Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said yesterday he is "disappointed" to learn that Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) Executive Chairman Leslie Miller still owes the corporation.
Davis said he directed Miller to bring his accounts up to date.
The Nassau Guardian revealed yesterday that Miller and one of his family-owned businesses owe the corporation more than $200,000.
Davis, who is the minister responsible for BEC, said he expects all delinquent customers to pay their bills, including Miller.
Davis said Miller previously indicated that he would pay his debt, but had not lived up to that promise.
"The chairman some time ago discussed his challenges with me," said Davis in the House of Assembly during debate on the 2014/15 budget, as Miller looked on.
"And he indicated to me that he had made arrangements to resolve those challenges. I'm disappointed that it hasn't happened. I spoke to him today and he assured me that he has made arrangements in place to settle his debt.
"I am satisfied with that. As I said, I was disappointed to see it because I thought it had been resolved. He explained to me the reason why it had not been done. I accepted that explanation.
"However, that does not excuse him from not paying his bill. I told him to go and pay, and he's telling me now that he's made the proper arrangements to do so."
When asked by sitting opposition members to detail the arrangements that Miller made, Davis said he will not go any further than that.
He added that "no one needs to ask me any more questions about that".

Disappointment
BEC records obtained by The Nassau Guardian showed that a Harrold Road building registered with BEC in Miller's name owed the corporation $46,373.77 as of Monday.
Those records also showed that a Harrold Road bowling alley, owned by Summerwinds Investments Ltd., owed the corporation $193,159.56, as of Monday.
Both businesses owed BEC a total of $239,533.33.
Davis addressed the matter in Parliament yesterday after he refused to take questions on the issue earlier as he exited Cabinet.
He was asked if the matter put into question Miller's position as executive chairman. However, Davis, who was walking to his car, turned and said, "I reserve all comments for now".
During his address in the House of Assembly, Davis said he was also disappointed that Miller's personal records were made public.
"I was disappointed to pick up the paper this morning and to see what was exposed," he said.
"First of all, I don't think that's the way we ought to be doing business. I don't think it's right for persons to expose other persons' confidential information."
Miller acknowledged on Monday that both businesses owe BEC money, though he did not confirm how much.
Miller said his daughters, who manage Mario's Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace, and their accountant informed him that they have an "ongoing situation" and give BEC a minimum of $5,000 every week.
Asked why the arrears on Mario's was so high, Miller said everyone's accounts get high when the economy goes bad.
As it relates to Sunburst Paints, which occupies the building on Harrold Road, Miller said over the last several years he has not paid attention to it, especially after his business partner died in an accident.
"We are, in fact, just getting Sunburst Paints back on track again, so that will be dealt with in short order," he said.

Receivables
Speaking about the state of BEC's affairs generally, Davis yesterday noted that the corporation is struggling financially.
He said BEC owes banks a total of $239 million.
"Adding to BEC's financial struggles is defaulting customers," Davis said prior to addressing Miller's issue.
"Accounts receivables derived from the private sector, individual and corporate, continue to increase as a number of customers remain unable to meet payment arrangements.
"Even with revised payment arrangements, too many customers continue to default. Government receivables increased as well because many government agencies are not paying sufficient on their monthly bills."
Davis said while the corporation understands the challenges of the economy, the situation cannot continue much longer as the corporations has tremendous financial obligations.
He encouraged customers to pay.

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