Bush heading to London to discuss ‘the incident’

| 25/02/2020 | 235 Comments
Cayman News Service
Speaker McKeeva Bush with Premier Alden McLaughlin and Governor Martyn Roper and Minister Roy McTaggart (behind)

(CNS): The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is flying to London on Wednesday, where he will meet up with Premier Alden McLaughlin to discuss the statement he issued on Monday about his alleged assault of a woman, in which he admitted that he had significant physical and mental health problems. They will also discuss how he is dealing with those problems and “the actions that need to be taken as a consequence of the incident itself”, according to a release from the premier’s office.

McLaughlin said he recognised that “the incident”, which occurred just after midnight on Saturday morning “will have consequences”.

Whether or not those consequences include Bush’s resignation as speaker is yet to be seen, although a statement by MLA Ezzard Miller and a release by the opposition today both called for this outcome. Miller, Opposition Leader Arden McLean and the premier all referenced the speaker’s acknowledgment of his physical and mental health issues.

“I appreciate the candour of the speaker’s statement and his recognition that he has problems with which he needs to deal,” McLaughlin stated. “Therefore, the most important immediate issue is for the speaker to seek the treatment that he references in his statement. I and all in my government will do all we can to help in his efforts to access appropriate professional help at this time.”

Adding to MLA Ezzard Miller’s call for the removal of Bush as speaker if he does not resign, McLean said that the “incident leaves a very public stain on our Legislative Assembly”.

He said that if Bush does not voluntarily “stand aside to seek the professional help he clearly needs, a decision must now be taken by the Unity Government, of which he is a member”.

Speaking on behalf of himself, Anthony Eden, Alva Suckoo, Christopher Saunders and Bernie Bush, McLean said, “Whilst we note Mr Bush’s apologies for his actions, it is clear that he is not dealing with the challenges of his grief and use of alcohol. However, what Mr Bush fails to note in his public statement, is the very privileged and public role that he occupies as speaker of the House.”

Because a two thirds majority is needed for the removal of the speaker, McLean contacted Premier Alden McLaughlin on Monday, 24 February “to discuss this issue and the way forward”, he said.

All of the statements issued today expressed sympathy for the victim. The premier noted his “deep regret and that of the government at this most unfortunate incident and to extend our support to the lady that has suffered injury and distress as a result. She deserves our support. I want her to know that everyone in the government wishes her a speedy recovery.”

Referring to the hashtag #sheisupported, which is now being used on social media to support the victim, McLean said, “Rightly, the court of public opinion recognises the seriousness of his actions, especially as it resulted in a woman being injured in the line of work… Women face enough challenges in the workplace: gender bias, unequal pay and inadequate benefits, without having to contend with violence and/or abuse.”

In a very brief statement from his office, Governor Martyn Roper said he was “greatly concerned by any allegations of assault especially when these relate to violence against women”. But like McLean and McLaughlin, he did not comment further, since the incident is now under investigation by the RCIPS. 

“I have every confidence that they will deal with it in accordance with the law, which applies to everyone equally,” Roper said. Similarly, the premier said he had confidence in the RCIPS to carry out the investigation “thoroughly and effectively”.

McLean went further, saying, “The seriousness of this incident means it may very well progress into a criminal matter and the public must be cognisant that the vast majority of registered voters are potential jurors.” But he said that “in the interest of fairness and natural justice, our actions as legislators must not be seen to impede, prejudice or influence a criminal investigation that may result in a matter before the courts”.

He added, “We must all continue to support the victim in the matter and leave judgment and atonement for Mr Bush in the hands of his family, the electorate and the justice system.”

See all relevant statements in the CNS Library


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Category: Crime, Police, Politics

Comments (235)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    The headline should read: Bush running away to London to escape taking responsibility for his actions. Again.

  2. Anonymous says:

    OMG I can just imagine the incoherent ramblings of the drunk in London to his masters. More embarrassment.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Public Servants Code of Conduct – A public servant must not, at any time, engage in any activity that brings his ministry, portfolio, statutory authority, government company, the public service or the government into disrepute……. the ink isn’t even dry yet!!!

