PLP accuses rival parties of 'theatrics' over drug testing

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10: PLP election hopeful Marc Bean is unlikely to follow his political rivals and take a drug test.

He is battling the BDA’s Sylvan Richards and UBP candidate Devrae Noel-Simmons for the Warwick South Central seat vacated by Dr. Ewart Brown.

Both underwent a voluntary drug test and passed but there is no policy demanding MPs submit to tests.

Mr. Richards has been reported to have said: “Since the call for drug testing has been put on hold for MPs and the current talk is about doing things differently, we should start now with Constituency 26.

“To show that I am embracing transparency and willing to walk the walk, I have submitted myself to a full testing and my results are here for all to see.”

The PLP called the move by the BDA and UBP “political theatrics”.

A spokesperson said: “The Progressive Labour Party supports a drug-free Bermuda.

“That being said, there is currently no policy that requires any Members of Parliament to submit themselves to drug testing neither in advance of an election, nor during their term in the House of Assembly.

“The sole focus of our candidate for Warwick South Central is to strengthen and deepen the relationship between himself, his constituents and their Government.

“The residents of Constituency 26 desire a solutions oriented, team approach to Government, not political theatrics.”

The by-election is set for December 15.