Cartwright Denies Beaches and Parks Wrongdoing

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – One day after Prime Minister Philip Davis questioned contracts issued by the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority, former Chairman Shanendon Cartwright is suggesting that “higher authorities” played a part in over-budgeting at the Authority.

Jasmin Brown reports.

This is not the first or even second time Cartwright, who is also deputy leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), has addressed the controversy surrounding his time at The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority.

While contributing to the budget debate on Thursday morning, Cartwright noted the Authority, which is only eight-years-old, has never remained within its budget in any administration.

A fact he says was even pointed out by current Works Minister and Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears.

Cartwright went on to insist Sears was also correct when he previously stated Cartwright had been placed in a difficult position.

The Authority and Cartwright have come under scrutiny in recent months over pre-election contracts and consistent consistent overspending in the millions of dollars between 2019 and 2021.

In the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Prime Minister Davis said the Authority awarded contracts to people with no equipment and no employees.

Davis has repeatedly accused the Minnis administration of using the entity as a “slush fund”.

In addition to defending his tenure at Beaches and Parks, Cartwright also called on the Davis administration to place its focus on helping Bahamians struggling with the increasing cost of living.