Topic: McKeeva Bush
McKeeva Bush acquitted of indecent assault after Crown drops case
Former Premier McKeeva Bush was found not guilty of indecent assault in Grand Court on Friday morning, 5 Sept., after the Crown prosecution confirmed it would not be pursuing the case against him.
Court of Appeal rules McKeeva Bush can face indecent assault retrial
Court of Appeal judges have ruled that McKeeva Bush can be retried for indecent assault in relation to a Grand Court case that was halted mid-trial last year.
10 surprising facts about Cayman’s Constitution
Uncover fascinating facts about the Constitution of the Cayman Islands and the evolution of its governance system.
DPP appeals dismissal of McKeeva Bush indecent assault case
Three appeals court judges heard arguments from lawyers Tuesday on whether McKeeva Bush's indecent assault trial last year should have been dismissed.
McKeeva Bush sets sights on new opponent: single-member constituencies
After losing an election for the first time in 40 years, McKeeva Bush said on Thursday that he was in “a state of reluctant relief”.
Julie Hunter topples McKeeva Bush in West Bay West
Election night’s largest upset has been dealt by West Bay West candidate Julie Hunter, a first-time contender representing the Cayman Islands National Party. Hunter has done what no other Cayman Islands candidate has been able to do and has defeated incumbent McKeeva Bush as an MP challenger by a margin of just 19 votes.
McKeeva Bush a no-show at West Bay West candidates’ forum
The 13th candidate forum, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, was a solo affair on Monday, with only Julie Hunter attending for West Bay West.
MP says ‘global reset’ means Cayman must marshal all its resources
Chris Saunders said that using the knowledge of Cayman's diverse populous would help the country find its way through a "global reset".
Long-delayed psychiatric centre expects first patients next week
Politicians gathered at the Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre in East End as the 54-bed unit officially opened, years behind schedule.
Julie Hunter challenges McKeeva Bush’s West Bay West seat
The West Bay West race begun in earnest on Tuesday when banker and community activist Julie Hunter announced her candidacy as incumbent MP McKeeva Bush hosted his first pre-election public meeting in the district.
Court to hear appeal of decision to halt McKeeva Bush indecent assault case
The Court of Appeal has set a date of 13 May 2025 - two weeks after the April general election - to hear an appeal against a Grand Court judge's decision to abandon former Premier McKeeva Bush's indecent assault trial earlier this year.
Divisions over conservation law and conduct in Cabinet led to government split
Division over the handling of a number of key policy priorities including the National Conservation Act, beach erosion, the Cayman Brac high school project and the landfill deal contributed to the collapse of the UPM coalition this week, the Compass understands.
Seymour calls claims of UPM infighting ‘political mischief’
Dwayne Seymour labelled claims of infighting within the United People's Movement government as political mischief.
McKeeva Bush kicks off re-election bid with new political organisation
As he prepares to contest his West Bay West seat one last time, former Premier McKeeva Bush has launched a new political organisation that aims to run a slate of candidates at the next general election.
Minister slapped down over incitement to violence concern
A government minister was ordered to withdraw remarks that could be seen as an incitement to violence during a fiery debate over the future of a beach traditionally used by fishermen.
Appeal filed over judge’s decision to drop McKeeva Bush indecent assault trial
Director of Public Prosecutions Simon Davis says his office will appeal Justice Stanley John's decision to halt an indecent assault trial in February this year involving former Premier McKeeva Bush.
Judge says he erred in dropping February indecent assault case against McKeeva Bush
Justice Stanley John, who earlier this year halted a Grand Court case in which former Premier McKeeva Bush was charged with indecently assaulting two female civil servants, says he made an error in putting a stop to the entire case.
Bush wants commission of inquiry into ‘persecution’ after rape acquittal
Former Premier McKeeva Bush, who on Monday was acquitted of rape and indecent assault charges, is calling for a commission of inquiry into what he described as "persecution" of him by officials in Cayman.
McKeeva Bush found not guilty of rape and indecent assault
Former Premier McKeeva Bush has been found not guilty on charges of rape and indecent assault in relation to allegations dating back two decades.
Jury begins deliberation in Bush rape trial
The jury of four women and three men in the McKeeva Bush rape trial has retired to begin their verdict deliberations.
Prosecutors say Bush rape accuser deserves ‘to be heard’
The prosecution in the McKeeva Bush rape trial has urged the jury to believe the woman who says the veteran politician raped her on a dark side road one night two decades ago, insisting that she would not have gone through the trauma of telling her story publicly unless it were true.
McKeeva Bush: Rape allegations are ‘pure, unadulterated lies’
Former Premier McKeeva Bush has told a Grand Court jury that allegations of rape and indecent assault against him are "pure unadulterated lies", which are being brought by powerful people who want to see him ousted from public office.
Witnesses recall hearing rape allegations against Bush
Two witnesses have told a Grand Court jury that a woman confided in them that she had been raped by former premier McKeeva Bush, who is on trial in relation to the allegations which are said to have occurred more than 20 years ago.
