By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
The Progressive Liberal Party yesterday let off a volley of stinging criticisms against the governing Free National Movement on the heels of the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the PLP and the House of Assembly, accusing it of undermining the administration of justice in the country.
"Let Malcolm Adderley serve out his political term," the party said in a detailed statement.
"Do not strike deals behind closed doors, especially those that undermine confidence in the judiciary. Do not impose the cost of a by-election upon Bahamians who are struggling to pay school fees, mortgages, rent, utilities and to buy groceries. The PLP and Bahamians everywhere hope the FNM will stop this madness."
The PLP released the statement after it emerged that Adderley resigned from the Progressive Liberal Party and from the House of Assembly where he is a second-term member of Parliament for Elizabeth. The Guardian understands that Adderley tendered his resignation to House Speaker Alvin Smith on Saturday and also sent a one-line letter of resignation to PLP chairman Bradley Roberts.
His resignation as an MP comes after many months of speculation as Adderley continued to serve as chairman of the Gaming Board when the Free National Movement was elected in 2007, and has been inactive in the PLP's parliamentary caucus.
Adderley's resignation as an MP is effective the end of the day on Wednesday and he is expected to become a Supreme Court judge.
The PLP yesterday accused the Free National Movement of "continued abuses of power and destruction of our institutions", claiming that such "abuses" are "heaping unbearable and irreparable damage upon the backs of Bahamians."
The party went as far as to accuse the government of sparking a record-breaking murder count in 2009 "due to political interference in the appointment of the commissioner of police" Reginald Ferguson, who retires today.
"Commissioner (Ellison) Greenslade was to have been appointed in 2007. The FNM appointed Reginald Ferguson so that his pension could be 'fixed up'," the PLP alleged. "The brother of the then chairman of the FNM and Hubert Ingraham's 'boy' was fixed up while Bahamians paid the price of crime spiraling out of control, tourists were attacked, cruise ships told their passengers not to go on tours, investors left The Bahamas, financial services continued to face steep decline and Bahamians were held hostage in their homes."
Adderley's resignation from Parliament means that a by-election is imminent.
"This means that the people of The Bahamas who are faced with the worst economy and the highest misery index in living memory will now be further burdened with the cost of a by-election in Elizabeth, which will amount to more than $1 million," the PLP stated.
"It means that the FNM is giving as political gifts the position of Supreme Court justice, thereby attacking the institution of an independent judiciary. It also means that the FNM would have determined to ignore the findings of the Election Court pointing out the lack of integrity of the Register of Voters. By any yardstick, the FNM would be holding an election on a register that has a question as to proper scrutiny [and this] will be striking at the very root of democracy.
"The PLP will determine whether to participate in this madness would be supporting an immoral and constitutional travesty."
The party also charged that the government has committed an act of "blatant discrimination" against Justice Cheryl Albury by refusing to extend her service.
"If Justice Albury's tenure was extended, the Bahamian people will simply pay her salary and not a pension at this time. In refusing the extension of Justice Albury's tenure while negotiating a behind the scenes political deal, for the appointment of Malcolm Adderley as a judge and the extension of his tenure before he is even appointed, the FNM would be adding another salary, pension and other perks onto the backs of an already overburdened Bahamian public."
The PLP claimed the government intends to hold a by-election in Elizabeth to determine its level of popularity. The party charged that this "is an abuse of power, tramples upon our laws and is a naked attack upon the institution of a free and fair electoral process."
The by-election in Elizabeth will be the first to be held in the country since the September 1997 by-election in South Andros, which was held after the late former prime minister Sir Lynden Pindling resigned from front-line politics.
In the 2007 general election, Adderley won the Elizabeth seat by only 45 votes, defeating the FNM's Elma Campbell, 1,940 to 1,895.
January 04, 2010
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Reginald Ferguson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reginald Ferguson. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) "does not support" former police commissioner Reginald Ferguson as director of Financial Intelligence Unit
THE Opposition PLP has announced that it does not support the appointment of former commissioner of police Reginald Ferguson to be director of the Financial Intelligence Unit.
