The Tribune

FT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins hit out at The Tribune in the House of Assembly yesterday for what he claimed was "biased" journalism - despite the fact that he was referring to an editorial, which is an opinion piece.

Dr Rollins pointed to that the editorial published on May 8 headed, "The Bahamas Has Lost A Great Leader," which paid homage to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's achievements during his tenure in government.

The editorial applauded Mr Ingraham's "tenacity, level head, farsight, and hard work." However, there was one line in particular with which Dr Rollins took issue.

"Bahamians went to the polls yesterday and showed the depth of their ingratitude to a man who had dedicated 35 selfless years to their service," the editorial noted.

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Dr Rollins declared: "I must say that I found it very lamentable that supposed respected figures in the area of journalism would make it so very obvious how biased they are in their conduct as journalists."

Quoting the aforementioned line, Dr Rollins claimed that as a young Bahamian he was "absolutely offended that someone could write something so offensive."

He said: "Calling us an ungrateful people, a people that buy her Tribune each and every day to learn about what happens in their beloved country."

Dr Rollins then compared the editorial to the one, prior, titled "Today, the Bahamian People Have Their Say."

The piece compared the accomplishments of the PLP and the FNM, while noting that the DNA wanted "a chance to change."

Some items the editorial pointed out included: the FNM got the BahaMar development "moving" while the PLP were still negotiating "days before" the election; the FNM built the "magnificent structure" at the airport while the PLP renamed the airport; and the FNM moved the port to Arawak Cay for $80 million while PLP wanted to move the port to Clifton for $300 million.

Dr Rollins quoted from the editorial: "At last the day has arrived when Bahamians go to the polls to exercise their democratic right to say what political party they want to govern them for the next five years.

"It is now up to Bahamian voters to return Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to the helm of state to complete a job already well done... However today is their day it is up to them to decide their future as we have said before, we hope and pray they decide wisely for the nation's sake."

After reading the quotes in the House, Dr Rollins stated: "On the following day when Bahamians wisely decided to support the PLP they were not 'wise' they were 'ungrateful'. My, my, my, how quickly the words have changed."

However, he claimed he means no ill-will to The Tribune's editor but the editor has been "so consumed with hatred for the PLP" that the editor "would wish to disrespect the Bahamian people because of their rights to decide for themselves who they wish to govern them."