PLP leader Philip 'Brave' Davis.
By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Deputy Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
THE assertion in a recent report that cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the country and the United States “waned” under the former government is baseless, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday, adding he intends to write to the US Embassy questioning the allegation.
According to the Progressive Liberal Party leader, under the previous Christie administration there were “regular” meetings between US officials and then-Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, but no concerns regarding cooperation were raised. Mr Davis said the same could be said for him as the then-Deputy Prime Minister.
The International Narcotics Strategy Report, which covers January 1 to December 31, 2017, was released last month.
Regarding the Bahamas, the report noted: “The new government has increased cooperation and information sharing between Bahamian and US law enforcement agencies, which had waned under the previous government.”
However, Mr Davis took issue with this during a press conference at the PLP’s headquarters.
“We wish the US Embassy to point out where there was no cooperation during our term,” the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP said.
“Bahamians will recall the public allegation that was never refuted in which the US government used the lawful authority to track drug traffickers to violate the privacy of mobile phone users in the Bahamas.”
In May 2014, The Intercept, an international publication, revealed the US National Security Agency was secretly intercepting, recording, and archiving the audio of virtually every cell phone conversation in the Bahamas and storing the data for 30 days. This came from documents provided by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.
“A responsible and sovereign government must stand up for the rights of Bahamians,” Mr Davis continued.
“The facts are the former foreign minister, Senator Mitchell, he held regular meetings with the US Embassy and I am advised that no such concerns about cooperation were ever raised by the charge d’affaires during the course of any of these meetings. In fact, we draw attention to the report of 2017 wherein they discussed the cooperation between our two countries. No concerns were raised in the 2017 report. In fact, it was commendable in that report.
“I served as Deputy Prime Minister and I have had regular meetings on matters of national concern with the US Embassy as well and never have such concerns about cooperation been advanced to me. Interestingly, as I pointed out in the report for 2017, there is no complaint about cooperation or lack thereof.
“As leader of the opposition I made note of these comments and have taken leave to write to the US Embassy to have the matter clarified.”
Earlier in his presentation to reporters he said: “I point out that when we came to office in May 2012 the Bahamas was designated the status of a tier two country in the TIPS - trafficking in persons category. The Bahamas was teetering on a tier three categorical designation if immediate actions were not taken with tangible results.
“Our proactive work and bilateral cooperation with the US government elevated the Bahamas to a tier one status on TIPS. We rescued us from the teetering state that we were in and improved that status to a tier one. In fact a Bahamian official was honoured by the US government for her work so we are constrained to ask, what is the basis of this allegation?”
The Bahamas is identified in the report as one of 22 countries designated by US President Donald Trump as a major illicit drug producing and/or drug-transit country.
The country is also listed as a major money laundering country, this defined as a country “whose financial institutions engage in currency transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from international narcotics trafficking.”
The report said a “country’s presence on the foregoing lists is not a reflection of its government’s counter narcotic efforts or level of cooperation with the United States.”
The US report went on to note the new administration “has prioritised addressing public corruption as part of its national agenda.”
It was also noted three prison officers were arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply following investigations last year by prison management and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The report further revealed cooperation between Bahamian law enforcement agencies and Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos led to the confiscation of 772 kilograms of cocaine, 8.32 metric tons of marijuana, $410,219 in currency and other assets valued at $935,5000 between January 1 and October 25 last year.
A marijuana field and 1,501 marijuana plants were also eradicated.
It concluded illicit trafficking through the country “remains high.”
Comments
John 6 years, 7 months ago
Because of our strategic location The Bahamas will almost always be on someone’s ‘fix this’list of the other. And with marijuana being legal in some form or the other in THIRTY states in the US, one must question why the DEA has it listed as a grade one dangerous contraband alongside cocaine and other substances. The cocaine drug trade is a deadly industry and the United States knows The Bahamas does not have the manpower or other resources to stand up against the drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia and other countries. And when there is less Co-operation between the two countries, the USA and The Bahamas, then the drug producing countries have the advantage. And when every industry and every institution in a country is being attacked and scrutinized one must question the motives. The crime problem in this country, especially murders is not natural to our culture and many is wondering what is really driving it. When you talk to the young men on the streets, most of them only want a job to earn a living and their major concern, like everyone else, is their own safety and the safety of their families and friends. So the words of Sir Lynden Pindling to Brian Ross in the 1980’s must now ring clear in the ears of every Bahamian: The US with all its manpower and resources and technology, should not expect this little country to do what it cannot do.
DDK 6 years, 7 months ago
Big Daddy always watching us!
John 6 years, 7 months ago
THE CHINESE ARE COMING! Will the Bahamas be ready? In just two short years over 200 MILLION Chinese will leave the boarders of their Homeland and travel abroad, many as tourists to far-away destinations like The Bahamas. For the first time in history, the number of Chinese traveling to foreign countries will exceed Americans who are expected to number 160 million in 2020. And unlike Americans, most Chinese will be traveling to their destinations by are and they will have much more to spend, on average than regular tourists. This is an excellent time for The Bahamas to wean itself off the US economy and the dependence on the US dollar. Chinese tourists love history and culture as opposed to entertainment and excitement and also enjoy seafood including conch. And the State run China Airlines is currently testing a narrow body long range aircraft than can travel nonstop to destinations like the Bahamas. In fact China has entered into an eight billion dollar partnership with Russia to develop wide body aircraft to enter into direct competition with Boeing , Lockheed and other major aircraft manufacturers. The first 100 Chinese wide body jets are expected to cost some 3 Trillion Dollars and are planned to start flying in a decade. So with at least three of its major properties owned and/or managed by Chinese, D’Agular must start pumping marketing dollars into the Chinese markets and making sure the tourist products are retrofitted to include Chinese. They also love electronics and may prefer Junkanoo for its culture over Carnival.
ashley14 6 years, 7 months ago
Throw us away, Go Chinese!
