Bahamas News
Prime Minister Explains Oban Deal While Still Focused on Grand Bahama’s Economic Growth
#Bahamas, April 4, 2018 – Nassau – The Government of The Bahamas remains focused on Grand Bahama’s economic growth in spite of the Oban misstep, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said Tuesday.
Wrapping up the debate on the Mid-Year Budget in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Minnis acknowledged that “missteps” were made in the Oban Energies LLC Project. The project was intended to bring growth and jobs to Grand Bahama. Prime Minister Minnis said measures have been put in place to ensure no future occurrences.
“My Government committed to Grand Bahama, and to The Bahamas, to do all within our power to bring economic development and growth to Grand Bahama as a matter of urgency,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“This has been our focus at all times. We intend to fulfill this commitment. It is one of the keys to our overall growth as a nation. The Oban Energies LLC Project was intended to bring growth and jobs to Grand Bahama. In our haste to boost the economy of Grand Bahama, we made a number of missteps in the Oban Energies Project.
“While our heart was in the right place, these missteps should not have happened. We must, we can and we will do better,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis outlined some of the history behind the proposed Oban Energies LLC Project. The Prime Minister said records show that there were two approvals in principle by the National Economic Council (NEC) for the project, one in 2009 to Mid-Atlantic Project LLC.
By 2016, the name of the company was changed to Oban Energies LLC, and the beneficial owner is the K Family Irrevocable Trust. Mr. Peter Krieger was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He had no beneficial interest in the K Family Trust.
Prime Minister Minnis said it was this company that was given the second approval in principle by the former Progressive Liberal Party Administration on November 15, 2016, at a National Economic Council Meeting.
“Most Cabinet Ministers were present at that NEC Meeting including members who are now the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament – here and in the Senate. Mr. Peter Krieger was CEO and Satpal Dhunna was President of Oban Energies LLC,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis said as early as 2009, a draft Heads of Agreement was submitted to BIA (Bahamas Investment Authority) and sent to the Office of the Attorney General for its review. “This document was not executed,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Minnis said the second proposed Heads of Agreement was “forwarded to the PLP Government” by the Bahamian attorney for Oban Energies LLC.
“This was sent to the Office of the Attorney General on March 30, 2017, for review,” the Prime Minister continued, “it should be noted that in this Heads of Agreement, Mr. Peter Krieger was to sign on behalf of Oban Energies LLC.
“The PLP never got around to signing this agreement. Note that the PLP agreed to the development, despite the hypocrisy they are now displaying,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Minnis said a 2016 video shows Mr. Peter Krieger and then Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville along with relevant government officials, and Oban Energies’ Bahamian attorney at the time, at the original site for the proposed development.
Prime Minister Minnis said: “Furthermore, one of them visited the site in Grand Bahama, approved the project and was about to sign the Heads of Agreement.”
Prime Minister Minnis said Mr. Satpal Dhunna (President of Oban Energies LLC) arrived in The Bahamas on February 6, (2018) with the expectation to sign the Heads of Agreement on February 7.
“The document was not ready for signature, so he remained in The Bahamas until February 10, at which time he signed the agreement and then left the country to attend other business. The Heads of Agreement was subsequently signed by the Secretary to the Cabinet,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
The Prime Minister said in recognition of its promise to keep Bahamians informed, the Government arranged for a ceremonial signing of February 19, 2018.
“We accept that we should have clearly indicated on the 19 of February, 2018, that it was a ceremonial signing. It should be noted that it is not unusual for a Heads of Agreement to be signed before a ceremonial signing so as to ensure that there is a firm agreement between the various parties.
“It is unfortunate that at the ceremonial signing, Mr. Peter Krieger wrote the name of Satpal Dhunna whose name was printed under the signature line in the space provided for the signature of Mr. Dhunna. He should have noted that he was signing on behalf of Mr. Dhunna and signed his name as the authorized representative of the K Family Irrevocable Trust on the ceremonial document.”
Prime Minister Minnis said the Government has decided to make the effective date of the Heads of Agreement, February 19, 2018, to conform with the public ceremonial signing.
“I am advised that effective March 1, 2018, Mr. Krieger has resigned from the company,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Release: BIS
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News4 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News4 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays