Opposition calls on CIG to deal with Mac
(CNS): The opposition MLAs are calling on the PPM-led administration to deal with what they say is the embarrassment caused by the arrest of the parliament’s speaker, McKeeva Bush. The statement from the five independent members on the opposition benches falls short of calling for Bush’s resignation but instead suggests that government needs to restore dignity to the speaker’s office, following the publicity surrounding his arrest based on allegations that he groped an employee at a casino in Florida.
The opposition said that the Government of National Unity should take “the necessary action to restore dignity, honour and prestige to the position of the Speaker”.
While the allegations against Bush were making headlines across the Caribbean media Friday, the government remained silent on the arrest and the consequences for the Cayman Islands. There has also been no comment from the governor’s office, Bush’s party officials in the CDP or the Independent coalition members now sitting with PPM government.
However, the opposition released a collective statement on Friday stating that they believed it was their “duty to protect and uphold the dignity of, and respect for, our high offices”, as they recommended the government take “this course of action”.
Hundreds of comments posted on CNS over the last few days about the incident involving the speaker have largely derided Bush and called for an end to his political career. The opposition has also suggested that it might be time for Bush to bow out of politics.
The statement reads as follows: “Like many Caymanians, and concerned residents, we are saddened to hear of the arrest of the Hon. Speaker and the International embarrassment this has caused the Cayman Islands.
“We therefore call on the Government of National Unity to take the necessary action to restore dignity, honour and prestige to the position of the Speaker. We, the members of the Opposition, understand that it is also our duty to protect and uphold the dignity of, and respect for, our high offices and we therefore feel compelled to recommend this course of action to the Government. Naturally, this would be a stressful time for the Hon. Speaker’s family and we ask that you keep them in your prayers.”
On Thursday, ahead of the collective release, Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller told CNS that he believes Bush should resign because, regardless of his innocence or guilt, it as an embarrassment. He also told Cayman 27 that he hoped Bush would do the honourable thing and step down. He explained that the government has the power to remove him but that it would be better all round if he simply resigned.
Bush has denied the allegation that he grabbed the buttocks of the complainant, who gave a sworn affidavit to police. The incident was also said to have been captured on the casino’s CCTV. His lawyer has indicated it was a “cultural misunderstanding” and that the misdemeanor case is unlikely to progress to a formal charge.
But many believe the entire circumstances from the allegations and the mugshot of the country’s speaker being published for the world to see is more than enough to make it untenable for Bush to remain in office, and for the sake of maintaining a stable government, he should voluntarily step aside.
Take the CNS poll: Should McKeeva Bush resign?
Category: Crime, Politics, USA, World News
Embarrassing – and nobody has the balls to call him out on this. We are the laughing stock of the Caribbean.
of all the people to talk…ezzard and arden??? they soooo biased??????
Will this aspect of the local “culture” be included in the PR test going forward?
“It is acceptable to grab the ass of the woman when:
(a) She consents
(b) You are drunk
(c) You want to do it.
(d) Both (b) and (c) but not necessarily (a).”
Only 2 persons signed their name and 57 responses at this moment. Some positive post, some show of disapointment and some real nasty ones. It’s pretty easy to say real mean things if you don’t sign your name isn’t ? I for one don’t approve of our Speaker of the house being near a Casino considering past consequences. I honestly believe he has to acknowledge he has a problem and hope he deals with it. I also agree that it’s not good for his family and the Cayman Islands.Anger as taken over and we should be mindful of what we say or how we say it. As my friend Renwick so well said unless we start treating one another with respect we will never unite. First let the law deal with it, second innocent until guilty right ? Third let the man concience be his judge. I did not know I live amongst so many perfect people. Sign your name if you ever want to judge me.I am appaled by the vicious comments. We know the tong was the most dangerous muscle in our body but now 10 fingers ! Let time take it’s course and Pray for the human Speaker of the House instead. One Love.
