The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that he will “imminently” address the controversy surrounding Renward Wells’ signing of a letter of intent with Stellar Waste Company LTD to build a $650 million facility at the New Providence landfill.

His statement came as critics continue to accuse him of trying to sweep the matter concerning Mr Wells, who is the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, under the rug.

Mr Christie said he has “just received” information on the matter from Deputy Prime Minister and Works Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett and will analyse these reports over the weekend.

“So as you would appreciate, Mr Wells was in the Ministry of Works, but the matter also concerned the Ministry of Environment.

“You could expect, therefore, I will take a weekend to review and then you will hear from me,” the prime minister said.

When asked if he will address the matter on Monday, Mr Christie said Bahamians will hear from him imminently before emphasising that most of his attention at the moment is focused on attempts at bringing forth a new gaming regime in the country.

The much anticipated gaming bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament next week.

Mr Christie said: “I’m right now leaving here to go back to gaming. This is such a complex matter in terms of the rates.

Because though we have put accountants in there, we are not certain as to what money is made in these businesses and it’s going to take a full external audit, and so therefore we have to create a regime that transitions into that.

“So whatever we do now, is subject to verification that this is the right thing to do.

“So if I came and said I’m taxing five per cent, it might turn out to be 20 per cent, it might turn out to be 10 per cent, but the point is it’s a very complex process we are in the process of dealing with.

“I’m going right back to it now.”