Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. Photo: Dante Carrer
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis elaborated on his hopes of turning Grand Bahama into a depository for diamonds from Botswana during the closing press conference of his trip.
He previously said a depository was discussed during the visit as a way to facilitate Botswana's exports to the United States in a collaboration between the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Freeport Container Port.
Mr Davis said the idea is to ensure insurance against the global north's assault on the diamond industry.
“There has to be an alternative," he said. "The Bahamas is very near to the largest consumer market of diamonds in the world, the United States of America."
“For The Bahamas, it will create jobs for my people in Grand Bahama. And, of course, the exchange of upskilling our Bahamian people to appreciate the diamond industry will also be an advantage and a plus for us. We provide this mechanism for Botswana to ensure that they are not held hostage by the global north. I think that will be the advantage for them.”
Mr Davis said Botswana could demand that developed countries meet the African country on its terms.
Botswana’s president, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, also thanked Mr Davis for his efforts to assist the country as it faces challenges.
Botswana is one of the world’s largest sustainable diamond sources and the country’s leading producer by value.
Comments
moncurcool 8 months ago
Why does Botswana need The Bahamas to demand countries meet them on their terms?
How does that happen?
Davis is full on words, and short on explanations.
The_Oracle 8 months ago
Best mind the "North" doesn't "assault" us for being allied with Botswana! Me thinks the P.M. aught to be focussed on our local long standing problems and the numerous new problems the government is creating for locals!
birdiestrachan 8 months ago
If it happens it will be good for GB of course the doom sayers are praying to the devil in hell that it does not materialize if it does they will cry bo bo tears
TalRussell 8 months ago
Is it Diamonds or Grand Bahama Briquettes' that Botswana is after. --- And, you don't want to know --- All has to go in it, to make it. --- You can't make this stuff up, now, could you'.--- Good Day!
concernedcitizen 8 months ago
Diamonds are smaller to tote in graft than suitcase of cash , The Columbians and Vesco and KC them used Lords Jewelers lo
TalRussell 8 months ago
@ComradeConcerned. --- Wagering a KFC 3 Piece Chicken Meal, if you can answer. --- How,"Lords,"--- Fits into "Lords Jewellers."--- Good Day!
concernedcitizen 8 months ago
Lenny Chapel came there as a Rev or missionary spreading some religious hocus , Married a nice Bahamian lady , a Bethel from Abaco I think , and opened Lords ,,was he always a flim flam man ?? Where is my 3 Piece
ThisIsOurs 8 months ago
"create jobs"
Doing what. Moving boxes around? Please stop the nonsense. These people always selling dreams to poor starving island people. Oil industry, Home porting, space travel (that was a doozie, they surpassed themselves on that one), climate change ambassador
ThisIsOurs 8 months ago
"the idea is to ensure insurance against the global north's assault on the diamond industry."
I guess the "global north" would never be able to figure out that the diamonds really came from Botswana. Because... diamonds are mined in the Bahamas! Great idea Brain. That's right Pinky, we're taking over the world!
Emac 7 months, 4 weeks ago
:-)
Sickened 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Don't mind our PM's blundering talk. He's just reading from a script handed to him in Botswana. I wonder how many diamonds can fit in the palm of the other hand???
DiverBelow 7 months, 4 weeks ago
They can teach us how to cut, polish & smuggle (more). Most people can't tell the difference between raw diamonds & a handfull of quartz pebbles. No developing skill for the mass unemployed here.
Emac 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Yep, say anything to justify wasting the taxpayers money on a vacation to Botswana for you and your colleagues, no matter how stupid it sounds.
TalRussell 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Works well be hiding stuff from the popoulaes' --- When neither the elected, politically appointed nor anointed - Are not required to disclose all --- Gifts or Other [Advantages]. --- Good Day!
rosiepi 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Davis & Co are going bigger and bolder! And with the Bahamas already pegged as a centre for money laundering and financial schemes it would be interesting how Davis thinks he can actually keep his already overloaded boat a-floating!
Botswana is just one of the countries red flagged for allowing the use of dollars and diamonds in money laundering schemes. And the countries that watch these activities are especially interested in those that fund terrorist organizations. https://cenozo.org/botswana-diamonds-an…
killemwitdakno 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I bet if they adhere more to the anti-hunting, they could get a trade-off for more "protection" of their diamond industry. https://apanews.net/botswana-zimbabwe-u…
They can send their excess elephants to GAZA to eat.
ExposedU2C 7 months ago
You can just see the corruption oozing from every pore of Davis's diamond cooing fat body. The diamond trade business is well known for attracting the very kind of money-laundering criminals that corrupt Davis finds most appealing. Our first lady no doubt received a generous size brilliant and glittering 'finger rock' while in Botswana.
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