Minister admits China Harbour cleared to bid on port

| 14/03/2018 | 139 Comments
China Harbour Engineering Company, Cayman News Service

Cruise ship in George Town Harbour

(CNS): Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell has admitted that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is one of nine potential bidders on the Grand Cayman cruise berthing project.  Speaking to a large crowd in West Bay at a public meeting about the proposed national tourism plan, the minister said the Chinese firm had made it to the pre-clearance list, but said no more about the Beijing-based firm, which was at the heart of the controversies that swirled around the project under the previous United Democratic Party administration. Answering a question about the dock, Kirkconnell maintained the entire process has been transparent.

However, there are concerns in the public domain that there have been many closed-door talks relating to the controversial project, which has been fuelling rumour and speculation that backroom deals are being cooked up that will see certain groups in Cayman benefit while marginalizing others.

The community has remained divided over the need for the dock, given the negative impact it will have on the infrastructure in George Town, the pressure on local attractions, the threats to the marine environment and the risk to the public purse. However, since taking up the tourism portfolio the minister has stated his intention to press on regardless.

Responding to the inquiry last night from Billy Adam about the justification for the cruise and cargo port and the rumours about the return of CHEC as a possible financier and developer, Kirkconnell insisted the project had been justified by the PricewaterhouseCoopers business case — a claim that remains in dispute.

He also said that process began under the 2013 interim government, when Cline Glidden took over the tourism portfolio after the UDP leader, McKeeva Bush, was ousted from office over allegations of abuse of his government credit card.

Kirkconnell ignored the comments Adam had made about the “fearmongering” over the Oasis class cruise ships avoiding the Cayman Islands if the port is not built. Adam had queried the persistent claims from government that we need the controversial piers, otherwise the cruise tourism sector will collapse, used as justification for the port.

CNS sent questions last week to the ministry regarding the re-appearance of China Harbour in the running for the project but those questions remain unanswered. Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller has also raised his concerns about the return of the Chinese investors, as there have been suggestions that the government has engaged in side talks with CHEC, as they have made offers about financing other public projects in exchange for securing the George Town cruise contract.

During his term as premier, when he was also responsible for tourism, Bush had pulled out of talks with GLF and their local partners, Royal Construction, for the project and had begun discussions with China Harbour, which had led to criticism from the PPM members, when they were in opposition.

CHEC port deal leaked, April 2013

Tags: , , , ,

Category: Business, development, Local News, Tourism

Comments (139)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Anonymous says:

    “Birds of a feather flock together”

    Be it UDP, PPM ABC, DEF, GHI, JKL, MNO, PQR, STU, VWX or YZ!.

    China Harbour Engineering is the Chineese government’s construction “company”, it is an attempt to cover up the the direct government involvement in a weatern style free enterprise style “company”.

    The Chineese have successfully courted all of our govetnments to get them in their web of corruption.

    Read a little bit about China Harbour Engineering’s involvement in corruption worldwide.

    See:

    https://www.google.com/search?q=china+harbour+corruption&oq=china+harbour+corruption&aqs=chrome..69i57.21570j0j7&client=ms-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

    China Harbour should be blacklisted / prevented from being directly or indirectly involved in any contract in the Cayman islands.

    We already have enough “home grown corruption” let us try to prevent the importation of corruption.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I was looking through Cayman National Archive Policy section on an unrelated errand, and discovered (horrifically) that per “Schedule 4 – Administrative Disposal Schedule for Information and Technology Management”, many records of the Planning Department’s important activities are permanently erased as a matter of policy, after just 2 years:

    ITM/PLA PLANNING Discussing and preparing to implement, manage and monitor ITM-related activities. Evaluating needs, setting objectives and designing strategies to achieve proposed outcomes. Excludes software development (see ITM/SOF).

    ITM/PLA/01
    Final versions of agency-wide plans
    Review 7 years after plan superseded/obsolete.

    ITM/PLA/02
    Final versions of business unit plans
    Destroy 2 years after plan superseded/obsolete.

    ITM/PLA/03
    Final version of minutes of meetings
    Includes minutes and supporting documents tabled at routine meetings held to discuss ITM activities.
    Review 7 years after minutes approved.

