The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

HURRICANE Matthew Czar Shane Gibson yesterday accused Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis of spreading false information to gain political points, as he demanded the Killarney MP produce proof that the National Emergency Management Agency is giving preferential treatment to Progressive Liberal Party supporters in the wake of the monster storm.

Mr Gibson said he also drafted a letter, which was sent to Dr Minnis, asking him to formally state the names of stores operated by PLP supporters in Andros that were reportedly being patronised by the government. He said that “NEMA has not purchased anything like that as all the supplies came out of New Providence” with an exception.

Mr Gibson pointed to one instance in particular that involved a grocery store owner on the island who experienced flood damage and the government bought goods from her to distribute throughout the island.

He said this happened during a recent trip to Lowe Sound, Andros, where the owner placed all her items outside of the store to dry. It was then that he made the decision to purchase the items to distribute to people in need, Mr Gibson said.

On Tuesday, Dr Minnis said residents in Andros claimed that NEMA is only buying food and supplies from stores where the owners support the government.

He also said that there are no construction supplies in Andros and residents are “anxious” to begin repairs to their homes.

“You can’t just issue a blanket statement because you feel like it will gain you political points or because it sounds good saying it,” Mr Gibson, who is also the minister of labour and national insurance, said.

“The only thing that was purchased is when we were doing the walk about. There was a lady who had her stuff out. I couldn’t tell you if she was PLP, DNA or FNM.

“So I don’t know what he is talking about. I wrote him a letter asking him to identify the PLP stores where we purchased these things from and identify the FNM stores that we are not purchasing from.

“He can’t do it because what I am saying is we didn’t purchase anything like that,” Mr Gibson said.

North Andros was one of the islands hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew earlier this month. The island suffered severe flooding, damage to nearly 100 homes while 35 others were destroyed.

“My team and I came down to Andros to see the progress and to ensure that there is fairness in terms of distribution,” Dr Minnis said after completing a walk about in Lowe Sound, Andros on Tuesday. “You know we have a huge concern with transparency and honesty with this government.

“There are still no construction supplies and that is causing concern because the residents want to begin repair work but NEMA has not provided them with any supplies. Residents also complained that there is a food shortage on the island and NEMA has been purchasing food from local stores but only from PLPs. We will not tolerate this and we in the (Official) Opposition will push for fair play and accountability. I will be speaking with NEMA when I return.”

Days after the storm, Dr Minnis said the government’s Hurricane Matthew recovery and restoration efforts would involve cronyism and victimisation, an assertion that was strongly denied by members of the Christie administration.

Demand

In a letter dated October 26, Mr Gibson reassured Dr Minnis that the government remained committed to helping everyone affected by Matthew.

“I am writing in reference to comments attributed to you in an article that appears in the October 25, 2016 edition of The Tribune titled ‘Minnis Says Preference Given by NEMA to PLP’s,’” the letter read.

“In light of your assertion that the National Emergency Management Agency is giving ‘preferential treatment’ to Progressive Liberal Party supporters, I humbly ask that you kindly provide me with proof of this, including a list of those PLP businesses that were patronised and the FNM businesses that were not supported by NEMA in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

“If this is found to be the case, immediate steps will be taken to rectify the situation and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

“I also wish to reassure you that the government of the Bahamas is committed to providing assistance to every citizen impacted by Hurricane Matthew.”

It is unclear whether Dr Minnis has responded to Mr Gibson’s letter, as he could not be reached up to press time.