Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CORRUPTION & DRUG RUNNING
Pindling initially continued the progressive economic policies first adopted by his prede-
cessors, based on tourism and finance. However, foreign-owned development interests en-
joyed preferential treatment and when his government tried to redress these problems the
economy stalled.
Kickbacks to government members had become a staple of political life by the early
1980s and the Bahamas' hundreds of islands, marinas, and airstrips had become the frontline
staging post for narcotics en route to the US. Bahamians from all walks of life made hay on
the trade, and the government seemed disinclined to crack down on it.
In 1984 it was suggested by an American TV program that Colombian drug barons had
corrupted the government at its highest levels. Pindling and his ministers were accused of in-
volvement in drug trafficking, and a Bahamian royal commission found against several min-
isters. Pindling was cleared, however the report noted that his expenditure was eight times
his declared income.
The country's drug-heavy reputation tarnished its reputation abroad. Tourism and finan-
cial investment declined, so the government belatedly launched a crackdown led by the US
Drug Enforcement Agency (US DEA).
The electorate had become frustrated, and voted in a conservative and business-orientated
government, the Free National Movement (FNM) party, in 1992. Lynden Pindling died in
August 2000.
