A member of parliament here has been severely criticized over his stance on the government’s proposed aid for Dominica.
Late last month, MP Rev Fredrick McAlpine recommended that instead of giving Dominicans a safe haven in the Bahamas, wealthy Cabinet ministers should take money from their own pockets to contribute to that island’s restoration efforts.
McAlpine said he felt that the Bahamas could assist Dominica financially, and should consider giving $200,000 to Dominica.
Dominica donated $100,000 to the Bahamas following Hurricane Matthew last year.
And, in what appeared to be a swipe at Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who cried as he recounted the destruction in Dominica, McAlpine said he was crying for his own people.
McAlpine’s remarks sparked widespread criticism, as well as questions about whether he is xenophobic or racist.
In a recent interview with Our News, however, McAlpine stood by his initial remarks, although stressing that “never once did I say not to assist the people (of Dominica).”
“…Sometimes I’m beginning to wonder if this argument is coming from persons not because of my message but who the messenger is,” he said. “If I’m saying we can help the people of Dominica and then there are persons in the press trying to push to the country as if I never said to help them, then I begin to think there’s another agenda at play.”
When asked what he thinks that “agenda” is, McAlpine responded by saying: “I don’t know, you tell me. The fact of the matter is I’m saying that we ought to help them, we should give them finances, we should send aid, we should send people to help build their country, but it’s like that’s not being heard by some persons in the media. Now, of course, there are those who are hearing me loud and clearly.”
He added: “My view remains the same: assisting Dominica is fine, but also assist the Bahamian people.”
Earlier, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said Prime Minister Minnis was not offended by McAlpine’s remarks, and suggested that Prime Minister Minnis has no plans to address McAlpine about his comments.
Still, some Free National Movement observers felt that McAlpine’s comments stemmed from his bitterness over not being offered a Cabinet position.
McAlpine has admitted that he would have liked to have been given a Cabinet post.
However, McAlpine insisted that he has since got over not being offered a Cabinet position.
“Like anybody else who perhaps did not get into the Cabinet would’ve been disappointed, I was disappointed when I was not chosen for a Cabinet position,” he told reporters. “This is my second non-consecutive time in Parliament. I served for five years in the Senate, so I know how the procedure (works). So, was I disappointed? Yes. But today, I see it as a blessing in disguise.”
