By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

GOLDEN Gates MP Shane Gibson is the second Cabinet Minister featured on the controversial Nygard video to say he feels the matter is a non-issue.

His comments to The Tribune follow the declaration of Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray that he is not ashamed of his appearance in the video, which shows a group of ministers being entertained by the fashion mogul and includes the text “Peter Nygard takes back the Bahamas” in reference to the PLP’s May 2012 election win.

When asked for his response to the criticism of the video, Mr Gibson said: “Since when does meeting with a permanent resident constitute any sort of breach?”

Mr Gibson defended the Nygard Cay visit, dubbing it a “courtesy call,” and pointed to incidents involving former FNM officials which he believes warrant a resignation.

The video has draw criticism from the opposition, with deputy leader of the FNM Loretta Butler-Turner demanding the resignation of the ministers involved.

FNM chairman Darron Cash has also criticised the video, claiming it depicts the Christie administration as “far too compromised to govern effectively”.

In response, Mr Gibson said he possesses a photo in which FNM party members can be seen associating with a man who would later be convicted of a crime.

“Their party members entertained a man just before he was convicted and served time for criminal activities after they gave him permanent residence simply because he put a down payment on a piece of property . . . but they are questioning a courtesy call on a permanent resident who has donated millions of dollars to Bahamian individuals and charitable organisations.