Leslie Miller
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller has been reappointed executive chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, The Tribune understands.
According to well-placed sources, Mr Miller has kept his position despite rumours he was being replaced with Father James Palacious “because of pressure from the BEC’s unions”.Father Palacious is currently Chairman of the Central Bank Board.
When contacted yesterday, Mr Miller said as far as he knew no decision had been made by the government. However, he admitted that he had heard rumours that Father Palacious was also being considered to replace him as chairman of BEC.
“I heard that rumour about Father Palacious as well, but no one has said anything to me. When something happens I know the Prime Minister will sit down with me and discuss it,” he said.
“I am the fourth most senior man in the party and if and when anything happens I expect that I will be advised, so I am not paying attention to any rumours about me being replaced. When a decision is made they will sit with me. I know one thing whoever takes it over they have a lot of work to do and they have to be able to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done to get that place in order.”
Mr Miller said he is “not concerned” about his re-appointment because he did everything the Prime Minister tasked him to do “and then some.”
He said: “I don’t see any reason why I would not be reappointed. I have done my job on behalf of the Bahamian people. I do not see the problem. If others feel different that is on them. My actions will show for themselves. I have reduced electricity by 20 per cent and more in some cases and I have saved the corporation millions of dollars in overtime. It is not my decision to make, but I do not see what the issue would be.”
Since his appointment at BEC, Mr Miller has been embroiled in several public spats with unions representing workers at the corporation, specifically in reference to overtime pay and “double dipping” which allowed employees to collect sick pay from BEC as well as benefits from the National Insurance Board (NIB).
It was revealed during Mr Miller’s tenure, that he, and one of his family-owned businesses, owed the corporation more than $200,000.
It was later reported that $100,000 in cash was paid at BEC’s post office branch toward an outstanding bill for Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace. The sum was reportedly paid for in three payments of $25,000, $50,000 and another $25,000 because the corporation’s main branch on Baillou Hill Road refused to accept the cash, according to sources.
Government board appointments expired on June 30. However, Deputy Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said appointments were extended to August 31.
It is unclear when the government will release the list of new board appointments.
Comments
Altalk 10 years, 2 months ago
good move
B_I_D___ 10 years, 2 months ago
As polarizing and idiotic as he is at times, he needs to be in there to shake things up a bit with the entrenched unions, which he is doing a good job of. The high and mighty unions are sucking this country dry.
proudloudandfnm 10 years, 2 months ago
Enjoy your blackouts Nassau. The moron is still in charge...
TalRussell 10 years, 2 months ago
Comrade I couldn't disagree more. The Pot cake seems have a particular mind-set as a shit disturber and very little, if anything he has been in the media with, has or is going to change at BEC. Seems more successful doing two things. Running up a $200,000 light bill with BEC and interfering with management as to who's lights stay off ,or are turned back on. Did i overstate this?
marrcus 10 years, 2 months ago
Boy he must have some good "dirt" on some high ranking officials.
SP 10 years, 2 months ago
He needs to expose the "good dirt" instead of aiding, abetting and facilitating corruption!
This makes Miller just as guilty as the pirates that have ruined our country.
bahamian242 10 years, 2 months ago
Good!
EasternGate 10 years, 2 months ago
I really don't want to be mean, but Leslie epitomizes a "Potcake". What does a "Potcake" do? Run around without direction or discipline and stir up shit all day.
Sickened 10 years, 2 months ago
I have mixed feelings about this one. But all in all he has saved this country a fortune by dealing with the double dipping fiasco. The union was given too much by past governments (most likely for the promise of votes).
Thank you for dealing with it Leslie. Please continue to do what is in the best interest of Bahamians, as a whole, above all else.
TalRussell 10 years, 2 months ago
You're not suggesting 'double dipping" has disappeared off the BEC paychecks?
Altalk 10 years, 2 months ago
they need to put Leslie in charge of crime.
TalRussell 10 years, 2 months ago
For sake Jesus Comrade the Pot cake done chased down alleged robbers with his loaded shotgun and now you want assign him his own personal policman's car? What about a special Crime Fighter Hero's cape? I only wish I was a making this up. I should do a cartoon of the Pot cake as da Commish, over all Policeman's. Not sure what colour make his Crime Fighter's cape?
pat242 10 years, 2 months ago
In my opinion Leslie Miller is very good in what he does. If there are concerns he make the public aware plus he fought down the high and mighty unions that seem to rule various government sectors. The only real fault people have with with Mr. Miller is the owed money. I fully support Leslie Miller and hope he keep it up.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 2 months ago
I like that Leslie was trying to make a change, but his change is lob sided, change should happen across the board
-Overtime -Over staffing with incompetent campaign workers and political "friends" personally sought out by the minister and appointed to Directorship positions -Never ending credit lines to political associates and family members -Contracts awarded to incompetent persons who can't do the work or charge three times the inherent value or supply substandard equipment above cost so that the people in charge have enough surplus to get their cut.
If you want change attack ALL of it.
SP 10 years, 2 months ago
We need to hear from "Birdie" on this one guys.......Hang on to something though, might fall down laughing....LOL
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 2 months ago
Oooohhh, Who scared who scared, the Valley Boys comin'
Somebody scared of Leslie mouth
Greentea 10 years, 2 months ago
Leslie Miller should not have been reappointed- but politically what else could a weakened PLP do? That is of course the problem- decisions are made at a national level for political reasons and not the national good. This is another example of compromised leadership.
BahSomm 10 years, 2 months ago
Everybody turning on the unions but no one turning on Leslie who is the only person signing contracts with his kick back that no one see's. He put a muzzle on Mr. Basden so he controls what is said to the media, all at the same time still owing the corporation over $100,000.00 plus trying to get his hand in on the splitting up of BEC services... Come on people please realize this man disturbing all this shit and bad mouthing BEC employees while he is the real blood sucker...
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