Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash and his attorney Carl Bethel are satisfied with the outcome of their negotiations in the Supreme Court with representatives from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the search and seizure of the chairman’s personal property by police officers.
According to Mr. Bethel both parties were able to settle on an agreement.
“The party chairman Mr. Darron Cash, the attorney general and commissioner of police as represented by their council have arrived at an amicable resolution of this matter,” he said.
“One which in the view of my client vindicates having brought this matter to court on the basis that his rights were violated, which also acknowledges the right of the police to conduct a lawful investigation that in no way affects the proper constitutional operation of the police force in or other matters.”
Earlier this month, police officers visited Mr. Cash’s home and seized computers, a cellular phone and other items reportedly in relation to an ongoing investigation of leaked confidential information from the Bank of The Bahamas (BOB).
Soon after the FNM chairman announced via his attorney plans to take legal action against the commissioner of police and the attorney general in the wake of what he claims was the unlawful search and seizure of his property from officers of the Central Detective Unit (CDU).
Mr. Bethel said while the items seized were not returned, he is confident that based on the agreement, his clients rights to privacy will not be violated.
“We are absolutely satisfied that no aspect of Mr. Cash’s personal business or political information will in any way factor in the researches of the police except to the extent that any may be connected to the Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) investigation,” he said.
National Security Minister Bernard Nottage has since released a statement claiming that he was unaware that officers planned to conduct a search of the chairman’s home on that day.
However, the FNM called the seizure calling a “witch hunt.”
Meantime, while outside court on Wednesday, Mr. Cash said he is happy that this matter is behind him.
“I can get back to the work of being chairman of the FNM in speaking to the issues that are important to the Bahamian people,” he said.
“This is clear vindication that the police over reached in their efforts to find out what has happened, as it has been said before, if they have an interest in finding out what I know, I would have been more than happy to assist being a public figure. I at all times support the work of the police and would encourage anyone to do so.”
There have been ongoing investigations into the BOB matter as the government tries to track down those responsible for leaking the bank’s sensitive records.
Mr. Cash’s wife is reportedly an employee of the BOB.
The bank has been the subject of numerous stories that have appeared in The Punch tabloid, alleging some wrongdoing on the part of the government as it relates to loans and other financial issues.
According to Mr. Bethel, the matter would only return before Senior Justice Jon Isaacs if “absolutely necessary.”
