PM Says Food Prog. Audit Startling

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A “startling and astounding read” is how Prime Minister Philip Davis describes an audit report into the operations of the National Food Distribution Task Force.

The PM’s damning description came moments before he tabled the 138 page document in parliament.

The prime minister giving his assessment of the long-awaited audit report into the National Food Distribution Task Force saying it documents major deficiencies, including widespread inconsistencies, relating to the sums of money handled.

Initially intended to be a 12-week initiative, the food program was in operation for 70 weeks with $53 million in funding and assisted the most vulnerable households during the COVID-19 pandemic when thousands of Bahamians were out of work.

Davis said to this day, despite numerous requests, two NGOs have still not provided any information at all, and their total expenditure was more than $10 million.

The audit that was conducted by ATI Company Limited identified nearly two dozen deficiencies in the program.

The audit stated: “NGO expenditures related to the food programme was concentrated to a minimal group of vendors and did not appear to be representative of a reasonably proportionate mix (with the exception of One Eleuthera Foundation who had a satisfactory expenditure mix).”

It went on to give a breakdown that revealed:

BFN – Sysco accounted for approximately $2.7 million.
HFH – Showman eBistro accounted for more than $5 million
HFH – Abaco Price Ltd. accounted for approximately $1.5 million
BRC – Super Value accounted for more than $1 million
G.B. Food Co. accounted for more than $3.8. Million, while Sawyer’s Fresh Market accounted for more than $2 million of the costs during the food programme

Prime Minister Davis says public officers did not have oversight in the expenditure of funds.

The PM went on to insist he has nothing personal against those involved in the food program, but just wants to get a proper accounting of how the program was spending taxpayer money.