Two senior Free National Movement (FNM) members are at odds over the government's handling of the Cuban abuse inquiry, with one member hitting out at the process and another expressing confidence in the conduct of the inquiry so far.
On Monday, FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner accused the Christie administration of "governing without transparency" by not keeping Bahamians informed about the proceedings in the Cuban detainee abuse trial, according to an article appearing in The Tribune.
However, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Hubert Chipman yesterday released a statement indicating that he is satisfied the process is being properly handled.
Chipman added that while he also wished to see an open inquiry, "the leader of the opposition and I are satisfied with the commitment of the Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage, that the hearings will be held in camera, but a full report of the proceedings will be issued at their conclusion ."
Chipman said, "We are further satisfied that the declaration of unfounded charges by the Cubans and others, in addition to the publication of these and other such matters, could compromise national security. We support a prudent approach."
He added that the FNM also has confidence in the independent observers appointed to sit in on the hearings.
"Because of the significant implications that the outcome of this inquiry could have on the reputation of The Bahamas, I have been observing the conduct of the inquiry very closely," said Chipman, who is also the MP for St. Anne's. "To date, there have been no issues or events in this case that we did not foresee and expect.
"Similarly, I have seen nothing in the conduct of this matter that presents cause for undue national concern.
"The FNM does not presume that failings in one component in our systems will, by default, mean failings in all of them. Nevertheless, we will remain vigilant in our scrutiny of all processes surrounding these proceedings."
National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage announced in September that the hearings will be held in camera, adding that three independent observers would be allowed to observe the proceedings and present a report on what took place.
The hearing, which commenced in September, is expected to resume sometime next year, according to attorney Wayne Munroe.
Munroe represents the five marines who were charged with causing harm and causing a wound under care.
The men are accused of abusing detainees after some of them attempted to escape the facility.
Retired Justice Cheryl Albury, former Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Commander Leon L. Smith and Bahamas Christian Council President Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson were appointed to observe the hearings, the government previously announced.
Butler-Turner told The Tribune that the Bahamian people need to know without delay what is happening with the case.
However, Chipman said the FNM expected that the repatriation of certain Cuban nationals who were detained in the detention center would likely lead to delays in the proceedings.
"This appears to be a reality, but I have seen nothing to this point that suggests anything untoward that would undermine the effectiveness of the inquiry," Chipman said.

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