By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Michael Pintard has called for a commission of inquiry into allegations that drug trafficking proceeds were laundered through government contracts, arguing that US court filings tied to Eric “Player” Gardiner have raised questions too serious for the Davis administration to dismiss.

During his budget contribution yesterday, Mr Pintard said public money should be allocated for an independent inquiry into alleged corruption, drug trafficking links, money laundering through government contracts and the alleged involvement of public officials or members of the armed forces.

Corporate records have linked Top Notch Builders to Gardiner. The company was awarded a public-private partnership contract for the Eight Mile Rock Government Complex shortly before the 2017 general election. A related entity, Complete Construction, was later identified as the contractor for the Carmichael Village affordable housing project.

The controversy deepened after US court filings referred to an unidentified “Politician 1”, who allegedly met with people connected to the drug trafficking investigation in a parliamentary setting. No court filing or Bahamian authority has publicly identified that person.

Mr Pintard said the allegations were backed by international legal proceedings and should not be brushed aside as political theatre.

He criticised the government’s response to the matter, saying the police commitment to investigate undercut attempts by senior officials to dismiss the controversy.

“For those who said it was a nothing burger, the fact that no less than the Royal Bahamas Police Force commitment to conduct an investigation flies in the face,” he said. “In fact, it rebuffs the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who said it is a nothing burger.”

Mr Pintard said an inquiry should determine whether the unidentified politician referenced in US filings exists and whether others may be involved.

Mr Pintard also challenged the government to disclose all public contracts involving companies now under scrutiny.

He said the government should be transparent not only about contracts involving one company, but also about other companies that have drawn concern.

Despite his criticism, Mr Pintard said the opposition would support the overall budget, though it would object to some bills.

He attacked the budget as unrealistic, arguing that rising taxes have squeezed households while government spending has failed to deliver visible improvements in infrastructure, health care, education and sanitation.

He said VAT collections had grown significantly and argued that taxation under the current administration had reached about $12.5bn, while expenditure stood at about $17.4bn.

He said the gap between spending and results reinforced the need for greater accountability and an independent inquiry into the allegations now dominating national debate.