The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

HARRISON Thompson, a veteran civil servant, has been appointed acting Parliamentary Commissioner following the reassignment of Arthur Taylor — an internal shake-up that comes as poll workers complain they still haven’t been paid months after the local government elections.

Mr Thompson previously served as permanent secretary in several ministries, including those relating to tourism, local government and lands. In 2022, he was a consultant to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe told The Tribune that Mr Taylor had requested Mr Thompson’s help at the Parliamentary Registration Department, citing Thompson’s past experience with elections.

Mr Taylor’s removal was somewhat controversial. The Tribune was told last month that he had been reassigned following widespread criticism of how his department handled the January local government elections. That process reportedly featured delays, ballot errors, and administrative missteps across several Family Islands.

While Mr Munroe had previously acknowledged dissatisfaction with Mr Taylor’s performance, he also said the outgoing commissioner requested a reassignment and was not removed by anyone in his ministry.

Still, the transition has drawn renewed scrutiny as some election workers say they have not been paid for their work. A presiding officer in West Grand Bahama told The Tribune that workers were frustrated and had been told the delays were related to Mr Thompson’s new appointment.

Similar complaints have reportedly surfaced in other Family Islands.

Mr Munroe said he could not confirm whether payments had been made but noted that the process is multi-layered. He said workers’ records must first be submitted to the Parliamentary Registration Department, which then triggers the release of funds to local government administrators.

He said delays often stem from missing or incomplete documentation.

“I’ve had complaints about people not being paid for by-election because where some people don’t have accounts,” he said. “Some people don’t have accounts in their own name. Some people aren’t on the time sheets. Some people, there is no record of them being engaged to work.”

He stressed that the system is designed to ensure financial accountability and that payment depends on workers providing valid bank details and supervisors submitting proper records.

Mr Thompson did not return Tribune calls.

For his part, Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands raised concerns about transparency in the department. He also criticised Mr Thompson’s appointment, suggesting that he is another retired civil servant receiving both a pension and a full salary.