It’s Nothing Personal, Just Be Transparent With The Bahamian People

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Last week, the government inked a new LNG deal that they claim will save the country 180 million dollars annually in energy costs. But the opposition says there is a lack of transparency.

They’re demanding greater disclosure on the government’s energy reforms.

While the government promises the project will slash costs and provide jobs for Bahamians, Pintard raises this question.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Opposition
“There is going to be a need for a pipeline to transport, after the re-gasification, the gas to Blue Hills. And the question is, how is that going to happen? Has an environmental impact assessment been done to determine the safety of the line? And we should certainly make sure no private company owns that particular line, forcing the Bahamian people to pay a toll indefinitely to that owner.”

The agreement makes way for the development of an LNG terminal at Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier plant.

LNG is known to be cheaper, cleaner, and has less price volatility when compared to diesel and oil.

When it comes to BPL, Pintard says their position has been consistent.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Opposition
“The maximum number of Bahamians should have been given an opportunity to buy shares in any privatization of Bahamian assets. Secondly, there should be competitive bidding so that a wide range of companies, preferably Bahamian companies, have an opportunity to bid.”

Focol Holdings Chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson told The Tribune newspaper that the opposition leader’s criticism of the deal was “political gimmickry” and “petty foolishness.”

Michael Pintard – Leader, Opposition
“We need more Bahamians, from the private sector and otherwise, to speak up on these kinds of arrangements. It’s nothing personal, but anyway, it’s about the Bahamian people.”