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PLP urges action on waterfront allegations

Shadow Attorney-General Michael Scott (File photo by Nicola Muirhead)

The Progressive Labour Party has called on the Governor to take action after serious allegations made against several government ministers.

The allegations were made in an affidavit by developer Michael MacLean, which was leaked to the media and subsequently broadcast on the radio.

In a statement this morning, the PLP announced that it had written to Governor George Fergusson expressing its concerns.

The statement said that while the allegations have yet to be proven, it is “vital that there be the appearance of transparency and openness on the part of the Government”.

In the letter, dated July 9, Shadow Attorney-General Michael Scott wrote: “We believe, that all be they allegations, in a sworn affidavit in active court proceedings, at this stage, the omission by Premier Michael Dunkley to act to advise you as Governor to remove his ministers who are under such a cloud, as he has the power to do under section 59 (4) (a) of the Bermuda Constitution, is both irresponsible, and highly damaging of our island’s reputation.

“The utter destabilising effect upon the economic conditions, reputational interest of Bermuda and confidence in the Government, are at play, and we call on you as Governor to institute an urgent investigation using your powers under section 1 of the Commission of Inquiry Act 1935.

“We believe that the Premier and ministers whose names were mentioned in these allegations are matters that should not be allowed to go unanswered for any period of time, as this will create an environment of instability.

“On behalf of the Leader of the Opposition PLP, I write to you to request an urgent meeting of a delegation from the Opposition to discuss this matter of urgent constitutional and public importance and concern in Bermuda.”

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