Loretta Butler-Turner in the House of Assembly.
By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday admitted that she has not filed her annual financial disclosures since 2012.
The Long Island MP’s admission came as FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis renewed calls for the government to publish the financial disclosures of parliamentarians.
Dr Minnis told The Tribune that he had yet to see a single report from the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) this term. Dr Minnis, as leader of the Opposition, is entitled to the PDC’s report before it is publicly gazetted.
In an interview with The Tribune last month, Dr Minnis confirmed that he was up to date with his disclosures. At that time, he said, he instructed his FNM parliamentarians to do the same, but could not confirm whether they had complied.
It is unclear how many FNM and PLP parliamentarians have submitted their annual disclosures.
Yesterday, East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest confirmed that he was up to date on his disclosures, which must be turned into the PDC by March each year.
Yesterday, Mrs Butler Turner said: “I can tell you, I am not (up to date), I try to be very honest and the truth is I am not. I’ll make it a priority.
“I have no excuse except not making it a priority,” she said. “I have not disclosed since 2012. I guess, like everything else, if there is no enforcement or repercussions we just tend to let it slide.
She added: “I’ve been pretty adamant that I don’t really have anything to disclose, but that’s not the right attitude. I should reprimand myself about it – about two months ago the committee sent me the papers to file.”
Members of Parliament and Senators are required by law to file annual disclosures of their assets and liabilities.
According to the Public Disclosures Act, a summary of the declarations shall be published in a gazette and any person who does not comply with the law is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years.
If a Parliamentarian deliberately does not disclose property owned in the Bahamas, the land can be seized and forfeited to the government.
When contacted on the issue yesterday, Dr Minnis said the public has the right to see the finances of politicians.
“I haven’t gotten any report, not one,” he said, when asked if he had received a report from the PDC on parliamentarian’s disclosures.
“I think we’re law-abiding citizens and as legislators we should follow the law. If Cabinet has gotten a report, it should be published. Release the information to the public.”
When contacted for comment last month, Allan Benjamin, chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), would not say if members of Parliament and senators had complied with the Public Disclosure Act.
Mr Benjamin said he could not give details on the issue, adding that the PDC has done “what we are supposed to do” and had forwarded information to Cabinet.
Last month, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said he was unaware of the status of the disclosures and could not say if they had been presented to Cabinet.
The issue of MPs’ incomes has come under scrutiny after a House of Assembly select committee recommended that the salaries of members of Parliament be reviewed, with a view to increase pay and allowances.
In 2010, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham admitted that he had not complied with the Public Disclosures Act for several years.
At the time, he told The Nassau Guardian that he had not filed since the “day before the election in 2007”.
He then pledged to get up to date with his disclosures.
Comments
Well_mudda_take_sic 10 years, 5 months ago
No one else but Perry Christie is to blame (as of right now) for any and all instances of non-compliance with the Public Disclosure Act. We can only assume Christie is still much too busy figuring out ways to feather the nests of the numbers' bosses to whom he owes so much!
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Every passing day the reds shirts dig a deeper hole for why they are are not respected as being worthy to be a party entitled to be recognized as Her Majesty's Government In Waiting. Minnis and Loretta are fast becoming their own worst leadership enemies. A simple leadership change from Minnis to Loretta is not going to erase their lack of creditability among the electorate. Comrades while PM Christie and his cabinet colleagues may not hold any real fear for the red shirts, there is one man they not only fear and regardless of what they say in the media, they ALL respect and TRUST the man. Over lunch a trusted political insider leaned over and whispered quietly in my ear that the DNA's Bran shouldn’t continue waiting for the beat of the drum to start leading his party. There are rumours while still out of the reach of the media could result in a challenge being make to Bran’s lack of a real vision for 2017? That leading from behind his Village Road office desk or showing up to take yet another photo shaking hands with the reds leader Minnis is a sign of being a lazy leader by piggybacking off the more aggressive efforts of other organizations. Shak’in Minnis’s hand ain’t same as leaving Village Road to be shak’in the hearts of Bahamalanders. My insider’s advice is Bran should put on his green beret, strapping on a set of Marching Band’s Drum Set to beat his way over to begin a serious conversation with Comrade Loftus Roker. We both quickly agreed that here you have a man who when a million-dollar bribe was dangled in he face, the bestest ever minister of immigration before being forced out of cabinet by Comrade Pindling - Loftus Roker never once has had a serious challenge made against to his integrity and reputation, makes him a leading candidate to succeed Comrade Governor-General Arthur.
