AG denies Bridger allegations

| 27/05/2013

Sam bulginAG_0.jpg(CNS): Cayman’s Attorney General has vehemently denied allegations made against him that he did not tell the truth in connection with the discredited Operation Tempura corruption investigation into the RCIPS. Samuel Bulgin released a statement Monday not only rejecting what he said were ‘scurrilous’ allegations by Martin Bridger but expressing his surprise that they have been found worthy of possible investigation by British authorities. In the wake of the news that the UK’s Scotland Yard has recommended an investigation into what happened during the bungled police investigation, over which it had oversight, Bulgin said there was not a shred of “independent or contemporaneous evidence” that he had not been truthful to the investigators.

In the statement posted in full below, the Cayman Islands attorney general suggests that the allegations contained in the latest reports about the internal police investigation, which took place in Cayman between 2007 and 2009, were another “scandalous move” in Bridger’s on-going campaign, which now also involves the former police commissioner, Stuart Kernohan.

Bulgin stated that the two men had already cost the Cayman Islands millions of dollars and were seeking to cause the country further financial and reputationaldamage to the country.

“Not only do I strongly deny but also resent any assertions of my being untruthful to the Tempura investigators,” Bulgin said. “There is not a shred of independent or contemporaneous evidence to support such a scurrilous claim and, to the contrary, the documents from that time demonstrate conclusively that the allegation is not true. It is remarkable that Mr Bridger's one-sided and inaccurate account of events, which are to his own entire discredit, should have been thought worthy of further investigation,” he added.

Bulgin insisted that once the documents were examined, Bridger’s account would not stand scrutiny as he suggested that Bridger was discredited as a result of the bungled investigation. He added that he was considering defamation action against those whom,  he said, were pursuing personal agendas with the “disgraceful and unfounded attack”.

At this point, however, the Metropolitan Police has indicated that it believes an investigation should be launched, based partly on evidence that was presented by Bridger in his continuing complaints to the UK authorities about the truth behind the now infamous investigation.

Allan Gibson the head of New Scotland Yard has reportedly written to the current governor, Duncan Taylor, stating that the claims against the officials involved amounted to possible "misconduct in public office, attempting to pervert the course of justice and possibly wasting police time,” as he told the governor he believed that the allegations did “contain sufficient detail” to warrant a criminal investigation.

Meanwhile, the governor's office has confirmed that Duncan Taylor has received the Met letter suggesting an investigation.

"I can confirm that the Governor has received a letter from the Metropolitan Police and is considering it carefully. Before the Governor can respond, he needs to take independent legal advice. This advice has been sought and is awaited," a spokesperson for the office stated.

See Bulgin’s statement in full below and related story on CNS:

Jack and Bulgin face enquiry

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Category: Crime

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  1. Anonymous says:

    It’s time the CI govt make some $$$$ from old pirates ( British).

  2. Sasha Grey says:

    To answer the question of status grants – page 11, number 349 – Samuel Washington Bulgin.

    http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CABHOME/HELP/FAQS/EXTRADORDINARY%20GAZETTE%20NO.33%202003%20IMM%20LAW%20AND%20STATUS%20LIST.PDF

    Interesting reading, huh?

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Do the police need any more evidence to launch an investigation? It is after all in writing, and other members of the chambers who had been here for very short periods are also on the list. What happened to Meyers?

  3. CI Mole says:

    Those of us who told lies to start this whole fiasco who then conspired with others to use proxies and saboteurs to run investigators round in circles whilst you had secret meetings and deals in secret locations to make jolly and run investigations deliberately into the ground. Well you did not get caught in the first set of small waves and you rode it out  because some gave you a life line and a life raft because it meant they would godown with you if you got caught up in the mess you created.  Who then saw a great opportunity to get promoted and big payouts in the deal. Well hear me now boys and girls looks like a Tsunami is coming to drown quite a few. Sleepy tight dont let bed bugs bite you eh!  All this foolishness just to get a few cronies and moles in places wow! I hope it was worth it. When you scartch a liar you will always get a thief. Let me send out a "Bigg Up to the Brac lodge crew" now you gone done it. Pissed off the New Scotland Yard Boys.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Sounds Like we need a new AG! Someone who can make sound decisions & not cost cig=the people $$$ on lawsuits!

