PPM won’t form coalition but will prop up UPM minority
(CNS): As Cayman Islands residents were busy preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Rafael on Monday evening, Opposition Leader Joey Hew issued a statement on behalf of the PPM regarding the “void in our country’s leadership” after four members resigned from the UPM government last week.
Hew implied that the opposition will prop up the minority government to allow it to deal with important business but not “contentious legislation” until an election can be called that won’t disenfranchise potential new voters not yet on the register.
“The PPM has not joined the government or any other grouping inside or outside of Parliament,” Hew said. “We remain fully committed to our role as the Official Opposition, focusing on holding the government accountable and advocating for the Caymanian people. We do not believe that the current minority government, made up of only seven of the 19 elected members of Parliament, is sustainable for more than the very short term.”
Hew said he had spoken to Premier Juliana O’Connor-Conolly and André Ebanks, one of the three Cabinet members who had resigned, to understand their positions, as well as Governor Jane Owen, who, he said, is considering the earliest possible date for the election.
He said it was important to ensure that any date set for the elections would not disenfranchise anyone, so the PPM is prepared to support “the business of government”, such as the outstanding financial services legislation, which must move forward before parliament is dissolved. This means the opposition will prop up the necessary quorum in parliament until the governor determines the timeframe for the general elections.
“We will not agree to move forward on any contentious issues,” Hew said, though he did not define what he considered contentious. “This approach will provide the confidence the Caymanian people and the international business community need and will assist in a fair elections process. It will also allow our people to consider all options for Cayman’s best path forward.”
On Friday, the premier said the government was still able to function but gave no details on who would take on the portfolios previously held by Ebanks, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks and Sabrina Turner.
By Monday evening, the UPM administration had still not indicated which of the remaining Cabinet members would take on the responsibility for home affairs, the climate ministry, social services or health, even as Tropical Storm Rafael intensified as it rolled slowly towards Cayman.
See the full statement from Hew below:
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Category: Politics
Soooo, the (laughable) business case document for JuJu’s School of Opulence has been leaked to CMR. Can’t wait for CNS and us to also view and share views on that one.
And will the PPM support this nonsense? I’m waiting.
Popcorn at the ready!🍿
PPM supported it in the budget session last November.
Agree with the beginning of your post but disagree with the remainder.
COVID hoax lockdown.
Coerced poison jabs that caused death, illness and lowered immune systems.
Scavenger hunt has begun. Our Blood suckers are on the prowl again worse than the 60’s mosquito population. They friending you, they want to talk to you, want to visit, asking how ya mama is; buying new suits in Florida to go to talk at somebodys funeral. having run down and turtle meat and cassava cake and yam cook outs. well in short they will fill ya belly up, and your brain with nonsense, and if ya family big couple a fridges, stoves, micro wave and bicycle for the kids are going to be delivered. to top it off a check for cuc bill, or telephone or microwave and if they know ya pull votes, couple tickets on CAL.
Oh my before i forgat; christmas chicken, beef and pork, and ham will be distributed on the 3 islands.
That my friends is a true account of what happens during the politiricling, silly season in these Cayman Islands. If you all would just take the f\goods and not vote for them, but no, ya gwain yam de food use up the appliances and pay ya bills, and vote dem in, then six months or less after they are in power again, ya gwain complain bout ya pain in the neck MPS, about how bad they is, spending ya money on nonsense and ting and ting.
Somethings never seem to change do they?
The worst outcome would be another group of independents. I am only voting for a party that hopefully stays stable.
The so-called ‘parties’ are all comprised of variants of the same type of garbage.
See below, where someone has made the same point: https://caymannewsservice.com/2024/11/ppm-wont-form-coalition-but-will-prop-up-upm-minority/#comment-662891
I tell you enough of dis cat n mouse foolishness just need Dwayne da Rock Seymour full control take da wheel the heck wit this bureaucracy all we need is da Rock
You obviously have some rocks in your head if you’re supporting DuhWayne “sack o’ rocks” Seymour.
Anyone in the sitting govt who has approved the $50+ million high school in the Brac will not get my vote
Joey may have put in his time waiting for the top job but the reality is that the vast majority of the voting population do not see him as a Premier that would act in the interests of Caymanians and therefore the PPM is not electable with Joey as leader.
Have you ever taken a long hard look at what the majority of the voting population has sent/returned to Parliament time after time?
Scene: A dimly lit room somewhere in the Cayman Islands. A group of disgruntled citizens are gathered under a banner that reads “United Caymanian Front Against the People’s United Progressive Movement Party” (UCFAPUPMP). They sit in a circle, looking conspiratorially at each other.
