Cayman Net News’ 20 Election Questions

Cadian Ebanks - Independent
Candidate, West Bay

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

In the countdown to general elections 2005, Cayman Net News launches its “Twenty Questions” forum where independent candidates and political groupings are given the opportunity to respond to 20 questions on important national issues.

Our first respondent, Cadian Ebanks, is making his third bid to hold a seat in the Legislative Assembly for the district of West Bay. For Mr Ebanks, a constitution that would work in the interest of the people is a primary requirement for the years ahead.

1. What are your views on independence?
   We cant afford the cost to go independent at this time knowing we don’t have the resources to maintain it, although it may appear it’s the way to go.
   
    
2. What are your plans to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government?
   For greater transparency, have all members sworn in under an Oath to uphold the principles of this honest office that I am about to hold for the Cayman Islands and to represent the people of these Islands. Of course we need to have a Constitution that would have penalties for wrongful dealings with public funds. Dismissal and repayment would be the result
   
    
3. What are your views on political candidates declaring their assets?
   Declaring assets is irrelevant. This does not guarantee that the candidates will be truthful. There are ways to get around campaign contributions as Pat can pay Tom for a fridge for Mary Goo. This fridge is in fact payment for Mary to vote for John. What we need is freedom to investigate by the members of the public.
   
    
4. What do you think about Government Ministers forming companies and competing with the private sector?
   No member should be paid more than once for any job, neither should any member be allowed the freedom to participate in such activities while holding public office and being paid by the same people that he/she is supposing to represent.
   
    
5. Would your Government ensure a free flow of information and a totally free press?
   Yes. With a democratic constitution and the Bill of Rights and freedoms of the individual, the freedom of information and also the press would be guaranteed.
   
    
6. What would be your main focus for economic development?
   Tourism and employment for all Caymanians would be my focus. I would create an employment office where all requests and requirements will be placed and filed from that office. This office will control all employment in the Cayman Islands.
   
    
7. What tax regime would your Government follow and how do you intend to increase the flow of revenue?
   Revenue will be increased by licenses – royalties, changes in government policy, commuted sentences, and charges in court sentencing. For all contracts awarded insurance companies must be responsible for contractors’ claims – not the government. A visa system for arriving passengers should be put in place.
   
    
8. What programs would be put in place to bridge, rather than widen the gap between the rich and poor?
   Introduce a minimum wage and ensure that entrepreneurs belong to one specific trade. In that way each person in the society is free to develop his or her own business without too much competition. In this way the economy becomes more economically diversified.
   
    
9. Would you put in place a National Insurance Scheme?
   Yes - a group national health insurance policy - paid in to the Government like the U.S. social security plan. Likewise there would be a pension fund where money will be held in Cayman, controlled by a competent department.
   
    
10. What are your plans to improve the health care system including the services of a resident pathologist?
    The best possible care for the least cost would be my focus. Reducing government responsibility by requiring payment from those who can afford it would be the policy. The populace should not be overburdened where the services of a full time pathologist is not in demand.
    
     
11. What would you do to have an organised transportation system and road plan island wide?
    We have an undesirable situation now because the present Leader of Government Business opposed the Grand Master Plan, introduced by Mr Linford Pierson in 1989.
    All public transport will be colour coded so that illegal operators will be identified. All operators will wear special uniforms.
    
     
12. What measures would be taken to boost national security and fight crime?
    All security members must be equipped with radios at home and be trained in self-defence as well as proper conduct. Security personnel should not be overweight.
    
     
13. Are you in favour of the guidelines set down by the Government to deal with illegal migrants from Cuba?
    I don’t agree with government’s policy on Cubans seeking asylum. Human rights under the United Nations Charter should not be violated, as it could be a complete disregard for the lives of people seeking better for themselves.
    
     
14. What would be your government’s policy on abortion?
    Permitted only on special circumstances such as incest, children having children, rape and where life is threatened.
    
     
15. MC Restoration debris removal contract with government is still a talking point after the authorities failed to make the contents of the contract available. In matters of public interest such as this, would your government ensure full disclosure?
    Yes. The people deserve the right to know how their money is being spent.
    
     
16. What are your views on trade unions?
    Trade Unions would ruin the country more than benefit it. Moreover, there aren’t any laws in place to guarantee Caymanians employment in the very least.
    
     
17. As a major tourist destination in the region what are your plans to improve on the tourism product?
    There are 7 acres of land in the George Town area where we can build a dock for cruise ships. The Governor’s residence is to be used as a historic site as an income earning tourist attraction. I would add a new airport with Hydraulic Shute and relocate the hospital in order to extend the runway.
    
     
18. In light of Ivan, what are your thoughts on the overall preparedness of the Islands for natural disaster?
    Not much different now than before Ivan. However here is an example: The hospital is at a place where the sick or injured, are cared for. The hospital is in the path of the airstrip, this is a disaster by itself. The Red Cross is in about the same area and the Red Cross is designated to assist in such times – especially since there are no emergency funds. Leader of Government Business went to U.K. and asked for international financial aid instead of disaster relief funds.
    
     
19. What do you think is the most important factor in a successful democracy?
    A government by the people for the people and that is exactly what I have been trying to educate my readers on for the past few months and what they should do to correct the situation we have here in Cayman with a Constitution that guarantees it.
    
     
20. Why are you/your grouping running for office and what do you like about politics?
    I am running for office because we couldn’t pay enough tax in Cayman if the past and present governments were left alone to handle the country without being charged with a need to be accountable and forced to try to stop the waste. Also, I want to eliminate bribing the populace for the vote. This is immoral.

Back...