The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

While there has been no official statement from Prime Minister Perry Christie regarding who will be appointed as the new minister of financial services following the resignation of Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder from Cabinet, The Tribune understands that Pinewood MP Khaalis Rolle is the top contender among two other possible replacements.

Other contenders include Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett and Minister of State for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez, The Tribune was told.

However, according to well-placed sources in the Christie administration, Mr Rolle, who is also the minister of state for investments in the Office of the Prime Minister, is said to have no interest in leading the Ministry of Financial Services.

He has reportedly voiced concerns that the new appointment would disrupt his ongoing work with the National Development Plan, which he spearheads.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Rolle said he had no comment.

Meanwhile Mr Pinder would only tell The Tribune that he made recommendations to Mr Christie, but he declined to say who he suggested. Mr Pinder said his suggestions were made in a private conversation between himself and the prime minister.

Mr Pinder’s resignation, which was confirmed Tuesday night, will take effect at the end of this month.

He is expected to become Deltec bank’s new chief legal officer, head of wealth management and a member of the bank’s executive committee.

Mr Pinder has been criticised for his decision, with Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis accusing him of “jumping ship” in part because he is displeased with the government’s management of the Bank of the Bahamas (BOB).

FNM Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Finance and Financial Services Peter Turnquest added that with Mr Pinder’s imminent departure from Cabinet, “visible cracks” are beginning to appear in the government.

However, Mr Pinder said the opposition was “desperate.” He said he remains committed to the Progressive Liberal Party.

He said on Wednesday: “I don’t know what I would be jumping ship for and I don’t know how BOB has any factor in this frankly.

“I made a decision that I deemed to be in my professional well being. I am completely committed to the government of the Bahamas and completely committed to the prime minister and I think that is evident by him inviting me to Cuba with him for the Heads of States meeting even after I gave notice of my pending resignation from the Cabinet.”

Mr Pinder has said his job offer is a once in a lifetime opportunity.