ELECTIONS 2005

Mary J Lawrence faces the questions

Mary J Lawrence
Independent Candidate,
Bodden Town

Wednesday, April 13, 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 questions on important national issues.

Mrs Lawrence who has been on the campaign trail for many years believes, “it is time for us, as a country, to have a more precise role and a greater say in the direction of the country.”

Net News: What are your views on independence?
ML: Cayman enjoys now, and has for many years, economic independence with a balanced budget, an achievement that few countries, particularly of its size, have managed. To move from its present constitutional status to that of full political independence would be the foolhardy move. There can be no question however of the need for constitutional advancement. In this campaign it is incumbent on each candidate to state clearly their views on it.

Net News: What are your plans to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government?
ML: Greater transparency and accountability can only be achieved if there are changes to the Constitution clearly defining the role of the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Cabinet Minster and the Legislature, with the necessary checks and balances to ensure responsibility and accountability. Changing faces will not accomplish that, irrespective of how well-intentioned the persons may be on the political platform.

Net News: What are your views on political candidates declaring their assets?
ML: Political candidates must declare their assets for public scrutiny. The business of Government whether at the Cabinet of Legislative Level, is a full-time job and the salaries paid reflect that fact. You cannot do justice to your political obligations if the major portion of your waking hours is spent in your personal business or profession.

Net News: What do you think about Government Ministers forming companies and competing with the private sector?
ML: It has long been my opinion that those who undertake the role of the legislator, either at the legislative or Cabinet level, should serve the country and not themselves.

Net News: Would your Government ensure, free flow of information and a totally free press?
ML: I believe in Freedom of the Press and the public’s right to know as basic tenets of a democratic society. With every freedom however comes responsibility, and the integrity of a free press can be easily compromised, if it fails to be watchful.

Net News: What would be your main focus for economic development?
ML: Education and training to ensure our people can grow and benefit from that development.

Net News: What tax regime would your Government follow and how do you intend to increase the flow of revenue?
ML: The present tax system has served well and I see no reason to change it. The flow of revenue can be increased by broadening the scope of the two pillars of the economy – finance and tourism. Both have many untapped areas that should be explored and developed to the benefit of our country and its people.

Net News: What programs would be put in place to bridge, rather than widen the gap between the rich and poor?
ML: The gap between the rich and the poor can only be narrowed by education and training, giving the latter the tools to build better lives and to enjoy greater participation in both the job market and the business sector. This must be backed up by firm immigration and labour policies.

Net News: Would you put in place a National Insurance Scheme?
ML: Insurance in the Cayman Islands in most areas is not a matter of choice but legal responsibility. Having legislated thus, it is then incumbent upon government to ensure there is adequate protection for the consumer both in terms of dollars spent and the service purchased.
Government has already ventured into the area of health insurance brought on by the industry’s refusal to accept liability in some of the most crucial areas of need in the community. The Health Insurance Law compels every citizen to buy health insurance, a considerable windfall for those in the industry, whose unregulated behaviour allows them the privilege of choosing their clients.

Net News: What are your plans to improve the health care system including the services of a resident pathologist?
ML: The provision of more services in the district clinics would afford better monitoring and make the services for preventative and chronic problems more readily available to those who need it. Specialist services whether that of a resident pathologist or any other field, is a necessary but invariably expensive commodity and not always feasible for government to undertake on its own. It should therefore seek to establish partnerships with existing specialists in the private sector or by agreement in new contracts, allowing specialists to supplement their income with private clinic earnings.

Net News: What would you do to have an organized transportation system and road plan Island wide?
ML: In the short-term, current road usage plans need review. A lot of the congestion can be eliminated by better planning of current road usage. The employment of road wardens persons (not police officers) trained to monitor and conduct traffic in peak hours and at points of congestion and the establishment of parking away from the central George Town area for workers, and a reliable bus service, are all steps that can be taken in the short-term to offer relief. An island-wide roads’ plan properly phased, is long overdue.

