Bryan blocks meeting to debate ousting speaker
(CNS): The special meeting of the Legislative Assembly to debate a no confidence vote in House Speaker McKeeva Bush and elect a new deputy speaker will not take place because Kenneth Bryan (GTC) voted against it at a meeting of opposition members over the weekend. Under the Constitution, seven MLAs can force a meeting of the LA, but this would require all back-bench members to agree, unless at least one member from the government bench broke ranks and sided with the opposition.
The special meeting was proposed by MLA Ezzard Miller (NS) on Friday, when he asked the official opposition members to join him in requesting the LA meeting. According to a release from the opposition Monday morning, Miller’s proposal is supported by five of them: Arden McLean (leader of the opposition), Anthony Eden, Alva Suckoo, Chris Saunders and Bernie Bush.
“Unfortunately, the official opposition could not get unanimous support as one member of the group, MLA Kenneth Bryan, was not in support. Without his support, the opposition cannot get the signatures of seven members, as required by Standing Orders, to request the meeting of the Legislative Assembly” the opposition statement read.
This followed a release earlier Monday morning from Bryan, in which he stated that he believed “the request for the speaker to be removed is premature in light of limited information and with an ongoing investigation by police as to what exactly happened”.
Bryan’s comment offered no support or sympathy for the victim of the assault that took place at a bar early Saturday morning or acknowledged that Bush has already apologised for his involvement and admitted that alcohol was a factor.
Bryan said he was “publicly registering my opposition to any abuse of a woman or abuse of any person”, but added that it was “also important that I caution us all to remember that we shouldn’t presume guilt before innocence, especially without all the relevant facts and details”.
His position contrasted sharply with the outpouring of emotion from members of the public on social media, in the CNS comments and at Friday morning’s public protest, as well as the position of the other opposition members.
Their release, which included the hashtag #sheissupported, stated, “The remaining members of the opposition believe that the public should expect, and rightfully so, that those who seek, and are privileged to hold, public office should be held to a higher standard of conduct and that they are duty bound to protect the integrity of the people’s House.”
In an apparent rebuke of the position taken by Bryan as well as the government MLAs, the other opposition members said it was “imperative that all of us, as elected representatives of the people, demonstrate our mettle and let the public know where we stand on this very serious issue”.
They pointedly noted that they were also aware of the ongoing criminal investigation. However, they said it would be hypocritical of them, as political leaders, to require government workers to uphold the Public Servant’s Code of Conduct, which is set out in the Public Service Management Law, but have a different standard for their own conduct.
The release highlighted section 5 (2) (e), which requires public sector workers to “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”.
“Inaction is therefore not an option,” the opposition stated. “We must ensure the decisions taken about the functioning of the Legislative Assembly are democratic and constitutionally legitimate. This is the time for the Legislative Assembly to function at its best.”
They said that MLAs had two choices in this particular matter. “Either we rise to meet the demands of our office, or we pull our office down to a lower level. We cannot say we value fairness and accountability and be silent or passive when we were elected to be the voice of the voiceless.”
Calling for the support of front-bench MLAs to request the special meeting of the LA, the opposition stated, “We now urge all elected members of government to support the opening of the Legislative Assembly to address this urgent matter.”
However, in his statement Bryan hinted that his position is not set in stone and he could be swayed by the voters in his district. Saying that it was important to allow “the capable police commissioner and his staff to conduct their investigations”, he also said he was “guided by the voters of George Town Central”.
He added, “If they feel that there is enough information already available in the public domain that warrants a vote of no confidence on the speaker, then I am guided by their direction. Until that point, I will await further details that will bring better clarity to what transpired on the 21 February regarding the speaker of the Legislative Assembly.”
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Category: Politics
Kenneth hope you saved some of that large paycheck you got because believe me I am in GT and you will get my vote when hell freezes over you soft headed sellout! Ghetto Mentality!!!!
I don’t know why CNS never posts my comments, but I’ll try again because this issue is important enough.
Nobody is asking Kenny Boy to pass judgement, he’s simply being asked to support a special sitting of the LA. Even if he’s a big time Mac fan (or Alden fan) he must realize this is a very important issue to a large portion of the nation (if not the vast majority). Why would he not want an issue this big and important to be debated?
This disturbing trend of putting career and party before country is simply disgusting. Kenny is disgusting, and every member of the LA who has yet to speak up is disgusting. I’ve supported the PPM for close to 20 years. No More! You all have lost your damn minds.
