(CMR) Premier Alden McLaughlin publically apologized for what he said is that “vile” voice note after CIG TV Donna Bush asked for a follow-up on the investigation into the voice note sent by Mario Rankin on Saturday evening.
Expressing that he was embarrassed and any at the voice note he decided not to say anything at yesterday's press conference. However, today he has indicated that:
“It's not often I'm ashamed to be a Caymanian but that voice note made me ashamed to be a Caymanian. The governor has worked so incredibly hard. It's just the most disgusting behavior you could possibly conceive of and I've already apologized to the governor on behalf of our people and I know many people have as well.”
Becoming visibly upset and teary-eyed he continued with another public apology to Governor Maryn Roper:
“Governor that is not Cayman at all and I apologize again on behalf of all of us. I know there is general condemnation of the kind of note and that kind of behavior towards you. We have incredible regard and respect for you and your help in steering us through what is already a major challenge and is likely to be a much greater challenge until we come out of the other side of this crisis.”
Responding to the questions CoP Bryne confirmed that the voice message is being digitally analyzed by the digital forensic hub and they believe they have identified that person. The investigation progressing this week and intend to interview the person who is primarily the suspect in the case later this week.
There has been widespread condemnation of the voice note with one person messaging CMR to share:
“I am really pissed off that he threw CPR & tried to throw CMR under the bus for his foolishness….”
In an apology email sent to the deputy governor, Rankin who admitted to being the author of the voice note shared that it had really been a joke and was not meant for distribution outside a small CPR group of seven persons.
However, one person criticized the premier's comments in light of when his former cabinet minister cursed out a former Chief Officer, Jennifer Ahearn. The opponent said:
“Wrong is wrong and there's no issue with him condemning this. However, when something similar happened in his own governing during a world relationship he did not condemn the behavior as wrong. That woman was cursed out in the GAB building and numerous persons heard it. She was simply transferred elsewhere.
Likewise, when the Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush physically assaulted a woman there was no condemnation of that behavior. So whilst I applaud the premier for finally knowing what constitutes vile behavior we certainly hope that he starts to apply that with no bias.”
The police also confirmed that five persons in Cayman Brac were warned for prosecution as it relates to circulating fake news and one person arrested.
Anyone convicted of the offense could be facing a $5000 KYD fine or a term of imprisonment for 5 years.
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