The Tribune

WHILE expressing happiness that former workers of Baha Mar started receiving payouts for money owed to them yesterday, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said his party is still concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the deal to remobilise the resort.

“The Free National Movement is happy that the long ordeal for thousands of Bahamians is finally over and they have started to receive their wages for completed work that are long past due,” Dr Minnis said in a statement. “The FNM stood with the people for over a year as we carried this fight forward, holding the PLP government’s feet to the fire over this matter forcing them to face the voices they so often ignore or silence.

“Last week, when The Bahamas found out that the PLP’s secret deal did not include the payment of CCA contractors for work done at Baha Mar, we once again stood with the people and let our voices be heard, calling on the embattled prime minister to address this injustice.

“We are pleased to learn that the Chinese will also be paying these contractors now. It is always a good day for The Bahamas when the PLP finally decides to take the side of the Bahamian people over their Chinese allies.”

Dr Minnis said that regardless of what the party’s opponents say, the FNM “always welcomed the news that an agreement had been reached” to complete the project.

“However, the Free National Movement is still concerned and troubled by the lack of transparency and details, shrouded in secrecy and then sealed by the courts on behalf of this government.

“This incident cries out for more transparency because that’s the only way we can have true accountability. It’s time for the PLP and the embattled prime minister to finally unseal the deal.

“Until they do, the FNM will stay vigilant to hold them accountable and seek out more details. The PLP has made promises before – but have failed to follow through and it’s the Bahamian people that suffer. We will work every day to see that doesn’t happen.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie has said that the Supreme Court documents relating to the deal were sealed at the request of the Export-Import Bank of China due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

Critics have urged the government to reveal what concessions were granted to the Chinese to remobilise the property.