Elite class in Cayman politics: progress or power trip?
101 writes: In this election season, we are seeing more of a certain breed of candidate stepping into the political arena: wealthy, media-trained professionals with deep pockets and polished campaign teams. They look the part, speak the part, and seem to have spared no expense in branding themselves as Cayman’s next saviours. But beneath the sleek campaign videos and carefully curated social media presence, what exactly are they offering?
Take, for example, the Cayman Islands National Party, which is putting forward several respected figures from business and corporate circles, each of them new to politics and several of them accomplished in business. Yet the question must be asked: Does success in the business world automatically translate to understanding and solving the very real local struggles of Caymanians?
And this isn’t a feature of just one political party either. Over the years, many others from the so-called merchant class have thrown their hats into the ring each election. There are several from this same class of candidates who are well known in Cayman’s political history and who actually did well for their country. But this new breed just seems different, because unfortunately, many seem to view politics either as a post-retirement venture, a legacy project, or a platform for influence.
There’s an unmistakable Elon Musk-style swagger to some of them: branding and vague promises of “innovation” and “leadership” wrapped in slick soundbites. But Cayman is not a boardroom. Governance is not a PowerPoint pitch.
Cayman is at a crossroads. The middle class is shrinking, homeownership is out of reach for many young Caymanians, and the economy is increasingly inaccessible to the very people it is meant to serve. Caymanians are feeling like strangers in their own country: priced out, pushed aside, and politically overlooked.
So we must ask: do these new elites understand that reality? More importantly, do they even care?
If it looks too shiny…
Slick branding won’t solve the housing crisis. And it doesn’t guarantee a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves and address deep, systemic inequality, an issue we are currently facing. In fact, the opposite may be true. These types of candidates may be more inclined to preserve the very status quo along with their special interest groups that have served them so well, rather than disrupt it for the benefit of everyday Caymanians.
Voters should be wary of candidates who overpromise, who dazzle with their presence but avoid concrete answers on cost of living, housing and Caymanian empowerment. It is easy to talk about “the future” when you’re not the one struggling to afford the present.
The last thing Cayman needs is more politicians who are disconnected, self-interested, and more focused on legacy than service. The gap between the haves and the have-nots has never been wider. We need leaders who want to bridge it — not bask above it.
Let’s not confuse polish for purpose.
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Category: Viewpoint
Pure nonsense – with a high likelihood of being written by one of the failed and corrupt incumbent politicians that feels that their gravy train is under threat.
The majority of the individuals up for election this year are the usual cabal who have proven themselves, in multiple instances, to be incompetent, self-serving and corrupt.
You would prefer that the public shoots themselves in the foot for another 4 years by voting in another circus act?
Is it really so problematic that the public now has the opportunity to vote for new blood with track records of success and leadership?
Whoever wrote this, I hope you can’t vote.
Whenever you are making any decision, you always need to consider all the options on the table. Even if all you’re deciding is “should I do ABC?” the alternative is “not doing ABC”.
In this example you suggest that our options are people who were successful in business and have not yet been in politics, or absolutely nothing at all. What’s the other option?
The other options are people who have never succeeded in business, OR IN POLITICS.
Honestly, in the PPM Joey has done well for himself and if you agree with his politics he’s been successful politically. Same with Roy. For the PPM that’s about it.
Again, honestly, in the TCCP: Andre and Wayne have both been successful prior to politics.
The CINP is mostly successful business people with no track record (yet) in politics.
The REMAINING people in all of the parties and the few remaining independents have had NO success in business AND questionable/downright poor track records in politics.
Julianna has been a career politician and has made millions of dollars off her incompetence, and you’re suggesting that she’s still a better pick than Dan Scott?
Kenneth is incapable of doing ANY work in the private sector and you still want him in? Dwayne?
Come on.
This OP ed is one of the most ignorant things I’ve ever seen published by a reputable news source. Your conclusion is “let’s stick with the same dirtbags we’ve had for generations, because these newcomers have too much money and might not be any better.”
