peterturnquest

Minister of Agriculture Michael Pintard defended the Fisheries Bill that passed in the House of Assembly on Wednesday. Pintard appeared on Beyond the Headlines hosted by Clint Watson the next day, expressing disappointment in parliamentarians who referred to a clause in the bill as “discriminatory.”

But the agriculture and marine resources minister received support from local fishermen and organizations like The Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance who called the new legislature “progressive.”  And The National Fisheries Association added that the bill is “comprehensive” and “put[s] Bahamians first.”

Why it matters

Local fishermen have long complained that foreign fishermen poach in Bahamian waters, depleting their catch while negatively affecting their livelihood. Reports show that many foreign fishermen from the Dominican Republic marry Bahamian women for work permits to be able to fish in Bahamian waters.

What the Fisheries Bill actually says

The Fisheries Bill 2020 regulates the fishing industry and prevents non- Bahamians from commercial fishing in Bahamian waters.

The clause in the bill that was criticized says, “No person shall engage in fishing or be employed on a commercial fishing vessel for fishing other than sport fishing in the fisheries waters; and use or be employed on a commercial fishing vessel licensed under this act for fishing other than charter sport fishing unless that person is a citizen of the Bahamas. 

Former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest called the clause discriminatory

Peter Turnquest stood to his feet to ask, “Does that mean that spousal permit holders and permanent residents are likewise excluded from being able to fish? And if that is, in fact, the case, how do we square that with the constitution and general human rights? Because I would think that any spouse of a Bahamian should have the right to support their family in whatever their skill is and I think it’s a slippery slope because if you start with fishing, then is the hotel industry next?

“We do not want to continue to perpetuate a discriminatory policy against Bahamian women in particular because let’s face it, that’s what we’re talking about.”

How Michael Pintard responded

• “I am disappointed in some of the comments I have heard from policymakers who would represent a fishing community that requires assistance. We have one of the lowest subsidy packages for fishers. When I go into the parliament, I am fighting for those communities that I represent to make sure I give them the best possible chance of succeeding,” he said.
• “While I will highlight like any other socially conscious Bahamian would, any adequacy in the bill, a disproportionate amount of my time will be spent fighting for those men and women who are in a country right now where thirty plus percent of the people are unemployed and need opportunities. I signed up to be a part of exploding opportunities for them as opposed to putting a damper on what we’re seeking to do in abroad way to make sure the Bahamas can take advantage of the resources that we have,” Pintard said.

What Opposition Leader Philip Davis said

“I join thousands of Bahamians in expressing shock and sadness at the tragic death of the son of a parliamentary colleague, Romauld Ferreira, Minister of Housing and the Environment at the family’s home today.

“As a parent, l imagine that the grief and sadness at the loss of a beloved child must be unspeakable.

“I pray for the Ferreira family that they may find strength, solace and comfort in the midst of this unsettling tragedy. I ask that the nation also pray for them and respect their privacy, allowing them to grieve in private.

What DNA Leader Arinthia Komolafe said

By now we are aware of Peter Turnquest’s resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister as Finance following allegations of fraud when he served as a manager and director in two aviation companies. The writ filed in the Supreme Court does not name Turnquest as the defendant in the case, but mentions him in his role as manager of the company responsible for the “bogus loans” that totaled nearly $30 million.

Turnquest in his resignation letter maintains his innocence, calling the matters “unfounded” and “untrue.” However, in the court of public opinion, some have found him guilty. It is important to remember that these allegations are simply accusations that need to be proven by the court system.

However, Turnquest saw it necessary to resign considering his post as Minister of Finance, and determined that the allegations will distract the work of government as it seeks to maneuver the country’s economy through the pandemic.

Who will replace Peter Turnquest?

Turnquest was second in command to Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and rose to the position in 2014 when other party members opposed Minnis’ leadership. He eventually became finance minister in 2017 when the Free National Movement won at the election poll.

