Bowleg: NSA Audit Findings Not Surprising

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg says he’s not surprised by issues outlined in an audit of the National Sports Authority.

Giorgio Bain reports.

The audit raised questions about the issuance of several contracts including a $168,000 contract awarded without board approval and a five-year $45,000 landscaping contract for a tennis center not managed by the NSA.

Bowleg says the details in the audit are not surprising.

The 31-page audit covered the period July 1st, 2018 to January 31st, 2021. The Office of The Auditor General concluded, “There were many failures of executive management in breach of the Financial Administration and Audit Act, Financial Regulations, and the Sports Authority Act.”

The review also raised concerns about poor maintenance practices, inadequate inventory controls, asset management contracts, segregation of duties aging receivables, and boards’ inability to carry out NSA functions and stadium security.

A vendor was reportedly overpaid by over $113,000 dollars, which the vendor acknowledged was freight charges while six employees were paid for positions that were never advertised.

Bowleg says he will be moving swiftly to correct these issues.

Those changes are expected to take place as soon as the NSA board is appointed.