CNS: This is the only comment that I have from this IP address today. Are you sure you are pressing ‘Post Comment’?
Can we also take note of the fact that not ONE member of the government was willing to support this motion. Not Tara, not Juju, not Alden. No-one was willing to even debate if Mac is up to the job of speaker despite the fact that he attacked a woman. They’ve abandoned all pretence of being our representatives of caring about what is right.
forget the mla’s…they are as thick as thieves.
now lets ramp up pressure on the police farce and the governor.
what is the status of the investigation?
is their cctv footage?
have witnesses come forward?
Gutless, spineless, moron – a little boy trying to play adult games – he will pay a very big price…..
The Opposition is just making excuses as the Leader of Opposition is in bed with Mac. This is the Leader of the Losers out as he never really wanted to do this. He needs Mac support to be Premier
Kenneth is the new Mac.
Hush now Kenneth, you messed up dont try and drag them into this
I have already reached out to you personally Mr Bryan regarding this decision, and I am sure you will be getting your fair share of criticism for this, and while my message was constructive I will just say this
This is the wrong position, and it is very disappointing that you are willingly providing cover for both the Government MLAs and Mckeeva Bush himself
You have 2 daughters to my knowledge Mr Bryan, it is unconscionable that you actually think that Mckeeva should just be allowed to remain in his role when if any other person had done what he did drunk or not they would have already been arrested and arraigned pending trial
There is not fence sitting on this issue
Kenneth is in it for his own gain, just like the rest of them. Don’t be fooled
Yes, but you are forgetting Bryan’s moral compass.
He does not have one.
To be fair.
Which politician nowadays has anything remotely called morality?
If Kenneth is named as Deputy Speaker it will be clear why he made this decision. Only time will tell.
When.
Kenneth Bryan, you have no code and no honor. What if that woman had been one of your own daughters? Or your mother? Wrong is wrong and you should have the guts to say so, regardless of who it might affect your “career”.
It is men like you that give us Caymanian men/Caribbean men/black men a bad name. You had the opportunity to show them that not all of us Caymanian men condone violence against women. And you blew it. Thanks.
says the person called “Gutless spineless no-code coward!” oh yes and now by anonymous 🙂
So now we know how Keith stands. He’s fine with abusing women! Mac has admitted assaulting this lady!
We still havent heard from the three ladies of the house. Has any news agency tried to contact them?
As for all of Aldens cronies, I’d like to hear from them, wait we won’t, he and Mac have shut them up!
This it absolutely ridiculous.
Yes, we know there’s an investigation, wait a minute here, Mac was not Mac and an average Joe, he would have already been arrested and bailed,of course not in Cayman.
Personally, I extremely happy that this story has continued today becuase I was really expecting our famous disease “Cayman short term memory”! Which I personally believe our premier and other hope we catch and this will all be forgotten in the next week or so.
All I think we can do now is hope the opposition continues to pressure this government to so something.
Spineless, cowardice and shameful. I wonder what his position would have been if his own daughter was the subject of such inexcusable violence. With power comes responsibility. This power must be exercised on behalf and in the interest of the people and not self. I guess he did not get the Memo just like the majority of MLAs.
“The special meeting of the Legislative Assembly to debate a no confidence vote in House Speaker McKeeva Bush ”
Whoever had confidence in him to begin with is a fool.
Oh Mr Bryan, – I’m not sure if this was a clever plan of revealment by Bernie Bush but what an ultimate concoction from the cauldron of schmuck you’ve exposed yourself to be.
It seems the whole basis for your opposition of the special meeting is pending a police investigation of the incident. Allow yourself to be reminded that the speaker himself issued a statement apologizing for his conduct inclusive of ‘I reacted badly’ addressing his colleagues, constituents and in particular the General Manager of Coral Beach.
Let me further remind from above of 5 (2) (e), which requires public sector workers to “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”.
Grow a pair Mr Bryan and stop pretending to be upholding due diligence and moral obligation in how you ascribe your opposition when there is plenty else to justify the speaker resigning and rightful cause for such a special meeting, – I could hardly believe seeing this in print… unbelievable.
I personally know of an expat who put a scathing post on FB regarding the Bush issue and within hours she had received a “phone call”. The post in question is no longer up.
Cant wait till someone calls me. Takes 2 seconds to hit the record button and then that crap is going on youtube so everyone can start hearing the corruption because after 46 years, im seriously tired of this BS!!
Please, do tell more!
The bar is set so low for our MLAs yet they keep find ways to slither under it.
