Brent Symonette, Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration. Photo: Terrel W, Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FOUR Free National Movement backbenchers blasted their party’s decision to enter into a lease agreement for the Town Centre Mall, partly owned by a Cabinet minister, insisting the move contravenes good governance principles and violated the trust of the Bahamian people.
One of the rebel MPs, Golden Isles representative Vaughn Miller, said the move “reeks” of “corruption” and went against the Free National Movement’s stance against such acts.
The backbenchers, Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, Centreville MP Reece Chipman, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson, and Mr Miller, announced their opposition to the move during debate in the House of Assembly on a resolution that would allow the lease to proceed.
However, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hit out at PLP plans for the post office, saying they were “less cost effective, were not transparent and were shot through with all kinds of dubious questions”.
The Town Centre Mall is partly owned by Immigration and Financial Services Minister Brett Symonette. The lease arrangement would allow the government to relocate the General Post Office which has been plagued by mould, air-conditioning and other issues at its current location over the years, severely reducing its functionality. Critics insist it is inappropriate for the government to enter business with a sitting Cabinet minister.
The dissenting FNM MPs are no strangers to bucking the party line and their decision to join the Progressive Liberal Party against the resolution seemed certain to further put their future in the FNM in doubt.
During a fiery contribution, Mr Miller insisted Mr Symonette will become deeply conflicted because of the deal.
“There is no shame in this shameful act,” Mr Miller said. “We in the FNM seem to be saying corruption is wrong in public office only when the PLP is doing it. Corruption is corruption regardless of who is doing it. This resolution is offensive because it reeks of a corrupt foolish act that supports the wicked transfer of money out of the people’s treasury into a pocket of a Cabinet minister boldly and brazenly.”
He added: “We cannot sit here and say we are opposed to corruption and yet we are planning to support this resolution which is a continuation, a perpetuation of an age-old, well-greased corrupt practice. If we in the FNM are against corruption, then we must be against it in every shape, in every form, in every apparition, in every manifestation, everywhere and every time. This resolution is peculiar in that a Cabinet minister, not a backbencher is involved. Following the execution of the lease (he) will be called upon to make joint decisions as to appropriate funds to be paid for the complex as well as public funds for the refurbishment of the old office.
“Clearly the minister will be in a constant state of conflict of interest. Once this resolution would’ve passed and the lease is executed, the minister would no longer be just a minister in Cabinet but a silent and powerful negotiator for his company every time matters related to the post office building comes up,” Mr Miller said.
He also said: “By tradition, he will be expected to excuse himself from these specific decision-making processes and sessions. Then he will be rendered useless as a minister as far as all matters relating to the post office is concerned and the treasury will be paying him a portion of a salary for nothing. In other words, we cannot have ministers so conflicted that they cannot attend a Cabinet meeting because matters they are involved in are being discussed. A Cabinet minister whose tenant is the government will be privy to information that other landlords would not have. We would be fooling ourselves to believe that one man could serve two masters. This resolution is unbelievably offensive because it seeks to perpetuate a vile corrupt practice. It is too brazen.”
While voicing his opposition, Mr Chipman called on Bahamians to send a message in the next general election.
“Let them know, it will be a brand new you in 2022,” he said. “I want us to rebrand on an individual level. Rebrand from victim to victor, rebrand from consumers to owners…In 2022, Bahamians let’s make it all about you.”
Proponents of the deal emphasise that its terms, a rental of $12 per sq ft, is well below what the government would ordinarily pay in such leasing arrangements. The rationale didn’t stop Mr Chipman from declaring the resolution a “dereliction of duty of trust to the Bahamian people” and a “dereliction of a duty of ‘no conflict’ in fact and in appearance.” He said he consulted more than 600 Centreville residents, 82 percent of whom did not support the lease.
Mr McAlpine similarly warned that Bahamians saw the Minnis administration’s actions as hypocritical given its anti-corruption pledges.
“The optics on this resolution doesn’t look good,” he said. “The appearance of conflict is what we as a government should be circumventing at this time. Despite the generosity or concessionary rate, the reality is that in Bahamian politics if the part owner or full owner was giving it to us for free, the government should refuse because of the Cabinet position that he or she may hold.”
Attacking the government more broadly, he said the administration has not done one thing that has affected people in a good way.
Mr McAlpine said: “Some may believe that I am, but I’m not anti-government. I want the government, that I’m a part of, to do well. I would love to shout from the mountain top look what we’ve done! Look what we have achieved for the people.
