Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a statement by S. Andre Rollins, M.P.:
I want to
make it absolutely clear that nowhere in my interview with NB 12 did I impute
corrupt motives to anyone. I never suggested that I had any information to that
effect. In no way do I support or condone corruption in government. Without
being comprehensive in my response to the question asked by Ms. Toote, I can
understand how I may have created this impression. I certainly regret that such
an impression was created.
In giving my
terse response, I was referring to the principles of ministerial and collective
responsibility as defined by the Westminster system of government and in that
regard, I sought to convey that any shortcomings or failings with respect to
the LOI matter cannot be levelled solely at the feet of a junior member of the
government. To do so would be to make that individual a scapegoat, which would
demonstrate a clear lack of respect for that individual and the system of
government we are supposed to be guided by. The implications for the minister
and cabinet, therefore, are what I was alluding to when I said that there is
more than meets the eye with respect to this matter.
Having this
LOI matter linger for as long as it has without a conclusive statement from our
nation’s leader has only served to feed the perception that our government
lacks transparency and accountability, which is not in the interests of our nation’s
growth and development. Therefore, as I have said previously, the nation would
be well served by having the Prime Minister address this
matter.
