Welcome to Bahamas Local, Your Bahamas Online Search Engine

MP denies claims of discrimination over food aid

Mon, May 31st 2021, 05:08 PM
Business Politics Tribune Stories

INFURIATED by the opposition's allegations of political discrimination in food assistance on Andros, local MP Carlton Bowleg said there is no truth to the claims.

Last week, Senator Fred Mitchell, chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, issued a statement to media claiming PLP supporters residing in North Andros were being politically victimised by not receiving food parcels provided by the government.

Andros and Cat Island have just completed the first week of a two-week lockdown ordered by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis due to high COVID-19 infection rates on those islands and the lack of proper healthcare facilities.

Bullocks Harbour and Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands are also under a 14-day lockdown.

“Following up on credible reports of political discrimination against PLP residents in North Andros and reports in other islands of political victimisation in the distribution of food by the government during the two-week FNM imposed lockdown, the PLP gave notice it will move at the next meeting of the Senate a request for a Select Committee to investigate the distribution of government assistance in the locked down islands,” Senator Mitchell’s statement read.

Strongly denying any discrimination was taking place in his constituency, Mr Bowleg, who represents North Andros and the Berry Islands, said the allegations are political mischief.

“There is no truth to this,” Mr Bowleg said. “I am aware (of the allegations) and I would say that this is the political season. It’s the silly season. I will be addressing this matter in short order. I will be addressing this in the House (of Assembly). There is no discrimination going on. I will say this much. There is a structure that was put in place. That structure was carried out.

“The administrator did what needed to be done. She gave her number to the residents and even said on the news what her number was. So that if anyone wanted to contact her for food … of course you are not going to be able to get to everyone … but if you get the number and you call her, I am certain that she would have made sure that food was delivered to those homes. And, that is continuing to happen today.”

Before the PLP’s allegations were made, photos of the food parcels’ contents were circulated on social media captioned with criticisms. Senator Mitchell addressed his concerns about this in his statement.

“I believe it is a campaign budget…that is just filled with promises,” said Freeport businessman Darren Cooper, of D’s Car Rental.
#He is disappointed that the government now sees fit to offer small businesses concessions four years into its administration.
#“I listened and I am disappointed in the fact that after four years the government now sees the need to offer small businesses a concession when we have been asking (since) they took office,” he said.
#Mr Cooper said Grand Bahamians want to see the manifestation of what is being promised, and not just hear about the pledges.
#“I welcome the announcement of the projects, but I would feel better when we actually see the start of the work on those projects,” he said.
#“I think that a bunch of promises have been made in the budget, and we want to see the manifestation. We are grateful for the concessions, but businesses were longing for these concessions four (years) ago and could have used them to sustain their businesses.
#“I am grateful for what we have gotten and hope there will be no red tape in being able to embrace or enjoy the concessions.”
#Businessman Brian Seymour believes that Dr Minnis is selling dreams and promises to Grand Bahamians.

Click here to read more at The Tribune

 Sponsored Ads