Leader: Right, comrades, it’s time we take a stand against those incompetents in the UPM!
All: Hear, hear!
Member 1: Absolutely! The UPM has led us straight into the dumpster—literally!
Member 2: Wait, aren’t we the UPM?
Leader: Exasperated No, we’re the UCFAPUPMP! The United Caymanian Front Against the People’s United Progressive Movement Party!
Member 3: That’s a mouthful. Couldn’t we have picked a shorter name?
Leader: Shorter name? That’s just what the PPM would want! Confusion keeps us sharp!
Member 1: Speaking of confusion, has anyone figured out the difference between the UPM and the PPM?
Leader: Defiantly Of course! The UPM is the Unproductive People’s Mismanagement, and the PPM is the Perpetual Promise Makers!
Member 2: So they’re both useless?
Leader: Precisely!
Member 3: Scratching head Didn’t the UPM propose the $660 million Airport Master Plan that’s going nowhere?
Leader: No, that was the PPM’s idea to launch planes into oblivion!
Member 1: And what about the East-West Arterial Road that’s supposed to reduce traffic but is really just opening land for more development?
Leader: UPM’s doing! A road to nowhere, funded by nobody!
Member 2: I heard both parties are backing the new school on Cayman Brac that’s costing $50 million for a handful of students.
Leader: Ah yes, the Monument to Fiscal Folly! A joint venture in incompetence!
Member 3: And let’s not forget the concealed $2 billion in healthcare and pension liabilities. They’re hiding debts like kids hide veggies under mashed potatoes!
Leader: Exactly! They’re both as transparent as mud!
Member 1: So what’s our plan to fix all this?
Leader: Glad you asked! We’ll start by drafting a waste management plan that doesn’t involve moving the dump from one end of the island to the other.
Member 2: Revolutionary!
Member 3: And maybe implement a real public transport system instead of building roads that lead to more congestion?
Leader: Now you’re thinking! Unlike those buffoons who believe the Airport Connector Road will solve traffic when we’re importing cars like souvenirs!
Member 1: Should we address the housing crisis by encouraging building up rather than out?
Leader: Absolutely! But make sure Caymanians and permanent residents actually get priority this time, unlike the fancy gated communities popping up like weeds.
Member 2: And perhaps develop a conservation plan so we don’t pave over paradise for short-term profits?
Leader: Brilliant! Unlike the PPM and UPM who think ‘endemic flora and fauna’ is a fancy restaurant!
Member 3: What about renewable energy? We’ve got sunshine 300 days a year, but we’re still burning fuel like it’s the 19th century.
Leader: Solar panels on every roof! But do they do it? No! They’re too busy concealing debts and attending Caribbean tourist board meetings.
Member 1: Wait, who’s attending tourist board meetings?
Leader: Never mind that! The point is, both parties are about as useful as a chocolate teapot in the Cayman sun!
Member 2: Should we also tackle the issue of low wages and high cost of living that’s driving people into poverty?
Leader: Now you’re just showing off! Next, you’ll suggest we diversify the economy beyond finance and tourism!
Member 3: Actually, yes! We could become the education hub of the Caribbean, attract students, boost the economy, and then they leave!
Leader: Pauses That’s… actually a good idea. Are you sure you’re not a spy from the UPM?
Member 1: Oh, for heaven’s sake! Not everything is a conspiracy!
Member 2: Maybe if we spent less time squabbling and more time implementing real solutions, we wouldn’t be in this mess.
Leader: Blasphemy! The only way forward is to oppose the UPM and the PPM at every turn!
Member 3: But if both parties are equally terrible and indistinguishable, aren’t we just opposing ourselves at this point?
Leader: Flustered That’s exactly what they want us to think!
Member 1: Maybe we should just form a new party.
Leader: Another one?
Member 2: Yes! We’ll call it the People’s United Progressive Movement Party Front!
Member 3: Or the United Front of the People’s Progressive Movement Party!
Leader: Stop it! You’re confusing the voters!
Member 1: Are we sure the voters aren’t already confused? We’ve got dumps moving to Bodden Town, non-existent public transport, and politicians who couldn’t plan their way out of a paper bag.
Member 2: And let’s not forget the lack of transparency in political donations and the absence of any democratic reforms.
Leader: Details, details!
Member 3: Face it, our political scene is a circus, and the clowns are running the show.
Leader: Defeated sigh Perhaps you’re right.
