Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he is disappointed in Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins, who has criticized the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) over the last few weeks.
Christie said whenever a member of his party disagrees with any government decision, that member has a choice.
"I have been in public life for a very long time," he said in the House of Assembly during the wrap up of the Gaming Bill debate.
"During the process, I have been instrumental in facilitating many persons coming into public life for the first time. I've done so on the basis of my judgment and what I think would be right for the Progressive Liberal Party and right for the country.
"Sometimes we make mistakes, Mr. Speaker. But in our democracy I may have been subjected in my past to the exercise of power that resulted in my not getting a nomination.
"By the grace of God, I had the political base to be able to run as an independent, supported by the FNM that did not run a candidate, and was able to win.
"When people on my side, in the process of governance, disagree fundamentally with me, they have a choice. Firstly, to recognize that the Progressive Liberal Party operates on a revolving door, the door swings in and it swings out. So you are free at all times to stay or to leave. There is no problem with my leadership in that regard.
"Secondly, I do not propose, Mr. Speaker, ever, ever, ever to engage as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party in a debate in Parliament with anyone who could have discussions with me prior to me coming here and settle the matter one way or the other, and come in here and disagree.
"I do not propose to engage any such person forever and forever and forever, if it is left to me."
While contributing to debate on the Gaming Bill, Rollins highlighted the government's "hypocrisy" and said the gaming issue will be "enough to cause it to be fired at the next general election".
He also said the government's explanation on why it chose to ignore the results of the 2013 gambling referendum lacks merit.
Rollins said he cannot support the bill as it will continue to discriminate against Bahamians, banning them from gambling in casinos.
He told an NB12 reporter last Friday that he is not concerned about being re-elected either.
"You deny me a nomination all you want, but at the end of the day, I don't get my power or my motivation from those individuals who have the power to offer a nomination, because ultimately, if the people want you, they're going to accept you no matter what label you fall under, whether it's independent, whether it's PLP, whether it's FNM or any other party."
Rollins was fired as Gaming Board chairman after he criticized Christie during the recent value-added tax (VAT) debate.
Christie said he is not concerned about critics who question whether he will run again for office in 2017.
He said he is simply happy to be alive.
"That is why I am personally disappointed in the member for Fort Charlotte," he said.
"He knows the confidence I have in him. He knows the confidence I have in his ability. His mother knows the confidence I have in his ability. He knows the extent to which I personally am responsible for his nomination.
"I don't take away from him his right to speak. I don't want to. It's not my style. But allow me to be who I am."
The Gaming Bill was passed in the House yesterday with 25 yes votes and seven no votes.
Three PLP MPs were absent when the vote was taken: Central and South Andros MP Picewell Forbes, North Abaco MP Renardo Curry and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells.
Two Free National Movement (FNM) MPs were also absent: Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key and North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly.
Rollins was the only PLP MP who voted against the bill.
The FNM MPs who were present also voted against it.

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