The campaign has begun
A public meeting was held by the People’s Progressive Movement at the Seafarer’s Hall in George Town last week to discuss national issues and to inform prospective voters and supporters of the party’s plans moving forward.
Leader of the People’s Progressive Movement Alden McLaughlin said the PPM would be getting into action and outlined strategies.
“Tonight there are five individuals here who have expressed an interest in running on a PPM platform. Ultimately there are eight such persons who you may get a taste of on Monday, 7 May,” said Mr. McLaughlin, referring to the PPM, Ezzard Miller and One Man One Vote Committee rally held at Savannah Meadows on Monday.
Mr. McLaughlin took Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush to task for appearing on television and saying the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was trying to ruin his name. He referred to the response by the FCO and the governor given that same day to allegations of a conspiracy on the part of him and the FCO.
“The suggestion that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or I are working against the interests of the Cayman Islands is completely without foundation. The UK government’s vision for the Cayman Islands was set out clearly during the visit by the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham, less than two weeks ago: A vision of a flourishing and vibrant economy, whose public finances are well managed and whose adherence to internationally recognised standards of governance enhances its reputation as a good place to live, work and do business. I wholeheartedly support that vision. I have and will continue to devote all my energy to helping make that vision a reality. When I took up my responsibilities as Governor I swore an oath to “well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II … and the people of the Cayman Islands”. I am passionately committed to fulfilling the oath I made,” read the statement.
The United Democratic Party has stood by its leader despite calls for his resignation after the announcement of three separate investigations. He has maintained his innocence.
At the meeting last week, East End Member of the Legislative Assembly Arden McLean, declared that it was his mission to have Mr. Bush removed from office. He said he was resolved to do so because he had, among other things, “questioned my integrity … took Dart’s money to support his candidate in East End; the Dart Alliance and the closure of West Bay Road; the Cohen deal and the misspending of $500,000; moving the dump to Bodden Town to protect Dart and his family from getting stink out; the premature cancellation of the contract with GLF, which cost $2 million; the circumvention of the constitution by bringing laws before 21 days time; spending public money to travel; three investigations; attempts to interfere with the FOI Law.”
The speakers claimed the government had also effectively hijacked the public campaign to amass signatures for a referendum by simply calling its own referendum, which sets out different rules and which the government itself is now campaigning against.
For the referendum calling for one person, one vote to pass under guidelines set out by the government, 50 per cent of registered voters have to vote in its favour as opposed to 50 per cent of those voting. The date for the referendum has not been made formal, but is tentatively slated for 18 July.
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