Pinder quits Minister post

As of Wednesday, December 10, 2014

By TANEKA THOMPSON

Tribune News Editor

tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

RYAN Pinder, Minister of Financial Services, has reportedly resigned from his Cabinet post to take up a position with a private bank, several sources told The Tribune yesterday.

It is unclear when the resignation will take effect, however The Tribune was told that Mr Pinder handed in his resignation to the government last week. According to sources close to Mr Pinder, an announcement from the government on the matter is expected shortly.

Mr Pinder did not respond to several requests for comment on the reports yesterday.

However, several well-placed sources close to the Christie administration told this newspaper that the Elizabeth MP has been offered a “big job” and an “offer he couldn’t refuse” at Deltec Bank & Trust, a private bank and investment management firm with its principal operations based at Lyford Cay, New Providence.

The Tribune understands that Mr Pinder does not plan to resign from his seat in the House of Assembly, which, if he did, would result in a bye-election.

The reported resignation raised concerns from one political observer who questioned which other Progressive Liberal Party member could replace Mr Pinder as minister. There was also speculation from some quarters that the reported resignation could lead to a shuffle of the prime minister’s cabinet.

Mr Pinder was elected as Elizabeth MP in the by-election in 2010. He was re-elected in the 2012 general election and was sworn in as a minister in May 2012.

His ministry promotes the country’s financial services internationally and also focuses heavily on local trade and industry.

The Christie administration reinstituted the Ministry of Financial Services in 2012. The ministry was disbanded by the Ingraham administration when the FNM assumed office in 2007.

While in opposition, Prime Minister Christie promised to re-establish the ministry.

The_Oracle 10 years ago

So he can hold a private position while remaining an M.P?

ohdrap4 10 years ago

would it be a first? I recall when the lawyer who handled my mortgage was a backbencher. he is cutting his losses because the 3 score and ten crew shows no sign of dying or retiring Bad people stay alive to repent for their sins

Publius 10 years ago

It is Cabinet Ministers who cannot be gainfully employed elsewhere, not Parliamentarians who do not serve in the Cabinet. Parliamentarians are however, required to declare their interest in any business dealings with the government

GrassRoot 10 years ago

Who says being an M.P. is full time job. I guess most M.P.s are trying to make this a full time job with the effect that they try to make a living of that position, and to achieve an income in line with the fullness of the job and the heavy responsibility and the weight of history on their shoulders. Even if the income is received from different sources....

banker 10 years ago

All he did was promise this and promise that. We were supposed to be an arbitration center, and then a captive insurance giant, and then ... blah blah blah .. another do-nothing PLP minister.

concernedcitizen 10 years ago

Can you imagine us as a arbitration center ,,We stay w/ England b/c big investors like the privy council as the court of last resort ..

asiseeit 10 years ago

They say the only thing you carry to the grave is your reputation, maybe he wants a good one to go with him.

proudloudandfnm 10 years ago

He don't need the money, family is rich. Rat jumping ship. Who could blame him? I'd wanna distance myself from perry's government too...

duppyVAT 10 years ago

Tells us how important the MPs see their job ... money talks ......... the Legislature is now just a stepping stone to big money jobs or connections for big contracts or kickbacks......... SAD

jackbnimble 10 years ago

The joke on the street is that it's because of VAT. Break the backs of the Bahamian people with taxes then get the hell out before the fall out.

ThisIsOurs 10 years ago

Huh? Couldn't this result in a conflict of interest if he doesn't resign? Yeah sure there's conflict of interest all around, but this would be blatant. How can he have two employers and give either value for money?

