FNM leader Michael Pintard.
THE FNM last night claimed that there has been a “significant number of complaints” over payment delays by the government.
Party leader Michael Pintard issued a statement in which said the Opposition had received complaints from Bahamian vendors and financial institutions about “extreme delays” in payments.
He said: “The issues with timely payments have progressively worsened over the two years of the PLP administration.”
He particularly pinpointed concerns over payments to contractors for the Urban Renewal programme in Grand Bahama, who he said had not been paid for months, “despite completing roof repairs months ago”.
Mr Pintard added: “We understand that the government has been increasingly tardy in remitting the funds deducted from civil servants to the various credit unions, insurance companies and other institutions.
“Even though the funds are deducted from their salaries monthly, an unacceptable number of public servants are now facing late fees and lapsed insurance policies because the government is not sending the monies out of these institutions on time.”
He added: “Some contractors owed by the government indicate that their debts are being settled in small installments due to the scarcity of funds available. Increasingly, businesses only deal with the government if it pays with cash. Far too many family island government departments are allegedly not receiving their allocated funds on time, putting extreme pressure on residents, businesses and those who rely on the public purse.”
Mr Pintard said the party would write to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis with specifics about the allegations.
The FNM leader dubbed the payment issues for the government a “cash crunch”, saying: “It is the view of the Opposition, however, that the New Day government is in a severe cash crunch and cannot meet its routine obligations in a timely matter. The cries and complaints from vendors and institutions are getting worse.”
He added: “It’s time for The Prime Minister to be frank with the Bahamian people regarding the government’s reported financial challenges. Additionally, he must immediately move to eliminate the typical PLP-style extravagant and wasteful spending of Bahamian taxpayer funds. These changes are necessary to regain the country’s financial footing.
“It is distressing that this government has found a way to squander record revenues on lavish travel, extravagant parties and excessive events. In the last month alone, the Prime Minister has been crisscrossing the globe with large entourages, often for ceremonial matters not critical to the execution of his duties.
“We will not tolerate some sad story when this government inevitably engages in tax hikes and draconian spending cuts down the road; tough decisions can and must be made in the public’s interest now.”
Comments
realfreethinker 8 months ago
He is so right about late payments. This is the worse I have seen it in many years, and I have first hand knowledge because I am one of those persons.
ThisIsOurs 8 months ago
This sounds like the same story that was running in 2021 for the Minnis administration. Remember persons calling repeatedly to say the COVID trackers werent paid for months, garbage contractors, landscaping contractors, and those were the ones who spoke publicly.
birdiestrachan 8 months ago
Lavish trips Mr Pintard did you go on a lavish trip? On one of those trips Mr Davis invited PM from Africa he came and brought people with him. It is good to show the face of the Bahamas. You want Mr Davis job so you can go on trips to do What?? Watch out for doc and Maccartney they coming for you.. The visiting PM from Africa said the Bahamas welcomes with a smile
realfreethinker 8 months ago
birdie can you please stay focus and respond to the cash strap accusation?
FreeportFreddy 8 months ago
Of course she can't...and wait until another scandal breaks about her beloved PLP....she will scream/rage against the Port Authority!!! It's like a script ... a pathetic script.
JackArawak 8 months ago
And this is why your BEC bills are so high. Lol. Pay attention folks.
JokeyJack 8 months ago
Don't you worry Mr. Pintard. Bahamians follow a pattern of PLP FNM PLP FNM PLP ...
The PLP is in now, so you are next. That's just how it works. You can go in your basement for now, just like Biden did. Young Bahamians vote for who their parents and grandparents voted for - that's just a rule.
sheeprunner12 8 months ago
When any developing country's Govt finds itself paying out 20%+ of its national budget to cover INTEREST payments on its national debt ................ Nassau, we have a problem.
It will follow then, that the rest of the 20+ Cabinet Ministries will suffer, especially if the largest ratio of any Ministry goes to pay salaries for civil servants ........... Nassau, we have a problem.
And, if the Government has an escalating Social Security (NIB) bill and retirees pension bill that goes unfunded/unseen in the Budget and threatens to collapse within the next decade ............ Nassau, we have a problem.
Yet ............. our politicians are laughing and bamming on the tables gleefully
birdiestrachan 8 months ago
Mr Pintard does not know what he is talking He is just making noise
Maximilianotto 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Default approaching. So they’ll print couple hundred millions of B$ and announcements will follow afterwards. Will be interesting to see how much stretch still possible. International lenders watch and won’t lend a penny. Saudis with strings attached - building some mosques? Our Lucaya has much free land‼️Or Exuma becoming Saudi province?
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