Upon receiving her instruments of appointment as the Free National Movement's (FNM) newest senator, Lanisha Rolle yesterday praised Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis as a leader who is raising the standards of politics throughout The Bahamas and the world. Rolle received her instruments of appointment from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling during a brief ceremony in the upper gardens of Government House.

"Today, I commend the leadership team of the Free National Movement led by Dr. Hubert Minnis for demonstrating the political will and wherewithal to lead in raising the standard of politics in our land, and perhaps throughout the world," she said.

Rolle said Minnis epitomizes political leadership that is "transformative, flexible and conducive to 21st century governance and revolutionary change". Minnis announced her appointment three weeks after he asked Heather Hunt to resign from the Senate last month. Rolle's appointment was met with opposition from the FNM's Women's Association and other elements of the party.

"As a police officer, I enforced the law," Rolle told those who attended the event.

"As a lawyer, I applied the law. As a senator, I will help to make and shape the law."

At that point, activist Rodney Moncur, who was seated in the audience, shouted, "Hallelujah", which drew applause. Rolle said she is positioned to serve all Bahamians and will work tirelessly to help young people and women. Following her speech, she received a standing ovation.

Along with Minnis, Senator Carl Bethel, East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and FNM Secretary General Michael Foulkes were among those in attendance. Minnis said the empowerment of women remains a focal point for his party.

"This appointment represents my party's vision and goals in several ways," he said. "We wish to demonstrate the flexibility of purpose and roles that characterize the Bahamian democracy the FNM is fighting to preserve and expand. Success will call for the strictest loyalty of the party's membership to the FNM's vision for a stronger and better Bahamas."

Rolle's 11 years of experience as a police officer will "raise an informed voice in the Senate and give input to the FNM's program...to address crime", Minnis said.

"I reaffirm the FNM's commitment to keep the government's feet to the fire and Lanisha Rolle is one of the strong voices we are counting on to keep up a barrage of honest facts to break down the wall of PLP falsehoods that are eroding the future of this country and its people," he said.

Rolle will join Bethel, FNM Chairman Michael Pintard and Kwasi Thompson in the upper chamber. Her appointment has been controversial.

Following reports that the women's association opposed it, Rolle said she was not bothered because "women are very emotional". She also came under fire over a post on her Facebook page last year which said that she does not "100 percent" support the Public Disclosure Act. She later said that while she believes in complying with the act, she also believes in privacy.

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