Leslie turns to Prospect for 2017 run
Matthew Leslie
(CNS Elections): Local businessman and activist, Matthew Leslie, has declared his intentions to run as an independent candidate in the General Election in the new constituency of Prospect, on the borders of George Town. This is Leslie’s second attempt on the political stage; last time he ended up with the ‘wooden spoon’ after polling the lowest percentage of votes of any candidate, but he also spent the least amount of money with an entirely on-line based campaign.
This time, with so many other candidates using social media as their main campaign thrust, Leslie may have been ahead of his time.
He told CNS that he will be utilizing the internet and social media again but will also adopt some more traditional methods and broaden his message. Leslie has been an active player in the community since failing to gain a seat 2013, especially trying to assist the homeless and raise awareness of some of the challenges people at the bottom of the socio-economic system in Cayman face. Having increased his profile on the ground, he will be hoping to do a lot better this time around.
He is the second candidate to declare for the seat, which sits on the eastern borders of the capital and where Leslie grew up. The only other candidate to have declared in Prospect so far is Allan Wagner, who, having declared himself a Christian conservative, appears to be conducting a very low-key campaign. The field is likely to fill up a little but the clock is ticking on declarations, with just over a week to go before Nomination Day.
Leslie, who managed to secure just 17 votes from the polling stations covering the Prospect community last time, said he wants to run a positive campaign and put that behind him as things have changed.
Running under the slogan “Together we choose solutions”, Leslie said he has demonstrated that his strength lies in mobilizing people to action.
Speaking to his potential voters, he said, “As your representative of government, I will aggressively negotiate with governmental departments to direct resources to assist situations and needs more appropriately.”
Category: Candidates
Matthew Leslie should go home and rest before that stomach surgery burst out on him. Also, he should not have gone on the radio to explain anything about his recent episode of cheating. He should have done the decent thing and stepped down from running for election. This has only convinced me that $10,000.00 per month carries a lot of weight and where we easily can become clowns.
Dishonest to wife = dishonest to his people.
Geezum! What a lot of comments!
I know the man for the last 8 years. I can vouch for him. He has a good heart, protects Caymanians, is generous with his wealth and can play a mean piano.
If you want a Caymanian to fight for Cayman, Matthew is the man.
He is a get it done kinda guy.
If you liked Mac – and I love the countries development under Mac – VOTE MAT MAT MAT.
I am pro development – my kids and cousins need work – at higher wages – this means Mat Mat Mat !!!
Then make SURE your kids and cousins get some additional education – blue/white/no color – but something that says they are capable. Don’t depend on someone else.
Everyone is always willing to help until they get in the LA building.
Do NOT vote for him. The women of Cayman will suffer for it.
The women of Cayman have been suffering long before Matthew arrived. Sad to say, but when you have members of the LA who beat their wives, cheat on them and in general set a piss poor example for their kids; we are already suffering. When you have leaders that blatantly turn a blind eye to the gross level of pedophilia in Cayman and child abuse; we are suffering!
The old guys need to be shipped out but unfortunately there seems to be no suitable replacements…..(sigh)
To add, I think more women are needed in the LA. Women who are educated, morally strong and who have initiatives that can better the entire Country not just a few. We also desperately need strong females in the LA to keep all the “cocks” at bay.
Do you know why it is so painful to watch the LA on TV even in the comfort of your own home??? TOO MANY EGOS.
It makes a humble person sick to their stomach! (Captain Eugene and Mr. Anthony Eden are the only ones in there without an ego – FACT)
#EgosAreUgly
as long as you don’t vote Austin Harris in who already admitted beating women we are ok
So vote for another who has known issues? Just because others who have issues that you know should be removed are in office.
Why not vote for someone who has integrity and will behave like a statesman. We need someone with poise, someone who speaks well, a leader, someone respected and well educated enough to represent Cayman on an international playing field.
We need someone with poise, someone who speaks well, a leader, someone respected and well educated enough to represent. Im sure that when he gets in, his door will always be open. Not like that PPM office, when you go their you feel like you comitted a crime. We needs someone who we can go to. who listen, acts and respond no matter the out come. I do not want no chicken, beef, ham, or turkey. Matthew Leslie is the plan we needs to repesent us Prospect.
