By DANA SMITH
Tribune Staff Reporter
dsmith@tribunemedia.net
ACCUSING the government of engaging in a “rental spree,” Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis demanded to know why the government’s budget for rental accommodations has increased by more than $10 million in their proposed 2013/2014 budget.
Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday afternoon, Dr Minnis asked the government to give an account of all the properties being rented.
“This budget indicates that the government has entered upon a new rental spree,” he said. “I ask that the Government provide a list of all government accommodations so that we may understand why the government’s allocation for rental accommodation has increased.”
Yamacraw MP and Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin then rose and noted “some of the conditions under which our people are working is totally unacceptable.”
“The member’s talking about a rental spree; the member ought to be quite aware – he served in cabinet and in government for the last five year – that there is a critical problem with accommodations for various government offices,” she said.
“And so I cannot understand any member of parliament of any leader of the opposition who would wish for government employees to exist and to work under terrible conditions.”
Continuing, Dr Minnis revealed the government rental accommodation allocation has increased by $10.4 million and said: “I heard the comment by the member for Yamacraw that rental for her agencies have been consolidated and transferred out of the Ministry and Department Heads. Notwithstanding, I want the list, dates and rental payment terms.
“I note, that the amount for payment of rent to NIB has been decreased by $4.5 million, notwithstanding that NIB have completed to state of the art administration complexes that are being rented by the government to house multiple government offices in Central Abaco and in Freeport Grand Bahama.
“Will the Minister of Finance advise whether the government has entered into a contract to rent the new building constructed on JFK Boulevard opposite BTC and if so identify the owner of the building and the cost to be incurred.”
Dr Minnis also noted “a number of questions” have been asked of the government by the opposition regarding budget allocations – including one allocation thought to go towards an official residence for the prime minister.
“A number of questions have been put to the Minister of Finance by my colleagues relating to other policy pronouncements by the government for which no details have yet been produced,” Dr Minnis said. “I repeat these questions to drive home the importance which we in the opposition attach to these matters.
“Is the $5 million increased allocation in the budget to purchase or acquire an official residence for the Prime Minister or for some other purpose?
“The $15 million provided in the Ministry of Finance budget to facilitate the implementation of the priorities of the Charter for Governance has disappeared from the budget this year. Her Majesty’s loyal opposition requires a detailed accounting for this expenditure. We have heard harrowing stories about how work was assigned, scoped, contracted, executed, performed and valued.”
Comments
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
How do you put an end to the stealing? We can jump up and down as we like about the overinflated prices but they keep doing it, they are in for 4yrs and they will most likely continue. How do you put a stop to it?
aloethree 10 years, 10 months ago
First thing i saw in the article which does not make no sense workers in poor conditions, give other Bahamian contractors in a fair non cronie bid the opportunity to complete the Jobs on the buildings 10 million that 10 million can go a long way in the economy instead of paying annual rent, to make the owners rich,
The money can help people open other business's in those vacant spaces the government should not be paying rent.
How is that real estate owner going to help the economy he may not manage it well, the real estate market is saturated in Nassau with so much new construction ask the people at Balmoral they have not seen sales as expected. ensure that the money stays in the economy by doing renovations to the buildings and investing in real Bahamians like you said.
aloethree 10 years, 10 months ago
Prime Minister in not the head of state the Governor General has a great pink residence on top of the Hill, nothing personal against the prime minister I just dont think we should put him inn a house.
B_I_D___ 10 years, 10 months ago
Mine I gat me one vacant building...I could use the rent money!! Hey...I voted PLP...gimme some a dat!! NOT!!
GQ 10 years, 10 months ago
Add to this why are we renting the old post office location in Marsh Harbour while the new post office in the administation building is vacant?
scarletplum 10 years, 10 months ago
I agree with the Minister on this one. TRANSPARENCY is required in this instance. What locations are being rented- for what purpose and on what terms? And who owns the properties the government is renting from? This should be public information and an addendum to the national budget. This is a serious matter and is something a journalist should follow until the answers have been provided. Sadly all we seem to have in the Bahamas are reporters. I suspect this the the last time we will hear about this.
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