Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis yesterday was in defense of the Urban Renewal Small Home Repairs Programme in the House of Assembly. The auditor general’s report, which was obtained by The Nassau Guardian in April, revealed that 11 contractors were paid $171,000 for work that was not completed or never done. Auditor General Terrance Bastian concluded that it was difficult to determine if the government got “value for money”.

Davis said yesterday that an independent report into the program has revealed that several aspects of the auditor general’s report are “erroneous”. He added that the report “troubled” him and prompted him to commission experts in the construction field to examine the veracity of the auditor general’s findings.

The governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has been attacking the auditor general – a constitutional officer – since the report was made public by this newspaper. The deputy prime minister’s intervention yesterday was much of the same. What Davis said that was extraordinary, however, pertained to the individuals the government gave Urban Renewal contracts to.

“We still believe in giving a second chance to individuals who have run afoul of the law,” he said. “Yes, we all deserve a second chance. Even the Apostle Peter was given a second chance. Many of the Small Home Repairs Programme contractors have tarnished criminal records; in fact, a few are out on bail.

“This government deliberately retained those who had the requisite construction skills and gave them contracts to repair houses, and they embraced the opportunities and executed repair works that have withstood keen scrutiny.”

We support the effort of the government to give reformed individuals a second chance. Men and women who were criminals but have given up that life should be supported. The help of the state and private employers could be the difference that ensures that these individuals do not return to their former ways.

The government, however, should not give contracts to people on bail. The government should especially not give contracts to people on bail to go into the homes of citizens as contractors. What exactly are these people on bail for? Murder? Rape? Burglary? Housebreaking? Armed robbery? Stealing?

A person on bail still has an active matter to answer for before the courts. In these cases, the alleged crime happened fairly recently. This means that an individual who may have committed a home invasion and rape within the last six to 12 months could have been given a contract by our government to come into your home to repair it.

The policy of granting Urban Renewal contracts to people on bail is an extraordinary violation of the public trust by the government. The government needs to reveal how many people have been given Urban Renewal contracts who are out on bail. The government also needs to reveal what these people are out on bail for.

The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) should press the government on this issue. These accused people should have their matters heard before the courts and then demonstrate that they are committed to living honest lives before they are engaged in programs designed for ex-offenders, reformed criminals or those who have lost their way