Kurt & Linford Split
George Town MLAs LinfordPierson and Kurt Tibbetts have come to a parting of politicalways, as the campaign intensifies for the November 8 General Elections,Cayman Net News has learnt.
"I was informed a week ago by Mr. KurtTibbetts that he was considering discontinuing our political relationship,"confirmed Mr. Pierson, in a written response faxed to Cayman NetNews, which sought his confirmation of the matter.
"It is my understanding from Mr. Tibbetts that he and certainother individuals close to him were upset about my working relationshipwith Mr. Truman Bodden (the Leader of Governement Business inthe House) on the OECD/FATF negotiating team," Mr. Piersonstated.
Mr. Pierson and Mr. Bodden, are members of the Government's NegotiatingTeam and traveled together extensively over the past year, toaddress the many issues facing the Cayman Islands in connectionwith the OECD's Tax Practices and Money Laundering and other relatedfinancial concerns.
Declaring that from when he was first elected to the House in1984, he indicated that he "would not get involved in pettypolitics," Mr. Pierson defended "the invaluable contributionsthe negotiating team has made for the Cayman Islands."
"I am proud to have played my part in this respect,"he stated.
However, Mr. Pierson, a former member of the Cabinet (ExecutiveCouncil) in a previous administration, denied that he was teamingup with Mr. Bodden for the upcoming elections.
When contacted for comment, Mr. Tibbetts noted that there wereseveral matters being discussed, but declined further commentat this time.
Sources within George Town's political circles indicate that Mr.Tibbetts is said to be in active discussion with a young, high-profiledCaymanian attorney about teaming as running mates and that anannouncement may soon be forthcoming.
"I am a bit surprised," said George Town MLA Dr. FrankMcField, reacting to news of the Pierson/Tibbetts split. Addingthat he was not aware that such serious considerations were beingmade, because "he was not told," and regards this developmentas "critical."
Noting that he has "tried to work together" with theothers to communicate major political decisions, Dr. McField saidthat he was not looking for a political relationship with theother incumbents. However, he disclosed that he would be supportingnewcomer Lucille Seymour, for a George Town seat. When pressedon whether this support could mean a political alliance, he notedthat it was "possible."
As Nomination Day (September 27) nears, when incumbents and politicalhopefuls are expected to put up the $1,000 needed to cement theircandidacy, the list of declared candidates to date numbers 48.
In West Bay, there is no shortage of contenders for the district'sfour seats. Twenty-two candidates - including five teams and fiveindependents -- have so far declared.
As the elections near, many in George Town have expressed disappointmentthat the race appears so "lacklustre." The four incumbentsare seeking re-election in a field of eight candidates for thedistrict.
In Bodden Town, eight declared candidates, including three incumbentsand two teams of two persons each, are running for the districtsthree seats.
North Side's perennial battle between incumbent Edna Moyle, andEzzard Miller is traditionally a close race, and according topolitical pundits, is likely to be so once again.
In East End, 'Father of the House', and longest serving memberof the Legislature, Hon. John McLean is perhaps facing his firstreal challenge for the seat, in a race that includes one newcomerand an old rival from the 1992 elections.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are presenting a reasonable showof candidates with five contesting the islands' two seats. Itis known that Speaker of the House, Captain Mabry Kirkconnell,has chosen not to run again.
The presence of a number of teams at the district level ratherthan on national ticket in this year's running is also likelyto add to its competitiveness, and perhaps, confusion.
Voters may recall the 1992 elections when the 'National Team'swept to power and continued its run into 1996, when 'Team Cayman'made its bid for political power, but lost to the National Team,has now served two terms.
One memorable team performance was that of the Unity Team, ledby the late Jim Bodden, which, in 1976 won 11 of the 12 seatscontested, with the late Annie Huldah Bodden being the sole oppositionmember. The team again won in 1980, though with a reduced majority.
In the meantime, data from the Elections Office show that 11,600voters have so far been registered. However, Revising Officer,Magistrate Grace Donalds is currently conducting claims and objectionsand it is expected that the final number may be revised afterthis exercise.