NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In response to receipts released by the Progressive Liberal Party connected to its recent trip to Bermuda, Opposition Leader Michael Pintard called the logistical procedure for the expenditure “completely unacceptable”.
The trip came under scrutiny after it was unclear whether the government or the political party footed the bill.
The Prime Minister traveled to Bermuda for a two-day trip 19-20 October 2022.
In one of the scans released by the PLP, a cheque was dated 21 October 2022.
Pintard says this revelation confirms that an “inappropriate” decision was made regarding the use of taxpayer funds prior to the sending of the cheque.
“…the Prime Minister as Minister of Finance allowed the Public Treasury of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to act as a bank and advanced what can only be described as a “loan” to a political organization to finance a trip involving himself as Prime Minister and Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party,” said Pintard in a press statement.
PHOTO CREDIT: Fred Mitchell – Minute by Minute Facebook page
“How is it possible that a Prime Minister of the Bahamas could allow for his political party, the PLP to essentially “borrow” money from the public treasury to finance what we are now being told was a political trip? What other Bahamian organization or individual could benefit from such an arrangement?”
After calling for a “full accounting” of the trip, the Free National Movement Leader claimed that the Davis administration had violated the Procurement Act and the Public Finance Management Act by their actions.
“I am also calling for the Prime Minister to table in the House of Assembly all of the receipts regarding this trip to Bermuda including those from the airline and those in regard to hotel expenses, ground transportation, meals, etc.”
He continued: “Was the treasury apprised of the circumstances of this allocation? The Treasury will not release funds without this documentation and sign-offs. What security did the Treasury receive for such advance of the taxpayer funds?”
In the PLP’s statement released yesterday, the party committed to sharing “records of the reconciliation of additional associated costs and payments”.
Loading ...
