Investigation into Wells letter row is complete

As of Thursday, August 21, 2014

Deputy Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday that an investigation he ordered into what led Ministry of Works Parliamentary Secretary Renward Wells to sign a multi-million dollar letter of intent with Stellar Waste Management is complete amid concerns that the government has not taken disciplinary action.

Mr Davis said his findings would “in due course” be shared with Prime Minister Perry Christie.

However, it could be weeks before that happens as Mr Davis told The Tribune he was waiting for Parliament’s legislative agenda to be completed before the prime minister is briefed. “The investigation has been done and it is complete,” Mr Davis said.

“I have looked into it and I will be sharing my findings with the prime minister in due course as soon as we would have completed this legislative agenda that we are now into.”

He declined comment on a time line for this.

Parliamentarians are now debating the Value Added Tax Bill and will readdress the Constitutional Amendment Bills on Monday. Afterwards they are expected to delve into gaming legislation.

Nearly two weeks ago, Mr Christie told reporters that he too had ordered a probe into the $650 million letter of intent (LOI) as political pundits speculated that Mr Wells, who has previously said he will not step down because of the controversy on the matter, signed the letter without authorisation.

At the time, Mr Christie said the outcome of his probe would go “to the root” of Mr Wells’ existence as part of the government.

He said he alone would make the final decision on whether the Bamboo Town MP would be made to resign, but said in the meantime it was up to Mr Wells to decide if he wanted to step down if he felt it necessary.

The remarks put Mr Christie in the line of fire from those who said he has not taken the lead with getting to the crux of the matter.

“Mr Wells has the responsibility of determining whether in the meantime, what he has done, whether that is sufficient for him to want to step down,” Mr Christie said in an earlier interview. “I think he has indicated no. But I think the point is you should know that at the end of the day I have the responsibility which I accept of being the final determinant on what happens with respect to this matter. I don’t run away from that obligation. I just want to be able to come to understand all that has taken place in its full meaning and then I will act one way or the other. I have to make the determination. I will make the determination and I will communicate that determination.”

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has called on Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to conduct a full legal analysis of the letter of intent.

bahamalove 9 years, 8 months ago

Pleassseeee! This country will be celebrating its 100th year of independence before we get the findings of this so-called "investigation". And Allyson Maynard-Gibson still owes the Bahamian public a summary of her meetings in Europe related to webshop gaming. In addition, she needs to explain how she was conveniently out of town when the 'honourable' Minister Fitzgerald dismisses a gun charge case against one of her former clients. Corruption at every level of this government everywhere you turn! Smh!!

Honestman 9 years, 8 months ago

The "investigation" was complete a month ago!!!!! Christie and Davis know exactly what went down yet they play this stupid game treating the public like children. This administration (I am loathed to call it an administration because that implies an element of competency) is a disgrace to The Bahamas and the principles of democracy. Why are Bahamians tolerating this sh*t?

ThisIsOurs 9 years, 8 months ago

We aren't. Everybody grumbling..I'm sure I even heard birdie mumble the other day. What hasn't happened yet is a consolidated voicing of displeasure...how to get that to happen...maybe if Rollins and Moss called a rally?

BDN 9 years, 8 months ago

You heard birdie mumble!? Better get her some more kool-aid!

Sickened 9 years, 8 months ago

Great idea! If they hold a rally I will be there (my first one ever)!

realfreethinker 9 years, 8 months ago

Good question

SP 9 years, 8 months ago

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is a most reprehensible individual.

Nuff said!

Tommy77 9 years, 8 months ago

What a mess.http://s04.flagcounter.com/mini/kfoW/..." style="display:none" />

Greentea 9 years, 8 months ago

who is in charge in the PLP? the deputy decides when he should share pertinent information with the prime minister? what a joke. and it will take him weeks to do so? y'all may not have weeks. I believe some fellas about to invoke the spirit of the dissident eight. Forward- Rollins, Wells, Moss ... who else going?

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