Gordon-Pamplin explains licence-plate switch

Licence plates on some GP cars have been removed after security threats, an MP has declared.

Works Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin made the revelation in the House of Assembly.

Bernews reports that Ms Gordon-Pamplin made the comments after the Opposition brought up the topic.

She said: “There is no intention to trick anybody by changing a licence plate number.

“But I can tell you that as Minister, when I have been made aware that there are threats to the safety of Ministers, that it is important to ensure that we try to minimize those challenges as much as we possibly can.

“And as a result of that, some of the licence plates have actually been changed from GP to a regular civilian plate number.”

Former OBA Senator Toni Daniels wrote on her Facebook page: “… The changes were part of a battery of Special Branch recommendations. And I reiterate … there are many makes and colours of GP cars. Not just the distinctive navy sedans most commonly known.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin said her party had “no need to hide anything… I mean you can’t really hide a car. 

“But I can assure members that there is no intent to mislead, deceive or whatever.

“But when I look at the safety of our Ministers, it is paramount to me to ensure that any necessary steps are taken so that these problems do not exist.”

Bernews reported that the minister also said there was consultation with security forces and recommendations were given. She added her party would be “foolhardy” if they didn’t follow the recommendations. “So I just ask Honourable Members if they want to know anything of any particular vehicle, I’m quite happy to answer the questions, I’m quite happy to answer them offline because I think this is very important to recognise that we cannot throw caution to the wind when we have situations that may create a challenge for us.

“So I would ask Honourable Members to be mindful of that, and there is nothing sinister about that particular move. 

“It was decision I made, and I thought it was one that was absolutely necessary to make.”