'nother update and politrics

There was stormy weather in October but now things have cooled down and the AC units are off as we prepare for the "cold" weather. This is also the start of the dry period that goes until May to June - unless we get a steady flow of nor'westers.
Life continues as normal. Pirates week is finished and the next big thing is American thanksgiving then Christmas.
It was interesting to watch the stores once Halloween was over. They very next morning, the Halloween stuff was gone and the Christmas goodies were on display. I have remarked that by the time Christmas comes here, we are tired of the whole concept and just want it to be over! The desire for materialism that society currently chases is amazing.
One of the most interesting items is politics. We have our first Premier -Mr. McKeever Bush - who seems to think that if you are not agreeing with him, you are against him.
The Cayman Islands Government collects money, lots of money for an island this size due to the fees charged to companies and the duty placed on items shipped in. The biggest problem is Government wastage. For example, our local airlines, Cayman Airways opened up a route to Panama. The airfare for all the dignitaries and the hanger-ons was over $19K. Not including hotel, food and other expenses. The end result, was that the route was open for a couple months and then closed due to lack of interest. It makes one wonder about research and costing? Was it done? If so, the person/firm was not doing their job. I do not think that the money spent in launching the idea will ever be recovered.
Then we have missed opportunities to collect overdue fees. The Ritz Carlton was given certain concessions including a deferred payment of 6 million dollars for stamp duty. The owner defaulted on his payments and the building was put up for sale. Before the sale, the parent company contacted the Premier's office about the outstanding fees. 5 weeks later, after no response from the Preemier, the building was sold to a new owner. Our smart premier then says that the new owners are still responsible for the outstanding stamp duty and he is in negotiations with them. The new owners have responded that they have not heard from the premier at all. Who do we the populace believe? The report can be read at http://caymannewsservice.com/politics/2012/11/15/mac-denies-blowing-ritz-duty
Elections will be held in Cayman in May 2013. It will be interesting to see if  the opposition (who are almost the same as  the current party in power) will be given another go at the continuing screwing up these islands or if they will elect people who have some common sense and realize that you need to live within your means.
Another item is the police force. They are continually hiring more and more officers - increase of 12% over the last year bringing the total to 408 offices. One for every 136 people on the island. You would think that is a good thing - more officers out on patrol and a more visible presence everywhere.
BUT (or is it YET), during morning and evening rush hours and well as during the day, I have driven from one end of the island to the next and you cannot and will not find one office patrolling! Not one police car visible! Everyone is knowledgeable to that aspect and continue to speed, drive dangerously turn without signals, and break every other one can think of. Not to mention cars with straight pipe mufflers, tinting so dark that you cannot see inside the car at midday, people not wearing seat belts, etc. What is the use of paying them without having them work for their money? I need one of those jobs in addition to my regular one!
But for us normal, 9-5 job holders, life continues with its challenges and happy moments.