UK to Unload Cayman?

Following the recent developmentsin connection with what has become obviously vast, confusing,misunderstood interpretations of a myriad of intiatives facingthe Cayman Islands today imposed by the world powers, the Governorof the Cayman Islands, took adavantage of Baroness Scotland'svisit to the United States, to invite her to Cayman, in an effortto respond to some of the consrens of the poulace at large.

Cayman's'Negotiating Team', the 'Concerned Caymanian Citizens committee,most of the sitting Legislators, several other meetings held byvarious groups, encumbent and announced candiates, a special forumby the Chamber of Commerce, the Cayman Islnds Bar Association... all have not been able to adequately assuage a public so impacted- that ther has been an increased amount of stress permeatingthis normally, placid community.

Many have expressed that they may not be able to believe whateverany representative of the British Government has to say. Perhaps,the Baroness, who is of Caribbean heritage may be able to providethe the balance so badly need at this time.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Peter Smith, CBE announced ina Press Release issued Thursday, the 20th of July - that the UKMinister responsible for the Overseas Territories, Baroness Scotlandof Asthal, QC, will pay her first visit to the Cayman Islandsfrom Sunday, 30 July to Wednesday 2nd August. She is the Ministerresponsible for answering all foreign policy questions in theHouse of Lords.

During her visit here, the Baroness will be meeting with ExecutiveCouncil, members of the Legislative Assembly and others concernedwith important White Paper Issues.

On the agenda will also be citizenship; human rights (includingwomen's issues and child welfare); the financial sector includingthe Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Organization forEconomic Co-operation and Development; conservation and developmentmatters in relation to the environment; drugs; policing and theprisons.
The Cayman Islands need its own appointed advocate to the UK/EUfront - someone who can deal on their own. Should this be a politicalappointee form the Cayman Islands? Will the new represenatativefor the Cayman Iaslnds' UK ofiice - Mrs. Jennifer Dilbert be groomedor grow into this role?

The British Goverment has its own fires to put out - what withits increase in crime, a slowing economy - and taxpayers who dowould prefer their Govermenment pay attention to their domesticneeds other than some island in the Caibbean.

One question should be put to Baroness Scotland: Is it true thatthe Labour Goverment would love to distance itself from Cayman?If so ... it could then be safely said .... how could she thenbe really the Cayman Islands' own advocate?

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