Above: Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush

By Alexander Britell

Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush has issued his first public statement since his arrest Tuesday on suspicions of corruption, maintaining his innocence and vowing not to yield to increasing public pressure to step down.

The statement was released by the Premier’s Office Thursday morning, one day after Bush was released on bail.

“I have done nothing wrong and I shall not be resigning as Premier,” he said. “I also wish to assure one and all that the government continues to operate as normal.”

He said that, on the advice of his attorney, he as unable to comment any further, but that he would make further statements “in due course.”

Bush had been scheduled to travel to Jamaica Wednesday to receive an honourary doctorate at the University College of the Caribbean,and pledged to make the trip.

“I feel obligated to honour this commitment and have decided to attend,” he said. “I will be returning to the island this Friday.”

Bush, who is released on bail until February 2013, thanked his “many supporters, friends and family, especially those in the district of West Bay for their prayers, visits and words of encouragement.”