Answers wanted in Mac probe
(CNS): Ezzard Miller has once again called on the premier to explain the letter that triggered a police investigation into his financial affairs that has now been going on for almost two years. The independent member has also called on the police commissioner to explain what is taking so long to give the people answers. He queried what else the police may be looking into in connection with the enquiry and who it was that was not cooperating that has led to such a drawn out investigation. Miller said the situation of McKeeva Bush being the subject of a criminal enquiry while remaining as the Cayman Islands' leader was undoubtedly damaging the country’s reputation. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)
The North Side representative and political veteran said the failure of the police to arrest Bush, given the evidence that everyone has seen, sent the wrong message. If the police could arrest the former chair of the housing trust board while the investigation into irregularities surrounding him continued, what it was that made the premier so different, Miller asked.
“Politicians all need to understand that if they commit an offence they are arrestable like anyone else, otherwise we will never address the problem of corruption in this country,” he said.
In the wake of news that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Michael Misick, the former premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, over corruption there by the UK authorities, Miller said it was interesting that here in Cayman, some two years after the letter sent by the premier to Stan Thomas asking for $350,000 was handed to the police, nothing at all has happened.
“I think it is time for the premier to give the long overdue explanation for what he has described as a real estate bill and clear it all up,” he said. “If there is nothing wrong, he can easily show us the contract that it relates to or what it was that warranted the payment in connection with the re-zoning of land.”
Baffled that this issue could take two years to resolve, Miller added, “We need explanations from the police chief. Who is it that is not cooperating? When an investigation is going on for some two years, it makes one wonder how widespread the investigation now is and how far does it go beyond this particular bill.”
Miller said when people in high office are not held responsible, it has a duel negative impact because not only is Cayman’s image tarnished on the international stage but there is a moral decay that permeates the society. If ordinary people see those at the top not setting an example they too begin to ignore the laws of the land, he said.
The investigation into financial irregularities surrounding the premier was revealed publicly last summer, although the probe had actually begun in 2010 following the discovery of a mysterious letter from the premier on Windsor Development letterhead that he had sent from a government fax machine to Texan developer Stan Thomas over the re-zoning of land.
The consulting for this re-zoning had already been undertaken by the previous owner and when Thomas bought the land the application had already been made. The only outstanding decision was a Cabinet one – a decision that comes without fees. No explanation has ever been given by the premier for the bill, which was sent a few weeks after Hurricane Ivan had torn through Grand Cayman, leaving massive destruction in its wake.
See the Bush-Thomas letter here
Category: Politics
The police are mighty quiet about this whole episode. They are given Joe Public the impression that alleged official corruption is OK depending on who you are. This is a serious matter and Bush should be moved from power until this matter is cleared up. I heard a lot about wrong doing in the past from Foolio when the PPM was in power but now he is very quiet. I guess we all know the reason why.
Thats right Ezzy.. Hold his ass to the fire….
Millers rantings and raving are damaging Caymans rep more than anything. calling for revolutions suggesting people storm the Capitol making comments in the news that things are going to get violent threatening to burn down public property, all people are used to hearing from Miller is complaints …..Everyone knows he couldn’t runthe country all he is good at is arguing complaining and stirring up trouble..
I read that letter all it basically said was that the rezoning has been completed and the final payment was needed to finalize the deal, there are letters sent like this sent everyday during real estate deals. I just got a letter from my architect saying that he has confirmed that BCU will grant approval for my building plans so he needed the final payment of 7600.00 when approval was granted. does this mean something crooked was going on.
people can read into things however they want but an investigation does not mean guilt. The RCIPS does not inform the public of the details of any investigation so why should this be any difference. If I were Mac I would respond to Miller the same way, he doesn’t answer to him. And no matter what he says Miller will twist it into some type of conspiracy. all he wants is votes and a bigger paycheck…
Oh, come on, now, are you living in a fool's paradise?
A letter with the premier's office's letterhead connecting "re-zoning" with a payment? What does that suggest? Certainly I want to know why the Premier's Office is purporting to call in money, as this letter suggests, for rezoning.
When a matter is brought before Cabinet for a decision, money does not and should not come into play — that would make decisions available to the highest bidder.
And this garguantian figure of US$350,000?
No sensible and aware person could think that this does not need to be investigated. Let us have the investigation, and, if the Premier is innocent of wrong dong, he will be vindicated.
I join Mr. Miller in his concern that this cloud has been hanging over us — surely enough time to have the matter cleared up.
If this is not cleared up in a transparent way then it will remain a blight upon the integrity of the country — and as such can become the root of deadly cancers upon the soul of this country and its people.
Let us not become complacent or deluded — Rome burnt while Nero slept.
