The rape allegation made against Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts hit the international press yesterday, just as the Progressive Liberal Party broke its silence on the controversial accusation that has led to calls for the resignation of the Cabinet Minister.
The story, which was reported in the Punch last Thursday, quickly spread to the mainstream media after confirmation from police that the claim had been made.
The story was reported in several international papers, including those in Florida and as far away as Scotland.
When the Bahama Journal spoke with Mr. Roberts as he was leaving a cabinet meeting yesterday, he declined to comment further on the matter saying that people would talk no matter what.
He expressed no surprise that the story had spread outside The Bahamas and appeared unaffected by the dilemma.
Meantime, the PLP blamed the Free National Movement for blowing the matter out of control.
The FNM Action Group, led by Fred Williamson, held a downtown protest earlier this week calling for Mr. Robertsﾴ resignation.
PLP Chairman Raynard Rigby yesterday called on FNM leader Senator Tommy Turnquest to restrain his supporters.
ﾓ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,ﾒ Mr. Rigby said.
ﾓ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.ﾒ
On Wednesday, Mr. Turnquest told The Bahama Journal that the political action group was an independent body, which did not require approval from the party prior to the demonstration.
Mr. Williamson has also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Cynthia Pratt to resign. The action group claimed her performance has been ﾓunacceptable.ﾒ
Mr. Williamson said if handcuffs were not on the Royal Bahamas Police Force, ﾓthe speed of the investigation suggests that political chains are on their feet.ﾒ
ﾓPlease remove the handcuffs from the police and put the real ﾑsilver braceletsﾴ on those who commit such heinous crimes such as rape,ﾒ he said.
No matter the outcome, the action group noted that the police have to charge someone ﾖ either for committal of a sexual offence or a charge of making a false complaint.
However, Mr. Rigby noted that there is not a ﾓshred of evidenceﾒ to suggest that the police have been hampered in their investigation.
ﾓTo make such a broad and unsubstantiated allegation that the Honourable 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,ﾒ he said.
The PLP admitted that the allegation made was a serious one and that the party had been assured that the Minister is innocent.
Mr. Rigby added: ﾓFor the Free National Movement 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.
ﾓ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.ﾒ
He noted that the minister deserves time to clear his name.
Tosheena Robinson-Blair, The Bahama Journal
