By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

ACCUSING the government of engaging in a “rental spree,” Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis demanded to know why the government’s budget for rental accommodations has increased by more than $10 million in their proposed 2013/2014 budget.

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday afternoon, Dr Minnis asked the government to give an account of all the properties being rented.

“This budget indicates that the government has entered upon a new rental spree,” he said. “I ask that the Government provide a list of all government accommodations so that we may understand why the government’s allocation for rental accommodation has increased.”

Yamacraw MP and Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin then rose and noted “some of the conditions under which our people are working is totally unacceptable.”

“The member’s talking about a rental spree; the member ought to be quite aware – he served in cabinet and in government for the last five year – that there is a critical problem with accommodations for various government offices,” she said.

“And so I cannot understand any member of parliament of any leader of the opposition who would wish for government employees to exist and to work under terrible conditions.”

Continuing, Dr Minnis revealed the government rental accommodation allocation has increased by $10.4 million and said: “I heard the comment by the member for Yamacraw that rental for her agencies have been consolidated and transferred out of the Ministry and Department Heads. Notwithstanding, I want the list, dates and rental payment terms.

“I note, that the amount for payment of rent to NIB has been decreased by $4.5 million, notwithstanding that NIB have completed to state of the art administration complexes that are being rented by the government to house multiple government offices in Central Abaco and in Freeport Grand Bahama.

“Will the Minister of Finance advise whether the government has entered into a contract to rent the new building constructed on JFK Boulevard opposite BTC and if so identify the owner of the building and the cost to be incurred.”

Dr Minnis also noted “a number of questions” have been asked of the government by the opposition regarding budget allocations – including one allocation thought to go towards an official residence for the prime minister.

“A number of questions have been put to the Minister of Finance by my colleagues relating to other policy pronouncements by the government for which no details have yet been produced,” Dr Minnis said. “I repeat these questions to drive home the importance which we in the opposition attach to these matters.

“Is the $5 million increased allocation in the budget to purchase or acquire an official residence for the Prime Minister or for some other purpose?

“The $15 million provided in the Ministry of Finance budget to facilitate the implementation of the priorities of the Charter for Governance has disappeared from the budget this year. Her Majesty’s loyal opposition requires a detailed accounting for this expenditure. We have heard harrowing stories about how work was assigned, scoped, contracted, executed, performed and valued.”