Investigators Probing Alleged Salary Overpayment to More Than 100 Teachers

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – At a time when there’s increasing scrutiny over how public funds are spent, investigators are probing the alleged overpayment of some public school teachers.

Our News understands that 128 teachers and former teachers were overpaid.

Sources tell Our News that, to date, some of them can’t be located, while others have passed away.

And the investigation has lasted for months.

Documents seen by Our News reveal that back on January 7, officers from the Special Investigations Unit received reports that a number of teachers and former teachers received salary overpayments they were not entitled to.

By January 19, a high-ranking Education official met with police and gave a statement.

So how did it happen?

That investigation report obtained by Our News alleges some teachers resigned or asked for unpaid leave, but their salaries were allegedly never coded.

Once the discovery was made, several teachers were contacted and informed.

And the investigation has led to charges.

This week, two former employees of the Ministry of Education admitted theft charges after they failed to return more than a quarter of a million dollars that the ministry accidentally overpaid them.

Forty-eight-year-old Tossie Pugh and 72-year-old Larry Miller, who are both teachers, faced criminal charges after they failed to return the money once the mistake was uncovered.

Pugh received $153,173.05 between August 2021 and January 2025, while Miller was overpaid $106,516.17 between November 2017 and October 2021.

Both Pugh and Miller told Assistant Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville that they are in negotiations with the Ministry of Finance to repay the money they weren’t entitled to.

The magistrate will make a formal repayment order when they return to court next week.