PM Davis berated for expensive Botswana trip, Opposition parties say the money is needed for Social solutions

Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer 

Tensions are high within The Bahamas as the opposition party slams the David Administration for its 22-member delegation to the Republic of Botswana, citing more pressing needs at home and defending his decision to turn down the invitation to join in.

Michael Pintard, leader of the opposition party the FNM, was unapologetic in his stance and remarks at an FNM event where he judged the Prime Minister’s trip to the African nation, saying that the money and time used is more in need in The Bahamas, addressing the pressing concerns of the people.

“This trip alone if the report is correct, that there are some 22 persons, paid for by the Government of The Bahamas…would comfortably be between $400 and $500 thousand dollars, if going to Orlando was $200 thousand dollars for a much smaller delegation.”

Pintard reveals that the FNM was invited along with the Davis Administration, but declined and he explained why saying, “We believe the scarce resources of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas right now, should be used to deal with the most pressing set of issues that face our people.”

In line with this, he referred to a [halfway house] promised to female victims who live under domestic violence, which, though not confirmed, is seemingly incomplete or yet to start.

Prime Minister Philip Davis responded to the opposition regarding the Botswana trip. He clapped back at Pintard saying he missed the trip for a press conference and he expressed he will continue to strengthen partnerships and promote The Bahamas to bring future opportunities for the nation.

“ It’s too bad he said no, just so he could perform at a press conference instead – he missed an opportunity to learn something from a country with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies…I am never going to stop promoting our country or building the bridges and relationships that bring our people new opportunities. I will continue to strengthen our partnerships and build alliances on issues that matter to us – whether it’s a blockade to protect our borders, fighting against weapons trafficking, standing up for us on climate change, or getting us off the blacklist,” he maintained.

Davis’ Administration is also accused of heavy spending on luxury vehicles, one of them a $200 thousand dollar BMW, with money many are saying could be used to fund the social needs of Bahamians or to pay the staff for overtime at the Parliamentary Registry Department.

“If Brave wants to buy a luxury state vehicle, maybe he should do it like most other diplomats. How about a luxury Suburban for about $70k instead of a luxury $200k BMW? That’s over $100k that could pay for scholarship for several students or go towads an ambulance or fire truck for a family island,” said Lincoln Bain, Leader of the Coalition of Independents political party.

Bain described the actions of the administration as “partying like rock stars” while ordinary Bahamians suffer and struggle.