In fairness, they MIGHT not be any better. But re-electing the same idiots that got us into this mess certainly WILL NOT be any better this time than it was the last time.
Agreed. However, I’m sure that the author of this piece most definitely has the ability to vote. They are likely one of the “non-elite” politicians that feels threatened by the prospect of competent competition.
Apparently, it’s a crime to be successful in life. So just be a drug dealer, thief, misogynist, rapist and what eve other criminal you want to be because that pays. It doesn’t pay to be good and study hard and be successful. You are considered elite because you make the right choices in life.
Joey does not know it yet but he is toast. Whatever the election outcome he is out and the buyable crew are in. I just hope that they do not form the government
Vote anything other than PPM, they are the main reason our country is in such a mess.
Yes – The UDP coming back into power as a PPM/UPM mix would be a disaster
True, we can’t predict the future when it comes to just how these shiny new candidates will do. BUT, we have a good history lesson in the poor track record of many that are once again running! The PPM in particular. One has to wonder if they all suffer from some sort of long term memory loss. To put them back in, over say… the CINP is insanity. But then again, we do have a good record of doing the same over and over, and then complaining when we don’t get different results.
We need change the law. Politicians are not declaring their interests in offshore companies.
This fact and guess who has been doing it for years
With a decent law our last AG could have gone these guys in the slammer. She couldn’t due to or crap law.
This article is a load of bollocks dressed as a hot take.
Miles off the mark on many if not all respects.
I cannot wait for this government to change and this country to take a new direction. The failed last government can go bye . Good riddance .
And those who are quitter and are hiding in a new party.
WE SEE YOU
And we ain’t saying yes to that or the past 4 years again !
Some truth in this. I will vote based on what they say and what they did in the past and how much I trust that. People won’t always be fooled by marketing and promises.
PPM all the way.
“all the way”… into the sewer.
They have never had our interest at heart 101 so that nah changing! We will keep seeing more and more and they are connected to the special interest groups.
Good video: Enough is Enough https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15CrrT7rzm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Politics in Cayman is an expensive ragmag of corrupt rubbish! $2million paid from government coffers to finance the ACT clowns and the Elio/Austin misinformation, lies and hatred campaign! With other radio personalities propping up the PPM party they are the worst opposition block of bobble heads we have ever seen simply agreeing with the politricks all along.
With MacWolf and JuWolf refusing to engage except for their own interests and the rest of the wolves in sheep clothing smiling on billboards for 4 years straight- you have to question what have they done to reign in spending, fix cost of living, fix immigration, fix education, fix traffic, fix overdevelopment, fix crime, fix the dump or protect our shores from ongoing destruction?
This is why you must Vote TCCP or TCNP!
They don’t respect scientists by promoting their experts with no scientific training
Either of those parties get in, you will be crying within 2 years. Simply unbelievable that people would even consider TCCP especially after what they (PACT) did last term. THE worst government in Caymans history.
Why do Caymanians always think that, because someone ran a successful business, they can run our country? Can we please stop heaping praise on the merchant class as if they’ve done something Godlike? They were successful in business. Good for them. Ask yourself what have they done for others? Ever? Have they been involved in mentoring young Caymanians? Have they fought for our environment? Have they been advocates for education or healthcare? What have they done in their lives to help others? When have they SERVED? That is what running a country is. Its SERVICE to your fellow countrymen and women. And I’m not talking about handouts! We need to kick that terrible habit too! Vote for people who not only SAY that want to make our country better for Caymanians, but they can also BACK IT UP with a history of service, caring and advocacy. Running a business does not make someone worthy of your vote. A history of service to the country makes someone worthy.
Gotta start somewhere Bud. For me, I’d rather have a successful businessman in charge than say, a gardener.
Don’t insult the gardeners who are way more talented
I think this might be an historic reference: to McKeeva and where his ‘nurturing’ got us.
