GSD hits back in members’ interests row

The Opposition has accused the Government of attempting to divert attention away from Albert Isola’s late filing of his declaration of member’s interests in Parliament by focusing on GSD MP Elliott Phillips – who had filed his form just two weeks earlier.

“The very simple fact is that had the Opposition not raised the issue, Mr Isola would not have filed his declaration,” the GSD said in a statement as the spat over members’ interests continued yesterday.

He has done so as a reaction to the GSD, the Opposition stressed.

The community would also have been none the wiser as to the completeness of his previous Declaration of Members Interests, the GSD added.

“If this had happened in the United Kingdom, there would continue to be public scrutiny as to why the Panama papers claim Mr Isola is the beneficial owner of a Bahamian company when he claims he is not.”

The party also claimed that it continues to look into the assertion that the Bahamian company has been ‘inactive for some time’.

“Mr Phillips along with all of our Members of Parliament are working tirelessly in addressing the very many concerns of hard working families and young people which are being neglected by the GSLP Government,” the GSD said.

The party vowed to continue to expose the “veneer of openness and transparency” surrounding the Government.

“Mr Phillips enjoys the full confidence and support of the GSD, the Leader of the Opposition and his parliamentary colleagues,” the statement concluded.