Richard Lightbourn

Hours after his suggestion that The Bahamas should consider tying the tubes of unwed mothers with more than two children triggered a national outcry, Shadow Attorney General Richard Lightbourn yesterday issued an apology, particularly to Bahamian women for his comments, which he said, "in no way or form reflects the position of the Free National Movement (FNM)".

"I would like to sincerely apologize to the Bahamian public and women in particular for my comments made last night (Thursday) at the Free National Movement convention," said Lightbourn in a press statement on Friday.

"It was never my intention to offend anyone but to speak to the need for effective parenting and the support for a strong family structure which will go a long way toward solving many of our country's social ills.

"It is a woman's right to decide what to do with her body.

"I received immediate and justified criticism for my comments. It was an extremely poor decision on my part."

While addressing delegates at the FNM convention on Thursday night, Lightbourn said it is necessary "for us as a nation to consider adopting the lead of several countries in the world which results in an unwed mother having her tubes tied after having more than two children which would in the end result in fewer children being born".

He said, "The state should not have the burden of paying for the upbringing of children.

"By adopting such measures, there would be [fewer] classrooms needed in the future and [fewer] persons coming out of school every year seeking employment and would also result in the mother of these children being able to live a better life not having to bring up so many children."

Since Thursday night, many have called for Lightbourn's resignation including human rights activist Erin Greene.

In a post on Facebook, Greene wrote, "#Richard_Must_Resign".

She urged those to join the campaign, start a petition, call their MP or contact FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis to voice their concerns about Lightbourn's comments.

Former Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells yesterday told The Nassau Guardian that Lightbourn "is finished".

He said, "There is no way the party can run him again.

"The PLP would kill the FNM if they run Richard Lightbourn as a candidate.

"He should go voluntarily without anyone saying anything to him after making a boo boo like that."

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

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