Following opposition calls for a commission of inquiry to examine issues surrounding allegations of corruption in law enforcement and government, Prime Minister Philip Davis said last week that such an inquiry would be too costly, but in opposition Davis was a great supporter of commissions of inquiry. investigation, even calling for one in 2020, when the country’s coffers were drying up.

Last Wednesday, Davis said: “We have reviewed the commission of inquiry and it is an extremely expensive exercise, and at this time we do not have the resources to dedicate such an investigation. Our resources (are) necessary to address (the) challenges of our people, and that is what we are currently focused on.

In June 2020, Davis, leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and at the time leader of the opposition, called on the government to launch a commission of inquiry into the events surrounding Hurricane Dorian, alleging that the administration Minnis had “botched” his plan. management of the consequences of the storm.

“I think we need a broader investigation than this (coroner’s inquest) warrant into the preparations made before the hurricane, what happened during the hurricane and the recovery efforts after the hurricane. hurricane,” he said.

“You need a comprehensive investigation into what happened and what went wrong. »

While in opposition in December 2019, Davis (quoted by The Tribune) said he would establish a commission of inquiry upon taking office to examine issues related to investigations into PLP politicians acquitted of corruption.

“The state is a powerful entity and a commission would be tasked with purifying the administration of criminal justice in the country,” he said.

“As soon as I am in power, I will create a commission of inquiry to eradicate unjust practices and hold to account all those responsible.

“The body’s recommendations will be used to determine a path forward to prevent these things from happening in the future to anyone, not just to Shane Gibson, but to your sister, your brother and man in the street.”

In 2012, Davis also wanted a commission of inquiry to examine issues related to the Ingraham administration’s decisions.

At a rally at Clifford Park in April 2012, he said: “I will support the appointment, within our first 100 days in office, of a commission of inquiry to investigate the episodes scandalous misconduct by the outgoing administration. »

Davis added: “I will campaign for this commission to be appointed so that it can call on people and newspapers to examine and explore the facts surrounding specific issues of great national importance.

“With this investigative body, we will seek to examine and expose the role of ‘special interests’ involved in the granting of a 40-year monopoly on the port of Arawak Cay. We still do not know the names of the people behind the corporate veil.”

Davis urged: “Let the chips fall where they may. »

He said: “The commission must also be mandated to examine and disclose to you, the Bahamian people, matters relating to the sale of BTC.

“Investigations into this sale should include matters related to the selection of Cable and Wireless as the preferred purchaser of the valuable and profitable asset of the Bahamian people.

“In addition, I will also support this commission’s review of the New Providence Highway Improvement Project and, in particular, the massive cost overruns to the tune of nearly $100 million.”

No such commission was appointed when the PLP came to power. It was then managed by Perry Christie.

Commissions promised by Davis while he was leader of the PLP also failed to materialize.

While Davis said a commission of inquiry would be too costly, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis renewed his call for such a commission to be appointed.

In an editorial published by The Nassau Guardian Today, Minnis said: “Commissions exist in our law for times like this – that is, for cases where allegations of corruption or abuse are pervasive and move up the chain of command in a state entity or other organization.

“A commission would hold public hearings, which the public could attend. This is important to help the Bahamian people have confidence in the independence and openness of the investigation and its findings.

“A commission could include eminently qualified individuals from the Bahamas, the region, the Commonwealth as a whole or beyond.

“A commission would help find the accomplices who have not been charged, but who were part of this drug and arms trafficking network.

“The commission could also offer recommendations on how to reform our security forces. »