Bennet Minnis called PLP “no good, bastard, homosexual, African monkeys”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Amid calls from the opposition for Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) board member Bennet Minnis to be fired for “abusive and inappropriate” remarks made about the Progressive Liberal Party recently, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the matter has been handled.
He did not provide specifics on how the matter was handled, however.
“I think that was dealt with by many members of my party,” Minnis said. “I don’t think I need to say anything else about it. They’ve dealt with it. That has been addressed and I don’t need to elaborate on that. It’s been addressed.”
When pressed, Minnis confirmed that Bennet Minnis is still a member of the board.
In a series of voice notes earlier this month, which were widely circulated on social media, the WSC board member said the PLP is “one corrupt, stealing, no good, bastard, homosexual, African monkeys”.
PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis filed a complaint to Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson against Minnis.
When asked about the controversial remarks several weeks ago, Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister said it was an issue for the Cabinet.
The board member’s comments were made shortly after a delegation of PLPs visited Long Island to honor one of the founding fathers of the PLP, the late Sir Henry Milton Taylor.
Bennet Minnis said the PLP ought to have stayed out of Long Island and the next time the party attempts to visit Clarence Town, he will block the road.
He insisted authorities would not dare stop him.
In response, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell said that under a PLP government the board member would have been fired for making “abusive and inappropriate” remarks as a public official.
Mitchell said, “People seem to be in a bit — not confused — but to be concerned that… the Progressive Liberal Party is responding to this because they believe Mr. Minnis is deiminase; in other words, that he is of such small importance that we should not make [it] more than it is, but here is the thing; it’s fine if you’re in a barroom and you want to vent your spline, and say whatever you want to say, although the language is abusive and inappropriate.
“But you are public official. You serve on the Water and Sewerage Board.
“Those words should not be coming out of your mouth, particularly in a public forum.
“It is for that reason it is imperative; we think it is the proper thing — in fact I said, had this been Sir Lynden Pindling’s government he would have been gone the next morning.
“I really don’t know what the Cabinet had to deliberate on because it is so obvious on the face of it.”