    ITM/PLA/04
    Planning process and development of action plans
    Working papers documenting the process and development of the plans. Includes drafts, reports, feedback and comments.
    Destroy 2 years after new plan adopted.

    ITM/PLA/05
    Conduct and administration of meetings
    Working papers documenting the conduct and administration of meetings. Includes agendas, notices of meetings, draft minutes and supporting documents.
    Destroy 2 years after last action.

    ITM/TEL/03
    Telecommunications logs
    Usage or assignment of appliance (radio, telephone, fax and computers), e.g. fax machine logs and mobile phone assignment registers.
    Destroy 1 year after last action. <—for ALL of CI Government, including email

    Have a look…
    http://www.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/cnahome/publications/schedule-4-admin-disposal-schedule-for-it-mgmt

  3. Anonymous says:

    Roll out a good foil (CHEC) so when it’s announced the deal is going to the usual villain (Dart), the masses won’t be as upset….genius…and so subtle, nobody can see it coming!!

    Dear oh dear…and with Royal Palms and most of public beach all being taken away over time from the people, guess where there’s lots of land thats easier than ever to access thanks to a 10 year road plan….and its soon to be developed to welcome day trippers…and guess who owns it….oh, wow….such clever people, always with the best interests of the masses of course….

    11
    2
  4. Brian Tomlinson says:

    If China Harbour has been “cleared” to bid on the project, why hasn’t the CI Government’s Public Purchasing Portal been updated to show who is prequalified to bid?

    16
  5. Anonymous says:

    Disgusting behaviour from every single MLA- opposition here is your chance to agitate. Austin and Dwayne wake up and smell the coffee – this is Alden and Moses’ last term – who will pay your rent next time around …. wait you and the Unity govt. are making sure of your personal future rent through this deal!! All I see said the blind cayman voting public. Do not force people to pitchfork the lot of you.

    11
    9
  6. Anonymous says:

    dictatorship!!!??????

    9
    2
  7. anonymous says:

    As Bob Dylan once said, Oh the Times they are a Changing. If CHEC gets into the dock then before too long I would expect to see David Moffit dressed up in McKeeva’s Chairman Mao suit announcing financing for his golf course and new road through the swamp to North Side.

    22
    2
  8. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone else see what CIG has done here??? They know a significant proportion of the island rejects the dock, but by suddenly throwing the Chinese back in the picture even some of those people are saying just let Dart do it and seemingly supporting the project. Dart would be the lesser of evils, but at the end of the day, we don’t need the damn dock and we have far more pressing issues like education and the dump. Don’t let the smoke and mirrors get you. Kill the dock project and focus on our real future. Over to you Kirkbots….

    37
    3
  9. Anonymous says:

    I just read this recommended article;
    https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/06/17/dodgy-chinese-firm-us2bn-project/
    Yes, sounds legit to me. *snickers under his breath*

    Cayman!!! YOU ARE ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL here!!!! PAY ATTENTION!!!!

    And all I can do is say I told you so.

    20
  10. Anonymous says:

    Threaten to use CHEC, while Dart deal already agreed so the people will be relieved when the Dart announcement comes…. Sneaky ass politicians!

    22
    4
    • Anonymous says:

      Don’t forget an alll expenses paid trip to the Far East for a group of our anointed ones.

      13
  11. An Unimpressed Youth says:

    Surprise, surprise… XXXXXX deals to build the dock. No wonder the current government are so adamant on pushing forward with this asinine project. Take a look at Jamaica and the other countries where China have invested Mr. Premier. The dock will not be owned by the Caymanian people. Sadly I’m starting to believe that they will not see that the dock will be net loss for the future of these islands until it is build and the damage is done. If only the governments foresight was focused on the country’s future and not their wallets…

    24
    2
  12. Anonymous says:

    The voting icons on this article have been hacked AGAIN buy Kirkbots.

    24
    2
  13. Anonymous says:

    He should worry about the decline in his district and not about building docks.

    22
    3
  14. Anonymous says:

    Where is BIG MAC in all of this? He should charge Moses for stealing his idea for the Chinese to bid!

