The ‘Jetgate’ saga needs a Parliamentary Committee to investigate “breaches of the rules of the House”, according to Independent MP Terry Lister.

In the wake of the weekend’s round of meetings by the One Bermuda Alliance, Mr Lister observed: “The length of this ongoing saga is unprecedented in Bermuda’s history” and said Jetgate had derailed the legislature from attending to the people’s business.

Mr Lister said the latest meetings had amounted to OBA leaders “huddled in an attempt to come up with a plan to minimise the impact of the Jetgate affair”.

“Both the OBA and the PLP have been wrestling with the matter as the truth has been elusive for more than a year,” Mr Lister continued. “Neither party has been focused on the problems of the people — a truism that has seen the birth of the People’s Campaign with its expressed dissatisfaction with the political process and the parties themselves.

“While attention has been focused on Jetgate, the job creation, promised by the OBA, has not materialised.”

Mr Lister said that during the year-long controversy, 1,166 jobs had been lost, and work permits had been issued for positions such as masonry, plumbing and carpentry for which Bermudians are qualified.

“Government, in response to a Parliamentary question, stated last year that there were 143 masons on work permits,” he added.

“While Jetgate took centre stage, the bank policies, promised to be addressed by the Finance Minister, continue to see people losing their homes and no adjustment to interest rates.

“To make matters worse, Capital G is sold and the new owners inform staff that their mortgage interest rate will increase significantly. We then see a surreal response of the very same Minister on television explaining why this is necessary.”

The Sandys South MP said there was “no doubt that there are matters of principle to be addressed here — but the matter should have been handled better”.

“Instead we have witnessed the House being filled with many Jetgate speeches and serious accusations and allegations along with the refusal to answer Parliamentary questions. It is my opinion that there is now a need for a Parliamentary Committee to investigate breaches of the Rules of the House.”

On the matter of a $300,000 sum donated to the One Bermuda Alliance’s campaign by a group of US entrepreneurs led by developer Nathan Landow, Mr Lister noted that the sum being discussed was slight in comparison to Bermuda’s budget.

“Nor is it large relative to the country’s debt which is churning along at $2.3 billion, with a daily interest of over $300,000,” he said.

“However, the spectacle that we have watched simply boils down to honesty and integrity.”

He called for Government to return to matters of public concern: jobs, interest rates, home losses, education funding and healthcare costs.

“I have been attempting to push the Government into action on a number of fronts since last year,” Mr Lister said. “I will continue to do this as a third way and a third voice.”