Topic: McKeeva Bush
Bush defends record after criticism over PAC appointment
During an impassioned speech in Parliament, McKeeva Bush hit out at Opposition members who said he should not have been reappointed to the Public Accounts Committee.
McKeeva Bush voted back into Public Accounts Committee
During a special sitting of Parliament Friday, legislators voted for former Speaker of the House and West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush to become a member of the Public Accounts Committee, which reviews government audit reports.
McKeeva Bush denies assault charges
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush has denied assaulting two women during a government function last year, and will now go to trial before a jury in September.
Bush says new high school needed in West Bay
Now is the time to begin the planning process to build a new high school in West Bay to enable it to be ready in the next four years, the MP for West Bay West has said.
McKeeva Bush assault case sent to Grand Court
Two charges of indecent assault against West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush have been transferred to the Grand Court at his request following a brief appearance before the Summary Court on Tuesday, 28 March.
McKeeva Bush assault case delayed by a week
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush has had his Summary Court assault case pushed back for another week to allow for a final round of discussions with his attorney.
McKeeva Bush charged with indecent assault
Compass sources have confirmed that McKeeva Bush appeared in court earlier Tuesday morning to answer charges of indecent assault and common assault related to an incident last September at a government event.
Bush case file now with DPP
The police case file on allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled against veteran lawmaker McKeeva Bush is now with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal ruling, police have said.
McKeeva Bush hospitalised for tests
McKeeva Bush was taken to Health City Cayman Islands Monday morning and underwent "a series of tests".
Year in Review: Bush under fire: Political, legal woes follow veteran leader
2022 started off relatively quiet politically for West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, but that was by no means an indication of what to come for the veteran lawmaker.
Parliament supports motion to raise building heights to 20 storeys
Lawmakers have backed a motion to double the maximum height of buildings in Cayman to 20 storeys.
Lawmakers vote for Gov’t to consider a freeze Sandbar licences
Legislators voted unanimously in favour of private member's motion to consider putting a freeze on new Wildlife Interaction Zone licences and create a multi-agency task force to address issues affecting Caymanian operators plying their trade on the water.
Bush calls for freezing new Wildlife Interaction Zone licences
A private member's motion filed by West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush is seeking a moratorium on new Wildlife Interaction Zone licences.
Bush pushes for building heights of 30 storeys
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush has set his sights on a change in local building heights from the current maximum of ten storeys to 30 storeys and he is taking a motion to Parliament to get government to commit to a policy on it.
Bush vows to ‘call it a day’ at the end of his term
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, for the second time in recent weeks, delivered a swan song in Parliament as he declared he would not seek reelection at the end of his term.
McKeeva Bush investigated over historical sexual assault allegation
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush is under investigation for a new allegation of sexual assault, dating back more than two decades.
Bush case submitted to prosecutors
A preliminary file regarding allegations of inappropriate behaviour by now former House Speaker McKeeva Bush is with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Parliament passes 6 pieces of legislation in single day
Members of Parliament pushed through six pieces of legislation on Monday, during a sitting of the House which was boycotted by Opposition members and marked the final time McKeeva Bush would preside over the chamber as Speaker.
Speaker remains in post as deadline to resign passes
Speaker McKeeva Bush had not publicly resigned from the post as the deadline set by Premier Wayne Panton for him to step down passed on Friday.
The issue explained: Removing Speaker McKeeva Bush
What happens if the Speaker refuses to resign, how will he be removed from the role and what will the political fall-out look like for PACT? We answer some of the key questions around McKeeva Bush's future.
Premier tells Speaker: ‘Tender your resignation’
The future of McKeeva Bush's position as Speaker hangs in the balance, as the veteran politician faces mounting pressure to step down from the role, including from Premier Wayne Panton.
UK politician accused of conflict of interest over Cayman, BVI legal work
Geoffrey Cox who successfully defended former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush in 2014 has come under fire for his legal work in the overseas territories.
Premier addresses Speaker’s border-reopening disapproval
Premier Wayne Panton said Speaker of the Parliament McKeeva Bush’s public disapproval of the PACT government’s plan to reopen Cayman’s borders is a personal view.
Editorial: Why the Compass published the McKeeva Bush assault video
We believe the release of the video gives everyone in Cayman a clearer picture of what happened and better evidence to draw their own conclusions.
Bush responds to video release of Coral Beach incident
House Speaker McKeeva Bush responded to the release of the CCTV footage of the Coral Beach incident used in his conviction last year, saying “The people spoke and they’re seeing now."
EXCLUSIVE: CCTV video of McKeeva Bush assault
The Cayman Compass, in partnership with Nelsons law firm, has obtained CCTV footage used in the conviction of House Speaker McKeeva Bush for assault last year.
The issue explained: Can Speaker Bush help PACT form a stable government?
