By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis renewed concerns yesterday over the controversial Exuma mooring deal, calling for the matter to be referred to the Independent Commission of Investigations (ICOI) as soon as it is appointed.

The deal, which would have granted the Bahamas Moorings Ltd control over 49 mooring and anchorage sites across the Exuma Cays, was halted after widespread public outcry over a lack of transparency and consultation.

Dr Minnis, speaking in the House of Assembly, raised concerns about the “shady” deal, particularly the involvement of Deputy Director of Communications Sandra Kemp in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Tribune previously reported that she signed the lease as a witness for Bahamas Moorings, a company led by her husband.

Despite the lease’s cancellation, the government has not addressed key questions, including how Bahamas Moorings was allowed to proceed without the necessary approvals.

Dr Minnis also questioned whether anyone in the Office of the Prime Minister was involved, as the government has not clarified the role of OPM officials connected to the project.

“Clearly, there was a conflict of interest with the Prime Minister’s deputy communications director serving on the one hand as a government official and on the other, as an agent of Bahamas Mooring,” Dr Minnis said.

“The question is, was she a double agent? And how many other double agents are within the confines of the Office of the Prime Minister? As a result of her actions and this conflict of interest, she must do the honourable thing and resign.”

Dr Minnis also noted that under his administration, plans were in place to establish an authority to manage moorings, with projected annual revenues of $40-50m.

He said the funds would have gone to local governments for island improvements.

However, he added that the Davis-led government wanted to control who receives the money.

Mr Davis has previously said that the controversy had forced his administration to review marine policies, claiming officials still cannot determine how certain breaches occurred.

Nonetheless, he said there is a need for policies that Bahamians can trust and contribute to, adding that his government is committed to developing a new national strategic plan for mooring management.