The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance leader Branville McCartney questioned whether opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis should have been ordered to apologise for comments expunged from the House of Assembly records last month.

The former Bamboo Town MP also praised the government for introducing the stem cell research Bill, saying it was “unfortunate” that House proceedings were disrupted given the significance of the legislation being considered.

Mr McCartney said: “I had some mixed views regarding the leader of the opposition having to apologise at this stage, bearing in mind that the Speaker had expunged what the leader of the opposition had said.

“If the Speaker had expunged what the leader had said, then there is nothing to apologise for in that regard.

“Had the Speaker not expunged the statements made by the leader of the opposition, then he would’ve been right unless the leader of the opposition had proven the allegations he made.

“But you cannot apologise for something in my view that does not exist because of the action of the Speaker.

“It’s been unfortunate because we have a House sitting debating a very important Bill that the official opposition ought to participate in, but we’re only left with Edison Key to make contributions on behalf of his party.

“It’s unfortunate that it had to come to this. I think it’s important to hear both sides and for the opposition to come forward and let their views be heard. I think this is a very important Bill and a Bill I do commend the government on bringing.”