adriangibson

Long Island MP Adrian Gibson was among six people charged in the Magistrates Court on Monday. He faced multiple charges of bribery, which come as no surprise following weeks of questioning by the Central Detective Unit.

The Free National Movement Member of Parliament was the former Chairman of the Water and Sewage Corporation under the Minnis-led administration. Gibson was a constant critic of Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis, who served as Minister of Works with responsibility for the water company under the Christie-led administration.

Though the FNM was ousted at the polls, Gibson managed to hold on to his seat in a constituency known for its support for the party. After the Progressive Liberal Party was elected, questions arose about Gibson’s conduct and affairs at the corporation.

An audit of the corporations revealed that questionable contracts were issued and Ministry of Works Minister Alfred Sears revealed that the matter was turned over to the police.

What are the charges against Gibson?

Adrian Gibson faces 56 charges. These include:

• One count of false declaration which allegedly occurred on August 23, 2021
• Conspiracy to commit bribery which allegedly occurred between June 23, 2020 and July 7, 2021
• Dishonestly receiving more than $1.2 million for a landscaping contract issued to Elite Maintenance
• Multiple counts of money laundering with a cousin and his campaign manager.
  • 5 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery
  • 6 counts of money laundering with cousin Rashae Gibson
  • 16 counts of money laundering with Campaign Manager Joan Knowles, among others.

Bail was granted at $150,000. He and the others will return to court on September 14 for the Service of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

What the FNM says after the charges

Leader of the Free National Movement Michael Pintard says his party stands with Gibson who remains in “good standing” with the party and is “an active and important member of our parliamentary caucus.”

Pintard says Gibson is innocent until he is proven guilty and the party will ensure his rights are not abused. “We remain resolute in our position that at the end of this process, justice and truth shall prevail.”

MP of Long Island Adrian Gibson shot down claims he resigned after a fake social media post claimed he did.

Gibson took to social media to expose the fake news, which bore his likeness.

Gibson labelled the fake news, a “PLP propaganda.”

“The MP/Executive Chairman has not resigned.

“He is in the Long Island, on the ground…campaigning.

“All of that is false, including the make-believe page made to look like the personal Facebook page of Hon Adrian Gibson, MP.

“The smear campaign is in full effect! Do not believe these lies,” Gibson said.

Why it matters

The ‘fake’ social media post claimed Gibson resigned following allegations that he awarded contracts to himself and an ex-fiance, which made news in recent days.

Some have called the allegations politically motivated, only weeks before voters go the poll.

On Friday morning, a small group of people descended in front of the Water and Sewage Corporation on Thompson Blvd, calling for Gibson’s resignation.

What is suspected?

Gibson suspected that the relative contracted the virus as a result of newcomers to the island. He said people unfamiliar to the islanders have frequented Long Island communities and have been seen throughout the island.