There is no evidence the male dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) that was set afire on January 15 was ever insured, The Nassau Guardian has confirmed.

According to information on the file of the Ministry of Works, there was an insurance quote from a local insurance company, but there was never an insurance certificate. The contractor was issued checks based on that quote, The Guardian understands. But the ministry has no evidence that the insurance was ever paid.

Previously, the contractor, Audley Hanna, told The Guardian the building was insured by Southern Alliance. But that company is not listed in the phone book. It is also not listed on the website of the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas. The insurance company that wrote a quote for the building is not called Southern Alliance. It is listed in the phone book and is also listed with the Insurance Commission.

Dave Dion Moxey, 50, has been charged with arson. But the question of who will pay to rebuild the dormitory has not yet been answered.

In the House of Assembly week before last, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis, who is also minister of works, said that at the signing of the BAMSI contract, "the contractor had everything that was required to contract work with my ministry, including contractor's all -risk insurance.

"However, because of the delay and the fact that the contractor failed to pay the annual premium, the insurance coverage expired."

Davis said his ministry is "now in discussions as to the way ahead". He made that statement in response to a question from Leader of the Opposition Dr. Hubert Minnis on whether the same contractor would be re-contracted "when it obviously demonstrates irresponsibility to allow the insurance to lapse".

The issue of the BAMSI insurance has drawn great public interest, as the estimated damage from the fire exceeds $1 million. In the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Perry Christie called the matter "a teachable experience".

Hanna, the contractor, later told The Nassau Guardian he will "find the money to build it back". He said he did not realize the insurance had lapsed on the building until Davis mentioned it in the House. Hanna said up to that point he thought the building was insured. Davis is expected to make a communication on this matter in the House of Assembly today.

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