By KYLE WALKINE
Tribune Staff Reporter
kwalkine@tribunemedia.net
POLICE in Abaco are investigating how around $500,000 allegedly went missing from the Customs Office in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, last month. North Abaco MP Renardo Curry confirmed to The Tribune yesterday that the matter is before police as to how a substantial sum of the Treasury’s money was misplaced.
According to the Bahamas Christian Network (BCN) the deposits - which comprised cash and cheques - left the port in Central Abaco with a customs officer and went missing during the short drive to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
“I recently heard about the matter and I understand it is under investigation, so I can’t speak specifically to the issue,” Mr Curry said yesterday in Cooper’s Town, Abaco.
“But in any instance, I’m sure the government will get to the bottom of it and find out what has transpired in the accusation. Of course, in an investigation you have to find out the truth before you utter any sentiments concerning the matter. So that’s my position.”
“In talks you hear a lot of different things. So you can’t just rely on third or fourth party information. Police are getting to the bottom of it. So the investigation will prove exactly what is what. You can rest assured that if there is some mishandling of funds, the government will follow the law of the land.”
BCN, operated on Abaco and owned by Silbert Mills, reported: “The deposits are compiled of cheques and cash from various importers to the government, that was brought to account at Customs. “Based on procedure, when the money is brought into account, it then goes to the customs cash book. They then take the money and cheques combined to the bank. That bank is RBC in this case, which is a two-minute ride from the port.”
“Between the port to the bank in that two minutes, the deposit never made it. Five deposits never made it to the bank. They have a cumulative total just around $500,000.”
The BCN representative also told The Tribune that the government may be able to get back almost $470,000 of that total.
“Most of the importers and brokers pay by way of certified cheques. Only about $30,000 of that $500,000 was cashed. So the government stands to lose that amount unless they can find out who is responsible for it.”
According to the BCN, deposits are transported in this fashion several times a day, by way of one customs officer.
The office in Marsh Harbour alone brings in around $40m in customs duty every year. When The Tribune questioned Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis about the alleged missing funds, he said he only heard of it through the media that it is under investigation.
Comments
Purcell 10 years, 5 months ago
This requires Sherlock Holmes to solve it. He would first find out who had the money entrusted to him and quiz that person. If he was not robbed then he is the one who stole it. Since Sherlock is not real the RBPF will most likely start the investigation by interviewing the Dalai Lama.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 5 months ago
LOL @ 2 minute ride
Well_mudda_take_sic 10 years, 5 months ago
Here we are with a government (Christie) wanting to impose a severely harsh regressive VAT tax on most of us who are having an extremely difficult time making ends meet, while at the same time Christie and his den of thieves are taking every penny that should be going into Public Treasury for the benefit of the people!!
killemwitdakno 10 years, 5 months ago
At least another tax would keep Customs from swinging the vote every time.
EasternGate 10 years, 5 months ago
I don't expect any positive resolution to this theft. Officer(s) involved will be quietly transferred. Wasn't it the PLP who reengaged many officers " retired" by the last Administration. Many of whom were corrupt.. So they now have a license to steal
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
Is this what the PLP put this joker there for to replace HAI and pay him well to "run" Abaco for the government ??????............. SMH. he get his cut too hey?????????????
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 5 months ago
Bahamians in top positions could thief, period. Especially the politically connected ones in fancy suits.
digimagination 10 years, 5 months ago
That amount would well cover Pindling's RPT and Miller's BEC.. who knows.
killemwitdakno 10 years, 5 months ago
No hunny, it's a invoice for each of them. you mussy missin out on plenty accounts receivable.
GQ 10 years, 5 months ago
Boy can the news media screw up. One would expect them to substantiate their information prior to put things on the air or on paper. BCN is headquartered in Abaco seems they are only trying to tickle the peoples ear with sensationalism journalism, they must be the Abaco version of "The Punch." Somebody or bodies need to go to jail for stealing the Bahamian Tax payers money.
I will be checking my H'abaco connection for the true story.
Cornel 10 years, 5 months ago
Here is the real question. They say that the office brings in $40M in customs duties per year. We know, from reports in this newspaper, that only some of the money (40-50%) ever gets recorded. So the real amount of duties collected is most likely between $60M and $80M. So where is that money?
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