    • Anonymous says:

      When Mac's charges are brought to court, we'll see how the AG advised his leader, maybe the man may wish to resign from embarrasment.

    • Anonymous says:

      We have an Attorney General?  Where did he pop up from – barely hear a peep from him normally.  One wonders what we pay him for.

  5. Anonymous says:

    I find it strange that the AG has found it necessary to issue such a statement.  If he is innocent as he asserts then he should have no problem with being investigated.  I also agree with others who have commented here that this position should not be considered a lifetime appointment, especially as the present holder is not a Caymanian, and also considering the questiion mark surrounding his involvement and/or the advice he provided to the government during the 2003 status grants of which it has long been said he was a recipient along with some of his family members. There have also been other questions raised over the years about his capabilities and perhaps it is time for this new government to re-examine this posiiton and look at whether or not it is time to replace this individual with someone less controversial and more qualified. These islands deserve it.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Tempura and Cealt were a positive turning point for the Cayman Islands as the sterling work done by those teams was the start of a real challenge to the widespread and entrenched corruption throughout Cayman. 

  7. Anonymous says:

    Leaving aside the Tempura issue, judge for yourselves from the shrill, unmeasured tone of his statement if he’s the right man for the job.

  8. Anonymous says:

    This timing is part of uk strategy to take down all who served with big mac.

    • Anonymous says:

      Ummmm….this is an action being taken against the FCO's people. Another UDP conspiracy nut.

    • Anonymous says:

      Brilliant analysis! Including taking down the last Governor because he 'served with big mac'?! Not sure how you managed to come up with such a stupid statement all things considered.

    • Anonymous says:

      As a Brit I can truly confirm Cayman is simply not important enough for time and effort to be wasted conspiring on anything.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Nothing to hide nothing to find Its that simple no need for all the fancy denial . people only need a good memory when they are lying , true stories never change the ag should know this of all people so what is the big deal if they want to investigate.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Chasing corruption is a dangerous occupation.

    The good guys and gals must work inside the law and are generally under funded.

    The bad guys and gals are free to lie, cheat, and plan false evidence plus they are well financed through their criminal activity. Remember Joey's repayment of this "salary advances" at Boswains Beach?

    The playing field, in this game, is deffinately not level.

    Who is straight? Who is bent? Us peons will probably never know for sure.

     

     

  11. Anonymous says:

    Well I take it with all these “screw ups” Mac is in the clear….

    • Anonymous says:

      anyone involved or under suspicion should step aside… how can you have accuser and counter accusers all trying to vindicate themselves at the public expense…the whole thing is a mess…the findings should be made public, so we could all react in horror, then move on…this has gone on too long.

  12. Anonymous says:

    If what he is accused of means he had to do something, I pretty sure they got the wrong guy.

  13. Anonymous says:

    This time around, it's the UK's turn to pay for the investigation and any damages.

    • Anonymous says:

      In your dreams! Stuart Jack was Governor at the time the alleged wrongdoing took place and the allegations relate to matters outside the UK. Just like the still-unpublished Aina inquiry the good people of the Cayman Islands will also be left to pick up the tab for investigating this complaint. Thanks Mr Bridger, by the time the dust settlesthat's going to be another CI$million or so of our hard-earned money you have poured down the drain. 

  14. Anonymous says:

    Bulgin your credibility has long been suffering from the time you signed off on the lawyer from the UK to give advice to the police and the Governor during Tempura, with no praciticing certificiate in the Uk or in the Cayman Islands.  He was not qualified to give advice on Cayman Law and you signed off on him pracitsing in Cayman.  That ultimately caused the arrest of a judge in contravention of our laws.  That cost us millions.  You have to accept a certain role in that fiasco. If one could have a vote of no confidence against the AG, i doubt he would survive it!  We need a strong and effective AG who gives advice regardless of the political consequences.

