FNM To Resume Efforts For Class Action Lawsuit

Fri, Aug 24th 2012, 10:32 AM

The Free National Movement (FNM) plans to complete the process necessary to file the promised class action lawsuit against the government for the "victimization" of several of its supporters, FNM spokesman Carl Bethel said yesterday. Bethel said the process has been stalled due to the unfortunate death of FNM Chairman Charles Maynard in Abaco on August 14. Maynard will be buried today.

"As soon as we get over the events this week, we will begin the process again," Bethel told The Guardian. "We will make announcements next week to inform the Bahamian people that we are still trying to protect their interests and their rights." FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis announced several weeks ago that the party intends to file a class action lawsuit. "If the government continues not to hear the cry of its victims for mercy, it will be made to feel the weight of the law," Minnis said.

"The Constitution of The Bahamas specifically protects Bahamians from discrimination and government oppression based on chosen and political opinions." He invited Bahamians who have been unlawfully terminated from contractual employment to bring all necessary documentary evidence to the FNM headquarters. He said legitimate cases will be evaluated for inclusion in a civil lawsuit against the government so "as to prevent the continued political victimization of hard working, ordinary Bahamians."

Bethel said yesterday that only a handful of people had come forward with victimization claims. "I think it's a question of the Bahamian people not having received the message of what we are doing," he said, explaining why he believes the response has not been greater. Bethel said he thinks there are many more people who have been victimized by the government.

Minnis said workers employed with the Urban Renewal program, and former Hospital Administrator at Princess Margaret Hospital Coralie Adderley are among workers whose contracts were abruptly terminated or not renewed. The FNM has arranged for a team of legal advisors to review each case of alleged political victimization, to take all necessary legal measures, and to obtain appropriate compensation and redress for all persons who have been victimized. But Labour Minister Shane Gibson previously said the FNM is "grasping at straws" and he denied all claims of victimization.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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