The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement yesterday in an attempt to deflect negative attention from their controversial North Abaco by-election candidate Greg Gomez called various questions raised by the media over the candidate’s viability ridiculous.

Darron Cash, party chairman said the media should have given considerable coverage to issues that have risen over alleged conflicts of interests with parliament members and to the fact that Gomez’s confidential information was made public.

His statement came late last evening with questions posed by The Tribune in an attempt to shed light on a judgment handed down in a Miami Court that revealed that Gomez in 2007 was ordered to pay the Florida Educational Federal Credit Union $12, 214.19.

While it is not clear if Gomez had settled the court ordered obligation, his nomination declaration submitted on Wednesday, September 26, does not list any debt. He, however, stated $28,000 as notes payable and a salary of the same. The FNM statement did not make clear if Gomez settled the court’s order.

“This witch-hunt of Greg Gomez is tiresome and borders on the ridiculous,” said Mr Cash. “Mr. Gomez stands by his declaration.

“Were it not for the joy of sensationalizing this matter and joining in on the PLP’s effort to lynch the FNM candidate, members of the media would not have given this issue a second thought.

“It is absolutely perplexing that an insignificant five-year-old settlement would get much more news coverage than the blatant conflict of interest of a Member of Parliament that remains indebted hundreds of thousands of dollars to the corporation he heads (BEC) and yet can so blithely reject all inquiries by saying ‘no comment’ or ‘that’s none of your business.’ Such is the life of the rich and powerful.”

Mr Cash further suggested that inquiries be made into the declarations of PLP MPs.

“Rather than dig up old inconsequential financial settlements, perhaps the media need to refocus their attention on whether many PLP politicians were truthful in their declarations leading up to the 2012 general elections.”

The political journey for Gomez has been heavily scrutinised over his past employment, claims of victimisation and his eligibility to run for office in the country.

Despite those challenges, party officials maintain that the hopeful is worthy to carry former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s torch in representing the constituency. Mr Ingraham had represented North Abaco for his entire 35-year political career. That representation officially came to an end on August 31.