Topic: McKeeva Bush
$620,000 payout to retired customs officers
Two senior Cayman Islands customs officers received more than $600,000 in salary and pension payments upon their retirement from the service at the beginning of the current government budget year. The payments were made during the previous government budget (2015/16) and were reported in the Ministry of Finance’s annual financial statements as “additional expenses in personnel” by the customs service.
Lawyers bill compromise flops; debate continues
A Cayman Islands government minister signaled Tuesday that some changes to a controversial proposal seeking to further regulate the practice of law in the islands would have to be made before the bill is approved.
Crowded field facing off in Bodden Town
Cars jammed the sides of the main road from the public library to Cox Lumber as passing motorists honked their horns and shouted encouragement in the direction of two separate, competing events – announcing the political candidacies of election hopefuls Dwayne Seymour and Robert Bodden.
Lawmaker reveals origins of MLA ‘following’ claim
Further allegations were made Thursday regarding local law firms hiring a private company to follow two Cayman Islands legislators.
Lawyers bill review to continue in private
Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly members will meet privately starting Monday afternoon in attempts to reach a compromise on the much-debated controversial Legal Practitioners Bill. The “in-camera” session of the House is set to start at 3 p.m.
Legislature may go until last day
Government is running out of time to consider a long list of potential laws, including the Legal Practitioners Bill, the elimination of independent FOI and complaints commissioner’s offices and the establishment of local fuel market regulations, as lawmakers face the final three weeks of their current term.
Bush, McKeeva
McKeeva Bush is a Cayman Democratic Party candidate for West Bay West.
2017 election could eclipse candidate record
Although the total number of candidates who will contest the May 24 vote probably will not be known until nomination day, March 29, it is easily possible that a new record number of political hopefuls could be set.
Political coalitions forming ahead of May 2017 election
At least four, and potentially five political coalitions or political parties are readying to contest the Cayman Islands general election on May 24. Both major political parties, the Progressives and the Cayman Democratic Party, intend to field a slate of candidates.
Legal change ‘clears the way’ for new developments
A number of “stalled” developments, particularly along Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach corridor, may be able to get under way now that laws regarding how high those structures can be built have been clarified, according to a recent legal analysis.
Bush: Setting the record straight on South America
In the Jan. 4 issue of the Compass, the minister of tourism published plans to get a consultant for the South American tourism market. In that article, the PPM minister tries to make it look like proper work was not done before on the matter of promoting the country in that region. Not so!
Opposition MLAs question boxing ticket giveaway
Complimentary tickets for Saturday’s Island Rumble – attended by Philippines boxing legend Manny Pacquiao – were being handed out Friday at the Progressives Bodden Town MLA office, according to text messages sent around last week.
More than 600 attend senior citizens social
The annual senior citizens social, hosted by the West Bay Community Council and West Bay MLAs McKeeva Bush, Capt. Eugene Ebanks and Bernie Bush, attracted more than 600 people when it was held on Dec. 17 at the Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall.
Opposition Leader’s 2017 New Year’s message
My fellow Caymanians, it is with a grateful heart that I address you at the dawn of this New Year.
Christmas Message 2016: From Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush
It is with pleasure that I bring seasons greetings from myself, my wife Kerry and our family, also from all of my colleagues. I take this opportunity to share a few Christmas thoughts with all of our citizens and all of our visitors in these beloved Cayman Islands.
EDITORIAL – The troubling issues surrounding the Hewitt bankruptcy
In May 2013, Velma Powery-Hewitt ran for legislative office in West Bay, finishing fifth in the four-member district. The winners included fellow United Democratic Party candidates McKeeva Bush, Bernie Bush and Eugene Ebanks – as well as one independent candidate, Tara Rivers, who would go on to join the Progressives government in a ministerial position.
EDITORIAL – Westward ho! Cayman’s future is Seven Mile Beach
“Go west, young man, and grow up with the country.”
Over the past decade, the closest thing the Cayman Islands government has had to a...
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30 Stories — Today's editorial cartoon
EDITORIAL – Should Cayman rise to new heights?
In Grand Cayman, there is very little prime land (i.e. “sand”) available for development. In some key plots with pre-existing structures, the only direction for developers is skyward. However, proper execution would require a far more advanced and sophisticated legal and regulatory framework than Cayman currently has in place.
