The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie says he still plans to address criticism fielded against the government over fashion tycoon Peter Nygard’s alleged involvement with the movement of Stem Cell legislation.

While Mr Christie has promised twice to clear the air, he told reporters yesterday that he simply waiting for a chance to address Parliamentarians.

He said: “It is a very simple answer. I am summing up the debate for the government and whenever they allow me to speak I will address the issue fully.”

Last weekend, Mr Christie told The Tribune he would address the issue when the House of Assembly met on July 22. However, on that date Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis defied the House Speaker’s orders to refrain from speaking and take his seat. That led to proceedings being adjourned until next Wednesday, August 7.

During the previous week, the PM was again slated to speak but the House suspended before its time. He told reporters that had he opted to speak, proceedings would have run too late into the evening.

Mr Christie last spoke on the stem cell issue on July 20. He said: “They been saying that Nygard cause me to bring the stem cell legislation. I want them to tell me about those FNM politicians who does be down by Nygard house. This what they should be telling me about and they want my ministers to resign? Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you the Bahamas is a very special place. A part of the political game is to cause distractions.”

The government has said the Bill, which is expected to create another industry for the Bahamian economy, will be pushed forward until it is committed to law books.