The constantly shifting political tides following Wednesday’s general election saw another dramatic change of direction on Saturday.
A new and brief statement from the camp of the Progressives and Independents Alliance signed by their leader Roy McTaggart stated:
“Today I met with Wayne Panton to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition government between the Progressives Alliance and the Independents who are still a part of his group. Negotiations are ongoing.”
Mr McTaggart further stated: “I will make a further announcement as soon as there is something to advise.”
But before that expected update, a conflicting statement was released by the PACT group (People-driven, Accountable, Competent and Transparent) signed by their leader Wayne Panton as Premier-elect.
Titled ‘Update on Meeting with Roy McTaggart’, the PACT statement said:
“Earlier today, Premier Designate, G. Wayne Panton met with the leader of the Progressives, Roy McTaggart, to provide them an opportunity to have representation in the next government.
“Unfortunately, the meeting only lasted 15 minutes as it is clear the Progressives have not yet accepted the results of the elections where 12 Independent Candidates were elected as opposed to 7 Progressive members.”
The Panton/PACT statement went to assert that, “The will of the people is that the next Government be led by Independents.”
In a direct quote attributed to Mr Panton as Premier Designate, it quotes him as saying:
“My team have asked that we make the best efforts to have a government that is robust, reflective and inclusive of the broadest cross-section of our community, including Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. It is on that basis that I approached the Progressives.”
“Unfortunately,” Mr Panton added, “it is clear they have not yet accepted the results of the elections and the will of the people and the meeting ended after 15 minutes.”
He concluded, “My team is busy meeting over the weekend finalising the composition of the Cabinet and expects to make an announcement on Monday.”
The two main protagonist camps coming out of the election, The Progressives and Independents Alliance led by Roy McTaggart, and the PACT group of independents led by Wayne Panton issued with two contrasting statements projecting each side in a position of advantage to form the next government.
At last count the parliamentary arithmetic indicated that both camps were equal on nine seats each for the 19-seat Parliament with one crucial seat hanging in the balance after a series of switching of allegiances and uncertainties about on which side some of the elected MPs stand.
Both camps had previously issued signed lists of MPs giving them respective majorities.
The situation remains unclear and further developments are awaited in the unfolding and yet unresolved political deadlock.
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