‘We must build higher’: Bush calls for 7MB buildings up to 30 stories
As Cayman’s first 10-story buildings opened on Seven Mile Beach on Tuesday, Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush called for developers to be allowed to build higher.
Hailed as ‘jewel’ of tourism sector, Kimpton opens doors
Immediately hailed as a “new jewel” of Grand Cayman’s tourism industry, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, opened for guests on Tuesday. The 266-room hotel has been four years in the making.
Veterans, seamen honored on Remembrance Sunday
War veterans and those who lost their lives at sea were honored Sunday as the Cayman Islands joined Commonwealth nations around the world in solemn remembrance. Police in ceremonial uniform marched through George Town before the laying of the wreaths at the cenotaph and seamen’s memorial.
Jury in status scam trial told not to speculate
Justice Michael Wood began his summing up on Monday in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who has pleaded not guilty to 27 counts of obtaining property by deception and one count of theft of a passport.
EDITORIAL – Minister Bodden: Focusing attention on our elderly
Minister Osbourne Bodden has done well to pick up the mantle on behalf of Cayman’s seniors. Whoever becomes his successors in future governments, it behooves them to carry on this noble cause. What is at stake is nothing less than Cayman’s dignity – and its legacy.
Premier talks Brexit, budget, beer in London
The Cayman Islands government may wish to pay off some of its $500 million in debts early, according to statements made during the week-long Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London.
Defendant says status seekers threatened his life
Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks continued to take money from people by representing that it was for Caymanian status or permanent residence even after he suspected the offer was a scam, he told a court on Tuesday.
Immigration scam case: Former press secretary to McKeeva testifies
Charles Glidden, former press secretary to the premier from 2010 to 2013, gave evidence last week in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who is accused of collecting $164,700 largely by falsely representing that cash was required as payment for a legitimate grant of Caymanian status or permanent residency.
Immigration scam witness claims she paid $32,000 for status grants
A woman who paid $32,000 for what she believed would be legitimate grants of Caymanian status told the court on Tuesday that she had a meeting with McKeeva Bush and his attorney. Norma Richards was giving evidence in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who has pleaded not guilty to obtaining a total of $167,400 from various complainants.
Lawmakers’ debate turns into political fight
A Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly debate this week over changes to the public bidding rules turned into a political fight ahead of the May 2017 general election. The Progressives-led government brought forward a long-recommended Procurement Bill, which was approved by lawmakers late Monday after some debate over what amounted to “political interference” in the public sector bidding process.
Legal Practitioners Bill stalled, may return for vote in 2017
Another attempt to pass modern regulatory standards for Cayman Islands lawyers ahead of an international financial review failed Tuesday as the Progressives-led administration agreed to push back a vote on the Legal Practitioners Bill (2016) until the next Legislative Assembly meeting is held, possibly in January.
Recruiter says immigration status defendant ‘brainwashed us’
A woman who recruited people to pay $2,000 for status told the judge and jury on Tuesday that defendant Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks had “brainwashed” her and two other women into believing that everything about the scheme had to go through him because he was “their right-hand man.”
Bush ‘conspiracy’ lawsuit: Ex-governor Taylor served with writ
Former Cayman Islands Governor Duncan Taylor has effectively been served with a civil lawsuit by West Bay MLA and Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush, according to a Grand Court judgment issued this week.
EDITORIAL – Barkers: Our ‘national park’ that isn’t
Uh oh. Just when the Cayman Islands government put a lid on popular outrage over the proposed development of land abutting Smith Cove, a new set of construction plans for property in Barkers could reignite public emotions.
Travers joins Bush in call for more open immigration policy
Leading attorney and financial services advocate Anthony Travers took to the stage alongside former Premier McKeeva Bush at a Cayman Democratic Party rally Monday night to call for a more open immigration policy. Both Mr. Travers and Mr. Bush criticized government’s lack of action in dealing with hundreds of permanent residency applications and said the approach had to change.
‘We need unity’: Former foes Anglin, Bush bury hatchet before election
Former Premier Mckeeva Bush and his one-time education minister Rolston Anglin publicly buried the hatchet Monday night as they appeared on the same political stage for the first time since their acrimonious split prior to the 2013 election.
