Former Foreign Min. Addresses Furniture Spending

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – One day after the Labour and Immigration Minister criticized the former government for what he called lavish spending, former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield says authorities should look into the purchases, claiming he was not aware.

Berthony McDermott reports.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield calling for an investigation to be launched into claims that more than $500,000 of taxpayer funds was dished out to furnish an ambassador’s residence in Europe.

Our News understands the furniture was purchased for the embassy in Brussels, Belgium. Henfield shares the same sentiment.

While contributing to the 2022-2023 budget debate Tuesday evening, Labour and Immigration Minister Keith bell blasted what he called wasteful spending by the Minnis administration.

Government debt stands at $11 billion.

Bell provided a breakdown which divulged $12,000 was spent on a bed, $19,000 on a rug, and $14,000 on a mirror.

But that’s not all.

Bell said $14,300 was spent on a table, and $9,000 on a dining room table.

More than $20,000 on a dining table chair, $9000 on a cocktail table, $14,500 on a sofa, and over $5,000 on two lamps.

Bell said the contracts were issued on behalf of The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority from someone inside the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Carmichael MP said the furniture was purchased under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While the renovations were being done, the ambassador stayed at a hotel for $20,000 per month.