Miller calls for LA meeting to debate ousting Mac
(CNS): Now that the speaker of the Legislative Assembly has taken a leave of absence and the deputy speaker has resigned, the LA has been left “with a procedural void” if urgent legislation needs to be passed, North Side MLA Ezzard Miller has said. He is calling on the opposition members to join him in requesting a special meeting of the LA to elect a deputy speaker and debate a motion of no confidence in House Speaker McKeeva Bush.
Bush announced on Monday that he was temporarily stepping down as speaker to deal with his mental health issues and his abuse of alcohol, following an incident early Saturday morning where he allegedly violently assaulted a bar manager. In protest against the fact that the speaker has not resigned or been removed after that incident, MLA Bernie Bush resigned as deputy speaker on Thursday.
Miller, who has been decisively calling for the removal of McKeeva Bush as speaker, maintained in a release issued Friday morning that the situation was urgent. He said the Cayman Islands “is on the verge of a constitutional crisis” and that MLAs “must assume our responsibility by invoking the relevant provisions of the Cayman Islands Constitution and the Legislature’s Standing Orders to deal with such matters”.
He said this has become necessary because “it is obvious that the speaker will not do the honourable thing and resign. It is also clear that the premier and the Unity Government will not revoke the current speaker’s election.”
Miller congratulated Bernie Bush “on his bold and decisive action” in resigning, but said this left “a procedural void in the event there needs to be a meeting of the Legislative Assembly to deal with urgent matters such as the passage of legislation to remove the Cayman Islands from the OECD blacklist”.
He noted that section 72 of the Constitution mandates the election of an MLA who is not a member of Cabinet to serve as deputy speaker.
According to Standing Order 8(2) of the Legislative Assembly, the presiding officer (the speaker) must summon a meeting of the House on the written request, signed by at least seven MLAs, stating the terms of the motion or motions which they wish to debate.
McKeeva Bush’s leave of absence has still not been formally announced and it is not clear when it will begin, if it has not already done so. Meanwhile, Bernie Bush resigned “with immediate effect”. It is, therefore, an open question as to who would be the presiding officer at a special meeting or when it would be held, given that both the speaker and the premier, as well as MLA Kenneth Bryan are still in London.
Nevertheless, Miller is inviting the six members of the opposition to join him in requesting this special meeting of the House to debate two motions: the first to elect a deputy speaker and the second to debate a motion of no confidence in the current speaker, McKeeva Bush.
He said that as “duly elected representatives of the people” it was their responsibility to do the right thing “in safeguarding the reputation of the Legislative Assembly and of the Cayman Islands”.
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Category: Politics
McKeeva should have been ousted in 2017 after terms of CDP/PPM unity alliance failed to materialize, again on publication of fake doctorate degree, again in 2018 after Miami Casino arrest, mug shot, and news, again last year for presiding over several continuous wasted days’ sessions of clenched teeth, finger waving, successive venomous “Gaypril” discrimination speeches, and of course the latest drunk and disorderly physical assault, and pretend apology. This is just the straw that (hopefully) breaks the camels back. There isn’t enough typeface to get into the other supporting “reason” list – reasons that seem to escape everyone in that room!
Violence against women is totally wrong and we must do our best to address it. Mr Bush stated basically that he was impaired (which is no excuse), but it can happen to anyone who has or is going through some form of depression. The ugly truth is many members of that LA have been involved in similar situations over many years and were never called out on this behaviour. Let is be known that alcohol is as dangerous a drug as any other except the fact that its a legal drug.
You know what I find disgusting?
The hypocrisy of all MLAs – except Mr Miller.
The official Opposition, all except Kenneth Bryan, said they want McKeeva gone.
Mr Miller asks the Opposition to join him in calling for a meeting of the LA to deal with McKeeva. What does the Opposition say? They are considering the request from Mr Miller.
Truly disgusting! what are they considering if they want McKeeva gone, or do they?
