Shawn Crockwell’s resignation from the One Bermuda Alliance was regrettable but understandable, backbencher Mark Pettingill has told The Royal Gazette.

However, Mr Pettingill said he would not follow his business colleague’s suit, and planned to remain an OBA member despite tensions with the party over his professional life.

Speaking yesterday about Mr Crockwell’s departure, he said: “I’m sad about it, but I also understand what his reasons were.

“He’s a person of great integrity, and he felt very strongly about the issues that he raised.”

On Friday night, Mr Crockwell announced to the House of Assembly his plan to run as an independent MP.

During his speech, he accused the OBA of targeting both his business and personal life after he publicly criticised the party for being bullheaded and disconnected from the wider community.

The Southampton West Central MP said he agreed with the former Premier, Ewart Brown, that when a black man stood up to the powers that be, “they come after you”.

Firstly, a letter was sent by Attorney-General Trevor Moniz to his workplace, the law firm Pettingill & Co Ltd, banning all lawyers from representing any client against the Government.

Then, last week, Mr Crockwell endured a raid on his house by three immigration officers over an alleged illegal worker hired as a cleaner.

Mr Crockwell dismissed the banning letter as “totally absurd”, labelling the move “economic intimidation”.

He added: “The Government is the largest entity and employer in Bermuda. If this instruction is followed, it will completely paralyse (Mr Pettingill’s) practice and destroy at least 60 per cent of mine.”

Mr Pettingill agreed that the incident was “complete nonsense”.

“To confirm that, we sought the independent opinion of a Queen’s Counsel, who characterised it as absolute rubbish,” he said.

“There are a number of Attorney-Generals over the years who have acted in cases for and against the Government. I was surprised that tack was taken.”

However, Mr Pettingill stated his belief that the Government would not pursue the matter with his company.

“I think it would be folly to do so,” he said.

“I don’t think the right-thinking members of Cabinet agree with that position, and I’m confident the Premier doesn’t agree with that position either.”

Regarding the immigration controversy, Mr Pettingill revealed that he was with Mr Crockwell when the officers descended on his house.

When asked if he believed the raid was coincidental or connected to Mr Crockwell’s denunciation of Government, he replied: “I don’t believe in coincidences, let’s put it that way.

“But my own view is that the Premier didn’t have any knowledge of it.”

Discussing his ongoing membership in the OBA, Mr Pettingill said he planned to “participate fully and contribute as much as I can”.

“I think it’s a very significant time for Bermuda, and it’s important that we continue to progress,” he added.

He also foresaw a bright future for Mr Crockwell as an independent MP.

“He’s certainly an intellectual luminary in the House of Assembly,” Mr Pettingill said.

“I think he’ll be diligent in his duty as a parliamentarian, as he always been, and I have no doubt he will continue to bring a lot to the table.”