US AIR FORCE photo shows rescue operations underway for survivors of a downed civilian aircraft off the coast of Melbourne, Fla., on May 12, 2026. Photo: US Air Force/DVIDS/AP
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday again avoided reporters’ questions about “Politician-1” in a US Drug Enforcement Administration affidavit and his administration’s links to an election-day plane crash involving convicted drug smuggler Jonathan Eric Gardiner.
The Prime Minister was rushed into his vehicle after an event as journalists pressed him on the allegations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, confirmed yesterday that Bahamian consular officials met with the detained Bahamian, but said no further details could be released because of privacy concerns.
Mr Davis’ silence continues the lack of detailed public answers from officials as new information drips out about the election-day plane crash off the Florida coast that led to Gardiner’s arrest.
Gardiner was among 11 Bahamians rescued by the US military when their twin-propeller aircraft crashed into the sea after both engines failed during an Election Day storm about 80 miles off the Florida coast.
A US DEA affidavit alleges that a Bahamian politician, identified only as “Politician-1,” met with people they believed were members of an international drug smuggling cartel to discuss a major shipment of US-bound cocaine inside the Bahamian Parliament Building.
Documents obtained by Tribune Business show Gardiner swore under oath that, despite being “the president and a director” of Top Notch Builders, he owned no shares in the company, which has gotten government contracts.
Comments
birdiestrachan 8 hours, 47 minutes ago
Ask the USA because some will believe them if they say the sky is red even if they look outside and see it is indeed blue
Sickened 7 hours, 12 minutes ago
Davis sweating all the time - and not because it's summer. ROFL
licks2 6 hours, 24 minutes ago
I don't blame the PM!! Don't answer them dumb and stupid questions!!! I don't get how stupid and lazy our reporters are. . .like the dumb crap they talk in this post!!! All they need to do is carry their lazy behinds are research Presidents, CEO and Director of companies. . .and how they operate and relate to each other and cooperate governance!!
Company Presidents can be not owners, non-shareholder, CEO or however the Directors forms it to be!! Usually, Presidents are owners. . .and chair their boards. CEO may be CEO and Presidents at the same time as well. . .but Directors are not!! So yinna please make up ya minds what the man was!!!
Flyingfish 5 hours, 43 minutes ago
Wow, A classic example of how to make an argument out of inconsequential details. The tribune is reported what is allegedly claimed.
They have just stated that according to Gardiner's own testimony he isn't the owner but the Director/President.
However, according to some DEA sources and local anonymous sources its alleged that the company is his. Allegedly, There is a strong possibility of business fronting/fake ownership.
What matters is he a criminal was running a company that was receiving government contracts.
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