The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THREE years after The Bahamas staged lavish 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, questions still hang over how much public money was spent, with the opposition’s culture spokesman demanding a proper accounting as the country prepares to mark its 53rd anniversary.

Free National Movement shadow minister for culture Serfent Rolle said yesterday that the country must deliver greater transparency and accountability when public funds are used for national celebrations and similar events.

His statement comes as the cost of several Independence events held in the years after the 50th anniversary remains unknown, with officials unable to provide the information when asked.

“Sadly, there continue to be questions that linger regarding the difference between the national budget and expenditure for the 50th Anniversary celebrations,” Mr Rolle said. “Going forward we must ensure that greater attention and insistence is placed on delivering for the Bahamian people the levels of transparency and accountability which they reasonably expect and to which they are undoubtedly entitled regarding celebrations and similar events.”

“We should seek to not only deliver great and inspiring moments but also to deliver transparent accounting and a clear understanding of how the people’s money is being spent. While the pride we feel for our nation is infinite and oftentimes, particularly at these occasions, overwhelming, our national resources, sadly, are not.”

A total of $5.2m was budgeted for the 50th anniversary celebrations in the 2022 to 2023 budget. However, it remains unclear whether organisers overspent or stayed within budget.

When St Anne’s MP Adrian White asked why the Cabinet Office budget for ceremonial events increased from $750k to $5.2m, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said at the time the Independence anniversary would be a “big, big deal for us and we are going to celebrate it thoroughly”.

The celebrations included several local galas and events abroad in cities such as London, Miami and Atlanta. The calendar also featured a 50th Golden Soirée, a national float parade and a jubilee in Pompey Square with a night market and concert series.

Organisers of the 50th anniversary have repeatedly given excuses when pressed about the cost of the elaborate celebrations.

Mr Rolle said public officials must be ready to account for their stewardship of public money.

“We, in positions of authority, must always be prepared to, and freely and voluntarily, account for our stewardship,” he said. “In so doing, we limit the distractions and lessen the potential for divisions among us at times when we should be uniting, celebrating, and focusing on the fact that we are Bahamians.”

Despite his concerns, Mr Rolle praised the organisers of the 50th Independence celebrations, describing the events as a proud moment for the country.

As The Bahamas approaches its 53rd anniversary, he said he welcomes another high-quality celebration that honours the country’s sovereignty and identity.