All eyes on Grand Court as McKeeva Bush trial set to begin

Latest: Start of McKeeva Bush assault case delayed

The eyes of Cayman will be on the Grand Court in George Town today, as former Premier and Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush stands trial on charges of indecent assault.

Almost 18 months since it was alleged that Bush assaulted two women at a Caribbean Tourism Organization reception at The Ritz-Carlton, the details of those allegations will be laid out in court.

Bush has pled not guilty to two charges of indecent assault and two counts of common assault.

He remained defiant ahead of the trial, telling the Compass Friday, that he believed he would be vindicated.

“The truth will come out”, he said.

If all goes to schedule, the prosecution will lay out its case on the opening morning of the trial, Monday.

A host of high-profile witnesses, including Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, is scheduled to give evidence over what is listed as a five-day trial.

West Bay West MP Bush will also have the chance to take the stand to give his side of the story later in the week.

Multiple precautions have been taken, meanwhile, to ensure a fair trial for one of the most well-known political figures in the country.

A visiting judge – Stanley John, of Trinidad and Tobago – was sworn in at Government House last week to preside over the hearing. Justice John currently serves as an appeals court judge in the fellow British territory of Turks and Caicos Islands.

A seven-member jury, along with four alternates, was sworn in last week after a three-hour process, including a questionnaire designed to ensure an impartial panel. Potential jurors were quizzed on their relationships with the defendant, their knowledge of the events in question, and what they had read in the media about the case.

Both lead counsel in the case have been flown in from the UK.

Bush will be represented by Sallie Bennett-Jenkins, KC, and supported by his local representative Dennis Brady.

The Crown will be represented by Charles Miskin, KC, supported by Hema Soondarsingh and Toyin Salako.

The trial is scheduled to start at 10am.