Mac arrested on theft charge
(CNS): Premier McKeeva Bush has been arrested and is currently detained in police custody in connection with a number of on-going police investigations. Officers from the RCIPS Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) arrested Bush at around 7.00 am this morning at his home in West Bay on suspicion of theft in connection with financial irregularities relating to the alleged misuse of a government credit card. This allegation adds to a list which includes breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest, contrary to S13, S17 and S19 of the Anti-Corruption Law 2008 respectively. Allegations also include the importation of explosive substances without valid permits on or before February 2012.
A police spokesperson said it would be inappropriate for the RCIPS to make any further comment in relation to these matters at this time.
Category: Crime
I am not celebrating because frankly I have no confidence in the RCIPS. Firstly the charges sound like a stretch to me, secondly why did I go to bed without him being charged? If you are going to arrest a Premier of a country then you need to have your sh@$ together. I am nervous that this is another farce and look around people we cannot AFFORD it financially or reputationally.
Then OMG the UDP press release what an embarrassment is that the best thy could do?????? If this lot can’t even put out a proper press release how the hell will they be able to run the country over the next 5 months????? Well that’s IF the RCIPS get their mess together. Uggghhhhh we are so screwed.
Realistically, based on TCI, RCIPS role had probably quickly been reduced to crowd control as resources from the UK came in to take over.
Without wanting to seem to be putting RCIPS down, they don't have either the resources or the impartiality to deal with the full investigation.
So who gets to pay his legal fees? He has managed to have us pay for everything else he and his family does.
Wonderful news! and just when things seemed to be going so well!
So … if he is foundguilty does that revoke his "honorable" title … or will he be her majesty's honorable prisoner
He doesn’t have an “Honorable” title. It’s all make-believe which he pulled out of his dressing-up box.
Children in China saw this coming.
23:46, Children in China saw this?? well I do hope immigration get a break on Work Permit applications now.
Just in time!
In a few weeks the UDP would have voted to add "Docta" to his Unnah Rebel title.
Whose territory is this again?
The blind UDP supporters will stick with Mac no matter what happens. That is scary!
Not just scary. Its Frightening, Frustrating, Pathetic and Hopeless.
The UDP is keeping A. Steve McField busy….
Shit just got real. The last time Cayman had such a catastrophic event was Hurricane Ivan. For better or for worse this event, it is certainly no joking matter.
I think poor Mac is becoming senile. Normally he would simply blame it on the PPM.
Arrest of Cayman Premier forces UCC to change graduation plans
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=41681
Look for a Chancellor position advertisment soon.
Whatta a heat in their 'draws-seat!'
My Caymanians know what I mean!
Do you think drawers (or "draws') is a Cayman word? Give it a break.
I am tired of hearing people say they are afraid of the Uk stepping in. That is exactly what you dumb XXXX need. You keep electing this XXXX guy and complain every four years. He has been out of control for a very long time and someone had to pull your stupid backsides out of the fire or he would have given the Chinese our port, destroyed our Mangroves for Billionaire Yacht owners, put a refinery in place and kept us in hock for ever and a day. So shut the hell up and watch the finest police operation (THE FINANCIAL CRIMES UNIT) go to work and save these islands from a foolish out of control politician that doesn't deserve your respect, pity or vote. Thank God for the UK. Ezzard, Arden and Chucky couldn't do it by them selfs. You worry about the pitcher frame instead of the pitcher. Stop being a sucker all your life. Money has driven most of you mad. The old saying fits well here in Cayman. A fool and his money are soon parted. I say "A fool and his money are lucky to get together in the first place". Let's come together as ONE. Mister Big can take care of himself.
Chuckie do not need to run in Bodden Town because Bodden people do not trust him. Anyone know what is a spanish machette.
A spanish machete is someone who promises their constituents the world on a silver platter and then presents them with a garbage dump.
THANK YOU.
As a young Caymanian it is disgustng to see how spineless, cowardly, and greedy people have become! So fearful for their own security that they are willing to let principle dangle in the wind. So many people keep saying 'look how troubled the UK is itself, let them leave us alone'. You cannot have your cake and eat it. If you don't want them to take away our right to self determination let us be independant. How that would terrify even the nay-sayers! WE need to prove we have back bone, that we have not lost our pride for the sake of a buck. We can still see right from wrong even if it means in one way we must suffer because that is just. Our leaders have been weak. We have been weak. What we will reap in the coming days because of this is our just reward for having sold ourselves.
