Radio talk-show host arrested for assault
(CNS): The lead host on a local talk show has been arrested by police on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm and damage to property following what sources say was a major domestic dispute at a social gathering at a house in Governor’s Harbour on Sunday night. Austin Harris (41) from Rooster’s early morning show, Crosstalk, was arrested when he turned up at George Town police station Monday afternoon after a warrant had been issued based on the complaint made on Sunday at around 10pm to West Bay officers. In the meantime, the radio personality also appears to have been suspended from his job with the return of his former talk show pal and one time politician, Ellio Solomon.
Harris, who lives in George Town, reportedly assaulted a female friend at a private house on Sunday, which then erupted into a much larger melee involving other guests.
Harris, who was bailed by police to reappear at the police station Tuesday as enquiries continue, was absent from the show Monday morning but that absence appears to be more permanent. Rooster released a short statement on Monday evening saying that Harris had been suspended by the station as a result of the arrest and his former co-host would be back.
"Harris will remain on suspension until the issue is resolved," the station said, adding that he would be replaced "temporarily" on Cayman Crosstalk by former host Ellio Solomon, who stepped away from the programme when he was elected as a member of Legislative Assembly in 2009 for the UDP.
“We are disappointed to have to take this action today,” said Hurley’s Entertainment Director Randy Merren. “However, we are confident that with Ellio’s return to the anchor’s chair, Crosstalk will remain the vibrant voice of Cayman’s current events.”
Category: Crime
This is a total mess. Austin is Austin but give me him any day over Ellio. I realise that Gilbert could not be left there alone, he is definately no talk show host and is much better in the side kick/cohost position, but replacing Austin with Ellio is madness.
I tuned in to Rooster one morning this week and as soon as I heard Ellio I had to turn it off. The man's defensiveness and argumentative nature is much too abrasive for my ears.
kirky would have been a better choice quiet frankly
Bo Miller! Bo should had been the replacement show host. He is knowledgable about the Island and he is mutual. Randy Merren you have failed your listeners. Yesterday, Ellio was so adamant to argue with the regular callers. Poor Gilbert could not get a word in. Ellio is bias UDP, so definitely the other politicians will no longer come on Rooster and we cannot blame them. The only one that will come on is McKeever, as he did yesterday via phone. Ellio has got to go!!! Bring Mr. Bo Miller on.
And don't forget the UDP Jordanian
In so far as, I was very disappointed in the no show of M&M. Come on McLean & Miller, a healthy debate is good for the loins. Get in there and WIN!?
Ezzard and Arden are men of integrity. A defeated political foe can hardly be an objective host particularly where he has had real clashes with these MLAs. Anyone with a lick of sense knows it is inappropriate to have Ellio there. I hope the Govt, will boycott it as well.
So you are saying one of two things either Ezzard and Arden believe the are too good to go on the radio with Ellio or Ezzard and Arden are afraid to go on the radio with Ellio.
It doesnt say much for Super Tuesday more ike Sniveling Tuesday.
You obviously don't know Arden and Ezzard if you think they are afraid of Ellio. He has long exposed himself to be an ignorant loudmouth. Of course they should not give Ellio any credibility, numpty. As a bitter political enemy he is completely inappropriate for this. And don't forget this is the idiot who burst into the studio on Alden to ask him about how many brothers he had. It is shocking that Randy Merren would even consider him.
Did you fall on your head as a small child?
I suggest you reread my post if you can focus long enough. I gave 2 options for possible reasons for the 2 MLAs to not use their usual radio time. That is what the tern "OR" means.
Bu you prefer to bash instead of read and think, sadly another CNS non thinker.
I suggest you re-read my post. Each of your options was answered in turn. Please follow your own advice.
Puppet Foolio is a great laugh lol, everyone needs a laugh sometime! Let’s look for him trying to campaign again using free advertising=rooster! Gt voter
Finally the Rooster talk show host is corrrect " WE MAKE THE NEWS" LOL….
Regardless of the outcome or circumstances with Austin he is still the most intelligent, objective and qualified man for the job. Austin educated the public, Elio can't educate anyone he needs an education himself. The first thing I do when I get in my car is turn on Rooster but not anymore, the sound of this pompous fools voice is not something I need to hear first thing in the morning. Randy I thought you were smarter than that. Is that the best you can do? Do you not realize how unpopular this man is with the public? Bad business mistake that will cost you!!! Goodbye Rooster enjoyed you while you lasted!!!!