“We’ve not done one singular thing that has affected the masses of the people in this country in a positive way.”
For his part, Mr Robinson questioned whether the government commissioned a report that examined the market for a post office and whether, in a changing world, a large space would be required to house one.
“Such a research or report can help us to further determine whether or not a building or square footage space of the size being requested is even relevant for our local post office,” he said. He called on the government to pursue a public private partnership arrangement that would let the private sector manage the postal industry.
Earlier this year, the four FNM backbenchers, along with members of the Official Opposition, voted against the government’s increase of value added tax.
Comments
Sickened 6 years, 1 month ago
In five years that mall is going to look exactly how it looks now and exactly how the current post office looks now. I thank the good Lord that I never have to go to the post office. Any package that may come in for me can stay right there.
DDK 6 years, 1 month ago
It IS a conflict of interest and no amount of posturing will make it otherwise.
Socrates 6 years, 1 month ago
Minnis and FNM have a problem with these four closet PLPs.... he better deal with it because a house divided against itself cannot stand. if this group are so fundamentally opposed to their party, they should cross the floor or become independents but whatever the choice, stop masquerading like FNMs.. The nature of party politics is you support your party and workout conflicts internally..
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 1 month ago
It's sad that you would word your response in such a manner.
Minnis is the problem - not these four MP's that actually have integrity.
tetelestai 6 years, 1 month ago
Socrates, do not be petulant. You can disagree with your party's stance, internally and externally, on certain issues without resorting to nonsense such as "crossing the floor". Vaughn Miller was quite accurate, the FNM campaigned, and ultimately won, on the grounds that Perry was corrupt and that they (FNM) represented a new time, "a people's time", if I may. What is happening now is the antithesis of the campaign promise. It is quite fair of the 4 MPs to point out this dichotomy. Let's try and have mature discussions...
DonAnthony 6 years, 1 month ago
Well said. We have an endemic problem in this country of partisans (of either party) all too willing to put party before country, self interest before that of the common good. It is at the root of almost all our problems.
OriginalBey 6 years, 1 month ago
Socrates is correct. I fear many of us do not understand the Westminister system and confuse it with other democracies across the world. This is not the U.S. I am not suggesting this transaction does not result in a conflict of interest. I am merely speaking to the statements made by the 4 ministers in the HOA. If they find themselves fundamentally misaligned with their party's direction, the honorable, right and proper thing to do is what others like Wells and Dupuch have done and leave the party.
tell_it_like_it_is 6 years, 1 month ago
Preventing persons from speaking their conscience is not a sign of democracy but AUTOCRACY. We do not need a dictatorship in The Bahamas!
OriginalBey 6 years, 1 month ago
Again, you have flown over the point. They can speak their minds. Decisions are made by consensus and majority rules. The majority supports this decision and all those who disagreed should fall in line. If at every turn they find themselves at odds why stay in the party? I am not debating the validity of their arguments. I am questioning the integrity of their decision to remain in the party who in their words is so flawed.
hrysippus 6 years, 1 month ago
Originalsinboy, don't waste your time responding to these PLP trolls. Your points are well made and totally reasonable but the people posting challenges to what you have suggested are neither unbiased or reasonable. If these two elected members have such a problem with what their party has done then sesign from that party, simple. Wallace Whitfield did it, AD did it, Ingraham did it.
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 1 month ago
Lol hippo - whatever parts of your brain actually do work must tell you that something has to be wrong if you see anyone that opposes your red view is a PLP troll.
we should refer to you as the fnm-hippo-idiot
Some people are actually country first.
It's just sad that Hubert Minnis and his gang sold themselves to the wider majority as being those people.
We were duped.
John 6 years, 1 month ago
It may be history repeating itself. remember Hubert Ingraham was part of those who got kicked out of the PLP. And there were several others who were considered 'rebel rousers' in various parties who left their party to gain even higher posts.
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 1 month ago
These four MP's seem to be the only ones with integrity.
As another member of the house alluded - even if there is no challenge in terms of this being illegal - how is it morally okay to deny Mr. Moxey an opportunity to have his proposal considered on the grounds of conflict of the perception of conflict but the same does not apply to the Prime Minister... I'm sorry Brent Symonette, who is actually the real Prime Minister of this administration.
hrysippus 6 years, 1 month ago
Hey BananasForBahamians, I think that these MPs have the same degree of integrity as you do. They should simply resign from they have said it so bad a political party. Maybe the other party would welcome them into their ranks, more competition for leader might be healthy.
