FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis speaks to the media outside of court yesterday.
By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis expressed disappointment that a group of people who protested against a blocked access point to Cabbage Beach were brought before court yesterday.
Dr Minnis, flanked by party supporters on the steps of the Nassau and South Streets Magistrate’s Court Complex, suggested that if the FNM wins the next election the party would expunge the records of the accused men if necessary.
He was referring to Urvan Moxey, 46, Miguel Joseph, 26, Derek Thompson, 64, Lincoln Bain, 39, Hubert McIntosh, 59, Sam Butler, 52, Trevor Lightbourne, 46, Francis Johnson, 50, Derek Cox, 58 and Jharo Saunders, 23 who were arraigned on charges of damage, disorderly behaviour and three counts of obstruction yesterday.
Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney, who represents one of the accused men, also regretted the case.
Dr Minnis questioned why no criminal charges were brought against police officers who were seen assaulting protestors on videos circulating on social media.
“Why have they not been brought any charges against the police who was kicking one of the defendants while on the ground? That is overt police brutality. So are they not bringing charges against that particular inspector because he’s PLP general for a member of Parliament for the east? Let’s be fair. Bring charges against him and see how many will come out and support that situation,” Dr Minnis said.
Meanwhile, Mr McCartney stressed the importance of citizens having the freedom to protest.
“We certainly don’t condone any type of violence, any type of damage, but we do support Bahamians having a right to stand up for themselves,” Mr McCartney said outside court.
“This is the same type of support that Sir Lynden Pindling fought for, (Sir) Milo Butler fought for. This is the same type of protest persons have been making when we eventually got majority rule in this country,” Mr McCartney said.
Ownership of Cabbage Beach was transferred from Atlantis (Brookfield) to a subsidiary of Access Industries in 2014. In late November 2015, beach vendors were given written notice stating that the access point would be closed at the end of December. The vendors then went to court and were granted an interim injunction blocking the closure. In January, however, the interim injunction was not extended.
On February 29, vendors clashed with police during a protest on the Sidney Poitier Bridge to Paradise Island after Access Industries erected a fence blocking access to the vendors’ usual point of entry to Cabbage Beach.
The next day the government announced it had reached an agreement with the company to grant temporary access over the private property. However a group of protestors still marched to the site last Tuesday and some of them tore down portions of the fence in question.
Cabbage Beach Vendors Association President Monique Taylor told The Tribune days later that tourism officials have conducted a series of secret meetings in which association members are allegedly being offered inducements to operate elsewhere.
Some vendors reported that the process to renew and acquire licences to operate on Cabbage Beach has been reworked and made more stringent – which is likely to limit the number of vendors able to work at the site.
Vendors are reportedly now required to present written approval by Access Industries to operate at the property and a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Tourism to receive a business licence to operate at Cabbage Beach.
Comments
Publius 8 years, 1 month ago
Jesus Mary and Joseph. Does this man even know what it means to have a person's criminal records expunged? That is a judicial decision, not the Executive's decision. This man has just announced that his government will break the constitution, will usurp the judiciary and then take its place in criminal and/or civil proceedings. This man is sick and dangerous to this country. If he knows what he is saying he is dangerous. If he doesn't know he is even more dangerous - and all for family, friends and others the FNM has announced it will violate Supreme Law and the foundation of our democracy - which is separation of powers. So I hope everyone else in this country with a criminal record lines up to have their records expunged - since there is no law that enables such a thing to take place before the courts and hence no criteria for the judiciary to determine one's eligibility in such an application.
This is absolutely unheard of to be done by the Leader of the Opposition in this country. Not only should he know how such matters are handled by the Force, but to come out and make a politicized statement like this about a ranking police officer actually gives that officer certain constitutional recourse should he choose to take it. Whether police brutality in fact occurred is for the legislated authorities to determine, not the Leader of Opposition going off what he heard or thinks he saw.
Minnis. What is the family relationship between one of the men charged and your female Senator? And what is the relationship between you and one of the other men charged? This country isn't going to the dogs, it is squarely in the dog's pen.
themessenger 8 years, 1 month ago
Ah well, Minnis has opened his mouth to change feet again. Does he actually smell the stuff he's shoveling? This statement shows that at the heart of the matter they have no more regard for the rule of law than the scumbags they're trying to depose.
Publius 8 years, 1 month ago
Precisely. And what he also seems not to understand is that to have your records expunged does not mean your conviction has been overturned - which again only the courts can do.
Publius 8 years, 1 month ago
Why did you think that? Were you reading all my posts about him backward and upside down? There isn't a word I have ever uttered here or elsewhere that has ever been in support of the moron.
Publius 8 years, 1 month ago
Not a problem
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
another just impossibly stupid remark by a politician. The law is above politics. you cant "expunge" a conviction unless you change the law.
DillyTree 8 years, 1 month ago
Every time Minnis opens his mouth, he only confirms the reason he should never be a leader of anything -- even an arts and crafts party!
And is he saying that the FNM would circumvent the judicial department? Isn't that why V. Alfred Gray got into so much hot water -- and that Minnis himself demanded that he resign? Mr. Minnis, spouting this rhetoric makes you no better than the PLP. Shame on you!
EasternGate 8 years, 1 month ago
Dr. Minnis, I implore you... please hold a convention by June 2016. At this rate the FNM looking as bad as the PLP
Honestman 8 years, 1 month ago
Another banana skin for Minnis. What a stupid comment to make. He has no political awareness. Could you imagine Hubert Ingraham coming out with a statement like this? Minnis needs to be replaced in November for the sake of the country.
Publius 8 years, 1 month ago
Not sure why you re-posted your original post that I replied to, but I think all right-thinking people can see who these guys really are, even if some of us with party loyalties may be unwilling to openly admit to it.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 1 month ago
Now many are beginning to understand why I have been so steadfast over the years in my opposition to Minnis ever becoming PM of our country. Numerous past supporters of the FNM are even prepared to vote for the PLP candidate in their constituency in the next general election if that is what it will take to stop Minnis from ever becoming PM. The FNM party is already being starved of financial resources that it so desperately needs, but many Bahamians are fearful this alone may not be enough to keep Minnis from becoming PM. If need be, many past supporters of the FNM will vote PLP (and stomach Christie as by far the lesser of two evils) if that is what it will take to protect our country from Minnis.
EasternGate 8 years, 1 month ago
So they say Minnis is s successful doctor and a businessman. Perhaps that is so, but does this alone qualify him to be Leader of The FNM and Prime Minister?
Dr. Ben Carson is a world renowned brain surgeon and a successful businessman. Minnis is a light weight compared to him! Dr. Carson was a pathetic GOP candidate.
He and Minnis both suffer from acataphasia.
For the sake of Country and Party, give it up Minnis!
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