The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement is backing a class action lawsuit against the PLP government over claims of victimisation of their supporters throughout the civil service.

Party leader Dr Hubert Minnis urged all Bahamians who believe they are victims of wrongful termination to bring evidence to the FNM's headquarters on Mackey Street for inclusion in the suit.

Dr Minnis made the announcement following the morning session yesterday of the House of Assembly.

This move comes after several alleged victimisation cases, including the termination of the contract of Princess Margaret Hospital administrator Coralee Adderley, several Urban Renewal workers who claim they were prematurely let go and several cases throughout the Family Islands, Dr Minnis said. 

"The FNM," Dr Minnis said, "has repeatedly warned the PLP government to cease and desist from engaging in targeted political victimisation of perceived FNM supporters who are or were contracted to perform labour or to provide contractual service to the government.

"If the government continues not to hear the cry of its victims for mercy, it will have to be made to feel the weight of the law. The constitution of the Bahamas specifically protects Bahamians from victimisation and governmental oppression based on their chosen associations and political opinions.

"The FNM has arranged for a team of legal advisers to review each case of alleged political victimisation (and) to take all necessary legal measures to protect the Bahamian people from any further acts of political victimisation by the PLP and to obtain appropriate compensation and redress for all persons who have been unconstitutionally deprived of the legitimate expectations of continued employment or contractual opportunity."

Dr Minnis said the FNM aims to ensure that all Bahamians are treated justly regardless of their political affiliation.

"We want to ensure that the Bahamas is for Bahamians. It is not a PLP Bahamas. It is not an FNM Bahamas. We are ensuring that all Bahamians have a right to vote for whichever party they choose, while at the same time they have a right to enjoy all the fruits of land without discrimination."

When pressed on whether or not the FNM, during its term in office under former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's leadership was guilty of the same disservice, Dr Minnis said the party had never "stooped to such levels."

Dr Minnis could not say when the action would be filed.