    29
    3
    • Anonymous says:

      They in this deal together till the bitter end bobo. Money talks!

      16
    • Anonymous says:

      They are off somewhere nice scratching each other’s backs.

      14
    • Anonymous says:

      big mac is back in government and chec are back in for the port…coincidence???

      15
      • Anonymous says:

        Do not give PPM a pass. Moses K and Joey Who have to own this new CHEC puppy but Big Mac is right there with them. They are all the same and one big happy family now.

        22
        2
  15. Anonymous says:

    This government care not for the environment otherwise they would give more money to doe to help preserve our beautiful island. I been on Sandbar recently and no enforcement officer there, or anywhere in north sound. We need more enforcement of the law otherwise more people gonna mean more law breaking by those making the quick buck at our expense.

    38
    3
  16. Anonymous says:

    Shrewd move by PPM to have CHEC bid against Dart. That’s one way to get a better price from Uncle Dart.

    44
    6
    • Anonymous says:

      What makes you think Dart is a bidder?

      8
      3
      • Dartanian says:

        DECCO are currently in deep negotiations with Moses K and Ministry of Tourism. A redeveloped Barkers will play a key role in where the passengers go during a part of the day along with Kirk’s Bayshore Plaza. Uncle Dart own this government just like the last two and nothing can happen without his approval and participation in the Dartman Islands.

        16
  17. Anonymous says:

    Dear Alden, Moses, Joey, and all connected parties,

    Cayman’s tourism industry is booming without the CBF’s.

    Moreover, the year is 2018 and the world has never changed at a faster pace.
    The business model of selling expensive watches and jewellery in duty free ports is now 40 years old and its future is not looking very bright.

    (Bear in mind; century-year-old newspapers have closed down, Toys-R-Us is shutting down, and Jeff Bezos is now regarded as the richest person in the world.)

    Furthermore, not only are people becoming more socially aware of the inhumane exploitation, child labour, and other predatory practices of “luxury brands” as they source earth’s natural resources, but wearable tech is quickly replacing Rolexes for the younger generation(s).
    There is an increasing negative stigma attached to a growing number of brands, goods, and services as far as millennials and younger people are concerned.

    E.g. Just this weekend I was watching an interesting segment of Smerconish wherein he was discussing the feasibility of Americans undertaking the typical 4 year, expensive degree courses versus a specialised trade.
    At one point during the discussion, he raised his arms to expose his bare wrists.
    He was making the point that, although he clearly sees the case for trade and vocational programs, he admitted he was a hypocrite because, at that very moment, his teenaged son was sitting the SAT’s and had to borrow his (the father’s) watch because smartphones and all tech products were not allowed in the exam room … and said son DOES NOT OWN A WATCH and has never felt the urge to do so.

    (Compare that to this 80’s baby and my generation; watches, chains, and jewellery were common wants and presents. However, the kids in my life today almost never request similar items – but regularly request the latest tech product or trend.)

    It is a different world out here folks – and not to be rude, but it appears none of you have the wisdom, exposure, or foresight to see what is painfully obvious – despite being our supposed “government”.
    Unless of course, there are other factors behind your insistence on this unnecessary yet potentially economy-crippling budget.

    My point is, again, our world is changing and the simple truth is there is no justification of a KYD $200,000,000.00 expenditure at this moment in time to prop up a diminishing industry.

    Sincerely,

    – Whodatis

    62
    8
    • Anonymous says:

      Whilst I don’t support the dock either; we get you can’t afford that big gold Rolex already.

      9
      7
      • Anonymous says:

        Heh, heh!
        No buddy, I’m good.

        Fortunately, my disposable funds go toward other passions.

        – Who

        20
        2
    • Anonymous says:

      Mr. Who, there are many times I disagree with you, and flat out don’t like you, but you have vision that most of the posters on this site, local or expat lack. Now think bigger.

      12
      1
    • Anonymous says:

      Oh, wow!

      I am pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support on the above post.

      Considering our turbulent relationship, I feel it only right to return the positive vibes with a sincere “thank you” to the CNS readership.

