Powers hide behind probes
(CNS): Ezzard Miller and Arden Mclean have joined concerned voices that believe Cayman’s authorities are hiding behind claims about ongoing police investigations in order to avoid revealing the details of possible corruption and other irregularities. The failure of the authorities to reveal the state of the more than two year police investigation regarding the premier and what have been described as “financial irregularities” is not the only issue that is being kept out of the public domain because of a police probe, they say. The MLAs say the latest move to hide behind another investigation concerned the alarming importation of dynamite without a licence, which they say may have political connections.
Miller, as well as CNS and other local media houses, have all been refused access to any of the email correspondence between government departments relating to the recent shipment of dynamite that was seized by customs as a result ofthe importer’s failure to acquire a licence.
The North Side MLA said Tuesday that government departments are using the law regarding police probes that allows things to be kept from the public to protect an investigation. But Miller said the these probes stretch on without end, resulting in no accountability fora serious matter that may have direct connections to people in government.
“There are just too many things that are being tied up under the label of a police investigation and this is just the latest one,” he said. “It seems the governor’s office, freedom of information and the police are all using this as a way to avoid accountability for these very serious issues.”
Miller and CNS made FOI requests regarding the details of who it was in government that had reportedly ordered the customs department to release the container load of dynamite when it had been imported illegally without a license. However, the FOI requests were denied, despite being of public interest. He said it seemed that when a former MLA who no longer has any power or influence is accused of shoplifting for a few dollars he was exposed but others seem to be protected by the authorities as they hid behind the so-called probes.
Arden McLean added his concerns about the dynamite and said it was an extremely serious issue. He pointed to the fact that someone saw who tried to come and collect that shipment and someone in a public office received instructions that it should be released, and he said both need to be exposed.
McLean said that as far as he was aware, all the legitimate quarry owners were denying that they had brought in the container, which left the question of who had brought in the shipment and who was it in government that had attempted to circumvent the process and have explosives released without a licence.
McLean vowed that if the PPM was voted in to office at the next election, the information regarding any irregularities relating to government would all be released under the FOI law as the people had a right to know what was going on.
“How can the people have any confidence in their government when serious issues like this are being kept secret,” he asked.
The two MLAs said that they would be raising this issue along with many others with the Foreign Office minister, Henry Bellingham, who arrived in Cayman on Wednesday and who will be meeting with the opposition and the independent members on Friday morning.
CNS made a request last month for correspondence relating to the imported dynamite between the relevant government departments after hearing that the explosives had been brought in by a local company without the necessary licence. The FOI manager refused to release any of the communication or related documents as he said they all formed part of a police investigation.
Following the decision, CNS asked for an internal review of the decision and queried if all the correspondence is exempt or, as has been noted by the information commissioner in the past, if the documents could still be released but redacted where they impact on the investigation.
Category: Crime
As a measure to encourage complaince, can all this dynamite either be destroyed or sold for public funds? The people who tried to import this illegal must be made to hurt in their pockets.
I am requesting the Premier's press secretary to please
confirm to the public that this dynamite thing has nothing to do with the Premier.
Since the story says 'high official' people might be believing that its the Premier.
And since I am sure that he has nothing to do with this, and is not associated in any way with the people, or emails, or company involved, it is important that you stop the rumor mongers in their tracks by giving a statement that the Premier is not involved either directly, indirectly, or by association.
Thank you Mr.Press Secretary – and its nice to hear from you again…
That shipment probably came through Cuba, Honduras, Panama or Jamaica and from China or India. More than likely it was the Chinese bringing it in for the docks or perhaps it was Shetty, getting ready to blast out the rocks at highrock to start building his Hospital. Whoever it was, their intent is to Blast!!! You see….. we have to speculate, because no official information is fortcoming. Perhaps Elio will enlighten us tomorrow on Rooster.
The only thing that will happen is that the people at Customs that had the integrity to report this matter will soon be out of a job!!!
or the NRA managing director that denied the shipment to be cleared.
Whoever stood up to the Grand Bully should be congratulated,and futher recognised for doing their job properly…whoever you are, you have our thanks and admiration.
I would speculate that this explosive was not destined for a quarry, rather for the CHEC. The Chinese are active trade partners with Cuba and would probably prefer explosives to dredging and drilling in order to expedite their designs. Would also explain how some would be so mute on the topic.
Someone must have been in a big hurry. Just a few more months and China Harbour could bring that stuff in much cheaper.
yes, but someone would have lost their commission!