The speaker of the legislative assembly got drunk and violently attacked and beat up a female member of staff. It was witnessed, filmed and admitted to.
And yet nothing has happened to him, and our leaders cannot bring themselves to say it was wrong or even discuss it.
For me at least they have finally gone too far.
For too long these unaccountable freeloaders have represented only themselves. Enough is enough. We must not let them get away with this.
Cayman has been slowly waking up. We finally forced them to listen with the Port. We must force them to hear us again now.
He’s a true MacSpanker prodigy. The student following the teacher of bad behaviour. Look, see the door there, walk out and make sure it smacks you on the way out, it might just knock so sense into you. I doubt it though.
Kenneth Bryan- enjoy your last few months as an MLA as your stance with this has sealed your fate come May 2021. Irrespective of the Police investigation- I and I am sure MANY others in Cayman DO NOT WANT this POS individual in the Speakers Chair and by extension he is not wanted in the LA. Kenneth, you inaction’s to stand up and be seen as a statesman are loud and clear. it all about YOURSELF first, and what ever after. Your feeble and woeful actions prove that you are not a person that is of material strength to even argue with.
Do any of you all understand that there is an investigation and the police need to make a charge. All parties are being questioned, the man stated his position, he is against it, he said he is waiting for the police to charge. Una fools, boy is the LA in session tomorrow??/ Ya’l need to check your own agenda’s. yes there is a girl who allegedy has been attacked. Kenneth wasn’t there how on earth can he comment on that? He is not the police he is an elected MLA. The speaker of house will still be an elected MLA even if he is made to step down. Everyone needs to calm down, and let the process take its course. You people want your MLAs to be everything to everyone, police, social workers, banks, counsellors, daddy’s, law makers. Ya’ll voted in at least 3 woman beaters to the LA, each one of them now has an opinion on MAC. Plenty woman beaters still on the streets that ya’ll know about but non of ya are calling the police on. If Mac is charged, then lets hear what Kenneth has to say. Fools, he is the most honest pragmatic one up in the house. He is not trying to gain points he is doing the right thing. Boy ya’ll make me mad and embarrassed to be a Caymanian sometimes.
TTT, we get it, you don’t.
Mac admitted it, he also stated he has a massive problem with alcohol, that is all that is required to remove him, he is unfit for purpose.
The criminal investigation and charges being levied are a wholly separate issue.
Perhaps you should read the ‘alleged’ attackers statement. You know, the part where he says he struck a woman and also gave her name.
1:13 PM, mr Bush admitted it, so it’s not whether he is innonce or guilty. Mr Bryan should be ashamed of himself, maybe the voters will remember it next year elections time
TTT We are ashamed of you too. Another one of Big Mac hanger-ons. Go buy your own rum and chicken wings bobo.
Congratulations on the improvement to your spelling Kenneth. Keep up the good work. I do recommend having someone proof-read your resume before the election so that it’s ready to go.
As for the rest of your comment, sorry but we are not buying the “ongoing investigation” nonsense. It is a coward’s way of avoiding the issue and not good enough. Mac has admitted the attack (which he had to do since it was filmed and witnessed by dozens of people). So you can answer the question of whether tou think that is acceptable behaviour by the speaker of the house.
There is (hopefully) a criminal aspect to this but we are not asking you to comment on that (although you are free to do so under parliamentary privilege but we understand it would require more integrity than you possess).
The investigation has literally nothing to do with removing Mckeeva as Speaker for breaching ethics and standards of the office of Speaker, at least temporarily until the investigation and potential legal case is over
Deciding the Presiding Officer’s behavior has stepped way out of line regardless of whether this ends up being tried in court is perfectly within the power of the LA
The Presiding Officer is meant to hold up the example the rest of the MLAs are meant to follow and he serves for the session barring unfortunate circumstances or a loss of confidence
The idea that he can only be removed if he is actually convicted of a crime is farcical
No one is asking Kenneth Bryan to render judgement on whether or not Mckeeva is guilty
But he certainly has no right to be the Presiding Officer in the Legislative Assembly because of his actions
MLAs are supposed to be held to a higher standard not a lower one
That includes Mckeeva
This is a Morality issue, not Ethics, but both are absent.
TTT- you must have been drinking the kool aid yourself. Charges may or may not be brought against Big Mac BUT what is a sure thing is that he has ADMITTED assaulting the lovely lady- and there is NO more excuses for him to remain Speaker of the House because of this admission. It is people like you who are an embarrassment to us. Stop supporting McKeeva because he gave you a fridge and stove!!!!
