Watson probe continues

(CNS): The former chair of the Health Services Authority board, Canover Watson (43), has been interviewed by police for a second time after answering his bail on Monday in connection with corruption charges. The chairman of the Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC), Police Commissioner David Baines, confirmed that the Caymanian businessman, from the Prospect area, arrested on 28 August by officers from the RCIPS Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes units, answered his bail on 29 September as scheduled but was asked to return Thursday, when a further interview was conducted. Watson has now been bailed again until 6 November.

No charges have yet been brought against the former HSA chair, who has denied the allegations made against him.

Following his arrest, Watson issued a short statement indicating his innocence and saying that when the time was right he would be setting out his position regarding the accusations, which are understood to relate to an $11 million hospital contract awarded to AIS for a card payment system.

Watson was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences under the anti-corruption law, including abuse of public office, breach of trust, conflict of Interest and money laundering.

Police refused to comment further about the case Thursday and indicated that the enquiry is continuing. The criminal probe is understood to have been triggered following an investigation by the auditor general, which was passed onto the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The case has attracted international attention as Watson was also a member of the FIFA audit and compliance committee, until his suspension by the football watchdog’s chairman last month.

See related stories on CNS:

http://caymannewsservice.com/crime/2014/08/29/ac-cops-arrest-ex-hsa-chair
http://caymannewsservice.com/crime/2014/09/16/fifa-suspend-watson-watchdog-committee