Where is the shipment of dynamite now? Sounds like some top level civil servants also need to "grow a pair" and say "NO" when politicians instruct them to do things that are blatantly against the law.
Ezzard, Allden, Arden and all opposition, I,m sure you will aggressively and boldly approach Mr. Billingham while he's here,on the subject of this serious threat of explosives imported in Cayman illegally.
As our representatives I believe It makes sense for you to request that Mr.Billingham order the Comm of police and the governor to inform the public by press release what happened, and who the individual is. If it is a rich developer then we need to name, shame, and run that crazy ballhead out of town.
We also need to expose the politician or elected official who is allowed to interfere with the investigation.
MORE IMPORTANTLY
Mr. Billingham needs to know that we have a weak governor that in ineffective, and not a good steward of our national security for these three islands. We are unsafe under this governor and his governance needs to be called into question as all this corruption, questions and quary is happening on Governor Duncan Taylor's watch.
Ezzard and all opposition, please voice the concerns of the people that we are not satisfied with the RCIP results of investigations that result in a bridge to nowhere with too many missing persons and no arrests nor named persons of interest. If the RCIP name persons of interest it will help in the investigation as anywhereelse in the world. More people would come forward with clues and leads to the right culprit that needs to be apprehended.
Mr. Billingham needs to know that we are totally fedup and disaatisfied with this government regime at the very top as they are more of a disservice than support or protection of the people of the Cayman islands and our overall safety..
With this amount of explosive involved, this is a part of a terrorist plot until proven otherwise. The only reason why government is not releasing information to put the public's minds at ease is because it's another embarassing #@$%-up on their part.
A container load of dynamite? If we use that amount of dynamite correctly we should be able to blow Mac right out of his chair.
that's not gonna be easy! he has a dart to hold em down!
Last year it was shooting up each other. This year is just to bomb up the place. Wow! I am returning to Jamaica next week when I collect my paycheck. And I am buying a one-way ticket.
More like a dynamic case!
With explosive results!
These two fearless men are just doing their jobs! The rest seem to be asleep. The opposition leader is an extremely educated man and should be jumping all over this mess demanding answers.
I agree but unfortunately in our current system politicians collect their fat pay cheques and sometimes their fat pensions at the same time whether they do anything or not. The current system is broken.
Good point the system is broke but for sure not the politicians.
On another note, how are they planning on relocating west bay road?
If my memory serves me correctly, it was Ezzard Miller who called for a thorough police probe of the Premier. So what is the gripe about now. Had it come back to us early in the investigations and showed nothing against Bush then Ezzard would have the bends over it being so quick and not thorough.
Anonymous 1, your statement, "Had it come back to us early in the investigations and showed nothing against Bush", etc" is pure speculation. Permit me to speculate further: Had there been nothing there, it WOULD have come back immediately!
Importer friend of high placed official needs explosives to provide goods for high placed official's other friends who need materialsfor their ongoing business interests.
Provider of material "looks after" high placed official who has power to have the explosives released, so high placed officials orders release the explosives.
Such dictatorial powers supersede the tiresome needs of paperwork and permits.
Its pure CORRUPTION…name names of all concerned and let the consequences unfold.
Substance over process my friend
In other words, the rules don't apply to me; I am the substance and they are the process and what I say goes. A true banana republic mentality. Try that defence in court see how far it gets you.
The last time someone claimed ” le loi c’est moi” it was off with his head!
Then the US police or FBI should take over the case since more than likely the shipment came from the US. I'll bet you they'll put a hole into the investigation forthwith.
those guys are serious.
The question becomes
Can the US sell exposives for export to a consumer without a licence?
Couldn't help but to think about this case as I watched a news update regarding the Anders Breivik (the Oslo, Norway terrorist and mass murderer of last summer) ongoing court trial.
He too purchased a substantial amount of explosives leading up to that fateful day.
These issues cannot be taken lightly.
E.g. The Cayman Islands is awash with many financial institutions which are a prime target for all sorts of organisations – even more so these days. Has anyone been to BAML (Bank America / Merril Lynch) in St. Paul's, London? The security measures there are akin to taking an international flight from a major airport.
This matter needs to be thoroughly investigated and reported to the public – sooner rather than later.
Agreed. At the invitation of the Governor, Chief Superintendent Marlin Degrand of the RCMP is currently looking at serious crime and gang activity in Cayman. Since he has good experience in the area of smuggling of explosives and guns in relation to organized crime and terrorism, hopefully his recommendations will be followed.