And I guess the highly educated, learned JUDGE of the courts who came across this letter and referred it to the police and who felt there was something that was not right about it, is far less intelligent than you and you know more than the Judge.
And think of all the lawyers and others who had seen that letter for years before. Did anyone file an SAR? If they did, why was nothing done? If they did not, why not, and why is nothing done? Thank God for the judge or it would all still be under the carpet, but watch out! it seems there may be attempts to sweep it back!
"And think of all the lawyers and others who had seen that letter for years before."
I am not sure what you are talking about. Who is it exactly that you are alleging had seen the letter before?
The difference is, my dear deluded friend, is that in your example, a fee was required by BCU to grant approval of building plans, and that fee is lawfully mandated by existing planning laws and regulations. In the other case and as made clear by the recent news reports, there are no fees involved in Cabinet's approving any rezoning. The application for rezoning had already been made and all lawfully mandated fees required by Planning had already been paid. Which begs the question as to the payment requested in the letter – what was it for? For what services rendered? Hence the investigation. Is it becoming any clearer to you now?
Let me remind you that a learned judge clearly considered that this letter was potential evidence that a criminal offence had been committed. Cleartly, the Governor and the Police Commissioner agreed and that is why there is still a criminal investigation. Of course we have now seen much more evidence than the letter itself.
You are either very simple-minded or you are only pretending not to understand. Here are a few points for you to try to explain:
1. There is no payment required by the government for the approval of re-zoning.
2. Even if a payment was required it would not have been $350,000 and it would not have been demanded by that sort of letter.
3. Based on the witness statements we have seen McKeeva was not the real estate agent for this sale and in any event the sale had taken place many months earlier and so there is no question of commission payable to him on the sale.
4. If payment was legitimately due McKeeva could simply produce the contract showing what service he provided for it. That would clear this whole matter up. If it is as innocent as you say you need to explain why he has not done that given the bad reputation he and these Islands are getting from this whole affair.
5. McKeeva needs to say whether it was paid and if not why he did not sue for it.
McKeeva does answer to the people of these Islands and Ezzard is a representative of the people. Most of us are not stupid. The picture is pretty clear. No need for any twisting.
They just picking on me. I didn't do anything wrong. I'm a good person looking out for the little people from West Bay. They just jelous of me. I wasn't even here when whatever it was happened. You know I travel a lot. Look at my passport that proves it.
It wasn't me…musta been them PPM people.
Shhhhhh!!!! Damit!!
http://www.solocup.com/images/news-media-center/2012_Press_Releases/dart_solo%20media%20release%2003_21_2012.pdf
Read the article all this shows is that the Dart family of companies are good desision makers and detremined to succeed.. It also shows that all thier eggs are not in the Caymanian basket.
Thanks Ezzard for continuing to demand answers on this!
We should all be demanding these answers so as to ensure "Good Governance".
You bunch of fools do not know how to appreciate a good man when you see one. Unless, all of you are a bunch of stupid women who do not know how to appreciate, love and respect a good man. And, maybe the thumbs down are from you stupid women who do not have a man and so decide to thumb down every good thing that is done by our Loved Premier. Please leave that man and his team alone, all of them are good men.
You bunch of fool.
People said things like that about Lynden Pindling and Michael Misick.
No surprise that Bush is still loved by a certain kind of person on Cayman. All that money has to be going to SOME people. The kind that belive ANYONE who is against him is a stupid woman, devil worshiper, etc. all evidence to the contrary. Good to know he will get visitors where he is going.
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. awww. poor lil ting.
(by the way I am a full-bred Caymanian woman with a VERY good man and would do anything to see the forced resignation of our "loved Premier")
Are you calling me a 'vessel'?
Just when you think itis safe to re enter the forums, out of the shadows comes one of the Illiterati, clutching a sharpened crayon and proving us right that a step back from the keyboard would be progress!
You sound like a number 1 groupie in his fan club.
I never thought a single person could be a bunch of fool all by themselves. Then I read this.
Demfarkin boostairds tink dey kan tawk bout a woman da wey, dey got no sence. Pest me oof.
I have never really cared a lot for Mr. Miller in thepast but without a doubt this time he is doing the right thing in keeping this matter in the forefront. Ever since Mr. Miller's election he has been a champion for the law abiding people. This matter is too grave to be swept one side. If the police is not treating this matter lightly, then they should update us as to why it is taking so long to be resolved.
Possibly the knowledge of the investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving Bush was a factor in the Queen not sending Prince Harry to Cayman on his Jubilee Tour. It is an interesting coincidence that the two places he did not visit in the region were Cayman and Turks & Caicos,
But he did visit Jamaica! Hardly the bastion of probity.
Jealous?
Why would we be??
I am sure you know the point was that improprieties could not have been the reason he did not visit Cayman and TCI if he visited Jamaica.
