Passport Fraud Claims Spark Political Clash

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, defended the government’s handling of allegations of passport fraud, as tensions escalate over claims about the true number of cases.

With the election cycle heating up, he’s warning anyone against spreading what he calls dangerous misinformation.

Wayne Munroe – Minister, National Security

“What they’re trying to do to get power at any means is they don’t care if they burn down the country. They don’t care if they prevent you and me from being able to travel on our passports. And I want the Bahamian people to think about that. There’s foolishness that they’re running on with.”

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe fired back at Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard, who accused the government of misleading the public about the passport fraud figures, saying what was reported as 98 cases is actually closer to 300.

Munroe also pushed back against those claims, challenging Pintard to turn over any evidence to the police.

Wayne Munroe – Minister, National Security

“If he has any information about these other 202 people, we invite him to advise the Commissioner of Police. She has an open-door policy to them. I’ve seen them meeting with her and the senior executive leadership team, but stop this foolishness where you are endangering Bahamians’ right to travel. You should be barred from leadership if you keep that nonsense up.”

Meanwhile, Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain also entered the fray, claiming there has been an increase in fraudulent documentation.

Bain urged voters to report anyone they suspect “not speaking the Queen’s English” to them.

Munroe condemned such acts.

Wayne Munroe – Minister, National Security

“Anyone who would think that they want to follow that advice is looking to potentially not being able to vote themselves, because if you do something foolish that causes you to be arrested and detained, you may well miss the opportunity to cast your vote. So do not listen to that foolish advice.”

The National Security Minister is also moving to reassure the public, insisting that safeguards are in place to prevent anyone from using fraudulent documents to cast a ballot.

Wayne Munroe – Minister, National Security

“What you cannot do with a fraudulent voter card is vote, because when you turn up at the polling place, if you have a fraudulent voter’s card, they will look for the counterfoil. When they do not find a counterfoil to match what you produce, the likelihood is, if it’s someone else’s, you yourself will end up in custody.”