Work on London residence to cost Bahamas $247,000

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said the structural work on the Bahamas High Commissioner’s residence in London – which he claimed had been delayed for more than four years by the former government – will cost around $247,000 (£159,000).

Answering criticism from the opposition that the government has been paying an excessive $30,000 in rent for new High Commissioner Ed Bethel, Mr Christie said temporary accommodations are necessary until the work is done.

Mr Christie said London is a very expensive place to live and, as unfortunate as the cost is, the government must do everything within reason to maintain the country’s presence overseas.

“No one is more conscious of cost than I am about our work,” Prime Minister Christie said.

Speaking at an unofficial unveiling of new diplomats, he said: “I say to our new team however, that you must not be deterred in your work by public criticism.

“Criticism comes with the job. Remember always that you are servants of the Bahamian people.

“I expect you to discharge your responsibilities without fear or favour in the best interests of the Bahamian people. Once you do that, you will have my support.”

Responding both to the FNM’s criticisms of the rent paid for Mr Bethel and the nature of some diplomatic appointments, Mr Christie said: “I act with deliberation and I act only when it is right to act.

“The FNM can have no complaint about political appointments.”

Comments

TalRussell says...

Hey PM, the people done do they part by voting out of office your former law partner. You and none your cabinet and sitting PLP House MP's didn't do that.

So PM, the last thing they want is to have to continuously listen to you whine about the decisions you need to be making. Worse still, is you seem to do more damn talk'in than just doing what in hell needs dong?

PM the people done got enough anxiety over how in the hell they go'in be paying they bills, much less to have to listen to a repeat of way you was talk'in, back in your 2002-2007 administration?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GOYYbiE…

Posted 15 February 2013, 2:56 p.m. Suggest removal

concernedcitizen says...

PGC NEVER SHUTS UP

Posted 15 February 2013, 9:20 p.m. Suggest removal

sansoucireader says...

The PLP government seems to thrive on appearances and how they think they may appear to others. The talk of a new House of Parliament and PM's residence are just two examples, now this. I suggest they use that $247,000 not on renovations to the residence of the Bahamas High Commissioner but in purchasing a property outside of the city of London, where I'm sure they can get more for their dollar (or pound). Yes, London is expensive so if you can't afford it, move to a location that is still close to the city where you want to be, but properties are less expensive. Real estate agent anyone?

Posted 15 February 2013, 11:13 p.m. Suggest removal

242 says...

all the way til 2017 for real??? muddoooo

Posted 16 February 2013, 12:13 p.m. Suggest removal

akbar says...

While Bahamians still losing their homes after paying back 20yrs on a 30yr mortgage, This government spending like mad. They worrying about where High Commissioners and Haitians will live. They want to build PM residence for "entertainment purposes" (sound like a brothel to me) while thousands of Bahamians still worrying about where they going to live. I forget this the GOLD RUSH so SPEND BABY SPEND. Spend until we don't have two piece of coopers to rub together in the treasury.

Posted 17 February 2013, 7:17 a.m. Suggest removal

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