Cartwright: Contracts were awarded to both PLP and FNM supporters
MP claims many contracts had already been in process by time snap election was called
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority’s former executive chairman yesterday pushed back against accusations of “recklessness” and “electioneering” levied against him by Prime Minister Philip Davis.
Shanendon Cartwright, the St Barnabas MP, before making his substantive contribution to the supplementary budget debate in Parliament yesterday, sought to defend his integrity and stressed that he never acted recklessly.
“Let me be clear. Often, discussions, directives, instructions and decisions outpaced process and technical necessities, though ultimately they both are, in the end, completed and find agreement with each other,” said Cartwright.
He added: “As executive chairman, I was never moved by the weight of my office to act recklessly.”
He stressed that he was never “on any personal frolic or singular expedition”.
Davis, during his contribution to the debate earlier this week, alleged that an 86 percent increase in the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority’s approved budget “coincided with electioneering”.
The prime minister noted that new contracts issued between July and September resulted in a whopping $22 million increase in its projected expenditure.
Cartwright said, however, that what was done under his tenure was “no substantive departure” from how the program has been carried out in terms of the process and distribution of contracts.
He noted that in any given year, contracts were being written up to October as contractors sought to secure the necessary documents.
Additionally, he said many contracts were already in train prior to the date of the snap general election being set. Cartwright said contracts were awarded to both Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Free National Movement (FNM) supporters.
I will not be used by any intended or unintended attempt to put my integrity in the political crosshairs, whether from without or within, nor will I allow the efforts of hardworking public servants to be used for political fodder.
– Shanendon Cartwright
According to Cartwright, at every interval where additional funds were required, the requisite authorities were approached and discussions were held.
“At no time did I or the authority take any unilateral or arbitrary approach in securing additional funds. It just doesn’t work that way,” said Cartwright.
“No one just picks up funds from the Ministry of Finance or the Treasury.”
He added: “This member never operated in a silo, never was an island unto myself and never acted in a clandestine manner.
“I will not be used by any intended or unintended attempt to put my integrity in the political crosshairs, whether from without or within, nor will I allow the efforts of hardworking public servants to be used for political fodder.”
Cartwright noted that many Bahamians benefitted from roadside contracts and were able to work and maintain their dignity amid the economic downturn of the pandemic.