And you are who? Should we take your comment seriously?
May I suggest you review the grammar in your comments before pressing the comment button. Then we can understand your problem.
I’m Richard Foster. In my opinion you have to go out of your way to get yourself arrested for grabbing a strange woman’s behind. Most of us get through our whole lives without this problem. Why can’t Mac act like a normal person?
In this corrupt culture it is pretty easy to get “forced” to leave if you sign your name. Telling everyone to show respect when you have none is a true sign of ignorance. One fear.
Any Man or woman who backs this man is of the same kind. We all know this to be true.
The quality of persons that is imported and given citizenship. Wreckers of the English language.
Arden can’t touch Mac. Mac is the only politician that works for the people that elected him. He will come back stronger, you just wait and see. Mac doesn’t have to choose the district where he will get a win, WB will always vote for him. Didn’t one of the independents do jail time?
Brilliant comment. Bush works for those that elected him. What about those that did not vote for him? How bias can you get. Politicians are elected to do good for the people not those who are recipients of new washing machines.
When will West Bay get Honourable politicians.
Well if all politicians worked for their constituents, then that would be a true government. By the way, it’s not so different in the UK, voters vote for their local MP.
Does WB not have any pride?? Mac is a disgrace to the entire island and should be, not only a disgrace to his district, but a HUGE disappointment as well.
We expect and deserve better!
Does Arden have a sir name, curious.
For Mr Miller embarrasing is that the kids coming out of school with out knowing how to read and write, do something go check walk around, you near by Clifton .Call in all the parents many bad things are happening in that school. That is a serious matter.
This gentleman clearly has a problem with addiction to gambling. Perhaps we should pay for him to have treatment?
What are the odds that the treatment would work?
“Cultural misunderstanding”, what a slap in the face!!! The only misunderstanding here is that Mr. Bush, is making us look like “cultural idiots “. Please resign from the Speaker of the House, and from politics altogether!!! Save our islands some dignity, please stop embarrassing us!!!
He clearly told his lawyer that whatever he did was culturally acceptable in the Cayman Islands. He has quietly admitted to behaving in a way that offends other cultures, and implies that all the men on these islands behave in the same way. If any of us mere mortals were to do the same thing, we would have no defence based on “cultural ignorance”, and we would be prosecuted if we did not have the financial means to “settle” the case. He may not be an enemy of the state, but he is an idiot of the state.
Tyranny
Under the system of law that we have inherited, as well as the US, a person is innocent until proven guilty. While the optics are not desirable and morality is also important, it does not replace this principle of law.
Without such a principle of law, a person may be accused of anything and tried by the court of public opinion before ever entering a courtroom. Legislators that pass such laws should be well versed in this principle otherwise they too are not fit to be MLA’s.
The situation needs to therefore run its course before any drastic action is taken, and at minimum after this, the accused will need to keep clear of such places and behave like a responsible person fitting of a leadership position. The Caymanian MLAs should be well versed with the biblical quote “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone”. Your time of being accused rightly or wrongly could be next.
You are missing the point. If Mac is convicted while he is Speaker then they would have convicted the “Hon. Speaker”, that throws a dark shadow across the entire Parliament. If he steps down and is convicted then it’s just Mac. At all times we expect the members to respect the high offices they hold and the only honourable thing to do now is for Mac to step down until this is over and in doing so he will protect the integrity of the Speakership. To refuse to do that shows his disrespect for his position, his colleagues and the people of this country! Alden knows all of this by the way so if he does not remove Mac he is to be judged just the same! This is not about whether he is guilty or innocent it is about protecting the sanctity and integrity of our Parliament
1:52 exactly what part of this is missing the point when he is already accused as Speaker and it was stated by 12:48 that the “optics are not desirable”. Moving him now will hardly remove the tarnish already done or improve the optics. That is to be decided at the outcome of the case. Show me the Cayman law or legal precedent where a Speaker in a Commonwealth jurisdiction has been removed because of an allegation.
