The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Fred Mitchell has warned that individuals in public life must be accountable for their personal conduct.

He made this statement yesterday as former Clifton Heritage managing director Mario Bannister and two other men were arraigned in magistrate’s court in connection with the murder of Philip Adderley.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed Mr Bannister’s dismissal from Clifton Heritage in a statement on Sunday.

While Mr Mitchell did not mention Mr Bannister directly, he emphasised expected standards of behaviour in a voice note.

“I remember one clear principle of ministerial government, and by extension all of us in public life, including managing directors of corporations, you were responsible for the consequences of your personal conduct. We taught that lesson to all the would be candidates, members, including corporation chairpersons and wannabes just before the 2021 general election,” he said.

“Your personal conduct should not adversely impact the party and when there’s a conflict, you should fall on your sword. We have seen examples of this in the administration twice since the general election and it is an important principle for us to remember this week, the leader should not have to ask anyone what to do.”

In August 2023, North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish was charged with two counts of rape, along with assault and threats of death in magistrate’s court. Shortly before his appearance, it was announced that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis requested and accepted Mr Cornish’s resignation as parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty resigned as executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation after it was revealed that his daughter had been awarded a contract with the company in November 2023.

During cross-examination in the Adrian Gibson corruption trial, Mr Petty confirmed his daughter received the contract. The Tribune understands the contract was awarded to her company, Mainscape Maintenance and Management, which offers landscaping and general maintenance services.

Throughout the cross-examination, Mr Petty did not express concern about the contract award. He stated that he did not oppose nepotism and had no problem with his company entering into contracts with political allies if they were capable.