Anders Behring Breivik did not buy explosives. He bought fertilizer commonly used for farming which he mixed with other chemicals in order to make a bomb.
Thank you poster, for your astute clarification.
However, the issue here is the proper regulation of dangerous materials.
Furthermore, I strongly doubt the victims of that horrible attack gave two hoots about the actual makeup of the device that killed, injured and terrorized themselves and their loved ones.
A nitrogen fertilizer/diesel (ANFO) based bomb like Brevik's needs a "high" explosive force to detonate it – dynamite, for example. So Whodatis is still on point – access to and control of high explosives like dynamite is in many ways even more important since ANFO became a common terrorist tool. The ingredients of an ANFO bomb are very difficult to control – so focus is on the initiators.
I recall only too well in the UK in the 1980's how concerned the police were over access to and security of explosives bunkers containing comparatively modest amounts of dynamite. In one mine I supervised we had police visit the site twice a day when the site was not operating to ensure the safety of the bunker – and we didnt have anywhere near this quantity. With a reported 64,000 lbs of high explosive you wouldnt even need to build a fertiliser bomb – that quantity would make a huge hole in the centreof George Town, or the side of a cruise ship. To put this in context, the Oklahoma bomb was only 4,800 lbs of ANFO. Irrespective of what the intention was of the importers, having that quantity of high explosive on island and outwith the security arrangments made for explosive storage is exceptionally worrying.
business as usual in cayman…..
CNS, what if the information they have is very sensitive and would jeapordize the investigation?
Is there really an investigation?
I take my hat off to Mr. Ezzard and Mr. Arden in their efforts to stamp out corruption. It is disappointing that the commissioner of police has not updated the public on the state of the long overdue investigation into “financial irregularities” of Mr. Bush. This matter is too serious to be treated so lightly.
Our Premier is a Godly and Christian soul who has worked tirelessly to do what is in the very best interests of these islands. For anyone to even question this man's integrity shows who fall into godlessness this country has gone. We need more men like our Premier and his colleagues in the LA. Then this country and all non-Christian "Caymanians" will get what they deserve!
If you actually believe this then I am afraid of you
I pondered Proverbs 26:4 – 14 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
So I decided to offer no answer, but instead just offer a thank you to UDP Supporter for bringing such humour and wit to CNS on a regular basis.
The living proof of the old adage – “You can fool some of the people all of the time”
UDP Supporter…
You are a truly scary person…just reading your comments causes me to get cold chills of fear.
I'm so thankful I left Cayman forever when I foresaw all this on the horizon…
And that I made the history of the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich a pet study of mine from when I was in primary school.
When I read your comments, I understand how some people can be brainwashed to carry out the actions of others, without thinking, that they do not have and will never have any capacity to understand themselves….just as Hitler's, Stalin's, Bin Laden's and many other's followers were and are still today.
You are a truly dangerous person.
Actually I'm convinced he's a devil worshipper.
Wake up, you are either dreaming or in la-la-land or smoking something real strong….
Our Premier is a Godly and Christian soul who has worked tirelessly?
I did not see that one coming….
Anon 15:18, are you being serious, or is it just a joke? "Godly and Christian"???? LMAO
Truly the Colbert of CNS
Congratulations to UDP Supporter. This must be the post with the most LOLs ever!
So what you got so far, UDP Supporter? Fridge? TV? "church" money? I be honest… I nah take that kind payola.
So expose them then! You're hiding behind the law as well to make unsubstantiated allegations. You know first hand how toothless the law enforcement is so just release the information on public interest grounds. Forget the police investigations- if they haven't got anywhere after 2 years its not going in front of a judge any time soon.
Caymanian = Not Accountable. I apologize to all good Caymanians, but even you cannot deny that very few Caymaians, if any, pay for their crimes.
IN ADDITION… I apologize to all good expats, but even you cannot deny that very few expats, hiding in large establishments here on the island, if any, pay for their crimes and misdeeds.
Could you list some of these expats-hiding-in-large-establishments crimes, Bobo at 16:02? I am a very regular Compass and CNS reader and keenly survey the mainly local crime scene but I have not had your wealth of experience in expat crime fighting obviously.
I am not Bobo but have seen evidence of:
Fraud
Lying to regulators
Corruption
Unethical conduct
Drug use…
lol thank you! they have so much to say about the locals here and look down on us. They need some respect when they go into another man's country. thank you
Since expat criminals could not enter the country due to strict immigration rules, they must have learnt these traits here, from us. You watch. No one is going to jail for the expolosives. It wasn't too long ago an insurance person was "arrested". He certainly can be seen driving everywhere.