What game is Kenneth Bryan playing? His biggest problem is that he believes he’s really cute and can outfox others. He believes that he has to stand by McKeeva now because McKeeva stood by Bryan when he got in trouble with the Police.
I have long given up on the Government Ministers and their backbenchers.
The whole bunch, except Mr Miller, makes me sick.
Leave Mr Miller in the LA in 2021 and remove the other 18 hypocrites.
McKeeva must have powerful info on everyone!!
What game is KB playing? Perhaps he has an issue with the concept of people who have a run in with the criminal law not being able to hold public office? We go down that route, may be a problem if you sell drugs to an undercover police officer.
While I appreciate and empathize with your hopeful (revisionist) optimism, Mr Miller has also proven to be selectively hypocritical, and really no better in terms of long term track record. As the longtime independent member, offering the most fleeting and loose ego-motivated associations of support, he is perhaps the reason why we suffer a Unity coalition government rather than one made up of the Independent members from last election. I wish it weren’t true.
Caymanians please vote with your conscience next election. You now realize we are dealing with a bunch of cowards. The only guts so far is the Gays and Lesbian community, and it is only Anthony Eden who stands up. Vote them out, we need new ones who has lots of guts and staminas. Lessons learned. Poor Ezzard is fighting a losing battle.
We did. We voted in a large swathe of “independent“ members, who turned out to be turn coats. Some of them are acting out policy they vocally ran against for years. We aren’t going to do better until there are more honest people eligible to run. Too many districts, some of them virtually uncontested, and these thugs are allowed to reshuffle themselves to any district of least resistance. The process is totally corrupted, and the deck loaded. Our MLA doesn’t list any contact details, not even an info@…
My daughter’s pet hamster died last year. It was very traumatic.
Presumably that means I can get a pass if I hold up a jewellery store?
#McKeevasLaw
JTB That should at least get you a room with a view,; a view through bars that is.
The Police were called, not an ambulance!! Says the truth!
If there are only two motions for debate, ie. (a) appoint new Deputy Speaker, and (b) remove current Speaker by way of no confidence, then presumably person appointed under (a) immediately ascends to Speaker role upon (b), and there still remains a vacancy in Deputy Speaker role. This is the level of intelligence we are dealing with.
11:57 your understanding of how the LA is very limited currently there is only one position vacant that of Deputy Speaker and the reason the La has to elect a Deputy Speaker first is so the Deputy Speaker can sit in the chair while the LA debates and decides on the no confidence motion in the current speaker The current speaker has not stepped down he has only given himself a leave of absence and of course if the motion of no confidence is approved then the LA can elect a new Speaker,
You have it completely wrong. The deputy Speaker doesn’t automatically become speaker when there is a vacancy. The two roles are separate and the house would have to vote un a new speaker. There is no automatic succession. Same with the Premier, the Deputy Premier can act for the Premier but if the Premier resigned the house would have to vote in a new premier. It’s not automatic. Further you must have persons in both roles at all times. The fact that Bernie has resigned makes it a necessity to now vote in a new deputy. Mac has not resigned or been removed! He is still Speaker.
Okay, what does the Deputy do? Does anyone know? Certainly not any officiating capacity given the freewheeling chaos that has been allowed in that House. Are they supposed to take attendance? Must have; don’t know why.
They go on lots of trips, spend freely on their government credit card, offer financial favours in exchange for votes and act exclusively in their own best interests. Not unlike ordinary MLAs.
Mr Miller can at times go off the rails pursuing some of his agendas but one thing has always been consistent with him, an underlying adherence to do what’s right in steadfast fashion. There’s a quality this chap has not seen in the other Elected Members (a few that slot admirably beside him) and I put faith that the current MLA’s recognise what he’s doing and support/side with the special meeting and what’s being proposed. Thank you for stepping to the task Mr Miller and putting the torch out there whist others scramble in the dark looking for a map.
Ezzard often arrives having completed the light reading work, preps some questions, but the thrust of his own xenophobic and/or two rule policies are far from clever. We need responsible people in the LA, and intelligence would be nice too.
