The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday that Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn’s controversial remarks about having women’s “tubes tied” should not cause him to be denied a nomination as he has apologised for the comments in a genuine and forthright manner.

“I think he’s apologised and that apology came the next day and was very forthcoming and genuine,” Mr Symonette said. “None of us are perfect. It shouldn’t be a reason why he should not be re-nominated.”

Furthermore, in the wake of Leonard Sands and Howard Johnson’s decisions to drop out of the race after being ratified by the party for Bain and Grants Town and South Beach respectively, Mr Symonette said the FNM should consider that Mr Lightbourn has proven capable of “staying the course” and would also have the financial means to wage a campaign and remain an MP.

Mr Lightbourn admitted yesterday that he has heard “rumours” that he may not be re-nominated by the Free National Movement to run in the 2012 general election, but told The Tribune he hopes those in and outside of the party will see him as a valuable representative.

He spoke after The Tribune reported earlier this week that some executives in the FNM are considering denying Mr Lightbourn a re-nomination due to the fall out from his comments at the FNM’s convention in July.

Mr Lightbourn said he has heard from sources in the party that some are seeking to have him replaced, but he can’t tell how legitimate the reports are.

“I’ve heard rumours just like you,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

Mr Lightbourn was widely criticised after he said that the Bahamas should consider adopting a practice of sterilising unwed mothers after the birth of their second child.

In July, Mr Lightbourn said it is necessary “for us as a nation to consider adopting the lead of several countries in the world, which results in an unwed mother having her tubes tied after having more than two children which would in the end result in fewer children being born.”

He added: “The state should not have the burden of paying for the upbringing of children.”

While the party distanced itself from the remarks, leading women members of Parliament from the PLP later called for his resignation over the comments.

He later apologised for his statements, however, saying he never intended to offend people but sought to speak to the need for effective parenting.

In the past, Mr Lightbourn has also been a strident critic of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and was a part of the “gang of six” parliamentarians who signed a scathing letter detailing Dr Minnis’ supposed failures as leader.

Yesterday Mr Lightbourn did not dismiss the possibility that those seeking his ouster could be loyalists to Dr Minnis, weary of him because of his past actions.

“They could run with any excuse they want (to oust me),” he said. “I don’t know what’s happening. But I know there’s a process the party has to go through and I have submitted my application.”