The Tribune

EAST Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest has demanded that the Christie administration provide a thorough accounting of hurricane relief spending.

In a press statement released yesterday, the Free National Movement deputy leader said it appears to be a routine of the government to collect cheques, spend public funds and not give an account of how the money has been spent.

“The PLP government’s minster handpicked by Prime Minister Christie to head national hurricane relief efforts, Shane Gibson, stated this past week among other questionable things, that the Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville has spent near or over one million dollars on clean up on Grand Bahama Island within weeks since the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew,” Mr Turnquest said.

“This is further evidence of this government’s reckless disregard for transparency when it comes to the people’s monies. While there is no attempt here to politicise the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew, I, and by extension the Free National Movement, hold a sacred obligation to the residents of Grand Bahama and the wider Bahamas to assure a detailed account of funds being handled on their behalf.

“Needless to say, Ministers Gibson and Darville must understand the international implications. Countries and groups from around the world are also pledging significant support to our nation’s relief efforts.”

He called on Dr Darville to publicly outline what he has spent and in what areas.

“Not surprising, this uncaring and incompetent government has yet to offer a comprehensive and transparent plan to execute its hurricane relief efforts,” Mr Turnquest added. “While hundreds of Bahamians impacted by the storm continue to complain about being ignored or bypassed for political reasons, we commend civil servants, civic clubs, community groups and corporate Bahamas for all their respective initiatives. The government must now offer clear-cut details inclusive of where funds are being distributed.”

Mr Turnquest said “there is an obvious disconnect” between Mr Gibson, Dr Darville, Prime Minister Perry Christie and Hurricane Matthew’s victims.

“There is seemingly an intentional attempt on the part of this inept government to collect cheques, spend where and with whom they wish and keep the people of the Bahamas in the dark. Hurricane season is an annual event in the Bahamas. Some seasons far more active than others. A newly elected FNM government will ensure a strategic national emergency plan and will at all times be accountable to the Bahamian people.”

Earlier this month, the government moved a resolution in Parliament to borrow $150 million for hurricane recovery efforts.