Upcoming elections

In our sister Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands, it will be having its General Election on April 14.

On Nomination Day, Monday gone, there were 50 candidates vying for 19 seats.

Of all the OTs, Cayman Islands has the distinction of having a large portion of “independents” as both candidates and, subsequently, as elected MPs.

At present, the Government consists of a coalition of two parties and a few independents.

The main party, led by the Premier, Alden McLaughlin, is known as the People’s Progressive Movement with a total of seven seats.

The other parties are Cayman Democratic Party with three seats and the Cayman Islands People’s Party with one seat.

There are eight independent MPs.

On Nomination Day, the Progressives rolled out a total of eight candidates.

Which simply means that even if they win all the seats that they contest, the PPM will still need a minimum of two other MPs to join them in order to form a parliamentary majority.

Some may say this is “political chaos”, while others may call this “democracy in action”.

The 19 constituencies have an average of 1,300 voters each with the smaller, sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman having approximately 600 voters each.

Also note that by Caymanian Constitutional Order, the Premier can serve for a maximum of only two terms.

All political candidates are allowed to spend up to $30,000 on their political campaigns.

Devonshire dew

The Parish Pride Project to restore the Christ Church Devonshire wall is now entering its eighth week.

Every week there are up to 15 volunteers who have scraped, power-washed, plastered and primed the southern and eastern walls.

Thus far, we have used approximately 30 gallons of white primer.

This week our focus goes on the northern wall, where we will spend a good portion of effort in power-washing and scraping the moss that is on the walls.

Owing to its proximity to Devonshire Marsh, it is most susceptible to dew and dampness. Hence, motorists and walkers alike will see that the wall is more green than white at present.

We would like to take a moment to thank the scores of volunteers who have come out thus far. Persons of all ages, from Devonshire and all over the island, have cheerfully shown up and put in a healthy dose of elbow grease every Saturday from 9am to noon.

We would also like to thank those who have sponsored the paint and tools, including Bermuda Paint Company, SAL Ltd, Belvin’s Grocery chain and Island Construction Ltd.

With the weather getting warmer, we look forward to more folks joining us.

As always, snacks, refreshments and safety equipment are provided.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com