FREE National Movement senators yesterday followed their colleagues who boycotted parliament on Monday because of the suspension of their leader, Dr Hubert Minnis, from the House.
The move was described as disappointing and disgusting by Senator Frank Smith who spoke on behalf of government senators yesterday at a press conference.
“I wish to register on behalf of the Bahamian people our disappointment and disgust at their behaviour,” Senator Smith said.
“Because at the end of the day, we’re here to serve the good of the Bahamian people through their participation. And it is my understanding that they had breakfast earlier in the morning at the taxpayer’s expense then refused to enter into the chamber.”
Desmond Bannister, leader of Opposition business in the Senate, explained why the boycott of the Senate chamber occurred when speaking in the Minority room of Parliament.
“As a courtesy to the vice president, we sought to make a communication where we would advise them of it.”
The vice president in his authority, he said, did not allow the communication because of its “controversial nature.”
Senator Kwasi Thompson said FNM senators would not enter the Senate chamber until Dr Minnis and other FNM MP’s returned to the House.
Last week, Dr Minnis was suspended for two sittings of the House for comments he made about Prime Minister Perry Christie and Peter Nygard. He had refused to withdraw his comments.
On Monday, FNM members, excluding Central Abaco MP Edison Key, continued to boycott Parliament in support of their leader.
Comments
TalRussell 11 years, 3 months ago
Comrades look like the rambunctious Marsh Harbour's Edison is giv'in these red shirts some serious hypertension problems. Now, it seems the new Senator Henry B. Jr., was also absent from the senate boycott yesterday? I wouldn't be at all surprised to read a Tribune headline "Red shirts Opposition Leader Minnis urgently summoned to Governor-General's residence." After all, Bahamaland's constitution clearly states that only the Leader, who can "command the votes of their House MP's," will be called upon by the GG for recognition as the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition Party in the House. A good possibility the GG may be forced to act, when you can't even get your own MP Edison to tow the official party line in the House? Worser still, Minnis may be too damn afraid to discipline Edision and risk having to explain yet another Abaco by-election loss to PM Christie.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2013…
banker 11 years, 3 months ago
Whatever you are smoking, I would like some please.
JohnDoes 11 years, 3 months ago
Parliament is full of monkey's like a zoo. Monkey see, Monkey do. Yet nobody leads by example. Edison probably already has his Independent application filled out for next election if he even decides to continue.
david2323 11 years, 3 months ago
I don't know much about this issue. I hope the FNM is in favor of putting financial Manager thieves in prison for a long time like they do in the USA. Otherwise you get a haven or paradise for thieves.
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