    • Anonymous says:

      Bulgin wasn't consulted on Polaine's recruitment and probably wasn't even aware of it until Henderson's arrest. That was all arranged by Bridger and boss John Yates. In fact the person who signed off on the contract was a senior civil servant.

      • Anonymous says:

        03:34: do you know the name of this “senior civil servant”?

      • Anonymous says:

        Are you saying that the AG was oblivious that Polaine was a legal adviser hired in Cayman on this mattert ?!  Polaines contract is a completely separate issue to his ability to practice in this jurisdiction.  That was for the AG.  According to Polaine himself the AG signed off on his appointment.

        • Anonymous says:

          Well that's not what Polaine said in the Old Bailey in October 2011.

  15. St Peter says:

    Ouch!

    • St Peter says:

      All I wrote was 'Ouch' and I got three thumbs down. My 'Ouch' could have meant that the AG might be investigated, or it could have meant 'Ouch' the AG is standing strong, or even more likely it could have meant that my GF just slapped me on the back of my head cause she caught me browsing the Caymanite Pink catalog…

      So who was so negative to give me thumb downs for saying one word that could mean many things?

      • Rorschach says:

        Don't worry St. Peter..I get it all the time..people just don't understand us…

      • Anonymous says:

        Better toughen up ole boy. You as thin skinned as on of our former premiers.

      • Mr. Specific says:

        I gave you a "thumbs down" for lack of clarity.  By your own words you admit your post was capable of a host of divergent meanings.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Hopefully the AG will now also support the long-standing calls for a public inquiry and a full forensic audit into Operations Tempura and Cealt.

    • Anonymous says:

      We need a public inquiry and a full forensic audit into what the AG actually does for his very fine pay packet too if you ask me.  Coz so far as I can see, he doesn't do much at all.

  17. Anonymous says:

    At what point is it untenable for the Attorney General to continue in office while this investigation is ongoing?

    • Anonymous says:

      About the time he took a Cabinet status grant and then opined on its legality.

    • Anonymous says:

      George McCarthy, current Chairman of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, any comments? Mr. Bulgin has spoken.

      • Anonymous says:

        What does George McCarthy have to do with this?   Did I miss something?  Please enlighten me.

        • Anonymous says:

          21:47: What does George McCarthy: perhaps you should go easy on the Kool Aid and read Kernohan’s statement or simply put your head back in the sand and play naive.

  18. Anonymous says:

    The CIG budget must be in better shape than we thought. Someone in England has decided they need drawing down again. "Please go and put on trial three people, based on the accusations of an incometent, based on evidence we've reviewed, and pay for it yourselves." – Tell you what, lets start w/ Jack. He was a UK (FCO) employee, is now in the UK, where the 'evidence' is. Go ahead and try him first on your own dime. Same with the UK FCO Regional Advisor (the third person accused.). If those stick, then we'll consider worrying about the AG, who'se the only one in Cayman. But if they don't, don't ask us to pay for their damages, etc. Hows that sound?

    • Diogenes says:

      No reference to a trial, only to an investigation, which would be carried out by the Met – on the UK's dime.  As yu say, the evidence and most of the characters are in the UK too.  So put the paranoia away.  

      • Anonymous says:

        You'll notice in the other article that the Met wrote a letter to the current governor sayign 'we think these people shoudl be in vestigated'. Not that they were going to investigate them. Notice the subtle difference? But time will show which way it shakes out.

      • "Expat" says:

        Point of order – it would be a conflict of interest for the Met to "investigate" as Bridger is/was Met, so then who? Judicial investigation?

        • Anonymous says:

          Cluseau? I can't think of anyone else that would bring this to a fitting conclusion.

  19. Anonymous says:

    The AG shouldn’t be a life time job but similar to politicians!

    • Anonymous says:

      True!!  Especially when the AG has been so thoroughly discredited

    • Anonymous says:

      It is time to go back to 2 yearscontracts and if they are not working out, then move on.