PLP Senator Diallo Rabain has branded former Education Minister Nalton Brangman dishonest following comments made on social media website Facebook.

Sen Brangman wrote on the OBA’s Facebook page that Opposition Leader Marc Bean, as the Minister of Environment and Planning, was the “real culprit” for the desecration of historic graves in Tucker’s Town.

The destruction of the gravestones sparked a report from Ombudsman Arlene Brock, who accused the Ministry of Environment and Planning of failing to carry out her recommendation that the graveyard be treated as a historic building.

A Ministry spokesman last night stated that neither the Department of Planning nor the Ministry played a role in the destruction of the gravestones and in no way condoned it.

Sen Rabain said: “Were it not for the press statement last night which confirmed that neither Mr Bean nor his former Ministry did anything incorrect with regard to the Tucker’s Town Gravesite, and that many aspects of the Ombudsman’s report were unfortunately misguided and speculative, the Senator’s attempt at deceit might have succeeded.

“Sen Brangman is advised to cease from posting deceitful, erroneous or reckless accusations on social media. It is bad enough when a member of the general public posts reckless accusations but a member of the legislature should be held to a higher accord. This entire situation has been an unfortunate one, and the disrespect shown to these residents of Tucker’s Town from 1920 until now is unconscionable. For Senator Brangman to use this issue to try and achieve political points is a sad indictment on him.

“We thank the Ministry of Home Affairs for being upfront and straightforward with the facts and ensuring that this situation is not misrepresented by either the Ombudsman or Senator Brangman.”