Member 1: So, what do we do?
Leader: Maybe it’s time we stop forming acronyms and start forming solutions.
Member 2: Now that’s the first sensible thing you’ve said all evening.
Member 3: Agreed. Let’s actually address the issues — political finance reform, removal of tiny constituencies, blocking convicted criminals from running for office, recall options to force out MLAs convicted of drink driving or assaulting women, renewable energy, education, housing, economic diversification.
Leader: Smiles All right, comrades. No more petty rivalries. From now on, we’re the Cayman Islands Sensible Solutions Party!
Member 1: Finally, a name that makes sense!
Member 2: But wait, won’t the acronym be CISSP?
Member 3: Close enough. At least we’re not the UPM or the PPM.
Leader: Onward, to a brighter future!
All: Huzzah!
Narrator: And so, with a newfound sense of purpose, our heroes set out to tackle the real issues plaguing the Cayman Islands, leaving behind the endless cycle of indistinguishable parties and meaningless acronyms. Whether they succeed or become just another footnote in the islands’ political satire remains to be seen.
——–
Narrator – now speaking with a far more serious look on her face:
• Fundamental political reform is necessary to prevent the emergence of a stagnant and self-serving political class. Promoting transparency, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and fostering public trust are essential steps to improve the political climate and encourage participation from capable individuals who are currently deterred by the unpalatable reality of inefficiency, misconduct and corruption.
• To promote integrity in politics, campaign finance laws should be strengthened to ensure transparency and prevent undue influence. Banning external income for elected officials could reduce conflicts of interest and encourage dedication to public service. As Charlie Munger aptly stated, “Show me the incentives, and I’ll show you the outcome.” By aligning incentives to attract competent and ethical individuals to political office, the Cayman Islands can foster better governance and positive societal outcomes.
• Enhancing external oversight of governmental decisions through independent bodies, such as a local version of the Congressional Research Service, Office for Budgetary Responsibility and/or an empowered Anti-Corruption Commission, could increase accountability and public confidence in the political and economic planning process (e.g. the hidden $billions of off-balance sheet public sector pension and health liabilities). Collaborating with international partners for capacity building and adopting best practices from nations known for their transparency and efficiency — such as Singapore and Estonia — could further modernise governance structures.
• Implementing electoral reform to adjust constituency sizes – or even remove constituencies – could ensure more effective representation. Introducing a recall system could provide a mechanism for holding elected officials accountable for their actions between elections. Establishing stringent qualification requirements for political candidates — such as educational credentials, professional experience, and a clean legal record — would help ensure that those standing for office possess the necessary skills and commitment to serve effectively.
• Investing in education by introducing civic curricula and mentorship programs can prepare future leaders and foster a sense of public duty from a young age. This educational foundation could inspire young Caymanians to contribute positively to the territory’s development.
• Addressing economic and social factors is also crucial. Diversifying the economy and improving the quality of life could make long-term residency more appealing for young Caymanians who currently seek opportunities abroad. Establishing vocational training schools would enable young Caymanians to acquire skills for vital jobs such as electricians, plumbers, and air conditioning engineers, contributing to both personal career prospects and the local economy. Revising work permit policies to reduce the influx of low-skill labour could help mitigate challenges associated with effectively importing the third world, for the sake of (a) work permit fees to fund electoral bribes; and (b) selling out Cayman to developers.
• Singapore serves as a notable example of successful governance transformation, largely attributed to visionary leadership and strategic planning. While the Cayman Islands cannot replicate this model, lacking similar potential leaders, drawing lessons from Singapore’s emphasis on meritocracy, anti-corruption measures, and long-term planning could be beneficial.
• To enhance governance and encourage qualified individuals to enter politics, the Cayman Islands (or, more realistically, the FCO, as current politicians have no interest in losing their monopoly on power) might consider comprehensive reforms aimed at broadening the pool of desirable candidates. Reforming eligibility criteria to include diaspora Caymanians and those with dual citizenship — many of whom are currently excluded due to technicalities related to birthplace — could enrich the political landscape with experienced and globally experienced individuals. Additionally, selectively considering the inclusion of suitably qualified Permanent Residents and Status Holders (perhaps limiting them to a single term, to force in fresh talent) could bring badly-need qualification, expertise and perspectives to the political arena, further strengthening governance.
• Collectively, these strategies aim to create an environment where capable individuals are motivated to contribute to politics, leading to improved governance and a prosperous future for the Cayman Islands. By focusing on incentivising the right sort of policians, excluding the wrong sort, accountability, education, and institutional strength, the Cayman Islands could work towards a political system that reflects the aspirations and potential of its people.