B_I_D___ 10 years, 5 months ago
If we are going to hold the yella fellas accountable then the FNM better damn well have their house in order...LBT, get off your substantial backside and file your PDA.
Honestman 10 years, 5 months ago
I agree with BID. The FNM cannot take the moral high ground on this if its parliamentarians are not in full compliance. If all FNM ministers disclose in full, it turns the heat on the PLP. Therefore, the FNM is losing a trick here.
Publius 10 years, 5 months ago
“I’ve been pretty adamant that I don’t really have anything to disclose..." Does this lady know what she is supposed to disclose under the Public Disclosure Act? They all are supposed to declare their income, assets and liabilities whether in or outside of the country (as well as that of their spouse and lawful dependents) by December 31 of each year, not March as this story has said. March is the extension of time they can give you, but the due date in law is December 31. Is she saying she has no income, assets or liabilities? Obviously that is absurd, as is her statement that she doesn't have these things to disclose.
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
The Evolution of two unidentified red shirts dance practicing how to skirt around how could they possibly attack PM Christie on things red shirts too are likewise pretty damn bad at, like filing (according to the law failing to file is subject to 2 years imprisonment) of MP's Financial Disclosure Statements and why former prime minister Hubert (their former boss man) didn't receive the same condemnation for not enacting the Freedom of Information Act - Minnis has now grown sufficient size bullocks to make the claim how he has been so damn "pained" having to watch PM Christie's inaction on the FOIA but never even felt a slight pinch over Hubert's failure to enact the FOIA? Talk about controlling your pain and prostituting your leadership credibility by showing up at the FOIA protest? Maybe it's that time for her Majesty Queen Liz to step in and withdraw Her Official Opposition status conferred on the red shirts based on the grounds that they as an opposition party lack both sufficient operational funds and have lost all credibility with the electorate?
Leaked video secretly filmed at the Mackey Street Headquarters of the red shirts at 11:58 am this very Friday morning June 13, 2014. Evolution of red shirts dance exposed for very first time.
........//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A2IXsB7C0Q
asiseeit 10 years, 5 months ago
The majority of M.P.s are MILLIONAIR'S. they do not want the people to know how rich they are and HOW they got so rich. They are CROOKS of the highest order. Also when and if we do see the PD people will scratch their heads wondering why the want a raise when they see how loaded these thieves are!
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Loretta is telling all Bahamalanders her thinking. Comrade reds are you listening? Are you even too red blind-sided to care a hoot even if your children read this? Comrades many of us think a code of conduct when no one is watching you is as important as when they're not. Can you imagine the bloggin-tongue-lashing that would have been heaped upon any leadership contender to lead the PLP, had they dared to justify their actions on a matter they are rightly being questioned about, by answering that;.“I have no excuse except not making it a priority,” she said. “I have not disclosed since 2012. I guess, like everything else, if there is no enforcement or repercussions we just tend to let it slide. First came the slap that roared far and wide across all islands of Bahamaland and now this "if no one is looking" revelation?" Comrades why should I even have bother trying make this stuff up? Is there any other job you can apply for, telling your potential employers (taxpayers) that your conduct is dependent on - if they be looking?
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Comrades in fairness to Loretta she is not alone or any where near to being as negligent with her Financial Disclosures as some present and past MP's and senators seem to have been. More politicians would adhere if the law had been enforced which provides for a $10,000 Fine or 2 years at Her majesty's Fox Hill Prison. Also to Minnis's credit, he was the ONLY parliamentarian, regardless of the colour of they shirts reported to have filed financial Disclosure Statement for the year 2007. .
