ELECTIONS 2005

The team from West Bay answers the questions

Dalkeith Bothwell	Thomas Jefferson	Leonard Ebanks	Mario E. Ebanks

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Net News: What are your views on independence?
Political independence is a matter of significant importance to any country, and should only be embarked upon on the basis of a well formulated long-term plan, otherwise the outcome could be disastrous. The WBA is not in favour of advancing our Constitution to provide for Full Internal Self-Government. We believe that any significant advancement should only be pursued if a mandate is obtained from the Caymanian public. These Islands’ current standing of economic independence, with a reasonable level of autonomy and empowerment of our people, seems to be the best way forward.

Net News: What are your plans to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government?
The WBA will insist on accountability and independent audits of government and statutory authorities.

Simultaneously we will restore the credibility of the Central Tenders Committee, while ensuring that there are no activities or holdings which pose a direct conflict of interest for elected officials, which negatively impacts good governance. We will also ensure that the Financial Statements and other relevant reports of the Statutory Authorities and Companies should be laid on the Table of the LA thus making those available to the public.

Net News: What are your views on political candidates declaring their assets?
The WBA will promote a new kind of leadership, where the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and progress with dignity are not just spoken but practised. In addition to full declaration of assets and interests, we will also support the establishment of an Ethics Committee for the Legislative Assembly, and ensure that the Register of Interests is easily accessible.

Net News: What do you think about Government Ministers forming companies and competing with the private sector?
This is certainly a dangerous practice, and would normally accompany some level of “insider trading”. This type of behaviour would not be consistent with the ethics and integrity which would underpin any government to which the West Bay Alliance would be a part.

Net News: Would your Government ensure, free flow of information and a totally free press?
Yes, subject to any matters of national security or sensitive commercial issues. The WBA will reform the access and promulgation by all media, including electronic and internet communications, to meetings of the Legislative Assembly. If elected, we will also promote an atmosphere of full disclosure, by proposing and promoting appropriate Freedom of Information legislation.

Net News: What would be your main focus for economic development?
The WBA is committed to the sustainable development and promotion of our existing industries - financial services and tourism. We will work to ensure the viability of our financial industry, andl insist on a “level playing field” with regard to initiatives by the EU, UK, OECD, FATF, UN etc.; we will also initiate a “strategic and contingency plan” for this industry. Leveraging the findings of all recent tourism industry studies, we will engage all stakeholders on implementing the overdue strategies. We will explore the viability and enhancement of new industries and existing industries, such as: E-Business, Eco-Tourism, Light Industry and Assembly (for trans-shipment), Shipping Registry/Maritime Administration, Patents & Copyright Legislation and administration, and regional professional services.

Net News: What tax regime would your Government follow and how do you intend to increase the flow of revenue?
We are committed to an income Tax Free economy, and will explore all progressive avenues to increase government’s revenue (including a review of the Customs Law and Tariffs Code), as well as reducing government’s expenditure, so as to ensure continued economic prosperity.

Net News: What programs would be put in place to bridge, rather than widen the gap between the rich and poor?
The WBA will also introduce proven strategies and programmes which will build and/or strengthen self-esteem, confidence, conflict resolution, and the entrepreneurial spirit amongst our people. The growing prevalence of un-planned teenage pregnancies, and the resultant surge in single-parent families, is one sure way of perpetuating the cycle of poverty in any country, and we must take care to not pursue that path. Family planning, and effective parenting skills, are essential ingredients to improving the welfare of all stakeholders in a country. In addition to this, we will review the Development Plan, Laws, and Regulations, particularly in relation to Residential Zones, and will implement new policies that offer affordable and improved living standards in the development of Single Family housing.

Net News: Would you put in place a National Insurance Scheme?
The WBA is not in favour of a Government operated National Insurance Scheme. We are instead in favour of Government establishing the proper legislative framework and regulatory environment, where the Private Sector can then provide the service under a competitive market-driven environment.

