After former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush had been formally charged with corruption by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) on Wednesday 20^th March, he denied any wrong doing.

“I have done nothing illegal, and will defend every one of these charges. As I’ve stated since this campaign against me began over three years ago, I am innocent,” he said in a statement released by his United Democratic Party. “I will continue as the leader of the United Democratic Party, with its full support. These charges will not deter my faith and dedication to all the people of Cayman and to the United Democratic Party.”

The UDP also said it would stand behind Bush, alleging that the charges were being brought to affect the upcoming election campaign.

Bush answered bail on Wednesday afternoon before he was formally charged with two counts of Misconduct in a Public Office, four counts of Breach of Trust by a member of the Legislative Assembly and five counts of Theft.

The Chair of the UDP, Tessa Bodden said, “He [McKeeva Bush] has diligently looked after the people of the Cayman Islands from all walks of life for over thirty years and despite this campaign to embarrass Mr Bush, his family, the United Democratic Party and its supporters, he fully intends to continue to do so. Our country has faced adversities before and, like before, the UDP will stand united with the people of the Cayman Islands to face these challenges.”

Bush has a formidable team in place to “robustly” defend his innocence comprising Michael Alberga of Travers Thorp Alberga, Geoffery Cox QC from the UK, and KD Knight, a QC from Jamaica.

Bush will appear in Grand Court on April 12.