In a party statement, the PLP claimed that Mr Ferguson was criticised in the report of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry into the mv Lorequin when drugs disappeared in a sting operation conducted by the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
“Mr Ferguson,” said the PLP statement, “was also criticised by Senior Justice Jon Isaacs in the case of R v Sean Bruey and Warren Ellis.”
In that case, said the PLP, the judge “accepted the sworn evidence of the witness who said that she was forced to give evidence by Mr Ferguson and that the evidence that she gave under duress was untrue.”
The party claimed that Mr Ferguson was given four separate chances to refute her sworn testimony, but did not.
“The failure to refute her evidence was deemed to be an admission by the Crown of the truth of her sworn evidence. An appeal was filed, but was withdrawn,” the party said.
Because of these incidents, the party did not think that Mr Ferguson should be appointed director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
“The FNM through its inept management of financial services, including the ‘stop, review and cancel’ treatment given to the Ministry of Financial Services was in large measure responsible for the lay-offs of scores of young Bahamians from Bank of Butterfield, Ansbacher Trust Company, Royal Bank of Canada, First Caribbean Bank and other banks, trust companies, insurance companies and other financial services institutions,” said the statement.
“The PLP believes that there are many suitably qualified young persons in the Bahamas who are more than able to fill the post of the Director of the FIU. The PLP does not believe that someone aged 63 on pension of 60 per cent of $67,086 together with other benefits received by former commissioners of police ought to prevent young Bahamians from holding that post. The PLP is obliged to remind the public that senior police officers younger than Mr Ferguson were sent home without the offer of any other positions; many of them are still unemployed,” said the party statement.
December 14, 2009
tribune242
In a party statement, the PLP claimed that Mr Ferguson was criticised in the report of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry into the mv Lorequin when drugs disappeared in a sting operation conducted by the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
“Mr Ferguson,” said the PLP statement, “was also criticised by Senior Justice Jon Isaacs in the case of R v Sean Bruey and Warren Ellis.”
In that case, said the PLP, the judge “accepted the sworn evidence of the witness who said that she was forced to give evidence by Mr Ferguson and that the evidence that she gave under duress was untrue.”
The party claimed that Mr Ferguson was given four separate chances to refute her sworn testimony, but did not.
“The failure to refute her evidence was deemed to be an admission by the Crown of the truth of her sworn evidence. An appeal was filed, but was withdrawn,” the party said.
Because of these incidents, the party did not think that Mr Ferguson should be appointed director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
“The FNM through its inept management of financial services, including the ‘stop, review and cancel’ treatment given to the Ministry of Financial Services was in large measure responsible for the lay-offs of scores of young Bahamians from Bank of Butterfield, Ansbacher Trust Company, Royal Bank of Canada, First Caribbean Bank and other banks, trust companies, insurance companies and other financial services institutions,” said the statement.
“The PLP believes that there are many suitably qualified young persons in the Bahamas who are more than able to fill the post of the Director of the FIU. The PLP does not believe that someone aged 63 on pension of 60 per cent of $67,086 together with other benefits received by former commissioners of police ought to prevent young Bahamians from holding that post. The PLP is obliged to remind the public that senior police officers younger than Mr Ferguson were sent home without the offer of any other positions; many of them are still unemployed,” said the party statement.
December 14, 2009
tribune242
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Governing Free National Movement (FNM) slams Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
The Free National Movement (FNM) yesterday accused Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts of launching a personal attack on outgoing Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson because of a decision by the police force to probe a rape allegation against the former minister several years ago.
"It appears that Bradley Roberts' personal vendetta against Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson is related to the decision of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to properly investigate and to forward to the Office of the Attorney General the corroborated criminal complaint of having been raped made against then Cabinet Minister Bradley Roberts by a businesswoman," the FNM said in its statement.
The FNM statement was sent a day after Roberts released a statement in response to an announcement from the Cabinet Office that Ellison Greenslade has been appointed acting commissioner of police as Ferguson is on pre-retirement leave.
In his statement on Sunday, Roberts said the PLP remains disappointed over the initial "political" appointment of Ferguson.
