André Williams, Star Writer

A Member of Parliament (MP) attached to the ruling People's National Party (PNP) has come out swinging against claims by a nursing home operator that he has abandoned his daughter and bills have surpassed $2 million.

Information reaching THE STAR is that the MP's 43-year-old daughter has been at the establishment since April 2, 2009, after she was brought there by a woman who signed that she would make payments after the MP sent money.

The MP's daughter has been diagnosed with Huntington Disease, a form of neurological illness.

Seymour Smart, who took over from his mother who died in August this year, is now operating the home.

He told THE STAR what has been happening with the situation.

"After a time, no money was being paid over, from September 2009 until today. The courts locked up the woman for 10 days. The MP contacted my mother to lift the bench warrant and he would make restitution of the balance and everything. Up to now, nothing. They owe $2 million and counting. We have tried to get in touch with him."

Our news team was also told that messages were sent with at least three politicians, to be delivered to the MP, however, nothing has come of it.

Smart said, "I had given it some thought, and him time before I went to the media. He was given a week or two weeks to settle the outstanding balance or wipe the slate clean and come for her."

Allegations are that whenever the nursing home operators try to make contact with the MP, he does not answer his phone, hangs up, or has even changed his number.

"I think at one point my mother wrote to the prime minister and we did not get a response," said Smart.

Family member

THE STAR gathered that no family member has been visiting the home.

"All she receives is hand mi down, if a patient dies or if a nurse give her something," said Smart.

When THE STAR contacted the member of parliament, he confirmed that his daughter was at the establishment. He, however, argued that he had no contractual arrangements with the nursing home.

The MP said, "I have a daughter ... she is a big woman. She has a child, she left my home as an adult and just showed up there (nursing home)... they have no legal right ... I did try to help."

He continued, "This guy is using you to pressure me. I have no legal ties to them except that the child is my child. They can't provide you with any contract."

The MP also sought to clarify that he knew his daughter was being brought there.

He said, "I didn't know when she got there, I haven't seen her for years. She turned up there when the guy abandoned her. It is only because I am a MP that's why they came to you ... I tried to help with the situation."

The MP said the woman in question is his daughter and he would make contact with the nursing home to amicably work something out.