Alleged victim in Bush rape trial broke silence ‘for my own sanity’
A woman who has accused former premier McKeeva Bush of raping her two decades ago told a Grand Court jury Tuesday she had come forward now because she had finally built up the courage to stop keeping it a secret.
Woman tells police she ‘froze’ during alleged Bush rape
The jury in the McKeeva Bush rape trial on Monday watched a police interview with the alleged victim, who told officers she "froze" in shock and confusion as she was sexually assaulted by the veteran politician as she was driving him home.
Prosecutors allege McKeeva Bush raped woman who drove him home from a bar
Former premier McKeeva Bush assaulted and raped a woman as she gave him a lift home from a bar because he was too drunk to drive, prosecutors alleged Friday.
McKeeva Bush rape trial adjourned as hurricane nears
Justice Roy James on Tuesday instructed the jury in the McKeeva Bush rape trial to stand down until Friday, to give them time to make storm preparations, as Hurricane Beryl heads towards Cayman.
Jury selected in McKeeva Bush rape trial
A seven-member jury panel has been selected in the case against West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush who is due to stand trial for an allegation of rape.
McKeeva Bush rape trial still stalled
For the third successive day, legal arguments were heard between lawyers and the judge presiding over the McKeeva Bush rape trial in the Grand Court on Wedneday.
Opening of Bush rape trial delayed
The selection of a jury in the rape trial of West Bay West MP and former premier McKeeva Bush was delayed for another day on Monday while the court discussed "administrative" issues.
Visiting judge flies in with McKeeva Bush rape trial to begin
Jury selection in a rape trial involving former premier McKeeva Bush begins Monday, after the West Bay West MP was denied an adjournment in the matter.
Bush says conservation law changes needed, as others object
Government backbencher McKeeva Bush broke the UPM's silence on amendments to the National Conservation Act on Thursday as he confirmed changes were on the way, however he denied allegations that the legislation will be "gutted."
‘Abuse of process’ judgment that halted Bush trial under wraps
Detailed reasons for the decision to halt the indecent assault case against former McKeeva Bush are being kept under wraps until the conclusion of a second criminal case involving the former Premier.
Judge: Bush conspiracy theory a ‘quantum leap’
More than a month before McKeeva Bush's indecent assault trial began, a judge at a pre-trial hearing rejected efforts by his defence team to get the court to order a search for correspondence they felt would show a conspiracy theory involving a former police commissioner and governor.
Bush defence team claims complainant was ‘misled’ into court
McKeeva Bush's defence team claimed one of the alleged victims in his indecent assault trial was "tricked" into being a party in the court case against the former premier.
Bush court ruling ‘very damning finding,’ says McTaggart
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has said both the Governor and the Judicial and Legal Services Commission "cannot simply turn a blind eye" to the finding made in the McKeeva Bush case which was stopped on Thursday and the veteran lawmaker discharged.
McKeeva Bush indecent assault trial collapses
The indecent assault trial against McKeeva Bush collapsed on Thursday, after the judge ruled abuse of process from the prosecution.
Legal arguments continue for third day in Bush trial
Counsel for the defence and the prosecution continued legal arguments for the third consecutive day in the McKeeva Bush indecent assault trial.
Legal arguments continue in McKeeva Bush trial
Prosecution and defence lawyers continued to make legal arguments in the absence of the jury in the McKeeva Bush indecent assault trial on Tuesday.
Bush trial adjourned for a day
Justice Stanley John on Monday morning adjourned the McKeeva Bush indecent assault trial until Tuesday morning to enable legal arguments to be carried out in the absence of the jury.
Bush ‘love bite’ victim did not want criminal investigation
One of the alleged victims in former Speaker McKeeva Bush’s indecent assault trial repeatedly told authorities she did not feel his behaviour was criminal and did not want to be involved in a police investigation.
‘The Speaker of the House bit me’ alleges complainant in Bush trial
The first alleged victim to give evidence in McKeeva Bush’s indecent assault trial has told how she was left feeling "embarrassed and uncomfortable” after the former premier hugged her and kissed her twice on the shoulder during a government cocktail reception.
Bush’s defence questions woman’s actions after alleged assault
McKeeva Bush's defence team on Wednesday attempted to cast doubt on the indecent assault accusations made against him in his trial, noting that one of the complainants is seen on video putting her arm around him and rubbing his back immediately after he allegedly assaulted her.
Jurors watch footage, visit hotel, in Bush indecent assault trial
Jurors on Tuesday watched several minutes of footage that prosecutors say show the incidents that led to the former premier and Speaker of the House, McKeeva Bush, being charged with the indecent assault of two women.
Prosecution: Bush allegedly left teeth marks and ‘love bite’ on victim
On the first day of the indecent assault trial of politician McKeeva Bush, jurors were told that he left teeth marks and a love bite on the skin of one woman, and kissed the shoulder of another while her husband stood nearby, at a cocktail reception attended by government leaders from around the Caribbean region.
Delay to start of McKeeva Bush assault trial
Legal arguments have delayed the start of McKeeva Bush’s indecent assault trial this morning.
