PLP MPs clash in the house

As of Friday, February 20, 2015

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PLP MPs Ryan Pinder and Dr Andre Rollins clashed repeatedly last night in the House of Assembly as debate over the mid-year budget continued.

Tension built between the pair, who sat side by side in the lower chamber, after Mr Pinder suggested that Dr Rollins did not have a full grasp of financial concepts, and had prepared his earlier contribution with the assistance of the internet search engine, Google.

Mr Pinder lashed out at Dr Rollins over his stance that National Health Insurance should not be implemented at this time. During his contribution on Wednesday, Dr Rollins said there should be no discussion about NHI until a national lottery was established.

At one point last night, both men were on their feet shouting in a manner that House Speaker Dr Kendal Major likened to a “reality show.”

As Mr Pinder continued his contribution, Dr Major suggested that Dr Rollins move to another seat as the retorts he made while seated were amplified by Mr Pinder’s microphone.

“This is a very unusual situation,” Speaker Major said, “because there is a heckler, a member who is heckling right next to you which is close to the microphone so the chair is going to ask the member for Fort Charlotte (Dr Rollins) if you feel obliged to say a few words, which is generally allowable in this House, the chair would prefer that you sit at another location because it’s a bit too cosy for the chair at this moment.”

Resuming his contribution, Mr Pinder said: “I think many on this side would prefer the same.”

Turning his focus to Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Mr Pinder said the Killarney MP should be ashamed of himself for the position he put forward during the mid-year debate.

As he made these comments, Dr Rollins could be heard from his seat insulting Mr Pinder.

After Mr Pinder finished his contribution in support of the mid-year budget, Dr Rollins rose to his feet again; however, the Speaker told him to first move two seats down before he spoke.

Dr Rollins said: “It is clear that I was quite irritated and annoyed when I arrived because I take tremendous umbrage in being attacked by personal insults by an individual who purports or who portrays himself as being the most knowledgeable person when it comes to financial services in this country.”

“(Mr Pinder) always complained or criticised the former administration about how poorly they managed financial services yet, under his tenure as minister of financial services, the industry has shrunk.”

Dr Rollins claimed that Mr Pinder portrayed himself as a “financial services genius”, but did nothing to demonstrate any growth in the sector.

“So I take offence,” Dr Rollins said last night, “when you ascribe to me motives that are tantamount to a cursory review of the Internet assuming that I didn’t attempt to do a little more research to at least be able to come to this place and show the respect to this House and the people of this country to justify the time of this place.”

Dr Rollins challenged Mr Pinder to state the errors in his contribution, adding that Sea Breeze MP Hope Strachan, current minister of financial services, had given him a thumbs up sign in approval of his entire contribution.

“So either she (Mrs Strachan) does not know what’s going on or he (Mr Pinder) does not know what’s going.”

However, Sea Breeze MP Hope Strachan immediately denied that she was in full support of Dr Rollins, adding that she intended to answer some of his claims when she made her contribution later in the evening.

When she spoke last night, she rebutted several points Dr Rollins had made about the financial sector, causing Dr Rollins to rise and defend his statements.

The Speaker told Mr Pinder that it was his decision whether he would withdraw his remarks that personally offended Dr Rollins; however, he added that it was not compulsory because the Elizabeth Estates MP did not break any rules.

Mr Pinder did not withdraw his comments.

Despite the Speaker’s comments that it was time to move on, Dr Rollins added: “I take that to say that everything I said yesterday was in fact correct because he cannot say for the record of this House what exactly I said was incorrect and I thank you for proving my point, the former honourable minister for financial services.”

Economist 9 years, 2 months ago

Government does not provide any medical insurance. I understand, and if I am wrong someone please correct me, that Government employees can go to the Public Hospitals Authority and get free medical services.

This mEans that a good sum of the Ministry of Health budget is used to pay for these services. There are also many in small businesses who do not provide their staff with coverage.

The idea of universal health is something every country should aim for. BUT because of Governments INEFFICIENIES, LACK OF TRANSPERANCY, and TOTAL FAILURE TO CONTROL SPENDING The Bahamas CANNOT AFFORD NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.

The_Oracle 9 years, 2 months ago

When it is free, it will not be valued, and will always be in short supply. Nothing, I repeat nothing the Government currently runs could be considered efficient, of quality, or inexpensive. Yet another reason for the best and brightest in the medical field and educated abroad to stay away.

asiseeit 9 years, 2 months ago

ANY Bahamian can go to PMH or a government clinic and receive affordable healthcare. The problem is you have to toe the line behind all the illegal immigrants. Last time I went there where about ten pregnant Haitians in front of me, that's not counting all the others. It took 7 hours until I was sorted out and that was pretty fast.

ThisIsOurs 9 years, 2 months ago

7 hours!! Wow! you were lucky I guess you know someone up there? The last time I accompanied a friend we spent from about 8PM in the evening to 10AM the next day.

TheMadHatter 9 years, 2 months ago

That's because you have one of them no-good Bahamian passports. You gotta get the Haitian passport to get fast service. There may be a way to get one even if yoos a Bahamian. In the world today, everything is for sale - and in the Bahamas a Haitian passport is easily worth $2000 when you consider the benefits it brings. Ask around.

TheMadHatter

SP 9 years, 2 months ago

.............................................. I Agree 100% With Dr. Rollins .............................................

Firstly, Dr. Rollins point that the financial sector rapidly contracted and continues to spiral out of control in free fall is absolutely true.

Perry Christie obviously allowed himself to be bamboozled by another white face. Typical!

Secondly, Ryan Pinder is just riding out his term and doesn't have a foot to stand on.

....................................................... STFU Ryan! ........................................................

Haitians are definitely the main beneficiaries of social services, health care and education. They are 1000% more aggressive than the average passive Bahamian who now cannot access adequate government assistance that they pay tax's for.

NHI will just be more freebees for Haitians paid for by taxing hard working honest Bahamians.

First we need to level the playing field by ridding the country of the 10's of 1000's of Haitians and other illegals that abuse our health care, education, social services and employment.

................................ Stay on their lousy backsides Dr. Rollins .....................................

If we had just 5 more MP's on government side in the House Of Assembly we could finally get something sensible achieved for once.

Alltoomuch 9 years, 2 months ago

Not sure that last sentence makes sense?

SP 9 years, 2 months ago

If we had just 5 more MP's "like Dr. Rollins" on government side in the House Of Assembly we could finally get something sensible achieved for once.

TalRussell 9 years, 2 months ago

PLP MP Ryan exposes to his Honourable House colleagues his: "Why he left da PLP cabinet" - package!
Comrades it has now been proven the world-over how tight-fitting knickers does makes MP's say the damnedest weirdest of things.

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by TalRussell

Economist 9 years, 2 months ago

"Any Bahamian can go to the PMH or a government clinic and receive affordable health care."

BUT it should be any Bahamian WHO IS INDIGENT (has no money, is genuinely poor) can get the care free or at an affordable price.

This is part of the Public Hospital Authorities problem. SOCIAL SERVICES is supposed to vet such persons and advise the PHA. They are to do follow up investigations to verify the persons status.

In addition obesity represents close to 40% of the cost today with high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes and cancer. WE must also get more healthy to afford NHI.

If Social Services did their job and we got more healthy we can afford universal health care. It is up to us.

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