Net News: What are your plans to improve the health care system including the services of a resident pathologist?
The WBA will review the progress of the 5-year Strategic Plan to ensure adequate medical facilities, systems, and personnel to meet the needs of residents and visitors. We will ensure that the Islands can attract and retain first-rate healthcare professionals and administrators, and adopt leading operational, human capital, and risk management systems. The West Bay Alliance commits to assess and improve the facilities for the detention and treatment of the mentally ill, as well as supporting the public health awareness (including in all schools) and treatment of preventable diseases and viruses. We are also committed to strengthening the healthcare and public health programmes in West Bay, including extended opening hours for the Clinic. We will examine the feasibility of alternative strategies and methods to finance the HSA.

Net News: What would you do to have an organised transportation system and road plan island wide?
The WBA candidates are committed to the design and systematic implementation of a modern road network for the Islands, funded by specific transportation related revenue measures; while encouraging private sector interests to provide parking facilities, public transportation, and water ferry/taxi services. We will ensure that the Public Works Department and the National Roads Authority develops and implements a proper preventative maintenance programme for roads and public facilities, including drains and coastal facilities. We are committed to the early completion of the By-pass road, continuing from the Esterly Tibbetts Highway, through the Ritz-Carlton property, and connecting with the existing corridor, and running to at least the Indies Suites property (as the next phase).

Net News: What measures would be taken to boost national security and fight crime?
Our strategies will encompass: prevention, enforcement (including adequate resources), intelligence neighbourhood policing and coastal surveillance), incarceration, and rehabilitation. We will ensure that there are tight immigration and border controls in effect, particularly for visitors from high risk countries, in which we will introduce a Visa requirement for visitors, and an ID system.

Net News: Are you in favour of the guidelines set down by the Government to deal with illegal migrants from Cuba?
This is a tough and sensitive area which any Government would have to take a position. It is troubling though that the UDP Government appears to, on the one hand, have a “ministerial flirtation” with communist Cuba, on the other seems to be insensitive to freedom seekers who are distressed on the high seas.

Net News: What would be your government’s policy on abortion?
This would obviously depend on the circumstances, and mitigating factors. For example, in cases where the health or life of the mother is at severe risk.

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?
Yes, certainly. As previously mentioned, in previous answers, initiatives such as the Ethics Committee, transparent and consistent Tendering procedures, and “freedom of information”, would go a long distance towards preventing this type of “banana republic” governance from repeating itself.

Net News: What are your views on trade unions?
The WBA is 100% in favour of fostering an environment of a partnership between the employee and employer, which promotes productivity and tranquil labour relations. This is best achieved through effective strategies for retention and upward progression of employees, together with “best practices” of human resource management by all stakeholders in the organization.

Net News: As a major tourist destination in the region what are your plans to improve on the tourism product?
The WBA will promote a tourism industry and product development strategy which is aligned with a long-range plan for the Islands, and which leverages and protects the integrity of the Islands heritage, culture, social fabric, quality service, and environment. We will aggressively promote an Eco or Nature tourism strategy within the three Islands, as well as inter-Island tourism and tri-Island vacation packages. The marketing of our Islands should be an integrated approach that allows the Advertising, Public Relations, Regional overseas staff, the Cayman Islands Tourism, and the Department of Tourism head office to work as one cohesive unit.

Net News: In light of Ivan, what are your thoughts on the overall preparedness of the Islands for natural disaster?
We feel that our preparedness plan was sound, and this together with God’s grace, was the main reason why there were only 2 casualties. However, the need to construct and engage in effective preventative maintenance of purpose-built hurricane shelters, was one area which was found lacking. Another area which should be addressed is larger and suitable rescue vehicles, which can cope with flood water conditions.

Net News: What do you think is the most important factor in a successful democracy?
Freedom, of speech and religion. Also, safety and security, and no need to worry about victimization for publicly speaking out against poor governance or any matters of concern. The independence of, and respect for, the Civil Service is crucial to any democracy such as the Cayman Islands.

Net News: Why is your grouping running for office and what do you like about politics?
The WBA candidates, have joined forces in order to try to wrestle control from the existing political directorate, who appear to be controlled by special interests. Each of us is concerned about different aspects of the path these Islands are taking, and would like to contribute to a better future for our country. We have been touched by the generosity, interest, and concern by many of our volunteers, and impressed and encouraged by the feedback we get from the West Bay electorate.

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