  4. Anonymous says:

    The cover up has started – ‘leave of absence’!! The woman beating sh*t should resign with immediate effect instead of being allowed to stay out home with all the grace and benefits of such a high office. This is an insult to Cayman!!

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  5. Right ya so says:

    Alden and MLAs – if he’d punched your wife/daughter or any female from another prominent Caymanian family, you would have removed him as early as Monday morning, no question. That’s as clear as it gets.

    So, did he physically assault a woman (your wife/daughter/sister)? answer, yes. Remove him from office. Seen by any number of people, he’s not in private assaulting his wife without witnesses, there’s no grey area. It matters not that he was drunk, is in a mentally delicate place, or can’t remember what he did.
    If the witnessed assault isn’t sufficient his confession of mental instability calls into question his ability to sit as Speaker, remove him from office.
    His admitted habitual alcohol abuse calls into question his sobriety whilst performing his duties as Speaker, remove him.
    Furthermore, in light of his documented prior assaults he clearly isn’t fit for purpose.
    A paid leave of absence is far too generous.
    Remove him from office permanently.

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  6. Say it like it is says:

    He went to London for a meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Assoc. He was due to give a presentation on the importance of the position of Speaker of the House and how vital it is to for all such office holders to always behave with the utmost decorum (unless you happen to be Caymanian).

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  7. Say it like it is says:

    What are the sentencing precedents for this type of a serious unprovoked attack causing bodily injury, especially where a defenceless woman is involved. I feel certain it would involve a custodial sentence exceeding 12 months.

    10
  8. Anonymous says:

    So why in the world did he have to fly to London to talk to the Premier? Phones don’t exist any more? Was the premier planning to never return to the island?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Alden should have flown back asap.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Because they just know how to break laws, get extravagant wages and spend government funds! I can only imagine he will be traveling first class and staying at a 5 star for sure!
      What a punishment for disgracing the country with his alcoholic and malicious ways!
      PS he was like this before his families loss so please don’t let him use that card for pity.. No excuse!
      Hope our UK lords throw him out of office in disgrace and send him back on his own accord. If it was a normal everyday Joe public, he would still be in JAIL!

  9. Anonymous says:

    So if I (allegedly) beat some lady up can I can a free first class trip to London too?

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  10. Boycott Mac's bar coral beach! says:

    I can’t beleive the waste of money, why not communicate via Skype for free?

    Mac hasn’t resigned yet!

    Well I for one will not support his business ( Coral Beach) and we should all do the same, the best way to effect him is to boycott his Bar.

    I for one will not support a woman beaters business!

    Sorry to the staff but this is the best way.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Got to be certain extortions…or lets say negotiations both parties want in private and person.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Was in Saltys last night and a question was on the speaker of the house.
    As the question was asked loud boos from all corners was heard.

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  12. CIG_is_full_of_weak_leaders says:

    It is a bit ironic how the #1 supporter of the Cayman Crisis Center and Preventing violence against woman is the Cayman Islands Government. Yet when it is time to be brave and make real action – its crickets from all of them except 2. What a shame to all the other politicians especially those who publicly support the cause at annual galas and events (where they go to get free food and alcohol) yet silent when its time to make a difference. Where are the leaders like Roy? Tara? Moses? etc 🙁

    https://www.cicc.ky/sponsors/

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  13. Anonymous says:

    For 40+ years, McKeeva Bush has been the figurehead for the repulsive “do you know who I am” vengeful caste system that defines the identity of many subscribing Caymanians. The “I’ll get you kicked off the island” refrain is culturally pervasive; accepted as the ambient cultural norm. That’s why nobody speaks up in the LA, they feel their silence best represents their constituents, and few of them are proven wrong. #caymankind

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    • Anonymous says:

      Bush need no longer ask “do you know who I am?”
      We know who and what he is , and has been for a very long time.

