The future of McKeeva Bush’s position as Speaker hangs in the balance, as the veteran politician faces mounting pressure, including from Premier Wayne Panton, to step down from the role.
The Cayman Compass understands, contrary to reports circulating on social media, the premier had already given Bush until 23 Sept. to demit office, having issued a strongly-worded letter requesting his resignation on 15 Sept. following allegations of assault concerning the Speaker.
A copy of the letter has been obtained by the Compass. Sources indicate Panton gave Bush the deadline to resign as Speaker out of respect for the ongoing period of national mourning and the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which he and Governor Martyn Roper are in the UK to attend.
If he does not resign, the next step is a vote in Parliament to remove him, the Compass understands.
It will take a two-thirds majority of members to vote to remove Bush.
The premier, in a late statement Saturday afternoon, addressed the social media reports saying, “it is disappointing that some Members of Parliament cannot show restraint”.
Panton released his letter to Bush along with his statement and added that “whilst a formal written resignation has not been given, I can confirm that I received several messages from Mr. Bush on Friday morning, stating multiple times his intention to resign as Speaker”.
The premier said it was his intent to wait until after the official period of national mourning, and after Bush had submitted his written resignation to the Clerk of Parliament, to issue any further statement on the matter.
“As we conclude the final days of the Official Period of National Mourning, I encourage all residents to show respect and exercise restraint. Now more than ever, let us honour the legacy of Her Late Majesty and be guided by her example of leadership, public service, humility, dignity and grace,” Premier Panton said.
‘I will not look the other way’
“It is my strong view, a view shared by many, that it is now in the best interests of the people of the Cayman Islands if you were to tender your resignation as Speaker on or before 5pm September 23, 2022 as set out in Section 65. 2 (f) of the Constitution. As Premier and Minister responsible for Gender Affairs, I will not look the other way or allow this matter to be swept under the rug. The time has come for men to hold each other accountable, especially for inappropriate conduct towards women,” Panton said in the letter.
In laying out how he arrived at this decision, Panton pointed to a pattern of behaviour from the veteran legislator.
“In light of the unfortunate incidents at the cocktail reception held on Tuesday evening last at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, and considering your history of similar incidents, in respect of some of which you have existing convictions and an outstanding suspended sentence, this makes these latest incidents wholly intolerable,” he said, adding, “It is clear that your conduct is inconsistent with the integrity and decorum required of the Speaker of the House of Parliament of the Cayman Islands.”
In December 2020, Bush was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment on three assault charges, to run concurrently, which was suspended for two years.
The Compass understands any offence committed by Bush before the end of this year could leave the MP in breach of this previous sentence.
In 2017, the Florida State Attorney’s Office announced it would not file a misdemeanour battery charge against Bush, following an incident involving a waitress at a Florida casino.
As Premier and Minister responsible for Gender Affairs, I will not look the other way or allow this matter to be swept under the rug. The time has come for men to hold each other accountable, especially for inappropriate conduct towards women.- Premier Wayne Panton
Ebanks: Bush has ‘agreed to step down’
These latest developments come after some reports online indicated that Bush had agreed to step down as Speaker, after discussions with Infrastructure Minister Jay Ebanks, both of whom are currently in Honduras.
There has been no official word issued by Bush himself outside of the report which was posted on Friday night. Repeated attempts by the Compass to get formal confirmation from both Ebanks and Bush have gone unanswered. The purpose of the overseas trip also remains unclear.
However, Ebanks reportedly told Loop Cayman, after speaking with Bush, he had advised him to walk away from the post of Speaker and he agreed.
According to the report, Ebanks said “I had a talk with Mr Bush tonight. I emphasised the fact that the PACT government just can’t ‘talk’ about accountability, but must be seen to be accountable. While the police investigation is not yet complete, the allegations are serious. In this case, the first step is to relieve Mr Bush from his duties as Speaker,” the statement said.
“Mr Bush understands this and has therefore agreed to step down as Speaker,” the statement adds.
Ebanks then quoted Bush as saying, “I have considered all my people, my constituency, colleagues and my family. Enough of this, enough and the accusations aren’t going to stop as long as I hold a post in government. I know the PACT government is a government for the people and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise the group in any negative light.”
No formal letter of resignation has been handed in up to press time.
The reports followed a statement from Deputy Governor Franz Manderson on Friday dismissing as “incorrect,” what he termed “media conversations” suggesting civil servants’ contracts restricted government workers from reporting matters to the police or other official reporting bodies.
The Opposition has opted not to comment on the investigation at this time.
“In deference to the death of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the Opposition will withhold comment on this matter until the period of national mourning has ended,” it said.
The Governor’s Office has also declined comment on the matter at this time of national mourning and will respond at a later date.
Police have said the investigation into the allegations arising out of Tuesday’s event is still ongoing.
Parliament is set to meet next Wednesday.
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