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Gibson to Pursue Lawsuits

By Macushla N. Pinder

Former Immigration and Labour Minister Shane Gibson said recently he plans to push ahead with several lawsuits against both local and international media houses after the general election.

Declining to reveal details of any of the "four to five cases", Minister Gibson said only that the parties would be dealt the "fullest extent of the law."

"I don’t want to give any heads-up as to how we would actually go about this, but there was a lot of libellous information disclosed," he said in an interview with the Bahama Journal.

"…There’s nothing wrong with reporting the truth, but I think there is something definitely wrong with trying to twist the truth. But at the end of the day, the truth will prevail."

Several weeks ago, the former Cabinet Minister retained the services of top notch multi-millionaire US attorney, Willie Gary, to help clear his name in the ongoing controversy involving late American celebrity Anna Nicole Smith.

The Florida based attorney reportedly earned his reputation by representing little-known clients against major corporations.

The Bahama Journal has learnt that Mr. Gary is preparing a lawsuit for Mr. Gibson, who is expected to sue an international media house for what he claims are scandalous and libellous comments.

According to a well-placed source, plans are also underway to sue Callenders & Co attorneys Michael Scott and Tracey Ferguson as well as The Tribune.

Mr. Gibson resigned as Cabinet Minister in the Christie administration last month amid stinging allegations stemming from his involvement with Ms. Smith.

The resignation came nearly a week after the Tribune newspaper published photographs showing the minister and Ms. Smith in warm embraces.

It also followed allegations that the minister had received a Rolex watch from Ms Smith as a thank-you present for the approval of her permanent residency application last year.

But Mr. Gibson has on numerous occasions unequivocally denied that he accepted any gift or favour from any one as reward for the granting or an inducement to grant any permit to Ms. Smith or anyone else.

He added that his continued presence on the frontlines would make it extremely difficult for the government to focus on issues that are of central concern like crime, illegal immigration, education, National Health Insurance, the economy, affordable housing and social welfare.

"I have no regrets about resigning," Mr Gibson told the Bahama Journal.

"I have regrets about how the truth was twisted, but time has a way of dealing with these things."

Mr. Gibson has kept a low profile since tendering his resignation, shifting his focus and energy to his and the governing party’s campaign.

"I feel comfortable in Golden Gates, but of course, you should never take anyone for granted," he said.

"And so every day, I’m putting in three to four hours, hitting the streets, knocking on doors, talking to constituents, meeting with those who have concerns."

When asked if he would accept the position as a cabinet minister if the Progressive Liberal Party were to be re-elected, Mr. Gibson said he wished to take one day at a time.

"I want to try to see if I can win Golden Gates again. I feel comfortable. We did a good job there," he said.

"We were able to initiate our computer lab and marching band. We have a number of programmes going on in the constituency and I just want to concentrate on winning Golden Gates first and make a decision as to where I will go next after this."

The former Cabinet Minister confirmed that he has been approached by an international company for the publication of a book.

"My only concentration right now is trying to help my party continue being the government, trying to assist as many of my colleagues as possible – those who require my assistance and after that time move on," Mr. Gibson said.

http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=45&a=12081