The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson and other Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) members mocked Dr Andre Rollins in the House of Assembly yesterday for comments he made criticising Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

While a telephone guest on the Star 106.5FM show “Jeffrey”, Dr Rollins said it was unwise for Dr Minnis to meet with Livingston “Toggie” Bullard, one of two men accused of being involved in an alleged murder plot concerning Peter Nygard, Louis Bacon and members of Save The Bays.

Debate in the House descended into chaos and bickering as the Fort Charlotte MP sought to clarify his comments, prompting members of the governing party pounce by portraying the FNM as a party in disarray.

“I did not say I did not believe my leader,” Dr Rollins said in defence. “I say that I expect my leader is being truthful in everything he said. I said however, when I listen to what he said, I found it comical. I said that for what the other side claimed is questionable activity I thought that it was not a wise decision to entertain this individual that both sides are saying is a criminal.

“I am in a Catch-22 situation. My point is if I did not answer the question they would accuse me of being prepared to cover what they claim is wrongdoing. And their side may be covering for each other but I believe in being honest and forthright. If I’m asked a direct question by a member of the press, is the other side suggesting that I offer a false answer?”

To this question, Mr Gibson said: “No, you did the right thing.”

Yesterday marked the eighth consecutive House of Assembly session that was dominated by arguments ensnaring the two major political parties because of their ties to Mr Nygard and Mr Bacon, both residents of the affluent Lyford Cay community.

During his presentation, Mr Gibson also accused the FNM of hypocrisy relating to their stance on gaming.

East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, and other members of the Opposition, had been critical of the government’s decision to legalise the web shop industry even though the majority of people who voted in a referendum on the issue did not support this.

Mr Gibson, therefore, faulted the FNM for riding on a plane belonging to someone who he claimed is a web shop operator.

He seemed to suggest that FNM members who criticise the government for legalising the web shop sector should not patronise web shop operators across any of their businesses.

“The same boy they criticise and say we can’t do this, they decided to ride in a web shop jet,” Mr Gibson said, cheered on by his colleagues.

He said the FNM members took the jet ride to Acklins several weeks ago.

In response, Mr Turnquest said: “This government legalised web shops and gave a provisional licence to those same jet owners. So if anything that would happen with respect to us utilising that equipment, it’s not illegal.”