The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NEW Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Executive Chairman Jamahl Strachan promised yesterday to bring transparency and accountability to an agency battered by spending controversy under McKell Bonaby, drawing laughter, glances and an opposition charge that he had thrown his predecessor “under the bus.”

In a forceful contribution to Parliament, Mr Strachan, who flew under the radar during the Davis administration’s first term, said the authority had reached a “turning point.”

“The Bahamian people deserve to see tangible, visible evidence of how public resources are being invested in their communities,” he said.

“We intend to live on visible, measurable, and meaningful improvements on the ground, Madame Speaker. Our vision is clear. We are building a more transparent authority, a more accountable authority, a safer authority, a more technologically advanced authority.”

The remarks drew visible reaction in the House, where MPs exchanged glances with Mr Bonaby, the Mount Moriah MP and former executive chairman of the authority. Some laughed and made jokes. Mr Bonaby left the chamber at one point before returning a short time later.

Long Island MP Dr Andre Rollins accused Mr Strachan of throwing Mr Bonaby “under the bus.”

Mr Strachan rejected that interpretation, accusing Dr Rollins of trying to “savage the environment by putting his spin” on the presentation.

“All I say, Madam Speaker, is if he is to say that he is going to be doing all these things to bring beaches and parks into the 21st century, it is an acknowledgement that we got absolutely no value out of the $141 million that was spent in the last four plus years,” Dr Rollins said.

The authority was engulfed in controversy under Mr Bonaby’s leadership amid criticism over high spending and the absence of a public audit. Mr Bonaby refused to provide a detailed account of the authority’s spending despite pledges.

Mr Strachan previously said audits, transparent procedures and protocols had already been introduced. He repeated that point yesterday, saying the authority is conducting a “hard, honest look” at its staffing structure, operational systems, procurement practices and institutional capacity.

Mr Strachan said transparency alone is not enough, adding that “accountability must walk hand in hand with transparency.”

He said Bahamians deserve assurance that every dollar allocated to the authority is spent responsibly and produces real, measurable results.

He said a thorough review of policies, procedures, reporting structures and internal controls is underway. Where necessary, he said departments will be reorganised to eliminate duplication, clarify responsibilities, streamline operations and improve decision-making.

“There must be clear lines of authority, clear mandates, and clear accountability,” he said. “Every department must know its role. Every employee must know their responsibilities. Every dollar spent must advance the Authority’s mission.”

Mr Strachan said the authority will publish updated policies, procedures and operational guidelines on its website to strengthen public confidence and improve transparency around decision-making.

He said security will also be a major priority, with a review underway to strengthen safety at public parks and beaches. He said measures under consideration include deploying additional security personnel such as lifeguards, expanding the park warden presence and increasing the use of surveillance systems.

Beyond safety, Mr Strachan said the authority plans to beautify spaces across New Providence and restore a stronger sense of community use in public spaces.

He said communication will be key to rebuilding public trust, pointing to plans to expand public engagement and improve how the authority communicates with the public.

On the digital front, he said the authority will modernise its online infrastructure by redesigning its website and launching a dedicated portal for complaints and service requests.

He also announced plans for a Digital Permit System. Under the programme, electronic permits will be issued to beach and park vendors, event organisers, billboard operators, concessionaires, commercial operators and other authorised users of public spaces.

Mr Strachan said billboard and signage management will be a key priority, saying billboards and signs have appeared across public spaces without the structure, consistency and order communities deserve.

He said the authority will implement a structured and transparent framework for issuing permits, with clear standards for location, appearance, size and placement.

He also pledged to launch a nationwide compliance review targeting owners of billboards, signs, banners and advertising structures on public property without the required approvals and permits.

“The rules must apply equally to everyone,” he said. “Those who follow the law should not be undercut by those who ignore it. This initiative is not about punishment; it is about restoring order, fairness, accountability and public confidence in the management of public land.”