The Tribune

PRIME Minister Perry Christie and his entourage have been lambasted by members of the public for wasting taxpayer money on a “frivolous” and expensive trip around Europe that included an audience with the Pope – while ordinary Bahamians continue to struggle to make ends meet.

“Reality_Check” said that while the Prime Minister and his group “jet set” around the world, “many of our fellow Bahamians today cannot afford electricity, have no secure roof over their head and feel sick that their children go to sleep hungry each night.”

The reader asked whether the country’s leaders have any “care or concern whatsoever for the terrible hardships an ever-increasing number of us are having to endure because of their failed policies, poor management skills and outright ineptitude.”

A very angry “Ocaba” said “they are p***ing away hard earned taxpayer’s money (mine included) on frivolous BS. We need the FOIA (freedom of information) legislation passed so we can see the cost for Christie Perry’s flying circus.

The reader said the extravagance of such a trip shows “total disdain for the Bahamian people. It’s our d**n money they are living it up on.”

ThisIsOurs took issue with one of the Prime Minister’s announcements after his audience with the Pope: “Wait a minute, a non-resident ambassador to the Vatican??? What is that? Is that why we’re being taxed to pay for someone’s stay in a luxury apartment in Italy?”

The user later joked that perhaps “they’re doing their coming if age tour – travel the world to see all the interesting sights.”

“proudloudandfnm” asked why, when the government keeps “telling us we’re broke”, did Ministers Fred Mitchell and Ryan Pinder have to travel to London and Italy as well: “I can see the PM, OK that’s a PR thing. But Ryan and Fred too? Why? Why are you wasting our money...?”

While there has been no official confirmation, it is claimed that up to 30 persons travelled with Mr Christie.

“The_Oracle” said: “A contingent of 30 people, approximate cost of $30+ thousand in airfare alone... Ludicrous.”

Even “Rory” a username usually taken by a supporter of government, complained that we are a “poor, third world ghetto country, we have no money for their irresponsible habits.”

“sansoucireader” asked: “Are any of them even Roman Catholic? Who arranged this meeting, and what is the purpose of it? I guess the next move will be to have a Bahamian ambassador/consul stationed at Vatican City. Also wasn’t PM Christie recently at Neil Ellis’ church-to-do as well?”

While Bishop Ellis, a Baptist, is Mr Christie’s spiritual advisor, Mr Mitchell is in fact a Catholic.