DillyTree 10 years, 5 months ago
C'mon, Mrs. Butler-Turner (and all the other MPs -- FNM and PLP alike who have not filed their disclosures), if you are looking to be a leader, you must lead by example. I'm very disappointed, as I have been a huge supporter of yours for many years.
Why does there seem to be two sets of laws in this country -- one for the politicians and another for the rest of us?
DillyTree 10 years, 5 months ago
Fanatical? Where do you get that from? Did I mention FNM or any other party? I happen to have known Lori since we were children, and I've always been a big fan of hers -- and less you forget, her family were PLP back in those days. I vote for who can do the best job -- which means I can actually think for myself. What's your excuse?
DillyTree 10 years, 5 months ago
And I'm passionate about the "Bimini thing", as you call it, because I want to see a Bahamas that continues to be beautful and one we can all be proud of. What legacy do you want to leave for your children and grandchildren? If getting a few dollars now is enough justification to destroy our precious natural (and national) resources, then we certainly will be poorer for it in the future. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with party lines, and if you can't see that, then you really are crazy.
asiseeit 10 years, 5 months ago
Dilly tree, Lead by example, why do you think we have the crime problem we have? Our leaders taught us to steal, if the chief is a tief why not me! Thanks poor governance!
DillyTree 10 years, 5 months ago
Exactly. We don't have far to look to wonder where that attitude came frrom.
Altalk 10 years, 5 months ago
LBT says she hasnt anything to disclose.....most m.p`s knows how to hide there monies..including the butlers...they are all employees of there family businesses ..if i remember dupuch did the same thing...you cant sue them personally..or ever know there personal wealth
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Reds knows best how to put on a good face but then the fake makeup starts to wear off quicker than watching paint dry, exposing them for the public to see the real thing behind the masks. Comrades isn't it sad when we as a society are in dire need of strong, fearless opposition party speaking out and mounting a strong fight for the peoples and here we are being treated to what is Her Majesty's Government-in-Waiting Official Opposition party in the House finding itself within just the past weeks alone where 3 of their top brass have become embroiled in embarrassing to the party matters personal, all the while the once so powerful well funded red shirts party is broker than a church mousey. slowly disintegrating as its supporters fear yet another bazaar and embarrassing bombshell to drop. Comrades on what political moral authority do the reds stand that could possibly lead them to think they are in capable of presenting a respectable challenge PM Christie's administration?.
Amen!
EasternGate 10 years, 5 months ago
It is obvious to me that many of you making comment are in FACT parliamentarians. Virtually all are PLP parliamentarians, because we all know how "thin skinned" PLP's are. I would be very surprised if Fred is not active on this site.
Cobalt 10 years, 5 months ago
You are the textbook example of stupidity. I can't believe our county actually breeds idiots like you. You remind me of a mangy dog that hangs around the Harold Road dump.
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Comrade EasternGate just admitted that the reds have become plain tired of nothing substantive getting done by the present leadership of your broke and too many leaders party? Good there is one at least honest red blogger.
EasternGate 10 years, 5 months ago
YUP! Took the bait. Yinna just confirmed my suspicion. Thank you very much!
GrassRoot 10 years, 5 months ago
Who cares. If something is the law you cant maintain, you are breaking the law because everybody else is. Glasshouse. Suck it up, if you want to be an MP, be a shining example.
GrassRoot 10 years, 5 months ago
Mr. Halkitis, how can you be unaware of the status of the disclosures. You get an F for that. Your job. Your responsibility.
Cobalt 10 years, 5 months ago
The only slave in the Bahamas is you. You're a slave to your own stupidity. One only has to read a few sentences of your blog to conclude that you haven't got much sense. You really would serve the Bahamas better by picking cotton.
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
New development soon be revealed within red shirts party? Much disappointment on the way among those feeling they are the most deserving? . What more does red leader Minnis have in his immediate mind for his newly appointed Senator Pintard? Could he become the new party Chairman within the next 72 hours or replace another top party member's position? Comrades much disappointment is on the way over them not being appointed. One them reds could asked take off their red shirt? Go ahead and dismiss this as rumour mongering?
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