Under Turnquest’s watch, we have seen an increase of Vat from 7%– introduced by the Progressive Liberal Party, to 12% and a number of downgrades. But all in all, Turnquest has handled them decently, while remaining steady-handed and committed to public finance reform.

Minnis said he will become interim Finance Minister and will make an appointment in “due course.”

Scanning the Cabinet, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar will make a superb minister of finance considering his background in accounts and the many successes he’s had in the country’s primary industry, tourism, and his shrewd business skills.

Agriculture Minister Michael Pintard is well suited for the position of Deputy Prime Minister. He is young, articulate, thorough, and well-liked. Pintard is a man of few words in the House of Assembly, but when he speaks, it’s substantive. In addition, heading into the 2022 general election, Pintard is best suited to go head-to-head with PLP’s Deputy Leader Chester Cooper, who may change voters’ minds at the polls if they reconsider Minnis as prime minister.

Pintard can be to Minnis what U.S Vice President Mike Pence is to President Donald Trump. Pintard balances Minnis in every way.

For now, it’s a waiting game to see what happens next.

Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest is breaking his silence today outside of Cabinet. He spoke to reporters on the issue at hand, regarding allegations of fraud that was filed in the Supreme Court last week.

Turnquest said he remains resolute as minister of finance and is working to maneuver the country through the pandemic.

What Peter Turnquest said

“I’m focused on what I do. I am very disciplined on what I do.

“The matters that are circulating out there are unfortunate. They will be dealt with in the due cause of time.

“Again I am focused on working for the Bahamian people, while I have the opportunity to do so. That’s to ensure we get through this crisis.”

Why this matters

• A writ has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging “bogus loans” when Turnquest was director and manager of Sky Bahamas and Aviation Oversight, which was owned by a former business partner Randy Butler.
• Turnquest says the “several allegations” are “categorically false.”

State of play

The country awaits word from Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who yesterday said Cabinet is deliberating on Turnquest’s dealings and future with the party after opposition leader Philip Davis called for Turnquest’s resignation.

As calls for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister PeterTurnquest grow louder, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis says Cabinet is deliberating that decision.

Why it matters

The Minister of Finance is accused of fraud and a writ as since been filed in the Supreme Court alleging “bogus loans” when he was director and manager of Sky Bahamas and Aviation Oversight, which was owned by a former business partner Randy Butler.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis says the resignation is being discussed in Cabinet

What Opposition Leader Philip Davis says

Opposition leader Philip Davis said he awaited a response from Minnis on the matter while calling for Turnquest to resign. He said, “First, the Prime Minister must be reminded that he has a duty to act when his ministers refuse to take the honourable course.”

Davis said if Turnquest does not resign willingly, then Minnis must fire Turnquest.

Attorney John Wilson says no reason to resign

Attorney John Wilson, QC, says not so fast. He said he sees no reason for Turnquest to resign considering the writ is only an allegation, which he called, “uncalled” and “untested.”

“I really see no justification why anyone should resign over simple allegations in a writ of summons because that is all it is, allegations,” he tells Eye Witness News.

“It has not been tested in a court of law and it has not been subjected to any sort of proof; not to mention the fact that from what I have seen, and I can only opine as to what I have seen and circulating on social media, so I say this with this caveat.

“The minister has not been named in these proceedings at all.

“And having not been named in the proceedings, I don’t quite understand why his name featured so prominently in the allegations in the writ itself.

“One would have thought that if there was a case to be made against him, he ought to have been made a party to proceedings.”

Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest denied claims of a writ filed in the Supreme Court, suggesting that he played a part in defrauding an aviation company.

In an article, Eye Witness News claimed that Turnquest and Sky Bahamas Principal Randy Butler defrauded Alpha Aviation and Advanced Aviation Ltd of nearly $30,000,000.

Though Turnquest is not named as a defendant in the writ, he was reported to be director and manager of Sky Bahamas and Aviation Oversight which was owned by Butler.