It is so good that others can see how Ezzard tries to blind us with misleading legal information. He thrives on conflict.
Can we hold a referendum demanding a term limit for politicians. Lord knows they would never voluntarily set that into law.
Term limits don’t work with the Westminster Parliamentary System for numerous reasons
Not to mention they are inherently undemocratic and create a system that is chaotic by nature ( if people want to elect a representative again, why should it be arbitrarily decided they can’t after a certain amount of time?)
The American idea that term limits are a good thing is really misinformed, it actually pushes politicians in power to act swiftly and without thought for future consequences because it will be someone else’s problem from their point of view. It also causes pretty consistent squabbling over who should be in charge every time a person is term limited out of office
( for instance I guarantee Alden would not be pushing so hard against the people in this term supporting the port project if he was able to be elected again and be Premier, because Alden is term limited after this term, he has no reason to not push unpopular policies and projects because it wont affect him he wont be in charge come 2021)
While I detest career politicians as much as anyone else, there are times when experience is needed (especially times of crisis) I wouldn’t want our legislature made up of a group of novices at a time when the country needed experience
In my mind the best type of politician is someone who thinks that he needs to maintain popularity in the long term not someone who knows he only has 8-12 years then good or bad he is not allowed to run again
Actual solutions to the problem we are having in Cayman with career politicians like Mckeeva and with parties like the PPM ruling as if they are accountable to no one would be:
1 Either Strengthening the power of the electorate to call referendums or having regularly scheduled ballot initiatives alongside general elections;
2 Adding the ability for constituents to recall representatives who commit crimes, behave unethically or who are extremely unpopular; and
3 Having staggered elections so the entire LA is not elected all at once — This would force governments to focus on priorities of the people, and not just ramp up visible projects in the last year of their terms which is what every government of the last 20 years has done, it would also help to prevent the huge amount of legislation that is passed last minute every term currently
Chris Wight who used to blast Mac on talk shows before elected as an MLA, Arden Mclean, Alva Suckoo and rest where are your voices and concerns. Caymanians wake up and smell the roses. We need new kids on the block, like Johann Moxam at least he has guts and stamina. Mr Ezzard you are on your own. When you vote the next election remember all these scenarios. They only bark no bites, it is a shame. Call a SNAP ELECTION .
Dillusional self importance!
Who are the other 18 people (plus also rans) you’d have in mind?!?!?
Really interesting stuff. Bernie resigns as Deputy. The next day the opposition says we’re nearing a constitutional crisis; a crisis of their own making I may add.Why didn’t they encourage Bernie to hold off until such time as a new deputy could be appointed. They have three of the longest serving members in Ezzard, Arden, and Tony so they had to know what would happen if Bernie resigned while the Speaker was taking a leave of abscence and the house was not in session. Therefore it would seem like they wanted Bernie to resign so that it might cause a constitutional crisis. Why would they do that and detract the Premier’s attention àway from UK visit. Is it a case of when the cat’s away the mice will play. Hope they are not taking advantage of the Premier’s abscence and the Speaker’s problems to gain power.
Mr. Miller for Premier. National Vote Cayman.
If I punch a woman in the face at a bar can I assume the police won’t arrest me, or does Cayman have two sets of laws?
Well, that all depends. If you’re a politician, beating women is allowed, and a well-known sport. In fact, it would seem odd if you didn’t beat one or two up on occasion… After providing a pitiful apology, that isn’t an apology, you’re then provided some time off to reflect on your actions and allowed to drown your sorrows in alcohol (wink wink, nobody has to know). Church appearances are also permitted and encouraged, as displays of piety are extremely important. If you have a history of molesting and beating up women, the higher up you are, the better protected.
If you’re an expat, expect to be arrested, fired, and deported. As a local nobody, expect to be arrested and to lose your job. As a local somebody (with connections) there is a 50/50 chance you get away with it, suspended from your job with pay, and possibly return (depending on which government is in power) to work after a year or two of holidays.