The sensible thing to do if there is not closure on the case before the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly is for him to sit out the session until his fate is decided. Until the above details are provided you have no point except of course pure politricks.
Completely disagree. Public officials need to be held to the highest standards. This allegation is enough considering the overwhelming evidence against him plus his laughable defense. “Cultural Differences”…. He is admitting guilt of the act but claiming he is not guilty because it’s normal to grab women you don’t know by the butt in the Cayman islands.
He is a total embarassment.
To 2.02. Maybe Kenneth knows what it feels like to be in that position. May be if you would stop and think you would possibly come up with a good thought for your neighbor. That’s what has happened to Cayman Islands now., to much hatred for one another. Kenneth might not hade been charged with the same offense, but he was also there in the same position at the mercy of the courts and the hand of hateful caymanians or cayman residents I should say.
WTH @ 2:47 are you a retard?!
“..come up with a good thought for your neighbor”….
“…too much hatred for one another”
Then you go on to talk about Kenneth and committing the same offense. You contradicted yourself like the idiot you sound like. PS Kenneth was not the Speaker of the house. Mac should step down and stop embarrassing Cayman and Caymanians.
Get out the old record players, get out your old 78 rpm record of Frank Sanatra Mac the knife, “look out old Mackie’s back in town”
You fail to understand the narrow remit of the “innocent until proven guilty” concept and it is a common misconception. The principle is no more than a presumption of evidence in the context of a criminal trial such that the burden of proof rests on the prosecution. Outside of the context it means nothing. Take the case of someone who has obviously done something wrong but it is not found guilty of a crime, either because the decision is taken by the authorities not to take the matter to trial or there is a technicality that forces an acquittal. Unless the external consequences require a prior conviction, then there is in those circumstance no impediment to taking steps based upon the person’s behaviour and those steps are permitting before a conviction and even after an acquittal.
OJ comes to mind.
The Bible al so say Refrane from the aperance of evil.
Your grammer is as atrocious as the bible.
I see Kenneth doesn’t agree with his Opposition colleagues, speaks volumes for his principles and inability to put the country before personal friendships and personal ambitions. He is shaping up to be a follower not a leader and unfortunately it’s clear he is Led by Mac! He needs to be removed from the Opposition he cannot be trusted!
Let’s all remember that Kenneth was found guilty. So I’m not sure what he is talking about when he says ” I know how it feels ” Maybe he is saying ” I know how it feels to commit a stupid crime, lose my good job then get convicted”.
Kenneth was lucky that the judge decided not to record a conviction and the officer (victim) didn’t sue him. Mac won’t be so lucky if he is convicted. We all need to raise funds for the lawsuit that is sure to come.
The victim in this case might have gotten a million dollar squeeze.
Think you are confusing the time he was found guilty but no conviction recorded (assault) with the time he was convicted and sent to jail (supply of cocaine). Although the same point – empathy with someone whop has committed a foolish crime and got caught – no doubt applies to both.
Wearing a door mat for a hat is the real crime here.
Yes but it helps sweep it under the carpet.
His party won an election victory by campaigning on not to allow gambling casinos in the Cayman Islands, a few years ago. Had all the churches behind him.
Yet, he is leaving the island to go to these casinos all the time.
“Scandal in the Wind!” Any other public officer or civil servant would be removed and placed on required leave, such as most notably several of our high ranking immigration officials….some of whom are not even CHARGED with an offence.
Good point 5 47. They wrecked an entire fire truck to the tune of millions of loss. We have heard nothing more. What in hell? Oh that is a town in West Bay. Look.
Caymanians do nothing about everything. Nothing will happen to Mac. This is all pathetic. He is an ill educated buffoon made good that should be asked to send a letter to the media saying he is stepping down.