As SSM345 has said, We get it, YOU DON’T
Ok, so next time you are out, i’m just gonna say you assaulted me. Lets see who stands by you. Or will they stand by my fake statement. I’m not saying he didn’t do it, i’m not saying she made it up, i’m saying you need more facts. If anyone has footage or the “victims” statement please share it so we can all have the facts and actually comment while being informed. I am no MAC supporter, I am a supporter of making informed decisions. its what I teach my kids. I do have the facts on a former friend who made up a story (fact checked) of her husband beating her, just so she could get preferential treatment in the divorce. These people hurt all of those who are truly being beaten. i’m saying we be cautious which is what it seems Mr Bryan is doing. he has not blocked anything, just postponed it until everyone is a bit calmer and has more facts. What we need to worry about moreso is if the police appear not to investigate this properly, this will be very eye opening and much more worrying for those in danger from abuse.
Please also be mindful that your hatred and angry comments in a public forum from behind anonymous postings do not assist with helping those who are abused but may actually push them away and into hiding as they fear this type of publicity on their personal situation.
I am also astounded that the recent bus incident with actual footage showing a scuffle between a bus driver and a student have not raised more outrage. It seems if the victim is a female child who is a Caymanian (albeit an exuberant one that may need some manners) we must fall in favour of the driver? The driver used to be police, and this is how he reacts instead of staying calm and pulling the bus to a stop. if he is allowed to carry on his duties, know this, my child will never travel on a government school bus. In this case people are in favour of the driver, why because it brings no political agenda to be against him? So enlightening! I’m astounded by the hypocrisy.
This is truly astonishing! McKeeva Bush has already admitted he struck this lady (when drunk) and so what possible Defence could he have – insanity? In which case, how could that mockery of a “Parliament” not take steps, by way of a ‘no confidence motion’ to remove him from office.
What ‘dirt’ does McKeeva Bush have on all these jokers?
Pandoras box, I suspect. If one canary sings, there will be more rats running around than in the Plague!
Obviously he nah thinking straight. Why on earth would he go against what the People are asking for so loudly? What’s going on? 🤔
I guess he is the crossing the Isle, I’ve heard about.
Aisle
Fully aware of the spelling
Whoever said it’s time to vote out the Old Guard and allow the young progressive Caymanians to take the lead for a modern 21st Century Cayman. Well, there you have it!
You obviously have a higher opinion of Kenneth than I do. I personally do not consider him as a choice for better governance.
Certainly didn’t expect any other response from this individual.
Wow, what a surprise
So Kenneth is not sure a debate on the ouster of McKeeva is needed at this time, so Kenneth goes ahead and gives his reasons, which would have come out in the debate anyway.
For someone who got arrested for trying to protect a woman, it seems in Kenneth world, protecting a woman comes second compared to protecting McKeeva
Looking to get back in with the boss?
No guts
If this spineless POS was my representative I’d be bombarding him with emails and calls right now and telling him to start thinking about his next career.
Kenneth afraid of McKeeva like rat afraid of puss! He is enabler! A one term wonder!
Kenneth we elected you to lead, not take directions and instructions on every issue. You should be capable of doing that on our behalf by now.
Maybe it’s time for Kenneth to resign as well as it seems he is very much out of his depth and has no clue how to do his job. He will now join other failed GT politicians as failures because they demonstrated that they have no clue how to do their job.
Sign Petition:
https://www.change.org/p/cayman-islands-government-remove-mckeeva-bush-from-government-for-abuse-and-inappropriate-behaviour?signed=true
What an idiot!
Square peg in round hole again!
Looks like somebody’s heading themself for next year’s election… well played Mr. Bryan. Let’s see how you turn out…
George Town: please note and remember that, despite a police report and perpetrator admission, your immoral convicted cocaine dealer rep feels we need to hold off for victim-directed complaints (the victim whose private identity was freely broadcast by our media). You can’t make this up.
DUMB move Kenny!
Another seat in George Town is now up for grabs…Kenneth you are digging your political grave…2021 soon come, BoBo…Memba Dat!
Hopefully
Conflicted?
If this happened where I originally grew up the woman’s family or a few of her friends would have dealt with it by now – the old-fashioned way! That’s the only way bullies learn.
The old-fashioned way is why we are where are now.
If Cayman had any doubt as to whether voting in independents is not an option – this latest development makes it quite clear. Independents will never get anything done in Parliament.
