Elsworth Johnson hypocritical to criticize Sweeting promotion

FNM Senator Elsworth Johnson is facing questions over his criticism of Superintendent Terico Sweeting’s appointment to the Royal Bahamas Police Force Promotions Board, given an unresolved professional complaint against Johnson himself.

Johnson has questioned why Sweeting was selected to sit on the promotions board, despite Sweeting’s involvement as a witness in the investigation into the November 2023 theft of $1.475 million from an armoured security vehicle.

Sweeting has not been charged in connection with the heist.

Prosecutors have identified Sweeting as a key witness in related proceedings, while Akeil Holmes, a former ICS Security employee who was previously charged in connection with the theft, also became a key prosecution witness in related proceedings.

Johnson’s comments have drawn attention to a separate unresolved matter involving him.

A formal complaint filed with the Bahamas Bar Council in 2023 remains outstanding, according to previous reporting. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Johnson attempted to corrupt the court process, misled the Chief Justice and sought special treatment for clients.

The controversy first became public in November 2023 after Johnson wrote to then Chief Justice Ian Winder raising concerns about a senior magistrate.

Despite the outstanding complaint, Johnson was appointed to the Senate in May 2026 by FNM Opposition Leader Michael Pintard.

The issue now raises questions about whether Johnson’s scrutiny of Sweeting should also be considered against the backdrop of his own unresolved professional complaint.