By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
HOUSE of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendal Major yesterday reprimanded Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn after he made derogatory statements about Progressive Liberal Party members of parliament.
During his contribution to the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation (Amendment) Bill, Mr Lightbourn made certain comments about PLP MPs as he spoke about the Bank of the Bahamas and allegations of loans given to political cronies.
However, before Mr Lightbourn could continue with his contribution, Dr Major interjected, demanding that he retract his comment.
The matter drew ridicule from seated MPs, some who could be heard shouting insults across the floor at Mr Lightbourn.
Dr Major said: “Member, member take that back. It’s not appropriate. The chair orders that it be withdrawn and expunged from the record. Unless you withdraw, take your seat.”
Mr Lightbourn attempted to continue, and tried to stand his ground, but Dr Major would not allow it.
Mr Lightbourn later withdrew the statement and said he did not mean to make a derogatory remark.
Carmichael MP Danny Johnson stood on a point of order insisting that Mr Lightbourn owed parliamentarians and Bahamians an apology.
He said: “That is absolute nonsense. I can’t believe he said that. It is nonsense.”
Dr Bernard Nottage, Bain and Grants Town MP, suggested that the Speaker leave the comments on the House’s record.
“In fact he shouldn’t be able to speak. I have never heard that in this House before …ever!” Dr Nottage said.
Seated members continued to berate Mr Lightbourn over his remark.
Dr Major said: “The chair will deal with it, members. Member for Montagu take your seat. You can see from the reaction, members (are) disappointed. Members have expressed that the fact that it was expunged and off the record, it doesn’t remove the responsibility of the member who uttered the words.”
He urged FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to assist him in understanding Mr Lightbourn’s position in making the remarks.
However, Dr Minnis suggested that he did not see the issue because the Speaker had already ordered the comments be expunged.
Comments
duppyVAT 9 years, 1 month ago
The House is soooooooooo civilized tody. Imagine what the PLP used to call the FNMs before Hubert Ingraham put the House on TV!!!!!!!! But BJ Nottage wants to act so innocent with his stink flat bowcat mouth.
TalRussell 9 years, 1 month ago
Comrade Richard, before asking for an apology from the speaker, should send a copy of the following statement made by BOB's Managing Director McSweeny who said:
"Loans to politically-exposed persons (PEPs) “never” exceeded more than 5 per cent of Bank of the Bahamas’ total outstanding credit portfolio." And while he's at it, ask the Speaker to demand the names of such "politically -exposed persons, along with the dollar value of the loans and how many of those bad loans were bailed out via the taxpayers 100 million dollars?
Sorry, but this run scared at the first sign of defense by this government, Her Majesty's Opposition are simply not up to doing the heavy-lifting it will take to unseat this PLP cabinet. Weak, very run scared weak performance by MP Richard.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 1 month ago
Does any one really expect Dr; Minnis to see the issue? poor fellow. The FNM is the party that had a leader who called members "worthless" and their members call web shop owners "boys" . Perhaps their memories are short. because it was not to long ago persons with their hue were called "boys"
asiseeit 9 years, 1 month ago
The man spoke nothing but the truth and sometimes the truth hurts, hey!
CDMortimer 9 years, 1 month ago
The sad truth about this story and some of the comments above...is that the point is being missed badly! I don't think Lightbourn referred to any of them other than what they honestly are THIEVES/CROOKS/Country-PIMPS; and he's right to do so, because that's what the HELL they are. We're here debating whether his remarks were inappropriate...but not debating why the defensive and critical barrage intended to shut him up was/is not the topic. Yes...we know why the critical attack on Lightbourn was in full-effect! But seriously, these deceitful-politicians and revolving-governments must stop their unscrupulous behaviors. No answers about BOB allegations of improper lending....no answers about the 650 million dollars Letter Of Intent...no answers/nor confirmed investigation into the $300,000 Bribe Paid To Win Bec Contract....no answers to the confusion/obvious lies/mismanagement/and eventual uncovering of under-the-table dealings in this BAMSI construction dilemma. SMT+SMH....and all that has happened is a bailout--to keep the identities of the idiots a secret in this BOB foolishness, and the patterned sweeping-under-the-rug that these Bahamian Governments are so famous of doing, on each of the others issues.
*In my opinion, Lightbourn didn't fold....he was being honest I assume when he said " I did not mean to make a derogatory remark". In actuality his remark is only derogatory because the proverbial (if the cap fits, wear it) adage, was inflicting unbearable pain in that uncouth place.
duppyVAT 9 years, 1 month ago
Very true CD .... the only sad thing is that RL didnot have any evidence to substantiate the claim/remarks that he made. Hope his hands are clean
birdiestrachan 9 years, 1 month ago
It is to bad that some will agree with what Mr. Lightbourn had to say, it was disrespectful and child like. he might have been brought up to say much worse about people of a different hue from his. I trust Dr. Minnis even as he sits on the same side Knows that the same applies to him. But then again Minnis is often out to lunch.
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