Scrutiny of Interests
Everyone who has an interest in the businessof the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker, Members on both sidesof the House, standing (and stand-ins) official members, and evennews reporters must register their interests with the Clerk ofthe Legislature, who is also the Registrar of Interests undera Law passed in 1996.
The passing of this law, set in place the beginning of an eraof modern day politics for all who seek to be and are eventuallyelected to the Legislative Assembly.
This Law implicitly states that candidates, who are seeking officein the up-coming General Election - now less than two months away,must register their interests in all the business(es) in whichthey are involved as well as the property they own.
The call for transparency in Government continues at this timewhen there is deep scrutiny of the interests of all the declaredcandidates, incumbents and newcomers.
With a field of near 50 candidates (to date) to fill 15 seats,this is the largest election contest in the history of the CaymanIslands. And although some are running as independents, in thelong run, from among the many who are called, only a few - amountingto only five to be exact - will chosen be from among themselvesto form the next government.
The past and present interests of the present elected sittingmembers of the Legislature, are now becoming the 'talk today'.Inevitably, speculation is being mixed in with the real facts.What is far more important, however, is that the mood of the peoplewill fuel a change in the constitution, which will make everyMember of the House far more accountable than they have been inthe past.
So that the healing of this nation can begin, it is thereforeincumbent on the entire voting public at large, to listen andact on how the issues affecting them, their families, businessand the country is affected, and act to put in place Legislatorsworthy of the office he or she will hold.
The next government, is no particular one's choice - but the people's.