I am amazed at how so many of us are so quick to knock down one of our own. Both Elio and Austin have their faults we all do. The only difference these two for love of their country have put themselves out there for citicism and ridicule. I know Randy couldn't pay me enough to do that job and I am sure most of you on here that post anonymously would never do it as well.
Everybody has skeletons in their closet. Some of us choose to keep them there and hide from publice and others choose to let them out in the open for public scrutiny.
At least we have someone be it Austin or Elio that are willing to step up to the plate so that we that speak anonymously have a voice.
Good luck to both of you Elio and Austin..you are Caymanians just like me and I leave it to God to judge not my fellow man.
Funny how only God can judge caymaians
You know something talk like that can get you a cow cod spanking.
God will judge us all including you..
Yes only God can judge Caymanians and pray that where ever you hail from that it is the same god that judges you and your kind. Did you ever hear the saying ‘it is a good thing God isn’t like man’.
Maybe because he can spell Caymanian correctly?!
Rolston: I prayed and and they believed me.
Joey: I prayed and they believed me.
Etc Etc
11:59 Thank you for your well done post. You said everythinh that I wanted to say. I am a Caymanian but we are the worst when it comes to putting one another down .We seem to thrive on destroying one another while the other s around us are helping up one another. Jealousy, Jealousy, Jealousy.
I really don't think Elio is any more "full" of himself than Austin is, although I'm surprised by the choice by Mr. Merren. But, I say give Elio a chance – maybe he has learned a few lessons. They could both take a few lessons from Gilbert who has a much more analytical and calm manner, which comes with maturity. I listened this morning and it was a pretty good show (even though the boys from the East choose not to come on).
Has everyone that has anything to do with politics or discussion of the running of Cayman gone mad? This place seems to be sinking and fast.
I think you will find that being mad is a prerequisite.
Seriously….who the rass are all you people naming someone "foolio"..!!
Mathew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire."
You should be shamed for calling names on others and for judging others, when I know una calling these names are not perfect themselves!!!
Randy- you do your thing and run your awesome radio shows! You have always been loyal to Cayman and the listeners for YEARS and so should we at times like this! At least you are bringing the news to us that matters and allowing us to voice our opinion, whoever the talk show host may be!
How on earth can unsuccessful UDP candidate be an objective talk show host where the guests will be all the people he politically opposed? In Ellio's words "grow a brain".
Using bible quotes to support your own view and "rass" those that do not agree.
A classic case of exactly what you are accusing name callers of doing. "Forgive him Lord, he knows not what he does". That was irony, by the way.
Now is a good time to start a real Talk Radio Show. Clearly people won't be listening to Rooster any more!
i will still listen to rooster !! Austin talked way to much !!!!
Jonathan Piercy would have been a good fill in!!
I would like to see Alden on the show, you’ll never know it might be round 2, Foolio vs Alden lmao
I listen to Rooster, on average, once every two months. Now with Foolio back, it will be much, much less!
OK CNS posters: who should Randy install as host instead of Elio?
Look forward to your responses.
any expat…..
I vote for Bo Miller.
09:08 You ask the question who should be replaced for the radio show. I personally see nothing wrong with Elio but if more hosts are needed then I would suggest Emmerson Piercy and Bo Bo. Both of these Caymanians are certainly smart and full of ideas. I have given both of them my support and vote in the last two Elections.
LOL. 'I want them there because I supported them in the last elections'. The fact that they were defeated in the last elections is exactly why they should not be there. They have ulterior motives.
A sack of potatoes. Silence would make more sense than anyone that has ever presented on Rooster.
Who is this Ellio person that everybody is talking about?
Goooooogleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Heck, anyone would be better. Even Joey Ebanks.
Add this question to the PR application.
Both Austin and Foolio must go if I am to ever tune in to Rooster again. Huge mistake Randy.