This is Leslie’s second attempt on the political stage; last time he ended up with the ‘wooden spoon’ after polling the lowest percentage of votes of any candidate This should answer to everything
the man has a wife – the only woman who will suffer IS her…
lets disregard this “criticism” of the man.
no man is perfect and Matthew is courageous to run for a position.
especially considering the bad beat he took last election.
ITS SO EASY TO CRITICIZE –
Much harder to put your hat in the ring.
The man has courage !!!
Please follow through to see if all his efforts led to a conclusion and that what was earmarked for others was actually provided. Are the people who were promised their house rebuilt after a fire actually living in a rebuilt home? There is always a lot of social media buzz around the effort in advance and during, not so much on the completion. Wake up people. Further, the misogynistic comments made over the years is despicable. Women make up a large portion of the electorate and we have more power than you think. XXXXXX
The Windsor park place is still under constructio as far as I remember. The place in Bodden town is just about done and I know he finished 2 other homes. Think Cruz lane the Government took over to do. I have been following his movements as I want to vote the right person. He is actually a nice approachable guy and I have enjoyed talking to him. He has a wild side to him I have heard but seems he tamed that down a bit. I cannot fault the man for being young and full of life. He has worked hard and because his skin aint light he has been downed on his efforts. He may not be a statesman to the definition we go by but he is a people’s man and that counts for a lot in my books.
It has nothing to do with his skin ‘not being light’ it has to do with the fact that he continually harasses women. That’s not what I’d call a ‘wild side’ that’s what I’d call a serious issue. We don’t need politicians who do that
Umm, you already have many who are pretty sick that way in the LA! Geesh, are you blind love?
That’s great those that are in should be removed. Don’t vote another one in that is a poor representation of the island. Do not vote for someone who harasses women.
Remember now he was an ex Police and there was some questions on an incident. Do you we want someone like that in office? I don’t think so, its evern worse when we know about it
Matthew that you bro?
Thank you 11:06am. True talk!
Man of the people. What about donations that were earmarked for certain persons that still has not reached them some years later?
Lots of allegations of a dishonest streak that would make anyone super caution electing this one to the LA.
There’s a reason he came dead last last time and he should take head. Nothing has changed. The constant self praising on social media only has a small minority of people fooled!
Sometimes there are things in one’s past that simply cannot be overlooked or “forgiven” to the extent of democratically electing an individual as a government representative.
Speaking as a man who believes his primary and natural function is to protect the weaker and or vulnerable members of my family and community as a whole, I could never bring myself to mark an “X” for Matthew Leslie.
Nevertheless, I encourage him to keep up the good work in the community. In fact, I have even worked alongside him on a particular project.
Who did you muster the strength to give the X to last time?
Do tell, because Matthew is looking a lot better than the likes of Alden, Kurt, Mac, Ezzard, Arden…..when you actually go out there and involve yourself with your people and SHOW that you care, every week not just every 4 years; it COUNTS.
Matthew doesn’t get the whole picture. He doesn’t know how the economics of a government function. It’s not a bed of roses where you just give handouts to whoever you feel. You can’t just build everyone homes and renovate as you please. There is no sludge fund to dip into whenever you feel like it. It’s a business, and anytime I’ve got involved with Matthew Leslie in a business setting he has failed.
Actually it’s not a business. This is where people fail at government. The objectives of a business and a government are almost in contrast to each other.
The crazy thing is I made many of these comparisons myself but until I watched a video on it I did not truly get it.
A companies goal is to make a profit for it’s shareholders while a governments goal is to provide services for its owners. If only when they made good money they would give us some.
But I would say if you fail at business you probably going to fail worse at government.
But, we do not eat food only in the Christmas, We have to eat everyday.
Matthew is the least qualified person running in this election…other than Mario and Kent that is.
And the ones we all thought was qualified since they were lawyers and accountants we elected and they did not do crap all for our country. Mr Leslie this comment made by this idiot above just earned you by vote.
Your vote was sure easy to earn! LOL …
Could you enlighten me as to what the qualifications are?
Qualifications aren’t necessary, Kent. But they do enhance one’s candidacy.
However, if you lack the skills to draft legislative policy, interpret legal jargon, comprehend diplomacy and statesmanship, then yes… people (just like the original commenter) will have a tendency to believe you are unfit for office.
