“There is no denying that systemic corruption…undermines good governance and the rule of law; accelerates moral decay; fosters negative international perceptions of the country; stymies foreign investment;

impedes the delivery of public services; exacerbates poverty; and, in the final analysis, retards social and economic development.”

Yet, today’s news is the latest in a series of examples showing that the PLP will say one thing to Bahamians, then do another when it comes to government corruption.  In a news article where he dismissed a “scathing report” calling out the government’s policies that have lead to endemic corruption in awarding contracts, MP Leslie Miller said their party’s goal is, “you help those who help you.”

Dr. Hubert Minnis, leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) remarked, “Sadly MP Miller’s remarks come as no surprise to Bahamians.  For too long, the people of the Bahamas have been victim to a PLP government that only looks out for their own.  Brazenly, admitting to handing out lucrative contracts to their supporters, while dismissing reports of their growing number of abuses.”

Just two months ago Christie all but ignored reports of his government awarding a lucrative contract to a former PLP cabinet minister.  His Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister V. Alfred Gray defended the deal saying, “the government will do as much as it can for the people who supported its members.”

“It is disappointing for our people when their leader is lying to us – telling us one thing as his own government embraces corruption.  The only way that we will stop corruption is with new leadership.  Leadership, that will bring true accountability, including enacting new anti-corruption laws that establish an independent agency with no ties to the Office of the Attorney General.  Our economy is in ruin, crime is rising and the people have lost faith in this government.  The Prime Minister should know that corruption plays a big role in this and it will be up to FNM to fix it,” concluded Dr. Minnis.