Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Office of the Prime Minister defended government’s purchase of a $192,000 BMW for the prime minister after people debated the appropriateness of buying the luxury car when many struggle with the cost of living.
Documents about the transaction leaked on social media on Tuesday, sparking heated commentary.
The OPM said in a statement yesterday that the BMW replaces a $300,000 Mercedes acquired under the Ingraham administration in 2011 that four prime ministers used.
“For the first time, an electric vehicle was chosen for the Office of the Prime Minister, reflecting broader government policy to transition government vehicles to electric ones, which are cleaner and offer cost-savings over time,” the OPM said.
“This vehicle is currently being customised to meet the stringent security and functional requirements necessary for transporting a prime minister. Additionally, a Lexus is currently being repaired and is thus not in use. To ensure no interruption in the prime minister’s official duties, a BMW has been temporarily loaned to the Office.”
The OPM said once repaired, the Lexus and the new vehicle will be the two vehicles in rotation.
Asked about the appropriateness of buying the luxury car, acting Press Secretary Keishla Adderley told reporters: “I think a person can appreciate it. The Office of the Prime Minister needs a vehicle for the rigorous schedule that the prime minister has to deal with on a daily basis and I obviously share the comparisons of vehicles that were purchased for the office as well.”
She said the new car is expected to last at least ten years.
Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard claimed yesterday that the BMW is the second car the government has bought under Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, amounting to more than $350,000 spent over two years.
OPM officials, however, clarified that one of the cars to which Mr Pintard referred was loaned to the OPM until the new BMW arrives.
Mr Pintard also said: “Is this a car that gives you information on how to grow and develop the economy? Is this a car that helps people with rental assistance and food assistance that people need?”
Controversy over car purchases for members of the executive is not new.
There was uproar in 2012 when people learned that nearly $750,000 worth of new vehicles were bought for Cabinet ministers.
Then Progressive Liberal Party chairman Bradley Roberts said the purchase order for the cars was made two months before the PLP was elected and had nothing to do with the new Cabinet.
“Let me also say that maybe there may be a justification for ordering these cars, because it has been brought to my attention that these ministers’ cars have apparently been run like they were running BEC’s generators,” he said.
“They ran them without any maintenance until they stopped running.”
When the government bought a new Lexus for the prime minister in 2017, that too prompted some criticism.
Comments
hrysippus 9 months, 1 week ago
Apart from the questionable weather and having Putin as a neighbor, Sweden is a great country. Most everyone gets on well together and the citizens receive all needed education and health care, paid for by the high rate of income tax. The political leaders are confident of their own abilities and do not have an inferiority complex. Thus on trips out of the country all the cabinet ministers travel, not in first class, but in regular economy class like you or I would do. To get to parliament members and minister use public transport, just like regular people. The world can learn from Sweden's example.
bahamianson 9 months, 1 week ago
Why compete with other countries that rake in billions and can afford such luxury? Typical black man. Stop competing with the jones' , do what you can afford. Just because the fnm made a blunder, you have to make one.
AnObserver 9 months, 1 week ago
I have no words.
Ok, maybe I do. Greed. Gluttony. Hedonism. Theft. Entitlement. Corruption.
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
Hubris
themessenger 9 months, 1 week ago
And yet, according to Ortland Bodie Davis’s most ardent arse wipe, the Prime Minister is well suited for his finance role. You just can’t make this stuff up.
DWW 9 months ago
the bodie that got disbarded that bodie?
newcitizen 9 months, 1 week ago
"This vehicle is currently being customised to meet the stringent security and functional requirements necessary for transporting a prime minister."
What are they talking about? What stringent security and functional requirement? Security from what? Yet, no problem driving around in a different BMW for the time being that has none of these stringent security upgrades.
This country is a joke. It's not a real country, Brave is just playing dress up and we are paying the bill.
JohnDoes 9 months, 1 week ago
Dont worry they sent it over to 'Q' in MI6 to attach useless rockets, smoke and oil disperal machines for quick and efficient get away from the Chic-charney.
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
ROTFL.
John 9 months, 1 week ago
How can the vehicle ‘just being customized? And they took possession of it since November?’
rosiepi 9 months, 1 week ago
Extra shocks comes to mind…to meet the umm..weighty occupants.
