Bahamas police query former PM on COVID-19 meals program
Former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis says he has been interviewed by the police as a part of an intensive legal investigation into his administration’s coronavirus (COVID-19) meals help program.
Minnis, who left workplace in September 2021 after his Free Nationwide Motion authorities misplaced the overall election, advised the Tribune newspaper that three senior officers had earlier this yr interviewed him for over an hour.
He mentioned police gave him the choice to be questioned at a police station or at a impartial location, however that he selected a impartial location within the firm of his lawyer.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Leamond Deleveaux, has since confirmed that greater than 75 individuals have thus far been interviewed because the probe continues at the same time as he insisted that Minnis just isn’t a suspect.
“He was seen as a witness. He supplied us with info however he’s not a suspect and he was seen solely as a result of he was the Prime Minister on the time,” mentioned Deleveaux.
The Phillip Davis-led authorities has mentioned previously that the meals program lacked correct oversight.
“It might seem that the Davis administration, due to its poor governance and lack of agenda for this nation, is on the lookout for deflection from its governance and tax spend,” Minnis advised the Tribune newspaper.
“Let or not it’s recognized that I cannot be used nor will I be a deflection. And if the police wish to query me once more, they will name me at any time.
“I used to be not disturbed in any respect as a result of I knew that all through my governance I used to be very clear and trustworthy with the Bahamian individuals and if we face an identical catastrophe, I’ll guarantee once more the Bahamian individuals obtain the required instruments and tools for his or her survival,” Minnis added.
Final month, Davis accused an unnamed non-profit group of occurring a spending spree, shopping for two high-end vehicles and boats with public funds that have been meant to supply meals help through the pandemic.
However Hubert Minnis praised this system and the one who headed the initiative, Susan Larson.
“They utilized the companies of NGOs and ensured that people all through the size and breadth of The Bahamas have been supplied with meals at a time when it was wanted most.
“Folks acquired the meals in an orderly and humane style versus what was seen all through different nations of the world the place there was mass demonstrations and unrest for meals. We prevented that due to the way wherein the NGOs and Susan Larson and people had functioned. I’m pleased with that grouping.”
The previous prime minister warned his successor and “these are on a witch-hunt” that “they should be very, very cautious.”
CMC/