Ellio Solomon steps in as radio co-host
Morning talk show host Austin Harris has been suspended by radio station Rooster FM following his arrest Monday on suspicion of assaulting a woman.
Mr. Harris, 41, turned himself in to George Town police station following reports of an incident at a private residence in Governor’s Harbour just after 10 p.m. Sunday. He was arrested and bailed on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm and damage to property. He was questioned by detectives again on Tuesday and bailed to report to West Bay police station at a later date. He was not charged.
Mr. Harris has been replaced on the popular morning forum, “Cayman Crosstalk,” which he co-hosts with former United Democratic Party health minister Gilbert McLean, by former UDP legislator Ellio Solomon.
The decision appeared to have an immediate impact, with independent legislators Ezzard Miller and Arden McLean failing to appear for their usual “Super Tuesday” slot.
Mr. Solomon said the pair had decided “for unspecified reasons” not to show up Tuesday.
He invited them, on air, to contact the station about whether they would continue with their regular Tuesday slot. He told the Caymanian Compass he was disappointed that they had chosen not to show up and hoped they would be back in the studio next week.
Arden McLean told the Compass he was unable to attend Tuesday morning’s slot as he usually does because of “prior commitments.”
In a brief statement to the media Monday, station boss Randy Merren said Mr. Harris would remain on suspension until “the issue” is resolved.
He confirmed, “Austin Harris, host of Rooster Radio’s ‘Cayman Crosstalk’ program has been suspended by the station effective immediately. The action was taken based on information learned by management of personal activities that resulted in his arrest.”
The statement confirmed Mr. Solomon, a former host of the show, would temporarily replace Mr. Harris as Gilbert McLean’s co-host.
“We are disappointed to have to take this action today,” Mr. Merren said. “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.”
Mr. Solomon added, “I’ve been asked to head up the show for an unspecified period of time. I think everyone knows the reasons for that, and I’m honored to be asked to represent the public in any way, shape or another.
“It is unfortunate that Mr. Miller and Mr. [Arden] McLean chose not to show up today [Tuesday]. I hope they see the need for this process and come out and represent their constituents on the next Tuesday program. If not, I’m sure someone else will.”
Police confirmed, without naming Mr. Harris, that they are investigating a report of an assault and damage to property at a home in Governor’s Harbour on Sunday night.
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