All eyes on Grand Court as McKeeva Bush trial set to begin
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.
Senior civil servants to give evidence in McKeeva Bush trial
Deputy Govern Franz Manderson and Tourism Ministry Chief Officer Stran Bodden are among more than a dozen witnesses who are expected to give evidence on behalf of the prosecution in the upcoming assault trial of West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush.
McKeeva Bush to stand trial for assault in February
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush is expected to proceed to trial on 19 Feb., following a brief court appearance on Wednesday, 31 Jan. for a jury selection proceeding.
Year in review: Cayman’s political scene shifts after ‘musical chairs’
Cayman's political landscape was marked by turmoil, twists and tactical manoeuvres in 2023, culminating in the replacement of a sitting premier and a rebranded coalition of independent MPs leading government.
MPs propose review of National Conservation Council’s oversight
A conversation on planning applications this week saw MPs strongly suggest that the National Conservation Council’s powers in the process are excessive.
New dates set in McKeeva trials
Former Premier McKeeva Bush has been given new trial dates for charges of rape and indecent assault.
McKeeva Bush among parliamentary secretaries named by UPM government
McKeeva Bush is back in an official government role and formally part of Juliana O'Connor-Connolly's new United People's Movement administration after being appointed as one of three new parliamentary secretaries this week.
Timeline of troubled PACT coalition
Premier Wayne Panton has had a long-running battle to keep his PACT government, made up of members who ran as independents, intact.
Miller: Election, not ‘horse trading’, only way to break political deadlock
Former legislator Ezzard Miller says he believes the existing parliamentary situation should be solved at the polls and not by MPs "horse trading" to fix a hung Parliament.
Bush: ‘PACT members asked premier to step down’
Former government backbencher McKeeva Bush laid bare the infighting among government members Friday morning, saying it got to a point where the PACT team had asked Premier Wayne Panton to resign and he refused.
Opposition calls on premier to resign or face no-confidence vote
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has called on Premier Wayne Panton to resign by 3pm on Friday or face a vote of no confidence next week in a special sitting of Parliament.
Parliament deadlocked as McKeeva Bush quits government
McKeeva Bush has quit the PACT coalition, leaving Parliament practically deadlocked and government holding on to power by the slimmest of margins.
Bush calls for ‘better balance’ on population growth
The Cayman Islands needs to find a ‘better balance’ between economic success fuelled by population growth and the values and wellbeing of its people, former Premier McKeeva Bush told global political leaders at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Ghana this week.
MPs vote for independent investigation of high electricity bills
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, stating his electricity bill tripled over two months this summer to more than $4,000 and led to him being put on a repayment plan, has called on lawmakers to investigate how local power companies bill their customers.
McKeeva Bush assault trial pushed back to November
The 11 September start date of an assault trial of former Premier McKeeva Bush has been rescheduled to early November after his defence council raised concerns about the disclosure of evidence, which they say will prove a hidden agenda by Bush’s enemies to oust him from power and besmirch his reputation.
McKeeva Bush’s OBE revoked by UK over ‘criminal conviction’
Former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush has had his Officer of the Order of the British Empire award revoked by King Charles III due to his conviction for assault, according to the UK government.
McKeeva Bush renounces OBE
King Charles III has agreed to legislator McKeeva Bush's request to renounce his Order of the British Empire – an honour awarded for accomplishments in arts and science or service to the community.
Bush pleads ‘absolutely, definitely not guilty’ in rape case
Former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush has entered not guilty pleas to charges of rape and indecent assault, stemming from allegations dating back more than two decades.
Bush’s rape case delayed as legal costs mount
Former Premier McKeeva Bush made his initial Grand Court appearance on charges of rape and indecent assault Friday, only to have the matter delayed as he sorts out finances for his defence.
Local leaders respond to Bush charges
While local leaders steered clear of commenting on the charges filed against West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, the Opposition has turned the spotlight on Premier Wayne Panton.
McKeeva Bush defiant amid rape and indecent assault charges
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush appeared in court this morning charged with rape and indecent assault stemming from an alleged incident in 2000, police have confirmed.
CUC: Higher usage, not rising fuel rates behind bill increases
The Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. says more use of air conditioning as the summer temperatures rise is behind the higher electricity bills many in Cayman are seeing this month, rather than any substantial increases in fuel rates.
Lawmakers support motion to pause bank rate increases
Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday evening for government to continue discussions with local banks for existing interest rates to be cut and pause further increases.
Legislators question legality of road EIA under ‘defunct’ conservation council
Members of Parliament have questioned the legality of an environmental impact assessment on the East-West Arterial extension which was ordered by the National Conservation Council, now that the council is not operating because several of its members' terms have expired.
Parliament backs motion for gratuities task force investigation
A private member’s motion asking for a task force to be set up to investigate the distribution of gratuities in the tourism industry has been given full support in Parliament.
MPs support motion for new West Bay high school
Parliament has given its full support to a private member’s motion asking that the government include funds in its next budget for a new high school in West Bay.
