Governor cannot order Tempura investigation

The following is a press release issued from the Governor’s Office dated 24^th June 2013.

We have also attached a copy of the letter Governor Taylor sent to Commander Allan Gibson, QPM, Director of Professional Standards, Metropolitan Police.

Governor Responds to Met Police

The Governor has this afternoon issued the following statement:

“Today, Monday, 24 June, 2013, I have written to Commander Gibson of the Metropolitan Police Service (“the MPS”) in reply to a letter written by him dated 9 May 2013 and the subject of substantial media coverage.

Unusually for private correspondence of this nature, I have decided to summarise the substance of my reply in order to provide appropriate balance to the media coverage of Commander Gibson’s letter.  I have done so because of the wider currency given to Commander Gibson’s correspondence, it having entered into the public domain.

My reply to Commander Gibson includes the following principal points.

First, it acknowledges Commander Gibson’s recognition that the MPS is conflicted in this matter and unable to investigate Mr. Bridger’s allegations.

Second, it notes that Commander Gibson has not received all of the material of potential relevance in relation to the complaints made, either from Mr. Bridger himself or from those against whom he has made his allegations.

Third, it states my understanding that, against this background, Commander Gibson’s views as to the merits of the allegations must be treated as significantly qualified both by reference to the conflict he has identified and the limited material received by him, particularly given the gravity of the allegations.

Fourth, I have explained to Commander Gibson that my role, under the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 and the Police Law (2010 Revision), does not extend to decisions concerning the initiation of criminal investigations.  It is, accordingly, a matter for Mr. Bridger to make such complaint as he wishes to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and for the Commissioner to then consider any such complaint and respond appropriately.

Fifth and finally, I have expressed my disappointment at Commander Gibson’s letter having entered the public domain in the manner it did and have emphasised the critical importance of due process in the Cayman Islands and the presumption of innocence as guaranteed by Section 7 of the Constitution.”

END