The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) newly appointed Chairman Omar Smith yesterday urged the government to remove a “blemish” from an FBI probe into potential bribery and corruption with the Bahamas Department of Immigration.
In a release issued yesterday, Mr. Smith said that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest expressed shock after the latest Corruption Perception Index from Transparency International.
He said, “while there has been several allegations of conflicts of interest, cronyism and unethical conduct levied against members of the Free National Movement (FNM) administration, the government seemed to have been surprised that The Bahamas ranking’ had deteriorated since they assumed office.”
He added, “it is unfortunate that following the announcement that a Bahamian delegation was headed to Washington to meet the FBI, there has been no update provided by the government. The Bahamas is a country of laws with due regard for the rule of law. “
The party’s Chairman expressed that it is extremely important that this matter is given the “utmost attention and urgency” to demonstrate our commitment to good governance, which is a premise that the government rose to power from.
The Democratic National Alliance, he said, calls on the government to address this matter without further delay.
He said, “the full weight of the law should be brought to bear on any and all persons that have been implicated in this probe. This matter should not be politicized or swept under the rug; the chips must fall where they may.”
He added, “while the FNM may feel constrained to ignore the findings of the FBI probe because it feels it has no moral authority to do so following the actions of its members, we submit that such an approach is not an option. The reputation of The Bahamas and the integrity of our people is on the line.”
Mr. Smith also advised the government to “do all within its power” to eliminate any blemish that this probe may have put on The Bahamas.
He said that he and his party awaits the government’s response to these allegations and findings.
