PM Confirms MPs’ Fight:

By Macushla N. Pinder -
Nassau, Bahamas:

Accepts Resignations -


Prime Minister Perry Christie on Tuesday announced that he has accepted the resignations of two of his backbenchers from their positions in his administration and confirmed that there was indeed a physical confrontation between them several weeks ago.

Kennedy MP Kenyatta Gibson and Mount Moriah MP Keod Smith on the Love 97 programme "Jones and Company" denied that this fight ever took place, and the prime minister had initially said he had received no reports of the fight.

The confirmation of the fight by Mr. Christie has some far reaching political consequences as the candidates committee of the PLP has now to determine whether the two MPs are fit and proper persons to carry the party’s banner in the next general election.

After weeks of "purposely" reviewing the matter, Prime Minister Christie shattered the silence surrounding the "push and shove" involving Mr. Smith and Mr. Gibson, confirming widespread reports that both men had resigned from their respective posts as Ambassador to the Environment and Gaming Board Chairman.

Denying claims that both men made the decision based on the condition that they would be given the party’s nominations heading into the upcoming general election, Mr. Christie revealed that the resignations of both men came in early this month.

Mr. Smith offered his resignation as Ambassador to the Environment on October 3.

Mr. Gibson handed in his resignation on October 5 with effect four days later.

"I have done so (accepted the resignations) with a great deal of regret because both of these men have given highly commendable service to our nation in their respective roles as chairmen of important public institutions over the past four years," the prime minister told reporters during a press conference at his Cable Beach office.

"The country must know that in matters such as this particular incident, where a person’s future is involved, due deliberation is required. This wisdom is borne by my own personal political experiences. Due deliberation results in an understanding of the incident and results in the right thing being done."

Based on reports, the two government members of parliament were involved in a "violent confrontation" in the room where Cabinet meets in downtown Nassau on September 27.

During the altercation, furniture was reportedly broken.

It was during an interview with the Bahama Journal that Mr. Christie branded talks of the fistfight an exaggeration.

In fact, while he admitted in his interview with the Journal two days after the incident that he was aware of a disagreement between the two men, he added that the three of them had laughed about the matter and that he had received no reports of a fight taking place.

But on Tuesday, he said those sentiments were based on the information he had received about the incident up to that point, and he reiterated that he was not present during the incident.

After reviewing the accounts of what actually transpired, the prime minister revealed that the incident resulted in a broken pane that would cost an estimated $49.50 to replace.

"That came as a result of the push and shove and a chip on a glass that sits on the table, as opposed to a broken table," he explained.

"That was the extent of the damage as far as I am aware."

But last night government spokesman Al Dillette updated the cost of repairing the damage, saying it was $769.00. Mr. Dillette also said the government had received payment for the repair, but could not say who the payment was received from.

According to Mr. Christie, having engaged in direct discussions with both Messrs Smith and Gibson, he is convinced that their regret over the incident is as "unfeigned as it is profound."

But he added that at the same time, he is deeply conscious that actions – both of commission and omission – all have consequences.

"I have allowed sufficient time to satisfy myself that they fully appreciate the fact that as leaders of our society, we all have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that sets a correct example of how people should behave when they come into conflict with each other," the prime minister said.

"Whether we like it or not, the positions we hold demand that we set a standard of civility for our citizens to emulate. By our own conduct, we must demonstrate that differences can, and should always be resolved by intelligent dialogue and rational discussion in an atmosphere of mutual respect."

The prime minister however denied growing speculation that the men were forced to resign.

"They both did so having a full appreciation of why they did so and why it was important for them to be seen to do so…And so, there was no coercion on my part…" he said.

"The nomination of candidates is determined by the candidates committee and ratification is done by the full National General Council. The prime minister as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party does not have the power to negotiate that privilege and right from people, who are duly appointed to make those decisions."

Mr. Christie commended both men for demonstrating maturity, stressing that they both have a future in public life.

"What transpired was wrong. They have admitted that it was wrong. But they have done the right thing," he said.

"Kenyatta and Keod are both young men. They are also very talented young men with the interests of their country at heart. Thus, this should not be interpreted as the end of their political careers…."

Mr. Smith has scheduled a press conference for this morning to reveal his plans moving ahead.

While Mr. Gibson has apologized for his behaviour, Mr. Smith has not.

According to well-placed sources, government officials met in an emergency meeting Tuesday morning to formulate a strategy on how best to block the Mount Moriah MP from moving ahead with the press briefing.

Sources claim the embattled PLP MP is simply "looking for attention."

"He wants to prove that it is still important to have him stay on within the party," the source claimed.

When asked if the governing party plans to keep on Mr. Smith as a candidate moving into the next general election, the Journal was simply told, "he would not be our first choice."

"We are looking at some options," the source further claimed.

18 October 2006

bahamian politics