National

FNM Chairman Slams Government Travel Budget

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The mid-year budget report revealed that between July and December 2024, the Davis administration spent $10M on travel and subsistence.

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The spending has raised eyebrows, among the critics is Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands who says it’s reckless. He’s calling on government needs to reevaluate its priorities.

The mid-year budget report revealed that between July and December 2024, the Davis administration spent $10M on travel and subsistence.

Originally, $12.4M was allocated for the entire fiscal year, but the figure has been revised to $16M.

That number again increased when $3.6M was reallocated from other line items.

Two million dollars alone was reallocated in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“The average salary of a Bahamian is $48,500 a year, that’s average, okay. So in six months, this administration has spent the average salary of some 200 Bahamians for travel.”

Communications Director in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming defending the recent $2M increase to OPM’s budget, saying the amount is consistent with the amount spent with the last three prime ministers.

Meanwhile, the FNM Chairman says the government has a priority issue.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement
“This government has a serious problem with priorities. The things that are important, that make a difference in the lives of Bahamians. They ain’t on that run, they busy balling, they want fly in a private jet, they want go first class.”

Dr. Sands cited the Accident and Emergency Department at the Princess Margaret Hospital that’s still not opened, a lack of ambulances, and a low inventory of medication at PMH as greater concerns that government travel.

The mid-year budget also saw the decrease of value-added tax on uncooked food in the grocery store.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement
“Again against the backdrop of a clear lack of prioritization about the concern for the welfare of ordinary people, poor people. We will throw you a lil bone, okay?”