MACI boss charged with assault on female

Joel Walton, CEO of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands

(CNS): Joel Walton, the chief executive officer of the Shipping Registry, has been arrested and charged with actual bodily harm, insulting the modesty of woman and causing fear or provocation of violence. Police confirmed Friday that a senior public servant was arrested just after midnight on Wednesday 25 February by uniformed officers but did not state where the incident occurred, though it is understood the charges relate to a domestic incident.

Walton appeared before the Summary Court on Thursday and was bailed to return on 10 March.

CNS attempted to contact members of the board of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) to find out if Walton is still in post or if he has been placed on required leave, however efforts to contact the chair and deputy chair were unsuccessful.

Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton is responsible for the Shipping Registry but he was unavailable for comment, though it is understood that, as an employee of a public authority, Walton answers to the board of directors.

Board Chair Philip Barnes is believed to be off island and attempts to speak to Bruce Putterill, the deputy chair, were unsuccessful.