The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DARRON Cash, FNM Chairman, yesterday hit back at Franklyn Wilson, chief of the government’s take back negotiations, over his calls for a select committee to review the 2011 BTC privatisation deal.

Mr Cash said it would be in the best interest of all if Prime Minister Perry Christie made public the full details of the deal rather than waste the public’s time with a Parliamentary Committee, which he dismissed as a “charade.”

He said that while he personally did not support the Ingraham administration’s decision to sign away the majority in BTC, he supported Mr Christie’s efforts to regain the lion’s share in the company. However, Mr Cash refused to say whether he now believes the deal was not in the best interest of the Bahamian people.

Speaking at a press conference at the FNM’s headquarters, Mr Cash said rather than rehashing the terms and conditions of BTC’s sale, the government should probe the grounds behind the granting of a nolle prosequi to George and Janice Hayles who each faced a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He wanted the same to be done regarding allegations that the Prime Minister received financial contributions from the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC).

“I am speaking up against the nonsense that is being peddled,” Mr Cash said. “As I said at the time after the vote was concluded and I will say the same now there is a point where there is no point in re-litigating a debate that has already been settled. 

“So we find it amusing and disquieting at the same time that Mr Wilson continues on the tangent publicly stating how much he loved Cable & Wireless and how much integrity they have and at the same time trying to suggest to the Bahamian people that there was something untoward. Well if there is Perry Christie says he is Prime Minister and he reminds us of that at every step, then disclose the information and let’s move on.

“They have such a thing on the agenda of the House of Assembly and the Senate that says communications by Ministers. It is the opportunity for the Prime Minister to present to the House or his other Ministers whatever information he believes is necessary for the people to know about this deal. So what is the reason for this select committee? They are in control of the information.”

Mr Cash is also urging the government to clearly state the matters that are to come on the next referendum to amend the constitution.