NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Prime Minister Philip Davis defended Finance Minister Michael Halkitis in Parliament on Monday, stating that he is satisfied that “there is nothing immoral, unethical or otherwise illegal” in the conduct being raised by the Opposition, amid a controversy surrounding a construction company he was connected to and renewed calls for his resignation.
During the morning session East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson renewed calls for Halkitis to resign during his budget communication, questioning whether full disclosure was made voluntarily or only after the matter became public.
“This matter has become a distraction and cloud over the government. If the minister cannot provide a complete and convincing explanation that restores public confidence, then he should do the honourable thing and step aside,” Thompson said.
House Speaker Patricia Deveaux cautioned members in Parliament over remarks made during debate, reminding the House of the rules governing references to the character and conduct of individuals.
She explained that members are required to provide prior written notice to the Speaker if they intend to refer to the character or conduct of any person in their official or public capacity during debate or committee proceedings.
“The rule says any member who desires to refer in debate, in the House or in any committee, to the character or conduct of any person in his official or public capacity shall deliver to the Speaker written prior notice of the proposed reference,” she said.
The Speaker warned that members cannot freely introduce allegations about the character of individuals on the floor without following the proper procedures and obtaining approval through the Speaker’s office.
She added that Parliament must remain mindful of the long-term consequences of public statements, cautioning that reputations damaged in the House cannot easily be restored.
“There is life after this thing called politics,” she said, stressing the importance of restraint and responsibility in how members speak about one another.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard and the Free National Movement (FNM) have repeated calls for Halkitis to resign, citing a controversy involving Top Notch Builders, a company with which Halkitis was previously associated, and linked to convicted drug smuggler Jonathan Eric Gardiner. Gardiner was among 11 individuals rescued after a plane crash off the coast of Florida on May 12 and was later arrested by U.S. law enforcement in connection with a federal drug investigation.
When Parliament resumed for afternoon session, Prime Minister Davis addressed the issue and moved to have the matter referred to the Committee on Privilege.
“I wish to refer, Madam Speaker, to Rule 35 of the House of Assembly of the Bahamas Rules, and seek that the matters raised by the member for East Grand Bahama be referred to the Committee on Privilege,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He argued that Thompson had crossed parliamentary boundaries in his questioning, stating: “The member was clearly in breach of Article 31, Sub-Clause 24… by bringing into this debate matters that malign or otherwise tarnish the character and conduct of the Minister of Finance.”
Davis firmly defended Halkitis, adding: “I am satisfied… whether any on the other side may be or otherwise, I am satisfied as the person whose Cabinet he sits in that there is nothing immoral, unethical or otherwise illegal about the conduct of which they complain.”
The Prime Minister further warned against what he described as politically motivated attacks, saying Parliament should not be distracted by “salacious and otherwise insidious innuendos” raised by Opposition members.
He moved for the matter to be formally examined by the Committee on Privilege, which will determine whether any parliamentary rules were breached and what consequences, if any, should follow.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard and the Free National Movement (FNM) have stepped up calls for Halkitis to resign, citing a controversy involving Top Notch Builders, a company with which Halkitis was previously associated, and reports that convicted drug smuggler Jonathan Eric Gardiner signed a contract for the firm.
Pintard argued that the matter raises serious concerns about credibility in public financial leadership and maintained that the questions raised in Parliament were legitimate and necessary.
The Committee on Privilege is a standing parliamentary body responsible for investigating alleged breaches of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House. It can summon witnesses, conduct hearings, and recommend disciplinary action where appropriate.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard described the by Prime Minister David as “a clear example of abuse” in Parliament, arguing and warned against what he said was improper use of parliamentary procedure.
Pintard argued that Article 24, does not refer to members of the House but to persons outside Parliament who are unable to defend themselves, adding that both sides regularly engage in debate and scrutiny of ministerial decisions.
He added that the current discussion arose from statements made by the member for St Barnabas, and maintained that matters already placed on the parliamentary record would continue to be raised in debate.
He further argued that Minister Halkitis had held a position in a company he has not denied being associated with, and that while the member had publicly stated he was not president but a director, Pintard described that as a false statement.
He said credibility is essential when addressing financial matters in Parliament, adding that the Chief Finance Officer of the country should be able to answer questions about whether he properly communicated in the public domain.
