No need for an early general election

George R. Ebanks writes: Once again we are faced with an elected government which, through perhaps lack of clear leadership or no fault of their own, now find themselves in a true coalition-type governance model. Should one listen to the recent utterances from the leader of the country, Premier Alden McLaughlin, the incumbent government sounds surprised, perplexed and uncertain as to what to do next. It has even been suggested by the premier that this situation that they now find themselves could be cause to trigger an early election. Sheer nonsense!

Now is the time for real political leadership to be shown. Now is the time for real political progress to be made by way of compromise and by working across the political aisle and political affiliations or parties.

The next sixteen months will allow us all, as electors and citizens of these Cayman Islands, to determine if we have mature politicians and statesmen elected to manage the affairs of our beloved Cayman or did we, in fact, elect amateurs who are devoid of acting civilized and meeting as co-equals of government and crafting far-reaching and important legislation which would not only be of benefit to the wellbeing of these Cayman Islands but will also be reflective of the full input of each and every member of our elected government.

Such legislation, in my view, will be recorded in our history books as legislation enacted by our legislature that served its entire people well, simply because it had the input of each member of our elected government and not solely having the narrow vision and desire of a select few.

And history is replete with good examples of political compromise that served the people well and also brought out the very best examples of elected politicians doing what was best for the people whom they serve.

Take, for example, when the Republicans in the US took complete control of the House and Senate in 1994, forcing then President Clinton to work with them and ensuring a surplus in the US finances. It was the first time the United States produced a balanced budget since 1960 during the Eisenhower administration.

Think also of the political compromises and deals made by President Ronald Reagan with House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neil, a devoted Democrat, that led to 15 million new jobs being created, deregulation of the airline industry, including breaking the air traffic controllers’ union.

America’s position in the world was made stronger because of the ability of a Republican president being able and willing to work with his Democratic counterparts in the US Congress. Of course President Reagan was also termed “The great communicator” due to his great communication persuasive skills.

Indeed, it is my view that instead of loose talk about the possibility of an early election being called due to the recent defections of three members of the incumbent government, perhaps this is a time for the premier to busy himself with inviting the opposition leader to breakfast. Convening an “all invited/closed-door” working lunch session either within the confines of the Government Administration Building or at a local private location or hotel resort will be a valuable lesson in political compromise.

What is needed now more than ever is to forge a more holistic way of governance — a more inclusive way of governing and indeed a way to ensure that the government survives as an effective and functioning governing body until the next general election, scheduled for May 2017.

So the next 16 months that lie ahead of us can indeed be “the best of times” but it will require diligence and hard work. And the people should accept no less as we pay them a handsome salary to perform as our servants and representatives.

Before we head to the polls in May 2017, the remaining 16 months must be a period of reflection, a period of political compromise and of great progress.

We should set our political will to craft legislation borne out of compromise dealing with the implementation of advisory district councils that can function properly, enhanced labour relations legislation dealing with the employment and protection of Caymanians, a revamping of the department of trade and labour to ensure proper resources are made available to it for enforcement of provisions as contained in the new Labour Relations Bill, and the splitting of work permits away from the Department of Immigration to a new and effective human resources authority.

Indeed, so much good could be delivered in these ensuing next 16 months should we immerse ourselves in the true art of political compromise and be leaders whose time has come.

The period between now and the next general election will require effective compromise and honest communication coupled with political compromise. The people of these islands demand it and the country deserves no less.

I echo the words of the current state governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, who once said that in politics you have to “fight as hard as you can, and then understand there’s going to have to be some amount of reasonable compromise”.

Mr Premier, the time for real leadership is at hand. Please lead!