The immigration minister of the Bahamas Shane Gibson has resigned after the publication of old pictures of him embracing the model Anna Nicole Smith, who died earlier this month.
| "I want to apologise to all persons who may in any way have been offended by anything that I have said, done or perceived to have said or done." |
Amid criticisms that Mr Gibson may have fast-tracked a residency visa for the former model to live on the island, he announced his resignation saying he had made the decision for the well-being of his family. Mr Gibson denied abusing his ministerial office by accelerating Smith's application for residency and said he had not had a sexual relationship with the 39-year-old.
| "I did not have sex with that woman!" |
"I want to apologise to all persons who may in any way have been offended by anything that I have said, done or perceived to have said or done," he said.
Reports suggested that a police investigation will be launched after an official complaint against the former minister. Six days ago, The Tribune of Nassau published two photographs on its front page of showing Smith and Mr Gibson, both fully dressed, embracing on a bed decorated with pink flowers. Critics said Smith's successful residency application - based on the disputed ownership of a waterfront mansion on the island - was the result of her close friendship with Mr Gibson. Mr Gibson, a former trade union official, said his continued presence on the front line of politics would make it more difficult for the government to deliver its message. |