      Although, probably shouldn’t speak to soon eh?
      By now the “Kirkbots” have now been rebooted and are getting down to a day’s work as I type.

      [Command: Must-downvote-negative-port-comments-on-the-internets] ≥

      😀

      – Who

      *Correction: “potentially economy-crippling project.”

      18
      3
  18. West bay Premier says:

    Can anyone say why these Politicians want to put such unnecessary projects and contracts in place , when there’s more important issues that needs the money and attention .

    60
    25
    • Anonymous says:

      Remember posters. The big difference here is that China Harbour is a bidder. Previously there was no bidding. That’s a pretty big difference.

      32
      6
      • C.R.E.A.M says:

        It’s a pay to play game with this government and the Chinese will provide financing at the lowest rates and longest terms plus add sweeteners to get into Cayman. This game was over before it started. Cash rules everything around me in politics and CHEC are masters in the game.

        13
    • Anonymous says:

      The bigger the BS project, the fuller the trough.

      14
  19. Cor Blimey! says:

    We should build the piers out of bullrushes and pray to God that will work, as it’s much cheaper.Surely Moses will support this plan.

    18
    8
    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe he could part the waters whilst he is at it.

      20
      2
      • Anonymous says:

        Maybe he could give a listen to the Burny Bush.

      • Anonymous says:

        It was not Moses who parted those waters. But that is a minor lie in this bigger matter of trying to justify such expenditure (the figures do not qualify for the term “investment”).

  20. Anonymous says:

    Dear Everyday Caymanian People (both true-born and papered)
    We, your elected officials, are doing everything we can to procure a second class future for you, your children and your children’s children. We are taking very good care of ourselves also. Please bow your heads and carry on while saying and doing nothing.
    -The Fat, (just call us the) Cats.

    33
    19
    • Anonymous says:

      WTF is a true-born Caymanian? We all have Cayman Status, either by birthright or by grant.

      16
      7
      • Anonymous says:

        Calm down. There are people that are born Caymanian a and there are others who have attained Caymanian status. I am neither. I was just putting you all in the same leaky boat. Again, calm down.

        10
    • Anonymous says:

      And we have very able agents now known as the Central Planning Authority who are a law unto themselves.

      14
      2
  21. Jotnar says:

    These guys sound super. Way to go on due diligence during procurement

    https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/06/17/dodgy-chinese-firm-us2bn-project/

    See the government has been taking lessons from the Speaker.

    49
    32
    • Anonymous says:

      Pray that your mother country will intervene again. Chinese firms generally will not follow any of your rules or laws unless you make them. You guys are not good at that.

      19
      2
    • Anonymous says:

      They must have known this from last time around because we all raised CHEC’s chequered past then too. So the fact they go ahead anyway speaks volumes.

  22. Anonymous says:

    just let dart do it….

    31
    20
    • CHEC has a long history of corruption and fraudulent activities in Asia, Africa and around the world.

      I hope mother, in London, will step in and not allow a contract to be signed with this corrupt company.

      91
      4
    • Anonymous says:

      would have been done 20 years ago.

      3
      3
    • Anonymous says:

      What more can he do? Dart does this everyday.

    • Anonymous says:

      Just don’t do it at all and spend the money on infrastructure, education, fixing the roads especially going East and completing all those unfinished projects such as the EW Arterial, and sort out our environment laws, enforce the laws you have, collect your fees and get your act in order. And please enact the Tenancy Law that’s sat there since the late 2000’s! Once everything is fixed, then it’s time to (sensibly and conservatively) look at bigger projects. Stop inviting the world into an unkempt house and start looking after those of us who live and pay taxes here. Done in the right order this could be easy and would reap benefits for all. It’s so obvious it’s embarrassing that the politicians can’t see this, but they are blinded by their salaries and perks, and illusions of grandeur. Very sad.

  23. SMH says:

    Cayman vote out all these parasites in the LA that support the dock. The priorities for this lot are shambolic! SMH

    68
    68
  24. Anonymous says:

    this project is a big joke..Please face the fact, cig has not got expertise to handle a job of this scale. They struggle with airport carparking ticketing machines.