We all know what “slick-Willy Clinton” was doing in his Oval Office, and look at him now – he’s the beloved former leader that seemingly never did anything wrong while at the reigns of the most dominant land on earth. People forget…trust me. He’ll be smelling like roses in 5 years
Slightly different when both individuals are consenting adults, don’t ya think? And I don’t recall Bill ever blaming his indiscretion on the historically low moral standards of his countrymen.
You missed the point: People forget, no matter what type of discretion or the circumstances.
And I honestly don’t know what you’re taking about regarding low morals of his countrymen.
Have another Rum
It’s a bit rich for Ezzard to chime in on all this.
You may not like Ezzard’s policies or positions but no one can argue that he does not live an exemplary life as North Side’s representative. His ethics, honest and respect for the position of MLA is beyond reproach.
And why, pray tell, would you make such a statement about Ezzard Miller. He is just doing the job he is paid to do as the Leader of the Opposition.
To the best of my knowledge, Ezzard has never been involved in any scandals for the many years he had been a public figure.
Not true, but payback is a b!+*h. The Doctor Hortor Hospital project was the subject of a commission of enquiry in the early 1990’s. As the Minister of Health, Ezzard signed the contract days before the election in questionable circumstances. Mac as the incoming Minister of Health called for the enquiry.
This is plain and simple payback time.
If every MLA who was an embarrassment to the Cayman Islands had to resign, then the Legislative Assembly would be empty.
Would save some money I guess, and let’s face it, the quality of goverment would certainly improve.
He’s a public disgrace and should step away from politics for good! CB
Two words – TERM LIMITS!
That would mean that naturalized Caymanians would need to be eligible to run.
There are others in these high positions who we hear being whispered around with stuff worst than Mackeeva Bush.
That’s merely because this small island protects their deviants. That’s starting to fall away though.
Looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
Nothing will happen as a result of his arrest , embarrassment to cayman, the government etc etc, that’s how it is here,
Cut us loose Mckeeva. It’s time to move on. Know when to hold the and know when to fold them ! Nb
If you have someone driven by passions and lustful desires make your laws, the laws will not be rationally and morally crafted. They will reflect the character of the law-maker. To have good law you need good legislators. So for that reason is why I see the need for national unitive efforts in protecting our LA from immoral members. This should have nothing to do with politics or party. If you love Cayman and good governance, you must take a stand !
” Cultural misunderstanding ” ? His attorney should try his hand at writing Fairy Tales.
“cultural misunderstanding”?
Since when is it “culturally” okay to grab a woman’s buttocks and force her towards you in the Cayman Islands.
I am pretty sure that is NOT OKAY here at all…… unless you are at the dump bar full of cowards!!!
Check the Miami Herald website. The infamous mugshot is boldly displayed. As a Caymanian and a West Bayer, I am sickened to my stomach of this embarrassment and shame that he has put on this country. Enough is damn enough. HE MUST RESIGN WITHOUT delay. Whether the case goes forward is irrelevant (though I doubt that it won’t especially when they confirm who he is) the simple and undeniable fact was that he has been arrested yet again, and this time in a foreign jurisdiction. To the PPM led government, and especially our Premier, show Leadership and remove his sorry ass within the next few days. At this point, Capt Eugene is a better choice to put in the chair.
The West Bay bashing is the reason Bush will always be re-elected. The idea that W/B people are all criminals that elect their best criminal to represent them causes a knee jerk in your face, reaction. It divides people, insults people and lends to the attitude ” you gave us the name so we will play the game.
Why not change the game? If you let others set the stage and write the lines you are always going to be a bit player. Your best way forward is to set your own.
Blaming others is a poor excuse.
Bush and former Ed Minister Ralston do not set any example for our students in our schools. I pray for the underpaid overworked, stressed out teachers in our schools. May the Lord have mercy on their souls next school year. God Bless the new teachers, watch what you say, keep your hands to yourself and pray before you enter a classroom.