To answer your question, there are no two sets of laws. Cayman law, depending on who you are can be enforced, somewhat enforced, or not enforced at all. When you hear that things are being “investigated” that simply means that they’re looking at best ways to sweep things under the rug. And then the horse trading begins.
If you’re a politician like Mr. Miller, who believes that laws should be uniformly enforced at all times, no matter who you are, then you’d be arrested for sure. Unfortunately, not all politicians are Mr. Miller, so “exceptions” are made. Poor Bobo has such and such mental health issues – he only struck out of fear. He felt like he came out of an operation – good thing the surgeon didn’t have a scalpel in his hands…
@BTC is King- what you’ve described is exactly what happens when a privileged white person in ANY Westernized country is accused of an indiscretion!
I take it you dont live in Cayman, as we do. Because that is exactly how it works here. Sad but true.
@7:46
Brilliant!
Should be made into a flyer and handed out to new expats, visitors and distributed at schools. Also, printed in the next New resident edition. Every bar, restaurant and club must frame it and hang on its walls.
The police are generally crap. It only looks like corruption, but could just as much be incompetence.
Either way, perhaps the Governor could explain? After all, he is in charge of that law and order/good governance thingy we appear to be so awful at.
West Bay Police Station is quietly relocating into Regatta office park.
In answer to your question: 2 sets of laws.
However, you should be able to escape any sort of punishment by proving you were drunk at the time.
It certainly appears that way!
🤔. Yes.
You’re fine if something happened bad once in your life…no matter how long ago.
Serial DUI/leave-the-scene crashers coming soon to a district ticket near you!
Debate? It takes two sides to have a proper debate. So it will be interesting to see who takes the side that says it’s okay for men to get drunk and punch women.
Share a thought for Mrs Bush, it was her daughter (RIP) too!
I do nothing but spare thoughts for her. I cannot believe what she must have put up with all this time, poor lady.
Its coming to something when Ezzard Miller is giving the Governor lessons in integrity and ethics.
If Mr Miller could put his feud with DOE aside and read the climate / environmental writing on the wall he could have a real future in Cayman politics.
Mr Spearfishing doesn’t want to know.
I really hope that Miller gets to put this to a vote. 2/3 majority is needed to remove the speaker so it probably won’t pass but it would be good to make them all vote so we can see where they stand on this important issue.
Mr Miller and 5 members of the Opposition say McKeeva should go.
I’m not sure why Arden’s statement didn’t say it included Kenneth Bryan. it could be a mistake but it looked strange to have left his name out. KB is in London. i hope McKeeva and Aldart haven’t filled his head with promises.
Back to the main point, with Mr Miller and Opposition saying McKeeva should go, the only way McKeeva can stay as Speaker is if the Aldart Government support him staying.
All eyes and ears on you Aldart.
The Speaker got paralytically drunk and beat up a woman.
I’m not sure what there is to ‘debate’
And I’m not sure why he hasn’t already been sacked.
Agree! And nobody answering… Is he out on bail? I was put in handcuffs n hauled to police station from my own house when I called the police and left abuser in MY house.
Note to JTB: It is because most of our “lawmakers” are trying to get as much $$$$$$$$$ as quick as they can. They don’t want to rock the boat and are not interested in anyone or anything other than themselves. It’s that simple.
Arden Mclean is very quiet. Bit surprising! Is he riding Mac’s coat tail? Call a snap election, I know the mother country wasn’t afraid to do so. Send a delegation to Israel to find out how it’s done.
For such a big talker, he got nothin to say now. And even if he talks now too little too late! Your chance passed yo by bye bye
We deserve to know why charges haven’t been brought.
How come he is not on bail, at the least?
in order for someone to be released on bail, they first have to be arrested. This man has not been arrested and charged. I seriously doubt that he will be.
Ok thank you! Why was he not hauled off to Police station for drunk n disorderly anyway?
Man??? Did you really mean “man”? Only cowards and low down turds beat up women.
Because he has not even been arrested, because our police do not enforce our laws with any consistency or efficiency.