Same-sex marriage: In their own words
Lawmakers spent most of the day Oct. 6 debating whether the Cayman Islands should hold a public referendum on allowing same-sex marriage in the territory. The referendum motion failed by a 9-to-8 party line vote. Below are excerpts from the debate from each legislator who spoke in the debate.
UPDATED: Agreement ‘in principle’ to buy Smith Cove land
Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Friday that government had reached an "agreement in principle" to buy land on the northern side of Smith Cove from the private owners of the parcel.
EDITORIAL – The ‘British Invasion’: Baroness puts Cayman on gay rights notice
This week the Cayman Islands were the subject of dual “invasions”: one by U.S. military aircraft preparing to launch a disaster relief operation in hurricane-struck Haiti; and one by Baroness Joyce Anelay on her first visit to a British Overseas Territory under her ministerial aegis.
UK Overseas Territories Minister makes first trip to Cayman
U.K. Overseas Territories Minister, Baroness Joyce Anelay, made what is believed to be the first speech given by anyone in her position to the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly on Tuesday morning, during a whirlwind tour of all three Cayman islands. The baroness visited the Sister Islands Monday, stating she could not have “chosen a more beautiful starting point” for her first trip to a British Overseas Territory.
Lawmakers: Mass of bills to change ‘lives of generations’
Cayman Islands lawmakers are set to review and approve an unprecedented number of bills in the Legislative Assembly meeting that begins Tuesday, some of which involve complex, long-standing issues that have been before parliament for more than a decade.
Obituary: Thomas Ewart Ebanks remembered
The following life story was read by Leader of the Opposition McKeeva Bush at the funeral service for West Bay resident Thomas Ewart Ebanks, who passed away on Sept. 14. The service of thanksgiving was held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Church of God Chapel in George Town.
Motion seeks same-sex marriage vote before election
A legislative motion seeking support for a referendum on the issue of same-sex marriages prior to the May 2017 general election has been accepted by the Cayman Islands Speaker of the House and could be heard on the Legislative Assembly floor as early as next month.
EDITORIAL – Politics and religion: Foreshadowing our upcoming elections
Inside the Lions Centre on Sunday, thousands of residents rallied for the preservation of traditional “family values.” The huge gathering, impressive by any measure, was testimony to the fact that the collective character of the Caymanian people is rooted deeply in conservative religious values and beliefs.
Thousands rally for ‘family values’ in George Town
Thousands of people packed the Lions Centre Sunday night for what was billed as the Cayman Islands’ first “family values” conference.
NRA, former director settle lawsuit
A settlement agreement has been reached in a 2015 lawsuit filed by former Cayman Islands National Roads Authority Director Brian Tomlinson against his former employer, the Cayman Compass has learned.
Years after Nation Building grants, churches still building
The structure is not visible from the road, tucked a hundred or so feet back, hidden behind temporary plywood walls. From the parking lot of the adjoining property, King’s Gym, the view is clearer, though one might still not be able to discern what, exactly, the building is supposed to be.
Veteran customs managers retiring
Two senior managers at the Cayman Islands Customs Department will retire effective July 1, leading to a significant reshuffling in the upper ranks of the service.
EDITORIAL – The necessary wall between MLAs and civil servants
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson etched a definitive and necessary line in the floor of the House, demarcating where the remit of lawmakers ends — and where the apolitical civil service begins.
Catron found not guilty
A judge ordered the jury in the trial of Sandra Catron to find her not guilty Tuesday, after he determined there was a “fatal flaw” in the charges.
West Bay MLAs call for GM mosquito release delay
West Bay opposition MLAs are calling for the suspension of plans to release millions of genetically modified mosquitoes in their district.
JPs question missing boaters report
A separate collection of documents regarding the search for five missing Caymanian boaters including two children, was released on Monday.
Bush: Gov’t ‘misleading’ public in 18-month budget
Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush has accused the Progressives-led government of “misleading” the public with the release of its 18-month budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
EDITORIAL – ‘Budget dining’: The Progessives’ fundraising affair
A good portion of politics is appearance. And this sort of thing just looks … well … like “insider trading” – where political insiders were encouraged to trade cash possibly for influence, certainly for information.
