Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn yesterday suggested that the government "rushed" the constitutional referendum bills to Parliament last month to divert attention from the growing controversy surrounding the letter of intent (LOI) that Parliamentary Secretary Renward Wells signed last month.

Lightbourn said parliamentarians were initially advised that they would debate the Public Parks and Public Beaches Authorities Bill.

He said he only received a copy of the referendum bills the day before they were tabled in the House of Assembly.

"We arrived in Parliament on July 23 and without any mention of the Pubic Parks and Public Beaches Authority Bill, we had tabled four bills to amend the constitution and the proposed VAT Bill," said Lightbourn while contributing to debate on the constitutional bills.

"And the House returned on the following week to debate the constitutional changes. What could possibly have happened between [July 22 and July 23] that would necessitate tabling these bills?

"...The political pundits without exception attributed the government's reversal to three words: letter of intent.

"The filing of these bills was clearly a diversion of the public debate on the ramifications surrounding the signing of the letter of intent by a parliamentary secretary."

House Speaker Dr. Kendal Major interjected and asked Lightbourn to stay on topic.

But Lightbourn said his information was relevant to the debate.

"As far as I am concerned and members on this side are concerned, this process is being rushed," he said.

"And this is clearly an example that it is being rushed. We are in a debate for a bill that has nothing to do with the constitution.

"You get a pile of bills put on the table. Clearly this was a diversion from that issue and I think it is very relevant that the public realizes that."

Lightbourn was referring to the letter of intent Wells signed with Stellar Waste to Energy (Bahamas) Limited last month.

The LOI was for a $600 million-plus waste-to-energy plant for the New Providence landfill. Wells reportedly did not have Cabinet approval to sign the document.

Prime Minister Perry Christie asked Wells to resign, then later said he will make a final determination after he completes an investigation.

As it relates to the bills, Lightbourn suggested that the government put the bills in the committee stage and allow for a period of public debate and consultation.

"One must question whether we are...placing the cart before the horse," he said. "It would seem preferable to have the questions formulated, then circulate them for discussion.

"Theoretically, the government may accept suggested amendments and then finalize the bill for debate in Parliament."

Lightbourn said he supports equality for women, but suggested that the government needs to get the process right.

"As they seek to amend the constitution, it is imperative that it is presented in a proper manner, because if you fail to have it passed on this occasion there is little likelihood that there is going to be an opportunity to seek to amend these provisions again in the foreseeable future," he said.

The referendum is scheduled for November 6.

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