    99
    87
  25. Anonymous says:

    Our Premier Emperor MacAlden looks like a proper pillock if this deal happens and the same CHEC deal with a few add ons is signed by CI Govt to finance projects and build the GT port. No shame or integrity in this business.

    61
    48
  26. Anonymous says:

    CHEC is a subsiduary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd – their parent company is current the subject of pretty sweeping corruption allegations involving the use of bribes to secure contracts. In fact they’re already barred from doing business in a number of countries.

    Hang on a second! What did I just say? ‘Involving the use of bribes to secure contracts’ – say no more, all is explained. Welcome to the Cayman Islands.

    86
    12
  27. Anonymous says:

    The cruise ship berthing facility is dead and starting to smell. Special interests are behind the project and keeping it alive. If it was good and necessary it would have been done already in the past 15 years. They (and you know to whom I refer) are trying to pound a square peg into a round hole and tell you is is only a tight fit. I won’t waste words on the transparency comment.

    66
    64
    • Anonymous says:

      Should have been built years ago. With the owners of the tenders clearing 10 million a year they certainly had incentive to make sure it wasn’t.

      64
      20
      • Anonymous says:

        So they should not profit from their work? They should lose money? Just the chosen few shop owners should make money? And not Cayman in general? Jeez, 1984, some are more equal than others.

        16
        15
        • Anonymous says:

          They have had a monopoly that has kept us from owning our own destiny. That money should go to the government for use of a government owned dock instead of paying for their tender boats. It’s time we the people stop the monopoly. #timesupontenders

          30
          15
      • Anonymous says:

        10 million? Ha

        7
        2
      • Anonymous says:

        14/03/2018 at 3:23 pm – HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!! And you really think that’s the reason.
        LMAO

  28. West bay Premier says:

    Why don’t Mr Kirkconnell get China Harbour to bid on cleaning up the crime issue , because if he doesn’t there wouldn’t be any use for the cruise ship pier in the near future . Who would want to come to a crime ridden Island ?

    78
    4
    • West bay Premier says:

      This would show you just how many Kirkbots that want the unnecessary cruise ship pier . Look at my comment , and look at Anonymous comment “build our dock” then look at the thunbs up and thumbs down and you will understand what I amm saying .
      But do you all understand that when this contract is signed , YOU SUPPORTERS AREN’T INCLUDED IN IT , WHEN IT’S FINISHED YOU WILL NOT GET NO BENEFITS FROM IT .

      I think that if a cruise pier is built . The contracts to work from the pier would be tendered out to the highest bidders. Can any of you SUPPORTES come up and back a 1/2 million dollars contract ?

      10
  29. Anonymous says:

    Build our dock!

    77
    91
    • PPM Distress Signal says:

      Kirkbots would sell their soul to anybody to get a dock to save their crumbling empire even the Chinese or CHEC they railed against under the McKeeva Bush led UDP government 2009-2013

      51
      14
      • Anonymous says:

        Problem is they are fools to believe the hype and will be terribly disappointed in time to come when their empire still crumbles anyway. Those with more than two brain cells to rub together know better. New port won’t fix a thing for them in the long term, it will only seal their fate (and ours).

        16
        2
    • Anonymous says:

      Our wonderful Unity team will choose the best for us. They know what is good for our country. Others who are so small minded should just sit and be quite as the results will be fantastic. I feel we should not have another election but allow these forward thinking unity team to stay in power to complete there plans. Make Cayman Great again!

      27
      45
    • Naysayer says:

      “Our” dock? Do you have a mouse in your pocket? Troll!

  30. Anonymous says:

    I have personally seen how these guys work sometimes…low ball the bid to win and then escalate the cost whilst taking care of those in power to keep them sweet….complete transparency needed…at all times. If a price looks too low, it is too low. I hate this project and the whole thing is starting to smell even more…

    80
    7
    • Bob Sheets says:

      Transparency? What’s that?

      37
      1
    • Anonymous says:

      Get the facts before you let biased reporting influence your opinion. Remember the tender boat owners will twist anything to save their monopoly that makes them millions year after year after year.

      This project gives those millions back to us- the Caymanian people so our government can pay to build a dock we will own.

