Editor,
We are at a critical juncture, and our tolerance of the misuse of power by public figures has led us to a pressing situation. We cannot afford to delay, even for a moment. The Bahamian people must fully understand the severe repercussions of fiscal imprudence on our future well-being. The alleged misconduct, if proven, could have profound implications for our economy. The time for swift and decisive action is now.
The Free National Movement must uphold the principle of transparency and urgently address the serious accusations made by Hon. Keith Bell about the sale of precious National Insurance American Foreign Assets. The need for transparency in this matter cannot be overstated.
Imagine these: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Chevron, Cisco, Coca-Cola, Facebook, General Electric, J.P. Morgan, Procter & Gamble, and Wells Fargo, to name a few, were stocks that were part of the highly controversial heist.
Arinthia Komolafe’s use as a spokesperson does not convey the gravity of the situation. The FNM leader must provide a comprehensive and logical explanation that dispels suspicion. Transparency is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental necessity we demand and expect.
Recently, the opposition has jumped up like a jack in the box, hollering and screaming like their mothers just finished bruising their behinds. They would gain more respect if they genuinely and sincerely had constructive criticism, which helps rather than hustling for headlines.
What we need is accountability, not theatrics. The Bahamian people are overdue for some sincerity, not politics in the 60s; the electorate is wiser and knows the difference.
We’re left wondering, what was the true purpose of the ‘lockdown?’ Was it a strategic move to keep everyone at home while illicit activities, such as the alleged sale of shares, took place? The ‘lockdown’ here refers to the period of restricted movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many businesses and government operations were significantly affected, potentially creating an environment conducive to such activities.
To drive my first point, who sold the shares, but most of all, who were the shares sold to and who benefited from the many transactions?
The most disingenuous statement since Bell let the cat out of the bag was that the “Governor of the Central Bank authorized the sale. Is this true, or are they using the good Governor as a scapegoat so that Bahamians would back off?
Where are the investigators? Where is the government auditing apparatus? Where is the financial crime task force, or are they only hunting down Bahamians for petty theft? The disparity is displayed too often.
There is a pattern of behavior of the Minnis-led government. The many unanswered questions about mishandling or an intentional scheme to siphon money must not be allowed to go unanswered.
No member of parliament who was part of the previous cabinet can utter one word of ignorance except to ask for forgiveness because the “incompetent authority” hoodwinked us all.
I, countless Bahamians, would not be satisfied with bombastic, well-choreographed utterances because a camera is rolling. So, if those who desire to lead this great country want to point fingers with insatiable propaganda, they must come with clean hands and fingernails.
Written by: Ivoine W. Ingraham