The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE Speaker Dr Kendal Major yesterday rose to his feet and announced that “no member will argue with the chair” after several government members made repeated demands that claims made by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner be withdrawn.

During her contribution, Mrs Butler-Turner raised several questions about the National Insurance Board in the absence of Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson, who has ministerial oversight.

As shadow minister for NIB, Mrs Butler-Turner asked why two persons at the corporation were not prosecuted after it was discovered that they were involved in the misappropriation and stealing of funds.

She also questioned whether or not an NIB trailer of building supplies had gone missing, and if true, why the public was not informed.

Mrs Butler-Turner said: “To this day one NIB staffer has resigned and the other person who was on contract has been fired. I am reliably informed that some $45,000 or more was used of National Insurance money…when you talk about crime and whether you do what is right or just turn your eye the other way.”

She continued: “The point I’m trying to make here is that the matter did not go to court and I don’t think that it is sufficient that somebody should just be fired or resign. When I sat in a position when theft took place, the matter went to court.”

She added: “The National Insurance fund is not a slush fund, it’s where we place our monies for retirement and benefits such as illness. We need to know as what exactly is happening down at NIB.”

Mrs Butler-Turner also asked the government to confirm whether or not National Insurance funds were being used to refurbish a building that has been contracted for storage use. Mrs Butler-Turner alleged that the old Bacardi plant building was connected to a party supporter.

In her preface to the request, she said: “Criminals, they watch to see who funds our campaigns and the promises we have made to certain individuals and then how we account or fail to account for those donations.”

While he noted that a careful analysis of the Hansard would be undertaken, Dr Major said Mrs Butler-Turner’s statements did not breach Mr Gibson’s privilege.

Members for Bain and Grants Town Dr Bernard Nottage, and Fort Charlotte Dr Andre Rollins both stood on points of order, demanding that Mrs Butler-Turner substantiate her claims.

Yamacraw MP Melanie Griffin rose to her feet on two separate occasions to challenge Mrs Butler-Turner’s statements in the absence of Mr Gibson.

Mrs Griffin said: “The member is not present, allegations have been made and not substantiated. I think that they ought to be withdrawn, they must be withdrawn and expunged unless the member is able to substantiate…the member is privileged.”

When Mrs Griffin rose a second time, she was asked to cease by Dr Major but did not immediately acquiesce.

Dr Major said: “Member for Yamacraw, member for Yamacraw, member for Yamacraw,” he then rose to his feet and shouted over the din of parliamentarians, “Cease, cease member for Yamacraw, you will not argue with the chair. No member will argue with the chair.”

Dr Major said: “There were some remarks that were made, I thought they were close, they were edged, I thought they were questions made. Members will have the opportunity to respond, as everyone in here can. We will continue the debate.”