West Grand Bahama MP Kingsley Smith has denied being ‘Politician-1’ at the centre of explosive allegations in a US drug-trafficking case. Attorney General Wayne Munroe has also come to his defence.
But while the denial is on record and the Government has offered an explanation, several questions surrounding an Election Day flight and the allegations made by US prosecutors remain unanswered.
In court filings, US prosecutors have described “Politician-1” as a male politician who was re-elected in the May 12 general election. They allege that money recovered from Jonathan “Player” Gardiner was intended for delivery to that politician, potentially as a bribe. Prosecutors have also alleged that Gardiner met an undercover DEA source and a pilot with the politician inside Parliament in October 2024 to discuss drug shipments.
Gardiner has pleaded not guilty. The politician has not been publicly identified or charged, and the allegations remain unproven.
Smith has firmly denied being Politician-1, telling The Tribune: “Not friggin’ me!” He also denied ever meeting anyone inside Parliament to discuss drug shipments.
Munroe, subsequently defended Smith, arguing that he did not hold the authority to assist anyone with law enforcement or transportation matters. The Attorney General also said the Government had asked US authorities to identify Politician-1 but was refused.
That defence may address questions about Smith’s official powers. But does it settle everything else?
There is still the Election Day flight. Who chartered the aircraft? Who was supposed to be travelling? Why was the flight arranged on election day? How did Gardiner come to be aboard a plane heading to Grand Bahama, where Smith represents constituents?
Surrounding the Election Day flight, onboard the aircraft with Jonathan “Player” Gardiner was Olympia Outten, one of the 11 passengers dressed in Progressive Liberal Party paraphanailia, that crashed off Florida while travelling from Abaco to Grand Bahama, who previously said Smith helped arrange travel for her family after a ticketing mix-up. Her account offers another piece of the puzzle of how passengers came to be on the flight.
And what about the cash and the envelope reportedly bearing Politician-1’s name? Gardiner’s lawyers have offered a different explanation for the money, which prosecutors say was connected to the alleged payment. Those competing accounts have not been tested at trial.
Smith has denied the allegations and has not been charged. But his public denial or a ministerial defence should not automatically close the door on legitimate questions.
These are serious allegations made by foreign prosecutors appear to involve an elected Bahamian official. What responsibility do the Government, Parliament and relevant authorities have to establish what can be established?
Smith says it is not him and Munroe says he had no relevant authority. But the flight, the money and the circumstances surrounding the allegations still deserve an answer.