Bo Miller sits in the Net News 20 Questions

Bo Miller - Independent
Candidate, North Side

Friday, April 1, 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 third respondent, Bo Miller, is making his second bid at holding a seat in the Legislative Assembly. For Mr Miller, the way forward must include injecting the appropriate controls while we develop, in order to ensure that the good things about the Island are preserved.

NN : What are your views on independence?

BM : Prepare for it because it will come and not necessarily on our terms or timeline. The agenda of the EU and UK may not coincide with Cayman’s.

NN : What are your plans to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government?

BM : Pass “sunshine” and freedom of information legislation to make information on government matters, other than issues of national security, available to the public and, pass ethics legislation to prevent corruption and conflicts of interest.

NN : What are your views on political candidates declaring their assets?

BM : I fully support this and have no objections.

NN : What do you think about Government Ministers forming companies and competing with the private sector?

BM : It is not only immoral; it should be illegal.

NN : Would your Government ensure, free flow of information and a totally free press?

BM : Definitely. The sunshine and freedom of information legislation are also relevant to this point.

NN : What would be your main focus for economic development?

BM : The key would be managed growth. Economic development should mirror the aspirations, abilities and desires of the people.

NN : What tax regime would your Government follow and how do you intend to increase the flow of revenue?

BM : I support our system of consumer taxation. Rather that jumping to the conclusion that we need more, I would first maximize what we have by minimizing waste found in inefficient and ineffective programs and agencies. I would encourage privatization of some government services.

NN : What programs would be put in place to bridge, rather than widen the gap between the rich and poor?

BM : Control immigration as the majority of poor is being imported. Increase the technical skills and training of the poor so that they can become more self-sufficient. Create new vehicles to encourage small businesses. Encourage non-governmental organizations to reach out to this sector.

NN : Would you put in place a National Insurance Scheme?

BM : No. I would work with the private sector to provide options that would provide coverage that would be accepted locally and overseas.

NN : What are your plans to improve the health care system including the services of a resident pathologist?

BM : Privatize the management of the system. Let professionals make these decisions. Use the savings derived to help fund health insurance for those unable to get it on their own. Health care is a very specific industry that needs to be professionally managed, not by politicians, political appointees or bureaucrats.

NN : What would you do to have an organized transportation system and road plan Island wide?

BM : I would review the master ground transportation plan and where appropriate, build on that. In addition to the building of new roads we need to look at limits on the number of vehicles, especially by temporary work permit holders. We also need an effective, efficient mass transit system – not just more buses, but look into cleaner, less congesting options such as a monorail. More consideration to transportation must be given in the development approval process.

NN : What measures would be taken to boost national security and fight crime?

BM : Sea and air patrol, improved screening of workers before their arrival on the Island. Joint efforts with the U.S.A; particularly drug interdiction.

NN : Are you in favour of the guidelines set down by the Government to deal with illegal migrants from Cuba?

BM : No I am not, because I have not seen the memorandum of understanding, which I have requested. Without seeing that, I feel that our policy has changed not necessarily due to any changes in the fundamental relationship between our two governments, but because of personal relationships between some government officials and Cuba.

NN : What would be your government’s policy on abortion?

BM : I do not feel that the government needs a policy on abortion.

NN : 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?

BM : Yes. The ethics legislation and other such already mentioned are relevant here, in order to prevent corruption and conflicts of interest in similar matters.

NN : What are your views on trade unions?

BM : I do not support trade unions in the traditional sense as our market and economy is too small to require them. We have relatively small numbers of people in any given sector. Worker protection issues can be handled with existing resources: the freedom to seek other employment, the labour board, immigration, the ombudsman, etc. To create another institution which is historically open to its own set of abuses and corruption would not necessarily help the workers or the economy.

NN : The Cayman Islands is a major tourist destination in the region. What are your plans to improve on the tourism product?

BM : Start with the basics: the people and the place. Restore what makes Cayman special. Manage the growth, not just more and more. Re-train people, physically enhance the product and enforce laws to protect our environment. Evaluate the carrying capacity of cruise visitors, water sports, room stocks and implement the tourism management plan that we spent thousands of dollars for. Do not just pick and choose elements; carry through with the comprehensive plan. Use the Lexus formula of “persistent pursuit of perfection.”

NN : In light of Ivan, what are your thoughts on the overall preparedness of the Islands for natural disaster?

BM : A disaster! There was no plan for recovery.

NN : What do you think is the most important factor in a successful democracy?

BM : Freedom - freedom of information, freedom of speech, transparency and accountability.

NN : Why are you /your grouping running for office and what do you like about politics? 

BM : Because I believe I can make a positive contribution to North Side, my home. I like working with people, bringing together ideas and people for action and for the betterment of the community and country. My professional and business background provides me a solid foundation on which much can be built. To serve is an honour not an occupation. If we all made this our motto, then we could eliminate some who are desperately hanging on to power for the wrong reasons today.

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