NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis on Wednesday once again defended the National Food Distribution Task Force and called on the Davis administration to apologise for what he described as baseless and damaging allegations against the COVID-19 food programme, insisting the initiative prevented a food security catastrophe during one of the worst economic collapses in Bahamian history.
Dr Minnis during his contribution to the debate on amendments to the Red Cross Society Bill referenced the severe economic and social fallout triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded Hurricane Dorian.
“Worse than in the 2008 Great Recession, the Bahamian economy quickly collapsed. We experienced dramatic loss in GDP, tourism numbers, government revenues, and savings. We suffered increased unemployment, greater personnel and business debt, and food insecurity for tens of thousands of Bahamians, said Dr Minnis.
Against that backdrop, he said his administration launched what he described as the largest food programme in Bahamian history.
“My government at that time launched the largest food program in Bahamian history as a result of the effects of the pandemic. More than $50 million was spent on feeding Bahamians who were in crisis.”
Minnis stressed that protecting Bahamians was non-negotiable. “My administration was insistent that we had to protect Bahamians as this global crisis descended. We partnered with local NGOs in order to run the program.”
He listed a wide range of organisations involved, including the Bahamas Feeding Network, Grand Bahama Food Committee, Hands for Hunger, Lend a Hand Bahamas, One Eleuthera Foundation, the Bahamas Red Cross, churches, and other groups, noting their credibility and experience.
Minnis also praised Susan Larsen, who chaired the task force.
“Susan Holowesko-Larsen, who has a record of integrity, professionalism, and philanthropy, generously agreed to serve as chair of the task force. Her only goal, was to help and ensure no Bahamian went hungry. No political involvement.”
Recalling the programme’s operations, Minnis said he was struck by its efficiency and coordination.
“I was most impressed, when planes were arranged via the Odyssey Airport and individuals were flown in from Abaco… their names were automatically computerized and logged. Food, packages, and food was provided. Lodging was identified… I have never seen such an organization performing in such manner.”
He argued the initiative should have enjoyed bipartisan support.
“One would think that there are things we could have bipartisan consensus on… the feeding program we instituted was not a good idea, but a great idea.”
Minnis condemned what he called “baseless attacks” made after the PLP came to office, particularly allegations raised by Prime Minister Philip Davis.
“He questioned the integrity of my administration on the National Food Distribution Program… He suggested there was wrongdoing. He suggested money was unaccounted for.”
Minnis pointed to the Auditor General’s report as definitive vindication.
“The Office of the Auditor General found in its report into the National Food Distribution Task Force that the task force fulfilled its mandate to ensure that… ‘no one went hungry during the pandemic.’ And it was able to account for all the funds distributed.” An Auditor Generals report tabled in Parliament last October found that The National Food Distribution Task Force fulfilled its mandate to ensure that “no one went hungry” during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was able to account for all of the funds disbursed to it by the government.
Dr Minnis said the findings validated both the leadership and the volunteers.
“This was a validation of the chairs and the members of the task force’s exceptional national service… These people, who managed this program, in my view, are national heroes.”
Dr Minnis noted the according to the audit, the programme operated for 70 weeks, with $52.99 million allocated, $50.17 million spent, and unused funds returned to the Treasury.
“So instead of money being missing, the unused funds were returned to the people, to the government.”
He rejected allegations of impropriety in forceful terms.
“They may call me many things, but never a thief. I say that again. You may call me many things, but I, Hubert Alexander Minnis… never a thief.”
Minnis said investigations caused reputational and emotional harm, including to NGO workers.
“Staff at various NGOs were also questioned by police. This was traumatic to the honest and hard-working members of those NGOs.”
Calling for accountability, Minnis demanded a public apology.
“Just as the Prime Minister made his allegations from this place, I call on him to apologize to this House of Assembly… The members of the task force and their staff are heroes. They should have been celebrated as heroes, not made out to be villains.”
“According to the Auditor General… ‘The task force did their job. No one went hungry. The task force avoided a food security catastrophe, Dr Minnis said.
