Attorney Raynard Rigby said yesterday the disciplinary committee of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) made the wrong recommendation when it decided that Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins should be suspended from the party for "no less than six months".
"It certainly wasn't the recommendation that we put forward," said Rigby, who is Rollins' legal counsel in the matter and former chairman of the PLP.
"There were a number of issues that we raised before the disciplinary committee that we thought would have dealt decisively with the alleged charges made against Dr. Rollins.
"The most fundamental one is we thought there was no breach by Dr. Rollins of the constitution of the party. That remains our position.
"I am surprised that the disciplinary committee would make such a recommendation."
Rigby said he had not seen the report from the committee or the basis upon which it came to its recommendation.
"So I would certainly make inquiries of the chairman of the disciplinary committee," he said.
Rollins appeared before the committee after he criticized Prime Minister Perry Christie in the House of Assembly in August 2014.
Rollins said he was tired of hearing Christie quote scripture and that the country needs new leadership.
Following his comments, Rollins was fired as Gaming Board chairman.
The National General Council of the PLP asked him to apologize to Christie in the House of Assembly. He refused to do so.
The disciplinary committee's recommendation now has to go to the Leadership Council, which is chaired by the prime minister.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said Christie will convene a meeting of the Leadership Council later this month to make a determination on disciplinary action for Rollins.
Apart from banning him from PLP meetings, suspending Rollins would not have much impact. He would still serve as a PLP MP.
The party's constitution provides for the disciplinary committee to include seven members of the National General Council appointed by the national chairman in consultation with the leader of the party.
After the Leadership Council considers a report from the disciplinary committee, the National General Council shall have the power to suspend or otherwise discipline a member, the constitution says.
It lists several reasons for possible suspension: acting contrary to the interests of the party or its platform, programs, policy or principles; acting in Parliament in a manner detrimental to the best interests of the party; opposing a party candidate in any election to the House of Assembly; becoming a candidate in any election to the House of Assembly without the approval or authority of the party and any other matter or behavior that is deemed to be prejudicial to the interests of the party and its membership.
It is the view of the members of the disciplinary committee that Rollins acted in Parliament in a manner detrimental to the best interests of the party, The Nassau Guardian understands.
Committee members reportedly took the position that Rollins failed to use the party mechanisms available to voice any concerns he had.

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