The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

THE FNM must prove itself to be accountable and transparent by providing proof that North Abaco candidate Greg Gomez was employed in the United States as he claims, a party insider said.

The source said the controversy surrounding Mr Gomez could hurt his and the party’s credibility.

Speaking anonymously, he told The Tribune: “I think it is up to the FNM now to show that he (Mr Gomez) was employed in the US as [I feel] his integrity has come into question - if they have the pay slips they should be showing them. This can hurt the credibility of the party because [it could mean] they did not do their due diligence.

“There has to be some accountability for the party towards what has transpired, when you have this much news about one person it really starts to raise questions.”

In an interview earlier this week, Mr Gomez was unable to identify the schools where he said he had worked during his time as an educator in South Florida.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, the FNM said it had had sight of pay slips which showed Mr Gomez had been employed at three different middle schools over a four-year period in Florida, however a copy or additional proof of his employment was not made public.

The FNM source who spoke to The Tribune questioned why Mr Gomez gave an interview the first place, saying he had been told that Mr Gomez was not to provide any interviews without the permission of FNM party leader Hubert Minnis.

This could mean that there is discourse within the party, the source said.

“I do think it will end any question that he was employed if they show that he was paid,” said the party insider.

“I think there is more to this interview than what is going on. From what I understand, Dr Minnis told him (Mr Gomez) no interviews unless approved by him - does that mean that there is some sort of friction?”