There must be accountability for the litany of transgressions that accompany the Bahamas Moorings Secret deal, in spite of the Davis Administration being forced to abandon this latest fiasco following pressure applied.
Bahamas Moorings Ltd reportedly had already begun installation of moorings through the Exuma Cays without authorization from the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP). This is illegal under Section 11 of the Environmental Planning & Protection Act, which states that anyone commencing a project without a certificate of environmental clearance commits a criminal offense.
We in the FNM expect DEPP to have the full support of the Cabinet in fulfilling its duty to follow through on the sanction that must follow.
Further, the Prime Minister acknowledged that there was a blatant conflict of interest involving his Deputy Director of Communication. This must be resolved without delay.
But aside from the Deputy Director, we are certain that the Prime Minister is also aware of the conflicts of interest that tie the President and other principals of Bahamas Moorings to another senior advisor in his office. That advisor must also be dismissed along with any other public officials who have been aware of these conflicts of interest but did nothing.
Finally, the Prime Minister must tell the nation how much money has been spent—and the value of any human resources used—in the pursuit of this folly. Does the government have to compensate Bahamas Moorings or any of its affiliates or agents for money spent on this now-abandoned misadventure? The Bahamian people want/demand answers!
This is now the second time in a few short months that the government has had to cancel a deal with private concerns due to ineptitude and failure to follow accepted standards of governance. Let’s be reminded that we have yet to be given an explanation as to who is responsible for the $1 million payout to a foreign company on the failed solar deal that provided zero benefit to the Bahamian people.
Will the government again have to shell out more Bahamian taxpayer money to cover for their latest screwup? If not, who is footing the bill?
Hon Michael C Pintard M.P.
Leader
Free National Movement