Escaping the crossroads
Mr Smartvote writes: Every four years we are told by political candidates that we are at a crossroads in this country, that we need to make some important choices about where to go and what issues to fix to finally deal with several ‘crucial’ issues’ at hand. And that they are the ones to choose.
And every four years, ironically after the elections, we seem to still be positioned at this very same crossroads.
What are we as an electorate doing wrong? The only logical answer seems to be that we are repeatedly electing individuals that have continued to over promise and under deliver. To be fair, depending on who is assessing, some of the incumbents have tried. But others, not so much.
Generally speaking, the PPM-led Unity government has managed the country’s fiscal affairs effectively (for the most part) and no one would deny them an ‘A’ grade for their management of COVID-19. The problem is that there are almost no other positives to speak of.
So yes, we are healthy, but still at the same old crossroads, with high unemployment among Caymanians, seemingly unbearable high cost of living, a failing education system and a general unwillingness to address the underlying social and environmental issues that continue to plague us.
It’s time to make some real changes to the group of persons we are relying on to provide the policy framework to make our lives better. And this year, we may have a few sensible alternatives.
One so those, based on his campaign so far, might be Mr Johann Moxam
Johann Moxam: Independent candidate for George Town North - Managing Partner of Lainston International Management Ltd. Background and education: Moxam studied at the University of... More. The former Chamber of Commerce president has been loudly voicing concerns on a range of public policy issues over the past decade, and while some may have issues with his style, he often makes very sensible suggestions.
We know that he is an effective leader because he was one of the primary forces behind the Cruise Port Referendum campaign and the successful prevention of a proposed new port, which many felt would have done more environmental damage than economic good.
Wherever you stood on that issue, no one can deny Moxam’s strong leadership abilities and love for country were on display.
Moxam has more relevant experience than several of the incumbents had when they were first elected to office, so the experience argument being pushed by the Progressives
The People's Progressive Movement (PPM), also known as the Progressives, was founded in 2002 in response to the launch in 2001 of the United Democratic... More in their campaign just doesn’t cut it.
Politicians who have been elected should not be reelected simply because they have been in office for a while. They must be removed if they are not delivering on their promises.
Moxam’s opponent, incumbent Joey Hew
Joey Hew (PPM): George Town North MLA, Minister of Commerce, Planning, Infrastructure. Biography: Hew has been a member of the Legislative Assembly since 2013, when... More, is by all accounts a decent person. He is articulate and has integrity. But he has been in office for eight years and must take some of the responsibility for keeping us all at those crossroads.
As a member of the Cabinet, Mr Hew has been in a position of tremendous influence and has had a genuine opportunity to help, to improve our lives. And unfortunately, we are still waiting painfully at those crossroads…
Not every candidate vying for a position as a first timer comes highly qualified, but there are a few other alternatives across the various constituencies to look at more closely in these elections. It’s definitely time for us to consider some of them to give Cayman a chance of changing our current path.
Category: Viewpoint & Analysis
I am very numb and cynical about the choices we have. There is a herd of elephants in the room that politicians always dance around. One example, the pension. The government knows that with a maximum payout of 12k a year no one can live on that. Why isn’t anything done? I will tell you why. The amount of pensioners is small, not worth a great deal of votes. Politicians are not in this to care for the people only what will benefit themselves, the MBE’s, the legacies they want to be remembered for etc. This and past governments has cheated me. Worked all my life and saved, paid into the pension since it started with more than the 5% required. Yet despite my handsome sum I am only allowed approximately $1000 a month to live on. I have not heard one peep from any MP (as they like to call themselves now) explain how they will address this problem. My vote is worth little or nothing to them.
I’m hoping the following ppl get re/elected:
Johann Moxan
Michael Myles
Emily DeCou
Justin Ebanks
Andre Ebanks
Wayne Panton
Chris Saunders
Malcolm Eden
Kenneth Bryan
Mario Ebanks
Elvis McKeever
Ellio Solomon
Sammy Jackson
Katherine Ebanks-Wilks
Rolston Anglin – only becuz Bernie has not done shit like so many others.
To 4:10pm:
B. Bush has not done more because in the LA you need to have a support network and I suppose it must be hard to seek support from people who are not like-minded. 🤷🏻♀️ Not one MP can achieve anything by sheer force of will. It is simply not possible.
A good list, but I’m gonna have to disagree completely with Ellio and Rolston. Also, you forgot Alric.
Certainly is a wish list and menu for numerous disastrous steps that would happen in this little place.
Kalfour danjere!
Will be crossing off from this list on Thursday morning, I am glad this ain’t Burger King and you don’t get to have it your way.
Time for all of the overstuffed pigs at the trough to piss off especially that jackass who speaks in tongues during the full moon. Goodbye Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Yes yes time for Joey to move on. You had your chance bobo!
The is so spot on. We can’t keep trying the same people if the results are not improving. Its time to change as long as the choices are credible and I believe Johann is a very decent choice here.
Based on a personal experience, I have to disagree with your assessment that Joey has integrity. It’s either that or he’s really dumb.
Hew is both he lacks integrity and his dumb.
The reality is Hew is unqualified to be a minister. He is compromised and pretends to be nice but cannot compare to his opponent Moxam.
If this is a job interview only one deserves to get the chance for the job that is Moxam.
You are right 3.40. Johann is far better than Joey when it comes to Pretending to be nice.
Beware of Mac in sheep’s clothing.
And he is far more compromised with Dart
I am sorry that Johann Moxam bid to for a WTE plan for the Government Landfill was unsuccessful. We would have seen a completely different approach to this Cross Roads.
Pack your shit joey. The game is over go be a planning consultant for Dart and Wellon.
Dart doesn’t hire idiots.
Moxam’s campaign has been great and he is the better all round candidate. He has earned my vote and proven he will fight to protect Cayman.
agree. he’s actually connecting with people and we believe he deserves our vote.
Mr. Hew has had eight years he does not deserve four more
Joey cannot spell integrity much less understand the meaning of the word. His time is up!
Moxam all the way!
The deep state especially dart and the developer class completely own joey hew. To protect Caymanians he must go.
Johann is the better candidate that will never sell out. This is an easy choice to make on Election Day. Vote Moxam.
not 100% about that, but worth a shot right?
Mr. Moxam gives all Caymanians hope fir the future. His message and authenticity grabs you and holds your attention. He is the best choice fir GTN
Johann Moxam is a breath of fresh air. He is honest qualified and will fight for us all.
My family and I will never waste another vote of Joey again
Joey Hewis owned by Dart he showed us all he cannot be trusted. After 8 years he needs to go! Vote his ass out he is a sellout only focused on developers and big contracts