By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE government is being called on to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption in the wake of allegations of a cocaine smuggling conspiracy involving law enforcement officials and politicians.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced plans to introduce new legislation to strengthen oversight of law enforcement agencies.
While welcoming the Prime Minister’s commitment, ORG deputy executive director Steffon Evans stressed the importance of fully implementing existing measures, such as the Freedom of Information Act and the Office of the Ombudsman.
“I think first and foremost, it’s important to recognise the need for deliberate action to be taken in the aftermath of serious allegations of corruption,” Mr Evans said.
“At the Organisation for Responsible Governance, this is one of the primary things that we promote. We stand firm on our stance that corruption needs to be tackled at a systemic level to ensure that The Bahamas has the tools it needs to prevent, detect, and respond to corruption.
“And so, while the plans that have been put forward by the Prime Minister are certainly an important step, we also encourage taking that a step further by making sure that key pieces of legislation, like the Freedom of Information Act, the Office of the Ombudsman, and several others, like the potential for an integrity commission, be given adequate attention and necessary funding in the annual budgets.”
The Tribune understands the Davis administration plans to table the Security Forces Inspectorate Bill, which would establish a body to oversee all security forces in The Bahamas. This initiative aims to address long-standing resource challenges faced by the Police Complaints Inspectorate, which oversees the police force’s Complaints and Corruption Branch. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has indicated the new Inspectorate will be more robust and fill existing gaps.
Mr Davis has pledged to table oversight legislation before the Christmas break.
“We haven’t gotten our hands on that bill yet, and what we would encourage, as is the case with any piece of legislation of public interest, is that it be a cross-sector collaboration, making sure there’s input from the citizenry, civil society, and the private sector, as necessary, to make sure that the bills are representative of the needs of the communities and that they’re actionable, efficient, and effective in execution,” Mr Evans said.
While expressing concern over the allegations, Mr Evans emphasised the need for all facts to emerge before drawing conclusions. He reiterated ORG’s commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to create a stronger framework for combating corruption in The Bahamas.
“Any long-term governance reform will require the collaboration of the government, all other sectors, and the public,” Mr Evans said. “It’s important to bring the other sectors and the citizens along, to educate them and make sure they understand what’s happening every step of the way.”
On Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander announced the arrest in the US of Chief Superintendent of Police Elvis Curtis, the officer in charge of Lynden Pindling International Airport, and Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker of the Defence Force, who are accused of facilitating drug trafficking operations.
Eleven other people, some Bahamians, were named in the US federal indictment. A politician is also accused of involvement in the alleged conspiracy. According to US prosecutors, CSP Curtis allegedly told investigators that a high-ranking Bahamian politician would authorise the involvement of Bahamian law enforcement officials in unlawful activities in exchange for $2m.
Several Cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Labour Minister Pia Glover Rolle, and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, have said they are not the politician allegedly involved.
Comments
Porcupine 1 week, 6 days ago
Watch what people do, not what they say. The entire PLP should go. There is no way this corruption wasn't known and allowed by the very top.
bahamianson 1 week, 6 days ago
Lol , comical! No one should vote until the present or the past government creates laws to address the freedom of information act, campaign finance laws, clear punishment for corrupt poli5icians , corrupt government workets , and a description of the worst of the worst are clearly described. Plliticians make laws that benefit them , not the bahamian people. Then, they want to be national heros and have state funerals at pur expense, and lavish parties that celebrate them and not us. Wr only see the pictures in the party as they eat steak. Anyway, let them eat cake.
hj 1 week, 6 days ago
According to the papers, we are talking about huge quantities of drugs, guns, cash payouts,and even using government planes. This was a big operation. Can 3 or 4 police officers and one politician pull something like this themselves? I doubt it. Many more people must be involved and some of them would be able to pull some strings to make things happen
birdiestrachan 1 week, 6 days ago
They have reasons for not calling the politician name one would have to be a fool to get mixed up in this foolishness. Phones are taped people are being spied upon all the time. Your homes may be bugged
birdiestrachan 1 week, 6 days ago
Curtis and Johnson did not become criminals under the PLP they wore brown they were criminals for a long time. Common sense is so uncommon
BMW 1 week, 6 days ago
you know plenty politicians sweating big time!!!
