The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

My what a difference a week makes!

Last week , I took one final comical glance at my favourite political muse, and the comedy of errors, that's was his political career.

Of course I'm referring to former MICAL MP V. Alfred Gray, and in this instance, his ill advised, dim witted, pre-election wheeling and dealing. (Hysterically none of Gray's plots came to fruition.)

I intended for it to be just that, one final comedic wave bye bye, to perhaps the worst administration in the history of this country. Period!

Entering this week, I was focused on being an objective voice of opposition, where needs be, to our present administration.

(Nothing personal, just the relentless pursuit for consistent good governance, from all sides of the political divide).

1. Because the FNM, seems like they are willing to listen to creative input and innovative ideas put forward from 'Joe Public' in order to create positive change in the nation, both short and long term.

2.Despite my campaign commentary which some may say favoured the Free National Movement, I remain apolitical, quite comfy in my 'activist' skin, prepared to carry the present administration to task, if only to ensure they remain transparent and accountable in their affairs. Also that they are beholden to fulfilling their campaign promises as best they can.

Again, all in an effort to further create positive change in our nation.

1. On top of that, if you take a look at the Parliamentary Channel, you will become painfully aware PM Minnis and the FNM have zero opposition!

Last week I had issue with the list of VAT exempt items, and so did the rest of the reading populous here in the Bahamas, regardless of political affiliation.

Additionally I had issues with some other decisions made by the FNM government thus far, that had me shaking my head, and that I wanted to address.

Unfortunately I had to put them on the back burner for now, because even though we are trying to move forward as a nation, taking positive calculated steps, I'm convinced we will be reminded for a very long time of the corruption and misfeasance of the past administration.

Daily it's becoming obvious that a very intricate deceptive web was woven by the entire Christie administration.

Many interesting layers to that rotten onion.

Obviously trying to appease the nation, after hearing their dissatisfaction with some of his party's decisions, PM Minnis came out swinging like 'Apollo Creed' to open the week, pulling files along with his Cabinet Ministers, revealing the sordid details of numerous corrupt underhanded dealings, by the former government.

Minnis and the FNM checked off campaign promises left and right, this past week, all while releasing the information the public has been salivating for.

(Attention PM Minnis, that's why we need a proper FOIA in place so the nation knows 'what's really gern on' )

Minnis threw and landed 4 big haymakers,

1. BahaMar deal unsealed, shows deals done on leases.

2. Huge consultancy contracts in MOT revealed, to the tune of millions.

In addition to the 'Fyre Festival' fiasco.

1. Questionable $2M contract awarded.

2. Vendor received $8M storm cleanup cash.

Number 4 on the list takes the cake thus far.

According to an article in The Tribune by Krishna Virgill:

In a riveting contribution to the budget debate in the House of Assembly, the prime minister said upon his review of payments made to various vendors, he was “astonished” by the payouts made to Jonathan Ash.

There were 46 transactions made to this vendor through several of his companies, Dr Minnis said, as he revealed that in at least two separate instances, Mr Ash received multiple cheques in one day. He also received $151,000 on May 9, just one day before the election.

“This one vendor received 46 payment transactions totaling $7,056,348.24. You want me say the vendor’s name? Jonathan Ash. His request for payment was submitted through the Ministry of Works and the National Recovery Unit."

But wait there's more, Minnis added this nugget as well,

“There are many questionable payments, but the payment to Ash Enterprises is shocking. Contracts were awarded to Mr Ash on behalf of Heavy Truck Line Services Ltd, Earthmovers Incorporated Company and Industrial and Heavy Duty Equipment Company.

“I note that Earthmovers is not registered with the registrar, Industrial and Heavy Duty Equipment Company is not registered with the Bahamas Registrar General’s Office and Heavy Truck Line Services was registered in February of this year.

February of this year????? Didn't the Hurricane hit ......never mind!!

I see what happened here. In a nutshell a political crony "cleaned up" off hurricane clean up, leaving the public treasury in "Ash's"

I'm amazed at the fact that four cheques for such huge amounts were prepared so efficiently and expedited so thoroughly all in one day, within hours of each other.

By a government office no less!! Somebody call 'GUINNESS BOOK' right away. That has to be a record by our standards.

Until next week I'm off, I've got one eye on the NBA Draft, Lonzo Ball is already a Laker, who do we select with the 27th and 28th picks respectively, and the other on 'Minky' Issacs who's stalking the PM, threatening to 'punch him in the mouth' if he sees him in public!!

Awesome, our political discourse just turned into the WWE. Time for more popcorn and Jack Daniels.