The Merrens have seemingly been very quick to judge the situation and replacing Austin with Ellio in the blink of an eye. XXXXX
I would have thought that Gilbert could have managed the program alone until the facts of the case are determined instead of "temporarily" hiring someone as politically motivated as Ellio Solomon! I won't be listening to Rooster in the mornings anymore and "no, I am not a friend or family member of Austin Harris"……just a little more loyal than Rooster.
Gilbert! Manage the show alone! There would be no one there to agree with, except himself, and THAT would be painful.
Elio is far too argumentative and confrontational. He's so busy pushing his own agenda, that callers never get a chance to fully express their opinions. Let Gilbert carry the show for now. He's more open to other people's opinions and he allows callers the opportunity to say what they have to say. Or, if you need a second host, let Barrie Quappe take the seat again for a while.
Oh no, I was hoping they would hire Keke instead.
I have listened to Rooster every morning as I prepare for work. Not realising the changes that had taken place I noticed a serious shift in a direct political commentary rather than independent critiques on subjects. Only after listening and the announcement made that it was Elio Solomon did I realsie the reason for the bombastic and political campaigning style.
Someone else should have been added with Gilbert until all the dust had settled not someone who actually is rehashing old political UDP rhetoric. the Merrens should be embarrassed
As an expat, I protest that the job was not advertised and I was not given the opportunity to apply for it!!
I want to mitigate all the kool aid that comes off that show. What is really worrying is that they play up mostly populist local wannabe's or hasbeens and some of you guys buy it. You need a more interenational slant on the news, to put things into perspective in world terms.
This decision to replace the man without seeing if an expat is fit to do the job is prejudicial, xenophobic and against human rights. Passed over again by the local system…shame on you Cayman.
Expat……. U must be crazy. That would be the mistake of the century. Randy is smarter than that. There will never be anyone other than a real caymanian on that show so you had better catch a flight and head back home bo bo.
But Expat hit the xenophobic button right on the head..
The "x" word, like comparing people to Hitler, is so cliched that it has now become meaningless.
No, please leave Rooster the way it is. During the period it is on air, all of the crazy, xenophobic, nationalistic whiners are kept indoors frantically dialling and refilling trying to get their 1 minute of minuscule fame.
Any other crazies are normally tied up listening to it so they can be accounted for too.
I depend on this window to shop and run other uninterrupted errands. The only other time I can do this is around 2nd or 3rd breakfast but the timings are not so clear compared with the show.
And how come you are not blasting the air waves in your own country, such hypocrisy from an hexpat.
Because I am here, taking your job, so I can't be there broadcasting. Such stupidity from a Caymanian.
It is a local talk show addressing local issues, not "the news" and certainly not international news. There is a show like it in every country.
By definition an expat is unfit for the post.
Oh the racists are out in force today…expats are "unfit" to comment on the island they live on and pay taxes to (a lot more than Caymanians pay due to WP etc)? The show would certainly be a lot better than currently if it had any people qualified to talk on it about local affairs rather than their own interests, and had enough international experience to understand that the issues they talk about are rubbish, not relevant and will not bring Cayman any wealth.
That is the biggest issue, small island thinking-very little vision and even worse, no wish to understand they have no vision.
Earning my money and getting out of here, 'cos I know where you will all end up, and it ain't in a good place. Good luck you'all.
We know what you are all about, that you see Cayman only for what you can take and that you don't wish us well. No surprises there. That is why you are unfit for that sort of position.
you are an idiot
LOL. I assume you are being ironic. Either that or you are a complete idiot. First, this was obviously am emergency replacement. Second, it is being done on a temporary basis until the issues surrounding Austin are resolved. Third, if you are an expat you are not ENTITLED to have been considered. I thought you expats claimed it was Caymanians who had an entitlement mentality.
It always hurts when someone pulls the same shit on you that you pull on them, doesn't it? The truth has a habit of doing that, which is why you can't resit answering. Of course it was ironic..but it got a lot morenasty response than it should have, in itself a telling point.
Hurts? LOL. You've only made a fool of yourself. Anyone could see that has no relevance to the real plight of Caymanians seeking work only to be told that they were not genuinely recruiting because this was just a work permit renewal.
What was Rooster thinking, bring back Elio? i really thought they had more sense than that, im glad i checked CNS first and read tis article before i tuned in. I can tell you one thing i have no reason to tune into Rooster anymore,
OMG! Sorry to hear Austin got himself in this situation, as everyone will agree he was the best Radio show host.
