A few days after Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said that an FNM government will execute “a real sale” of Baha Mar, Democratic National Alliance Leader (DNA) Branville McCartney called the FNM leader’s comments irresponsible.
The DNA leader charged that Dr. Minnis made that statement without being cognizant of the facts.
“That seemed to be quite irresponsible on his part not knowing exactly what the agreement is regarding Baha Mar; to make a statement without knowing the facts, and without knowing whether Baha Mar is indeed sold already,” Mr. McCartney said.
Additionally, Mr. McCartney charged that Dr. Minnis’ statement was motivated by a desire for political gain.
“His statement was irresponsible, and it indeed seems to be pandering to the Bahamian people for votes,” Mr. McCartney said.
“The reality is, Baha Mar, if it is sold, it would have an owner; and therefore the government cannot sell it. If on the other hand, it’s not sold, then the Chinese bank is the legal owner of that property until it’s sold. In those circumstances the government cannot sell it,” he added.
The DNA leader on the other hand said nationalizing the resort “is another story” but charged that it is not wise.
“If the FNM leader is talking about nationalizing the resort, it’s not a good idea because in these circumstances when there is a potential purchaser and the transaction may be coming close to some conclusion,” the DNA leader said.
Mr. McCartney further noted that Dr. Minnis promises to disclose the “secret” Baha Mar deal made between the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Government and the Chinese.
However, the DNA leader advises that Dr. Minnis’ statement should be taken with a grain of salt.
“You would recall when the Letter of Intent (LOI) with Renward Wells came to the forefront, Dr. Minnis was very adamant about making that agreement known to the Bahamian people. As a matter of fact he wanted Renward Wells to resign because Renward would not let the Bahamian people know what the real deal was behind the $650 million LOI,” said Mr. McCartney.
“However when Renward Wells went to the FNM, when Dr. Minnis was asked about the LOI, he said that he was satisfied with Renward Wells’ explanation and that he doesn’t have to tell the Bahamian people what the deal was behind the LOI. So you think this same Dr. Minnis who had an opportunity to be open and transparent with the Bahamian people after he found out about the LOI, to be honest and transparent with the Bahamian people moving forward with any other deal? He had an opportunity to do it, and he didn’t,” Mr. McCartney pointed out.
Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald on Monday discredited all comments made by the FNM leader in regards to the beleaguered multi-billion dollar Baha Mar Resort.
Mr. Fitzgerald said that Dr. Minnis is trying to use “bluster and deception to cover up just how little he knows or understands.”
