Cayman Islands head arrested
December 11, 2012The leader of the Cayman Islands, Premier McKeeva Bush, was arrested by police on suspicion of corruption on Tuesday, according to authorities.
A statement issued by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said the 57-year-old premier of the British overseas territory (BOT) had been arrested at his home on Tuesday morning by the Financial Crime Unit.
He is suspected of carrying out theft and misusing a government credit card.
Bush also faces charges of breach of trust and abuse of office, for allegedly being involved in importing explosive substances without permits, according to the statement.
The Cayman Islands is a BOT in the western Caribbean Sea; although its governor is appointed by Britain and is responsible for external affairs and security, the country's parliament and premier is elected. It is also a popular offshore financial center.
Bush, who came to power in 2009 and is also the minister of finance and tourism, is the longest serving member of the country’s Legislative Assembly- he was first elected 18 years ago.
The Cayman Islands' governor has not yet commented on the arrest.
sej/pfd (Reuters, AP)