DNA ‘would welcome Rollins with open arms’

Friday, August 22, 2014

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

DNA DEPUTY Leader Chris Mortimer said yesterday the Democratic National Alliance would welcome Dr Andre Rollins with “open arms” if he were to resign as a member of the Progressive Liberal Party.

Mr Mortimer’s comments came one day after the Fort Charlotte MP lashed out at his own party leader, Prime Minister Perry Christie, in the House of Assembly, for “threatening him”. Dr Rollins also said after listening to the Prime Minister’s contribution on the Value Added Tax legislation that it is obvious that the country needs new leadership.

His criticisms prompted Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to call on Dr Rollins, whom he noted was appointed as Gaming Board Chairman by the prime minister, to do the “honourable thing.”

Dr Rollins has also been involved in heated arguments with members of his own party and earlier this week resigned as party whip because he did not agree with the Constitutional Amendment bills.

At a press conference yesterday, Mr Mortimer would not comment on whether or not the party has met with Dr Rollins, but he did say he is welcome to join the DNA.

“We would welcome him. We agree with him that the country needs new leadership. We have always said the DNA is a big tent. If he believes in his country and believes in standing up in principle and doing what is best for the next generation he can come to the DNA, absolutely,” Mr Mortimer said.

The DNA Deputy Leader also said he found it “interesting” the Deputy Prime Minister can comment on Dr Rollins criticising Mr Christie, but has remained quiet on whether or not Renward Wells will have to face repercussions for signing an unauthorised Letter of Intent for a $650 million waste-to-energy facility.

“As a party we found it interesting that the Deputy Prime Minister, acting Prime Minister, was so quick to ask Dr Rollins to resign but we have yet to hear anything about why Mr Wells has yet to resign from this government. We find it interesting that they could have a lot of words to say about Mr Moss and yet when we have persons like Mr Wells are not prepared to stand up and fight for the interest of the Bahamian people,” Mr Mortimer said.

“We also thought it was interesting that the Deputy Prime Minister said the investigation into Mr Wells had been completed and he was going to share it with the Prime Minister. But our question is, what about us? We need to know what the real story is with respect, not just to the Letter of Intent, but what is happening at the dump, what is happening at BEC. All these things they are supposed to be reporting to the people and we have not heard any single thing from them. As a party we demand that they explain to us as Bahamians what is going on in our country.”

Mr Davis told The Tribune on Wednesday that the investigation he ordered into what led Mr Wells to sign the Letter of Intent with Stellar Waste Management is complete and his findings would “in due course” be shared with the Prime Minister.

Mr Mortimer also cried shame on PLP members of Parliament for passing the Value Added Tax Bill, which he said is an “atomic bomb” that will be the death of the PLP.

Comments

birdiestrachan says...

Common sense should tell Mr: Mortimer that wells will cause problems for the DNA sooner than later, Wells is who he is, and he will bring himself with him. He does not show respect. Mr: Mortimer should know that the Country debt can not continue, the Country can be down graded and the dollar devalued , He claims to know that VAT is wrong, But what is the solution? Those who would like to be leader know what is wrong and they will talk about the wrong. But they do not have any answers as to what should be done,? and there in lies the problem.

Posted 22 August 2014, 2:36 p.m. Suggest removal

hj says...

@birdie... You seem to believe that VAT is the only solution to reduce the debt. I guess cutting government spending has never crossed your mind. How about collecting outstanding taxes? Too difficult right? VAT will not bring the expected results,especially with our governments record of revenue collection. When this happens the government will have no choice but to layoff civil servants. Private layoffs will happen much sooner I am afraid

Posted 22 August 2014, 3:08 p.m. Suggest removal

MY BAD again I meant Rollins.. I suppose Wells is always on my Mind. Now this same old tired story collect money owed. The FNM could not collect it during their years in power. Do you think sending Civil servants home is the answer? I do not think so. But they really need to have a look at those pensions they receive. This VAT tax. takes courage, And I do not think the PLP would have passed the law if it was not absolutely necessary. Do you see those Civil servants they always want something.> I hate the idea that I will have to pay VAT . But if it will help the Country it has to be done

Posted 22 August 2014, 3:25 p.m. Suggest removal

Tommy77 says...

@birdie... Well said.<img src="http://s04.flagcounter.com/mini/kfoW/bg…" style="display:none">

Posted 22 August 2014, 3:26 p.m. Suggest removal

I never said that sending civil servants home was the answer. I said that may be no other choice if the government has no revenue. Also I never said that the FNM was better a collecting outstanding taxes. I said governments (FNM and PLP). And what is wrong with the "old idea" of collecting outstanding taxes? Maybe if everyone was paying we would not be in this mess. And yes I do have a problem when governments (PLP andFNM) waste taxpayers money.

Posted 22 August 2014, 3:38 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

No it was not in the political cards to see Bran returned to the floor of da House of Assembly after 2012.

I'll pass the floor over to Comrade Carl. He put it Bran so damn well.

...........//https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOTii_XXJIM

Posted 22 August 2014, 3:53 p.m. Suggest removal

Nativeson says...

Dr. Rollins should tread lightly and learn from those he now criticizes. The DNA and the FNM are not interested in Rollins. They only want to stick it to the PLP. It will be a mistake for Rollins to leave and jump ship to another organization. His political fate will be sealed. Maybe not forever but a move like that would hurt his credibility. The same people who are coaxing him to make a move, will be the same ones would would vote against him come election day. Politics is a dirty game it's not for the faint or thin-skinned....Tread lightly Dr. Rollins... tread lightly....

One more thing.....The DNA and the FNM need to focus on their organizations and prepare a platform people can consider for the next election. Bahamians deserve sensible options. Right now it is not looking good....

Posted 22 August 2014, 4:10 p.m. Suggest removal

Maybe someone can provide Tribune readers with the correct information of what would happen to Dr. Andre's seat in the House of Assembly, if he joined with either the FNM or DNA? Will he not first have to vacate his seat and the PM would call a by-election. But if Comrade Dr. Andre were to sit in the House as an independent there is no need to call a by election? What could the PM do, if Dr. Andre had no official association with either the FNM or DNA, but were to champion on the floor of the House, the policies and either party?

Posted 22 August 2014, 5:02 p.m. Suggest removal

If he is a champion of the people that would be a good option. Don't hold your breath.

Posted 22 August 2014, 8:07 p.m. Suggest removal