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Inniss speaks of legal battles’ ‘pain’ for family, nation

by Barbados Today
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Former St James South MP and Minister of Industry Donville Inniss, in an emotional outpouring today, told US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto that the greatest regret of his conviction was not to self or career, but to those he cared most about, first and foremost his family and also the people of Barbados.

Speaking at his sentencing in the Federal Court for the Eastern District of Brooklyn, New York, Inniss said that for his “family and…island of birth, this is a situation that I would not have wished on my worst enemy”. He said that his wife Gail and sons Kyle and Kofi had been his bedrock over the years. “[They] know, better than anyone else, the sacrifices that have been made as I pursued dreams of being a representative of the people and the impact upon the family.”

Nonetheless, he stressed that they “have always been incredibly supportive and have never complained”.

Inniss underscored the commitment he made to spend quality time with his sons. “I was there at University Hospital here in NY at their births. As a father, I developed a strong bond with my sons.”

In a philosophical tone, Inniss noted: “Healthy familial relationships are not defined by the size or location of your house, by the car you drive or the number of zeroes on your bank account.”  He said that he had focused on “the simple things” such as giving them a bath, reading with them, taking them to school and doctors’ visits, deciding on school programmes, engaging in extra-curricula activities and even as most parents can appreciate, having that dreaded conversation about relationships.

In his approximately 45-minute address to the court, Inniss offered a public apology to Barbados for “the pain, suffering and embarrassment” caused because of his legal battles. He conveyed his “immense debt of gratitude” that he owed to Barbados “for raising me, nurturing, educating, and providing opportunities”.

Inniss explained to Judge Matsumoto the passion and love one can feel for one’s country of birth. He told her that he had served the land of his birth “without fear or favour,” noting that the sacrifices made “paled in comparison to the satisfaction” that he got from serving.

“No phone call in the dead of the night from a constituent letting me know that someone in the household had just died or was severely ill caused me any discomfort. Invitations to wedding anniversaries, christenings, sporting events, graduations, parties, counselling, weddings, funerals, concerts, or any other events, were never too small or unimportant to attend or to support,” he said.

Inniss admitted, “[The] shame caused by my legal battles here cut like a knife on the political and social body of Barbados.

He stated that this was a fact that was never lost on him. Noting that he served in the most important bodies in Barbados, he explained that he has “much more than a fleeting glance as to how cases like mine impact” upon others.

“It is important that citizens have faith in their institutions, systems, and politicians,” Inniss asserted. 
(wadegibbons@barbadostoday.bb)

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