Press Secretary Anthony Newbold has refuted claims from detractors that the prime minister’s deadline for public disclosures is a witch hunt.

Mr. Newbold’s comments came while he appeared as guest on the JCN-TV programme Jones and Company.

“You have to lead by example as Prime Minister Minnis has said repeatedly and continues to say transparency and accountability.  You can’t tell people to do something and you’re not doing it.

“Even though some persons are residents of The Bahamas and they broke the law, you need to follow the law.  If it was a witch hunt no member of the Free National Movement (FNM) would be called upon to disclose.  Everybody is called upon to disclose.

“FNM, PLP (Progressive Liberal Party), there is no DNA (Democratic National Alliance),  but if it’s a witch hunt you wouldn’t have a witch hunt for your own party,” Mr. Newbold said.

During a press conference held last week, Mr. Newbold said more than 20 members of parliament (MP) had failed to file their financial disclosures and had three weeks to so.

If MPs don’t disclose, the prime minister would turn that file with their names over to the attorney general and instruct him to do what the law prescribes.

Mr. Newbold also added that about six MPs had not filed at all over the five-year period.

The Public Disclosure Act mandates members of parliament, senators, senior public officers and public appointees to declare their assets, income and liabilities as of December 31 of each year.

The act provides for a $10,000 fine or imprisonment of a term not exceeding two years, or both, for anyone who violates it.

In the case where the offense involves the deliberate non-disclosure of property, in addition to a fine or term of imprisonment or both, the property located inside The Bahamas would be forfeited to the government or the value of the property.