By Paul Turnquest

Tribune Chief Reporter

pturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell last night shot down calls for his termination from the Cabinet of the Bahamas, denying any alleged cover-up of physical abuse to Cuban detainees at the Detention Centre earlier this year.

Answering Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis who called on Prime Minister Perry Christie to sack him, Mr Mitchell said he always knew Dr Minnis and his colleagues had problems with the English language, but did not know that “comprehension was one of those problems.”

“The government has indicated that there is an investigation into the allegations made at the detention centre. This will mean a review by a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal and a leading cleric. Those are my instructions. That has been my consistent public statement. The statements have been in the public domain for weeks. Until the time of the completion of the investigation, the FNM can spin what spurious lines it wishes, the facts are stubborn on this matter. When the investigations are complete, the government will act and the chips will fall where they may,” Mr Mitchell said.

Yesterday at a special press conference called at his party’s headquarters, Dr Minnis said his party had uncovered a “major cover-up” of international proportions that has the potential to “damage for many years our relationship with our long-standing friend and ally, the United States of America.

“To date,” he said, “the Minister of Foreign Affairs has not given a full and honest account of what took place at the detention centre on May 20, 2013.

“The FNM has been advised that several senior government officials and ministers became aware fairly early that a major instance of abuse had taken place.”

Dr Minnis said the FNM had found out that in the early hours of May 20, there was an attempted escape from the detention centre by seven Cuban detainees.

This escape was prevented, he said. As punishment for the attempted escape, at least five detainees were physically abused to a severe degree. The abuse was so significant that three of the detainees had to be taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment. One person was detained and two others returned to the detention centre.

Following the beatings, the remaining detainees performed and videotaped a reenactment of the earlier beatings.

“Our information,” said Dr Minnis, “is that the reenactment was facilitated with the assistance of one or more Defence Force officers who provided the fatigues for the actors in the performance.

“The FNM has been further advised that several senior government officials and Ministers became aware fairly early that a major instance of abuse had in fact taken place. There was at least one major meeting of senior law enforcement officers and cabinet ministers who were briefed as to what had transpired. As a result of that briefing, a more intensive investigation was ordered.

“We are now aware that the report of the government’s preliminary investigation has been completed and is in circulation. This has been completed from as early as late June. It is now late August.

“Despite becoming aware that a serious instance of abuse had taken place, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has continued to use well-chosen language to mislead the public.

“Minister Mitchell continued to use strong, combative and undiplomatic language intended to deflect attention from the underlying legitimacy of the issue raised by the demonstrators. He had multiple opportunities to tell the Bahamian people and the international community the full truth of what had transpired. Instead, he has chosen to engage in a full-fledged cover-up.”

However, Minister Mitchell shot back at the FNM last night, stating that he does not know how many times he must tell the Opposition that an investigation is still ongoing into the matter and when it is done the government will follow the results of the investigation.

“That is no cover up. That is clear, pellucid, easily understandable and verifiable. Only the FNM cannot understand.

“All of us understand what a difficult job the FNM has where their Leader simply cannot properly read the tea leaves; where the Leader of the FNM organization is uninspiring and simply cannot comprehend the magnitude of what is before him, even though it is in plain sight. To help this poor performance, he has to sully the name of others.

It is simply unimaginable that we have today something which is so simple and direct be twisted into some vast political conspiracy,” he said.

Mr Mitchell added that he is very careful about his reputation and will watch every word and accusation levied against him, as one false allegation or innuendo will face court action.

“I have never met a more unpatriotic, un-Bahamian group than the FNM. They opposed independence and now they are siding with enemies of the Bahamas against Bahamians. When will they stand up for the Bahamas? Their supporters in the press need to ask them that question. In the meantime, I will pray to God for the patience of Job,” he added.

Late last night Dr Minnis shot back in response:

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell’s statement issued this evening in response to my statement on reports surrounding allegations of abuse at the Carmichael Detention Centre reveals him to be the purveyor of vitriol and hatred on my person and on that of my colleagues in the FNM. He should know however that no amount of personal insults will prevent those of us in the Free National Movement from doing the necessary to expose all those who seek to do harm to The Bahamas and to its good name at home or abroad. We love The Bahamas unconditionally. Mr. Mitchell is no more Bahamian than anyone else; indeed I, Hubert Alexander Minnis, am a Bahamian on all sides for many generations.

“Mr. Mitchell should also know that all Bahamians know the difference between the truth and a lie. We all know the difference between open government and a government that seeks to cover up. We all know the difference between a government that accounts and one that obfuscates.

“Mr. Mitchell, himself a former journalist ought to be ashamed to be uttering threats to members of the media. If he guards his reputation as much as he claims he should ensure that in all things he acts so as never to bring even a hint of offensiveness to his person.

“His recent rude utterances in the media suggest that he is permitting his emotions to get the better of him. This is not appropriate for a senior member of the government. We again call on the prime minister to relieve Mr. Mitchell of his portfolio responsibilities.”