Who and why called Police? For a reason! So wby was he not hauled iff for xrunk n disorderly. There is no excuse!
Because by the time the police got there he had been removed from the scene by his driver? You think some ordinary night shift PC is going to tool around to Mckeeva’s house after midnight and ask him to explain? The fact that RCIPS has assigned a Superintendent to handle the investigation tells you all you need to know.
Because no complaint has been made, can the police arrest someone where there’s no complaint made upon?
Murderers?
Lol
Complaint? So who called the police if nohing was going on?
Isn’t calling Police and they ask why, what’s going on, what is the situation … And police turn up.. Isnt that complaint enough?
Yes. Can arrest anyone based on reasonable suspicion ( or even unreasonable!) of an offence. Prosecution is a different issue – supposedly the standard is a reasonable chance of conviction, but all sorts of other issues come into play ranging from “not in the public interest “ to simple incompetence in preparing and filing charges in time. Here we not only has me a widely witnessed assault, we even have a written apology for the assault, yet no arrest. Hmmm.
There’s too many dodgy deals between them to throw Mac under the bus. He could come out swinging
1.59pm You don’t help our cause when you make claims that you don’t back up with proof. Provide links or something tangible to be taken serious.
Port
See DART
What do you mean our cause? Mine and a lot of peoples only cause is to have these corrupt officials removed from office and the more people stop pretending like they are above board the better.
Cabinet status grant lists, perhaps?
Nothing to see there, move along.
Big festering heap under that rug… just getting worse the longer the police refuse to do their job and even look. Meanwhile many in the public assume the worst because there has never been any independent review of what happened and why.
Well, there’s the First Cayman Bank and the Executive deaths, innumerable protocol trips, including with Mike Misick to Colombia, CI Status giveaways, “donations” to his foundation, the chest of gold used as his “Nation Building Fund”, Stan Thomas caper, CHEC, Royal Carib tendering subsidy emails, Mike Ryan/Ritz/RBS gov’t financing to backstop private developer deal, fake doctorate bought with favors, JLP connections, NRA-Dart deal, arrests/shootings/DUI crashes of colleagues, friends and neighbours, countless breaches deals and consequential lawsuit settlements with unknown millions in public money and property, there’s an encyclopedic volume of stinky lowbrow material.
Let’s hope he takes them down with him, then.
Come out swinging – like he does when picked up off the floor
Too many skeletons in those closets.
Ezzard has proven time and time again he is the only one fit to hold office.
Thank God for Ezzard or dog would eat our supper!!! Good for nothing bunch. Barbara Tara Ju-Ju you are a disgrace to our country!
Sigh … thanks for not making this issue just a WOMAN thing !
Please Cayman, don’t forget the HUGE WORKPLACE abuse element of this whole saga, which took place during the course of work.
Men are abused in different ways in the Workplace as well. In general Caymanians need to be given a fair chance to excell instead of importing top job persons who get the bigger share of the “pie”.
But of course, there is a need for a “PEOPLE’s government”.
How many in.La have known to beat up on women and the people still vote for them ?
Just one step away from a public ‘sacred vessel’ defense.
Constituents in each constituency can demand a meeting with their MLA and hear their position on this matter
My MLA is Seymour, 12:57. Why would I bother?
You not see nuttin!
Sign Petition:
https://www.change.org/p/cayman-islands-government-remove-mckeeva-bush-from-government-for-abuse-and-inappropriate-behaviour?signed=true
The days when politicians resigned because of shameful acts are long past, nevertheless, this particular incident would be sufficient for any person of normal sensibilities to resign. But a quick look at the past tells you that is never going to happen, lets face it, all the way back to the forced resignation from the EXCO days, and to mention only one other issue,use of CIG credit cards for gambling, and we know we are not dealing with one that understands the need for standards in public office.
That leaves only one option, he must be required to resign once again, and this time, don’t let him have any sneaky route back, he has done his share of damage!
It’s difficult to understand such indecision on something so important and indelible. Are we seriously waiting for another opinion on right and wrong?
