The Tribune

By SANCHESKA DORSETT

Tribune Staff Reporter

sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis has defended the government’s decision to enter into several deals “with the Chinese government”, explaining that The Bahamas, like many countries, is just “taking advantage of opportunities” created by Chinese investment.

At a Progressive Liberal Party Town Hall meeting at the University of The Bahamas on Sunday, Mr Halkitis said it is unfortunate that the narrative associated with the word Chinese is so negative in The Bahamas and that many of the misconceptions the public have about Chinese investment is driven by politics.

The government has been highly criticised by members of the Opposition for making “a number of secret deals” with the Chinese.

Last year, Prime Minister Perry Christie criticised the Free National Movement for “emotionally exploiting” Bahamian’s anxiety over Chinese investment after party leader Dr Hubert Minnis put the government of China “on notice” that if elected, his party would review and reverse any “secret deals” between China and the government.

“It is unfortunate that the narrative, and it is driven largely by politics, seems to seek to demonise the word Chinese,” Mr Halkitis said on Sunday.

“China has one of the largest savings rates in the world, they have a lot of money to invest and they invest money all over the world. They loan money to countries all over the world, including the United States, and they make significant investments in the United States.

“So what we need to do is look at the involvement by investors for what it is. It is investors looking for someone to get a return on their money and the Bahamas is an attractive place to do that. So it creates opportunity for us and them so now it is on us to make sure we maximise what we extract from these investments.”

In November, FNM candidate for Free Town, Dionisio D’Aguilar, said the Christie administration is “selling souls to the Chinese”.

Mr D’Aguilar said: “I have to believe that the Bahamas government is selling our souls to the Chinese. They purchased the Hilton, they have Baha Mar, the Chinese country controls the Container Port in Freeport ... the Chinese government is beginning to exert undue control over our government.”

Mr D’Aguilar has emerged as a strong critic of the government’s partnership with China. A former director of Baha Mar, he has been especially critical of the government’s handling of the beleaguered Cable Beach resort.