Miller cancels meeting with press


By RAYMOND KONGWA,Guardian Staff Reporter

raymond@nasguard.com

Trade Minister Leslie Miller yesterday cancelled a tell-all press conference he called on the troubled PetroCaribe oil deal, claiming a more pressing issue had arisen.

Mr Miller had called the press conference to respond to the swirl of questions and doubts now plaguing the accord.

"I had to put that off to deal with this situation down in Moores Island," he told The Guardian yesterday.

Newspaper reports indicated Thursday that residents of the small island, south of Abaco, were paying $5.50 per gallon of gasoline at the fishing community's only depot.

But the oil deal, which Mr Miller had thrashed out in Caracas last month with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, before signing, appeared doomed since early in the week.

The Guardian reported Wednesday that Perry Christie's Cabinet had serious concerns with the deal. Sources told the Guardian that in the three weeks since Mr Miller's return PetroCaribe had not even been included in the Cabinet's top agenda items.

Mr Miller upon returning from signing the accord said it would have saved motorists money at gasoline pumps.

But a source told the Guardian that the view now being taken by the government is that the agreement would only benefit the Bahamas Electricity Corporation and not motorists.

At least one well-placed insider has alleged that Mr Miller had been instructed by Cabinet to bring the document back to The Bahamas for a review prior to signing. But in newspaper reports earlier in the week, he claimed he had permission from Cabinet colleagues to press ahead with the deal.

"I really don't have to answer foolishness," he told The Guardian Tuesday when asked to respond to the allegation. "So I wouldn't even answer that."

A fundamental part of PetroCaribe is that Venezuela would provide oil to The Bahamas at a cut-rate cost and that the government would distribute the fuel to suppliers. For this to happen, however, the government would need to have an agency that would manage oil storage and distribution.

At present no such agency exists and according to a well-placed source, Cabinet does not feel it could persuade motorists to abandon the present system of gas distribution in favour of a government-backed agency.

Meanwhile, The Guardian has also learned that The Bahamas would have to arrange bilateral agreements with Venezuela for the effects of the accord to come into force.


What are we going to export to Venezuela? Sun? - they got it. Drugs? - they got it. Corruption? - they got it. Hot chicks - they got lots.

When will the Minister realize that the NATIONS GAS CRISIS is a little more important than the price gouging on an outisland? Talk abot foolishness?! You solve the bigger problem and the rest will fall into place.

The next time he calls a press conference, town meeting, or any other public speaking, everyone should turn the cameras and microphones off, turn their backs and mumble to themselves. Don't even publicize these on again / off again public info sessions if you are going to cancel them every time. :duh:

cast your mind back to the late 70's and its oil price shocks- the gas never went down from whence they came. five dollar gas is a reality here to stay. it een going nowhere!

He" dosen't have to answer foolishness" aye? He reeks guiltyness. I hope Mr. Christie gives him a good wupin' with the belt. This man seems so irresponsible to me. he makes mistakes and when the public comes for answers, he arrogantly throws them aside.......HOW DARE HE!

Its funny though....he didnt even read the fine print before he signed without cabinet approval. What an anus! He is the only cabinet member who cannot behave himself. Does he not know that the possibility of another 5 years of PLP governance rides on some of his decisions too?

FIRE HIM ALREADY!!!!!!

He is the only cabinet member who cannot behave himself. FIRE HIM ALREADY!!!!!!

What are you crazy...Christie and Obie maybe the only honourable men in the house. Maybe...

What are you crazy...Christie and Obie maybe the only honourable men in the house. Maybe...


At least they show up for thier speaking engagements! They don't belittle the general population and the press, or attack those that question their representation of the people.

It's time for the people to tell the Minister that we WE don't have to listen to foolishness!

Mind you on the face of things the deal looks benefical to us the consumer.Put we know Shell is already threating to pull out of the Bahamas,therefor putting pressure on the govt. I say read the fine print,study the pros & cons an either go ahead with the deal or cancel it ENOUGH dragging our feet already. ps: While I feel Mr. Miller is to impetuous & hotheaded, in my 17 yrs working with politicans I have yet to find another one more dedicated to trying to improve the lot of the SMALL Bahamian.Now if we could only find someone to keep a steady hand on him. :D Hey I've not heard anyone mention how the realtors feel they are getting suckered by Kerzner, any comments.

