Monday, December 2, 2024
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said he would end political appointments in the uniformed branches if the FNM is elected to govern.
His comment at a press conference yesterday came after a US federal indictment alleged that police have helped facilitate cocaine smuggling into the United States.
“We will end the political appointments of heads of the uniformed branches by passing legislation that sets out basic qualifications for the senior leadership positions in the security agencies that will require an open application and regimented and rigorous interview process for prospective candidates,” Mr Pintard said.
“No elected official would be able to promote persons into a position that are not among the two top candidates recommended by the respective service commissions. In other words, the commissions that are in place by law ought to have the ability to narrow the field to two candidates, rather than a policy maker, bypassing all of it.”
He said the FNM would implement a full suite of anti-corruption legislation, adding the country should have an integrity commission and code of conduct for public officials.
He said the commission would not be under the control and direction of any minister.
He also responded to former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller’s public allegations that Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, one of 11 people charged with crimes last week, is a well-known associate of the FNM.
Mr Pintard said CSP Curtis was promoted under the Progressive Liberal Party, and was one of three officers who skipped a rank. He was previously assistant superintendent of police.
He expressed concern that government officials did not know the Bahamians identified in the indictment were under investigation for three years.
He said Commissioner Clayton Fernander should resign.
The indictment alleged a “high-ranking politician” was expected to authorise Bahamian law enforcement officials to facilitate a cocaine trafficking scheme to the United States for $2m.
Mr Pintard said the government should release the politician’s name before the trial because it is unfair to have the public speculating about all public officials.
The opposition leader reiterated his call for establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate corruption within law enforcement and public offices.
“All of us have a right to know whether or not we have the right gatekeepers who are presiding over law and order in The Bahamas,” he said. “We have a right to know that those who are incarcerated, are they incarcerated righteously, and some who are free are they free because they have had help to evade the law? Commissions have a way of shining a light in some very dark places. There are many persons, including some who have participated in the skullduggery, that are willing to testify. We should give them an opportunity.”
“There’s a highest standard for the gatekeepers, for those who preside over Parliament, over the executive of the country, for those that are in law enforcement because in Parliament, we make the law. So people are not expecting that we are colluding with with criminals to break the very laws that we’re putting in place. Secondly, the public is not expecting that law enforcement agents would themselves participate in criminal activity.
He invited the public to participate in a demonstration at Rawson Square at 9am on Wednesday.
Comments
IslandWarrior says...
> "Clueless"
**Core Message of "People for a Better Bahamas" (PBB):**
For nearly 70 years, the Bahamas and its people have endured a legacy of incompetence in leadership, a lack of vision, and stagnated growth. Over this time, our nation's potential has been squandered, and the standard of living, safety, and security of Bahamians have steadily eroded. Hope and prospects for a brighter future have been replaced by despair, leading our small, close-knit communities into the grips of gangs, drug wars, delinquency, and social decay.
This is not the future we deserve, nor is it the legacy we should leave for our children. People for a Better Bahamas (**PBB**) stands as a transformative force, committed to reversing decades of neglect and inefficiency. We recognize the urgency of change, and we are prepared to implement the bold, necessary reforms to rebuild our nation from the ground up.
We can *fix* this. Through strong leadership, innovative policies, and a relentless dedication to the people, **PBB** will restore hope, opportunity, and prosperity to every Bahamian. Together, we can reclaim our nation's promise and build a future where our communities thrive, and our people rise.
***Join us in this mission for a stronger, safer, and better Bahamas. **PBB** – People for a Better Bahamas.***
Posted 2 December 2024, 9:49 a.m. Suggest removal
One says...
gangsters
Posted 2 December 2024, 10:23 a.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
I'm sensing a forced rethink within the office of premiership as to the kinda, sorta, maybe risks -- - Awaits the calling of an earlier National election. -- Yes?
Posted 2 December 2024, 4:24 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
People for a Better Bahamas (PBB)
Empowering the People, Building the Nation.
Join us in this mission for a stronger, safer, and better Bahamas. PBB – People for a Better Bahamas.
PBB – People for a Better Bahamas: We Can Fix This.
Posted 2 December 2024, 11:13 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
Will PBB give itself a Road Traffic contract? Henfield couldnt jump any faster. Something is on the other side of that door that keeps everybody silent, well fed and fat (is there an Inspector uniform size under 5XL?), and with post win rapid onset *do good* dementia
Posted 3 December 2024, 12:52 a.m. Suggest removal
ExposedU2C says...
LMAO
Posted 2 December 2024, 4:43 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
It gives the fnm something to run on about . And cast blame but those senior officers existed under the Fnm they got rid of many senior officers but not those Two they were never touched. PINTARD should know who was alleged to receive 2 million it is alleged not facts
Posted 2 December 2024, 5 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
**Admit to it,** Comrades, **most we,** over passage time -- Has slipped 'lil sometin' to 'someone in duh govt to speed up somethin' or duh adda. -- Yes?
Posted 2 December 2024, 5:05 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
The airport Armour truck roberry that money was not found . Who has that money . Could Johnson and Curtis be working together. Then so many lives were lost. But they still have not said if it was Johnson on the phone. CURTIS WIFE WAS WITH HIM IN florida when he was arrested do they have children
Posted 2 December 2024, 6:31 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
I'm doubtful. When will the practice of giving beaches and parks contracts to constituents for no equal valued service end? Shenandon Cartwright said ~"*this is how things work, everybody does it*", are we to expect more of the same? When will we stop normalizing what we can clearing see is not ethical practice? Will the opposition be allowed a voice when the FNM is in power? Will any steps be taken to immediately rescind the right to Bahamian Citizenship for illegal immigrants born in the bahsmas? This is the next *clearly visible to everybody* scandal about to explode. With extortion fees paid by illegal immigrants for passage and identity services a huge source of income to somebody with great power, or else theyd do something about it.
Posted 3 December 2024, 12:48 a.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
**Speaking of which, the casting in the role as "Papa" Hubert.** -- The actor would wanna catch the mail boat sailing to the Abaco's, -- And make their way to the Cooper's Town, be landing at the doorsteps of the settlement's residence of "Papa" Hubert.-- 'Tis a must to capturing the larger than life characteristics, **laugh** and mannerisms of "Papa" Hubert, down to a science. -- **And how, 'twas to forever become known as “Papa,” as he was and remains known, did came about?** -- And about "Papa's" laugh, when it does wind-up at full volume, it's the perfect Idi Amin animated laugh.. -- Did the two leaders ever meet -- Yes?
Posted 3 December 2024, 6:07 p.m. Suggest removal
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