      55
      22
      • Anonymous says:

        Kirkbot, just who is going to profit from a pier? The shop owners? The rest of us get saddled with debt so they can line their pockets, really?

        28
        17
        • Anonymous says:

          I guess this question must be from a tenderbot. But I’m not sure why you’re asking it because tenderbots know this is really a very simple answer. The CIG (and therefore all Caymanians) benefit from the $10+ million a year going to the government instead of the pockets of the tender owners. Those millions fund the payment for the dock!

          23
          8
          • Anonymous says:

            Please do tell how the money going into the CIG reaches the people more than going through the tenders?
            That is so cute how you think the CIG gives more of a rats ass than a private industry

            8
            2
          • Anonymous says:

            but you forget, that money won’t go to Caymanians, it will go to those who build the dock. Oh, and the other fees cruise ships pay to government will also now have to go to pay for the dock. So in the end the government has less money, a private business has less money, and the people that lend us the money to build this white elephant will bank off the backs of Caymanians and their children for years to come. Well, at least we might sell a few trinkets.

            11
      • ROFLOL says:

        ROFLOL the Kirkbots are hard at work to manipulate the ?? ?? buttons on all posts that don’t support the dock or PPM. This is not scientific polling data you mindless drones get a life or do some work.

        21
        6
      • Anonymous says:

        Um don’t you mean we will pay but never own?

        11
        2
      • T. Fox says:

        3:31, you get the bullhockey award for today! What a joke! Thanks for the laugh!

        8
        1
      • Anonymous says:

        Why don’t cig just buy some tender boats then?

        5
        1
  31. Anonymous says:

    The CHEC proposal is to finance major CIG projects like GT cruise dock plus the Spotts dock and a proposed cruise berthing dock in Cayman Brac over 30 years. Moses K getting his no matter what. CHEC will also throw in financing for schools do CIG will effectively be indebted long term to the Chinese government controlled Exum Bank

    36
    18
    • Anonymous says:

      The Chinese control Jamaica now Alden and Moses are willing to give them control over Cayman once CHEC gets its foot in the door

      41
      8
  32. Anonymous says:

    Moses… why are you ignoring the will of the people? NO ONE wants the port built if it is going to impact the coral reefs and you can’t seem to justify why you’re proposing such a
    huge platform. If you just need the ships to dock, all you need to do is extend the piers, not the whole dock – at least for the time being.

    It’s obvious that there are ulterior motives at play here so your claim of ‘transparency’ is hogwash!

    9 times out of 10 if this went to referendum the public would vote against it.

    91
    77
    • Anonymous says:

      Moses … this has already been approved by the people we don’t need a referendum. We elected the PPM government two consecutive terms and you promised in your manifesto to build the dock.

      Please, build it. No more delays.

      55
      33
      • Razz Berry says:

        Don’t lie, 3:34! You know this has NEVER been approved by the people. Why do you think there has never been a referendum on it! I’ll tell you why….. WE DON’T NEED IT AND WE DON’T WANT IT!

        18
        12
      • Anonymous says:

        This is where you are wrong!, the PPM was not elected two consecutive terms. This government that we have now was high- jacked from the Independents/ opposition.

        8
        3
  33. Anonymous says:

    PPM are desperate and a sorry lot.
    Will the Auditor General’s Office or ACC be investigating these matters given the historical evidence against CHEC regarding pay to play?

    44
    12
  34. POLITRICKS101 says:

    So let me get this right any deal with CHEC was deemed corrupt and bad for Cayman in 2013 under the UDP by then Leader of Opposition Alden McLaughlin?

    However, now CHEC are suddenly acceptable to the PPM under Premier Alden McLaughlin ministers Moses Kirkconnell, Joey Hew and PPM? That is the definition of political hypocrisy at the highest levels. If the CHEC deal was bad then give the scandals and negative publicity how can it be good for Cayman now when they will finance this project?

    This government must take the Cayman public for fools. The PPM are no different from the UDP. Look at their collective actions, decision making process, management style, lack of transparency and union with McKeeva Bush who effectively props up Alden McLaughlin’s second term as Premier proves they will do anything for power and tread the same dangerous path in selling out Cayman and Caymanians.

