Glad he’s about to grift loads of money from us voters though soon! eyeroll
Pickup the phone and call DEH about the cars and form a community group and clean your park…stop being so damn needy, we elect lawmakers not community workers!! Geez man
Miller is an excellent legislator, but too aloof and derogative; Arden wasted tax payers’ money bickering with Alden. Nah, we need new people.
whose bright idea was it to allow 4 cruise ships today, tomorrow and thursday
traffic has been horrible this week
more cars and trucks than ever before on the roads and add 4 cruise ship hordes to the quagmire
Traffic is no joke any more.
It’s Thanksgiving and start of busy season. Only going to get better $$
the traffic is the new norm. And it will definitely get worse when those apartments beyond Vela are completed and a few more hundred people are joining the long lines trying to get to town.
Way to take credit for everyone else work, now I see why he was fired! Selfish!!!!
Good riddance Wayne. You certainly don’t need the extra pay you’d receive by being Speaker.
Let’s have someone outside of government be the next speaker.
Please call a Snap Election now. People are hurting and want to be better represented.
I agree, but by who? We got stuck with this hot mess because PPM was not looking after us either, if they had put the people first they would not have been on the backbench.
Great so we can continue to hear Panton waffle on about things. He has been a complete and utter disappointment.
Who voted for JuJu?- she is not the people’s choice. The woman is a disgrace and she orchestrated a revolt against the Premier. JuJu gotta go NOW!
Well Done Wayne! Proud of you! It shows your love and care for your people and that you don’t need the position or power. Neither can you be bought and paid for nor will they force you into a position to have to keep your mouth shut..Any of the others would have grabbed at this for the money and the power that comes with it… Can’t wait to see how many hungry mouths are already drooling at Julianna’s feeding trough today trying to snap this position up..
Mr Panton you were the best Premier ! Glad that you never made a deal with devil.. meant devils!
Yea…because nobody is supposed to prosper unless you are under King Weenie. How dare someone more qualified ask for the speaker job???
Oh, he finally remembers he has constituents in Newlands ??
Get someone outside of the nineteen, then. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Retired attorneys or judges who have a reputation for being fair and not suspected of corruption. Look at past members of the Anti Corruption Commission, look at people who served in the law school board. Come on, people, get those brain cells working!
#CallforNewElections
(If you are Caymanian, you have a solid education with a proven professional track record, and you are able to work with 18 others with dignity, without embarrassing us or selling us to the highest bidder within private interests, then please consider running for public office)
Hang on. I comin’.
Criminal record and pending criminal trial are fine. Must have a Caymanian granny, so we know you’ll be honest and put the people first. /s
Affiliation to Jamaican party, and/or cartel/posse a plus. Must be willing to openly treat constituents with turkeys and bicycles, and intervene to get so-and-so’s kid out of jail (again). /s
I am Caymanian and have all those things, including Caymanian parents, but I wasn’t born here. I’m told I can’t run, but my children will if they are born here….thats a lot of years to wait for new blood!
How comes? Surely that is an extinct rule that can be amended. Need new blood! We can’t keep voting the same crap back in every four years.
You forgot – if you are second generation Caymanian.
You will never get the votes, the votes will always go to politicians with connections to the various money sources on island or through connections like the lodge. So if “you are Caymanian, you have a solid education with a proven professional track record” your probably already have a decent job here so not worth the risk of leaving said job to maybe get voted and if you do and the other 17 don’t you end up working in the circus for a few years…
Nice idea but I can’t think of a single one that fully qualifies.
He better watch out as O’Connor and her Hench-people will be out for his head.
I thought MP’s made request to the Government to initiate projects; so enlighten us as to how can ‘Panton’ jump-starting several projects as a backbencher?
Using his own money!!
Surely he is expecting to be no like he told everyone else! Seriously, new candidates need to get out there. And be mind full of the newest person who came out of ‘nowhere’, not much to say, won his election, gets a green light on everything, and steadily climbing, he got a backing, ummmm backbone!
He should be worried. She might send her exorcist squad out to purge him.
Hopefully Heather declines as well and the new Government will be forced to appoint Bernie (as Mckeeva is out of the runnings)
It will give Heather and Wayne a much larger ability to moderate the religious nuttery of Her Holiness the Premier, and the general idiocy of the Minister for Lunar Arousal as their 2 votes will be maintained on all matters
Minister for Lunar Arousal!!!! I love it!!!!
Bernie….?
Heather is religiously nutty too, bobo.
JuJu had her time. It’s been a week, traffic is still f’d, billboards are still up, the damn dump is still not fixed and people are still blowing leaves around from one place to the next with those god forsaken leaf blowers.
Resign now!
At 5:30 am once a week the GOVERNMENT employee blows leaves around at Truman Bodden sports complex and can be heard for miles!
LOL
Bring back the LOL button!