A gardener nurtures and helps things to grow. A businessman finds a way to make money for him or herself.
Why is greed celebrated? And if the objection is not “oh, but these business people are not greedy” then show me the one who passed up an opportunity to make more – the one who said “I’ve made enough and don’t want more.”
I take your point, but to my mind where a successful businessman is involved, he probably doesn’t need the salary that comes with office and is less likely to be corrupted. To have achieved success he has probably shown good judgement, been personable and able to convince people of his value, and has an education. Wayne Panton comes to mind, and whatever the nay-sayers say he is still one of the cleanest and most upright persons in the House.
@Warwick Hunt – I respect your point of view, however my point is that being successful in business shouldn’t be a candidate’s ONLY qualification. For example, if a successful businessperson has ALSO been supportive of the Big Brother/Big Sister Program and has donated their own time (not just money) mentoring young Caymanians, that is indicative of a person that REALLY cares about this country. That is the person that gets my vote. Not just some guy that has amassed a fortune for himself.
Listen, there is a candidate saying they are advocating for health cause their forefathers used bush medicine. These advocates need to go get qualifications like the rest of us for a job instead of planting mangroves. Tell her go back to the UCCI course that she quit before running to fix education. There is another candidate that thinks because they worked outdoors that they are an expert over scientists. Youth need real leaders to look up to.
Exactly. Wayne thought it would be easy before his own people turned on him and ousted him. Now they got the band back together and want to mess Cayman up all over again. It’s comical.
The heavy Jamaican influence in Cayman has to be brought to a stop.
Saunders and really Dumbdum rely on the Jamaican vote.
Saunders , who openly hates white people , is positioning his posse to take us independent.
Don’t vote PPM.
@Caymanian, the only people that the incumbent career politicians have SERVED over the years, is themselves.
Would you rather the public vote in the tried and tested collective of drug dealers, donkeys and nepotistic vote buyers again?
Or is it such a crime to put faith in someone new who has proven their competence, intellect and leadership skills through demonstrable success?
@23/04/2025 at 12:36 pm – You’ve taken my comments way out of context. Where in any of my comments did I say that I prefer incumbent career politicians over businesspeople? I am speaking to the ridiculousness of some Caymanians who vote for successful businesspeople simply because that person has this perception of success. Personal successes should not be a candidate’s ONLY qualification. I would not disqualify a successful person because of their success, but they have to bring more than their own personal success to the table before they get my vote. So many candidates pop their heads up during election time, saying that they want to help the country and its people. Well, just ask yourself, what has that person done to support that they truly will try to make things better for all Caymanians? What have they done until now to make me believe them? That is what my comments were about. Thanks.
Thought-provoking article. There are several things swaying voters this election, and we will all make our decision based on what resonates with us.
Sometimes we look for clues and so-called “red flags” to guide our decision-making.
There is a particular local forum that has dragged this community down to the depths of the cesspool, destroying characters and promoting bigotry and hate along the way. A forum where there is daily personal attacks, but for those who dare respond, they are said to be “up in their feelings”.
Candidates who align themselves with this forum in a bid to gain power are a “red flag”, if it is any indication that their values and character are similar.
So on the one end, you have the elitists that this article warns about, on the other end of the spectrum, we have those swimming in the sewer who are seeking to claw their way to power through the so-called influencer culture.
They do not come to the table with their offer of wisdom, integrity, technical ability, or leadership record. Instead, they are hoping to get there by aligning themselves with a bully who will try to destroy their opponent or at least dim their candle to give the illusion that their client is the better choice.
This election will be telling for several reasons; however, if the results show that the path to political power is through that particular road, it will be a significant indictment of the Caymanian voter community.
I am thankful that I have a credible candidate in my constituency who is not aligned with that brand of gutter politics. Come next week, I will not only be voting for the best candidate in my view, but I will also be voting against the vitriol and filth that I see rising in Cayman politics led by people who look to stand on that Hill.