Aegeaon 6 years, 7 months ago
Really? Bloody Chinese? Look, I don't hate them, but having a Chinese-allied Bahamas will raise massive concerns. First we'll get sanctions, then we'll get BS knockoffs from them and even with China Airlines, it's still too expensive to get to mainland China.
Sorry to say, it ain't possible. We're made to be America's allies no matter what.
John 6 years, 7 months ago
If China throws us a lifeline we must grab on to it and hold tightly on to it. And if their tourist market is a lucrative one., we must tap into it. China is also a trading partner with both Canada and the United States so there is no conflict. But this country must look beyond the United States to jump start our economy and get it moving. Otherwise we will cycle into another recession and face another decade of doom and gloom.
Aegeaon 6 years, 7 months ago
I mean, yes. But on the matters of political and geo-graphical location. It's better for the Bahamas to stay somewhat loyal to the US trade and joint military efforts.
BMW 6 years, 7 months ago
See he has a good memory! Knows just what fweddys ministry was up to but cant remember what went on in his.
John 6 years, 7 months ago
FYI China is silently moving into the rest of the Caribbean and establishing relationships with those countries. While the US has been hostile and bullying its neighbors China is establishing relationships that are mutually beneficial to both countries. China needs trading partners and while each country may be small, the Caribbean has great economic power trading as a block. America has forgotten how to Love it’s neighbors. Just look at the numerous travel alerts it puts out about the Bahamas at the start of every high tourist season. How many Americans have lost their lives to violence in the Bahamas or even been injured? Our banking system has been dismantled and our young men has been labeled as potential terrorists or organizers of drug cartels. China realizes that there must be harmony to have a good trading partner. You cannot stagnate a country’s economy and still expect it to support yours. And even when Bah Mar was being built China agreed to send guests to keep the hotels occupancy up. America penalizes its companies and organizations that have their meetings and conventions in countries like The Bahamas. Point (no not Pointe) to one major investment The Us has done in The Bahamas over the last 20 years.
Aegeaon 6 years, 7 months ago
America isn't responsible for your mistakes. We've allowed ourselves to destroy our banking system through money laundering, and further made more steps towards destruction by allowing an illegal set of big web shops to operate without authority and supervision. The crime war has nearly taken three thousand Bahamians, and nothing is being done to control the gangs and improve the situation. We were the majority for 45 years, but we went on to the wrong path. It will destroy us all unless we see reason.
ashley14 6 years, 7 months ago
John The US isn't out for the Bahamas. I've read your posts for a couple of years now. Suddenly you seem angry in your posts. What's wrong my friend.
John 6 years, 7 months ago
I am not angry and neither do I feel the United States is out to get the Bahamas. You call anyone that stands up and speaks out angry. Unfortunately it is the behavior of the big neighbor to the North that suggests,that like many Caribbean countries, this country must now seek economic opportunities beyond the US. we must diversify in order to survive.
ashley14 6 years, 7 months ago
I totally understand that. I truly hope the economy in the Bahamas improves drastically soon. How I miss the 70's and maybe early 80's. I believe if the economy improves, so will the crime. These kids don't have a dream. I'm glad your ok. I enjoy reading your posts. I've learned a lot. Your government is totally different than ours and you have a lot of knowledge. You did hurt my feeling once, but I'm over it. Have a Great Day! Lisa
Aegeaon 6 years, 7 months ago
Maybe so, but can we do it without selling out to criminal or terrorist organizations?
I mean. We got really spoiled after the 80's. I'm pretty sure we're being peer-pressured by the drug cartels right now.
sheeprunner12 6 years, 7 months ago
The American Government will always blame us for facilitating the conduit of drugs that its own citizens have a voracious appetite to consume ......... The law of supply and demand must take into consideration the suppliers (South America, Jamaica etc.) and the consumers (Americans & Canadians) ..... The Bahamas is the middle-man due to its geography.
ashley14 6 years, 7 months ago
I just want to tell you, obviously I live here. That's not what I hear at all. Mexico/yes, South America/Yes. I never hear them talking about the Bahamas and drugs in anyway. Great place to vacation, Yes! I've never even heard the warnings, except on a cruise ship. It doesn't make our news. I read about it here.
John 6 years, 7 months ago
Well Puerto Rico is now taking the pharmaceutical companies to court because of the deathsand destruction opioids are causing in that US territory. And when one sits back and tryto fathom the amount of cocaine that is being smuggled. Into the US, one cannot but wonder if some legitimate industry is using this drug in their manufacturing processes How much is the amount now? Like 500 metric tones a year or more . But then again when I was an intern in a certain industry and we had exhibitions across the US, I was warned by an older veteran not to attend the after parties. He never told me why but within a few years almost every single office in the five story complex was closed. They were all professionals people who got on drugs and could no longer pay their rent or they had their licenses revoked. Pointing fingers will not cause this drug epidemic to go away. There must be a cooperative effort.
ashley14 6 years, 7 months ago
I don't doubt anything. The missing CDC worker found in the Chattahoochee River yesterday, they have already announced it was a drowning. No one believes that. No one swims in the Chattahoochee. It is nasty and they have found alligators in it. They said, he was dressed like he was out for a jog. It makes no sense. I believe he uncovered something that he wasn't suppose to know. I believe they probably have cures for many diseases, but medicine is such a big business that they won't let go of the money. Greed is ugly.
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