In no way am I saying you’re unqualified, by the way. Just pointing out the fact that there will be those who expect you to have credentials. Can’t be surprised when they demonise you for your lack thereof.
Matthew Leslie is the kind of candidate who could thrive in the new OMOV environment. There are now 19 individual seats. People are going to have to get used to MLAs that stand out like sore thumbs, going to the LA to bring the bacon home. He’s targeted his strategy at the neediest and poorest people in the capital. Being independent I don’t see how he can deliver anything for them other than possibly by making a lot of noise in the LA that needs tamping down with some cash. If that’s how he wants to be viewed for 100k/year good luck to him. And this is coming from someone who likes him. I wouldn’t run for 1m/year. It’s not worth my integrity and one has to ask how much someone who actually runs, actually has.
Remember that time he brought a porn star on island last year…
Seriously??? Good for him!
You do realize ‘bright spark’, that the island is flooded with prostitutes and strippers who are brought in regularly??
Not to mention our own home-grown prostitutes who roam the streets day and night; young and old.
I could easily say to you “hey, remember that time Aladdin knocked up that 19 year old Honduran that was here studying at UCCI then deported her back home when he found out about the pregnancy?”
Why don’t you compare those apples and oranges.
#WhatIsGoodForTheGooseIsGoodForTheGander
So somehow that makes the allegations against Matthew ok and he’s good to run for office? I think NOT!
The ironic thing is this … unlike Matthew at least Alden is someone qualified to be elected to office in the sense of some education and professional qualifications.
What has Matthew ever done? He had several failed businesses and as I recall even his own grandmother had him in court suing him for money he borrowed from her to build one of the businesses. There were other lawsuits as well; some by staff etc. So not only does he have a serious history of dealing with women rather in appropriately he ALSO has failed businesses and no meaningful qualification to accomplish much in public office.
He’s better off sticking with his ego stroking community projects on social media that seldom have real merit to them. Only in the world of Facebook does he have a chance of actually getting elected to public office.
Only in the world of Facebook does many people have any merit.
If Matthews stance is helping the needy, why doesn’t he work with the NAU?
What is his stance on child maintenance and deadbeat fathers?
What is his stance on the environment and the constant destruction of the dive sites by cruise ships?
How does he propose to stimulate the economy?
Exactly how will he stop the disenfranchised Caymanians and token few at the top of all companies, not just the law firms.
How does he propose to defend the Cayman Islands against the global international community against al the black, white and grey lists?
What about the Brac? What of the people there? What of the natural resources and environment there?
What is the proposal for the dump? Recycling?
What about education and the low quality students graduating or school leavers?
What about traffic and curbing importation of excessive numbers of cars?
What about animal control of the dog and cat population? The chickens? The iguanas?
What about proper planning for the development of the island and preservation and the fine balance?
Does he even have a clue what it takes to run a country? Or is he just thinking it means handouts and helping a few needy/poor?
The only “Situation and needs” he wants to fill are his own.
Don’t waste your time or your vote.
He seems to have done more than some the ones we got in there
More than Whogene, the official living corpse.
Why is it the CNS only covers the most horrible candidates (possibly in history) so far? Frank MCfield, Chris Sunders, Mario Rankine (possibly the worst if Matthew hadn’t just jumped in) and Matthew Leslie.
Lord help us if people are dumb enough to vote for one of these guys much less more.
Aye, leave Chris outta this!
Matthew jump or run? You gotta be kidding me…
why is it that everyone that has a grouse with Government think that they are capable of running the country? For goodness sake, get a grip!!!
The NAU budget is about to expanddddd
Or maybe it gets fixed and money get to the right people? Crab in the buckets we see
give some of the new ones a chance because we sure don’t have a prayer with this current set
I agree
Matthew that you bro?
Matthew is a nice guy but not a leader.
You call these ones we have in there now leaders? Lead money to their bank accounts. Sorry I rather give my vote to someone like Leslie who helps the people
We got 19 politicians to go to the LA and if we even get one that’s able to work in the community we have a chance
He is not even a nice guy. He helps with ulterior motives.
Do share? He is running in my area and I’m very “iffy” about him as I’ve heard some thaaannngggsss.
Ask any woman what help he has provided them and on what basis.
