I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support of friends and strangers alike and I thank everyone who wrote, called or reached out publicly or privately to give me their well wishes this weekend. It means more than I can ever express in words and your kindness has given me new strength. We may not always agree with everything each other has to say but there is a right and wrong way to share our opinions in a responsible and non-threatening, non-hateful manner. We learned this at school, at church and at home a long time ago. I will always stand up for what I believe in and I respect others for doing the same even when their views and actions differ from mine. This incident has shown me yet again the ugly side of politics but reaffirmed my faith in the majority of our community and why I chose to get into politics. I wont let this or anything else distract me or change anything about how I was taught to treat everyone around me-with respect and manners. I will speak out on what I feel strongly about. If we cant have and accept differing opinions, who are we? A number of people have asked me what I actually said on Thursday and I include the transcript below and make no apology whatsoever for what I have said: 10/9/14, 12:34:54 PM: Loop: Who are the winners and losers of the duel.10/9/14, 12:34:54 PM: Loop: Give me your take10/9/14, 12:34:54 PM: Loop: Hey10/9/14, 1:19:52 PM: Winston Connolly: No one won.10/9/14, 1:25:04 PM: Winston Connolly: The Caymanian people lost today and the message sent to our people is a sad one. However, the process was in accordance with the rule of law and we showed the world that no one is above the law. We arrested and put on trial the highest office in the land for alleged wrongdoings. That is the only thing Im proud of with this result.10/9/14, 1:29:13 PM: Loop: Okay10/9/14, 1:29:39 PM: Loop: That is a good line to go with10/9/14, 1:30:15 PM: Loop: But as a lawyer you know that guilty parties are never left to go scott free10/9/14, 1:30:34 PM: Loop: When there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary10/9/14, 1:31:40 PM: Winston Connolly: As a lawyer I know a lot of things about justice and access thereto.10/9/14, 1:42:05 PM: Loop: So would you have liked McKeeva to get the maximum sentence?10/9/14, 1:42:50 PM: Loop: Exactly what was his crime under the penal code.10/9/14, 1:42:50 PM: Loop: They removed theft10/9/14, 1:42:54 PM: Loop: Why did they?10/9/14, 1:42:59 PM: Winston Connolly: I would have liked justice to be served10/9/14, 1:47:49 PM: Loop: What exactly do you mean?10/9/14, 1:47:49 PM: Loop: Jail time for McKeeva10/9/14, 1:52:20 PM: Winston Connolly: He has been found not guilty by a jury of his peers. He is by law a free man. The process has played out and we need to move on.10/9/14, 1:58:56 PM: Loop: But you have reservations this need to be pointed out10/9/14, 1:59:13 PM: Loop: Justice was not served as far as your concerned.10/9/14, 2:04:16 PM: Winston Connolly: My own views are that in spite of my personal opinion the process has produced a result. One that has to be owned by all of us, whether we agree with the jurors or not.10/9/14, 3:48:16 PM: Loop: But you do not have hide your opinion behind the tyranny of the masses. Let me know your say.10/9/14, 3:48:16 PM: Loop: Could I quote you on this?10/9/14, 3:57:42 PM: Winston Connolly: Im not hiding my opinion10/9/14, 3:57:56 PM: Winston Connolly: You can quote me on what I have said10/9/14, 4:38:20 PM: Loop: Your profile says you are typing.10/9/14, 4:38:41 PM: Loop: Am I expecting something?10/9/14, 4:39:46 PM: Winston Connolly: You can say that I am not surprised by the outcome the process has highlighted several larger issues that must be looked into an has raised more questions about accepted behavior in public office and the role and expectations of the office of the Premier. I look forward to the day we have a zero tolerance for corruption in this country and that we hold those in authority accountable for any such like actions. I am disappointed that the jury arrived at this verdict but satisfied that the rule of law was followed. I dont believe for one second that a conspiracy existed. I think the governor who had a full view of what was occurring was desperate to see the situation change and his words were unfortunate. Latching on to certain words and using them in a certain context for a case does not give us a comprehensive view of all that was occurring in my view. I came into politics because of my personal opinion that corruption was rampant and I ran on a zero tolerance platform to help stamp that out. Parliament and parliamentarians are supposed to be the primary expression of the peoples will and have a primary duty to fight corruption. Parliamentarians need to lead by example. The actions brought out in the case are not actions of a statesman, especially the Premier in my view. If people dont have an issue with this then I feel sorry for us all and where we are as a country. The people of the island deserve leaders who are above reproach when it comes to their reputation in public office. Yes, they are entitled to a private life and not necessarily be judged on morals but ethics must definitely be scrutinized and good judgement and common sense in office as well - like using a government credit card for gambling- it is WRONG! In any context. It is time for a code of conduct for all members of parliament and a closer scrutiny on their sources of income. If it doesnt add up enquiries need to be made. It is time to ratify various international conventions against corruption. We also need to educate our citizens on what corruption is and how it has a disastrous impact on economic growth and development. The sad part of this all is that the people being hurt the most by these types of actions are the people singing the loudest praise. I feel sad today for my Caymanian people and as a proud Caymanian my heart hurts!10/9/14, 4:40:23 PM: Loop: So as a lawyer do you think McKeeva was able to do something to counter access to justice?10/9/14, 4:43:11 PM: Winston Connolly: I think Ive given you enough for today
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 03:33:19 +0000
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