What are you crazy...Christie and Obie maybe the only honourable men in the house. Maybe...

christie? :taped2:
obie? :rolleyes:
boy you sure dont read, you just talking

Mind you on the face of things the deal looks benefical to us the consumer.Put we know Shell is already threating to pull out of the Bahamas,therefor putting pressure on the govt. I say read the fine print,study the pros & cons an either go ahead with the deal or cancel it ENOUGH dragging our feet already. ps: While I feel Mr. Miller is to impetuous & hotheaded, in my 17 yrs working with politicans I have yet to find another one more dedicated to trying to improve the lot of the SMALL Bahamian.Now if we could only find someone to keep a steady hand on him. :D Hey I've not heard anyone mention how the realtors feel they are getting suckered by Kerzner, any comments.

well if he was so concerned about the small man, and if he is suppose to be a good representation of us why isnt he? Presentation says alot. He is not diplomatic but he does have a dictatorial disposition (emphasis on the dic) and that says alot about who he is concerned about...himself. If anything he belittles the small man in all he says and what he does. He leaves nothing to be desired. If he is not the whole package deal then we dont need him. we deserve better. :bahamas:

Mind you on the face of things the deal looks benefical to us the consumer.Put we know Shell is already threating to pull out of the Bahamas,therefor putting pressure on the govt. I say read the fine print,study the pros & cons an either go ahead with the deal or cancel it ENOUGH dragging our feet already. ps: While I feel Mr. Miller is to impetuous & hotheaded, in my 17 yrs working with politicans I have yet to find another one more dedicated to trying to improve the lot of the SMALL Bahamian.Now if we could only find someone to keep a steady hand on him. :D Hey I've not heard anyone mention how the realtors feel they are getting suckered by Kerzner, any comments.

man it is true what the bahamian.ebloggy.com states: we have been so conditioned to accept anything that we cant think and decipher for ourselves what is in our best interest. This oil deal, from the looks of things is to use and taking advantage of little vulnerable Carribbean countries through aiding Chavez's anti- American stance. If Miller was so blind and stuoid he would see that. It is not beneficial to us we have to pay that money back now or later...from the looks of things later is not looking so prosperous.

Here is a link to a piece that may help in understanding what the deal entails.

http://www.nassauinstitute.org/wmview.php?ArtID=534
Like you said way the pros and cons and decide for yourself. You have a brain use it.

Mind you on the face of things the deal looks benefical to us the consumer.Put we know Shell is already threating to pull out of the Bahamas,therefor putting pressure on the govt. I say read the fine print,study the pros & cons an either go ahead with the deal or cancel it ENOUGH dragging our feet already. ps: While I feel Mr. Miller is to impetuous & hotheaded, in my 17 yrs working with politicans I have yet to find another one more dedicated to trying to improve the lot of the SMALL Bahamian.Now if we could only find someone to keep a steady hand on him. :D Hey I've not heard anyone mention how the realtors feel they are getting suckered by Kerzner, any comments.


Bullseye, Marichal. I have no doubt that he is trying his best and working towards a better future, but his brashness and abrasiveness is working against him. He keeps coming off as a 'my way or the highway' kind of guy and not willing to debate his critics on the issues. He's smart, no doubt about it, so he should be able to tackle the issues as they arise.

reEarth and others are hitting him on many points in the LNG thing. Instead of recognizing saying, in essence, "Yes, there are inherent dangers to LNG, just as there are dangers to any refinery or petroleum facility. There are also inherent dangers to a gas station, but policies and regulations are maintained to keep them safe (i.e. underground tanks, safety pumps, emergency shutoffs, etc). So, while recognizing that this facility is a risk to some degree, here's what we're implementing to mitigate those dangers...." and proceed through the list. Provided it's comprehensive (addressing all the environmental, security, and financial concerns) there should be little room for doubt as the government representative has done all the work for the country. It shows that they were thorough in their research and evaluations, that there is nothing to hide in the deal or the risk, and that it's on the up-and-up. Nothing makes people more suspicious than lacking the necessary information to make an independent decision.

To some, nothing will be OK enough, but they should represent a small percentage of the community and will generally be looked upon as unreasonable. Racial remarks and arrogant 'I don't have to listen to foolishness' comments are not the mark of a public servant and MP that is in touch with the population.

In my opinion, the whole country needs to see the transparency in the PetroCaribe deal, especially in light of recent allegations, to help clear up suspicion and damaged reputations.