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 1 month ago
Hi hippo
The only resignation the Bahamian people want to see now is Hubert idiot Minnis
DonAnthony 6 years, 1 month ago
Shame on the FNM. This is a blatant conflict of interest, plain and simple and no spin can change that truth. How greedy is Mr. Symonette? Apparently very greedy and more concerned with graft than his reputation. Very sad, expected better of him and the FNM leadership. It seems we have replaced a greedy corrupt government with one just a bit better but greedy and corrupt nonetheless.
Socrates 6 years, 1 month ago
in a country this size, its almost impossible to avoid doing business with someone who is a friend, family, party member, church or lodge brother, constituent etc. no matter where the PO finds itself eventually, there will be an issue i'm sure..
gbgal 6 years, 1 month ago
Exactly! The main difference is that the information is presented in the sunshine and with the facts. Nothing was done underhandedly. Symonette is a wealthy businessman and has many interests as would other persons in the same position. He must have prepared himself for the criticism so let the negatives have their say. No problem with that. The venue seems to have what is needed including a satisfactory working environment. Get on with the move and let the postal workers dazzle us with superior customer service! Best wishes to all.
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 1 month ago
There's one thing you're correct about - He must have prepared himself.
full stop..
I hope Hubert is prepared to lose a general election to further enrich Brent Symonette
TheMadHatter 6 years, 1 month ago
This is exactly why the Speaker said what he said about a month ago. Not enough back benchers to make a difference. The others have to tow the line or lose their nice Cabinet extra pay.
We need 100 MPs to spread the responsibility and lessen the secrecy. Also so that citizens can meet with their MPs.
Just shut the Post Office down and tell the world we are too stupid to operate one. All our money and land goes to Haitians.
TalRussell 6 years, 1 month ago
In less the time it took Comrade red shirts MP's Vaughn, Reece Travis and Frederick McAlpine and Frederick to talk their talk, they could've demonstrated some real balls have packed their stuff for short walk their talk across the House floor sit opposite in opposition to policies Minnis and remaining 29 sitting blindfolded red MP's and Speaker...... but wouldn't that have required the giving up any and all extra cars, fringe benefits and paycheques from PeoplesPublicPurse... Instead, are the four red MP's still going accept PM's next travel on PeoplesPublicPurse trip abroad - when bribed? There is no other person to blame than themselves for not crossing the House floor. Where's the Cecil in any the four red MP's?
licks2 6 years, 1 month ago
Here we go again. . .the yard chicken gang. . .NOT ONE GRAIN OF BALANCED REASONING AMONG YALL!! I made up my mind that I will not ehgaged in stupid conversation with yall political pygmies again!! I will go and kick rocks and watch paint dry until yinna spit all over each other and let yinna lil political chirrins dem play in the mud!!
TigerB 6 years, 1 month ago
I smile as I watch the end of this debate in the HOA. McAlpine beat his hand on the table when the resolution was passed along with the government ministers who voted yes...that really confuse me. I guess he is glad there will be a new post office for the suffering staff, but he wasn't prepared to support it. For those who grumble here you all will still get ya post office... so all ,. "you have to do now is say, " hey...i don't want this cause post office cause Brent Symonette has 1 share in this building, its conflict...and let ya mail go someplace else.
BahamaPundit 6 years, 1 month ago
Political parties need to stop seeing the Bahamas public Treasury as the spoils of war from their tribal election battle!!! The Government does not owe you a dime @#$##$!!! You were elected to serve. That's it. Period. Not to get rich. Not to be tribal chiefs. Not to win the lottery and enjoy the spoils of war. Get it through your thick, nappy heads already!!!
BahamaPundit 6 years, 1 month ago
Re TigerB Symonette owns like 80% of the Town Center Mall and is the majority shareholder. Get your facts straight.
TalRussell 6 years, 1 month ago
In my years observing politicians I don't believe I've ever before seen three politicians more in need trunk sise luggage's to carry the negative stacks baggage they've collected - just since 10 May, 2017 - than 'broken promises and steeped in brought upon their party negative
controversy' Imperial red shirts Minnis, KP and Brent. God save we Queen and the Peoples Her Excellency Marguerite.
TigerB 6 years, 1 month ago
Whatever shares he has, I don't think the post office staff really care, they deserve something better than where they are now, thanks for straightening my facts out. I know for sure if they get the voters upset they will do their 5 years like everyone else, the voters are more powerful than any MP, time will tell.
