“Transparency Will Be a Governing Principle at the Authority”

Advertisement

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – There’s a new sheriff in town at the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority, and in the wake of recent criticism, its new chairman, Jamahl Strachan, is promising sweeping reforms built on transparency, accountability and results.

Our Joshua Williams was in Parliament as Strachan made his contribution to the Budget Debate on Monday morning.

One of several headline-grabbing stories leading up to the 2026 General Election was overspending at the authority over the past five years to the tune of more than $140 million.

The Free National Movement and the opposition have been demanding answers.

Former Chairman McKell Bonaby has previously gone on record saying every dollar of taxpayer money spent by the authority is accounted for.

But the new chairman is promising more.

And as Bonaby looked on and listened in Parliament, Strachan, who is also the Nassau Village MP, vowed that under his leadership, transparency will be a governing principle.

Jamahl Strachan – Executive Chairman, Beaches and Public Parks Authority

“A vision rooted in transparency, accountability, modernization and safety, with measurable results. Madam Speaker, I give a simple but important commitment to this honourable House and to the Bahamian people. Under my leadership, the authority will embrace a culture of transparency and accountability.”

Strachan continued, vowing to bring the authority into the modern age with new technology, replacing outdated procedures.

Jamahl Strachan – Executive Chairman, Beaches and Public Parks Authority

“We have already begun a comprehensive human resources and operational audit. We are taking a hard, honest look at our staffing structure, our operational systems, our policies and procedures, our reporting mechanisms, our procurement practices and our overall institutional capacity.”

Strachan also committed to revitalizing five parks every quarter.

As he continued, several MPs chuckled.

But it was no laughing matter for Long Island Member of Parliament Dr. Andre Rollins.

Dr. Andre Rollins – MP, Long Island

“I don’t believe he recognizes that, in praising himself, he’s actually thrown his colleague, the Member of Parliament for Mt. Moriah, under the bus.”

“The member himself just acknowledged that it is important for Beaches and Parks to be more transparent, as if to acknowledge a lack of transparency under the former administration.”