Porcupine 9 months, 1 week ago
Lack of humility. To drive around in a luxury car while the country you are in charge of doesn't have reliable electricity, water, internet and phone service. Pretending we are a 1st world country while all reasonable metrics suggest a banana republic. If we needed proof that our leaders are out of touch with the people, is there a better example than this?
The_Oracle 9 months, 1 week ago
Leadership needs a serious upgrade, not vehicles.
TalRussell 9 months, 1 week ago
[Foot walking presents a security risk]. --- Conclusion: --- A new [replacement] BMW] ride for the premiership is plenty decent. --- Yes?
jamesg30 9 months, 1 week ago
Brave has been to Dubai a few too many times. (on our dime) He has a false sense of reality in comparison to how his people and this country is doing.
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
I do believe you're correct in "false sense of reality"
JohnDoes 9 months, 1 week ago
You buy a BMW? The most sensitive car in the world with the most maintenance and mechanical issues? Everyone I know who bought a BMW was hardly seen driving it because it was always in for repair or maintenance. You easily could have bought a nice durable vehicle. BMW is all for looks with no longevity. Most if not all mechanics in the Bahamas dont even have the special tools or diagnostic machines to properly maintain the vehicles. I wont even talk about maintenance and repair costs that will also skyrocket to the price of the car in next 5 years.
DWW 9 months ago
true and makes the mercedes look like a sound investment by Papa
birdiestrachan 9 months, 1 week ago
The government knew that the devil and all hell would broke loose if a car was bought but any car over 10 years is considered a old car a private car may not have many miles But still considered old, , the Pm should have a good car what did Pintard want the government to buy, what kind of car and what should be the cost
John 9 months, 1 week ago
Whenever something becomes controversial or questionable under this present government, Brave Davis will throw whom ever under the bud ( or BMW) to ensure he lands on his feet and his hands are squeaky clean. BPL, NI, BPL again and now BMW and to all Davis say ‘It wasn’t me!’
TalRussell 9 months, 1 week ago
We're all living under a heightened risk of crime alert! --- For security reasons, the premier is not allowed to drive them self, but are chauffeured. ... Means, it is not left to the Premier to decide when the official motor car will be replaced, nor which, make. model or price of vehicle will be purchased. --- Yes?
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
I can see a scenario where this purchase was not his decision, but if you're around your leader long enough, you'll know exactly what they'll support, and his followers clearly thought he'd have no issue spending wildly. There are plenty nice cars out there under 100k. The PM license plate, armour plating. Bullet proof glass, sirens etc can be added to any of them
John 9 months ago
Ok dummy the average Bahamian purchases a vehicle ( Japanese) for under $8,,000 and the better off Bahamians try to spend less than $49,000 yes? BUT they expect to get 3-6 years use out of those vehicles, yes or no? So are you saying that is the OPM is spending up to 25 times what some Bahamians spend on their vehicles, plus have a dedicated driver, plus have the resources to service the vehicle , and said vehicles can’t last the duration of the PM’s term of five years? If the car ain’t worthy of five years, then neither is the PM… and maybe that’s why the sop, sip is ‘early election, snap election, election middle of 2025! PLP losing popularity and support. Call the election early and lose 1 and a half years on this term but win another five years.
birdiestrachan 9 months, 1 week ago
It is electric it will save gas that is very good
birdiestrachan 9 months, 1 week ago
Another point older cars can not buy comprehensive insurance they can only buy third party of course poor Pintard would not know that
TalRussell 9 months, 1 week ago
Comrade Birdie, "you educated me" on --- Older cars can not buy comprehensive insurance. --- If accurate, why is this so and is there a cut-off Model Year --- Yes?
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
Birdie is a dummy. Its not the age of the car, it's the value. As the car ages it "generally" loses value. Theres no point adding comprehensive to a 20 year old March valued at 500 dollars. But if you have an as antique car or even a luxury car valued at say 100k+, they'll insure that for a nice premium
AnObserver 9 months, 1 week ago
I own multiple cars over ten years old, all with comprehensive. Not that it matters in this case.
avidreader 9 months, 1 week ago
Always fun when someone else is paying the bills. BMW is known for very high maintenance costs. Also, electric vehicles are not going to replace internal combustion engines anytime soon. Additionally, with reference to the first comment on this topic at the top of this column, the fact is that Sweden has some serious social issues resulting from the influx of immigrants from different cultures. So much so that the present government is moving toward restricting the inward flow that has resulted in a very high crime rate. The Irish Republic is experiencing difficulties in this area as well. Their First Minister (Prime Minister?) resigned a few days ago after two proposed constitutional amendments were rejected by the populace.