After his service in Afghanistan and future role as an Apache helicopter pilot he probably felt quite safe over there 🙂
He's not a guy to piss off – as the Taliban discovered.
When you have been following the world news in the last few months or years, it becomes more and more evident how backwards things are in Cayman.
The German president was basically forced to resign following a few scandals indicating that he had accepted (amongst other things) a very favorable loan from very wealthy influential people and it was seen as inappropriate for him to work on behalf of the people.
A former French President (Jaques Chirac) has been convicted for corruption.
A former Governor of Illinois has been investigated for corruption and was impeached and removed from office and found guilty and sentenced to 14 years.
Those are just a few examples, but what happens here with all those "investigations" and what is the outcome? Not even a slap on the wrist!
Absolutely shameful!
welcome to wonderland….
I SAY KEEP THE HEAT ON We the people do not know what is happening , the opposition do not say anything about this.. Than you MRMILLER FOR keeping the powers that be reminded, This same investigation is what causing investors from coming here. Which investor is going to bring his money here, when the leader of the country is under investagation for offical corruption. I WOULD NOT
Really??? It was the opposition that first brought it to our attention.
The Opposition is the reason you know about this – they were pursuing this LONG before Ezzard Miller.
This is a serious matter that is long long overdue and should not be swept under the carpet. No one should appear to be above the law.
At what point do we start querying whether there is ‘corruption’ at the investigatory/prosecutorial level?These delays in looking into serious issues which seem to date back at least as far as First Cayman Bank are incredible!
The only one damaging the country’s reputation is you Mr. Miller. By your persistent sensationalizing of this issue, along with every other issue you can find to tarnish your political adversaries, without allowing due process to take its course. You have no idea what has occurred, yet wildly speculating in every media channel and calling for resignations.
You sir are a complete self interested demagoguing hack, and to suggests this is causing international damage on the world stage, while calling for unity on is simply utter hypocrisy.
yep lets do the caymankind thing and stick our heads in the sand…..zzzzzz
Thank goodness someone else has finally seen just how destructive and vindictive this self serving politician really is.
Many leaders around the world serve while investigations proceed yet Ezzard's constant attacks serve to do nothing but divide. His involvement with the West Bay Road and the Boddentown waste management facility and Dart baiting hurt the country.
There may be leaders around the world who are under criminal investigation, the difference is that they address it instead of leaving their countries in the dark.
The fact that not a single word has come out of Mac's mouth to explain the situation fuels the fire of speculation.
We have a right to know as citizens of this country what is going on and that is the bottom line.
Anon 11:32, you brazenly say that "MANY leaders around the world serve while investigations proceed." Since there are "MANY" could you please give us just two examples?
Mugabe and Chavez.
You couldn't be more wrong. The outside world is already aware of this matter and that it has all the appearances of serious corruption. That has already caused reputational damage and every day that Bush remains in office that damage increases. What would damage our reputation further is if this were swept under the carpet and the matter quietly dropped by the police as has happened in the past with other investigations of politicians. Miller is concerned precisely because due process may not take place. We cannot be seen to be complicit in that. We could then gain the reputation of a country in which corruption flourishes and no one is called to account. Re sensationalising it, you don't appear to understand how grave this matter is.
Of course, assuming he is innocent, Bush could clear the air and reduce reputational damage to the country by simply giving full disclosure to the police and the public about the matter. Why drag the country through this if you can simply produce the contract showing why you were entitled to the money demanded, explaining whether you received it and if you did not receive it why you did not sue for it. This should be really simple. If he is innocent.
Are you sure you wrote that yourself, Mr. Bush?
Is that you Elio??
What has happened is plain from the situation. It is such a slam-dunk that it only confirms what we already know about the man. If there was merely good suspicion this would be followed wherever it led. Because it is so blatant no one is doing anything about it. We know exactly what has occurred. Do not play us for fools.
Dear Mr. Anonymous 10:05,
ARE YOU SOME KIND OF NUT? How long should it take "due process" to "take its course"?
Ezzard has no other way to fool the Caymanian people with his political rhetorics. I hope the Cayman people realise he has no further use for them if he gets the premier seat.
Ellio? Dat you?
Quite frankly I am offended that you all think Foolio is the only one in the party that can type, I can type too
Foolio LET IT BE. You don't have to defend EVERYTHING the premier does or says, nor do you need to attack everyone who is not in agreement with him!
The Premier made his bed now let him lie in it.
Oh please shut up! Are you afraid you drop with him! Please Ezzard, ignore the few cronies he hasleft and please insist that this investigation continues and quickly, it don't matter who falls with him!
