Unpaid diplomats told to sue the government

As of Monday, August 14, 2017

PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell.

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SENATOR Fred Mitchell is urging a group of recalled diplomats to take legal action against the government in pursuit of money allegedly owed to them.

Mr Mitchell said all recalled diplomats are likely affected, though it is not clear how much money would be allegedly owed to them or for what purpose. Mr Mitchell said he met with some of the recalled diplomats recently and was told of their difficulties getting payments owed to them.

“There are disputes over various clauses in their contracts about what is owed and what is not owed,” the former Progressive Liberal Party Fox Hill MP told The Tribune. “There’s the slowness of the process even when payments are agreed and there’s the disrespect or indifference showed to them in response to their inquiries. To some extent this is a systemic problem. I had to intervene several times when I came into office and former diplomats were recalled.”

However, when contacted on the claims, Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said yesterday no complaints about this issue have been brought to his attention.

Mr Mitchell, nonetheless, said he has encouraged the former diplomats to “get legal advice on the matter.”

“The PLP has taken the position that both Damian Gomez and Wayne Munroe are heading up a legal team for all people who have been adversely affected by decisions of this administration,” Mr Mitchell said. “If they have specific complaints, legal issues will be sent to that team and they will give appropriate advice. Normally one wouldn’t resort to this kind of thing, but these people are particularly nasty.”

Mr Gomez and Mr Munroe are representing several PLP politicians who face prosecution in bribery and extortion probes.

The Minnis administration, which recently released a list of board appointees, has not yet disclosed its list of diplomat appointments.

TalRussell 6 years, 8 months ago

Comrade Freddy, your PLP party is $1.5 million in debt and still you say that the PLP has taken the position that both Damian Gomez and Wayne Munroe are heading up a legal team for 'all' people who have been 'adversely affected' by decisions of this administration? These are not PLP's merely 'adversely affected' but they were detained by policeman's authorities - then charged before the criminal courts with serious offenses under the laws Bahamaland. Exactly, how many 'adversely affected' can we the public expect your 'all' to be?

baldbeardedbahamian 6 years, 8 months ago

Perhaps Fweddy could recommend a lawyer who would be stupid enough to take this case without the 440,000retainer. Hang on, Fweddy is a lawyer, isn't he? Problem solved Fweddy will take the case and earn these ex fiscal prasites lots of free money from the government. I will watch for future developments with bated breath.

rawbahamian 6 years, 8 months ago

This man will do whatever it takes to create issues for the NEW administration because he can't accept the fact that the MAJORITY of the electorate dared to kick the PLP and his globe trotting flying ass to the curb. Just get over it and if you are not too close to 70+ next time then you can run again to regain your pisition as the minister of flying !!!

Apostle 6 years, 8 months ago

Fred Mitchell you still don't get it. The Bahamian people reject you and the PLP. Please stop spewing your venom and calling people nasty because if the truth be told there is more nastiness in your camp and maybe that is why it hurts you so much. How come only you, Brave and a few others only see everything as a problem?

Your problem is you seem to believe that only the PLP is qualified and has a right to run this country. Get over it man and sit small. The media is not the place to fight your leadership bid though I support you for leadership of the PLP. That way I am sure not to worry about seeing the PLP as government next time around because quite frankly you are too smart and arrogant for yourself.

You lost you seat man. Get over it and shut the hell up. I am sick and tired of your tirades. Go sit under the tree and enjoy your pipe.

realfreethinker 6 years, 8 months ago

Which pipe you want him to enjoy? wink wink

Sickened 6 years, 8 months ago

the skin pipe???

OMG 6 years, 8 months ago

Onll try and appear fair when it suits you. I know a person on a family island who waited 6 months yo get rent paid - oh I forgot he is FNM.

DillyTree 6 years, 8 months ago

Fred Mitchell is only trying to stir the pot and desperately try to stay relevant. He's a has been and should have been a never been. Sad pathetic little man just doesn't get it.

As a lawyer (granted, a poor one), Fred Mitchell should know that civil servants serve at the pleasure of the government. They can be recalled, laid off, posted to other positions, etc. and there's not a damn thing they can do about it -- except resign. For too long now, the PLP have lost sight of the fact that the government works for the people. They paid the price for that massive error in judgement in May 2017.

Now, please, Fred Mitchell, don't you have to go and do your verification exercise like a good little public servant?

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