    53
    45
    • Anonymous says:

      This ppm group led by Alden and Moses are the biggest XXXXXX and disappointments in our history. Those that are blindly following the bad ideas include Roy McTaggart, Joey Hew, Tara Rivers, Julianna O’Connor Connolly, Dwene Seymour and Austin Harris are like puppets drunk off power who complained about Big Mac yet follow Lil MacAlden

      31
      28
    • Anonymous says:

      In my opinion, McKeeva is the de-facto Premier and Alden only has the title, hence reason why PPM have back-tracked on decisions it made in its 2013-2017 term of office

      25
      12
  35. Anonymous says:

    China seeks the expansion of Chinese interests and presence worldwide. China is a threat to the United States because of its power and intent. It might own such small countries as Cayman Islands in not so distant future, if one is not careful.

    49
    2
    • Anonymous says:

      Uncle DART will not allow the Chinese to own any government that has been bought and paid for already.

      32
      3
      • Anonymous says:

        Uncle Dart, as your politely state, is not concerned with tourism in the Cayman Islands, “Uncle Dart” will gladly sell all of his holdings to the highest bidder which would indeed be the Chinese as if anyone has looked at what is happening worldwide, where the Chinese are buying up all properties in certain areas, raising the cost of living in the same areas to limits where those who were born and bred in that area can no longer afford to live there.

        This is not a conspiracy, this is the intention and as the majority of Cayman seems to be for sale, no one can complain about anything on this forum, talk shows or anywhere else, unless you start doing something about it.

        There is a reason why things are happening in Cayman, because everyone around the world knows that the majority of Caymanians are not about action, they are about “talking” and “complaining” without action to back it up. Enough is enough, there are some islands in the Caribbean that if you are not a born native, you cannot even mention that you would like to buy a piece of “THEIR” land or you would practically get eaten.

        For those who come to Cayman to live and work for the love of these islands and for the benefits of assisting their families and do not covet what others worked for, nor do you try to change what you so freely came and found in these islands, you are most welcome, however, for those who are only here to make it your little piece of paradise and to change the islands to reflect other parts of the world to make you feel at “home” until you make your millions and then flutter away to conquer another jurisdiction, your time is running short as you now join the “complainers” and “commentators” on these forums and you will most definitely be able to afford moving somewhere else in hopes of changing it to suit “your” needs, including the politicians who allow these atrocities to happen.

        17
        5
        • To the haters says:

          Cayman islands are not well known around the world. What evidence do you have of this?
          Do you know how many islands similar to the size of Cayman. If it was not for the American movies advertising the island as a criminal paradise not even them would know of Cayman.

          2
          8
          • Anonymous says:

            The evidence is in the numerous nationalities that call our shores “home” whether temporarily passing through or with the numerous amounts of applications for PR or Caymanian status from persons from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe. Cayman must be known, whether it is known from, as you say “American movies”, which most persons from countries where English is not the first language would have watched to learn to speak some English.

            If we have so many cultures residing in our little melting pot, common sense would tell you that we are known throughout the world, however, common sense isn’t really common, now is it?

    • Anonymous says:

      The real problem is that when you take the Chinese government onboard you’re inviting in all their various government entitities, like the security services. Your choice but, as several countries including Cuba have found out, it’s not a smart move.

      17
      1
  36. Anonymous says:

    We really should be focused on building docks here in our own harbour rather than building docks all the way in China. This isn’t going to do any good for us.

    30
    18
  37. Anonymous says:

    just keeps getting better with the present government – huh!?????

    20
    6
    • Ambassador of Absurdistan says:

      Just Another Day in Absurdistan

      15
    • Prospect Voter says:

      It will be interesting to see what the independent Councilor Austin Harris has to say publicly about these proposals given his daily vitriolic criticisms of UDP government CHEC deal & cruise berthing dock proposal under the PPM over the past 8 years as a talk radio media personality. Will he tow the party line as the whip and formally join the PPM? This is a public test of his integrity. Has Austin sold his soul like those he raged against before becoming a MLA?

      13
      1

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.