We have failed and if the world is watching- let them watch. Let us prove we can be better than them, face our mistakes and strike hard at the injustices within our system. This is a glorious opportunity for us to prove ourselves. We can overcome this and if we do not, it will be because we did not put the wellbeing of our island and our people before our own selfish desires. I say to the 'adults', stop running around chicken headed frightened and get your shit together. As my stepfather always tells me and my brother and sister- 'If you know better, do better'. Time for this country to recognize what we really have to lose if we do not pursue justice where justice is needed.
Overseas press reporting other investigations dropped.
From the Telegraph (UK)
"The 57-year-old politician, who was elected premier in 2008, had already been under investigation on corruption allegations surrounding a land deal since April. Previous corruption investigations stretching back to 2010 had been dropped."
??? Any idea where this has come from CNS???
If all that is left after all these investigations is alleged dodgy use of a credit card and the relatively recent issues around explosives then there has been a hell of a lot of wasted police time here. We can expect Big Mac to get a smack on the wrist if thats all there is that the authoritiers think they can pursue – what a farce.!
What is the Telegraph link
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/caymanislands/9737621/Cayman-Islands-premier-arrested.html
Yes, the arrests sound penny-ante. A pretext for the searches?
19:17 The Governor of this Island would be very blind and dumb if he cannot see this is a Political witch hunt. McKeva Bush does not need Government money and we all know that. It is his duty to travel and it is nothing wrong with using the credit cards alleged. That is exactly what has always been done for umteen years by other Ministers.
Not sure where that article is because I can not find it much less if it is true. I believe the credit card issue has nothing to do with the dynamite and could be related to one of the other matters being investigated and possibly the Stan Thomas issue which it was said that he used an ATM card to withdraw funds in Las Vegas. How true that is ia left to be seen.
From reading the possible charges it seems to me that no matter haa been dropped.
I understadn yoru scepticism but here is the link…interesting that nobody else seems to eb reporting it so have to believe it is somehting they have arrived at … but how ?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/caymanislands/9737621/Cayman-Islands-premier-arrested.html
Looks like Christmas done came early this year.
Well lookie ya now Ryie n Dartie ol boys, it's me unna ol buddy from da hot seat. Dem idiots gone n lock mi up now.Boy dey really want my seat bad. Please unna try hep mi if unna kin. Oddawise a na ga get no good ol turtle meat n no free lights fa Christmas. N a promise dem good folks in China a was comin look fa dem. We was suppose to sign some docaments unda da table ta celebrate da seasin, ya know wa a mean? Dey ga nuf a dem ganga heads dat woted fi mi up in ya but man a miss dem free plane rides. Unna try hep mi please. A sen Mista Stan one fax this mornin but look like he still wex wid mi. N uncle Steve say he no believe he kin hem mi no mo. N Richard say be dam if he goin rite no mo letters fi mi. N unna know da big mout Ezzud n ol an Sookie dey laffin dey backsides off right now. Man tings na well a tell unna. Unna ga try hep mi please.
Joy to the world!
Joy to the World comment, I do hope you are childless, because watch your words that they do not come and bite you over the season and new year.
Nah Today BoBo or should I say Nah Today Mc-Oh!
But I don't understand, Mr. McKeeva is a Christian. All the pastors supported him so strongly for years and years. This can't possibly be true.
If someone would take the time and read the true story of christianity, not the one your preacher brainwash you with but the facts, there is no pride at calling anyone or yourself christian. The man's words were lost from the get go and power, greed and control of the mass isthe only reason. Same for any imaginary friends religion.
Therefore a pseudo born again christian is just a front to disguise the real intentions. It's a good cover for many but not for the ones who can reason and are able to detached themselves from the mass euphorya.
Mac gonna be swimmin' in da river in Africa, he be in deNile now.
Does this mean we have to give back our washing machines?
Million$ lawsuit comin now! Ohhhhhh Banga langa!
That’s what you call going out with a (BANG) lol!
Caymanian
So will today be the day the rest of the UDP MLA's grow a pair and remove this man from power? We shall see, we all know what needs to be done, the question is will they do it?
They are already grown as big as they will. That gang who have sat by with thumbs god knows where for so long like sheep collecting MY MONEY will do nothing!!! Nothing!!! What was their statement today???? NOTHING!!
Right or wrong. This will destroy ALL confidence in Cayman. The last one out should turn off the light
On the contrary, I would think sitting by for years while they plundered the country and doing nothing would destroy all confidence.
It should actually bolster confidence in Cayman where no one is above the law.
15:56 why should it?. As far as I can remember fifty years back Piliticains have been arrested and some slid under the fence. That is politics, and the reason I would never want my dog to enter that arena.
Sooner or later Mac will understand that it is much better to step down than to be dragged down.
Ho Ho Holy crap!
Mac must have good friends over at the Jamaica Gleaner. NO article published on this matter as yet it would seem.
See Search Results on the Gleaner website.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/search.html?cx=partner-pub-4993191856924332%3A98b6e2-dgz1&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Mckeeva+Bush&sa=Search&siteurl=jamaica-gleaner.com%2F&ref=jamaica-gleaner.com%2Fgleaner%2Fint%2F&ss=3942j2311800j14
Um, buy some glasses. I read about it in the Gleaner within 2 hours of his arrest and there are now three articles in the Gleaner:
8.51 am – Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush arrested on corruption allegations: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=41668
3.55 pm – Arrest of Cayman Premer Forces UCC To Change Graduation Plans: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=41681
5.55 pm – Cayman Premier Released On Overnight Bail: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=41688
Plenty coverage my friend
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=41681
Looks like the Turks and Caicos Islands 2! Be prepared to have government taken over by the UK for a few years! Yeah buddy!
Not quite sure we are in the same situation here but we wait to see because as you might be aware there could be more heads rolling soon.
I hope certain people who were purported to have written certain letters are confortable because by allowing their name to be dragged into this means they could be seen as accomplices by the law.
It will be interesting to hear how the credit card comes into play. My best guess is the ATM withdrawal in Las Vegas but it might be something other than this.
I know this will have a major impact on us BUT I must say this was long overdue. We need to address these issues and tackle them head on.
Yes we do have corruption but I believe we are also showing the world that we will face it head on and no matter the position you are not above the law. This is not to say that Mr Bush is guilty only saying that it says to world ANYONE can be pulled down. ANYONE.
The elephant in the room has been corruption for more than a decade.
On a completely unrelated note,it seems that elephants can now get 7:00 AM wake up calls.
I didn’t know “next” would come so soon!
May justice be done.
Keke will huff and puff and blow the Police station down!
Didn't you feel the tremor, that was Mac having a tantrum!
He was taken to a new Hurricane proof location so huffing and puffing wont help him.
I guess he won't be giving speech on "Integrity" at the University College of the Caribbean and receiving his honorary doctorate based on "principled" leadership this week. They must feel like complete idiots now.
The UDP is to blame for the international shame Cayman is receiving on account of this – a sitting Premier being arrested on suspicion of corruption. They refused to remove him or require him to resign while there still was time and so they must be held responsible. ALL of them should be voted out of office come next May.
Yes, good point: CNS please do follow up article on the honorary degree- surely they will not proceed?
The Government needs to act NOW. The UK is ready to step in like they did in TurKs & Caicos and disband the government. The Prime Minister of T&C was arrested in Rio de Janiero this week following an Interpol warrant. Please Cayman Government, please, do not let us get to that point.
The safety and stability of our economy (and our people's lives and well being) depends on something being done NOW….not 1 month from now. NOW!
Please listen to your people.
Not really. They waited on purpose until the FFR and budget were passed, the Elections Law was patched up, and the assembly was adjourned until January. At worst no need to do much of anything (from the UK point of view) til January. At some point the UDP can tell us who they choose for premier, and then everything in government slides along to the election. The UK probably doesn't do anything else to the LA (unless arrests count), and there is nothing to stop the ship of state from lurching along under its own weight until there is a new government. If the UDP stays with Bush as premier, only then do I predict that the UK will remove him from office by order in council. Seems highly unlikely that it will come to that.