The defendants are listed as Randy Butler, Sky Bahamas Airlines and Aviation Oversight Group Ltd.

What does DPM Turnquest say about the allegations?

• Turnquest says he is “aware” of the writ filed in the Supreme Court involving two former business associates.
• He makes it clear that he is not named as a defendant.
• Turnquest says the “several allegations” are “categorically false.”
• He says, “I deny the false claims. I am appalled that my standing as a public servant made calling my name in this dispute between two former business partners worthwhile. There is no room for that kind of misuse of our judicial system in our society. I am confident that the facts will defend my integrity once presented.”

What are the allegations in the court document?

• On December 31st, the defendants caused Alpha to pay a total of $20,680,337.33 to Sky Bahamas.
• As of December 31st, the defendants had dishonestly caused Alpha to pay $3,026,000 to themselves via a company.
• Between February 2008 and July 2016, the defendants caused Alpha to pay to Aviation Oversight by means of 39 fraudulent invoices, to pay to Aviation Oversight, 37 cheques, and to Sky Bahamas two cheques totaling a sum of $3,800,000.
• As of December 31st, the defendants caused Advanced to pay wire transfers totaling $5,916,587.67 to Sky Bahamas.
• It is further alleged that as of December 2017, the defendants had caused Alpha to pay $3,026,000 to themselves via a company controlled by AOG Maintenance Ltd.
• The plaintiffs also claim that between February 2008 and July 2016, the defendants caused Alpha by some 36 fraudulent invoices and book entries to pay away to Aviation Oversight $3,800,000.
• The plaintiffs claim that Turnquest and Butler failed to keep adequate financial accounts documenting the companies’ financial transactions and failed to put in place an adequate financial system.

Featured Image: ZNS

It has been said that the virus knows no bounds and respects no person. In the Bahamas, COVID-19 has hit over 900 citizens but has only scare two politicians, the latest parliamentarian revealing that he is in quarantine after testing negative for the virus.

How has the virus affected the Bahamas?

The last COVID-19 dashboard shows that 945 people in the Bahamas were affected with the virus. There are 815 active cases to date and the country has suffered 15 deaths.

The second wave is quickly claiming more cases than the first wave and on Sunday, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis described it as “grave,” as Grand Bahama, the nation’s second city grapples with the highest COVID cases for the country.

To mitigate chances of a spread in the House of Assembly, the lower chamber which consist of 39 members, was reorganized to permit  parliamentarians to practice social distancing. Some members remained in their seats in the main floor of the house, while others were seated in the gallery. Some members wore masks at every seating.

Who was the first politician to self-isolate?

The Member of Parliament for Grand Bahama and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest was the first known politician to be exposed to the virus.

In a press release it was revealed that Turnquest received a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result on Friday, July 17. Following the Ministry of Health’s protocols, Minister Turnquest took the test after learning he was exposed to a positive case earlier that day.

Turnquest voluntarily self-quarantined, out of caution.

He performed his functions as Minister of Finance, at home.

Reports surfaced that Turnquest was exposed to the virus from his police aide in Grand Bahama, who tested positive for the virus.

Jeffrey Lloyd is hit with a probable case

Minister of Education and South Beach MP is the second parliamentarian to face quarantine after exposure to the deadly virus.

It was announced that Lloyd received a negative COVID-19 RT00-PCR test result on August 8^th.

Minister Lloyd was tested after learning he was exposed to a positive case.

And out of caution Lloyd voluntarily self-quarantined.

He performs his functions as Minister of Education from home.

A press release says,  “All of the necessary COVID-19 exposure procedures with respect to the Ministry of Education headquarters building are being observed.”

Last week, staff members at the Ministry of Education were advised to stay home after a member at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, which is housed in the same building as only the education ministry, was exposed to a positive case of COVID-19.  It was confirmed by Bahamas Teachers Union President Belinda Wilson.

It was also reported that the MOE’s curriculum section was closed after a staff member too, was exposed to COVID-19 and placed under quarantine.