Candidate Allan Wagner promises many changes for the district of George Town
Allan Wagner
Friday, August 27, 2004
George Town resident Allan Wagner confesses that he “hates politics” but says
it is for exactly that reason that he has decided to run as an independent
candidate. He is standing under the rallying call, “Citizens of George Town, let
us not be strangers in the House any longer.”
Mr Wagner is referring to the Hon Kurt Tibbets being replaced as Leader of
Government Business by the Hon McKeeva Bush. Mr Wagner referring to the incident
as a “coup,” said it reflects the relationship between politicians and
Caymanians.
“When that happened, people got frustrated and protested and the MLA’s told
the police to ‘get the strangers out of the house.’ I think that shows what the
politicians think of the people who vote for them,” he said.
“The politicians are ruling over an increasingly divided country and the
two-party system has a lot to do with it. If you look at all the countries
around us, with that system they all have the same problems. I am running as an
independent, which is part of our tradition in Cayman.
“People in Cayman are not ready for the two-party system. It divides the
country because the two parties are rewarding their own supporters and it
creates resentment on both sides, and everyone else is left out.”
As part of what he sees as a divided society, Mr Wagner is especially
concerned about the lack of discipline and morals in schools and what he sees as
children’s diminishing respect for authority figures, the parents and teachers.
“If you look at this legislation that they want to pass telling children they
can phone 911 and inform on their parents or teachers; this is creating
divisions,” he exclaimed.
“Parents and teachers are being undermined by politicians at a time when they
need more support or just the freedom to fulfill their roles. We do not want to
develop a situation such as in certain cities in the United States where
children are bringing weapons into school.”
Education is key to Mr Wagner’s platform and he wants to see the Bible
returned as a key element in school life. “The Bible is an excellent source of
discipline and it is something our ancestors always depended on – one of the
building blocks of this country,” he said.
As a figure in the construction business, Mr Wagner believes that training
for Caymanians has been deficient, which is why the industry depends on imported
labour. He also wants an overhaul of the government’s housing policies, and
feels that his 20-year experience in building low-cost homes would help deliver
better value.
Pensions are another area he believes should be looked at, as he believes old
people should be better cared for. He added: “We need more support also for
small businesses with start-up loans; they are being neglected by Government in
this time of big business.”
Mr Wagner concluded: “We are a small country. but we are suffering divisions.
I am running a serious campaign to address the issues George Town faces.”
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