Watson’s PA charged with fraud

Miriam Rodriguez

(CNS): A woman who was charged by the RCIPS Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) on Monday evening with fraud and money laundering appeared in Summary Court on Tuesday morning before chief magistrate Nova Hall, when the charges against her were transmitted to the Grand Court due to the corruption offence. Miriam Rodriguez (53), who is understood to have been the personal assistant of Canover Watson when they both worked at a local financial services company, faces one count of fraud on government under the anti-corruption law and two counts of money laundering, totalling $55,000.

Rodriguez, who is a Caymanian from West Bay, was bailed, on condition not to contact any prosecution witnesses, to appear on 13 February. No details were revealed regarding the charges, which are understood to relate to allegations and charges of corruption against Watson, a former chair of the Health Services Authority Board, who is due to appear in court this week in connection with a dismissal argument.

Watson has denied all charges against him which relate to the an $11 million contract with the HSA for a card payment system while he was board chair.