Why don't the existing gas companies join forces with the gov't to create this new entity TOGETHER? The gas companies know that they'll sell more gas if it's cheaper to buy. Bring in some LOCAL individuals who can act as independent advisors to the commission and you've got the makings of a winning collaboration!

Despite all of the above, we need to embrace the reality that opposing parties will find little chinks in the armour and try to make a news item out of it, even though they would've done the same thing in the same situation...

:raw:

Bullseye, Marichal. I have no doubt that he is trying his best and working towards a better future, but his brashness and abrasiveness is working against him. He keeps coming off as a 'my way or the highway' kind of guy and not willing to debate his critics on the issues. He's smart, no doubt about it, so he should be able to tackle the issues as they arise.

reEarth and others are hitting him on many points in the LNG thing. Instead of recognizing saying, in essence, "Yes, there are inherent dangers to LNG, just as there are dangers to any refinery or petroleum facility. There are also inherent dangers to a gas station, but policies and regulations are maintained to keep them safe (i.e. underground tanks, safety pumps, emergency shutoffs, etc). So, while recognizing that this facility is a risk to some degree, here's what we're implementing to mitigate those dangers...." and proceed through the list. Provided it's comprehensive (addressing all the environmental, security, and financial concerns) there should be little room for doubt as the government representative has done all the work for the country. It shows that they were thorough in their research and evaluations, that there is nothing to hide in the deal or the risk, and that it's on the up-and-up. Nothing makes people more suspicious than lacking the necessary information to make an independent decision.

To some, nothing will be OK enough, but they should represent a small percentage of the community and will generally be looked upon as unreasonable. Racial remarks and arrogant 'I don't have to listen to foolishness' comments are not the mark of a public servant and MP that is in touch with the population.

In my opinion, the whole country needs to see the transparency in the PetroCaribe deal, especially in light of recent allegations, to help clear up suspicion and damaged reputations.

Why don't the existing gas companies join forces with the gov't to create this new entity TOGETHER? The gas companies know that they'll sell more gas if it's cheaper to buy. Bring in some LOCAL individuals who can act as independent advisors to the commission and you've got the makings of a winning collaboration!

Despite all of the above, we need to embrace the reality that opposing parties will find little chinks in the armour and try to make a news item out of it, even though they would've done the same thing in the same situation...

:raw:
The gas companies will never go for the petro deal,they are the one's putting up the opposition right now,did any one see Shell's response to the deal,their object is to continue raping & robbing the Bahamian people blind.That's why I gave Mr. Miller 100% points for trying to do something about it.Now his approach leaves alot to be desired,maybe another politican with more tact needs to get involved & be the point man,while LM says in the background & bulldozers the deal.

Even if this man is a hard worker he will not get along well or succeed in anything comming off like that. What is wrong with answering a few questions? If you know the absolute truth then shame your accusers and make the public stand corrected. Just blowing up and running away from reporters and opposers only supports the enemies around you. As far as he is concerned he has destroyed my confidence in him and with his unharnesed arrogance I wil not support him.

As the oil deal is concerned, we cannot afford to jump a bandwagon. Ironically this deal will only cost more money. The government will have to set up another damnable coorporation and guess who's going to pay for it? The money we would have saved (if any....) would go to paying for this and all of the shipping fees for this oil. We will be made suckers basically and Venezuela will make the money. That country is OPEC's third largest provider. We will only become a pawn in a war which will include pushing multinational oil providers out and replacing it with the state which will accept Venezualan oil fresh from the feilds. But forget all that stuff....we will hook up ourselves to one solitary source for oil. We will be totally dependent on dear Mr. Chavez who will then have power to cut off supply despite other possible inconveniences. :voodoo: Oh he will have sweet sweet power :dancer2: That's reason enough not to sign into that trap.

i have learn a long time that if something is too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. I have also learn much to my chagrin that there is no free lunch( GAS ,GRASS OR A##, NOBODY RIDES FREE). I have also learn that the devil always lurk in the details.I have also learn that goverment's is not the best entity to manage business.And i have learn that this present Administration under the leadership of Perry Gladstone Christie is perhaps the worse to come down the pipe in terms of Govermental Administration.I have come to this conclusion that Minister Miller must be the most ridiculous cabinet minister to come down the pipe. How can i ever trust minister Miller ever again? when he ask a reporter from the guardian to name him one 'black bahamian who had a brain in his head'. The last time i check Mr Miller was black. Go figure!

Does anyone know if the LNG deal included selling power back to the Bahamas? It would exchange some risk for some current.