Ellio on the other hand is too negative and too argumentive. He is too "full" of himself and is not very much liked. I never thought that Randy Merren would allow him back in that studio after his "burst in" on Mr. McLaughlin and his burning hatred for our Premier. I doubt very much Rooster will ever see any of the sitting Government members back on that station with Ellio as host. I for one will not tune in, as much. Just hearing Ellio negativity will turn me off.
WTF!?….and the plot thickens…Foolio, I thought you left the island..How long will it be before the Jordanian is your co-host?
Bombaseed!! Talk about ironic. Ellio is back and Austin is now the subject. I know I tuning in this Tuesday morning. Wait till the NE Boyz come on. Oooowwwweeeee now we going to hear some good old fashion rowing. Lol. Good move Randy but unna need to also keep the program on until noon and then unna will kill the ratings. Austin was a good host but a bit of change was needed. And who knows? Nothing wrong with having three hosts. Now that will make for interesting views.
“King Kong ain’t got sh*t on me!” Oh my. Can’t wait to hear the man, the myth and the legend himself…Eeeeeeeeeeeliooooooo! >
Cue Ellio – who then proceeds to do a flying kick “`°¬¬¬| and crashes through the studio door and says: “can you smell what the E is cooking?! Hih-yaaa”¿? Should be a fun and interesting morning.
In no way rejoicing but, I have to remark how astounding life is: Austin there Friday, Ellio back on the Throne, this week. What next? Return of Emperor Bush as Premier? With Ellio driving the Ferrari show again, Emperor Bush must be smiling and singing O the Conquering Lion!!
Ellio's back? Now I will be sure to turn the station.
While I understand the need for continuety, I must say that Elio isn't the choice for this. This man has established his true character in the eyes of Joe Public, and it isn't good. He will now have the opportunity to turn this into a UDP (or what ever the hell their name is now) talk show.
Notthe rght choie for the howRandy!!!
Good lord, nooooo, not Ellio again!!!!!!
One ought to think that the vibrant voice of Cayman's current affairs could be someone else other than Austin or Ellio… Time for a change maybe?
To be replaced by Foolio is the greatest insult of them all
Innocent until proven guilty or should we condemn him the way he condemned others on his show?
have to say very true and agree…
YAY! Ellio is back!!!
elio????…..just when you thought it was safe to turn back on the radio…………
Elio???? Randy, What the hell are you thinking
He wasn’t. Desperation is the term.
Biggest mistake you could have ever made to return Foolio to the mic but like they say drowning man will grasp at a straw. I will save on my electricity bill by not needing to turn my radio on.
Welcome back Elio , we certainly missed you.
Be Quiet Elio!
Thank you Elio.
……..but we have to listen to that bag of hot air fondly known as Foolio. Maybe he can use his IT experience and create another website for defaming characters..
I have no more reason to listen to Crosstalk..
PLEASE! No Eliio. Jeeezuz, WTF. IS THAT THE BEST THEY CAN DO???!!!
LOL
I wonder if they will hire Joey?
Really Randy? Ellio? Scraping the bottom of the barrel now!
LOL. Live, from Northward Prison, It's Crosstalk with Joey Ebanks. You know, with all the rest of the craziness that happens around here, that doesn't sound so crazy after all. I might even tune in to see what Crazy Joey had to say!
One man's loss is another man's gain.
So the man with many brothers who smashed in the studio door is back? Does this mean he won't be looking a job on the cleanup crew come Christmas time?
I've been wondering where that loud mouth has been. Mac dropped him like a sack of rotten potato's for Chris Saunders. This should make for a good listen for a week or so. I do doubt Elio can be nearly as neutral as Austin (all be it Austin let his opinion be known on occasion)
On occasion?? Lol. Austin never shut up even when he had guests he drowned them out with his own never ending monologues.
Oh no, foolio is back
nothing new.
I was getting real tired o Austin but now Ellio is another thing. I don't believe Gilbert will be there long with Ellio, I heard him this morning trying to remind Ellio in a round about way of the two minutes rule. Ellio is also working for Cayman 27 – is not this a conflict of interest??