The $1.6 billion judgement by a U.S. court in favor of the original developer of Baha Mar is the latest in a long list of international embarrassments for The Bahamas under the Progressive Liberal Party’s leadership. This is a sad but unmistakable reality.
The Office of the Prime Minister issued a lame and empty non-response to the judgement, which some news agencies have rightly called damning.
Despite this, Foreign Affairs Minister and Chairman of the PLP Fred Mitchell ignored the Prime Minister and issued his own statement. Mr. Mitchell essentially said there was no corruption. He also attacked the original developer.
It is no secret that Fred Mitchell is typically out of control and acts as if he is the actual Prime Minister.
But even by Mr. Mitchell’s low standards, his comments are silly, nonsensical and comical. Mr. Mitchell’s defense of the PLP is: ‘Don’t mind the facts, ignore them and believe whatever nonsense I tell you.’
His reckless comments send a further warning sign to international investors to be careful in dealing with a PLP government that may shaft you if it is in their political interest.
Like other ministers, Mr. Mitchell has once again shown disrespect for Philip Davis, the head of government. Within hours of OPM’s statement, Chairman Mitchell rudely and arrogantly ignored a direction from the prime minister. His comments reveal a PLP cabinet at war with itself.
Mr. Mitchell has revealed the reality that the PLP does not actually intend to investigate corruption related to the Baha Mar ruling. He has shown the country that the PLP will not really do an investigation.
We recall that this is the same government and Foreign Minister who has shown contempt for freedom of information, contempt for campaign finance legislation, and contempt for accountability and transparency
. The Opposition does not have faith in an investigation done by Attorney General Ryan Pinder, who sat in the PLP Cabinet when various officials in the former PLP Administration were colluding with a new investor to oust the original investor at Baha Mar.
An independent investigation is needed over the allegations of corruption at Baha Mar. Sadly, from allegations of corruption at the Royal Bahamas Police Force to the newest allegations of corruption by PLP officials related to the recent ruling, most Bahamians realize that the PLP will sweep these latest allegations under a large, worn-out rug that is getting dirtier and dirtier by the day.
Hon Michael C. Pintard M.P.
Leader
Free National Movement