Former Sports Minister Trial Could Start Next June

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The trial of former Free National Movement Cabinet Minister Lanisha Rolle and three others could take place next June.

Rolle, her husband, Vontenken Rolle, Wilfred Rolle, and Godfrey Burrows appeared before Supreme Court Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns today for a trial fixture hearing.

Prosecutors allege that Rolle, while serving as the Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, conspired with others to award fraudulent contracts worth $768,989.56 between 2019 and 2021.

She’s also accused of accepting a bribe of $48,303.74 as a reward for granting a contract to G and C landscaping for work at the Grand Bahama Sporting Complex.

Rolle and her husband, Vontenken Rolle, are accused of conspiracy to commit fraud concerning a $168,000 contract awarded for work at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Wilfred Rolle and Godfrey Burrows are accused of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretenses regarding a $34,600 contract for work at the South Beach Pools and Burrows is accused of receiving that amount by false pretenses.

Justice Archer-Minns set a backup trial date of June 17, 2024, meaning the matter will proceed if another case doesn’t start.

The judge also scheduled a fixed trial date of November 29, 2025.