Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis announced that a memorandum of understanding was agreed between Emera and the government which would result in the government controlling the electricity company located in Grand Bahama.
Subsequent to the announcement a letter sent by Emera Chief Executive, Dave McGregor to employees circulated online. In the letter McGregor acknowledged that discussions between the company and the government was active but that no final agreement had been made. He also noted that staff should not have found out about the deal via the press.
In the House of Assembly on Wednesday members of the opposition demanded answers from the government on the deal. Prime Minister Davis stood on a point of order seeking to bring some clarity to the debate. He said, “Emera’s note did not contradict anything that I said. Their concern was, in their view, I ought to have waited until they would have told their staff about the arrangements. They wished to have done it. That’s what that note is about. And if you followed what I said, look at exactly what I said, there’s no contradiction. And even when I was asked but reporters when the deal will be completed I indicated and its in the newspaper as well, that it will be anywhere from 60 to 90 days for final completion. So where’s the contradiction? You’ll should be happy that there’s an effort being made to bring relief to the residents of Freeport when you’ll didn’t even lift one finger to do so.”
Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, Kwasi Thompson asked if the announcement was a pre-election public relations exercise. He said, “what are the financing arrangements underpinning the transaction or the extent of the public resources that may be committed. Who will manage the company? What is the capital investment?”
Member of Parliament for St. Barnabas, Shanendon Cartwright told Parliamentarians that the government has made so many promises to the people of Grand Bahama and continues to fail them.
