POLITICAL newcomer Winsome Miller has demanded an apology from her rival, veteran MP Shane Gibson, after PLP supporters simulated the killing of a straw "FNM supporter" on nomination day.
As controversy grows over the incident, the FNM's Ms Miller, who is challenging for the Golden Gates seat, pointed out that those who laid the straw man in the road to be run over by several cars, were on their way to support Mr Gibson's nomination.
Photos of the incident were posted on the PLP's Golden Gates website, but removed soon after. Despite widespread condemnation, the opposition hierarchy has yet to comment.
Ms Miller said it is a "sad day" when the leaders of the official opposition "aren't the first people to condemn and disavow these troubling actions by their supporters".
She said: "Shane Gibson's silence is even worse.
"This occurred in his constituency, before his nomination rally and the supporters are shown carrying his campaign signs - and then it was posted on the official website for his constituency.
"Mr Gibson needs to step forward and publicly apologise and disown these acts.
"Anything less sends a signal to his supporters that this behaviour is acceptable."
Meanwhile, the FNM party issued its own statement criticising PLP leader Perry Christie and deputy leader Philip 'Brave' Davis for their "apparent refusal to condemn the acts of their supporters that many say encourage and promote violence".
FNM spokesperson Tommy Turnquest said: "This is not simply a case of overzealous supporters.
"Pictures of the incident were published on an official PLP social media site.
"Perry or Davis need to address this.
"I'm wondering if maybe Mr Davis has banned Mr Christie from responding, just as he banned posters bearing Mr Christie's face.
"The fact that 'Silence is Golden' seems to be the PLP's motto with regards to these acts is just further proof they are not serious about addressing violence in our country.
"How can they lead this country when they can't even be found to comment on a clear issue like this?"
Comments
spoitier 11 years, 12 months ago
Stop this political stunt; why should Shane Gibson apologize for what someone else have done? No way should he condoned it but not apologize, in a country of over 300,000 people you mean to tell me that only the PLP is doing foolishness like this? This could be political stunts by the FNM to gather votes and I'm against both party in this election. First you have this and then someone spray a dog with the letters FNM, either the media is one-sided or we have people doing this for bad publicity for the PLP, in the end people will figure out some of these things that is going on.
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