Member 1: Good idea O Leader.
Leader: Of course its a good idea!!
You spent way too much on the monologue or whatever it is meant to be and hasn’t made one coherent point. What a waste of time and space!
Good move Joey and crew. I would not want to get my hands dirty with the sh!t stains named Julie, McKeeva, Jay, Dwayne or Kenny either
lmao you mean all the people they worked with last election? And the very same set they would definitely work with next election if it gives them power again? Pull your head out of your ass.
Revise history much?
I am no PPM supporter, but they are the ones who took the high moral ground and refused to form a government if they had to give McKeeva a seat at the table in order to get a majority.
PPM formed a coalition government with McKeeva’s CDP rather than allow independents to run government. Stop pretending PPM are more righteous than they are. Look past the lipstick and hair gel and recognize the pigs.
And we had a stable govt as a result. However early elections were called so the people could decide who would be the next administration. Sadly they chose the this bunch of independent morons and here we are!!
Thanks for your input, Dart employee.
Cayman gets the representation it deserves.
Buying votes in the poor areas is the game that has been mastered. Voters don’t really want honest MP’s they want people that give them money so buying and selling votes is common in all districts.
Then those MP’s or Ministers thru negotiations with key special interests groups and financial backers give then away millions in concessions to those that pay to play whilst contracts for services are provided in exchange to the Public Official’s various pecuniary interests.
There is zero difference between the scandals of the PPM, Joey Hew and the Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led UPM government. Too many people will need to be paid by the masters to get the desired results. Plus the civil service at the highest levels is compromised and facilitates the poor decisions while being directly involved in the mismanagement of millions annually and the key projects that do not pass the value for money test.
These actions all merit full investigations and criminal charges for “abuse of office” as per the standards in public life provisions and the Anti-Corruption legislation.
It is the only way to stop the overt corruption that exists for all to see.
Speaking of buying votes, does everyone see that Wayne is behind this defection of 4 members ?
The requirement to only allow a Caymanian with no other citizenships to run for an elected position needs to be reviewed.
How many potentially great candidates are disqualified for having a second citizenship either because of an emergency birth in the USA or spending time overseas after university?
Instead we are left to choose from a small segment of a diverse community. And the motivations these people have to lead are suspect at best.
I know the prevailing thought is that if you are strictly Caymanian, you will have the future of this great country at heart, but if you look at the actions of most of this currently elected group (and those that have come before), I can’t believe this truly the case.
Dear god, I have been here years, and I didn’t realise that the electoral rules were *that* incestuous!
There’s only one real reason for second citizenships to block people from running: it’s an anti-competitive measure by existing politicians to preserve their cosy little monopoly on power and kick-backs.
Re.. “…the prevailing thought is that if you are strictly Caymanian, you will have the future of this great country at heart, but if you look at the actions of most of this currently elected group (and those that have come before), I can’t believe this truly the case.”
It has quite the opposite effect, in fact. *Decent* people with no escape options from Cayman are those most disincentivised to pursue politics, because they will become totally unemployable elsewhere. They will therefore, e.g. pursue a career in IT or similar. By such sensible decisions, the top 75% of Caymanians will self-select out of politics. The only people who will run are those for whom a six-figure salary is otherwise unattainable. For example, outside of politics, JuJu, JonJon, and Saunders would be lucky to be employed by Burger King.
If you think expats are more honest than Caymanians I got news for you. You need to pull your head out of that dark place also.
Jamaicans are expats right..?
I don’t think this post is about expats. Your xenophobia is showing.
Isn’t it about the oft-cited multi-generational caymanian, who happens to have acquired a second citizenship because their mother gave birth in Miami, and/or they worked overseas for a period, and acquired second citizenship there?
Why the hostility? The UK doesn’t have such a ban, for example: Boris Johnson was famously a US citizen for a long time.
This is a completely disingenuous argument. Every single Caymanian that has ever existed throughout time could up and move to the UK and we would have zero impact on the results of their elections even if we all voted for the same candidate, whereas it would take only one tenth of 1% of the current UK population (68.35mn*.001=68350k) to be able to completely outnumber the entire population of Caymanians.
Furthermore, we are not the UK, and have never advertised to be like the UK. You are here by choice; if you prefer how they do it in the UK, please feel free to go there.
British Overseas Territory or independence..your choice!