IAmOne 6 years, 1 month ago
TigerB You need to learn English or Math or both. 1 share? No wonder ‘we the people’ are in this state. He, his wife, brother, children and the rest of his family are the majority shareholders with ownership approaching 98% or so. Read Bahamas.
TalRussell 6 years, 1 month ago
Ma Comrade I amOne, I agree at minimum to post on here- should require at minimum passing grade high school English.
BahamaPundit 6 years, 1 month ago
Symonette is rubbing his hands together with glee at this deal passing. That should never be the end result of a Government decision for the Bahamaian people. Decisions like this have a domino effect. Now all the Cabinet members will want their cut of the pie, because Symonette got his. Corruptions breeds corruption!
BahamaPundit 6 years, 1 month ago
Re IAMOne Agreed. It is fake news when the news states that Symonette is only a part owner of TCM. For all intents and purposes, he is the defacto owner of the property. He owns 80 - 90% or more. His family owns the rest -- he owns the dang thing already.
sheeprunner12 6 years, 1 month ago
Sooooooooooooo frigging what???????? ............. We have NO General Post Office now ............ The PLP already gave away $3 million to Godet for nothing .......... This is a bargain rent deal .......... TCM taking up the bill to renovate for the GPO ......... The GPO will be up and running for Christmas ........... What more yall dumb-ass, cheap, black Bahamians want????????
CatIslandBoy 6 years, 1 month ago
As a staunch FNM supporter, who usually find myself at odds with McAlpine and his views, I must this time around agree with the Dissident Four. A Cabinet Minister should not be entering into a lease agreement with the government in which he serves. I understand that there is an immediate need for a new post office venue, but I'm sure that Brent's Mall is not the only suitable property available. I also understand that Brent owns many buildings and companies, and can probably offer the government great bargain, and if there comes a time when this is so, then he must resign from his Cabinet position. Plain and simple!
BahamaPundit 6 years, 1 month ago
Re CatIslandBoy The problem is not the entering in the lease. I have no problem with that. The problem is entering a lease when there are two much more viable, logical options on the table. It is the illogical choice of TCM that makes it a conflict. How is it illogical you ask? The first and foremost reason is the Government doesn't own the TCM, but it owns (or will lease to own) the other two. Pouring millions into a building you don't own is clearly illogical. If you can't see that, I'm afraid we can't have a discussion. Now, if the Government were purchasing the TCM or leasing it to own it and moving all of its offices there: VAT, Treasury, Registry of Records, Industrial Properties etc. to form a Government hub, that would be logical and completely fine with me.
DDK 6 years, 1 month ago
Agree with the sense of owning your own assets, IF they are insured and maintained, but not about rewarding own of your own, unless all options are offered up to tender, so to speak, with all offers and pertinent details clearly in the open.
Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 1 month ago
LMAO at the shameful bias of The Tribune in using the word "partly"when it was disclosed on the floor of the HOA, by a smiling Brent Symonette, that he and his brother Craig are the majority owners of TCM.
There was a time when the greedy Symonette family might have walked away from participating in a deal like this one involving such a bold and brazen display of most serious conflict of interest. But dimwitted Minnis wanted to send a message to his entire cabinet that he is entirely okay with such deals and, having recently exalted Brent's father (Pop Symonette) as a national hero, how could the greedy Brent possibly say no deal to the PM.
Let's not forget that when dimwitted Minnis was destined to be minister of health in the last Ingraham administration, he feathered his nest by arranging for a company he owned to lease a building to the PHA that put more than $7,000 a month in the dimwitted doc's pockets. Laughably, dimwitted Minnis declared there was no conflict of interest because it was his company as opposed to him that leased the building to the PHA. You just can't make this stuff up! LMAO.
Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 1 month ago
Wait until the Bahamian public finds out that the space to be leased for the GPO has been sitting vacant for years, mainly because the TCM property is in such a run down state. The rent of $12 per square foot is but the tip of the iceberg because added to this base rent will be an allocation (also on a per square foot basis) of the outrageously high ongoing maintenance costs for this very aged building. You can be rest assured the Symonette family is not going to spend much money (if any) fixing up the property for the GPO when they know they can get away with passing huge ongoing maintenance costs on to the backs of Bahamian taxpayers. And if Minnis is willing to so lavishly butter Brent's already very large and handsomely buttered loaf of bread in this way, one can only wonder what he must be doing for his other much hungrier cabinet ministers, cronies and friends who are 'breadless' by comparison, not to mention himself. Brent can't help but smile all the way to the bank, especially now that his father was posthumously declared and exalted by Minnis as a National Hero. Still LMAO.
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