What on earth does doing some work in the community have to do with electing someone with brains and knowledge enough of public affairs to work for the whole country? We need statesmen and women, not meals on wheels assistants.
If we had more MLA’s working in the community like Mr. Leslie we wouldn’t be in half the social crap some of our people are in
No if we had more people in the community doing similar work then we would be in better shape.
MLAs are there to make policies and laws and guide the country for long term prosperity and defend against the international community. We need eloquent individuals with a very strong mental wit and ability to answer difficult questions with a strong ability to stand up against strong countries for the benefit of the people of the island.
Someone who does community work is one very little part of the pie. Maybe he should work with rotary, lions, meals on wheels, or assist the churches with their charity work. So far none of his efforts show anything other than self serving praise.
Think he has been doing that.. sometimes we need see the bigger picture and elect those who actually do some work out there
Sus Christ I hope they don’t give him Gender Affairs! What a setback to the many women we have here who need to be represented and defended
What has he done that is so bad (to women in particular) as I keep hearing this? I was considering voting for him but reading all these comments I dunno now.
If you don’t already know then you will be one of the 55 votes that he gets. Don’t worry about it.
I’m always amazed as to the bat people set when selecting who to vote for. Because someone does things in the community does not make them a statesman!!! Sure, Matthew does things in the community, and we all know because it ends up on Facebook right away, but seriously he isn’t a statesman.
Stop being so easily fooled. This happens every election….people spend three years leading up to the election, going about doing ‘community work’. And people fall for it every time. Ask them about the real issues we face, and their solutions to those problems. But I guess that takes too much effort.
Which politician or party are you working for? Coming here trying to discredit the man. Gosh. One of the few people that actually gets up and does something beneficial for people in need in Cayman, but that’s not enough for you.
If he had the weight of government to move with him, his good deeds could be amplified, reaching more areas and even sectors of the economy. Why don’t you look at it that way?
that man was helping people longer than last 3 years.. he gave my husband a job when no one would and that was 7 years ago .. my husband passed away from a heart attack and Mr Matthew was at my side with helping with all the arrangements God Bless You Sir and I have family in Prospect voting for you
He also collected money for a murder victims funeral and the family still waiting on the funds
Bless you all……but that does not make him fit to be a member of the legislative assembly. Being helpful does not make you a good lawmaker and policy setter. He can continue to do all his good work best from right where he is, outside the LA.
I’m on the fence about Matthew. On one hand he apparently does all this work in the community, manage several businesses and willingly helps out those in need. Then a lot of ppl I speak to when I say I’d vote for him discourage me from doing so. They claim underneath it all he’s not a good person and has done some pretty questionable things. I live in Prospect but I just don’t know who to vote for if I end up voting.
Tell me which politician doesn’t do questionable things. As far as I am concerned he at least tries to help. He helped my family and never asked for anything in return and i live in west bay so nothing to gain from me
Go out to the campaigns, listen for yourself and then make your decision. Don’t let anyone else implant their opinion in your head because if you do that you effectively give that person two votes instead of one and you can call yourself a puppet.
Don’t know whether to vote for Wagner or Leslie, eh?
You could start by asking them about where they stand on certain issues that affect you and the community more broadly.
Also kindly ask them to outline their proposals (i.e. solutions) on how to solve many of the problems and challenges currently affecting these islands.
Let’s vote based on performance and platforms, not personalities…
Manage which businesses? Most of that is fluff! Do some research!
Matthew you have my vote! I vote in Prospect and I know you have always been active in the community and are a straight shooter when you speak about things. Thank goodness someone else of your caliber surfaced for this area. Good luck and God bless sir, you will do well!!!
Worst caliber ever. He is good to work with s charity and help people on that level. To run a country requires integrity which the women of the island knows he doesn’t have.
It is about time we get someone in Prospect with some credible background in community work because I was getting scared Wagner was my only choice. Good luck Matthew ….
Lol tru dat .. imma take the beer man over the slum Lord anyday
Is this the guy that was a police officer back in the day? Why did he quit doing that?
Wagner a joke Leslie got my vote
We never voted for Matthew in the last election. But can honestly say he is one of the only candidates that did not get elected that actually did not disappear and has been doing some work in the community. So he can have our 4 votes in this home.