(CMR) Issac Rankine, independent candidate for East End issued a statement today after it was revealed on CMR last night that Alden McLaughlin was seen visiting him and his election committee. The statement reads in full:
Members of the Committee to Elect Isaac Douglas Rankine and I met with the Premier of the Cayman Islands the Hon. Alden McLaughlin on Monday, 22 February, 2021. There was no secrecy regarding the holding of the meeting, as is evident from the recent photograph that is making its rounds on social media. The purpose of the meeting was to explore the opportunity to enable the district of East End to emerge from the political wilderness that we have been languishing in for the past 20 years.
I am contesting the upcoming elections as an independent candidate, but I recognize that alone I can achieve little for my beloved district. Anyone who doubts that needs only consider how little has been achieved over the past three terms – or 12 years – that the Hon. Arden McLean has been a member of the Opposition and recently, Leader of the Opposition. Twelve years of Opposition representation by Mr. McLean has given East End very little to speak of; one sea wall, a covered fish shack, one Pirates Week shed and a small art building that the community has yet to get access to. The people of East End deserve better.
Should I be elected, I do not intend to be a member of the Opposition. Indeed, I am determined to be a member of the next Government. The people of East End have a lot of needs; from health and social care to education and cultural activities, and key business and infrastructure needs.
They deserve a representative who will focus on getting things done; that will put personal feelings and pettiness aside and act in their best interest to ensure that they have a seat in the Government Caucus and are able to effectively advocate for East End. East End has had enough of Opposition representation. It is time that the elected member from East End is again part of the Government of these Islands.
With the support of the people of East End, I intend to be that member.