Governor, Political, financial and private groups statements on Premier’s arrest
Statement by H.E. the Governor
11th December 2012
In response to a number of enquiries from the media, His Excellency the Governor has today made the following statement:
“I am aware that the Honourable Premier, McKeeva Bush, has been arrested this morning in connection with a number of ongoing police investigations. The reasons for the arrest have been set out in the statement issued by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.
“The conduct of criminal investigations in the Cayman Islands is a matter for the Police Commissioner. If evidence is brought to his attention which leads him to suspect that an offence or offences may have been committed, I expect him to carry out a robust, fair and comprehensive investigation, regardless of the individual concerned. I am confident that the Police Commissioner will ensure that this applies to the on-going investigations involving the Premier.
“I would like to reassure the people of the Cayman Islands of my commitment and that of the whole of the Cayman Islands Government to ensure the continued effective functioning of the government and the continued efficient delivery of services to the public.”
Press Statement Hon. Alden Mclaughlin, M.B.E., J.P., M.L.A.
Political Leader Of The PPM Leader Of The Opposition
Wednesday, 11th December, 2012
Arrest of Premier Bush
“I was officially advised this morning of the arrest of the Premier, Mr. McKeeva Bush, by the Royal Cayman Islands Police on suspicion of:
“Theft in connection with financial irregularities relating to the misuse of a government credit card;
“Breach of Trust, Abuse of Office and Conflict of Interest, contrary to Sections 13, 19 and 17 of the Anti-Corruption Law 2008, respectively in connection with the alleged importation of explosive substances without valid permits on or before February 2012.
“I am confident that the law will take its course and we must give the authorities the opportunity to complete their work unimpeded. This is indeed a period of uncertainty for our country but we must remain calm and trust in the system and the Rule of Law. It is designed to deal with and ultimately resolve matters such as this.
“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.
“The social and economic interests of these Islands depend on Mr. Bush’s colleagues in the Cabinet and on the Government Backbench acting swiftly and resolutely in this matter to return normalcy to the operations of Government and to prevent the further hemorrhaging of the country’s image and reputation.
“Accepted international best practice and the conventions of the Westminster system of government provide clear guidance as to the course of action that ought now to be followed by Mr. Bush and his Cabinet and supporting backbench MLAs.
“We will continue to closely monitor this grave situation over the course of the next 24 hours and will issue another statement as and when circumstances require.”
C4C Statement
Embattled Premier Arrested By RCIPS Financial Crimes Unit
Grand Cayman – December 11, 2012
Public awareness and advocacy group Coalition for Cayman (C4C) today calls for Premier McKeeva Bush to put Country First and immediately resign from office. If the Premier does not step down, the United Democratic Party should take appropriate action.
The RCIPS Financial Crimes Unit arrested Premier Bush this morning on suspicion of theft in connection with financial irregularities relating to the alleged misuse of a government-issued credit card, breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest.
“While today is a sad day for the country with the announcement of the arrest of the Premier, it is also a day that sends a strong message that the Cayman Islands will take the appropriate action to ensure it remains an attractive place to do business and create economic opportunity for all,” said Coalition For Cayman.
“We must always be careful not to prejudge anyone and allow the due process of the judicial system to run its course. However, as a nation we must be clear that we will not tolerate corruption in any form, and we feel it is in the best interest of our Country that Premier Bush step down from office immediately as the judicial process runs its course,” added Coalition for Cayman.
“It is a time for the people of the Cayman Islands to come together. We have an opportunity to set aside partisan politics and work together to create a better future for the Cayman Islands that includes independent leaders with integrity and competence who will always put Country First.”
About Coalition for Cayman. Coalition for Cayman is a public awareness and advocacy group who recognize the people of Cayman are frustrated with party politics, government overspending, debt, crime and economic uncertainty. We are committed to bringing new and accountable leadership to unite the people of the country and restore the Cayman Islands’ reputation while maintaining social balance and sustainable growth.
Cayman Finance statement in response to the arrest of the Premier
Cayman Finance Chairman, Mr Richard Coles, released the following statement in response to the arrest of The Premier of the Cayman Islands, McKeeva Bush, this morning.
“Cayman Finance is concerned at hearing of the arrest of the country’s Premier, McKeeva Bush.”As a jurisdiction that upholds good governance and transparency, we fully expect that due process will be followed. As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Statement from Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce
Statement by President Chris Duggan following the arrest of Premier Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP on 11th December 2012
“The arrest of the Premier on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office and theft charges demonstrates Cayman’s robust law enforcement and anti-corruption systems and the Islands’ intolerance with any alleged unethical behaviour or corruption even at the highest level of political office.
“The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s Financial Crime Unit’s investigation leading up to today’s arrest has been ongoing for several months and the economy has continued to perform robustly providing quality services and products to the world’s financial markets, international visitors and investors.
“We are wholly confident that that same level of integrity and service will continue as the case works its way through the judicial system.
“The Chamber of Commerce unequivocally supports all actions by law enforcement officials to root out any unethical behaviour that may damage the reputation of the Cayman Islands as a leading international financial centre and as a quality jurisdiction to conduct business and invest.”
From Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, 11th Dec. 2012
