The Jeffersons face Net News’ 20 questions

John Jefferson Jr, and John Jefferson Snr Independent Candidates, West Bay

Wednesday, April 6, 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 20 identical questions on important national issues.

In this edition John Jefferson Jr and his father John Jefferson Senior who are both running in the district of West Bay side by side, give their responses to the questions.

Mr Jefferson Jr said his motivation to run for political office in years gone by, and, for this election as well, is the welfare of the Caymanian people.

His father Mr Jefferson, the eldest candidate at 77 years old, said if he is placed and serves only six months without earning a penny he would still be the happiest man in the world, as the needs of the Caymanian people come first. 

Both men are veterans of the political campaign and have a long history of commitment to their community. They have both contested several elections over the years so are no strangers to the process of electioneering.

NN: What are your views on independence?

JJJ: I do not support the issue of Independence for the Cayman Islands.

JJS: We are not able or prepared to bear the cost.

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

JJJ: To establish at least weekly press briefings where the public is informed of actions taken by Govt. and to answer whatever questions may be asked.

JJS: Before I take anything - any bill - before the house I would make the public aware of what is proposed and my door would be open to the public. Whatever we propose to do the people must be aware.

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

JJJ: I support the idea of Political Candidates publishing their assets to discourage conflicts of interest once elected, since there is a public record.

JJS : I wholeheartedly feel this is right.

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

JJJ: There is nothing wrong with Government ministers forming companies for the purpose of offering a service to the general public. However, Ministers should not use their positions for a competitive advantage.

JJS: It is wrong for Government Ministers, with knowledge of government dealings, to be competing against the man outside. 

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

JJJ: Yes I do support the idea of a free flow of information and a totally free press. I feel if you are doing what is in the best interest of the country and people, you have nothing to hide or fear from the general public or the press.

JJS: I believe in freedom of expression and freedom of the press

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

JJJ: Re-establishing a thriving Tourism Industry that emphasizes a balance between cruise ship arrivals and stay over visitors.

JJS: Tourism is our cup of tea and it filters all the way down. At present I propose that we go back to what worked; what we need is controlled development. 

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

JJJ: We would pursue a policy of trying to control the size of Govt. and improve its efficiency through training and other incentives to the staff.

JJS : I have to find a way to motivate our people to create new income earning initiatives – ones that seek to take some burden off our people. 

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

JJJ: I feel the best way of narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor is to ensure that every able-bodied Caymanian who has a desire to work can find meaningful employment to support himself and his family.

JJS: That requires us sitting down and discussing the issue with some of the most learned amongst us to see what we could come up with. However, we must study this.

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

JJJ: Yes I do support the concept of a National Insurance Scheme to ensure that the burden on government to look out for the People remains affordable.

JJS: I did have a long hard look at what is now being offered. The National Insurance scheme would definitely have to do more than what is now being offered. This definitely needs further examination!

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

JJJ: We have a first class health care facility and we must recruit and retain qualified personnel to provide the best in health care. We must also ensure that we are paid for those services - either through health insurance coverage or from the patients’ personal funds.

JJS: There is the need to have our service carefully examined and to have only experienced medical professionals. Even though we will make our people have some input, we must trust our professionals.

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

JJJ: We support the present system where government licenses certain Bus Operators to provide a service between the districts. There is not much more to be done to improve the island wide road plan. What the public has to appreciate is if we are not prepared to control the importation of vehicles we will always be faced with a traffic problem.

JJS: We must use what we have and make it work. Additionally, there must be rigid rules. However, the public and leaders need to have dialogue to get to something that works. We should expect no less than adherence to a code of conduct.

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

JJJ: Visa requirements for all Caribbean nationals. Better recruitment of crime personnel and provision of the resources necessary to do the job of fighting crime. There should also be an effort to weed out the bad apples in the RCIPS who may be involved in corruption and cover up.

JJS: The people of the Cayman Islands must refuse to except to live in an atmosphere of crime. 

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

JJJ: No I don’t support the present guidelines set down by the UDP government to deal with illegal migrants from Cuba. These persons are human beings and should be assisted with food, boat repairs or any other assistance that may be required to ensure that they make it to their final destinations safely.

JJS: I need to acquaint myself with rules and accepted standards. I would still have some compassion on them.

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

JJJ: I believe in the sanctity of life and support the present provisions that are in the law where abortion is only to be considered when the life of the mother is in danger.

JJS: My policy is that abortion should be permitted only when the mother’s life is endangered.

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?

JJJ: I would support the policy of full disclosure on all government contracts.

JJS: With regard to MC Restoration we should have worked with our people and local heavy equipment operators.

NN: What are your views on trade unions?

JJJ: I do not support the concept of trade unions. However I do support the idea that all employers must treat all workers fairly and with dignity.

JJS: I would vote against trade unions

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

JJJ: I would support the relocation of the Tourism office from New York to further south where the cost is more reasonable and access to and from the Cayman Islands is easier. I also see the need for the recruitment of a greater promotional Team to market the Cayman Islands in the USA, Canada and Europe. I would also work to reduce the cost of the destination through working with the local accommodation providers.

JJS: I believe we need to hire an expert with a vast amount of experience in this field and get back to using what we have had. Our people must come first and training for Caymanians is essential. 

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

JJJ: Hurricane Ivan did reveal the need for a good national preparedness plan to ensure that measures can be taken quickly to restore government services, housing and other essentials for our survival as a country.

JJS: When building schools or other public buildings we should do so with the objective of using these buildings as storm shelters

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

JJJ : That the wishes of a majority of the people are listened to and carried out.

JJS: We should cultivate an atmosphere that encourages freedom of expression. We should also teach it in our schools. A government of the people, for the people, by the people should be written down in our halls of fame

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

JJJ: My father and I have always been involved in public service through our church, sporting organizations and other civic groups. In additions, having served previously as MLAS. We count it a real privilege to be in a position to be of greater good through public office as elected representatives.

JJS: We have to be motivated and again made to feel proud - I am running because I see that our people need urgent attention. I love our country, and our people: Lets get back to integrity and honesty.

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