The Tribune

THE Public Accounts Committee has questioned representatives of two companies as it presses ahead with an investigation into more than $663,000 in no-bid building material voucher contracts awarded by the Davis administration shortly before the May 12 general election.

Representatives of Premier Importers and Contractors’ Direct, which operates several entities including Do it Centre in Grand Bahama, have appeared before the committee as it examines how the vouchers were procured, distributed and financed.

According to the April 2026 public procurement report, the two contracts were worth a combined $663,436.99 and were awarded without competitive bidding.

The Free National Movement said in a statement yesterday that the committee met again as part of its continuing review of the administration’s role in financing what the party described as an “eye-popping number” of pre-election vouchers.

Contractors’ Direct has already submitted much of the documentation requested by the committee, while Premier Importers has been asked to provide outstanding documents needed for the review.

The PAC has also received evidence from John Nixon, the government consultant responsible for procuring the vouchers.

The FNM said details of Mr Nixon’s evidence could not be publicly disclosed at this stage.

The committee is expected to recall Chief Procurement Officer Carl Oliver for further questioning. Financial Secretary Simon Wilson is also scheduled to appear, along with another senior government official who received vouchers.

The investigation is expected to examine whether proper procurement procedures were followed in the awarding of the contracts and how the vouchers were ultimately distributed and financed.

The FNM said the committee remained grateful for the cooperation of witnesses who have appeared and supplied information as it works through the evidence.

It said the PAC ultimately intends to produce a comprehensive report for the public.

The committee comprises Marco City MP Michael Pintard, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, Killarney MP Michela Barnett-Ellis, Nassau Village MP Jamal Strachan and West Grand Bahama MP Kingsley Smith.