Maxine McCoy faces Net News’ questions

Maxine McCoy Moore,
Independent Candidate for
the Sister Islands.

Friday,  April 22, 2005

An Independent Candidate for the Sister Islands, Ms Moore has promised to represent Brackers and Caymanians but has said change is inevitable for the Sister Islands.

Net News: What are your views on independence?

MMM: I do not support independence at all.

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

MMM: I would make sure that the people of the Cayman Islands are kept up to date on all governmental matters by having public meetings a minimum of every 3 months.

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

MMM: I support this transparency and feel that it is only right for the people to be informed on the assets of political candidates.

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

MMM: I have no objections on this issue.

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

MMM:Yes, I do support this issue as it is for the best interest of the people for the people. I would support also freedom of speech for all Caymanians including Civil Servants.

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

MMM: Market Tourism for the Sister Islands better internationally. Complete the infrastructure for Little Cayman. Zone the bluff properly so that there is ample space for Agriculture and construct an up to date state of the art hospital on Cayman Brac’s bluff. Re-introduce the Oil Transhipments off Cayman Brac. These are only a few of my ideas on economic development.

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

MMM: By creating new income earnings initiatives. Improving Government Staff efficiency through proper training of staff. 

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

MMM: Ensure that salaries match the annual cost of living increases. Make sure that all Caymanians be given the opportunity to further their education and have jobs available for them on completion of their studies. For the Sister Islands in particular, make sure that when a person is retired that they are not hired back into the system thus allowing no room for young fresh graduates to fit in. Also set up a Trade/Training school in the Sister Islands, so that everyone can achieve the technical skills required to fit into today’s society.

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

MMM: I seriously don’t think that a National Insurance Scheme is a necessity at this time. I would work with the private sector insurance companies to enhance the options now available to provide the cover necessary at a more reasonable rate. 

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

MMM: We need to recruit more qualified individuals for the health care system for all 3 islands. Health Insurance requirements should extend to cover all hospitals, doctors and pharmacies in all 3 Cayman Islands and not just a selected few. I would check into more insurance options overseas which would cover a wider range of hospitals and doctors. I would construct an up to date state of the art hospital on the bluff, Cayman Brac and a proper District Clinic for Little Cayman. Have the hospital fully equipped to include at least a monthly visiting pathologist. A resident Paediatrician for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman would definitely improve the health care system on the Sister Islands.

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

MMM: The master ground transportation plan for Grand Cayman definitely needs reviewing before putting in place more roads. Also the amount of vehicles being imported into Grand Cayman needs to be curtailed. Cayman Brac needs more of the young people to get involved in the Taxi/Tour business. The roads in Little Cayman need to be completed.

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

MMM: Set in place properly with the U.S. Coast Guard, sea and air patrols for all 3 Cayman Islands. All work permit applications should be screened more carefully before granting approval. Hire from overseas more qualified crime fighting personnel.

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

MMM: No, I am not in favour of the recent guidelines for Cuban refugees. These refugees have been running away from Cuba for over 45 years and we in the Sister Islands have been giving them a helping hand with health care, water and food and sending them on their way for quite a long time. The people of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will not break the Maritime Law to please a selected few. This issue definitely needs to be addressed more carefully and another solution to this problem found. And found quickly.

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

MMM: The issue of abortion should lay with the individual person and God above. Government should not be involved on this issue.

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?

MMM: I was quite impressed with how quickly the debris was removed from being a sore eye to everyone after Hurricane Ivan’s passing. However, I do feel that the Cayman Contractors should have been given the opportunity to bid on the removal of the debris before approving MC Restoration. Full disclosure of the contract should be made public. MC Restoration should complete the removal of the debris for the same price that was approved before they are paid in full.

Net News: What are your views on trade unions?

MMM: At present I do not support Trade Unions.

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

MMM: Our friendly smiles and outstanding hospitality was what first attracted tourists to the Cayman Islands. This can be achieved again by proper PR training of all staff working in the tourism industry. Proper marketing of all 3 Cayman Islands overseas would be a plus.

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

MMM: We are still not completely prepared if another major disaster was to come our way this hurricane season. We must get prepared for “Global Warming”. We should set up something with the U.S. Weather Channel for them to give more specific information on the Cayman Islands once another hurricane is approaching. The Sister Islands receives “Breaking News” from CNN daily, but still cannot view up to date Local News. More hurricane shelters on Cayman Brac’s bluff are a must and a proper hurricane shelter also for Little Cayman. We need to set in place how we will secure the Trailer Parks that exist in Grand Cayman now. Cayman Airways should have at least one jet ready along with the 2 Twin Otters to shuffle Caymanians from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac. Island Air should have at least one of the Navajo’s ready to shuffle residents of Little Cayman also to Cayman Brac. The other CAL jets and major U.S. Airlines can shuffle the visiting guests back to the U.S. These are only a few of my concerns for this hurricane season that is only a few weeks away. 

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

MMM: Freedom of Speech for all, complete transparency and accountability all contribute to a successful democracy.

Net News: Why are you running for office and what do you like about politics?

MMM: I am running for MLA for the Sister Islands as I feel that our current MLAs are not paying sufficient attention to Cayman Brac nor Little Cayman. It is time that Cayman Brackers understand the need to utilize our 2 seats in the Legislative Assembly for the betterment of both islands. I am proud to be a Cayman Bracker living and working in Little Cayman. Change is inevitable for the Sister Islands - I say “Let’s take it to the Max” Brackers. Vote for number (4) Maxine Avon McCoy- Moore.

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