The government still has yet to show under what authority it was able to borrow money from the Treasury for this trip and which sums appropriated by Parliament would allow for such a loan. We remind the government that funds from the Consolidated Fund can only be used for statutory expenditure and other purposes for which Parliament has appropriated the sums.
Although this Davis administration repeatedly ignores the laws of the land, we remind them that they still must provide the legal basis for this loan. Otherwise, it is a misappropriation of public funds and the relevant disciplinary action must be taken. Even in their claim to have repaid this illegal loan, the government has not provided a breakdown of expenses, nor the receipts to show that the money was paid.
We put the government on notice that this matter will be taken up by the Public Accounts Committee which will demand the government provide the legal basis for this loan, the persons who authorized this expenditure and a full accounting of the moneys paid from and received by the Treasury.
The Davis Administration is narrowly focused on arresting former government officials for issues surrounding public funds at the same time that they in general and the Prime Minister in Particular are breaking the law. No matter which Party we expect compliance with the law.
The PLP led government is demanding that food store owners comply with the law while he and members of his team break the law. There is one law for PLP officials and another law for other
Bahamians.
The Hon Michael C Pintard
Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Leader of the Free National Movement
January 17, 2023