Cayman Premier ‘It’s A Political Witch Hunt’

Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush says he will not resign despite his arrest on suspicion of corruption, which he called a political witch hunt lead by a “petty and jealous” Governor.

In a formal statement issued through his office, Mr Bush said: “I have done nothing wrong and I shall not be resigning as Premier. I also wish to assure one and all that the Government continues to operate as normal.

“On the advice of my attorney and given the circumstances, I am unable to comment any further at this time. However, I will make further statements in due course.”

Speaking later to reporters in Jamaica, where he traveled to speak at a commencement ceremony, Mr Bush said: “I think this is a political witch hunt, and a very vindictive one, lead by a petty and jealous Governor.”

Video courtesy of the Jamaica Gleaner:

Cayman Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin issued a statement saying that Premier Bush should step down. He called on members of the Cabinet to “take the necessary steps to remove Mr. McKeeva Bush as Premier and a minister of the Cabinet and appoint another of their number as Premier in his stead.”

Mr. McLaughlin said: “If they do not do so by 3pm [Friday], I intend to immediately petition the Speaker of the House to call a special meeting of the Legislative Assembly early next week to consider the recent arrest of the Premier and his suitability to continue as Premier as a matter of urgent national importance.

“Should the Speaker decline to exercise her discretion to call a Special Meeting, I shall endeavour to obtain the signatures of at least 7 members of the House to compel the Speaker to do so.

“We will then proceed to file a Lack of Confidence motion to be debated in the Legislative Assembly which will give every member the opportunity to declare publicly where they stand on this critically important issue.”

Mr Bush, 57, has been in power since his United Democratic Party won the 2009 General Election.

Cayman Governor Duncan Taylor issued the election writs this week, triggering the official start of the Cayman election season which will see voters head to the polls in May 2013.

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