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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
 Nassau, Bahamas -
The
following is a statement by Fred Mitchell, MP, Minister of Foreign
Affairs:
Brent Symonette, the former Deputy Prime Minister should be ashamed to open his mouth in this country after his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. That tenure was characterized by studied silence and indifference to The Bahamas’ reputation abroad. Now suddenly after five years of silence he is concerned about our reputation. This comes from a former Minister of the FNM government who is now in lock step with the characters in Miami who are seeking to defame our country. When did he find his voice?
Perhaps he might find his voice to explain to the Bahamian public the wealth creation that took place during his time in office since he is in a talking mood. The government has been anything but silent on this. In fact his colleagues in the FNM have criticized the government for being too forthright. Now he says we are silent. You cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. Typically the right hand of the FNM does not know what the left hand is doing.
Brent Symonette served as the Minister with responsibility for the detention centre for five years. He was silent when the detention centre went up in flames in 2008 and silent when allegations of conditions at the detention centre were made in 2009. Further, he and his cabinet colleagues did not release the findings of the investigation into the events of his time. Brent Symonette should be the last person to open his mouth on this issue.
We are constrained again to point out that those, like the FNM, who are busy leaking documents whose authenticity and accuracy cannot be vouched for, must bear the responsibility at the end of the day if the inquiry into this matter is compromised by what they have done. There are clear legal principles at stake here.
A government must be reasonable, logical and professional in its approach to these matters. It must act in the best interest of all, not flying off the deep end rushing to judgment and making accusations that have not been tested by anything other than lurid and sensational headlines in the newspapers. It is most regrettable.
By its reckless behavior, it is the FNM that seeks to damage the reputation of The Bahamas, to jeopardize this ongoing investigation and to put our public safety at risk all in the name of politics.
The FNM, the leakers and the Miami protestors should give a full, contrite and unqualified apology for their irresponsible actions aimed at defaming the international reputation of The Bahamas.
This government has been consistent to date on the Cuban detainee issue. We have nothing to hide. Time will not dim the truth. The chips will fall where they may. This is a law enforcement issue; the government of The Bahamas does not condone the abuse of detainees or wards of the state and will investigate and take appropriate actions where specific claims of abuse are made. The laws of the country will be enforced with regard to illegal migration and due process during an investigation will protect the rights of all involved.
No amount to posturing, political bluster and diatribe from the FNM or the protestors will deter or distract this government from its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the prevalence of the rule of law.
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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