$2million from the government coffers for a Vote Yes. ACT and the Elio/Austin show is disgraceful. Who owns Bobo.FM? It’s the worst and help us dear God if the PPM clowns get in propping up the propaganda.
You must not have listened to the divisive bigotry and vitriol from the PPM propaganda show by Austin/Elio on Bobo.FM. Who owns that radio station?
Fact – success in running a business has very little to do with success in running a country. Wayne Panton is living proof of that fact.
Some truth to that, but I’d rather someone who is bright, articulate and educated over a drug dealer.
Not even a successful drug dealer at that!
“Hypocrisy is a helluva ting!”
The PPM campaign in 2025 obviously costs plenty money as they are backed by the deepest pockets in the private sector who are desperate for PPM’s return to power no matter the costs to the country so the giveaways, concessions, poor decisions and bad deals that a benefit a select few can continue.
If you doubt this just ask those companies with stalled projects all over the islands and the developers that rely on the PPM for work and all extra benefits aka concessions that do not represent value for money to the country.
A few questions:
1. Who in government is tracking the hundreds of millions in concessions that have been granted by previous elected governments?
2. Who is responsible for negotiating such deals?
3. Who in the civil service is responsible for making sure the quid pro quo’s are honored and become a reality to help the Cayman economy and workers pre and post construction phases?
Money is flowing right now in every district because of politics and election season. This cannot be denied because campaigns are expensive and flashy. Some are even more polished than others. Politics in Cayman is about a show and misdirection!
If you doubt these facts look at the PPM’s position of ignoring 3-4 Cabinet members of PACT/UPM positions and track records that has contributed to a dire financial position for our country?
The Progressives 4.0 have a slick looking campaign that costs more than any of the other campaigns or parties but lack the character and substance to avoid forming a government with the likes of current Premier Juliana Connolly, Kenny Bryan, Dwayne Seymour and Chris Saunders former minister of finance who the PPM criticized for everything over the last 3.5 years.
This reality defines the deplorable state of the PPM AND POLITICS in the Cayman Islands.
To quote the real king maker of Cayman politics that will also be added to the PPM stable in the near future Big Mac “even Blind Bartameus can see it coming” such is the state of Cayman Politricks.
In closing, those persons that have negatively impacted the country cannot be given the opportunity to harm it further because they had no solutions before look at the results and it is clear in Cayman politics you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.
Cayman open your eyes and look at the facts not the flash.
The PPM have the smallest budget of all parties. Wayne is financing TCCP and Dan Scott is financing CINP. You are talking nonsense if you think Dart or anybody like that is financing the PPM campaign.
The PPM have all the government’s money and more. Moses and Julie have more money than Quaker has Oats.
A. You cant use government money to fund a campaign.
B. Each candidates political spending is submitted for review.
Wayne and Dan just spent a truckload before the campaign to keep in off the books along with the truckload of cash that Wayne is paying Cayman Dump Road to promote his party and bash everybody else.
But PPM has that Developer Lobby money.
What a total load of shite. Would the writer would rather vote in a bunch of unaccomplished woman beaters with criminal drug histories who sell out to the highest bidders (developers) at the first opportunity. Oh wait we’ve tried that. FOR 30 FING YEARS! Did they have any political experience. Throwing in the Elon Musk analogy is pathetic.
Give me politicians who aren’t in it for the paycheck, have been successful in their prior careers and are doing it for the country. Not for a paycheck.
They’re only pointing out what they see. I agree. The problem is the lack of depth of choice, compounded by the system we have. There’s literally a choice of two candidates for some areas. Talk about disenfranchised people, what’s your option if you don’t want PPM in NS, the incumbent… what a mess.
Also, please, please, please, no PPM. Banish them for a very long time.
Joke is, if PPM don’t get back in, who are the other parties then going to blame for another failing government and massive debt in 4 years? Be careful what you wish for.