You know what the real problem is. These 33 people (at time of posting) who have thumbsed-up this comment, are the same 1/3 of the people who voted that DINOSAUR back into office last time. You all need to be cut away and left to float over to Jamiaca where you will be very comfortable. You are not entitled to destroy this country with your ignorance! Save yourself 30 years of declining living standards and increasing crime and hopelessness and move there now!
Foolio got a case of flusteritis.
Actually, based on the evidence, most of us have a pretty clear idea of what has occurred. Some of us choose to bury our heads in the sand.
Anon 10:05, you sound like you are a little worried about this investigation going ahead, do you have any personal interest in it? Are you afraid that you may lose your cushy life & cushy income if this investigation is completed? Why should you worry if Mr. Miller & most of Cayman want this investigation to be completed? Do not not want to see the truth of the matter, whatever that may be? The investigation was not called for by Mr. Miller or the opposition, but it is their job to demand that it is completed, whether you like it or not, cronie. It would be wrong of them to NOT demand to know what is happening, that would be neglecting their job. By the sounds of it Anon 10:05, you better enjoy your sweet life before the investigation is complete because you sure sound very worried about the end results of it.
I really cannot help wondering just exactly how incredibly out of touch with reality it is possible for some folks to get.
then why hasn't your beloved leader come forward and clear the air?
Ok Foolio… No more turtle stew for you…
Maybe the visitor from England who wears the Santa Suite can get an answer. No one else seems to be able to find out if KeKe is naughty or nice.
That guy is an employee of McKeevas you moron
Thank your for staying on this Mr. Miller. It is an indictment of all concerned that silence is maintained for so long.
soon come…… what else do you expect from the local authorities (civil service)?
If the head of a private company or organization was being investigated for alleged financial irregularities he/she would be removed from their post immediately to prevent any further damage from being done. It is unthinkable that an individual would be able to remain in such a prominent position which gives them the ability to further perpetrate actions that could be damaging to these islands.
It is absolutely essential that the Governor take action to relieve the Premier of his position until the investigation is complete. Otherwise untold financial and reputational damage could potentially continue which could adversely impact our financial position and credibility.
The lack of communication on this investigation has been a colossal failure to meet the expectations of Caymanians and residents alike.
Unfortunately, to date, we have not seen open and transparent governance and rarely a stance on several key issues that have challenged our islands in the past few years. The absence of good governance on a variety of issues from our current Governor leaves us in a position of bewilderment and open to having to endure further deprivation of justice and hardship generally.
– Just another day in Absurdistan
Soon come – The Brits are going to be handing TCI back to the people this year… then it will be our turn
This is either a massive investigation that will come out eventually or it has been quietly dropped by FCO direction as 'not in the public interest'. This is the real reason they insist on controlling our police, so they can grant reprieves in exchange for agreement on other issues. The FCO has never had any principles. You're looking at an organsation that is complicit in torture, dispossessed the Chagos Islanders of their land, made secret agreements with Gaddafi and so on.
Mr Miller please, please give it up. Dont let your friends fool you into thinking that they are behind you and have your back. Remember what happened to CHUCKIE? You think he resigned from PPM for no reason? Lol. Listen my friend this world many dirty jobs to do, but you are not becomming famous by doing this one. Let those responsible do what they have to do, and please stop pushing the switch. The light will come on if there is current. I will honestly tell you that Cayman is saying they have heard enough. Whether you realize it or not, the people of Cayman love McKeeva Bush.
Well – at least the appliance dealers may love him.
You must be kidding,,
Dear Truth and Fact (not verified) speak for yourself please.
I nah love him!
I read somewhere that John John burst into song at a recent Bodden Town meeting.
May I please put in a request that at the next meeting he sing 'There are more.. Questions than answers…?
Infact that should become the theme song for his party in 2013.
Please go and wash, if you cannot find anything to do. If John, john feels like singing, it is his business. He is a very nice young man, that you do not know, and if you are not his adversary, then pray tell me why would you be anoying to the young man. Stupid! stupid!!
For those of you who do not have the John John thesaurus, just remember it is not a lie, it is a plan or a scheme when you tell people something you know is not true so that they do what you want them to do.
Singin" Chicken I think it is time you go into the broiler. Too many hungry people are waiting in line.
There are no hungry people other than those that have spent all their money on crack.
I think you spelled annoying incorrectly…
Is that you John-John?
Yesterday's Supreme Court judgment in Flood handed will hamper Mac's liberal threats and use of lawsuits to chill responsible journalism in the Cayman Islands.
Agreed. Hopefully all online and print media in Cayman will digest just how important that decision is. I could say the same for certain politicians and their legal advisors but then I know that all the responses to this comment would be LOLs.
For anyone interested the decision in Flood is here:
http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/docs/UKSC_2010_0166_Judgment.pdf