The Free National Movement (FNM) has hit out at the government for hiring foreign consultants to audit tourism spending and subsidies, and is arguing that the Christie administration has relied heavily on international advice since assuming office in May.
The criticism came after Prime Minister Perry Christie told an audience in Grand Bahama that his government hired a firm of international consultants to review taxes, operating costs, fees and incentives in the industry to find ways to increase the sector’s competitiveness.
“Every Bahamian accounting, finance, tourism and marketing professional should be alarmed and outraged by this decision,” Free National Movement (FNM) Acting Chairman Darron Cash said in a statement. “It is truly unbelievable and entirely unacceptable that the Christie government could not find a team of Bahamian professionals to undertake a meaningful cost-benefit analysis of Bahamian government tourism spending.
“In fact, the decision to go outside and import foreign talent for this project is an insult. It most certainly does not demonstrate confidence in Bahamians.”
Cash said while the PLP campaigned on the idea that they believe in Bahamians more than the FNM, this reliance on international experts suggests otherwise.
“No action appears to have merit unless validated by a foreign consultant. It appears that Bahamians need not apply,” Cash said, echoing a statement that was frequently used by the PLP to criticize the Ingraham administration.
Cash said the opposition party wants the government to release the request for proposal outlining the description and scope of the audit; release the name and principals of the firm; release the contract, terms of the engagement and fees to be paid to the foreign firm and confirm whether any Bahamian firms have been engaged to be a part of the audit.
Last week, Christie said the firm will work alongside Bahamian tourism and financial advisors.
“My government has decided to retain a firm of international consultants to work with our Bahamian tourism and financial advisors in a review of taxes, operating costs, fees and incentives as they relate to our tourism industry, with a view to measures being taken that would enhance our competitiveness and stimulate further development in the tourism sector,” Christie said.
The PLP administration has also hired foreign consultants to give advice on the gambling referendum.
By Taneka Thompson
Guardian Senior Reporter
