The Free National Movement has again questioned whether drug money was used to fund the government’s election campaign.
“We cannot afford to have the decent reputation of our country, which was restored through diligence under the FNM Government, destroyed once more,” said Senator Turnquest Tuesday at a press conference at the political party’s headquarters.
“Throughout the latter part of last year, and now 2003, there have been persistent reports and allegations that the Progressive Liberal Party during the 2002 election campaign received substantial election financing from certain drug-related quarters,” the Opposition leader said.
He then accused the government of accepting substantial funding from known drug-related individuals in Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Bimini and New Providence.
Senator Turnquest, while surrounded by several former Cabinet Ministers, insisted that Prime Minister Perry Christie “firmly and truthfully” confirm or deny that the PLP received campaign funding from such drug-related sources.
Senator Turnquest said: “Mr. Christie said during the election campaign that he would prefer to lose than win using illegal or immoral means. But now it is being said that quite the contrary occurred.
“We have observed some disturbing actions and appearances recently by high-ranking PLPs at events attended by persons with known drug-related associations, which lend credibility to the reports received,” he claimed.
The FNM then expressed their concern that The Bahamas may be tarnished with a drug-related reputation.
Minister of Public Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts on Tuesday evening denied the allegations, stating that PLP candidates had neither solicited nor accepted campaign funding from drug-related sources.
The former PLP Chairman said: “If Senator Tommy Turnquest has any proof, we in the Progressive Liberal Party invite him to take this information to the police.”
Senator Turnquest should “put up or shut up or get lost,” with his accusations, he said.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
