A visit to Bermuda by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas has sparked a political row over how it was paid for.

Philip “Brave” Davis arrived in Hamilton with a large entourage last week and spoke at the Progressive Labour Party conference.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said the trip was funded by Mr Davis’s ruling Progressive Liberal Party.

However, Frederick Mitchell, the foreign affairs minister, appeared to suggest it was funded by the Government of the Bahamas.

As well as attending the PLP’s annual gathering last Wednesday, the Prime Minister and officials held talks on issues such as transport and education. Mr Davis also announced that the Bahamas will appoint an honorary consul to Bermuda.

Michael Pintard, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bahamas, has demanded clarity on the funding issue.

The head of the Free National Movement told local media: “They ought to lay on the table the invoices for this particular trip to show exactly who paid for it.

“Because if it was a party event paid for by the party, is the party also paying for the civil servants that were on the trip?

“And if so, why? This is a very messy situation.”

Mr Pintard called for answers on the nature of the visit.

He said: “We are unclear what the ultimate objective of this trip was.

“Was it for government officials to engage in conversations with our counterparts in Bermuda?

“Or was it a political organisation with its sister party in Bermuda?”

Mr Mitchell said: “It was a standard foreign affairs goodwill trip, not a political trip.”

During the week, Cabinet ministers Walter Roban, David Burch and Lawrence Scott exchanged ideas on transport, affordable housing, climate change, Caricom representation and the fintech industry with Bahamian ministers Jobeth Coleby-Davis, the Minister of Transport and Housing; Myles LaRoda, the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister; and Mr Mitchell.

PLP MP Chris Famous and the former Bahamian prime minister Perry Christie were also present.

The Prime Minister said that he was keen to forge closer ties with Bermuda to boost the economies of both islands. Like Bermuda, international business and tourism are the main sources of revenue for the Bahamas.

Mr Davis also announced that the Bahamas will appoint an honorary consul to Bermuda.

He said: “This person will assist Bahamian nationals and businesses in Bermuda and pursue mutual opportunities for growth and development, which would be of mutual benefit to both countries.”

The Prime Minister added that both island nations needed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder on issues such as climate change.

“Rising sea levels pose an existential threat for island countries like ours,” he said. “Our voices must be locked together in the fight for climate justice.”

The Bermuda PLP was contacted regarding the matter.