(CMR) McKeeva Bush issued a statement after it was announced earlier today that he would be speaker of Parliament again. He confirms that over the past three days he has been engaged in talks with the PACT independents to “end the political stalemate and uncertainty in our beloved islands.” He has agreed to have them implement a Code of Conduct for all MPs.
His statement read:
After 3 days of discussion, I have agreed to be Speaker. I have also agreed to the following with the PACT Independents:
- Immediate implementation of a Code of Conduct for all Parliamentarians where any infractions would lead to immediate dismissal from their position.
- 10% of my monthly salary will be donated to the Women’s Crisis Center
- Continue supporting women's issues.
As many of you are aware, Premier Alden McLaughlin asked the Governor to dissolve the Parliament and call an early general election to resolve, in his opinion, the issue surrounding my personal conduct with the voters making their wishes known.
As many of you are aware, many members of the PACT Alliance campaigned against me. Like all Caymanians, that is their democratic right to promote their principles and values, and I respect their right to do so. While the election and post-election discussions were heated, I am encouraged and inspired by the patriotism of Premier Designate, G. Wayne Panton, members of the PACT Independents, and their families who chose to put aside personal differences in the interest of our country.
Based on the results of the elections, it is clear the voters overwhelmingly want a government led by Independents and as the duly elected member for West Bay West, who also ran as an Independent, it is my constitutional responsibility to respect the will of the Caymanian people.
I would also like to use this opportunity to also ask the other elected members of the Alliance to respect the will of the voters where 12 Independent members were elected in the general election just ended. For the love of our country, respect, and reputation of our islands, it is important that our beloved Cayman Islands maintain our reputation as a stable democracy, and I humbly ask that you join the thousands of Caymanians who have thus far congratulated Premier Designate G. Wayne Panton and the members of the PACT Independents on forming the next government.
I would also like to use this opportunity to apologize for my prior conduct that led to this incident and pledge my commitment to sign the code of conduct once again. While I cannot change what happened in the past, I can learn from my mistakes and hope that my actions going forward also serve as an example for others to follow.
To my family, the people of the Cayman Islands, and in particular the people in my home constituency of West Bay West, I would also like to apologize for my actions and thank you for your prayers, support, and understanding.
In closing, I want to thank Premier Designate, G. Wayne Panton and the members of the PACT for their patience, professionalism, and patriotism for setting aside personal and political differences and agreeing to work together to create a Cayman where everyone will have an equal opportunity to live their best possible lives.
May God continue to bless the Cayman Islands and everyone who calls the Cayman Islands home.
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