Sandra Catron faces Net News’ 20 questions

Sandra Catron - Independent
Candidate, Bodden Town

Thursday, March 31, 2005

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

Our second respondent, Sandra Catron, one of two independent female candidates standing in Bodden Town and one of only nine women standing in this election, is making her first bid to hold a seat in the Legislative Assembly. For Ms Catron, on the road ahead for the Cayman Islands, education and the people must take top priority.

1. What are your views on independence?
I am a realistic person and do believe that the status quo will change. In fact, as a people we have to accept that change is to be expected and that we therefore need to be prepared for the seemingly unexpected. At this particular stage no right thinking individual would advocate independence in the immediate future. However, we do need to find out what options we have in reference to self determination. It has become painstakingly clear that our relationship with the UK government is not as amicable as it used to be. In addition, the UK is under international pressures to do away with all of its overseas territories. For example, the United Nations has a specific mandate on decolonization. In the past 40 years more than 80 million people around the world have attained independence. We are one of the remaining few (out of 16) Non-Self-Governing Territories. From 30 May to 4 June UN’s Special Committee on Decolonization will be in Bermuda on an educational mission. It is clear that the time to educate our people is now!

2. What are your plans to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government?
Greater transparency in government will have to begin with constitutional reform. I support the implementation of term limits, voter initiated referendum and recall. Elected officials have to know that the citizenry of this country have a right to demand open and accountable government. In order for citizens to hold the politicians accountable they have to be aware of what is taking place within government. Therefore, I also support the free exchange of information and there should be a Freedom of Information Act implemented. The bar on transparency and accountability in government has to be raised to a new level, so that government is truly open and transparent and accountable to the people of Cayman. The voter also has a role to play in holding persons accountable. Year after year we continue to put people back in public office who have not held steadfast to the principles of transparency and accountability. Indirectly we are reaffirming their actions and have to take some responsibility for political corruption that occurs.

3. What are your views on political candidates declaring their assets?
Of course this question dovetails nicely with the issues of transparency. We have seen that there is indeed a loophole in our current declaration of interests and in fact people are able to effectively hide their assets and interests. If we are to have transparency as a reality we will have to start with the politicians fully disclosing their assets.

4. What do you think about Government Ministers forming companies and competing with the private sector?
This practice is appalling and unacceptable in my view. I am surprised that we do not have legislation that prevents this from occurring in the first instance. The politicians in this country are being paid to represent the people of this country; not to compete with the people. This is another example of how we cannot rely solely on the ethics of our elected officials to guide them.

5. Would your Government ensure, free flow of information and a totally free press?
Absolutely! There are steps that have to be taken to guarantee the free flow of information. It is often the case that persons are supportive of these initiatives during their campaigns but lose sight of these once in political office.

6. What would be your main focus for economic development?
For the immediate future we need to examine ways in which we can diversify our economic development. It has become very obvious that our twin-pillared economic system can be volatile and is very much dependent on many factors. For longer-term economic development, we also need to focus our energies on educating our people. We need to make sure the people of the Cayman Islands are reaping the benefits from our boastful position of being the “5th largest financial centre in the world”.

7. What tax regime would your Government follow and how do you intend to increase the flow of revenue?
Instead of blindly looking at ways to increase the flow of revenue we need to examine ways of controlling government expenditure. This question shows that we are not yet thinking in that direction as a country and even that we are not likely to want to make the necessary and often times difficult sacrifices to make this happen. If we were to look at ways to control government wastage we may be able to refrain from any immediate increase in government taxes.

8. What programs would be put in place to bridge, rather than widen the gap between the rich and poor?
It is important to prepare our people to move into positions where they can enjoy the financial benefits that Cayman has to offer. This will require a close examination of what long-term effects our current immigration policies will have on the upward mobility of Caymanians. We also need to be honest about the distribution of the country’s wealth and make that information openly available. In addition, there are many measures that can be taken to level out the rising cost of living.

