randybutler

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