Is this the same Mr. Bush who wanted to cut back Legal Aid funding, as he felt 'those who have been arrested must surely be guilty and do not deserve legal council'??
What say you now sir???!
who is going foot his legal bill????
Unfortunately, we all know he knows how to spend public funds
Im not worried. This too shall pass Mckeeva. You are more sensible than those who prosecute you. But still love them. Because this too shall pass. And you aint going anywhere.
Him already lubus donkey faces
Where's my carrots and milk?
At least not unless they give him back his passport.
You're in denial and drunk on Kool Aid.
Sample charges I hope! So much of what this man does is undocumented and thus suspicious at least to me, so I trust that a very full investigation into his dealings follows from this.
Maybe it will show that his hands are clean and his heart is pure, in which case my apologies will follow!
Big party at PPM headquarters tonight..
BYOB
Glad to see you all take pride and happiness in celebrating someone's downfall!! Remeber when we rejoice in another person's downfall our own is not far behind!! Despite your thoughts he is a human and is loved by God just like we are!! Stop rejoicing and pray for our country as this is not the only issue we face in this Island.
If you were on the Titanic steaming towards an iceberg and someone dragged the captain away from the helm to change course, is that celebrating someone's downfall? Or should we say "he is loved by God….carry on" and rely on prayer instead?
Contrary to an earlier post, this arrest demonstrates to the world that Cayman will not tolerate (alleged) corruption or irregular practices irrespective of rank or position and sends a re-assuring message to the business and financial community at large. For those fans of the UDP, Mac WAS the UDP and was basically un-electable because of him. He may be charged and have to step down, which gives the opportunity for the UDP to find someone (if possible) within their ranks to perhaps give them a slim chance at the next election. Interesting times ahead.
If there is a heaven and he got through the gates (and frankly I can think of no good reason why not) Desmond Seales must sitting up there laughing he a**e off at this.
I wonder if the RCIPS investigation will finally turn up the deeds to the (mythical?) condo at R-C the Premier was always rumoured to have or the import documents for all those fridges?
…And they feeling the aftershock up by the school
For those in favour of independence:
Do you believe Mr. Bush would be arrested if this country was independant ?
Well at least this explains the odd look on Mark Simmonds face in that handshake photo you used with the Dec 3 story.
And wasn't the new OT Director on island at the end of November? Presumably that visit included a briefing from the Commissioner for referral back to the UK.
Mr Premier I'd say you walked into a carefully planned ambush here.
I rather think it was the ‘new overcoat smell’ that was the cause of the odd look
I agree. McKeever GOD is for you. They'd best have concrete evidence, otherwise hit the GOVT with a lawsuit never seen in history an d ensure it gets paid….just like Judge Henderson did.
Pure foolishness. Look at what he's done for these islands.credit card, explosives….geesh come on….UK has a plan.
12:04 Surprise surprise, maybe you do not know anything at all. How do you know that the Premier did not know this, that he would be arrested on Tuesday from a week ago. Yes tell me do you know? How do you know that he and Mark Simmonds did not have a discussion on this prior? Tell me what you know. Show me your paper and I will show you mines.
well he is certainly full of hot air!!!
Lest we forget, since 2005 most of the serving MLAs on both benches voted in favour of >23% pay raises to themselves (and speaker of the house) as well as bills which allowed them to draw retirement pensions while still actively employed as public servants. While much has been made of the pay bonuses/cuts, clawbacks and reinstatements of pay for regular civil service employees, none of "the leadership" have proposed that they scale back their own fat cat compensation schemes and perks of office. None of them have called for an overhaul of CIG's own internal accounting procedures, and all of them point their chubby fingers at the premier while suckling from the same proverbial teat. There is a lot of hypocracy on both sides and it needs to be addressed before May 2013.
Well said!
"The arrest of the premier on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office and theft charges demonstrates Cayman's robust law enforcement and anti-corruption systems and the islands intolerance with any alleged behavior or corruption even at the highest level of political office". Quote chamber statement.
I suspect many more arrest to be made.
