Former PLP MP for Marco City, Pleasant Bridgewater has resigned from the Senate effective immediately in order to fight the charges made against her in the Travolta matter. She has affirmed her innocence. Below is a statement from Ms. Bridgewater and following that is the Leader's statement.

Yesterday, 23rd January is a day that will live in my memory as a nightmare. In my capacity as a lawyer, I acted within the bounds of the law and within the bounds of my ethical responsibility to my profession. How these innocent actions can be so misconstrued, so perversely twisted to mean something other than it was, is a mystery.

I assure the Bahamian people of my complete and total innocence and I am satisfied that when the full story comes out that I shall be fully vindicated. I will then take all appropriate and lawful actions for redress and to protect my good name.

I have spoken to the leader of our Party the Rt. Honourable Perry Christie. I have told him that while I am completely innocent, that I believe that while I fight these untrue and unfair charges that I should not put the Party through this ordeal.

I have thereby indicated that I will resign from the Senate with immediate effect so that I can devote my full energies to the legal battle which now faces me.

I want to thank the Leader for his confidence in me and for allowing me the privilege of serving the country and the PLP. I want to thank the wonderful people of the Marco City Constituency for all their love, encouragement, prayers and support. I thank all people of goodwill who have sent words of encouragement. I thank my family and my counsel for all of their assistance. I am unbowed and I fully intend to fight so that I shall be vindicated. Please continue to pray for me.

In accepting the resignation of Ms. Bridgewater, Party leader the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie issued this statement.

I have been advised by Senator Pleasant Bridgewater today that she has tendered her resignation to the President of the Senate with immediate effect so as to fully dedicate her resources and energies to fight the charges brought against her. She has assured me of her innocence.

I deeply regret this turn of events, having regard to the yeoman service Senator Bridgewater has given to our party and to our country.

I understand the course of action that she has decided to take and I believe that this is the right and appropriate thing to do in these most unfortunate circumstances.

I thank Senator Bridgewater for her service to the Progressive Liberal Party and to our country.