Alric Lindsay speaks out
Alric Lindsay — who was named Speaker of the House under Wayne Panton’s PACT coalition — is responding to claims this morning by Progressives Alliance Leader Roy McTaggart that he received signed confirmation from 10 elected candidates that would allow his outfit to form the next government.
According to McTaggart, the 10 included two of the original signing members of the PACT (People-driven, Accountable, Competent and Transparent.)
If true, McTaggart would become the next premier of the Cayman Islands.
Lindsay, who conceded defeat in George Town South after a tight race against Barbara Conolly on Wednesday, agreed to serve in the role of speaker after the new coalition of elected independent candidates was formed with Panton at the helm.
According to Lindsay: “The independents (ie, not the Alliance members and not Mr Bush) made a commitment to each other within 24 hours of winning their respective electoral districts.
“This was followed by a notice to the governor to form the next government. These two steps were taken after careful consideration of the wishes of many voters expressed on the valid ballot papers cast on April 14. This was a “no-brainer” as the people’s interests were considered to be a higher priority by the relevant, loyal independents rather than special interests.”
Early this morning, McTaggart announced that Sabrina Turner (MP-elect, Prospect) and Isaac Rankine (MP-elect, East End), who had previously signed the PACT agreement, had agreed to move over to the Progressives camp instead.
In response to this, Lindsay stated that if the rumours are true, the people of the Cayman Islands should “ask the winners in the relevant electoral district for a public explanation why they thought that their action to walk away from the initial arrangement” was in the best interests of the people.
He added: “Such a public disclosure should include whether or not monies were promised or actually exchanged to secure new commitments benefiting personal or special interests rather than the interests of the people. This level of openness and transparency would seem to be fair to the people.”
Lindsay has articulated that the original arrangement made under the PACT coalition “was done in the best interests of the people”.
He said that “it does appear that those who are desperate politically are making efforts to divide the Cayman Islands and pursue a course of action that is not in the best interests of the Cayman Islands”.
Lindsay referred to the signed document provided by McTaggart in his announcement this morning, stating that “it is unclear whether the ‘new agreement’ represents a document that was signed in advance of the elections date and dated yesterday to give the appearance that it was signed yesterday. While this type of thing could theoretically happen, it is hoped that this is not the actual case.”
Lindsay continued: “In the absence of a confirmation by the relevant parties of the truth of the ‘rumour mill’, the committed independents intend to continue their scheduled meetings to proceed with the swearing-in of a government that the committed independents know to be in the best interests of the people of the Cayman Islands.
“Any departure from such a commitment without a peaceful protest from the people will be a signal as to the true and desired outcomes of the relevant stakeholders.
“May good sense and love for Cayman guide all hands involved in the decision-making in the coming days.”