With the PACT team of independents and the Progressives and their partners locked at 9-9, McKeeva Bush has become the kingmaker and looks set to return to the Speaker's chair where he could cast the deciding vote to make Wayne Panton Premier. We explain some of the law and the debate surrounding the viability of that arrangement.
Cayman Voices: Mac PACT deal a ‘price too high to pay’
Cayman Voices founder Taura Ebanks has spoken out against the Wayne Panton-led PACT deal which puts West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush back in the Speaker's chair.
Bush explains PACT with Panton
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush issued a fresh apology for his assault on a woman last year as he confirmed he signed on to be Speaker in Wayne Panton’s coalition of independents in a move that could help them secure the government.
McKeeva Bush meets with Panton but no deal announced
McKeeva Bush departed talks with Wayne Panton and his coalition of independents on Friday afternoon, with no official word on whether the Speaker would be involved in helping Panton shore up his coalition.
Mac back in the fray as negotiations continue
Wayne Panton's coalition of independents could be back on, with McKeeva Bush entering the fray as a possible partner for the group.
West Bay alliance trio take to stage
Just hours after nominations for the 2021 general election closed, three of the West Bay candidates were on a stage outlining their plans and manifestos.
Bush: ‘Argument over gratuities’ led to Coral Beach assault
House Speaker McKeeva Bush has said he was ready to face the no confidence motion filed against him and he had a motion of his own ready to trigger against Opposition Leader Arden McLean and North Side MP Ezzard Miller.
Bush won’t serve jail time for assault
Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush will not serve jail time after being convicted of disorderly conduct and assault charges stemming from an incident earlier this year where Bush physically assaulted a female staff member at a West Bay Road bar.
Demonstrators gather to protest against Speaker Bush
Dozens of demonstrators gathered at Heroes Square Friday to rally for the removal of McKeeva Bush from the Speaker's chair after he pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
EDITORIAL – MPs need to hold Bush accountable
Holding Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush fully accountable for his behaviour is the only acceptable step commensurate with the respect that should be conferred to a parliamentarian.
Protest planned over lawmakers’ lack of accountability
Protesters plan to hold a demonstration over a lack of accountability of elected lawmakers on Friday afternoon, 11 Dec., outside the former Legislative Assembly building.
Bush pleads guilty to common assault charges
The trial for Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush began unexpectedly in Summary Court 3 Dec. after he pleaded guilty to three of four...
Podcast: Top Stories 16 August
Compass Editor Kevin Morales shares the week's top headlines from the Cayman Islands. First, cruise tourism will not return to Cayman until 2021. Then, the Pan-American Health Organization changes Cayman’s COVID-19 transmission level from ‘sporadic’ to ‘no cases’.
Cabinet planning exemptions used to fast-track park projects
Since 2017, 12 properties in Grand Cayman, including the site of the now-abandoned Smith Barcadere redevelopment project, have been granted Cabinet exemptions from planning permission. The exemptions have allowed government to streamline projects championed by legislators, such as community parks, without subjecting them to the standard approval process.
Premier: Bush’s role to be reviewed after court case decided
West Bay MLA McKeeva Bush continues in his role as Speaker of the House but will not preside over the Legislative Assembly until his legal issues, concerning charges of common assault and disorderly conduct, have been resolved, Premier Alden McLaughlin said during Monday’s press briefing.
Half a century of Mount Trashmore
What started as an informal dump site in the 1960s has now become a protagonist in day-to-day life in Cayman. The Compass compiled a short history of waste management in Grand Cayman to explain how the island got to this point.
Miller: No-confidence motion not going away
North Side MLA Ezzard Miller has said even though he was unable to secure the numbers to trigger a special sitting of the Legislative Assembly, he is not giving up on his push for a no-confidence vote in House Speaker McKeeva Bush.
Opposition calls on government to convene House sitting
North Side MLA Ezzard Miller is calling on the Opposition to join him in convening a special sitting of the Legislative Assembly to debate a motion of no confidence in House Speaker McKeeva Bush.
Behind the Scenes: the McKeeva Incident (audio)
News of ‘an incident’ involving Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush at a West Bay establishment has ignited debate and driven speculation in the Cayman Islands. Host Kayla Young interviews journalist Reshma Ragoonath about her coverage of the event, questions about conduct by elected officials, and the #sheissupported movement.
Bernie Bush resigns as Deputy Speaker
West Bay North MLA Bernie Bush has resigned as Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
EDITORIAL: It’s time for Bush to resign
When it comes to violence against women, there is no room for debate. Confusion is not an excuse. Drunkenness is not an excuse. Grief is not an excuse.
Roper expresses concern over Bush allegation
Governor Martyn Roper has expressed concern over allegations of an assault on a female bar manager levelled against House Speaker McKeeva Bush.
