'PM wants apology but can't give one'

Sat, Sep 27th 2014, 01:09 PM

Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash said yesterday Prime Minister Perry Christie has once again displayed he is only concerned about protecting

his "reputation and legacy" and does not care about Bahamians.
Cash pointed out that the Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) National General Council (NGC) has demanded a public apology from Dr. Andre Rollins as part of his atonement for publically attacking Christie on the floor of the House of Assembly in recent debates.
However, Cash said the NGC has not seen fit to advise Christie to apologize for going against the constitutional referendum on gender equality in 2002 or the gambling referendum of 2013.
"It is rather interesting that the political organization that Perry Christie leads would find it necessary to have Andre Rollins apologize publically for hurting the prime minister's feelings," Cash said during a press conference.
"Yet, they do not see the necessity or wisdom in having the prime minister apologize to the Bahamian people, firstly, for leading the cause against the 2002 referendum.
"They see no need for the prime minister to apologize to the Bahamian people, and I am not talking about a slick, sophisticated, insincere 'Well if I need to apologize, I should apologize, I would apologize' kind of comment.
"This is with respect to him turning his back on the vote of the Bahamian people in the gambling referendum.
"They see no need for him to apologize for that, and apologize in a meaningful way - looking into the cameras and saying to the Bahamian people, "I deeply and humbly apologize to you for betraying you'.
"...I believe that message is not lost by the Bahamian people."
Christie, Rollins, numerous Cabinet ministers and scores of stalwart councillors attended the "heated" meeting at PLP headquarters on Thursday night.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said there is no timeframe for Rollins to apologize.
He appointed a committee to look into the sanctions, if any, that Rollins should face.
Christie said he is still concerned about Rollins' recent outbursts, which came during debates on the Constitutional Amendment Bills, Value-Added Tax (VAT) Bill and the Gaming Bill.
Rollins has said the country needs new leadership and he also said he is tired of hearing Christie quote scripture.
Cash said Bahamians should be convinced that, for Christie, "It is all about him - his legacy, his reputation, his willingness to please everyone - rather than it [being] about genuine interest and commitment to the Bahamian people and honoring their vote."
The prime minister and his administration have come under fire from several religious leaders over their decision to regulate the web shop industry.
The pastors have pointed out that the majority of Bahamians who voted in the gambling referendum last year January voted no on the issue.
In the House of Assembly recently, Christie said his critics can "talk until thy kingdom come" about the government's decision to go against the results of the gambling referendum.
He added that "God expects him to act".
Despite the official opposition pledging its support for the November 6 constitutional referendum, Cash said last month that an apology from Christie over the 2002 referendum is needed to "heal old wounds".
The questions on gender equality are almost identical to those on the 2002 ballot.
But Christie said he had no intention of apologizing for campaigning against the constitutional referendum in 2002.
"Look, for me moving forward, there is no apology from me, alright," Christie said.
"There will be an explanation from me, but no apology.
"The time has gone. The election from 2002 over."
Last Monday, the government announced the referendum has been delayed until next year, noting that more time is needed for the educational campaign.

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