Minnis: It’s time for a full inquiry

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he wouldn’t engage in a public “tit-for-tat” with Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, who linked corruption in the police force to the Minnis administration’s decision to sideline several senior police officers, including himself.

“I am looking for futuristic permanent solutions,” Dr Minnis said when asked if he would address Commissioner Fernander’s claim, which was made during a national address on Sunday night.

The comments comes after a US Southern District of New York indictment implicated 11 Bahamians, including Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis and Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker, in aiding drug traffickers to smuggle large quantities of cocaine through The Bahamas into the United States.  

During his national address, Commissioner Fernander said he had a conversation with former Commissioner Paul Rolle and plans to engage with former Commissioner Anthony Ferguson, Dr Minnis, and former Minister of National Security Marvin Dames.

Dr Minnis suggested he would discuss the matter with the commissioner only if a Commission of Inquiry is established.

“I am telling the commissioner in advance what he needs to do: push for a Commission of Inquiry, let’s look at this holistically,” he said.

“We are not cherry picking; we want to improve The Bahamas. We want a better The Bahamas. We do not want to cherry-pick and, basically, like an ostrich, keep our heads in the sand and ignore or try to hide the problem. Let’s face the problem head on and let us together as Bahamians build a better Bahamas.” 

“Any questions the commission may ask, I am prepared to answer. As far as me receiving information about this matter before, I can say categorically that I did not.”

“The time is right to move on with a Commission of Inquiry so that we can set the reset bottom for the police force and many other institutions moving forward.” 

He underscored the importance of addressing corruption holistically to correct systemic flaws and create a transparent framework for the future. He called the inquiry an opportunity to rebuild public trust and strengthen national institutions.  

“The Prime Minister has an opportunity to show his strength and his leadership,” he said. “Move forward with a commission. I would be prepared to offer whatever assistance to place this country on the right path, and I am certain that most Bahamians, many, would do the same thing because everybody wants to see the same thing – a better and stronger Bahamas.”

“Everybody wants to see a more transparent Bahamas, a Bahamas that is emulated and respected by many countries.”

Comments

bahamianson says...

Yeah, you pay for it. You are a millionaire , we are not. All you, the fnm and the plp do is use our money for parties at government house, post the pictures and the plp flies all over the world , and the bahamian people have to pay. Yoy in rease and ads new taxea every year and all we get it terrible pothole roads, terrible electricity,and the beat goes on. Who will pay for the inquiry?

Posted 3 December 2024, 10:30 a.m. Suggest removal

pt_90 says...

the last you want is a privately funded inquiry. If it ever turns out to be favourable for anyone, people will say, x or y funded it blah blah. If there is an inquiry it should be publicly funded. it is what it is.

Posted 3 December 2024, 10:43 a.m. Suggest removal

IslandWarrior says...

> Statement on the Creation of the
> Office of the Minister: Ensuring
> Ministries Serve the Public, Not
> Politicians

In a bold step toward modernizing governance, we are introducing a significant reform designed to redefine the relationship between elected officials and ministry operations. At the heart of this initiative is establishing a dedicated Office of the Minister, an independent entity that ensures ministries act exclusively in service to the public, free from political interference or influence.

This change reflects a commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability in government operations. The Office of the Minister will enable elected officials to focus on policy oversight, strategic leadership, and accountability to Parliament and the public, leaving the day-to-day management of ministries to qualified civil servants. This separation eliminates the perception and reality of cronyism while fostering trust in public institutions by ensuring fairness and impartiality in decision-making and service delivery.

The establishment of the Office of the Minister is not merely a structural adjustment; it is a clear declaration that ministries exist to serve the people. This reform removes political influence from the management of public resources, ensuring that the needs of citizens are prioritized over political interests. By empowering civil servants to execute policies effectively and transparently, we are building a system where ministries operate with integrity and a singular focus on delivering high-quality public services.

This initiative represents a fundamental shift in how governance operates, creating a framework that prioritizes public trust, enhances efficiency, and restores confidence in the role of ministries as impartial and professional institutions. By separating political oversight from operational management, we affirm our dedication to serving the people with transparency and excellence. This reform ensures that government institutions function with the highest standards of integrity, reinforcing our commitment to a system where public service remains paramount.

> People for a Better Bahamas (PBB)

*Empowering the People, Building the Nation*

**Vision Statement**
People for a Better Bahamas (PBB) envisions a nation united by equality, progress, and sustainability. We are dedicated to fostering a Bahamas where every individual has the opportunity to thrive through bold leadership, innovative policies, and a steadfast commitment to collective well-being.

PBB stands as a beacon for transformative change, promoting a governance framework that prioritizes transparency, professionalism, and public service. Together, we aim to empower the people and build a nation that reflects the values of fairness, opportunity, and progress for all.

****Join us in this mission for a stronger, safer, and better Bahamas. PBB – People for a Better Bahamas.****

Posted 3 December 2024, 10:34 a.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

Mind you this is the OBAN man called a press conference for a false signature. THE FNM did interfere in the police they sent Mr Greenslade away one senior police officer said he was hurt. Never the Dames now washed in clorax bleach. He called the Hanna woman several times now a private dective child please

Posted 3 December 2024, 1:28 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

**There's more than enough characters and plots** to be filming a movie where no one faces consequences for their actions. -- Who would you like to play -- Our three or four COPs' and other policemans', the premierships of "Brave", Minnis, Christie and "Papa" Hubert. -- For sure, 'tis a great thing to film a movie based on a true story, **and whilst all the characters are still with us** ...Yes?

Posted 3 December 2024, 2:12 p.m. Suggest removal

SP says...

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. **STFU Minnis**. YOU had 5 years with the power to implement a Freedom Of Information Act!

Sit the phuck down and shut the phuck up!

Posted 3 December 2024, 4:10 p.m. Suggest removal

Cobalt says...

Lol

Posted 4 December 2024, 1:18 a.m. Suggest removal

One says...

Let me save everyone some time by jumping ahead:

We've investigated ourselves and found no personal wrongdoing. However, we've identified areas that need additional funding to improve and avoid issues in the future. These funds will come from an increase in taxes or loans. Thank you Bahamian people we intend to do right by you and correct the issues caused by (insert the opposite political party PLP/FNM). It was not us that caused this. We're going to fly to the COP30 to beg for climate change money to spend on ourselves and our business colleagues.

Posted 3 December 2024, 5:02 p.m. Suggest removal

Cobalt says...

lol lol lol

Posted 4 December 2024, 1:21 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? -- Releasing a feature-length movie, **will expose far more** than a Royal Commission Of Inquiry. -- Yes?

Posted 3 December 2024, 6:34 p.m. Suggest removal

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