9. Would you put in place a National Insurance Scheme?
Unless there is an overwhelming need for such a scheme I would say that the less involvement government has in people’s lives, the better off we all will be, as governments tend to have management issues. The more things we demand of government there is a price to be paid. For me there is a greater need and problem when it comes to property insurance.

10. What are your plans to improve the healthcare system including the services of a resident pathologist?
The Cayman Islands HSA is under immense pressures and I do not believe that the administration has always served them well. I understand that there has been a shortage of basic medications and supplies that makes it impossible for staff to do a good job. There have been instances of negligence that have been costly in terms of public safety and loss of life. It is my opinion that the entire healthcare system requires an immediate overhaul. We need to focus our efforts on providing top quality healthcare. This would include having a pathologist and a Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

11. What would you do to have an organised transportation system and road plan island-wide?
Yes, this would certainly be worth looking into. Many persons would feel much more confident in using a transportation system that was well organized and dependable.

12. What measures would be taken to boost national security and fight crime?
The first step is admitting that this is an area in which we need some expert assistance. Some of the surge in recent crime has been more organized and is gang related. We need to focus on that as well as the addition of forensic science and proper evidence collection to secure prosecutions. Generally speaking, we need to have more training of our police force, stricter penalties and more available resources for the police force. More importantly, for all of these things to become a reality we need a committed government who will concentrate on these issues.

13. Are you in favour of the guidelines set down by the Government to deal with illegal migrants from Cuba?
I am in favour of proper border controls. In principle, I support the assisting of any person in dire straits where it is feasible. However, I understand that we have international obligations that we have to meet and cannot be seen as a rogue nation that will assist illegal immigrants. One area of concern for me is the fact that we have not requested any assistance from the Cuban government with the repatriation of these persons.

14. What would be your government’s policy on abortion?
Again, instead of us focusing on the ill effects of a non-proactive government we need to discuss the prevention of teenage pregnancy, educating children on making life changing decisions and sex education. I am not a supporter of abortion on a personal level, but I do support freedom of choice for people to decide what to do with their own bodies.

15. The 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?
Absolutely! There was never a sufficient reason given as to why the contents of this contract were not fully disclosed.

16. What are your views on trade unions?
I believe that trade unions have their role to play in most societies. I think that in the Cayman Islands there are certain sectors that would benefit from the establishment of trade unions. This would warrant further investigation so that the employer/employee relationship could be more balanced.

17. The Cayman Islands are a major tourist destination in the region what are your plans to improve on the tourism product?
I think that our focus here should be on quality of our tourism product over quantity of persons entering our island. It is the opinion of some persons within the industry that the tourist product has been devalued to a certain extent and we should examine why that has occurred. I would firstly sit down and meet with the Cayman Islands Tourism Association and the newly appointed director of tourism to ascertain what steps are currently being taken. This would allow me to proceed from a more informed position.

18. In light of Ivan, what are your thoughts on the overall preparedness of the Islands for natural disaster?
It was obvious that we were not as prepared as we could have been. The implementation of a national disaster management plan is very important and should be implemented. However, in light of the circumstances I must say that we did amazingly well.

19. What do you think is the most important factor in a successful democracy?
The participation of the electorate is a key component of any democratic society. Citizens have to take a keen interest in governmental matters because these decisions affect their lives. The voter’s have a voice in this process and politicians are merely the conduit by which our country’s goals and objectives are achieved. If there is no participation by the electorate their voices cannot be heard.

20. Why are you/your grouping running for office and what do you like about politics?
I am running for public office because I feel that I have the acumen and capabilities to make a difference on behalf of the people. I do not profess to have all of the answers but instead can be utilized as a vehicle for effecting real change. If I had to pick something that I “like about politics” I would have to say the unrelenting dedication of people towards people. The people of the Cayman Islands have a real love of country that is especially evident in the politics of everyday life.

   Back...