In light of recent comments made by Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis comparing the Malaysian Air flight 370 to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), calling them both “lost,” Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the government was forced to send a message to that country reinforcing The Bahamas’ sensitivity to the situation.
Recently it was reported that Dr. Hubert Minnis, in a bid to blast the PLP, compared the Christie Administration to the airline that has been missing since early March.
Prime Minister Christie has since lashed out at Dr. Minnis lambasting him for making a “bad joke” even after The Bahamas has itself experienced aviation disasters.
In a statement released Wednesday, Minister Mitchell said The Government of The Bahamas saw it fit to internationally clarify the country’s position on the matter.
“The prime minister has spoken publicly about his concerns,” he said. “A message was conveyed yesterday, via diplomatic note, to the governments of Malaysia, China and the United States to indicate that the remarks, uttered by the opposition leader, do not represent in any way the diminution of the seriousness of the loss of the plane and of the lives therein, nor does it indicate a lack of sensitivity on the part of the government and people of The Bahamas about the seriousness of this tragedy.”
Dr. Minnis’ remarks ruffled the feathers of many in the government who called his comments insensitive and tasteless.
However, Dr. Minnis refused to rescind the remarks and said the prime minister and his ministers were simply using the issue to detract from their many failures.
“There has been considerable negative commentary in the public domain about the controversial nature of this statement,” Minister Mitchell continued. “The government is concerned that without further clarification there may be some confusion; that the loss of the plane and the lives therein is seen in a cavalier and insensitive fashion in our country. We have made it abundantly clear that this is not the case. The Bahamian people mourn the loss of life and will keep the families in our thoughts and prayers.”