I don't suspect, but I definitey do expect more arrests. Let's open the whole can of worms and be done with it.
21:47 when opening this can of worms, be careful that the Hospital in Cuba do not appear on the screen on NorthSide Road. more to come.
Can I unwrap his Christmas presents?
I could use a new Lexus.
I want that agouti skin coat
Well at least JuJu will not be an embarrassment as Premier . . .
Wash thy feet!
Officers from the RCIPS Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) arrested Bush at around 7.00 am this morning at his home in West Bay on suspicion of theft in connection with financial irregularities relating to the alleged misuse of a government credit card.
Come on people suspicion of theft in connection with financial irregularities relating to the alleged misuse of a government credit card. Give the man more credit than that! and as for the importation of explosive substances without a permit this was not done by the Premier it was done by a named individual who was charged and fined in court for the offense. There is such a rush to judgement to get the Premier out of office and convicted that any charge is thrown at the man with the hopes that something will stick.
This is no time for Native Caymanians to rejoice over the misfortune of the Premier or the UDP administration (I am not a member of the UDP or PPM first and foremost I am a Caymanian). The integrity of this country is now in question and this is what we as a people should address. I am not willing to throw the leader of the country under the bus while the people who aided and abetted his actions and plotted the destruction of this country go free with a slap on the wrist. Since thearrests have began let them continue from the very top to the bottom. The Premier will not be the scapegoat on this one, let the chips fall where they may and I say to all and sundry Caymanians do not make very good fall guy as we don't like to migrate we love living in our own country so don't expect anyone to flee instead look forward to justice for all. Caymanians have always been men and women of integrity and we are willing to lose fame and fortune but not our integrity.
Al Capone was arrested for tax evasion. Not because tax evasion was the woste of hid crimes, but because it was the easiest to prove. Just saying.
Hilarious, that’s why Cayman is known around the world for its dodgy financial banking sector, the latest being Mexican drug money. Your imaginary integrity is frankly laughable, as any body outside of these islands can testify. Nepotism, sycophancy, self interest and plain old corruption is endemic on Cayman and has been for years, its both cultural and a national past time all wrapped up in self serving protectionism and its coming to an end. By the way, there’s no such person as a native Caymanian, you’re all immigrants, look around you.
Hope this means he no longer has to be called the Honourable McKeeva Bush
Dats OnWobble… if your please!
At last a Christmas gift that will bring joy and happiness to us all.
So was that a tremor I felt or was it the Premier berating the RCIPS for the harassment?
Happy news. Merry Christmas.
A lot of chickensand roosters running around free in Cayman. I guess they all finally just went home to Mac's house to roost. 😉
We still love our premier – and as long as he needs our support we will give it.
Keep on drinking that green Kool Aid
Who's we? Or are you referring to the faithful (very) few wid no brains or even eyes to see wha really happen?
It looks like Sheldon Brown’s book ‘Mayflower’ may be more fact than fiction. If you haven’t read it yet, given this current development, I would pick up a copy today if I were you. It really is an eye opener to what’s really going on here on our little island.
I just finished the book – wow, sounds almost like a prophecy of what might be happening to this little island. Good read by the way.
Where can we purchase this book?
Books and Books, Fosters, or online on Amazon or Lulu
I bought my copy at Foster,s Airport Centre, and everything in it is exactly what's going on in the country.
PURCHASE IT ??
HELL NO !!
I will NOT contribute MY hard earned money to increasing the fortunes of a KNOW, CONVICTED CRIMINAL who Terrorised the people of these islands for years.
… I'll just download a PIRATED COPY of it off the Internet …. for free !
I read Mayflower and it is an eye opener to what is happening in our little country. The book is worth the read and a page turner indeed…. Sheldon Brown was on target. Sounds like he saw this coming.. Wow. Prophecy at it's best
He finally accomplished something he’s been workin on a long time. I gotta go bake a gas boy card into a cake now. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Is he going to be running our country on bail for Christmas?
About time! I just hope they get it right.
Praise the Lord!
What an idiot! Are these the things you PRAISE THE LORD for??? Well, what can I say? Maybe you should sincerely find something to praise him for. Things like waking you up this morning and giving you enough time to waste to post garbage like this on the internet.