Regardless 10 years ago

The difference between his new position versus the one held in Cabinet is that he will actually have to produce!

duppyVAT 10 years ago

Ryan Pinder was overshadowed by Fred Mitchell & Perry ........ and Halkitis & Khaalis Rolle were also doing his job ........ he had nothing to do ....... he couldn't justify his salary ............ he knows he would not win in the next election.............. just made a good personal decision

TalRussell 10 years ago

When resigning your cabinet post, is not enough. Comrade Ryan has resigned from PM Christie's cabinet to throw his hat straight back into private sector with what is obviously a more lucrative employment arrangement with a private bank. Maybe Dr. Andre and the LOI controversial Renward who when forced out their "junior "politically appointed positions" in the government, should have left on their own, even before being forced out. At face value Ryan is not one to fall in love his prestigious government status and benefits like some we have witnessed in this PLP and previous administrations. In the same spirit of doing what is right, I am disappointed with the decision of PM and Ryan to remain in cabinet. Once it was decided by the PM and Ryan he was resigning and he had secured a job he should have made his immediate exit. No job negotiations should take place while serving in any official government capacity. Now it’s known who his employer will be, Ryan should not cling onto his cabinet post. One must always avoid even the appearances of conflict, particularly so when his ministry can have a significant influence over the financial sector. Ryan must have limited belief in his self. He has stated that believes he cannot refuse his once in-a-lifetime opportunity and while he can do whatever he pleases with his future , the people expect all actions of cabinet ministers to reflect the highest of principals.

Comrade minister Ryan’s exit from cabinet presents the PM with an immediate shuffle da cabinet opportunity and allows him to recruit from outside his parliamentary base.

Comrade Minister Ryan, I believe you be a principled man who should know that in fairness to nation, it is your immediate responsibility to forthwith cease being a cabinet minister. Remaining in your cabinet post will not reflect kindly on what is demanded from members’ da cabinet.

Well_mudda_take_sic 10 years ago

This guy was a wuss from day one. Not even the U.S. government is willing to stand behind him or his pa anymore. Deltec Bank & Trust will come to rue the day they decided to employ him in any capacity whatsoever!

realfreethinker 10 years ago

I would like for someone to name one positive thing his ministry accomplished while he was in charge

Publius 10 years ago

Apart from birdie, don't hold your breath on the rest of us providing you with something on that one!

birdiestrachan 10 years ago

A Wuss ? what ever that means. Deltec Bank and Trust saw something in him. I wish him all the very best. He is a qualified young Bahamian. good going Ryan and may God bless you in all you do. I just love to see Bahamians do well.

DEDDIE 10 years ago

He is actually one of the smarter cabinet ministers.Leaving Perry's cabinet proves it.

TalRussell 10 years ago

Com'on have the Tribune even bothered to confirm Comrade Minister Ryan has actually "officially" resigned from cabinet? Hasn't past experience with Comrade Permanent Secretary Renward, not taught reporters that just cause the PM says someone gone, ain't mean it's necessarily so. Can the Tribune reveal to their loyal readership, the name of individual who replaced Renward as da Permanent Secretary? While ya in funny business PLP revealing mood, who replaced Dr. Andre as Gaming Board Chairman?

larry 10 years ago

Mr. Pinder is genius he helped usher in Value Added Tax and guess what is is the only certified tax attorney he will make millions when he opens his tax law firm simply brilliant

Regardless 10 years ago

I think you mean opportunist. Genius is way over the top for this guy,

duppyVAT 10 years ago

What was Lying Ryan's role in VAT????? Halkitis was the front man and Perry was AWOL ................ IMF & FATF intermediary?????

John 10 years ago

Well Miles Munroe prophesy is that many in this government will be removed (by death or otherwise) to make way for a new, powerful, clean and dynamic government that will elevate the Bahamas on the world stage. By mid 2015. Ryan decided to make room.

John 10 years ago

Then there is the Bank of the Bahamas rape for which no one was charged!

TalRussell 10 years ago

Comrades think about this one. If Deltec Bank & Trust hadn't made Minister Ryan the offer of his dreams, could he had ended up over at Bank of Bahamas? Or, maybe working for one Numbers Houses? On that note, why hasn't a red opposition member House of Assembly demanded from Minister Obie, to tell House, exactly what former politicians are now working for numbers House? Oh, maybe their silence means some reds too. What about sitting MP's? Lots stuff not even Tribune wants touch.

I challenge Tribune publish copy Minister Ryan's "official" letter confirming when he quit he cabinet post? Fact is, they can't.

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