Your post makes absolutely no sense. Its completely and utterly irrelevant. Tell me something… what statements have been made by the various members of the 2 parties represented in the LA? In this case, the Opposition made a statement, and Kenneth and Bernie made their individual statements. The Govt members are all remaining silent. So whether you agree with Kenneth’s move or not, the fact is the inclusion of independent members has added to the discourse, not taken away from it. If we only had 2 parties represented in the LA we would have had 1 statement by govt and 1 statement by the opposition and that would have been it.
Idiot.
Nicely put!
Kenneth, not so easy buddy. Are you denying that the incident took place? Do you deny the Speaker struck a female? If you deny both things then I may disagree with your basic comprehension skills, but I would understand your position.
If however you accept that the speaker unlawfully struck a woman, then you just became an apologist for a violent offender, and ought to consider your ability to contend that you represent anyone.
So Kenneth, which way should we view you. Confused, or an Apologist for the inexcusable?
Well said!
Well said sir/ma’am.
Not surprised. George Town voters hang your heads in shame.
Be careful how you drag the entire George Town voting block into this mess. Had it not been for single members constituencies, this guy would never had got into George Town. Only a handful of specials would vote for him based on the promises that were made at the time.
Perhaps Marco Archer would care to step up and show us his position to aid in understanding the true effects of the last election.
Here we have your new Deputy Speaker, you heard it here first….
So, that’s a nail in your coffin, my elected member. As a GT voter, I cannot see myself voting in your direction because of this decision. I will await the candidate list and support the strongest supporter of our womankind (and what they have to put up with). If you sway, the vote may go your way…
The question is not if his constituents feels there is enough information available to call the meeting rather it is whether he feels there is enough information. Mr. Bush admitted his action albeit blaming it on grief and drunkenness. There will be no further proof – seeing that Mr. Bush did not attend a medical facility as far as the public is aware neither as far as we know did the police take him in for alcohol level testing and/ or questioning. Mr. Bush acted in contravention of the constitution and if Mr. Bryan took the time to read and tried to comprehend what is written he should be able to understand that right now it is not about committing a crime but more that he has breached the rules of the constitution and behave in a manner incoming of a sitting member of the honourable legislature as well as the position of Speaker. Kenneth by not supporting the Opposition is complicit but we should not be surprised by his action. That is who Kenneth is.
My guess is Kenneth got a phone call or a visit (nothing in writing of course) making it more personally advantageous to block this debate than to do what his constituents and the country want and deserve him to do by allowing the debate to happen. Perhaps he already knew he was a one-term wonder and has been promised a cushy new role after the next election. Or maybe there was some dirty laundry that will be kept away from the public eye. Whatever it was it amounts to a total betrayal of the Cayman Islands and it’s people. All in a day’s work for our eternally honorable “representatives”.
They are just lucky that their voters are so docile.
Kenneth and McKeeva were together in the U.K. Hope they discussed kevexit and kenexit while there.
Another big man that supports assaulting women.
said he was “guided by the voters of George Town Central”. — No, no, no you do what they say!!!!
Ya, I don’t remember putting down “stand in the way of the removal of unfit, woman beating Alcoholics” down when I voted…
I don’t know what he thinks hes doing but come next year I don’t intend to give him a chance to do it again.
“Our duty….” These same Opposition Members were muted about this situation with no surprise and until a massive public outcry, they suddenly woke up to the fact that they were obligated, to the people of this country, to do something about the situation.
Rest assured, these same ‘concerned’ Opposition Members would have done dipsh** if it wasn’t for the outcry of the public.
As for the Goverment Members, SHAME! SHAME!!! and more SHAME!!!!!
Kenneth Bryan is a puppet for McKeeva Bush and will now pay dearly for that blind loyalty.
What does McKeeva have on all those mla’s that are silent and unwilling to condemn his actions especially after that dreadful statement where he effectively owned his actions and apologized to the victim?
The Cayman Islands is clearly run by a bunch of cowards and charlatans that will sell their soul for power, money and to be elected! These actions help define the Caymans as a banana republic without the bananas.
Kenneth …. you just screwed yourself …
Ken,
Sad day for you and your voters.
There I was hoping that you would really turn things around as you have been promising for the last few years… but now I see that a leopard never changes his spots.
Makes one wonder what big mac had to promise you to veto the vote?
#despicable
Are people really shocked by this behavior by Kenneth?
No!! As Mya Angelou said, when someone show you who they are believe them.