EDITORIAL

The Cayman Islands System Leads to Political Confusion

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

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Reader comments:

• Excellent Editorial. While the two political parties are busy readying themselves for 17th November it remains to be seen whether or not the electorate has subscribed to the notion of party politics in Cayman. My prediction is that they have not and that this will inevitably lead to a coalition government post the general elections.
  
  This will discredit the party system in Cayman and probably lead to its disappearance once again. This might not be a bad thing given the fact that we have adopted the Caribbean model of party politics which has failed every Caribbean country that has embraced it thus far.
  
  Caymanians are known for their ingenuity and the adoption of the Caribbean model of party politics will cause us to lose that reputation for being unique. We have proven time and time again that we can think for ourselves and mold our own future; now is not the time to change that course and to settle for the political model of our neighbours.
  
  I am very troubled, and I am sure that the silent majority are as well, by the tendency of our political leaders to emulate especially the Jamaican model. And please don't tell me about our connections to Jamaica because I am very familiar with those and I value that part of our history. But it is just that: history! We are certainly doing what we can to assist our Jamaican brethren and sisteren given the size of country. We cannot do any more. We should ask ourselves why so many Jamaicans are descending on us if their political system is working for them.
  
  With this in mind, I implore our political leaders to establish a party system of government that is unique for Cayman and that will ensure our economic survival and that will not take us down the rough and unforgiving path of our regional neighbours. We should learn from the mistakes of others! - Caymanian to the Core

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