By Gerrino J. Saunders
Journal Staff Writer

After being invited by Opposition leader Michael Pintard to jointly
share who their major donors are on Tuesday Prime Minister Philip
Davis dismissed the idea and said his focus is on those things that will
directly impact the lives of Bahamians and campaign finance reform is
not one of them.
Following the signing of a contract with Consolidated Water for the
construction of two desalination plants on Cat Island, Prime Minister
Philip Davis was asked about the challenge by Mr. Pintard and
renewed calls for campaign finance reform from several corners
including Dr. Veronica McIver Deputy Leader of the Coalition of
Independents (COI) who recently described the Progressive Liberal
Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM) of being
hypocritical on the issue as they both promised to do it.
In relation to Mr. Pintard’s challenge Mr. Davis said, “They can do
what they wish. I don’t know where this issue of campaign finance has
come from, but for me I will not disclose the donors to our campaign
unless the donors are willing to allow me to do that.”
A caller into a recent addition of Love97 fm radio talk show ‘Issues of
the Day’ with host Khristian Jones said as a business man that
contributes to both parties, he would not want it publicized how much
money he donates to any political party.
Pressed further on the issue the Prime Minister was asked if his
administration would introduce campaign finance reform legislation

at some point, he said, “We are considering it, but it is not a priority
for me now. What’s a priority for me now is to relieve the pain that my
people are feeling right now by providing fresh potable water for
people in Cat Island, Family Island infrastructure and development,
and ensuring that I am able to improve their lives.
“Campaign finance legislation won’t improve their lives right now.
We’ve done a lot and a lot has to be done. I’m focused on getting those
things done to relive the pain and suffering of our people,” he said.
PLP chairman Fred Mitchell said recently that personally he does not
believe there is an appetite for campaign finance reform at this time.
During a press conference at the FNM headquarters on Wednesday
August 28 th Mr. Pintard said the FNM is willing to disclose its financial
donors if the Prime Minister is willing to do the same for the PLP.
He said, “We are willing to lay the list of our donors on the table. Are
you willing to lay yours? Are you willing to answer whether or not
most of the major companies that are presently engaged by this
government, that your administration has received contributions
from. Are you willing to deny from the time of Sir Lynden Pindling to
now, Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has made contributions to
all political organizations including yours,” asked Pintard?
He was responding to implications by members of the government
that he has been a supporter and protector of the GBPA in its feud
with the government over $357 million because the authority is
allegedly funding or has recently funded the FNM to the tune of $5
million. Mr. Pintard has denied the claim, but said he welcomes the
funding if it is out there.

Mr. Pintard has described the government’s approach to its
disagreement with the GBPA as “childish” and said it could discourage
future foreign investors. The government has disagreed pointing out
recent new investments throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the GBPA Executive Director Rupert Hayward told
another local daily this week that the GBPA has made equal
contributions to both the PLP and FNM.