Former Cayman Island Premier McKeeva Bush found not guilty of rape

Former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush has been found not guilty on charges of rape and indecent assault in relation to allegations dating back 20 years.

The jury returned to deliver a unanimous verdict on both counts Monday after a seven-day trial. It took the jury of four women and three men fewer than two hours to deliver the verdict.

Bush took the stand last week to defend himself saying, “I have never lied to this country.”

The alleged incident took place over two decades ago between the years 1999 and 2001. The female complainant alleged that Bush had been drunk and she had to drive him home. On the way, he allegedly told her to pull off the road where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. Bush denied the allegation and maintained that no such thing ever happened.

He was arrested and charged in 2022 for the offence.

After the jurors delivered their verdict, the former speaker of the house stood up and told Justice Roy James that he wished to say something. He made a brief statement indicating he will demand a commission of inquiry into the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and its connections with the Governor’s Office, the commissioner of police, police officers and some senior civil servants.