TalRussell 1 week, 6 days ago
@ComradeBMW, some more sweating bigtime, knowing as there were prison beds waiting for SBF and Nygard .-- Will it be incarceration at Rikers Island Prison or His Majesty's "Slop Bucket" Fox Hill Prison? -- Comrades' these are True Crimes Based on true stories.. -- Yes?
ThisIsOurs 1 week, 5 days ago
"Several Cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Labour Minister Pia Glover Rolle, and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, have said they are not the politician allegedly involved."
So two denials so far of "making a promise" for use of govt planes and assurance that millions in cash and cocaine could consistently pass through the airport undetected by JDL who handles all airfreight inspection before anybody else
Deputy PM and Minister of Aviation denies making a promise and Minister of National Security denies making a promise. I'm not sure why Pia Glover Rolle felt she had to declare her innocence, she has no power to order members of the police force to act in a given capacity or authority to commit govt planes.
Who would have the power? Certainly the two ministers who've denied making a promise, the PM, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economic Affairs, the Commissioner but he is not a "high ranking politician". Possibly the PMs Chief Advisor. Maybe the FS but he's also not a politician, the language was very specific, they could have said "official" and raked in more people but they said "politician".
Not implying any of these are the unnamed politician just that their "role" provides the type of power you'd need to make such a promise and be believed. Foreign investors are fully aware of how things operate here and who can do what. That's why for regular financial investments they associate themselves with people and accounting and legal firms who can give them direct access to the PM. I cant for example see the Minister of Environment making the promise, he doesn't even have power over Environment. Did he even go to COP26?
Did the PM go to the US Embassy meeting alone?
Now we just need some people to not only deny making the promise, but to deny having "any involvement", any secondary role, in a scheme to move narco assets through the Bahamas.
ThisIsOurs 1 week, 5 days ago
I wonder if US Customs will demand to be involved in airport freight inspections going forward? No, they cant tell us what to do, but they can certainly threaten to eliminate preclearance for example.
rosiepi 1 week, 5 days ago
I do not understand anyone bothering to even ponder who’s declared their innocence, ie. not Mr Big. And there’s more than one corrupt minister and officials, there’s just too many entities involved in law enforcement and departments of government.
What I want to know is why anybody would think those who’ve declared their innocence are telling the truth? If one cannot possibly tally all the empty promises and outright lies for which this government is guilty, how could come up with anything truthful when they’re accused of corruption?
These folks were elected on promises of transparency and efficiency in government, protecting women and children from abuse and violence, better access to healthcare and stamping out corruption. Any motion/law to codify any of the above has been denied the money to operate for it’s purpose with the only action observed being the moving mouths spewing lies from the applicable minister. Most have never been taken up, PMH operates without a kitchen, without critical staff yet we’re slated to get a new hospital? We know this play, the Chinese get a make work project so they can show less unemployment, the PLP have another opportunity to pocket graft money from all contractors involved.
Vulnerable women and their children have been listening to varying lies about money for services and shelter, yes they’ve used the money to buy properties but they need to be built? No they need to be renovated. Finally no money, no shelter and/or land purchased. All lies.
What member of the PLP wouldn’t lie to save their means of money and power?
ThisIsOurs 1 week, 5 days ago
This is why I said:
"Now we just need some people to not only deny making the promise, but to deny having "any involvement", any secondary role, in a scheme to move narco assets through the Bahamas"
Because I'm not sold on word parsing. The minute the PM made a distinction between unnamed politician planning this massive crime and actually committing the crime, I said that's just a George Smith flying to Norman's Cay to greet Ledher, what's wrong with how you make your money step too far
ThisIsOurs 1 week, 5 days ago
This 2.5million dollar plane that they tried to hide in the OPM...
