🧠 Cayman Islands lawmakers' intellectual capabilities questioned

The principal role of lawmakers in the Cayman Islands is to make laws, a fact seemingly overlooked during general elections, according to an opinion piece by Lite Poll. The author argues that many candidates lack the essential ability to propose and vote on bills and amendments to existing laws. Personal qualities such as being a member of a service club or running a small business, while admirable, do not necessarily equip a person for the complex task of lawmaking. 🏛️

Lite Poll suggests that lawmakers must possess the intellectual ability to read and understand a wide variety of legislation, from financial services laws to environmental laws. They don't need to be lawyers, but they do need to have basic intelligence to understand the laws they are voting on and the diligence to read the laws and supporting documents. The author estimates that out of the current 19 elected members of parliament, only seven have the intellectual ability to read and understand laws, and only five demonstrate the diligence to do so. 📚

Furthermore, the author argues that lawmakers should have the integrity to vote on new laws based on what’s best for the country, not their personal interests. Unfortunately, the author believes that only two current MPs meet this standard. The piece concludes by emphasizing that candidates don't need to be lawyers, accountants, or economists, but they should be able to convince voters that they have the intellectual capacity to participate effectively in the legislative process. 🗳️