The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement newcomer Mark Humes issued a scathing rebuke against Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins yesterday, likening the outspoken MP to a “rabid animal”.

Mr Humes took issue with Dr Rollins’ recent comments about him on a radio talk show, stating emphatically that he and the Fort Charlotte MP “are not company”.

On Monday, Dr Rollins accused Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner of undermining him in his constituency, allegedly telling his constituents that she intended to run Mr Humes for the seat if she was elected as leader of the FNM.

Mr Humes contested the seat on the Democratic National Alliance’s ticket in 2012, ultimately losing to Dr Rollins.

Yesterday, Mrs Butler-Turner dismissed the allegation as outrageous and erroneous, clarifying that she met with Mr Humes only once. She said the meeting took place well before of Dr Rollins’ decision to cross the floor and join the Opposition party.

Mr Humes said that it was not an endorsement meeting, adding that the Long Island MP was a friend and that he was entitled to invite whomever he wished to community events.

“We didn’t have a meeting in Fort Charlotte,” he said.

“Andre right now, I don’t know why he just doesn’t go away easy. Andre and I aren’t company, and I don’t deal with hearsay, which is what he is going on.

“I don’t need anybody to shop me in Fort Charlotte, I’m from Fort Charlotte. Unlike him, I don’t need anybody to introduce me or promise me to Fort Charlotte.”

He added: “[Dr Rollins] needed Sears to walk with him. He didn’t have any real credibility and they recognised that Sears was the one who came in here and vouched for him.”

He was referring to the area’s previous MP Alfred Sears, who did not offer himself for re-election in 2012.

“I have credibility in Fort Charlotte, he doesn’t. I’m not sure why he’s upset at Loretta. Loretta is a friend of mine and I’m entitled to invite anyone to come to my home or where I go.”

Mr Humes said he was asked by residents to campaign on their behalf due to Dr Rollins’ failed representation this term.

“He seems to be like a rabid animal, barking and trying to bite and infect anything that moves.

“I would just ask him to respectfully, to just go away quietly with the little bit of dignity that he has. I don’t understand how after his failed representation in Fort Charlotte, he could go to anybody else to ask them to let him represent them.

“Long Island would be doing themselves a great disservice if they would consider him or anyone else but Loretta Butler-Turner,” he added.

Dr Rollins’ accusation came as he confirmed on radio talk show “Darrold Miller Live” that he has been visiting Long Island in response to a substantial number of calls from residents for him to be their standard bearer in the upcoming election.

Underscoring the desire on the island for a new representative, he suggested that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis was in a difficult position given his declaration at the party’s July convention that Mrs Butler-Turner would receive the nomination.

Dr Rollins suggested that he would consider an independent bid if he did not receive a party nomination, adding that if he were successful as an independent he would join the Free National Movement in Parliament.