By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net    

AN audit of the Minnis administration’s COVID-19 food programme found no evidence of corruption or misuse, despite the widely publicised allegations Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis made early in his term.

The $52m food programme and the National Food Distribution Task Force (NFDTF), established to feed the most vulnerable during the pandemic, came under intense scrutiny after Mr Davis raised concerns, even sparking a police investigation.

Among them were claims that crucial details on the programme’s spending were missing.

Prime Minister Philip Davis, at one point, even alleged that a non-profit organisation went on “a spending spree,” using public funds meant for pandemic food assistance to purchase two high-end trucks and boats.

The Office of the Auditor General’s report, tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday, addressed this but made no finding of wrongdoing.

This is the second audit to clear food programme officials of misusing public funds. A report by Kershala Albury, president of ATI Company Ltd, had previously identified “18 categories of major deficiencies,” mainly relating to procedures, processes, and internal controls, but found no evidence of financial misconduct.

The latest report flagged similar concerns with internal controls and noted duplication of efforts between the food distribution programme and the Department of Social Services, including cases where recipients received benefits from both programmes.

However, it found the initiative largely met its goals, despite earlier concerns over spending and management. In fact, the auditor general lauded officials, saying the 70-week effort to feed vulnerable people “stands as a testament to the power of collective action.”

“The effectiveness of the NFDTF was made possible by the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of all involved,” the auditor general said in his performance audit of the programme, adding: “The most vulnerable did not go hungry.”

While confirming that an NGO purchased a Ford F-550 truck, a Hilux truck, a Serena van, and computers, the report highlighted the organisation’s claims that none of the trucks were funded by the government.

The NGO is quoted in the report as saying the Ford F-550 was bought for $47,000 from a supporter donor, who provided a $15,000 discount, with no duty applied.

They also argued that the  Hilux truck was a donation in kind, while the van was bought by other donated funds.

The organisation said the trucks were used to ensure food security across the island.

Other vehicle, cellphone, and computer purchases were also reviewed, with the NGO saying these items were bought with “other sources.”

The non-profit organisation highlighted the need to establish help desks and collaborate with helplines for taskforce personnel, as well as the need for computers to review and register recipients on the Rapid Bahamas portal, particularly those who may not have been technologically proficient due to age.

The NGO said the other vehicle purchases were made to meet increased transportation demands, as distribution sites were spread across multiple designated zones.

The report also noted that reference was made to the Taskforce chairman’s discretionary power to approve the purchase of communication and data service assets, such as computers and cellphones, for use in the food distribution programme.

Regarding a $4,500 vehicle purchased from the programme’s funds, the auditor said the taskforce chairman claimed the purchase had not been declared to the taskforce, but the Ministry of Finance has been informed of the purchase. The vehicle is still being used by the NGO for service delivery, and approval has been granted for the organisation to retain it for this purpose.

The report recommended that government emergency relief and public-private partnership programmes adopt clear expenditure controls, including fixed asset policies and procedures to ensure accountability and transparency. It also advised that emergency transportation fleets be managed within the relevant ministries or agencies to allow for rapid mobilisation and readiness during crises or disasters.

The report further stressed that national programmes responding to shocks or disasters should have proper reporting controls to communicate results to stakeholders. At the national level, comprehensive financial reporting — including programme outcomes and metadata — should be required.

The report also recommended that the government create an integrated data management system to better identify and verify recipients, helping to prevent fraud, abuse, and waste of resources. It noted that NGO officials were unable to determine whether some people received duplicate assistance, including from the Department of Social Services.