Premier Wayne Panton responded briefly to the “serious charges” facing his one-time political ally McKeeva Bush, saying the issue is a “matter for the courts”.
The premier, Governor Jane Owen and the Opposition Progressives all steered clear of commenting directly on the allegations against the former Speaker of the House in brief statements Thursday.
Bush appeared in court Wednesday to face charges of rape and sexual assault following a police inquiry into an allegation dating back more than 20 years. He strenuously denies the charges, saying he has “no connection whatsoever” with the woman making the complaint and intends to plead not guilty at the first opportunity. Bush will be back in court on 7 July.
Whether or not the charges have any impact on his political future remains to be seen.
Bush stepped down as Speaker last year, but has remained as an independent MP sitting on the government back benches.
The Opposition has renewed calls for Premier Panton to take action against Bush, including demoting him from his recent appointment to the Public Accounts Committee.
Panton, in his statement, didn’t address Bush’s political future.
He said the news of the charges against the independent MP “has no doubt been met with deep concern across our community”.
Acknowledging that the charges are “serious,” the premier said he could offer no further comment.
“Given the sensitive nature of the same, the rights of the parties involved and the fact that the matter should now be regarded as sub judice, it is inappropriate for me to comment further other than to say that I believe in the integrity of our judicial system and this is now a matter for the courts to address,” Panton said in his statement.
Governor Jane Owen, in a brief comment to the Cayman Compass Thursday, simply said, “I echo the Hon. Premier’s sentiments on the arrest of McKeeva Bush. This is a matter for the authorities.”
A press statement issued by the Progressives was similarly silent on the specifics of the case against Bush.
“Mr Bush has denied the allegations and, like everyone, is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in a Court of Law,” the statement indicated.
PAC role questioned
Nonetheless, the Opposition called on Panton to say whether he intends to continue allowing the MP to remain part of his PACT government, as a backbencher.
Additionally, the opposition questioned whether he would “also allow him to continue as a member of the Public Accounts Committee”.
In April, Panton moved a government motion to have Bush return as a member of the Public Accounts Committee.
Bush filled a vacancy created by the resignation of the new Minister of Border Control and Labour Dwayne Seymour following his ministerial appointment.
The Opposition, in its statement, said it was to their “surprise” that Bush had been appointed by the premier to the Public Accounts Committee and had noted in April that “despite his many admonishments of Mr Bush and the court charges faced by Mr Bush, Premier Panton continues to promote his former speaker into high-profile political positions”.
They also claimed it was only after they sought to bring a motion of no confidence against the then-Speaker Bush last year that the “Premier was able to convince Bush and come to an arrangement with him to step down from his role as Speaker”.
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