Bush says government fundraiser ’questionable’
Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush said it was “absolutely poor and questionable” for the premier to present details of the upcoming government budget to a $200-a-plate political party fundraiser at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Tuesday night, before the official release of the spending plan in the Legislative Assembly next week.
Premier: Three-year budget surplus is $399 million
The Cayman Islands public sector will end its current budget year with a $145 million operating surplus, Premier Alden McLaughlin told a private audience at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Tuesday night, noting that the total surplus over three years is $399 million.
Deputy governor says civil service ‘taking beating’ from lawmakers
The verbal “beating” Cayman Islands government workers sometimes receive from elected lawmakers has made some Caymanians reluctant to join the civil service, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said Friday.
EDITORIAL – Bush supports Cayman’s seniors
McKeeva Bush has consulted his conscience and answered its call on behalf of Cayman’s neglected, but nevertheless beloved, elderly community.
Minister: Hundreds on assistance waiting list
About 340 applications seeking permanent financial assistance are pending assessment by the government’s needs assessment unit, Community Affairs Minister Osbourne Bodden said Wednesday.
Bush wants budget boost for Meals on Wheels
Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush has suggested increasing the amount of money the Cayman Islands government provides to Meals of Wheels, which brings food to elderly residents who are home-bound or financially strapped.
Call for Caymanian involvement in coastguard review
Government and opposition legislators reached a rare consensus Monday on a recommendation for Caymanian involvement and oversight in the investigation of the police search and rescue operation for five boaters lost at sea since March.
UK Coastguard commander to review police response to missing boaters
A senior officer from the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency will conduct an independent review of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s response in a missing persons investigation at sea that occurred in early March.
Legislative meeting rules may be changed
Former West Bay lawmaker Benson Ebanks is often credited with describing parliamentary democracy in the Cayman Islands by stating: “the minority must have its say, but the majority will have its way.”
Emergency legislative meeting fizzles, police motions not heard
Two attempts to hold a special emergency meeting of the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly failed Wednesday after lawmakers were unable to obtain the requisite number of attendees either in the morning or the afternoon.
Political leader’s mother passes
Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush’s mother, Faith Muriel Bush-Ebanks, died Sunday following a long illness that had left her bedridden for the better part of the last five years, Mr. Bush confirmed Monday.
Premier: Gov’t will not agree to emergency meeting
Members of Cayman’s ruling government will not agree to attend an emergency meeting of the Legislative Assembly set for next week to debate two legislative motions related to the management and effectiveness of local law enforcement, Premier Alden McLaughlin said Wednesday.
Police Commissioner Baines to leave post by end of May
Cayman Islands Governor Helen Kilpatrick announced the departure of Royal Cayman Islands Police Commissioner David Baines by the end of May in a surprise public statement Tuesday afternoon.
Governor backs Baines despite ‘lack of confidence’ motion
Governor Helen Kilpatrick in a statement Wednesday, said, “The RCIPS and its leadership have my support and confidence,” in response to an announcement by independent and opposition legislators that they intend to bring a legislative motion of “no confidence” in the governance of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.
Revised marine parks plan put forward
A new system of marine parks, turning 40 percent of Cayman’s coastal waters into no-fishing zones, has gone to Cabinet for approval.
EDITORIAL – Cayman must move on its 650 stagnant PR applications
With none of the 650 permanent residence applications submitted since October 2013 having been dealth with, the lives of these long-term residents remain in abeyance, hostage to a system which, demonstrably, has failed them – and is failing our country.
Bush: Government has to operate
The formation of a coalition among Cayman’s disparate political opposition groups seems a remote possibility at this stage, Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush said this week.
EDITORIAL – Early elections: Cayman deserves clarity and certainty
Election time in the Cayman Islands is rapidly approaching. Just when it will arrive … that’s something we’re not so sure about. And it’s a major problem.
CarePay to solve all our problems, Watson tells court
Details of private discussions regarding the CarePay hospital patient swipe-card contract that took place between Aug. 11-12, 2010 – four months before the US$13 million contract was agreed by government – were reviewed in Canover Watson’s criminal trial Thursday.
