PDA Leader Linford Pierson predicts a coalition government

Hon Linford Pierson

Friday,  February 25, 2005

Leader of the newly formed People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) a grouping of four independent candidates, Hon Linford Pierson, is predicting a coalition government after the 11 May General Election.

The election is expected to be keenly contested by the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) led by Hon McKeeva Bush, Leader of Government Business, the official opposition Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM) led by Hon Kurt Tibbetts as well as the PDA, West Bay Alliance and other independent candidates. 

Hon Linford Pierson said considering the composition of the candidates representing both the UDP and the PPM, a coalition government might very well be the best option for the Cayman Islands at this time.

Mr Pierson who is Speaker of the Legislative Assembly said his team comprising of independent candidates Berna Cummins, Gary Ranking and Herro Steve Blair has a good chance of getting elected at the upcoming polls and is of the view that no one party will get an overwhelming majority.

“We will be prepared as independent candidates to align with other successful members from the various districts who share the same political philosophy and respect the principle we stand for,” Mr Pierson said.

The track record of candidates and political parties is expected to be a key-determining factor in the upcoming election. Mr Pierson stressed that a much better job could have been done in addressing the needs of the Cayman Islands especially after the passage of Hurricane Ivan and his team is prepared to take an in depth look at this situation. 

When asked about the chances of the ruling UDP Mr Pierson said, “The UDP is not functional and until such a time as they are, they will continue to have problems and will not be accepted by the majority of the people.” 

Pressed to comment on several political issues Mr Linford stated, “I do not intend to make any political statement that would question my position as Speaker of the House but will be doing so after the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 15 March, then I will be very politically involved.”

The representative for George Town the Hon Dr Frank McField who is also a Minister of Government stated recently that Mr Pierson who is also contesting that seat would not be successful.

However in response Mr Pierson said that he is concentrating on getting elected and probably Dr McField should do the same. 

Mr Pierson who spent 32 years in public office, 16 of which were in the political arena and 16 in the civil service, is hoping to take away the George Town seat from the incumbent Dr McField.

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