REFORM NEEDED: Controversial audit shows ‘critical’ need for greater accountability in govt, says ORG

ORG says ombudsman, Public Procurement law and FOIA would help give public greater awareness of govt’s spending

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An audit into the internal controls and operations of the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority highlights the “critical” need for more transparency and accountability in governance, said a governance reformer.

Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), said it also indicates the need for better management of government agencies as well as state-owned enterprises (SOE).

Aubry told Eyewitness News: “The audit on the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority highlights the critical need for more transparency and accountability in governance and the management of government agencies and state-owned enterprises.

“Findings related to a lack of policies or adherence to protocol and inconsistent oversight on the award and renewal of contracts are particularly concerning.”

Aubry added: “This report and past audits performed by the auditor general suggest that there are varying levels of diligence in the management of government contracts.

“This does not meet the expectations of the Bahamian public, who needs to trust that public funds are managed effectively and efficiently and in the best interest of the country.

“ORG has long advocated for greater fiscal transparency and increased accountability to increase the trust of the public and the private sector in government spending.

“Public service reform that establishes clear and open policies, clearly delineates roles in decision making and requires regular public reporting on both expenditures and impact is an opportunity to raise governance in The Bahamas to a global standard.”

According to Aubry, further funding and support of the auditor general’s department can provide greater capacity to review ministries, agencies and SOEs. 

“Finally, the establishment of independent mechanism for investigation of maladministration through an ombudsman, a fully enacted Public Procurement law and an active Freedom of Information Act can also bring tools and resources to bear that will give the public greater confidence and awareness of government administration and spending practices,” said Aubry.

The audit, which was undertaken by K Christie & Co, revealed that hundreds of thousands of dollars were issued during the last administration without any real identifiable need.

The revelation comes amidst growing concern from contractors who claimed they have not been paid by the Davis government for work completed and their contracts have not been honored.

This does not meet the expectations of the Bahamian public, who needs to trust that public funds are managed effectively and efficiently and in the best interest of the country.

– ORG Executive Director Matt Aubry

The report, which was released last week, concluded that the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority requested and received consistent supplemental funding beyond its annual budget in the last three fiscal years.

The authority ran over budget in its award of contracts by $6.8 million between July 2019 and June 2020 and by $13.7 million between July 2020 and June 2021.

Up to October 31 of the current fiscal year — July 2021 to July 2022 — the authority spent nearly $9.3 million of its annual budget and would have overspent by $12.7 million if allowed to stay on that trajectory, the report outlined.

The audit found that there were inconsistencies in the signature of the corporation’s former Executive Chairman Shanendon Cartwright; there were some contracts signed and dated ahead of the vendor/witness signature; and there were some missing contracts that have already been paid out.