The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER his return to the country following a trip to Texas this week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the government has “no problem” releasing a report to the public on the travels of his Cabinet.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest later told The Tribune that once all such information has been compiled, he is “sure” a report will be released.

The Minnis administration promised to be transparent about the travel activities of government officials.

However, while information of Dr Minnis’ travels outside the country is usually disclosed to the public beforehand, the same cannot be said for all Cabinet ministers.

In addition, the government has yet to give details of the travel expenses of any trip since the Free National Movement (FNM) was elected to govern. In opposition, the party frequently criticised the Progressive Liberal Party’s travels as a symbol of waste. 

Dr Minnis’ statements yesterday came after he touted his Texas trip as a success. However, the only commitment that appeared to be secured is that of some business people pledging to visit Grand Bahama, based on Dr Minnis‘ remarks.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited Dr Minnis to his state in December and the pair met this week to discuss business and education opportunities that could benefit the two parties, Dr Minnis said. Dr Minnis said he also met with senior executives of Google, Silicon Laboratories, and Dell. He also met with as many as 300 Bahamian students, he said, as well as mega-church pastor Joel Osteen. 

Asked about the transparency of his travel activities and expenses, Dr Minnis said: “We are very transparent. You were able to see me leave the plane by what’s happening (with streaming devices), you were able to see me go into those meetings, you knew exactly what was discussed, you knew when I went to Governor Abbot; the only part you maybe did not probably know of is the visit to the port. I did not visit their port, Minister (of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi) Thompson led that delegation visiting the port there and they built a very great relationship. So we have been very transparent. The world is watching me now. So we don’t hide anything. I don’t know how more transparent you can be. We are being streamed.”

He was referring to live steams of his whereabouts and activities on Facebook. 

Asked about the expenses of his trips, he said: “There is a difference between spending and no results, and spending and results – which would you prefer? Every penny we spend we will account. I have a minister of finance who don’t allow us to spend a penny unless (it) produces results.”

Asked about transparency of his Cabinet overall when it comes to travels, he said: “If you want the Cabinet to report on the ministers’ travel that’s not a problem, but what I can say is all of their travels are within budget.”

Asked if he is confident his trip to Texas will spur business opportunities in the country, he said he is only concerned about thinking positively.

“As a doctor I’m very results oriented,” he said. “We deliver. As for how confident am I, I met with Joel Osteen and while I watch him every Sunday sitting in my living room because he’s so motivational, he’s inspiring, he’s so positive, he (teaches) you to think positively, not negatively. I think like that so, yes, I am positive. I don’t allow the negative factors to interfere, you must remain focus; and if you remain focused and think positive, and yes you can do it.”