The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) yesterday slammed Leslie Miller for what it called “vile and xenophobic” comments made about its chairman, Emmanuel Komolafe.

The Association said it was “utterly disgusted” by the Tall Pines MP’s attack on Mr Komolafe, a Nigerian, who is married to Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) managing director, Arinthia Komolafe.

Mr Komolafe, who has been the ‘face and lead voice’ for the BIA on the National Health Insurance (NHI) discussion, drew the ire of Mr Miller, told this newspaper he was “not one of us” and should “head back to his country and see what he could implement there”.

Denouncing the personal nature of Mr Miller’s comments, the BIA said that all statements by Mr Komolafe are representative of the Association’s views as a whole.

“It is simply unacceptable and inappropriate for Mr Komolafe and/or his family to be attacked on a personal level. As the duly-elected chairman of the Association he is the face of the Association, and express its views  and various positions,” said the BIA.

It added: “It was announced that the Prime Minister had taken charge of NHI a few months ago, and is responsible for this significant national initiative. In light of these recent derogatory remarks and the deafening silence on the part of the Government, we are constrained to ask whether Leslie Miller is a surrogate for the Government, and whether the PM views the insurance industry with the same level of disdain.”

“The lack of response from the Minister of Finance, Minister of Financial Services and Minister of State for Finance, who all share responsibility  for the insurance sector, is disturbing. We also note that the Ministry of Health, permanent secretary for NHI, NHI project manager and the National Insurance Board have not distanced themselves from remarks that do not promote collaboration with key NHI stakeholders.”

Lyrone Burrows, Family Guardian’s president and the BIA’s deputy chairman, said it was still committed to the development of universal health care (UHC) in the Bahamas.

“Our position has never changed as it relates to NHI. This is a major initiative and one we feel that all stakeholders should be brought to the table to discuss,” he said.

“We do not agree with the current methodology in which it is going to be delivered to the general public, but even based on the comments made in the past, we are still committed to the development of national health, but with all stakeholders being brought to the table.”