Bomb hoax suspect to undergo rehab programme

(CNS): Having spent several days in the withdrawal management unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital, the 53-year-old West Bay man accused of a bomb hoax involving two Seven Mile Beach resorts has checked into Caribbean Haven, the court heard Monday. James Bernie Williams has not yet formally answered the charges against him but following his arrest before Christmas he admitted calling in a hoax bomb warning to the emergency services. Williams, who is a former employee of Caribbean Club, which along with the Ritz Carlton was evacuated on Saturday 14 December as a result of the hoax, is said to have made a call to 911 saying there were two bombs about to be detonated.

The hoax caused havoc in the heart of the tourist district during peak season and diverted significant police resources before the resorts were given the all clear.

Arrested shortly afterwards, Williams blamed the act on his alcohol problems and has since voluntarily begun addressing the issue. Presiding Grand Court judge Justice Nova Hall bailed Williams to Caribbean Haven until his next appearance in the court on 24 January, when his attorney, John Furniss, said he expected Williams would be able to answer the charges.