Cute, but you have no say in the matter and the reality is that you can either accept the way our country is run and enjoy the privilege of living in paradise and having the best quality of life you have ever had, or you can go back home to the misery you left behind. Your choice.
Rats of a feather.
What joey will never do is be honest and tell the country the truth.
PPM/Joey demanded from Julie before this announcement was that they wanted 4 ministerial seats and for Joey to be made Premier in order to form a new coalition!
This video of his lies and misdirection about the his role and the ppm with the waste management disaster defines Joey as a politician.
He cannot be trusted simple
https://caymannewsservice.com/2024/08/ppm-dismisses-responsibility-for-regen-disaster/
Anyone voting for this absentee MP to be premier has to be borderline braindead. He literally has the closest ties possible to the big dog at CUC. You think he wants to make things better for us, at the expense of his immediate family?
He also is fully on board with allowing FCCA to ruin the rest of our marine environment, and continue to strong-arm our Caymanian watersports/tour operators out of a living since the cruise lines work with their “preferred” operators, which are only the biggest companies that can afford to kowtow to the cruise lines and offer them lower prices than many of the original Caymanian operators can.
He is a terrible choice even if you don’t consider the fact that he is bought and paid for by Dart and any developer to the point of virtually signing a blank cheque (at our expense) for Dart to be responsible for WTE, even though they have no expertise and had no actual plan developed, and couldn’t even finish a contract to confirm what work was expected etc.
Since he was pivotal in those farcical Dart/WTE “agreements” being signed, where has he been? Anyone seen him around? People in his constituency say they can’t hear from him. He has barely participated in our democracy (he is absent from our increasingly-rare parliament sessions more often than not), and we are supposed to entrust him with the direction of our country?
I only hope that when he comes around trying to buy your votes, that you will make the smart decision and run him off your front porch.
awww someone quoted my comment from August 😊
Joey Hew as Premier would be the nail in the Cayman Islands’ coffin. PPM are not the solution for Cayman
In fact Hew is a poor choice to lead anything much less potentially these islands
ppm…as bad as they were in power…even worse in opposition.
forever tainted.
Why join the losing team.
Stand by and watch these guys self destruct.
(Psst- PPM literally are the losing team, hence they are currently benchwarmers on the opposition)
Voters want to elect the best, but how can we? The current system forces us to pick the best from the mediocre. We need OMOV with a national vote.
… which professional, level-headed, overseas-educated Caymanians, and we have many, will run with the PPM — the party that since 2005 has made the most damaging decisions for these islands. They handled the pandemic well by heeding the medical community’s advice, I give them that; but beyond that, they nearly grounded the good ship Cayman.
Examples please ?
Trying to force us into generational debt in order to have a cruise pier built that benefits very few Caymanians, right before a global pandemic that shut down all travel, for one.
Remember to vote Yes to the cruise pier referendum on Election Day. Because I heard from some guy named Donald in the US that if we build the pier, Mexico will pay for it!
All we need are responsible leaders who consider the best for country, and people.Not billionaires and their pocket.
Joey, you know the only reason you won’t join Julie is because you know there would be another outcry about having another PPM government and we all know that didn’t go down too well in 2021.
Tell you what! I am voting PPM and I will encourage everyone who will listen to do the same. This was all instigated by Kenneth and Panton, they should be charged with treason.
“This was all instigated by Kenneth and Panton” – How? Please explain?
They assembled this bunch of morons to form Govt in 2021. You would have to be blind to not see that Wayne is behind this sudden resignation of 4 members. He is preparing for
The next election and has summonsed them back to be his minions.
No, it is because they are sticking to the principles of PPM and do not want to want to form a coalition. They are just willing to assist keeping government operational until an election which is what they should be doing for the benefit of the country.
Bravo 10.04..PPM doing what’s best for Cayman to keep a functioning government in place until election time.
The PPM has principles?
One thing noboMy can deny is that the PPm does in fact have principles, and they are dedicated to them:
-Do unto others before they can do to you.
-Take all that you can, give nothing in return.
-There are none so blind as those in the pocket of the FCCA/Dart.
etc etc etc
The PPM are not the solution for Cayman. They proved to us whom they really are. Joey works for dart and developers not in the best interests of the majority of Caymanians
All the PPM members were re-elected. The problem was that, besides Jon Jon, Andre, Isaac and others who won seats with PPM support turned on them to join Wayne. Then they turned on Wayne to join Julie. Now they turned on her too.
If they had stayed with the PPM to form the Government the country would not be in the mess it is today. Fact.
Just sayin.