SATURDAYCOMMENTARY

"ThoseWho Fail to Plan
- must Plan to Fail"

The Cayman Islands probably lost more menper capita during World War II than any other country in the world.Therefore, the oft comment that it is because of passivity ofthe men - and women - of this territory, there are so many mattersbeing debated at this time - does not hold much water - becausethese mariners and their offspring have faced greater vexing problemsin the past, and have made rational decisions which have beenproven historically to favour the good name of these islands.

It should not be forgotten that this isan all important Election year ... and besides the influence ofbeing a member of the Legislature -- the incentive packet of $84,000per year salary and other benefits, with the possibility of thatrising to $120,000 per year plus, plus - as a Member of the ExecutiveCouncil, this is quite an attractive prize to go after.

If the number of candidates being bantered- 28 so far for the District of West Bay alone - as possible candidates...the field promises to be quite crowded.

Meanwhile, those who are well qualifiedto become Legislators, because of their business, professionaland hands-on social experience - but find it safer not to be boggeddown with the requirements of being a Member of the LegislativeAssembly -- should note that they will only have themselves toblame if so many issues continue to create gridlock, thereby leadingto deterioration of the fabric of Cayman, which could qualifyit to be the most successful story for the past century.'

The difference today -- this year, becauseof the many issues to be addressed in an effort to preserve theimportant standing this country holds in the world - particularlyin the area of International Finance, and impending e-businessexplosion - that the persons who are elected to office in Novembermust have a commitment to avoid the pitfalls of other countries,which lost their burgeoning business to Cayman in the first place.

The past couple of weeks have had a seriesof explosive discussions on issues - particularly Immigration- creating a tremendous amount of soul searching among the Officerswho have restricted directives by which to operate; politiciansunder the protective cloak of the Legislature - and at publicmeetings; all branches of the media; and widely, by many thousandsof residents from all walks of the community.

This particular issue must rank as the mostintensive in the history of the Cayman Islands - since the enactmentof the Cadastral Survey to identify and establish land ownershipand boundaries, back in the late 60's and early 70's.

In a similar vein, though with the riskof apocalyptic consequences - the national exchange of views onImmigration - the granting (ownership) of nationality and theboundaries set out by the Members of the Executive Council, underwhat conditions people who have come to invest, work and livehere - will determine the immediate and future and fortunes ofthe country.

A visiting parliamentarian from an overseasGovernment was overheard recently remarking - that he has beentold by a 'higher up' in Government that the population of theCayman Islands would prove to be in the range of 50,000 persons.There is no way to substantiate this figure at present, as theresults of the Census, which was taken last October, is not yetpublished. However, it is a known fact that the number of WorkPermit holders continues to rise. Under the existing guidelinesonly an infinitesimal - 25 percent or less - of all the peopleliving here will be able to elect a Government.

So the question lingers..... Which way Cayman?The same route of the Bahamas, which just 30 years ago startedto lose so many potential investors, residents and re-currentvisitors? Or should there be a sensible approach to regularisemany of those who have no form of tenure to live here, and arecompelled to hedge their bets ... and sow the seeds of fortunethey have gained here in a soil other than
Cayman?

This national debate could well be solved- and this time there is every reason for cohesiveness betweenthe Church and State. However, who is going to take the firststep in an effort to initiate some action for this worthy cause-- the Cayman Islands Ministers Association (CMA) or the Membersof the Legislature? The preponderance of problems facing the nationtoday - including anti-social youth behaviour, concerns abouteducation, peaceful co-existence between ex-patriates and Caymanians,the scourge of an increase in drug abuse ... and rehabilitation,
affordable housing ... just to name a few - could take a new directionto meet the desires of many.

It is worth mentioning again - proof ofwhat could be accomplished through co-operation between Governmentand the Church -- when over 10,000 people -- about a quarter ofthe population rallying for Christianity, attended the CMA's "Yes2 King Jesus"' (Y2K-J) celebration at the Truman Bodden Complexlast New Year's Eve.

Many other strategies have been tried, atthe extent of bringing in high priced consultants and social projectmanagers. With due respect, these folk do not know the Caymanproduct (culture) and are at sea as to how to get even modestresults. A re-direction of some of the funds allocated to manyof these Government agencies to the Churches' efforts, will havea greater effect.

Courage versusFear

In recent weeks, CAYMAN NET NEWS (C.N.N.)has attempted through this medium to foster dialogue with theparties affected by many subjects which are causing quite a lotof consternation among the resident population.

We are aware, that our medium is capableof being read by the over 150 million internet browsers worldwideand the almost eight thousand locally - in addition to the hundredswho get printed copies of our report after it has been downloadedon a daily basis. We take our responsibility seriously, and inno way do we ever try denigrate our Blessed Islands and its people.

Many Caymanians and others with close connectionsto territory - as well as actual and potential visitors - havethe opportunity to be informed of what is making the news here... and to have commentary on subjects raised in an effort topromote transparent discussion.

It is written that: ..." people perishfor lack of knowledge ....". Having been involved as thepioneer of all forms of the Cayman media scene for the past 31years -- as a precursor to the many others which are now quiteprolific (and profitable) here ... with their own fears, someowing to the necessity of Work Permit grants and renewals -- itis our own determined effort to purvey the news ... and opinion... without being afraid.

Over the past three decades, we have beenresponsible for the disciplined training of many, many Caymanianswho have their own businesses or hold quite responsible positionsin the Government and Private sectors -- and the relocation ofa respectful number of other professionals from overseas.

The news presented "when it happens... as it happens ..." through C.N.N. is notof our making. It is a mirror of what Cayman is today. To paraphrasea high ranking official at a recent press conference ... "onhindsight" something could have been done to avoid exacerbatingan already embarrassing situation. Our response at that pressbriefing was "that is exactly where the Cayman Islands istoday
... we are dealing with too many matters as a matter of hindsight... instead of foresight."

The stupendous and continuing growth in"hits" (visitors) to our website, confirm to us thatwe are dealing with issues which were not previously addressed- perhaps because of fear and intimidation - thereby encouragingpublic discussion.

In the process of discharging our responsibility,we will continue to attempt to remove the dressing and bringingissues to the fore - which were previously covered over by bandagesover older bandages - so that the wounds which continue to festerin our community could be aired ... thereby allowing the opportunityfor healing. We will not ... or encourage anyone else to attemptto denigrate the authority of this land, by lying in any statuteform ... orally or written.

With this daring and boldness for transparency,we have been deemed controversial by many -- in both the Publicand private sector.

To this we respond ... and the truth beknown, after having lost as much as we did to "the skillsof men" with avarice ... we have no fear ... or favours toask.

We invite you to stand with us.