A senior Opposition MP has said “stay tuned” after being asked why his party had not filed a criminal complaint against the Premier in relation to allegations of bribery made in the House of Assembly.

At a press conference Progressive Labour Party deputy leader Derrick Burgess said the party fully supported leader Marc Bean and Finance spokesman David Burt after they made the allegations in the House of Assembly last Friday.

Mr Bean told MPs that Premier Craig Cannonier had confided to him that he was in line for an “upfront” payment from a hotel developer in exchange for a gaming licence. And Mr Burt alleged that Mr Cannonier suggested he could be given a Government contract if he supported a plan to drop a promised referendum on gaming.

Mr Cannonier has denied both allegations and has now taken legal action against Mr Bean and Mr Burt.

At yesterday afternoon’s press conference, Mr Burgess was asked if either Mr Burt or the party had filed a criminal complaint if they believed that a criminal act had been committed.

“No we haven’t — we just haven’t,” Mr Burgess, who was flanked by a number of members of the Shadow Cabinet, replied.

“We’re trying to run the country and do our part as the Opposition”.

Pressed on why no complaint had been filed with law enforcement agencies, Mr Burgess replied: “Do we have a duty [to report it]? We’ve done it in the House of Parliament.

“You’ve got the answer Royal Gazette. Stay tuned. Stay tuned you will see in future what will happen. Stay tuned.”

Earlier in the press conference, Mr Burgess said the party was “standing strong” for Mr Bean and Mr Burt, adding that the Premier needed to “stop ducking questions” over his relationship with hotel developer Nathan Landow.

“We would like to make it very clear; our members will not be silenced by legal threats or any legal action in order to suppress the truth,” he said.

“And the Premier cannot hide behind legal threats as his own version of events has been challenged by his own Cabinet Minister.

“Ultimately, Bermudians must decide who spoke the truth, as the integrity of our whole system of governance is being tested in a manner that this country has never witnessed before.

“The truth must prevail and the Premier must stop ducking the questions and reveal to the country the nature of his relationship with Mr Nathan Landow.

“Any potential development is far too important to the future of this country.

“We need jobs for our people and the Premier is putting this at risk by his refusal to speak to a relationship with a potential developer.

“There is an RFP process underway, and improper contact can derail this process and delay any development.

“Our country cannot afford that outcome and that is why it is important for the Premier to explain the nature of his relationship with Mr Nathan Landow.”