Englerston Member of Parliament (MP) Glenys Hanna-Martin suggested yesterday that the government is delaying the appointment of a select committee on the Oban Energies deal for East End, Grand Bahama.
Before the House was adjourned Wednesday afternoon, leader of the Opposition Phillip Davis questioned House Speaker Halson Moultrie on when the committee would be able to carry out its work.
Hanna-Martin initially made the request during the wrap up of debate on the mid-year budget, but the speaker has yet to make the appointment.
“I have a concern,” Davis said.
“The member had a request for a select committee. It was promised to be dealt with and I just want to know that we will be able to deal with that.”
Hanna-Martin said it appeared as if the government’s position is to defer the matter without providing the facts to the Bahamian people.
“If it’s the government’s choice not to provide the facts, then they can vote against,” Hanna-Martin said.
House Speaker Moultrie however did not take Hanna-Martin’s claims lightly and said that she was “imputing improper motives”, an assertion that Hanna-Martin agreed with.
“Yes, I am … based on my discussions with the government,” she said.
The Speaker explained that there are several requests for select committees and said when the House of Assembly (HOA) reaches that point on the agenda, it will be addressed.
The Opposition recently launched a campaign to kill the Oban deal, which it insists is bad for the country. The $5.5 billion oil refinery and storage facility project is expected to be constructed in east Grand Bahama.
