The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has denied having a personal relationship with murdered businessman Warren “Spy” Ellis.

However, questions remain unanswered over whether Ellis received government contracts after Housing Minister Keith Bell again failed to provide information he said he would seek. Ellis had for years been linked to serious criminal allegations, although the few cases brought against him were discontinued. He was shot dead on Monday in a broad daylight attack outside Parts City Auto Parts in Abaco after gunmen armed with high-powered weapons opened fire. Police sources told The Tribune that investigators suspect the killing was retaliatory.

A 14-year-old student who happened to be leaving the store after buying a drink was also shot in the leg during the attack. He was airlifted to New Providence and later discharged from the hospital.

Mr Davis rejected suggestions of a personal relationship with Ellis as scrutiny continued over the slain Abaco businessman’s links to the Progressive Liberal Party and reports that he was connected to government housing work.

“I don't respond to allegations,” Mr Davis said. “I have no personal relationship with Warren Ellis or Spy.”

Ellis and his wife, April Dawkins-Ellis, were photographed wearing PLP paraphernalia at a pre-election event with North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish. Mr Cornish posted the photo to his Facebook account in April.

Asked about the significance of politicians being photographed with people whose reputations or alleged associations attract public scrutiny, Mr Davis defended such encounters as an ordinary part of representative politics.

He said the Westminster system requires elected officials to engage with constituents and advocate for them regardless of who they are.

“First of all, these questions of presence and association,” he said, “as we look at what our system is about, understanding our system will give you the answer as to why politicians may be be photographed with others who you might not believe they should be photographed with.”

Mr Davis said elected representatives are obliged to hear constituents who approach them seeking assistance or advocacy.

“If they take a picture with me,” he said, “what is wrong with a picture?”

He said photographs should not automatically be treated as proof of a relationship, despite the saying that a picture speaks a thousand words.

The prime minister was not asked directly about reports that Ellis received government contracts, leaving unresolved the central question raised this week about his dealings with the administration.

The Tribune reported yesterday that well-placed sources linked Ellis to housing contracts in Central Pines, Abaco, in 2022. Several construction workers, speaking anonymously, confirmed that they had worked for Ellis on the project.

Housing Minister Keith Bell neither confirmed nor denied those reports when contacted. He said he would look into the matter but did not get back to The Tribune before press time.

The Tribune also sought comment from Mr Cornish but was unsuccessful up to press time.

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands had called on the Davis administration to disclose whether Ellis was awarded public contracts, saying the public was entitled to a straightforward answer and could then determine what significance to attach to it.

The issue has revived a broader opposition attack that predates Ellis’ killing over the government’s relationships and contractual dealings with people linked or alleged to be linked to serious criminal activity.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard warned the Davis administration in Parliament in April 2024 against awarding contracts to businesses owned by “gangsters”, arguing that government undermines its credibility if it does business with people involved in criminal activity.

Mr Pintard said at the time that political parties seeking to govern should ensure that people known to police and connected to criminal investigations are not sitting at the table with ministers signing significant contracts.

His warning followed remarks by former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis two months earlier urging Mr Davis to commit not to award government contracts to criminals.

Dr Minnis said at the time: “I cannot go into any more detail because my life would be in danger.”

The opposition has more recently intensified its scrutiny following the arrest in the United States of businessman Eric Gardiner.

Gardiner was arrested in May and charged with cocaine and firearms conspiracy offences arising from what US prosecutors allege was a long-running operation to move large quantities of cocaine into the United States.

Mr Pintard has since called for public funding 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.

Ellis was charged in 2001 with murder and attempted murder after nurse Joan Lunn was killed at Princess Margaret Hospital during an alleged attempt on the life of a patient. Those charges were later dropped after he agreed to testify against Kendon Brown, who was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment.

In 2008, Ellis and an extradited drug dealer were charged with the 2000 murder of Timothy Henfield. That case was stayed the following year after the prosecution’s key witness recanted.

Ellis and his wife were also arrested in 2018 after police found more than $13,000 in their luggage at Lynden Pindling International Airport while they were reportedly travelling to Canada. Those charges were later dropped.