By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Digital Editor
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE Office of the Prime Minister has defended the government’s use of US-based public affairs advisers after a report by the Miami Herald detailed lobbying arrangements valued at $120,000 involving figures linked to Donald Trump.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Office of the Prime Minister said retaining such advisers is “a standard, transparent way for governments of all sizes to ensure their perspectives are heard at the highest levels in US policy debates.”
"The United States is our country’s closest and most consequential partner. Decisions made in Washington affect our economy, border security, migration, financial services, tourism, investment, and national security," the OPM statement read.
The response follows a Miami Herald report that the Davis administration engaged conservative lobbyist and Trump ally Roger Stone and MAGA influencer Coreco “CJ” Pearson on monthly retainers worth $100,000 and $20,000 respectively, according to filings with the US Department of Justice.
The report said the advisers were registered under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires disclosure of lobbying on behalf of foreign governments.
Without addressing individuals named in the report, the OPM said its advisers’ role is to “represent Bahamian interests with policymakers, media, and key stakeholders inside the United States” and to advocate on issues including economic policy, border security, tourism and national security.
The OPM added that more than 500 foreign advisers are registered under FARA, representing countries globally, including in the Caribbean.
The Miami Herald report linked the lobbying efforts to broader geopolitical tensions, including US concerns about Chinese-backed projects in The Bahamas.
The OPM statement read: “Ensuring that Bahamian interests are represented by advocates positioned to make a difference is an important responsibility of government.
“The Government of The Bahamas will continue to take every reasonable step to ensure that Bahamian interests are represented wherever decisions affecting our country are made,” the statement said.
Comments
JohnBrown1834 2 weeks, 3 days ago
This is beyond ridiculious. There is no need for this. It is another waste of public funds. All of this came about because of the Chinese funding of the hospital that everyone opposes. Just cancel the deal and move on. This is another reason why they need to be voted out.
birdiestrachan 2 weeks, 3 days ago
John brown do you know if the sand is talking.to the woman at the miami hearld. A hospital is needed. Why is the Fnm government so against a hospital
DontAssume 2 weeks, 2 days ago
A hospital is indeed necessary; that much is indisputable. However, the reckless wastage of taxpayer funds is indefensible. This quid pro quo has been plaguing the United States, and now we find ourselves party to the same folly. The no-bid contract bonanza, amounting to $500,000,000.00, and the excessive government travel expenses, which PLP mouthpieces confidently claim have generated investment, have yielded no tangible benefits for the broader population. These practices contribute to a clear abdication of financial responsibility and a troubling lack of accountable governance.
hrysippus 2 weeks, 2 days ago
the unbelievable defending the inexcusable....sigh .This reminds of the disgraced prime minister defending his decision to decriminalize gambling after ignoring the documented will of the people....digh,
birdiestrachan 2 weeks, 2 days ago
China holds a whole lot of usa debts. If Bahamians stop gambling the gambling houses will close gambling is not new The only difference is the government gets some of the
Money The Fnm tried to get more. Of the money
bahamianson 2 weeks, 2 days ago
What happened to the case with the moorings in exuma and the office of the prime minister? What happens in the office of the prime minister? Do they work ?
lobsta 2 weeks, 2 days ago
Google Coreco “CJ” Pearson. What a complete and utter joke. This is some kind of grift as usual.
DWW 2 weeks, 2 days ago
around town all these shiny new landrovers, beemers, Benzs, etc. I want a no-bid contract too please. and a smooth 1/4 mill consultancy on top would be great.
licks2 2 weeks, 2 days ago
All the time yinna just talk a buncha dumb stuff without bringing facts!! Yinna mixing up all kinda things that should not be mixed up together!! Wha we talking about here. . .PR contacts or wha?
Ok. . .none er yinna answer me. . .cos yinna only ger bring-up more dumb stuff!! Just let me add my dumb s""%%$#t. . .yinna know that China holds the largest shear of US debt? Een that a b#$@&h?
Yinna chew on dat one while yinna talking dumb crap!!
screwedbahamian 2 weeks, 1 day ago
A Prolong case of CONSTIPATION is a SERIOUS thig!!! What US debit is government by Chinese law??? Tell your boss to pay Mr. Bain his $5 million in cash or is it a commitment not kept for the people to witness??
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