Finance Minister: I Resigned as Director of That Company ‘Top Notch Builders’ in 2021

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Sitting cabinet minister, Michael Halkitis is denying having any ownership stakes in a local construction company connected to Eric “Player” Gardiner, who is currently locked up in the United States on drug charges.

Michael Halkitis – Minister, Finance

“Back in 2019 as a private citizen, I was involved in financial consulting and corporate services consulting. I was approached to provide consulting and direct services to Top Notch Builders in particular setting up proper corporate governance procedures structures… in the middle of 2019.”

“By April 2020 the company suspended operations due to COVID-19 pandemic, and I resigned as director of that company and all of the other directorships I held in 2021.”

It’s the latest chapter in a story that’s continuing to unfold in the public eye.

Eric Gardiner, a Bahamian who was among 11 survivors of an Election Day plane crash was arrested by U.S. authorities in connection with an international drug trafficking scheme – he was carrying $30,000 at the time.

He’s also connected to the company, “Top Notch Builders,” that has won government contracts.

Free National Movement Leader, Michael Pintard, questions whether Finance Minister Michael Halkitis had ever served as president or director of Top Notch Builders.

When reporters asked Halkitis if he was approached by Gardiner himself, he said this:

“No, I am able to confirm that I was not, I was approached by the attorney and I invite you to find the complete set of the documents to see the whole picture,” said Gardiner.

The finance minister also warning the public not to get caught up on what he describes as social media rumors.

The Gardiner case is not the only scandal the Davis administration is dealing with.

There are still questions surrounding a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York , claiming a Bahamian politician was caught on a wiretap with an undercover U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent in Parliament in 2024, discussing a possible drug deal.

Just this week, opposition members showed up to Parliament wearing “Not Politician-1 ” badges on Wednesday, with government MP’s ignoring questions from reporters of who “Politician-1” may be.

OPM Press Secretary Keishla Adderley says while government understands the public’s hunger for answers, due legal process must be followed, and that they’ll stay in contact with U.S. authorities.