Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin yesterday defended herself against what she called a "personal and disgusting attack" by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and accused the former minister of employing "despicable" political tactics.

"Loretta Butler-Turner has proven in her recent personal and disgusting attack on me that she is the most nasty, vicious and vile political opportunist that I have encountered in all my many years," Hanna-Martin said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Butler-Turner contended that Hanna-Martin missed the point regarding the controversy surrounding local jet ski operations following the alleged rape of an American visitor. The incident prompted the U.S. Embassy in Nassau to issue an advisory urging American citizens traveling to The Bahamas not to patronize the operators.

Butler-Turner raised Hanna-Martin's ire when she accused the minister of lacking compassion and losing focus on the real issue, which is that the country is becoming more dangerous. Butler-Turner leveled the criticism at Hanna-Martin after the minister said in a statement on Tuesday that the man who allegedly raped the American tourist on a cay off Paradise Island over the weekend was not a licensed jet ski operator.

Butler-Turner said Hanna-Martin seemed more preoccupied in protecting her portfolio than showing concern for the safety of visitors and Bahamians. But Hanna-Martin said when it comes to advocacy, her record is clear.

"Mrs. Butler-Turner should know my record speaks for itself both in my ministerial portfolio and as a citizen of the country that I love," she said.

"My record is seen in my entire life's involvement, which includes a life before politics in my genuine advocacy for fairness and justice and in my defense of the defenseless, including the marginalized and women and children. Unlike Mrs. Butler-Turner, I am not a chronic talking head fueled by ugly ambition. Frankly I find her political tactics to be despicable."

In its warning, the U.S. Embassy said five U.S. citizens have allegedly been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators in the last year and a half.

The embassy has prohibited its staff from renting jet skis in New Providence and Paradise Island.

"We strongly advise that U.S. citizens do the same and not patronize these services," the embassy said.

On Tuesday, Kevin Romer, 29, of Melvern Road, Yellow Elder Gardens, was charged with the January 2 sexual assault of the 24-year-old woman at Athol Island. Romer was not required to enter a plea and was denied bail.

Hanna-Martin said challenges surrounding the water sports industry are being discussed with officials in the Ministry of National Security, who have undertaken to assist in ensuring a lawful and orderly industry.

"The government of The Bahamas has instituted a zero-tolerance policy in the industry. However, despite our efforts, challenges do remain," she said.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian