Thursday, August 21, 2014
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday that an investigation he ordered into what led Ministry of Works Parliamentary Secretary Renward Wells to sign a multi-million dollar letter of intent with Stellar Waste Management is complete amid concerns that the government has not taken disciplinary action.
Mr Davis said his findings would “in due course” be shared with Prime Minister Perry Christie.
However, it could be weeks before that happens as Mr Davis told The Tribune he was waiting for Parliament’s legislative agenda to be completed before the prime minister is briefed. “The investigation has been done and it is complete,” Mr Davis said.
“I have looked into it and I will be sharing my findings with the prime minister in due course as soon as we would have completed this legislative agenda that we are now into.”
He declined comment on a time line for this.
Parliamentarians are now debating the Value Added Tax Bill and will readdress the Constitutional Amendment Bills on Monday. Afterwards they are expected to delve into gaming legislation.
Nearly two weeks ago, Mr Christie told reporters that he too had ordered a probe into the $650 million letter of intent (LOI) as political pundits speculated that Mr Wells, who has previously said he will not step down because of the controversy on the matter, signed the letter without authorisation.
At the time, Mr Christie said the outcome of his probe would go “to the root” of Mr Wells’ existence as part of the government.
He said he alone would make the final decision on whether the Bamboo Town MP would be made to resign, but said in the meantime it was up to Mr Wells to decide if he wanted to step down if he felt it necessary.
The remarks put Mr Christie in the line of fire from those who said he has not taken the lead with getting to the crux of the matter.
“Mr Wells has the responsibility of determining whether in the meantime, what he has done, whether that is sufficient for him to want to step down,” Mr Christie said in an earlier interview. “I think he has indicated no. But I think the point is you should know that at the end of the day I have the responsibility which I accept of being the final determinant on what happens with respect to this matter. I don’t run away from that obligation. I just want to be able to come to understand all that has taken place in its full meaning and then I will act one way or the other. I have to make the determination. I will make the determination and I will communicate that determination.”
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has called on Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to conduct a full legal analysis of the letter of intent.
Comments
bahamalove says...
Pleassseeee! This country will be celebrating its 100th year of independence before we get the findings of this so-called "investigation". And Allyson Maynard-Gibson still owes the Bahamian public a summary of her meetings in Europe related to webshop gaming. In addition, she needs to explain how she was conveniently out of town when the 'honourable' Minister Fitzgerald dismisses a gun charge case against one of her former clients. Corruption at every level of this government everywhere you turn! Smh!!
Posted 21 August 2014, 1:22 p.m. Suggest removal
Honestman says...
The "investigation" was complete a month ago!!!!! Christie and Davis know exactly what went down yet they play this stupid game treating the public like children. This administration (I am loathed to call it an administration because that implies an element of competency) is a disgrace to The Bahamas and the principles of democracy. Why are Bahamians tolerating this sh*t?
Posted 21 August 2014, 1:43 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
We aren't. Everybody grumbling..I'm sure I even heard birdie mumble the other day. What hasn't happened yet is a consolidated voicing of displeasure...how to get that to happen...maybe if Rollins and Moss called a rally?
Posted 21 August 2014, 1:56 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
You heard birdie mumble!? Better get her some more kool-aid!
Posted 21 August 2014, 2:26 p.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
Great idea! If they hold a rally I will be there (my first one ever)!
Posted 22 August 2014, 8:53 a.m. Suggest removal
realfreethinker says...
Good question
Posted 21 August 2014, 3:27 p.m. Suggest removal
SP says...
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is a most reprehensible individual.
Nuff said!
Posted 21 August 2014, 2:29 p.m. Suggest removal
Tommy77 says...
What a mess.<img src="http://s04.flagcounter.com/mini/kfoW/bg…" style="display:none">
Posted 21 August 2014, 2:52 p.m. Suggest removal
Greentea says...
who is in charge in the PLP? the deputy decides when he should share pertinent information with the prime minister? what a joke. and it will take him weeks to do so? y'all may not have weeks. I believe some fellas about to invoke the spirit of the dissident eight. Forward- Rollins, Wells, Moss ... who else going?
Posted 21 August 2014, 3:14 p.m. Suggest removal
SP says...
Amen!
Posted 21 August 2014, 10:46 p.m. Suggest removal
Tarzan says...
I have received a covert copy of the report, and provide it here in complete detail for Tribune readers:
"Move on. Nothing to see here."
Posted 22 August 2014, 9:27 a.m. Suggest removal
Cobalt says...
This entire government should be placed on a sitcom channel. Situational comedy at its best.
Posted 22 August 2014, 5:48 p.m. Suggest removal
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