The Tribune

The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) has confirmed Marcus J. S. Cheetham as its new Board chair with effect from July 1, 2026.

The Fund, in a statement, said Mr Cheetham has more than 30 years’ experience in technology operations and leadership. He is founder and president of Southworth Consultants, a Bahamian technology firm established in 2000.

Before founding Southworth, Mr Cheetham served as a senior network engineer with another local firm. His expertise includes private, public and hybrid cloud infrastructure, digital transformation, enterprise technology and disaster recovery. He also served on the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Digital Transformation Council for the Caribbean, providing regional perspectives on the technology solutions businesses need to succeed.

Mr Cheetham joined the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund Board in March 2023 as treasurer. BPAF said he helped develop its corporate engagement strategy, with emphasis on strengthening and refining its Internet presence.

He also played a key role in the negotiation and execution of the Bahamas Project for Marine Conservation with the Government of The Bahamas and The Nature Conservancy, an initiative that established a long-term financing mechanism for marine conservation in The Bahamas.

BPAF added that, as a member of its executive committee, Mr Cheetham has also helped to strengthen its governance by using his private sector networks to attract additional expertise and participation.

Born in Nassau, Mr Cheetham was educated in The Bahamas and Quebec, Canada. He has served as a director and coach in rugby and soccer in The Bahamas, and has raised funds to give young athletes opportunities to travel and compete internationally, including in Spain and the UK.