Prayers and praise offered for Cayman
Governor Martyn Roper has urged Cayman to maintain its Christian values of respect and tolerance.
Quake aftermath: Lawmakers praise building code
Cayman’s strict building code came in for high praise from lawmakers after minimal damage was recorded following last Tuesday’s earthquake.
West Bay celebrates ‘Old Time New Year’
West Bayers turned out in force on Wednesday for the annual ‘Old Time New Year’ family fun day hosted by government minister and West Bay South MLA Tara Rivers at the Ed Bush Stadium.
West Bay seniors celebrated
West Bay seniors were celebrated at the annual Christmas party, hosted by House Speaker McKeeva Bush and the West Bay West Enhancement Council at the Leo Ebanks Children's Playground on Ebanks Road.
Lawmakers underscore need for more modern Elections Law
Revision of Cayman’s Elections Law was discussed on Wednesday in the Legislative Assembly. Opposition Leader Arden McLean raised the issue during committee stage of the review of the Referendum Bill for the people initiated vote on government's $200 million cruise berthing and port project.
Bush to represent small nations in Commonwealth council
Cayman’s Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush has been elected to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Small Branches Executive Council, on which he will represent all small countries in the world body.
Cayman officials visit agriculture and food show in Jamaica
A delegation from the Cayman Islands picked up some tips and got a firsthand look at Jamaica’s agriculture industry this week.
Speaker Bush celebrates Isle of Man national day
Legislative Assembly Speaker McKeeva Bush is representing the Cayman Islands at Tynwald Day 2019, the Isle of Man national day celebrations.
Town hall renamed ‘Constitution Hall’
George Town’s historic town hall has a new name.
Churches hold anti-gay marriage rally
An estimated 2,000 people, many dressed in white, attended a rally in downtown George Town on Saturday afternoon to protest against a recent court decision to change the Marriage Law to legalise same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
Speaker Bush renews criticism of human rights chairman
Speaker McKeeva Bush said Thursday he had received a “faux apology” from Human Rights Commission chairman James Austin-Smith over his statement criticising government’s decision to appeal the historic court ruling that legalised same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
EDITORIAL – Ensuring a firm foundation for marriage equality
The landmark legalisation of same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands has unleashed powerful emotions. With them have surfaced all sorts of misinformation and confusion over legal rights, separation of powers and personal beliefs.
Bush calls for human rights chair to be fired
Speaker McKeeva Bush led calls for Human Rights Commission chair James Austin-Smith to be fired for speaking out against the government’s decision to appeal an historic ruling legalising same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands.
UPDATE: Speaker Bush calls on governor to fire Human Rights chairman
Speaker McKeeva Bush has called for Human Rights Commission Chairman James Austin-Smith to be immediately fired by Governor Martyn Roper, following the commission’s statement Thursday criticising government’s decision to appeal the chief justice’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage.
East End resident Ina Connor celebrates 100th birthday
Ina Victoria Connor celebrated her 100th birthday at the East End Sunrise Cottage residential home with family and friends on Friday. More than 50 people attended the birthday party, at which the East End Kitchen Band provided the music.
EDITORIAL – Construction on Seven Mile Beach: Is the sky the limit?
Skyscrapers on Grand Cayman? Back away from the ledge, and break out the smelling salts – envisioning future progress is not for the faint of heart.
Speaker calls for 50-story buildings on Seven Mile Beach
Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush believes buildings of 50 stories and higher are the next step for Cayman’s tourism product.
New Year’s message from the Speaker of the House
As we approach and count down to the New Year, we ought to take the opportunity to reflect and prepare for what is ahead. Despite a few unfortunate stories which may have impacted our collective consciousness, there are still promising and countless experiences and developments from last year that remind us we are prosperous, fortunate and blessed across these Islands.
Governor and family enjoy festive party
The governor and his wife enjoyed a festive Christmas party at Government House last week at their last official function of 2018.
Prisoners help Public Works to build new West Bay playgrounds
Prisoners are helping to create a new children’s playground in West Bay.
Speaker Bush attends meeting in London for Royal Commonwealth Society
Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush is representing the Cayman Islands branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association this week during the 150th meeting of The Royal Commonwealth Society in London.
EDITORIAL – Will England’s ‘baritone barrister’ replace Theresa May?
Mr. Cox recently ignited his fellow conservatives with a speech in which he spoke passionately about the “opportunity” facing Great Britain as it negotiates its way toward Brexit.
Bush’s lawyer wows UK Conservative conference
Geoffrey Cox, the lawyer who successfully defended former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush in his three-week corruption trial in 2014, was proclaimed as the “star” of the U.K. Conservative Party Conference last week after a rousing pro-Brexit speech that had some British commentators hailing him as a potential prime minister.
