Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis last night accused Prime Minister Perry Christie of throwing Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis "under the bus" while commenting on leaders being accountable for the state of the economy.
While speaking at the renaming ceremony of a portion of Thompson Boulevard to University Drive on Monday, Christie said, "Even though I have a brilliant young man in Michael Halkitis, a graduate of The College of The Bahamas, I have to be able to challenge him, because it's so important to recognize how easy it is to piss away money."
The Christie administration has been under heightened scrutiny surrounding how more than $1 billion in value-added tax (VAT) revenue collected since its implementation has been used, and after months of demands, the prime minister finally gave an account last week in Parliament.
"Christie came very close to admitting that they have wasted the VAT money," said Minnis at the FNM's candidates launch for Centerville, Free Town, St. Barnabas, Bains & Grants Town and Englerston on Christie Park.
"He threw Michael Halkitis under the bus by basically saying that he didn't trust him to oversee where the VAT money [went].
"Then he said that it's easy to waste the VAT money, so he had to keep an eye on things.
"How can Christie keep an eye on anything when he is shut-eye and sleeping most of the time?"
VAT was implemented in January 2015 at a rate of 7.5 percent.
At the end of 2016, VAT revenue stood at $1.14 billion, according to the prime minister.
Christie said the government netted around $756 million from the tax after taking into account other tax reductions, VAT refunds and key investments and projects that resulted in increased expenditure.
Minnis told supporters, "You couldn't waste things in my mother's house. You would get your behind cut. I promise you this: Your FNM government will not tolerate waste. And, you will be able to see and touch where the VAT money will go."
Minnis also outlined some of the party's plans for the country.
He said his government would create a council of economic advisors that would provide the best advice for economic growth; launch a national solarization program that would reduce electricity costs and fuel import; and launch a program for further property tax discounts and rebates for all pensioners over 65 who pay property tax and qualify for such a program.
Minnis reiterated his pledge to institute an inner-city tax free zone that would restrict taxes on certain household furniture and business equipment, restrict import duties on construction materials for residential and commercial buildings, restrict real property tax or business licence fees, and reduce duty on special vehicles necessary for businesses.

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