Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis has defended his remarks regarding law enforcement officers charged in a U.S. indictment in connection with a massive cocaine smuggling operation, claiming that they were victims of entrapment.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, Davis clarified that his comments about the case’s reliance on U.S. government agents and informants were grounded in the text of the indictment itself. “Regarding the prime minister’s recent observation that the US case appears to rely heavily on actions in response to US government agents or informants, that is not a matter in controversy – it is clear from the text of the indictment itself,” the statement said.
The remarks followed sharp criticism from the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), which expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s stance. Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, speaking to the Nassau Guardian, said, “When I heard the remarks, like other Bahamians, we were shocked, stunned, that the prime minister, who is no longer operating in the capacity of a defence attorney but as the chief executive officer of an independent country, would actually be making these kinds of statements.”
Pintard also questioned Davis’s credibility, stating, “The statements seem contradictory immediately to me because the prime minister had claimed he had no knowledge of the details surrounding the matter and at no point has he come back to the public to indicate he had gotten additional information that would allow him now to come to the conclusion that he has drawn.”
FNM Chairman Duane Sands also weighed in, labeling the prime minister’s comments as “a joke.” Sands told reporters, “We can’t help but note the sudden shift in tone, from promising swift action and reform to casting doubt on the investigation’s legitimacy. Just who or what is this government trying to protect?” Sands added, “We are talking about an indictment that alleges that corrupt officers were willing to facilitate the movement of cocaine through our islands.”
The U.S. indictment, unsealed last November, names 11 Bahamians and two Colombians accused of transporting tons of cocaine from South America into The Bahamas and ultimately the United States. Among those indicted were Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, who was in charge of the Airport Division at the time; Royal Bahamas Police Force Sergeant Prince Albert Symonette, who was later discharged; and Royal Bahamas Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Darrin Roker, who was also discharged.
The indictment alleges that Curtis told a trafficker that a high-ranking Bahamian politician could authorize law enforcement officers to assist with cocaine shipments in exchange for a US$2 million bribe.
In response to the indictment, the Prime Minister’s office reiterated that the government took the allegations seriously and acted swiftly. “From the moment the indictment was unveiled, the prime minister and his government have treated the allegations with the utmost seriousness and urgency, and chose not to wait for what may be a lengthy legal process to play out before taking action,” the statement said.
The Office of the Prime Minister highlighted several actions taken since the indictment’s revelation, including the resignation of the police commissioner and the appointment of a new commissioner with a mandate for reform. Additionally, new legislation has been introduced, including protections for whistleblowers and the establishment of an independent investigations commission to address police misconduct.
Prime Minister Davis has also met with U.S. officials multiple times to discuss the case and reaffirm the government’s commitment to cooperation. Within 24 hours of learning about the indictment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested assistance from U.S. Embassy officials in contacting the Department of Justice to identify the unnamed senior Bahamian official mentioned in the indictment. However, the U.S. Embassy has since confirmed that it does not comment on ongoing investigations.
The statement from the Office of the Prime Minister also addressed the criticism from Duane Sands, stating, “Despite stiff competition from his FNM colleagues, Duane Sands frequently finds himself winning the Most Desperate Award, and today is no different. The US indictment alleges criminal activity stretching back to the time when the FNM formed the government, yet no one can recall any steps he or his FNM colleagues took to substantively address concerns about wrongdoing in the security forces.”
The statement continued, “Today, as on so many other days, Sands chooses fake outrage instead.”
As the controversy surrounding the case continues, the Prime Minister’s defense of his remarks on entrapment has sparked further debate about the ongoing drug trafficking investigation and the government’s handling of the issue.