"This was a human example of the FNM's policy of 'stop, cancel and review', in what would have been the most appropriate appointment of Mr. Greenslade," Roberts opined.
"This decision, we feel, contributed to the disintegration of trust on the Royal Bahamas Police Force as well as very regressive crime fighting strategies during one of the most socially chaotic periods in the history of our country."
The PLP chairman said Greenslade is therefore forced to begin his new post at a grave disadvantage with murder and armed robbery statistics higher than any other time in the country.
But the FNM shot back yesterday saying it is unfortunate that Roberts should continuously seek to politicize the Royal Bahamas Police Force and, in particular, the outgoing commissioner. The FNM said Roberts, while commenting on Greenslade's appointment, was unable to resist once again "making nasty personal attacks" on Ferguson.
Responding to the FNM's statement, Roberts said the party is "totally wrong" in its suggestion that he holds personal animosity toward Ferguson.
"The allegation of rape made against me was after all, unequivocally and unconditionally withdrawn by the virtual complainant," he noted.
"I do not for one moment believe that it was my statement on the appointment of Greenslade which caused the ire of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and (FNM Chairman) Carl Bethel," Roberts said.
"Rather, it was what I brought to the attention of the Bahamian public regarding a serious matter which was dealt with by a Senior Justice of the Supreme Court which involved Commissioner Ferguson. I am being so viciously attacked because of this matter of national interest which I revealed at a meeting of the PLP Fox Hill Branch..."
Roberts was referring to a ruling handed down months ago that was critical of the commissioner of police.
The Nassau Guardian reported recently that the Office of the Attorney General withdrew its appeal of Senior Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs' decision to stay the prosecution of two men accused of a murder that occurred almost 10 years ago.
Police arrested Shawn Saunders and Warren "Spy" Ellis last year and charged them with the murder of Timothy Jansen Henfield — who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2000 — and conspiring to murder his older brother Marvin Henfield.
The prosecution's decision not to proceed with the appeal is significant as Prime Minister Ingraham had repeatedly said in Parliament that Isaacs' landmark ruling of May 27 would be challenged. Justice Isaacs said the evidence in the case had been "tainted by police misconduct."
Proposed prosecution witness Lorraine Major swore an affidavit alleging that police had pressured and tricked her into giving a statement that implicated both men in the murder. She alleged that Police Commissioner Ferguson (who at the time was acting commissioner) and an ASP Fernander had obtained her statement through coercion.
Roberts claimed that if this ruling had been made against a junior officer he would have been disciplined in accordance with Force Orders.
"COP Ferguson should be treated the same way as every other officer would have been treated; i.e. he should be suspended, interdicted, disciplined and the matter investigated," he said at the Fox Hill meeting. "COP Ferguson should go now without further delay."
Quoting what he said at the meeting, Roberts said the PLP was investigating the filing of a constitutional motion to put the commissioner of police on leave in accordance with Force Orders.
"I wish to make it clear that at no time did I personally attack retired Commissioner Ferguson, outside the realm of his office," the PLP chairman said in his statement yesterday.
"At no time for that matter can it be said that I have gone on a personal attack of the personal character of any politician or high-ranking member of society from the seat of the PLP chairmanship. I have been fierce on issues, fierce yes, on inefficiencies in the performance of duties. And I shall continue to, in a relentless fashion, expose these deficiencies and or corruption wherever they may be hiding, as it relates to the governance of our country.
"But the Bahamian public has my assurance that I will never sink to the level of gutter politics as has been espoused by this communications unit of the Free National Movement."
Roberts informed that his attorneys have advised that a portion of the FNM's statement is clearly libelous and as such his legal team is exploring the option of legal recourse.
December 08, 2009
thenassauguardian
The Free National Movement (FNM) yesterday accused Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts of launching a personal attack on outgoing Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson because of a decision by the police force to probe a rape allegation against the former minister several years ago.
"It appears that Bradley Roberts' personal vendetta against Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson is related to the decision of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to properly investigate and to forward to the Office of the Attorney General the corroborated criminal complaint of having been raped made against then Cabinet Minister Bradley Roberts by a businesswoman," the FNM said in its statement.