I’m still baffled why the police have not made an arrest. It is not like they are looking for a suspect, they know who to arrest, but seem reluctant to do so.
It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Has the victim made a formal complaint and given statement?
Don’t need a complaint –
Section 86. (1) Penal Code – A person who uses or threatens unlawful violence towards another person and his conduct is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety commits affray and is liable to imprisonment for four years.
Not long enough, find something else!
Not necessary. You have video evidence and a written admission. Only in your sick world does a victim have to formally complain before the police act in the face of clear criminal conduct.
Ummm, how do the police investigate and prosecute murder?
Better late than never.
Politricks…
How is this so difficult?? McKeeva assaulted a woman whilst drunk… this being the latest in a long list of misdemeanours by him that have publicly embarrassed Cayman and the people of Cayman. This was an unprovoked assault on a woman in a public place and/or the public order offence of Affray, both of which he has publicly admitted to. Drunkenness is no excuse.
Why is there silence from the majority of MLA’s?
Why is there inaction?
I’m guessing based on his character that he probably insulted her modesty during his rants.
In 2012 Mckeeva was removed as Premier after he had been charged with theft. His colleagues brought a motion of no confidence and removed him. He was reelected and those that removed him were not. That is a deterrent for others to do the same thing again with an election coming up.
Another point to consider is how can you call a meeting of the legislative assembly to remove McKeeva. Who is the current presiding officer, there is no speaker or deputy speaker. The constitution provides for another member to be appointed when the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is absent. Is the Speaker absent or will he be absent when the house is called? Will he be allowed to vote on the motion as a member of the LA, if he is present and able to vote it will be difficult to use a provision made for the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. We could be facing a constitutional crisis as we have a duly appointed Speaker and it appears to be left for him to decide if he’s absent or present. If he decided that he was taking a leave of absence it can be assumed that he will determine when that leave of absence ends as well, therefore it is he who decides if he’s absent or not. If he’s not absent then he is still the legally appointed presiding officer and there is no provision to remove him other than a motion of no confidence which he would have to preside over.
Out of interest and thinking forward, who could and/or would take over his constituency?
Wayne Panton?
Time for national representation.
Anyone could be better
My dog 🐶 could and would do better.
My rooster is running in the next election.
Call up the mother and discuss this you might reach somewhere
They have made it pretty clear they are going to ride out the storm and let Alden be the only MLA on their side to issue statements and speak to the public, because again either way he is not going to be Premier after the next election
He is attempting to keep them from having to take a side one way or the other
At least the PPM will have to publicly support him proving once and for all they hold no value for women in our society
They care only for preserving political power
The entire PPM administration of Alden’s should be removed from office by the Governor .
Alden & his government have illustrated by inaction, that they not only condone McKeeva’s recent behavior, but that they also have allowed the post of Speaker of the House to be fulfilled by someone that is by his own admission , mentally ill & thereby incapable of holding said position.
Cayman has progressed now to the point beyond cronyism being a pre-requisite to conduct government business .
On the heels of Caymans inclusion on the International financial industry black-list is this current debacle , no doubt being observed with keen eyes abroad.
The NPPM
The unity mla’s and every cabinet member Alden McLaughlin, Moses Kirkconnell, Joey Hew, Juliana Connolly, Roy McTaggart, Tara Rivers, Dwayne Seymour, Barbara Connolly, David Wight, Eugene Ebanks and Austin Harris are all a disgrace.
They are all cowards their silence on this matter says it all. They must be removed from office in 2021.
Now call a snap election
Distressed symbol. Just because you disagree with a MLA or because they do not grant your every request does not give you the right to call them names.Of course if what you really want is Politician that grants your every wish then I guess you call forchange and name call.
At least Ezzard has principles!! Alden, stop worrying about holding onto power!!! Election soon come, and your party, as well as CDP, will be swept out anyway!!!!
Is it only as speaker or is beating women behaviour unbecoming an MLA also?
It’s unbecoming in farm animals