Cash 'disturbed' by Nygard-PLP documents

As of Thursday, June 26, 2014

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FNM Chairman Darron Cash yesterday said a pledge from billionaire fashion mogul Peter Nygard of $45,000 to the PLP in the early 1990s and his subsequent requests for help on issues relating to his property and expansion plans is “embarrassing” and “disturbing”.

Mr Cash also said the revelation about Mr Nygard has vindicated FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, who was suspended from the House of Assembly last August after refusing to withdraw unsubstantiated claims about an alleged close relationship between Mr Nygard and Prime Minister Perry Christie.

Mr Cash’s comments came in a statement to The Tribune.

He was asked to comment after The Tribune revealed that in a letter obtained by this newspaper Mr Nygard highlighted what he called his “significant” financial contributions to the PLP and then requested that Mr Christie, then minister of agriculture, trade and industry, help him solve issues relating to his property and expansion plans.

Political insiders speaking to The Tribune under the condition of anonymity insisted yesterday that the leaked document barely “scratches the surface” of the involvement of Mr Nygard in Bahamian politics, suggesting that in time “all will be disclosed.”

For his part, Mr Cash said: “The recently released Nygard letter to Perry Christie is very disturbing to many Bahamians.

“The recently released letter is a clear vindication of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis who, last year in the House of Assembly, tried to bring to the public’s attention the level of ‘closeness’ between the prime minister and the man who now has an application before the government for millions of dollars worth of Crown land. The leader of the opposition expressed concerns about whether the government’s relationship with Nygard was too cosy for comfort, suggesting that there was more to it than meets the eye. Now, with this letter, what they have done in the dark is coming out into the light.

“The letter goes back to 1992, but what is embarrassing for many Bahamians is the sense that Mr Nygard was addressing (then) minister Christie as if he was one of his servants to whom he was leaving instructions before he returned to his mansion,” Mr Cash noted.

“Clearly since 1992 the relationship appears to have changed considerably with Mr Nygard claiming the PLP as ‘our’ government and telling the world about how his PLP government followed his bidding in passing stem cell legislation.”

Mr Cash accused Mr Christie of being secretive about the extent of financial contributions and fees from a variety of sources, including “big oil,” Mr Nygard and web shop bosses.

“This extreme secrecy plays into the narrative of a prime minister who is simply governing to meet his obligations to his rich and privileged financial backers,” he said.

In the letter obtained by The Tribune, My Nygard made various requests of Mr Christie. However The Tribune obtained no evidence showing that some of his requests were granted. However, Mr Nygard suggested throughout the letter that he was entitled to certain benefits because of his financial contributions to the PLP.

At one point he wrote: “Under separate cover, I have sent a pledge for the PLP party for $10,000. I understand that this brings my total pledge and contributions to the party and some of its members up to $45,000 – quite significant I think you will agree. I ask you now to help me bring to a final conclusion to a few ‘housekeeping’ issues before I come back.”

The letter added: “Obviously, this whole world is based on one hand helping the other and you know that I am prepared to do whatever is in my capacity to help out the Bahamas and the PLP party and of course yourself in any way I can.”

The Tribune could not reach Mr Christie for comment yesterday.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts declined to comment on the letter when contacted, noting that it would have been sent before his time in PLP politics.

More like this story

Sickened 10 years, 4 months ago

No sensible businessman only gives to one political party. I wonder if Cash would say how much Nygard gave and gives to the FNM party? I have advocated for years that this system of government does not and will not work. I don't know of a perfect system but I do know that this is not it! Also, I can't believe that PLP would consider a $45k contribution a significant amount; that's Nygard's chump change. If PLP will sell their soul for $45k then they are certainly much more stupid than I thought! $500k isn't even worth sticking your neck out for.

spoitier 10 years, 4 months ago

$45k should've been chump change back in 92 when drugs was runnig rampant, I guess that was Christie share of the pie.

asiseeit 10 years, 4 months ago

Our Politrickans sold their souls a long time ago. Carlos had them by the short hairs and the list goes on. Why do you think certain people can do as they please in this country? It started in the drug years and has NEVER stopped. A couple dollars and maybe a video/movie or two and you good to go.

sheeprunner12 10 years, 4 months ago

Nation for Sale!!!!!!!!! Seventies style ................. still going on.............

asiseeit 10 years, 4 months ago

If the Bahamian people had any idea how badly they have been sold out there would be hell to pay, why do you think both governments have refused to educate the masses. You dumb people have traded one set of stinkin' slave masters for another just with a different color skin and these days they keep you in bondage with the almighty dollar instead of shackles. All HAIL THE POLITICAL CLASS, THE SLAVE MASTERS OF TODAY!

ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago

Its a theme repeated time immemorial. "Keep them ignorant" and "National games". let the festivities begin

Sickened 10 years, 4 months ago

A revolution is coming! I hope that it is not a long bloody one.

sheeprunner12 10 years, 4 months ago

And who gonna lead it???????or its gonna be spontaneous like 1942?????

loletha 10 years, 4 months ago

Haiku 8 2012-01-21; 10:20 © Loletha Saunders

See me now and naught, for twenty splendid pieces I am pimped and bought.

bahamas1 10 years, 4 months ago

Politics aside, what about all the money Peter Nygard has donated to sports in Bahamas? He has contributed plenty to the Bahamas and people should recognize that as well.

bahamasmeng 10 years, 4 months ago

what about fact Peter Nygard, for over 25 years, has drawn more Billionaires to invest in the Bahamas? He has boosted economy with his contributions

lawrence 10 years, 4 months ago

agrred with last few comments we need strong Bahamas and Peter has shown he loves Bahamanians and willing to invest in our future

ilovebahamas2 10 years, 4 months ago

Sickened, you said Nygard donation was chump change But, I'd think $45,000 is a nice donation to Bahamanians and Bahamas in general This is part of revolution and it starts with people willing to invest and PN has shown that

Nancy123 10 years, 4 months ago

y ever1 upset?

real story is Save the Bays...anyone remember Peter Nygard's neighbor? and why they feuding? Peter tried to burry hatchet so how much of this is really about saving the Island and about revenge...Peter is positive change for Bahamas

tamaraisland 10 years, 4 months ago

couldnt agree more Nancy we all quickly forget the good Peter Nygard has done...Darron Cash complainin about 45 grand? let's see him donate that to our people

enoughalready 10 years, 4 months ago

Does NOT surprise me...Bahamas people should stand together and support someone that has shown us support. Peter Nygard! He donates money to sports, to economy and isn't that good enough? Why so negative or could his neighbor (we all know who) be paying to give Peter bad press? Would not surprise me

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