Alden getting rid of McKeeva damages the longevity of his government and his premiership. Therefore Alden will continue to always do what is politically expedient and in the best interests of Alden. He will keep McKeeva as Speaker and stay on the throne as Premier no matter that doing the right thing is for him the wrong thing for Cayman in his mind and his personal ambitions.
So you want a new election then?
Always the false narrative about Alden who in the post-election negotiations was more than willing not to be Premier or indeed in Cabinet in order to form a government to take the country forward.
I think if you check the numbers you will find that the government does not need McKeeva or his CDP colleagues to have a majority.
There goes Jon-Jon and Kenneth!
why didnt he go panama to visit a casino….lotsa things acceptanle there…but i will pray for his…….
Feel sorry for the PPM and the Compass. Mac is their man and they just don’t know how to deal with the fallout, even though it was both foreseeable and predictable.
Look closely at the picture, look who wanted to make him Premier. They should all resign.
caymannewsservice.com/2017/05/change-of-plan-already/
yea cause they are all able to see the future and they should have known he was going to do this …chhh try hush
Ah, the triumph of optimism over experience…we all know he should resign to defend his “honour”, but we all know he won’t. So fire him already, or at least put him on unpaid leave until he is convicted or cleared.
Only in Cayman. The same group of people who were lamenting the fact that they didn’t make him Premier are now calling for him to resign as Speaker of the House.
I do agree that he is scum of the lowest kind, but what does that say about those who were singing his praises up to last week?
Guess standing by the laws of your own country when in such an esteemed role do not apply when you go overseas
1. Gambling. How many people have been fined/arrested for playing numbers in cayman when the leaders are in the big money houses.
2. Insult modesty. section 133. A person who, with intent to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture or exhibits any object intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for three years.
Let’s see how the voted leaders handle this debacle.
3 years here. 1 year there. So how do you explain Cultural differences?
Discriminatory law, as a man, my modesty is insulted all the time.
It goes without saying that this situation is very serious and a great embarrassment to these Island. Mr. Bush should without delay resigned and should not be allowed to hold the title as “HONORABLE” any more. I personally don’t have anything against Mr. Bush I am not from his district but it is time he step down and get help with his problems. which we all know what they are.
Mr.. Bush if you love this country do the right thing and step down now and say this country any more damage you and Jeff Webb has done more than enough .
Title is Honourable. We are not in Seminole County.
Honourable? The greatest misnomer of the century when used with brother Bush.
“it is also our duty to protect and uphold the dignity of, and respect for, our high offices” That sounds like a whole lot of resignations and by-elections!
Could Bush and Trump be brothers. They seem to like certain parts of women.
no not brothers, quarter brothers maybe.
trump german decend, mac afranico, with touch of caucasian
you made a mistake – BUY ELECTIONS
Exactly… it sounds like we should perhaps have another election next week.
They can say all they want , but nothing can be done to Bush before he is convicted of the offence in a court of law . He is a bigger civil servant and Bush helped make those Laws .
I must admit that something needs to happen , he’s becoming a disgrace with these casinos vacations .
He is NOT a civil servant, politicians are NOT civil servants.
Alden managed to fire Kenneth before Kenneth was convicted. Jus sayin’
The majority of voters in WBW hired Mac. Not the Premier. It is those persons who can/should fire him.
Yes, Mac should resign. Will he? NO.
Yes, he is wrong and we all know it. Did he plead guilty? NO.
Yes, it is a disgrace to have not only a speaker of the legislative assembly arrested but the first Premier of the Cayman Islands….once again “unraveling”. Will he ever lose an election? NO, not as long as WB voters have a say in his return!
Time to shake it all up Cayman. Demand a referendum be done on a national voting system. A system where all registered voters can have a vote in each electoral district. This of course would have been far more efficient under the previous system whereby we had five (5) electoral districts in Grand Cayman and not the ridiculous number we have now!