Letter to the Editor
Democracy or 'Moc(k)racy'?
Dear Sir,
Now, more than ever, there seems to be muchdissatisfaction amongst Caymanians as to how our political systemreally works; and there is plenty of reason for this. Althoughit is not new the way the Government (Executive Council) of theCayman Islands is chosen, a large number of people apparentlyhave just seen the reality of it.
The reality of it is that the people do not have any real sayin choosing the Government (ExCo). After the people elect 15 MLAS,they are left alone to 'bargain' amongst themselves to 'elect'the positions of the real power that we all know to be the fivemembers of Executive Council.
Where does this leave the people? In my opinion, completely powerless,seeing that our Constitution does not provide the right for thepeople to elect the Government directly. It does not even containa Bill of Rights to give the people the right to Freedom of Speechand Information, etc.
Again, without a Referendum Law, the people do not have a sayin major decisions made in regards to the development of the country.
It seems like what we have here in the Cayman Islands is a 'Dictatorship',instead of the Democracy we claim to have. The system is one ofcomplete 'moc(k)racy'! They say "if you don't vote, you don'thave a say". But what say does the people have when onlya few are allowed to choose the Government for the majority? (Thousandsof people).
A party (groups or teams) system will be the way forward fromthis most serious, chronic, dilemma. Too many Caymanians are scared(or intimidated) to face the facts that our political system isnot working in the best interest of the country.
Hopefully, the majority of Caymanians will come to realize it(before it's too late), and have the courage to accept that oursystem needs to be reformed in the best interest of the country.
Changing to a party system will provide greater transparency,accountability and the opportunity for a much more professionalgovernment. It will eliminate a lot of confusion, for the publicat large will be able to see and understand clearly: Who willform the Government, and what their policies are. They will havea real voice by voting on a national level. and not just on adistrict level as the present system provides.
When a party or team is elected (provided that the correct rulesand regulations are in place for fair competition), then it willbe honestly said that the majority have spoken.
We will have a guarantee - that our government will be chosenby the majority of people and not a Government that is chosenfor the majority by just a few.
Oriel A. Anglin