Expat criminals come in all the time through:
1. Illegal entry.
2. Passports with assumed identities.
3. False Police Clearance Certificates obtained by bribery.
4. Reliance on Affidavits of No Convictions from certain countries, i.e. I swear that I am not a criminal.
Add
Stealing Pension monies
Not paying health insurance
Not paying overtime
Lying to Immigration
Operating without a license
Importing dynamite
To be fair…the Dynamite importer was given status by his friend…
To be fair. No foreigner gave out status.
…true but only because the guy advising on handing them out got one himself first!
Both groups have one thing in common. Same police force.
…headed by expats.
LOL… you guys need to stop attacking each other and learn that it is people with character that has built this country. It doesn't matter if you are born here or came from outer space
Isn't Northward filled with Caymanians?
I can pretty much guarantee, none of the C's reputedly involved in this will be gong to Northward.
I think that is the point – the expat criminals are getting away.
Boom!
F.O.I. : Further Ongoing Investigation. And you thought it meant freedom of information.
Here we go agian: "The two MLAs said that they would be raising this issue along with many others with the Foreign Office minister, Henry Bellingham." It is like these guys want another TCI takeover! Why would you bring up an alarming issue of dynamite to a foreign minister? This is a high profile case!
I believe you. He wants full British rule. Remember the time Ezzard wanted to fly to London and talk to them about the Premier's investigation of alleged corruption in Cayman. The Premier has not been charged or sentenced for corruption as yet, and already he is corrupt and that paints a bad impression on the islands. Ezzard wanted to paint a larger one by going to the UK.
I think it's nice the dude is coming here instead of Ezzard going there. That way we may not have to pay for the travel expense.
It is my understanding that when Ezzard and his colleagues go to the UK it won't be out of the public purse, but out of their own pockets. That goes to show just how much Ezzard cares about Cayman.
But Ezzard says they are still going – he said that the only reason Mr. Bellingham came here is because he heard Ezzard and his entourage were going to London – really!!!??? They are still going to London so that they can get to the individuals Mr. Bellingham supposedly is trying to prevent them from speaking to.
Obviously if the Premier had been charged or sentenced there would be nothing to fly to London about. The concern is that the investigation is being quietly swept under the carpet as many have been in the past. Ezzard is not the one painting a bad picture of Cayman, it is those who are doing the dirty deeds.
"…the Premier's investigation of alleged corruption in Cayman".
LOL. I think you mean the criminal investigation into alleged corruption by the Premier.
If we do not deal with our mess the UK will have to deal with it for us. If a UK takeover happens it won't be because of Ezzard making a complaint about the lack of progress on these investigations it would be because 'the powers that be' are corrupt.
CNS, you should know that the reasons why they don't want to give out such information, is because of possible TERRORIST activities in the Cayman Islands. You all need to leave the Police alone and allow them to conduct their investigations without the unnecessary harassments!
Agreed! I say we give them 5 years to investigate.
All the more reason why the public need to know…. especially the financial institutions and other big players who, if your account is to be believed, would be the one's most at risk of possible "terrorist activities" against them.
Poor Arden and Ezzard just don't get it. Why in the world would you cut off the money source who you have undercontrol or threat and replace it or him with someone you have to give account to or be responsible to? That Fact is its not about Cayman guys its about the money, andalong as uncle BA BUSKA keeps handing it over on a Whim to our British lords they are not going to bother him its a "Local matter" Now if he steps on one their little corners and impedes them in any way They will unleash Forces of Hellfire and investigations on him.
Could there possibly be a conflict of interest if a politician who is under investigation arranges things so that the anti-corruption agency which is supposed to conduct the investigation is denied the resources to do so? That must be that "good governance" we hear about.
Interesting circle. Elected government refuses to provide funding for the Anti-Corruption Office. Corruption investigations therefore are opened, but never concluded. Because investigations have been initiated, the public is denied any information regarding political corruption. This (and of course an appliance or three) increases the probability that corrupt politicians get re-elected. Once re-elected government refuses to provide funding for the Anti-Corruption Office………..
Must just be a coincidence.
This is all BS.
What happened when firearms were illegally imported in a freezer? Nothing until the Florida police took over the case.
What happened after cocaine was taken on a BA flight to London? Nothing even though the traffickers were caught.
This is another cover up.
or, your speculation 🙂
To 13:49 Thank you! No one can argue with your comments. You are a brilliant individual.