The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration must explain what qualifies Rodney Moncur for a role as consultant in the Ministry of National Security, Free National Movement St Barnabas MP and Shadow Minister for National Security Shanendon Cartwright said yesterday.

Office of the Prime Minister director of communications Latrae Rahming confirmed Mr Moncur’s appointment as a “violence interrupter” on Thursday following questions former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis asked in the House of Assembly.

Mr Rahming said Mr Moncur has an extensive understanding of inner-city communities. He said it is important to use people with strong community links.

Some observers, however, quickly questioned the move and appropriateness of the selection. However, some in the Progressive Liberal Party have pointed to the Minnis administration’s decision to appoint Omar Archer to a senior role at the Ministry of Works despite his own controversial past.

With his colourful personality, Mr Moncur hosts a popular radio show on which National Security Minister Wayne Munroe frequently appeared before becoming a member of the government.

 Mr Cartwright said yesterday: “As the country continues to be embroiled in a national security crisis reflected in historic gun violence, the Bahamian people are legitimately asking where is the comprehensive plan to address crime. Further, any questions relating to anti-crime measures by the government in this perilous moment is magnified and should inspire confidence.

    “We do believe that we must utilise all our talents and know how to construct solutions to the crime issue. However, as it relates to the recent consultant hiring, Bahamians have sincere and legitimate questions regarding the clarity of the consultant’s new role, the requisite expertise and more broadly could these resources have been used and prioritised more effectively. There are legitimate questions the Bahamian people seek answers to regarding the hire.”

 In December 2016, then Official Opposition leader Loretta Butler-Turner appointed Mr Moncur to the Senate.

 The appointment was seen as controversial at the time because Mr Moncur’s conservative opinions diverged from Mrs Butler-Turner’s stated positions.

 In the past, Mr Moncur has called birth control pills “evil” and “cancerous” and was also a vocal critic of the June 2016 gender equality referendum, calling the exercise “witchcraft”. He erected a billboard outside his office urging people to vote ‘no’ to all four questions.

 The justice of the peace has also frequently marched for convicted murderers to be hanged.

 He declined to comment when contacted yesterday.