Malcolm Eden runs for election in Savannah

By Christopher Tobutt

Malcolm Anthony Eden, son of Savannah MLA and former Minister of Health, Anthony Eden OBE, is following in his father’s footsteps and running for election in the district of Savannah. On 6 March he held a public meeting in a Savannah public park, where between 50 and 100 people came to see why they should vote for him. His father, Anthony Eden introduced began by explaining why he had chosen not to contest the election this year:

“Together we have accomplished much…I have decided not to contest the upcoming election, because of my age, so I think It’s time to turn it over to the younger ones,” he said. “I am very pleased to introduce and endorse my eldest son, Malcolm, I feel that Malcolm is more than ready to take up the challenge of becoming your next Member of Parliament. Malcolm has worked in the Public Sector, as the former head of banking supervision at the Monetary Authority. His years of dedicated service to our islands include being past president of the Clifton Hunter High School PTA, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman,” he said.

Malcolm Eden began by asking: “What makes a country great? In my view, it is actually our people. Its people like you, our concerned citizens, who come out to make your voices heard. Its our seamen, who went to sea to make a living for our families, and it’s people like the mothers who held the family unit together… those people that build the foundation of our islands.

“Savannah and the Cayman Islands are near and dear to my heart. I am passionate about my country and helping my people. As such I intend to make a real difference in this upcoming election. Cayman at the moment is at a crossroads and we have a generation who will be lost if immediate intervention is not made to strengthen the family unit. We also need to ensure that education is given priority and we need to address the high cost of living. I have always abided by certain core principles which include selflessness, integrity, objectivity accountability openness, honesty and leadership,” Mr. Eden said.

Proposed local improvements to the Joanna Clarke Primary School included a larger school hall, improved canteen facilities, more classrooms and restrooms, more teachers including teachers for special needs children, a dedicated school nurse, an improved playground, more sporting facilities, access to technology for online learning, a generator, and more parking space. “I will also lobby for an upgrade of the track, with bathroom facilities and security making it more accessible in the evenings so that families can enjoy it,” he said.

Mr. Eden also listed infrastructural improvements to Savannah including the expansion of the East-West Arterial road; installation of pedestrian crossings between countryside shopping village, Savannah Plaza and the Tall Tree. Other proposals included regular community events, to better utilize Pedro Castle and the Agriculture Grounds; enhancement of community parks in order to strengthen the family unit, and more community parks; additional public beaches; encouraging and supporting local farming; Increased police presence; more Neighbourhood Watch areas; creation of incentives for more businesses to be established in the district such as lower government fees and more marketing support.

National priorities included: “The establishment of an identity for our country when we emerge from covid; increased working relationships with the private sector and continued efforts to meet international regulatory standards to get Cayman off the FATF grey-list; and “an upgrade to Health Services Authority facilities and its service.”