By TAMARA McKENZIE, Guardian Political Editor

tamara@nasguard.com

Just weeks following the reported fist fight with another Member of Parliament, Kennedy MP Kenyatta Gibson has found himself entangled in what could be another contentious matter, this time involving allegations of a death threat coupled with a paternity suit filed by a woman claiming to be the mother of his five-year-old son.

Before appearing in court No. 2 on Bank Lane with her attorney Bobby Cooke-McIver, the woman, who asked to remain anonymous, alleged that her relationship with the Kennedy MP began in 2000 when Gibson lived in Freeport, Grand Bahama. She claimed that a son was later born out of their relationship, but when the relationship failed, a long court battle began in Freeport to obtain child support monies. She was forced to file the matter in the capital so that swift action could be taken.

"I just really want him to take responsibility for his child," the female told the press. "It is nothing personal, I don't have any ill feelings towards him, I just want him to take care of his responsibility." The female also alleged that when she presented Mr Gibson with a child support summons, he threatened her life.Mr Gibson was not present at yesterday's paternity hearing, but his attorney Wayne Munroe told the press that because this matter is a civil one, it is not necessary for his client to appear in court until or unless evidence is being presented. He explained that two matters involving Mr Gibson stood before two separate Magistrate's Courts on Tuesday, and they were consolidated. The first matter, he said, involved a harassment complaint filed by Mr Gibson in which the Kennedy MP sought protection from the court against the woman in question. The second matter reportedly involved an application made by the young lady regarding child support.

Flanked by Mr Gibson at an afternoon press conference, Mr Munroe made it clear that Mr Gibson has denied the accusations made by the young lady about his client fathering her child, and added that Mr. Gibson has a right to due process. "We have every confidence that at the conclusion of both cases, our client will be vindicated."

Not referring specifically to the case of Mr Gibson, Mr Munroe said he does not understand why a man would support a child that is not his own. "There seems to be rampant in this country, an attitude that somehow, as a young professional, if someone levels an accusation against me, I must put my hand in my pocket," Mr Munroe said.

The popular attorney also denied that payments were being made to the lady in question before Mr Gibson took office as a member of parliament. "That is news to us because she did not say that to the court, she says quite the opposite to the court," Mr Munroe claimed. "It may be quite convenient that she now changes her story, but suffice it to say, we don't intend to try this matter before you good persons[the press], and if she wishes now to say something that is inconsistent with her pleaded case, she is free to do so."

Mr Munroe would not verify if there was a relationship between Mr Gibson and the woman in question. He also did not state if Mr Gibson would submit to a paternity test, but noted that it is something that he has never and will never recommend to any of his clients.

"Somehow people have this perception that we have to condescend to play people's games and we have to condescend to give them credibility by doing these sorts of things," Mr Munroe said. "It is not something that I recommend to any client. Any client of mine who decides to do this [a paternity test] can go and find themselves another lawyer, it is as simple as that."

It has also been reported that Mt. Moriah MP Keod Smith stood outside the court building yesterday while the hearing involving Mr Gibson was ongoing. In response to his presence, Mr. Munroe said it was "despicable" for one man to thrust himself into the personal and intimate business of another man. "If Mr Smith was raised to get into other people's business, that is a matter for him, but as far as my client is concerned, he's before the court and he has submitted himself to the rule of law that he is bound to. If Mr. Smith wants to interject himself into it, he can, but the more important question is why he has, and why this person has permitted herself to be used in this fashion."

The matter involving the Kennedy MP has been adjourned to Nov. 27.