National

PM: Mismanaged Funds Could Have International Implications

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas could find itself in a tough position following another natural disaster or even a pandemic.

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas could find itself in a tough position following another natural disaster or even a pandemic.

That grim prediction coming from the prime minister Wednesday morning.

The prime minister telling Parliamentarians the grave mismanagement of public funds and failure to account make has weakened the trust of international loan agencies.

Unanswered questions about the management of finances during the COVID-19 emergency orders and Hurricane Dorian could have major international implications.

Thats according to Prime Minister Philip Davis who says should The Bahamas experience another catastrophic hurricane, we may have a difficult time getting financial assistance.

When the Davis administration took office in September 2021, it revealed funds associated with the National Food Distribution Task Force weren’t accounted for.

Back in March, Davis said one non-profit organisation went on a spending spree with funds meant for the program.

Kicking off debate on the 2023/2024 Budget, Davis reaffirmed his government’s commitment to getting answers.

The program was formed back in 2020 to provide emergency food assistance to many in need during the hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program ended once the PLP government took office with the Davis-led government saying there were no records of how money was spent.

Davis says anything that adds to the national debt must be properly explained and accounted for to the Bahamian people.