The FNM statement was sent a day after Roberts released a statement in response to an announcement from the Cabinet Office that Ellison Greenslade has been appointed acting commissioner of police as Ferguson is on pre-retirement leave.
In his statement on Sunday, Roberts said the PLP remains disappointed over the initial "political" appointment of Ferguson.
"This was a human example of the FNM's policy of 'stop, cancel and review', in what would have been the most appropriate appointment of Mr. Greenslade," Roberts opined.
"This decision, we feel, contributed to the disintegration of trust on the Royal Bahamas Police Force as well as very regressive crime fighting strategies during one of the most socially chaotic periods in the history of our country."
The PLP chairman said Greenslade is therefore forced to begin his new post at a grave disadvantage with murder and armed robbery statistics higher than any other time in the country.
But the FNM shot back yesterday saying it is unfortunate that Roberts should continuously seek to politicize the Royal Bahamas Police Force and, in particular, the outgoing commissioner. The FNM said Roberts, while commenting on Greenslade's appointment, was unable to resist once again "making nasty personal attacks" on Ferguson.
Responding to the FNM's statement, Roberts said the party is "totally wrong" in its suggestion that he holds personal animosity toward Ferguson.
"The allegation of rape made against me was after all, unequivocally and unconditionally withdrawn by the virtual complainant," he noted.
"I do not for one moment believe that it was my statement on the appointment of Greenslade which caused the ire of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and (FNM Chairman) Carl Bethel," Roberts said.
"Rather, it was what I brought to the attention of the Bahamian public regarding a serious matter which was dealt with by a Senior Justice of the Supreme Court which involved Commissioner Ferguson. I am being so viciously attacked because of this matter of national interest which I revealed at a meeting of the PLP Fox Hill Branch..."
Roberts was referring to a ruling handed down months ago that was critical of the commissioner of police.
The Nassau Guardian reported recently that the Office of the Attorney General withdrew its appeal of Senior Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs' decision to stay the prosecution of two men accused of a murder that occurred almost 10 years ago.
Police arrested Shawn Saunders and Warren "Spy" Ellis last year and charged them with the murder of Timothy Jansen Henfield — who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2000 — and conspiring to murder his older brother Marvin Henfield.
The prosecution's decision not to proceed with the appeal is significant as Prime Minister Ingraham had repeatedly said in Parliament that Isaacs' landmark ruling of May 27 would be challenged. Justice Isaacs said the evidence in the case had been "tainted by police misconduct."
Proposed prosecution witness Lorraine Major swore an affidavit alleging that police had pressured and tricked her into giving a statement that implicated both men in the murder. She alleged that Police Commissioner Ferguson (who at the time was acting commissioner) and an ASP Fernander had obtained her statement through coercion.
Roberts claimed that if this ruling had been made against a junior officer he would have been disciplined in accordance with Force Orders.
"COP Ferguson should be treated the same way as every other officer would have been treated; i.e. he should be suspended, interdicted, disciplined and the matter investigated," he said at the Fox Hill meeting. "COP Ferguson should go now without further delay."
Quoting what he said at the meeting, Roberts said the PLP was investigating the filing of a constitutional motion to put the commissioner of police on leave in accordance with Force Orders.
"I wish to make it clear that at no time did I personally attack retired Commissioner Ferguson, outside the realm of his office," the PLP chairman said in his statement yesterday.
"At no time for that matter can it be said that I have gone on a personal attack of the personal character of any politician or high-ranking member of society from the seat of the PLP chairmanship. I have been fierce on issues, fierce yes, on inefficiencies in the performance of duties. And I shall continue to, in a relentless fashion, expose these deficiencies and or corruption wherever they may be hiding, as it relates to the governance of our country.
"But the Bahamian public has my assurance that I will never sink to the level of gutter politics as has been espoused by this communications unit of the Free National Movement."
Roberts informed that his attorneys have advised that a portion of the FNM's statement is clearly libelous and as such his legal team is exploring the option of legal recourse.
December 08, 2009
thenassauguardian
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