PDA candidates answer Net News’ 20 questions

Hon Linford Pierson	Berna Thompson Cummins

Gary Rankin	Herro ‘Steve’ Blair

Thursday,  April 21, 2005

With a desire to improve the general well-being of the people, the People’s Democratic Alliance was the most recent group formed in this election campaign led by Linford Pierson, Speaker of the Legislative assembly and political veteran the party describe themselves as a group of independent candidates for George Town.

Net News: What are your views on independence?

The People’s Democratic Alliance, (PDA) does not support independence for the Cayman Islands. However, in the very unlikely event that this is foisted upon us by the United Kingdom, we should be prepared to take on this added responsibility.

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

Transparency and accountability in government can be enhanced through the strict compliance with legal and administrative guidelines. One area that would receive urgent attention is a review of the policy on the publication of the Auditor General’s Reports, which should not be regarded as confidential after they are tabled in the Legislative Assembly. The independence of the Auditor General should not be compromised. Neither should the Auditor General’s Report require the approval and scrutiny of the Public Accounts Committee before it is made public, as is now required under the Standing Orders of the House. Also, Members of Cabinet should be mandated under legislation to answer Parliamentary Questions promptly, and no longer than ten working days after the receipt of the questions. Parliamentary Questions are one of the best means of ensuring a Government’s Compliance with transparency and accountability.

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

We agree with the policies contained under The Register of Interests Law, 1996 which stipulates a list of the offices and occupations, holders of which are required to register their interests/assets. Candidates nominated for election to the Legislative Assembly are included in this list.

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

Firstly, Government Ministers are required by law to declare their business interests and any possible conflicts of interest which might arise by virtue of their interests. Secondly, we believe that it is wrong for Ministers to use confidential or “insider” information which they obtain by virtue of their positions for their personal benefit or, indeed, to obtain an unfair advantage. This information should, at the appropriate time, be made public so that there is equal opportunity for members of the private sector to benefit from it.

Net News: Would your Government ensure free flow of information and a totally free press?

Freedom of the press and free flow of information should be included in a Bill of Rights which should be enshrined in the Constitution and not merely enacted in a law, with the objective being that the Constitution is not as easily amended as other legislation.

Net News: What would be your main focus for economic development?

Diversification of the economic base is crucial to economic development. In view of recent international initiatives and competition, the two main sectors of our economy, namely, the financial and tourism industries, are becoming increasingly vulnerable. We will examine various options to determine the best economic strategies for developing the economy, including examining the feasibility of developing e-business and e-commerce as a viable sector of the economy.

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

The present indirect tax regime has served these Islands well and should continue as our preferred system of taxation. Equally important to the flow of government revenue, is the prudent management of the expenditures of government, with the express purpose of improving the bottom line and thus ensuring good governance. 

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

A reality of a capitalist/free market economy is that individuals and businesses are rewarded in accordance with their efforts/productivity, with the resulting gap between the rich and the poor. The most effective means, therefore, of bridging this gap is through a greater focus on educating/training our people to take advantage of the opportunities that may be available to them.

Net News: Would you put in place a National Insurance Scheme?

Government should implement and improve upon existing legislation and guidelines to ensure that the insurance industry is properly managed. Government’s role should therefore be confined to strictly regulating the insurance industry to ensure that insurance companies are properly funded and capable of meeting their obligations. Employers who are not meeting their obligations under the health insurance legislation should be punished and made to comply.

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

We are firmly committed to providing a first class health care system and we will therefore endeavour to improve and upgrade health care facilities and services where possible. The services of a resident pathologist is therefore essential in providing a first class health care system.

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

An organized transportation system and road plan is essential for the properly planned development of these Islands. We would therefore implement and improve upon existing road plans to ensure that they realistically reflect the aspirations and needs of our people and properly complement our National Economic Plans.

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

We will support our Maritime Police Unit with the surveillance system and equipment necessary to effectively monitor and secure our shores. We will also maximize the benefits of our relationship with the United States Government for air, sea and other assistance, with the goal of eradicating drug trafficking as it is our view that the drug culture is at the core of the criminal activities in these Islands.

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

Under our Constitutional relationship with the UK, we are obliged to comply with any international treaties which are extended to their Overseas Territories, including the Cayman Islands. Our constitutional position notwithstanding, we do not think that humanitarian assistance (necessary for the preservation of life) should be denied to any political refugees.

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

We do not believe that abortion should be allowed, except where there is medical proof that the life of the mother is endangered.

Net News: MC Restoration’s 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?

It is the responsibility of the Central Tenders Committee to assess and evaluate contracts coming before them. The Government should ensure full disclosure to the public upon the recommendations of the Central Tenders Committee and otherwise where there are compelling reasons to do so. All contracts entered into by Government Statutory Authorities or Agencies should be considered in accordance with established laws and regulations.

Net News: What are your views on trade unions?

A trade union is normally formed to organize workers in a trade or profession in order to protect and further their rights and interests. The genesis of such an organization is normally as a result of the repression of individual rights and freedoms. It therefore follows that trade unions will only become viable where there is a demand from workers, arising from a breakdown in employer/employee relations and specifically where employee rights and interests need to be protected from abuse by employers. However, the first priority should be to utilize current labour legislation as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Net News: As a major tourist destination in the region what are your plans to improve on the product?

It is important that Government implement appropriate tourism policies which are consistent with a Tourism Development Plan that is suitable to our peculiar and unique tourism product and services. Our focus should definitely be on quality rather than quantity, with a more concentrated effort being to improve stay-over tourism.

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

We believe that the National Hurricane Committee did a fairly good job in the overall preparedness for natural disasters. However, Hurricane Ivan has taught us that much more needs to be done in improving our disaster preparedness. Immediate attention should therefore be given to upgrading our present systems to guard against catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

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

A free flow of information between the Government and the people they represent is the key to a successful democracy. A Bill of Rights which properly protects the best interests of our people and which is enshrined in our Constitution, will most definitely enhance this process. 

Net News: Why is your grouping running for office and what do you like about politics?

The members of the People’s Democratic Alliance share the view that we must respect and preserve the values and strengths, which form the foundation upon which these Islands have been established. Our principles, as outlined in our Manifesto, will guide us in our commitment to provide quality leadership in these Islands. Our involvement in politics is generally as a result of our love for our people, but more particularly, our desire to improve the general well-being of the people of these Islands.

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