NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said last night that starting next week the Opposition through the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will summons permanent secretaries and heads of public corporations to answer questions raised by the Bahamian people, as he accused the Davis administration of not governing in their interest.
Pintard during a special called meeting at the Free National Movement’s (FNM) Mackey Street headquarters last night accused the Davis administration of being “undemocratic” and being on a “witch-hunt” for many FNMs.
Pintard noted that the Opposition has written the Prime Minister on many national issues and has repeatedly sought to have questions answered during the question-and-answer period in Parliament to no avail.
Pintard in Parliament yesterday protested further delays to the question and answer period, repeatedly shouting “answer the questions” during yesterday’s proceedings. Despite being assured that the Opposition’s questions would be answered on February 20th, Pintard said the Davis administration has proven it cannot be trusted.
“I want the Bahamian people to know that we have tried in every conceivable way to engage in mature conversation with a government that said they would be ready to govern on day one. They have proven over and over again that they are unwilling to be democratic and consult with Opposition much in the same way they have been unwilling to consult with various private sector groups even when they are making decisions that could dismantle the lives of various Bahamian businesses persons,” said Pintard.
Pintard continued: “Beginning next week we will be summoning through the Public Accounts Committee Permanent Secretaries and heads of pubic corporations to come and answer the questions raised by the Bahamian people.”
Pintard said that the Davis administration needs to be sent a message, arguing that the government has a “select few” on whose behalf it is working.
“We believe it important now to turn it up and show up at some of those offices and occupy some of those offices to get their attention,” said Pintard.
FNM Deputy leader and St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright accused the Davis administration of being a “tax and spend government.” Cartwright said that the Opposition will continue to stand up and speak up for the rights of Bahamians.
“We want the Bahamian people to know that the Free National Movement and the Opposition continue to stand with them, speak on their behalf and we will not sit down and shut up. We will stand up and speak up.”