Net News: What measures would be taken to boost national security and fight crime?
ML: The majority of crime appears to be drug-related. The recent spate of shootings raises serious alarm at the illegal possessions of powerful firearms among that culture. The provision of modern equipment to the enforcement arms of government – police and immigration – strong training programmes for their officers, and increased patrol of troubled neighbourhoods, would all contribute to better enforcement of the rule of law.
Joint efforts in our neighbourhoods by churches, education and social services and public-minded organizations to meet the education, social and economic needs of families at risk, is the only way to slow down the disturbing spiral so evident today.
Adopt a family, a child or a teenager is a programme that could focus on the positives, and yield big dividends in restoring self-worth among those at risk.

Net News: Are you in favour of the guidelines set down by the Government to deal with illegal migrants from Cuba?
ML: The Cuban question is not unique to Cayman. It is a dilemma that many countries are grappling with as wars, and differences among political and religious factions cause people to leave their homeland. The Government policy here is purported to prevent another Tent City or Mariel Boat lift being foisted on Cayman, a possibility that would have serious even dangerous repercussions in our society. We are certainly in no position to take on either of our powerful neighbours to the north. However Government can never legislate morality. Helping your fellowman in distress should never be a question of law but of conscience.

Net News: What would be your government’s policy on abortion?
ML: The Government’s stand on abortion is not a matter of policy but of law - which is already on the books. I have no calls for change in the policy.

Net News: 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?
ML: In previous times tourism, road building and repair construction contracts have all faced their share of criticism. The MC contract is no exception. It is the Government’s responsibility to see that the procedures laid down in law are followed.
Advertisements should include an outline of what is required to be done as well as any concessions which government make in terms of reduced duty etc.
Publication of a summary by the decision-making body of the award and the reason therefore, including number of other bidders should be available for public scrutiny.

Net News: What are your views on trade unions?
ML: There can be little doubt that employees in Cayman need representation. Whether a trade union is the answer here however, needs closer examination. The Cayman work force now is more than 50% expatriate – workers who come here and are employed under set contracts. Is the Immigration Law going to be varied to allow them to participate as members of a Union with the same voice and rights as Caymanians and residents in the work force? What would be the public’s reaction to disruption of services and the inevitable confrontations that will surely come until the major issues are settled?
In a confrontation with workers would employers be allowed to lay off Caymanian and resident workers and bring in more work permit holders to get their job done?
I am in favour of an organization to ensure the rights of workers but careful thought will have to be given to it.

Net News: The Cayman Islands is a major tourist destination in the region. What are your plans to improve on the tourism product?
ML: The tourism in the Cayman Islands was built on the premise of courteous, loyal, cheerful and efficient ways by Caymanians. This image has shitted with the large influx of workers from overseas to the point where we now implore workers and others in the community to “spend a smile”. It is the time to put the Caymanian face back in tourism. Training in “Things Caymanian” should be mandatory for ALL in the industry. The fact is that every worker in the industry must be a sales person for Cayman, and without the specialized training our image is not promoted. Small cottage industries, inns and bed and breakfast accommodations should be encouraged.

Net News: In light of Ivan, what are your thoughts on the overall preparedness of the Islands for natural disaster?
ML: Immediate action should be taken to ensure that a modern meteorological and seismological unit with back-up equipment be established in a safe place above possible flood damage. The Government radio station must have back-up equipment to keep the public informed, and a warning system such as sirens established in the districts for immediate warning of any disaster pending, and for use in the aftermath. Hurricane shelters must be on the highest ground available and storage areas for food and medical supplies must be created.

Net News: What do you think is the most important factor in a successful democracy?
ML: Communication between the people and government and also the free press.

Net News: Why are you/your grouping running for office and what do you like about politics?
ML: I was raised with the adage – “To whom much is given, much is required.” I have been given much and to give back whether in out Parliament, is a personal responsibility I take very seriously. My love of country and a strong desire to serve, to make a difference, draws me to the political arena where one can always make a difference, and not just at election time. Participation in the democratic process in a country is the duty of all citizens and the only guarantee that the freedoms we enjoy today can be retained in the long-term.

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