      56
    • Anonymous says:

      Any Caymanian threatening people to kick them out off the island should be criminalized. Put in law next to the law criminalizing non-Caymanians claiming that they are.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Did you read this comment? If what it say is true, what kind of place the Cayman Islands is?

    Anonymous says:
    25/02/2020 at 4:43 pm
    Sadly, it doesn’t necessarily stop with Status either. They’ll still get you if they choose to hold a beef. Light your shit on fire, and slash your tires…if you’re lucky. I don’t think people fully understand the depth of corrupt influence in the Cayman Islands. It’s deep and chilling. Plenty of entrenched police and fire officials eager to delete or post false reports…like letting >$25mln in seized narcotics walk cleanly out of a secured police vault loosing CCTV recordings and witnesses. All kinds of people disappeared without a trace over the years. I’d be very happy if McKeeva’s arrest was a first step in changing that. I don’t think it’s necessarily unrelated.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    If Alden and his cronies refuse to act then it will fall to us the people to take the steps to remove this government and hold fresh general elections.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    Well of course Mac gone London! They serve a lovely Laurent Perrier Grand Cuvee in British Airways First Class! Unnah think he foo-foo?!

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  17. Anonymous says:

    We should all meet him on his return with black eyes and signs sayin Welcome Black Big Man Mac!

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Yeah watch out 8:38…the brethren don’t want you talking about back room deals and circumvention of the law for members.

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  19. J .A. Roy Bodden says:

    Are we absolutely sure that Bush has gone to London to consult with the Premier ? What sense would that make when a phone call could be just as effective ? Furthermore , the Premier should be returning home shortly.

    A story making the rounds of gossip columnists has it that Bush has gone to London where he will join another MLA on some kind of parliamentary visit.

    If this information is correct then once more we have been out foxed by the “Teflon Don”.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Looks like the grand plan to be “more Caribbean” is finally coming to fruition.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That makes more sense!

    • Anonymous says:

      Because

      1. It gets him off the island so he doesn’t make anymore statements that could be detrimental.

      2. It’s also an attempt to cool things down.

      3. He gets to confer with the man who will save his ass.. again.

      4. It’s a way for him to get away and figure things out on our dime.

      15
  20. Anonymous says:

    and people wonder why expats view caymanians with such disdain????

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    25
    • Anonymous says:

      Except the senior police officers and prosecutors are not from here. Criticism should be of them rather than the Caymanian people.

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      • Someone says:

        That’s a simplistic reply, heads of service do not run the country. The systemic corruption can’t be changed until the people in power want to do it and they want to maintain the status quo. But yeah, blame the expats. Again. And you wonder why the cycle continues..

    • Anonymous says:

      I strongly object to your comment that expats view Caymanians with Distain.
      Inaccurate statement from a troublemaker.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Please do not paint all Caymanians with the same brush. There are some wonderful people out there. It’s like saying all Americans are despised because of Trump or all Germans are Nazis! Rather focus on Bush solely as the stunning and embarrassing asshole that he is.

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      • Anonymous says:

        11:07: I am celebrating. I guess I am among the “some wonderful people out there.” Some of your best friends are Caymanians, right? So kind of you.

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    • Save some of your disdain for your own countrymen. says:

      @1:00 am Yep, disgusting behavior is a purely Caymanian trait. We invented it! All of white males across the globe in positions of power that have been exposed by the #metoo movement? They all took crash courses in disgusting behavior right here in Cayman! We even handed out certificates after they passed the course.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Why are you so eager to stir up trouble between expats and Caymanians on this subject. Any expat on this rock is quite familiar with things like this happening back wherever they are from. Who made you the expat spokesperson anyway?

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  21. Anonymous says:

    one last jolly…….
    who pays for bush’s ticket?….i want an answer now!

    65
    • Anonymous says:

      You know the answer. First class all the way, limo service, luxury hotel, generous per diem (which you can pocket because everything goes on the government card), Michelin starred restaurants, light responsibilities if there even are any, lots of shopping, boozing, chasing girls and sleeping in. Like a super expensive holiday but better because everything is free free free, and you’re getting a salary and a pension at the same time.

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