hrysippus 9 months, 1 week ago
Hi avidspreader,: You have posted that Sweden has a high crime rate, yes? Sweden murder rate per 100,00 population )(2022) is reported as 1. The Bahamas murder rate per 100,000 population (2022) about 32. I cannot remember the exact figure. Would you like to defend or repeat you assertion about Sweden's high rate of crime? No? I thought not.
Emac 9 months, 1 week ago
SMT...typical black leader. The PLP campaigned against the United Bahamian Party, labelling it a political entity that didn't have the average black Bahamians interest at heart, but turns around and does worst by stealing and raising taxes left right and center to support their bad habits.
avidreader 9 months, 1 week ago
Always fun when someone else is paying the bills. BMW is known for very high maintenance costs. Also, electric vehicles are not going to replace internal combustion engines anytime soon. Additionally, with reference to the first comment on this topic at the top of this column, the fact is that Sweden has some serious social issues resulting from the influx of immigrants from different cultures. So much so that the present government is moving toward restricting the inward flow that has resulted in a very high crime rate. The Irish Republic is experiencing difficulties in this area as well. Their First Minister (Prime Minister?) resigned a few days ago after two proposed constitutional amendments were rejected by the populace. Also, I am unsure as to how Sweden became entangled in this thread since BMW is a German product with facilities in Munich far to the south of the country.
empathy 9 months, 1 week ago
Defending the indefensible 🤨
TalRussell 9 months, 1 week ago
Whilst it'll make for a great tourist photo op opportunity. --- African leaders** will shun islander premiers' --- Can be spotted cruising about the islands in donkey-powered carts. --- 'You can't make this stuff up, now, could you'. ---Yes?
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
Repost:
The problem is context. Are they still going forward with a new parliament building because they need a comfortable workspace that they're always away from with constant adjounments? Is the elevator cost still at 2.5million dollars for a 3floor building? Anybody explained yet why a trip to Gtand Bahama costs 100,000 dollars. Half a million dollars to take who knows what to Botswana for nothingness. A trip to see the pope. A 25million dollar contract to JDL AND an increase of air freight fees. For what? Are they still shaking down the kiddie carnival operator? 200,000 for a luxury car? I see plenty beautiful electric cars on the road and they dont cost 200,000 dollars. Prince William and Kate drove a 60,000-80,000 electric SUV when they visited. What most people miss is the appeal of the royal vehicle isnt the price tag, its the exclusive license plate. Any car can be turned into a secure vehicle and most modern cars have sophisticated technology built in. but this seems to be a thorn of most black leaders, only the most expensive for me!
That's the problem. Their seeming willingness and glee to heap more and more fees/taxes whatever they call it on Bahamians while they pamper themselves using the money theyve beat and flogged out of our hands
I for one am not super happy and impressed to see my leader showered in wealth and showing off to other leaders. I'm more impressed by their demonstration of their ability to think strategize lead and be financially and ethically responsible. Take your helicopter landing at the stadium somewhere else to impress someone
The beginning of the problem is when leaders forget that they serve
ThisIsOurs 9 months, 1 week ago
Suffice it to say they need a new policy for the purchase of cars for senior officials. There is no need for the purchase of a car over 100k for the PM. Not in 2024.
pt_90 9 months, 1 week ago
According to this article www.tribune242.com/news/2012/sep/26/wil… from 2012 the Benz cost $185,000. Unless he saying it cost another 115,000 to retrofit it.
DWW 9 months ago
This all sounds like something that is very commonplace in Haiti. Are we in Haiti? is Davis of Haitian descent? did i miss something? Oh, wait nevermind.
John 9 months ago
The OPM ‘ s office is telling another lie when they telling the Bahamian people that this BMW car was in storage since November of last year. This car has been spotted on the streets on numerous occasions and even in the vicinity of tge PM’s residence
ExposedU2C 8 months, 1 week ago
Only this fat-headed corrupt bozo would try to defend the very undefendable and indefensible.
TalRussell 1 month, 2 weeks ago
That's right, not only doesn't
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