The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner is demanding the resignations of several PLP MPs after a video of the group attending a private meeting with billionaire fashion mogul Peter Nygard was shared around the internet.

Mrs Butler-Turner said it appeared to her as though Mr Nygard felt he was ‘cozy’ with the government in the eight minute 33 second feature called ‘Nygard Takes Bahamas Back’.

The professionally shot and edited film was posted to the website YouTube by user “PeterNygard1” on October 9, 2012, but was being shared around the internet yesterday, garnering dozens of comments on the social media site ‘Facebook.’

Mr Nygard is shown celebrating the PLP’s victory at the polls following the May 7 General Election.

Later he is introduced to Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Jerome Fitzgerald - Education Minister, Housing and Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett, V Alfred Gray, Agriculture Minister, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez and Housing Minister Shane Gibson.

Mrs Butler-Turner told The Big T yesterday: “Every one of them in that film, they all need to tender their resignations now. Just seeing the way that they are with Mr Nygard. It seems as though he feels that he is cozy with the government.”

The footage goes on to show Mr Nygard injecting himself with what he describes on screen as an anti-ageing medication.

The Opposition has sought to link the PLP and Mr Nygard’s support for research into stem cell therapy.

Mr Nygard, a resident of Lyford Cay, has said it is essential The Bahamas embraces what is happening in the stem cell industry.

Last Wednesday, in the House of Assembly, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis accused the government of ‘rushing’ stem cell legislation through Parliament.

He suggested the government was pushing the law to appease Mr Nygard. A claims which has been denied. Yesterday PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said Mrs Butler-Turner’s concern made no sense.

He added: “The record will show that the stem cell facility in Freeport was licensed under the current leader of the Opposition Dr Hubert Minnis who was the Minister of Health at the time.

“So what they are saying isn’t worthy of a response and its just stupid and asinine. You can quote me on that.”

So far, the short film has been viewed 967 times on YouTube.

The Big T also attempted to get an official government response from Prime Minister Perry Christie, however, those attempts were not successful.