Cayman Premier On Bail, Equipment Seized
Earlier today [Dec 12] Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush was released on police bail until early February 2013.
The Cayman police said further investigation will take place both in the Cayman and abroad in connection with the allegations made against him.
The Cayman police also confirmed that a “considerable amount of property, including computer equipment,” was seized during searches yesterday.
“The investigations involving Mr. Bush are still very active and the RCIPS will be pursuing all lines of enquiry in consultation with the Legal Department,” a statement from the Cayman police said.
“The second man who was arrested yesterday in connection with the ongoing investigation is now back in police custody and is being questioned.”
The 57-year-old leader of the British overseas territory was arrested at his home yesterday morning on suspicion of theft, alleged misuse of a Government credit card, breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest.
He was held until yesterday afternoon, released on overnight police bail, and placed back in custody this morning during which time he faced further questioning. He was released earlier today on police bail.
Cayman Police Commissioner David Baines released a statement saying that over the past 24 hours that there have been “two very separate but distinct attempts to undermine the credibility of both the RCIPS and me personally.”
He said that one was an unflattering photograph being circulated on social media of what was falsely purported to be a Cayman police officer, and the other was a false rumour circulating that he was involved in a car crash and despite driving under the influence he was not asked to provide a breath test to the officers at the scene.
“It is not lost on me that these attacks come at a time when we are in the midst of a very sensitive and high profile investigation,” said Mr Baines.
The Cayman Opposition Party also released a statement saying: “The arrest of the Premier is a hugely damaging body blow to the reputation of these islands and to confidence in our government. It will do immense harm to our credibility as an international business centre and a place to work and do business.”
Ohhhhhhhhh BOy. and the people say “You can run but you can’t hide!!”
I see a trend, who in Bermuda will be arrested next pray tell…
“The Cayman Opposition Party also released a statement saying: “The arrest of the Premier is a hugely damaging body blow to the reputation of these islands and to confidence in our government. It will do immense harm to our credibility as an international business centre and a place to work and do business.””
Doesn’t this sound familiar?!? The quote could almost be word for word what was said by our ex-Premier a year or two ago when he and the past and present Deputy Premier were caught out having the country pay court costs for a lawsuit that only involved the two of them. What ever became of that lawsuit anyway, I wonder.
If the Premier is up to skulduggery, it speaks to his dishonesty and lack of integrity. If he is caught, surely that speaks to the crime-fighting nature of the Cayman police force, and probably also the ability of their Auditor General to “follow the money.” Something we are still waiting for.
Pastor , I honestly had never heard of Mckeeva Bush until Bob Richards of the UBP/OBA introduced his name to the Bermudian political landscape with all the talk about term limits , what a bad idea .
Seems like McKeeva Bush is taking a leaf from Michael Misick’s book. Accuse the Governer of being on a political witch hunt. We’ve seen how well that works. Oddly enough the British want their Overseas Territories to be run in a honest, above board manner, by honest people. They said they were going to do what was necessary when evidence of wrong doing comes their way (EVIDENCE, not allegation!).
Best thing that McKeeva can do for his country is to temporarily step aside, co-operate with the investigation, and then IF he is exonerated, he can resume as the Premier. That would show the world that the Cayman Government is being well run by honest people.
However, I suspect like many politicians, he will do everthing he can to hold onto power regardless of how it damages his country’s reputation. You see that everywhere from recent incidents with mayors of large cities, up to leaders of nations.
It would be so much nicer if our leaders were truly there to serve their constituents ahead of their own interests. Unfortunately so many are absolutely convinced that ONLY they have the answers (despite any evidence to the contrary).