lanisharolle

Former Cabinet Minister Lanisha Rolle said a resignation letter released by Cabinet has caused her “hurt and harm.”

During her presentation in the House of Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Rolle sought to clarify the rumors surrounding her resignation from her ministerial post as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.

“…I requested further clarification of the statement made by the Cabinet, which incorrectly insinuated that my resignation was as a result of some investigation. The good member for Killarney (Prime Minister Hubert Minnis) to some degree clarified in a public statement to the press that there was no investigation concerning this member. I thank him.

“Sometimes, however, what you give to the world, you can not take back. Appreciating the hurt and harm this has caused me, I do not wish on any other…”

The big story

In February, after Rolle, the only woman minister in the Minnis-led administration, submitted a resignation letter to Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, Cabinet soon released a confirmation letter of Rolle’s resignation as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, stating that, “certain matters have been brought to the attention of the prime minister and are under investigation.”

Rolle was then replaced with Iram Lewis who now serves in the post.

What Lanisha Rolle says

“…No ministry I kept, held money. I want to make that clear because the public seems to think that there was some chest of money that a minister holds…What cheque? Ministers don’t sign cheques. Minister don’t hold cheques…No ministry I kept, held money…” she said.

Rolle said all financial transactions can be verified.

She then asserted that as a woman minister, she was bullied and was not protected.

“But I stood my ground. Even if I stood alone.”

Why it matters

Speculations swirled that Rolle was involved in some impropriety within her ministry, which led many people to believe her resignation was a result of financial wrongdoing.

Since, February, Rolle nor Cabinet has directly stated the reason for her resignation.

Former Cabinet Minister Lanisha Rolle broke her silence on Tuesday for the first time since the FNM’s decision to not renominate her for the upcoming general election.

During the budget debate, Rolle used the opportunity to set the record straight in regard to the party’s decision to nominate a new candidate for the Sea Breeze constituency, at times scolding the government in its handling of the issue.

In her critique of the government’s handling of her, Rolle said, ” It’s not what you do. It’s how you do it.”

The party recently nominated Maxine Rolle instead for the constituency, which Rolle won in 2017 when she ran on the FNM’s ticket. Rolle has since become a controversial figure within the party with numerous complaints coming from the two ministerial posts she once held–Minister of Social Services and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Rolle said she is disappointed that the party did not renominate her for the 2022 General Election, saying that her interest was to serve the constituents of Sea Breeze.

“Approximately three weeks ago, the Free National Movement chose to ratify another candidate in my stead to contest the upcoming general election. Given the truth of my labour, investment and sacrifice, given the overwhelming support of the Sea Breeze executives up to the time of that decision, and the ongoing support of the Sea Breeze constituents over the last 5 years, this decision and the events leading up to it, is most disappointing,” she said.

She added that her intention was to continue to serve the constituency, however, “the party has its perogative and can exercise its power intrusted in it, and can do as it sees fit.”

“It is well,” Rolle expounded. “My only wish is that your words be guided with the truth.”

Rolle said she received “overwhelming support from the executives of the Sea Breeze constituency” adding that the executives “were all disappointed to see the position the party took, notwithstanding their expressed support” for her.

“I hold no malice or ill-will. I wish the FNM all the best,” she said. But the situation, like many, most unfortunate, in my mind, was distasteful,” she said.

Rolle said when she realized that she was not ratified early like other parliamentarians, she then wrote the party notifying it that she would not seek renomination for 2022.

In his new appointment as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Iram Lewis said he commits to further develop sports and the country’s youth since the resignation of former minister Lanisha Rolle.

Why it matters

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis appointed Lewis, a former athlete, to the new ministerial post. Lewis is the former minister of state for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction.

The big picture

Former Sports Minister Rolle resigned yesterday, not giving any reasons for the resignation. But a statement later released by the Cabinet’s Office stated that “certain matters have been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and are under investigation.”

What Lewis says

“As a former athlete, a constant supporter of our young people and their potential, and as someone committed to our creative cultural communities, I am excited to take on this responsibility.  I look forward to engaging with the cultural and creative arts community in the ongoing development and promotion of Bahamian arts, culture and heritage. Because the development of our young people is at the heart of national development, I will be a champion for Bahamian youth and young adults.

Lewis continued, “I also understand the vital role that sports play in the holistic development of young people and our communities. In keeping with the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, I look forward to the reintroduction of the Bahamas Games.

“I pledge to work in a spirit of respect and courtesy with those in my ministry and the various youth, sports and cultural groups with whom we engage. I will listen to advice. I will work to bring people together to advance causes that help our athletes, young people and cultural groups. The Bahamas is a great little country. Our people have so much talent.

“My focus will be on helping nurture that talent in a spirit of unity and togetherness,” Lewis said.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis is investigating matters in the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture after Lanisha Rolle announced her resignation from the post as Minister.

“Certain matters have been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and are under investigation,” according to a statement from the Cabinet Office.

Why it matters?

Lanisha Rolle presented her resignation from the ministerial post on Tuesday, to the Governor-General. She did not cite her reasons for abandoning the post, only thanking Minnis, cabinet colleagues, support staff at the ministry, and her family for their support while she served as minister.

Rolle said she remained committed to serving as the Seabreeze MP for the remainder of her term as their representative.

The big picture

Minnis has accepted Rolle’s resignation.

Rolle is the fourth Cabinet minister to resign from the Minnis administration, joining Peter Turnquest, Dr Duane Sands, and Brent Symonette.

Who replaces Rolle?

Minister of State in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis will demit his post to become the substantive Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture.

The Prime Minister has advised His Excellency the Governor-General to appoint the Hon. Iram Lewis to the post that Rolle once held. Minnis thanked Rolle for her service.