The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CONCERNS over whether funds have been misappropriated by local government officials in Bimini have no factual basis, Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government Minister V Alfred Gray said yesterday.

His statements to The Tribune came after concerns surfaced on social media over Bimini’s local council’s spending habits.

If the need arises, Mr Gray said he will order that a financial audit be done on the council’s finances.

He said he was made aware of rumours of spending impropriety by concerned residents on the island with whom he has had recent meetings.

“I’ve visited Bimini and met with the council as well and while there might be allegations, I have no evidence to support them,” he said.

“The Bimini local council is no longer running at the moment as all councils have been dissolved as a result of the elections which will be held in the next two weeks.

“After the elections, I will consider whether to cause an audit to be had with respect to the council’s financial matters. The auditors would be the ones to declare whether funds have been misappropriated.”

Mr Gray did not go into the details of the allegations.

“I don’t know the specifications about the Bimini council. Each council is afforded the legal mandate to do works within the local districts in conjunction with the island administrator. If there is a need to look at Bimini specifically, we will, but generally the audit of the Bahamas audits all.”

Mr Gray said he will not act if he doesn’t have concrete evidence.

“People speculate on people all the time,” he said. “I don’t like to perpetuate speculations; reputations can be put at stake. But if the need arises, an audit will be done out of the normal time range of the auditors though I have not had reason to believe that anything sinister might be taking place.”