When he brings justice we praise him. When reveals what is hidden we praise him. Wouldn't you praise him if an armed robber was apprehended?
Can't touch dis…
Would somebody please put a pillow between sister JuJu's knees.
Do they even have a jail on the brac?
There are no good men or women who can be bullied only weak men or women can be bullied.
There are some good men in the current government who really want to better Cayman, but with their premier, they were bullied into keeping quiet. Now is the time for those good men to come to the aid of a hurting Cayman Islands and Caymanians who cannot feed their families because the cost of living in the country has gone so high. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Isn't it funny how the premier's good friend Michael was arrested in the same week? I guess the "donkey-faced" people across the pond knew what they were doing. My mother used to tell me when I got impatient, "Remember, nothing happens before its time".
Not good enough to stand up a do what was right. Clean house or get more of the same with less backbone
That is a load of crap. Not one of these "good" men had the balls or any semblance of integrity to stand up when they should have.They kept quiet, rolled over and stuck their heads in the sand and did nothing as their country was sold out and their people suffered collpase after collapse of their small businesses
They do NOT deserve to remain in Government let alone be allowed the opportunity to lead this country. And as for the only woman in power, God help us.
The fall-out from today's extraordinary decision by the RCIP will change this country for the better and hopefully it will end the cronyism and callous manipulation and abuse of power by those not only within Government but also those few moneyed men pulling the strings from outside. Puppets dont exist without puppet-masters. They know who they are – and unfortunately for them, so do we.
Hopefully, ALL deals conducted over the past 4 years will now be properly scrutinised and re-examined. Enough is enough. Its time to clean the house and start afresh. We will all be better for it.
Are you excluding the woman how is the next in line? The Deputy Premier?
Cat got your tongue, Elie?
My what a huge ‘Bonfire’, I can’t imagine why people would be ‘Roasting marshmallows’ so early in the morning.
Foolio? Is that you?
And I thought the Maya calendar said December 21st?
Well for at least one person they were only off by 10 days…
FINALLY!!!!!
Merry Christmas Cayman!!!
Well the fifth largest financial centre is now well and truly stuffed. This is already on the news all over the world. How shameful and scandalous, not to mention completely detrimental to the Cayman Islands, its people and its standing as a financial centre.
He should have stepped down a long time ago before it came to this.
Clean hands and pure heart my backfoot to rhatid!
Has he been convicted of a crime?
David Marchant, the publisher of Offshore Alert, actually took a more positive view on matters: “Strange though this might seem, I believe it will have a positive effect on Cayman’s reputation internationally because it demonstrates the jurisdiction is prepared to take action against individuals regardless of status. The measure of any country or jurisdiction is not that scandals occur but what it does about them when they surface. The worst thing any jurisdiction can do is bury its head in the sand. This has been the traditional approach in Cayman and the jurisdiction’s reputation overseas has suffered because of it. With one action today, that has changed for the better."
Or to those of us who have being paying attention for the last 4 years; the 44th largest financial centre is now stuffed… (http://www.longfinance.net/Publications/GFCI%2012.pdf)
I recall a President or two of the USA being indicted…has seemed to have hurt that country too much!
Well he finally got to the very top this morning. It was the most read item read on the BBC. Not many people reach the pole position. Now to the crux of the matter where were the internal controls of Government with regard to credit card spending? Has the government learnt nothing from the UCCI fiasco? Moreover can the police please reopen the First Cayman Bank case which never passed the sniff test.
While the island will take some reputational damage from this, I don't think that its quite as damaging as people think.
By arresting the premier, it shows investors/the world, that the island does not stand for corruption. It shows that the laws of the island are upheld and proves to those involved in illicit activities that there is the possibility of being caught and being held accountable for ones actions.
The real issues arise, as in the case of many many african countries, when a country is rampant with corruption and nothing is done about it. Just have a look at Zimbabwe and see how things are going over on that side.
Its time to find a real replacement for Mac and his Kronies… and I don't mean the PPM or UDP . I think its about time some young and vibrant Caymanians stepped up to the plate and tried to make a difference in this little piece of paradise.
Da' wha' yu get…
better let him out or he'll blow his way out :p