The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corp. has been operating without a chairman for two weeks, The Guardian has learned.
“You would not be wrong to say that he (Michael Halkitis) has in fact been appointed acting chairman,” one of several cabinet ministers said on Sunday, on the condition of anonymity.
One minister also said that Mr. Halkitis’ appointment is temporary and is expected to be permanently filled by member of Parliament for St. Thomas Moore, Frank Smith, in January, when there may also be a cabinet reshuffling.
The Guardian was unable to reach Mr. Halkitis and was told by one minister that he is visiting his wife who is studying in Canada.
“Frank could very well end up as executive chairman and there is heavy lobbying going on for him to become the next chairman. Therefore, when Mr. Christie shuffles the cabinet and makes his new announcements, Frank could very well be the next executive chairman, but right now the temporary chairman is Halkitis,” said a political source. Mr. Smith is the government’s whip.
The Guardian was told that Mr. Smith was the prime minister’s “first choice” when he was considering appointing a chairman in July, 2002, but Mr. Smith, an accountant, was in “no position” to carry out the responsibilities of BAIC at the time.
“If he was, I think all the issues that went on at BAIC would have been different,” the source said.
When The Guardian asked Deputy Chairman of BAIC Godfrey Eneas whether Mr. Halkitis was i acting executive chairman, he said, “I certainly don’t know.”
The cabinet source said Mr. Halkitis was appointed two days after Sidney Stubbs resigned on Nov. 26, after the controversy involving a Korean fishing venture, the seizing of 15 boats and the authenticity of a Bahamian-registered company.
Neneka Bahamas Ltd and Netsiwill Holdings of Korea made arrangements for a $20-million investment in the economy of North Andros. The boats, were valued at $2.5 million, and when they arrived in The Bahamas, customs was instructed to revoke the registration issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and impound the vessels, because it was not clear whether the were 100-per-cent Bahamian-owned. Neneka Bahamas Ltd. has since been ordered by the government to transport the boats out of the country within a 10-day period. That period expired on Saturday, but the boats remain docked at Morgan’s Bluff, North Andros.
Member of Parliament for South Andros, Whitney Bastian, said an extension might have been granted Neneka Bahamas Ltd. because of inclement weather, making it difficult for the boats to leave the harbour.
“If there is bad weather, they could not get out of the harbour unless they are placed on bigger barges, but based on weather conditions, they may have given some extension, but I will just keep my eyes open and watch.”
The Guardian was told Sunday that the CEO of Neneka Bahamas Ltd., Earlin Williams, is off the island.
On the other hand, Mr. Stubbs denied on Sunday that he was to be appointed parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a $60,000-a-year salary.
“I have gone into the private sector and I have walked away from government, I have resigned.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
