Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell has strongly responded to detractors on social media who have been using a speech he did several years ago to sway persons to vote no in the upcoming referendum.

Mitchell claims that persons that are affiliated with the FMN and DNA are using a presentation he gave in 2014 at the Institute of International Relation Diplomatic Dialogue Series entitled “Saving CARICOM” in which he spoke about tolerance for LGBTQ Rights within The Bahamas and the Caribbean at large.

“I have spoken extensively on this matter during the mid budget debate and in my constituency over and over again. The script is in the house and the video is available online. With the greatest of respect, I don’t respond to foolishness. Why would you and the Tribune not do research and you will find my answer and position,” said Mitchell.

He would go on to urge critics to find something better do than to dig up his old comments and he is too busy working in his community to concern himself with these comments.

“Those who are circulating that old speech need to go get a life and while doing so vote yes to the four questions as I shall be doing. I am going door to door every day and telling my constituents to vote yes to all four questions. The asinine trolls on social media can take the hind most. I put it politely because I am a public official. If I were on the park I would really tell them what they should do. You wouldn’t be able to print it,” said Mr. Mitchell.

Mitchell has long been a supporter of the rights of the LGBTQ Community a rarity among Bahamian politicians.

The referendum is set to take place next month.