TalRussell 1 week, 5 days ago
Fact is, there is an unidentified which has been labeled as an official. --- Almost from the beginning one name popped up. -- It's a loosely guarded secret as to the identity about to be dropped. -- Yes?
ThisIsOurs 1 week, 4 days ago
Actually "politician". There are a few titles that might wield the power, but I cant think of any position realistically with this kind of power but a Prime Minister, because eventually someone will start asking questions, and investors want assurances that noone will get in the way, but that's just guessing.
I do wonder if they'll reveal the name, might prove more useful to show the individual the evidence against them and get them to cooperate with various strategies. We've already seen it done in the Gentile case. This is why the lunch money corruption that we've normalized is so damaging, it opens the door to manipulation not only by good forces but bad as well. And when an individual with great power is open to manipulation, imagine what the Colombians could request and threaten to get their way.
ThisIsOurs 1 week, 4 days ago
I hear the new talking point is, "everybody corrupt". Boy these people have no shame. The answer to corruption everywhere are policies to detect it, discourage it and punish it severely. Like amazingly "Financial Disclosure" (all the man ask for is an adding machine) and "Beneficial Ownership Registries". These people want their acolytes to believe we're powerless against corruption. I wait to see what powerless committees, non transparent recommendations and absolute overrides allowable by a potentially corrupt Minister or cabinet, the new legislation proposes. Because that's what we do we engineer loopholes, as Fred Mitchell himself said derisively, ~"Minnis cant do anything if someone doesnt declare, Theres no punishment in law"
IslandWarrior 1 week, 4 days ago
We urge the establishment of an independent integrity commission made up of international jurists to ensure unbiased oversight, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability within our governance systems.
In light of widespread public concern regarding corruption among Bahamian politicians and recent serious allegations—including the indictment by the United States District Court implicating law enforcement officials and politicians in a cocaine smuggling conspiracy—it is imperative for the government of The Bahamas to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption. Allegations of misconduct ranging from drug trafficking involvement to charges of rape, abuse, assault, kickbacks from contracts, and the misuse of public resources for personal gain highlight systemic issues that undermine the integrity of our institutions and erode public trust.
The perception that such abuses are normal underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. We welcome Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis's commitment to introducing new legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of law enforcement agencies. However, addressing corruption effectively requires more than new laws; it necessitates the full implementation of existing measures such as the Freedom of Information Act and the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman to promote transparency and accountability.
Moreover, the government should consider establishing an independent integrity commission with adequate resources and authority to prevent, detect, and respond to corrupt practices. Engaging in cross-sector collaboration—with input from citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector—is crucial in crafting legislation representative of community needs and effective in practice.
It is also essential to change the culture that perceives the misuse of public resources and other corrupt practices as normal. Public education and fostering a culture of accountability are vital steps toward restoring trust in our governance systems.
By taking decisive and comprehensive action now, The Bahamas can address these systemic issues, strengthen its institutions, uphold the rule of law, and restore confidence among its citizens and the international community. Combating corruption is not only a legal imperative but also a moral one, essential for the prosperity and well-being of the nation.
TalRussell 1 week, 4 days ago
What is not known and granted is a big reach to ask: -- But what if and to what extent might the Voice Notes, CID, Florida Activities, Murders and Unnamed Official(s) are indirectly interwoven or crossed paths? -- The US is and still has lots talking left to talk -- But The Colony has put up a wall of silence. -- Local plane's crash landing? -- Yes?
IslandWarrior 1 week, 4 days ago
Travelling while Black has always been challenging, but now Bahamians are likely to face even greater suspicion from authorities worldwide. This follows the recent call for an Independent Integrity Commission to investigate corruption after the indictment of 13 Bahamians on drug trafficking charges. These developments unfairly tarnish the reputation of all Bahamians, adding new hurdles for those who travel internationally.
TalRussell 1 week, 4 days ago
Miamis' Americans harbour their own feelins' whenever the Bahamians issue Travel Alerts' about visiting the USA. -- Wasn't Mr. Minnis the one who actually attempted to impose some kind of boycott against the Port of Miami -- Yes?
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