PRESS STATEMENT
Issued by Raynard Rigby, National Chairman
On Wednesday the 29th December, 2004
 
 

RE: DEMONSTRATION BY THE FNM ACTION GROUP
 

It appears to the Progressive Liberal Party that the leadership of the FNM cannot control its members and the actions in particular of their Action Group. It would be wise for Tommy Turnquest to ensure that his Party understands that there is a fundamental distinction between an allegation and an individual being charged before the Court.

There is not even a shred of evidence to suggest that the Police have been hampered in their investigation of the allegation. To make such a broad and unsubstantiated allegation that the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister, Cynthia Pratt, has prevented the Police from carrying out the investigation is ludicrous, silly and at best another example of the feeble attempt of the FNM and its leadership to spread mistruths.

The allegation that has been made is a serious one. The Party has been assured that the Minister is innocent. The Minister has said publicly that he is innocent. The Police have not levied any charges against the Minister. These are the facts that are in the public domain.

For the FNM to act precipitously without the benefit of a full and frank investigation by the Police is a demonstration of their political immaturity and bad judgment.  It is not for the FNM to judge the Minister or to determine whether the allegation is indeed true. Others serving in public life have been falsely accused of similar and more outrageous acts but they have been exonerated.

The Minister deserves time to clear his name.