Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said his party is on the same page when it comes to the Stem Cell Bill and he dismissed concerns of a rift after statements from the FNM's deputy leader and deputy chairman on the issue.

During debate on the bill last week, Minnis blasted the government for "rushing" the proposed legislation.

He said the country could face being blacklisted or be targeted by unscrupulous scientists who would take advantage of The Bahamas' lack of experience and inability to stringently enforce laws, even minor ones.

The next day, FNM Deputy Chairman Dr. Duane Sands said the proposed law is "progressive".

On Sunday, FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner told The Nassau Guardian that she supports the bill and added that Minnis' opposition to it confused her.

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts said Monday that there seems to be a "major rift" in the leadership of the FNM after Butler-Turner's comments.

When asked about the different opinions within his party, Minnis said they are all on the same accord. He said he met with Butler-Turner on Monday to talk about her statements.

"We have had meetings in our caucus. I understand Sands' position," Minnis said.

"Sands was a part of the [stem cell] committee and therefore he is confined by certain things.

"But stem cell is not the issue. The issue is safety, the issue is regulation, the issue is enforcement. we do not have the equipment, the manpower, or the resources to enforce the regulation.

That is our problem. "What they (Butler-Turner and Sands) have said is stem cell itself is a beautiful piece of research.

And I agree. At this particular time we do not have the proper enforcement agency to deal with enforcing the regulations and enforcing the laws.

"And we would be at risk of being used [by] rouge physicians and rouge scientists."

Debate on the bill is expected to resume when the House meets on July 17.

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