Jamahl Strachan promises era of transparency at Parks and Beaches Authority

Newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority, Jamahl Strachan, has pledged to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability at the agency during his contribution to the 2026/2027 Budget Debate.

Strachan said the authority plays a critical role in maintaining public spaces that serve as gathering places for communities, expressions of national identity and attractions for visitors.

“It’s not just about cutting grass and fixing benches,” Strachan told Parliament. “It’s about creating safe, welcoming, accessible and attractive public spaces that bring people together and reflect the spirit of our communities.”

Describing the authority as being at a “turning point,” Strachan said he accepted the role of executive chairman with a profound sense of responsibility and optimism. He argued that the organization has a significant opportunity to become more transparent, accountable, responsive and modern in its operations.

Central to that vision, he said, is a comprehensive review of the authority’s human resources, operational systems, procurement practices and overall institutional capacity.

“We are taking a hard and honest look at where we stand,” Strachan said, noting that the assessment is intended to identify strengths to build upon, weaknesses to address and opportunities to improve service delivery across the organization.

As part of the review, the authority is also evaluating functions that are currently outsourced to determine whether it would be more efficient and cost-effective to develop expertise in-house.

“What that translates to is that instead of paying high premiums for external services, if we can procure the expertise internally within the authority, we will be able to manage the budget more effectively,” he said.

Strachan revealed plans to recruit competent and certified professionals as permanent staff members to strengthen the agency’s long-term capacity and reduce reliance on outside contractors.

He also stressed that accountability must accompany transparency, emphasizing that taxpayers deserve assurance that public funds are being spent responsibly and delivering measurable results.

To strengthen public confidence, Strachan announced that updated policies, procedures and operational guidelines will be published on the authority’s website, allowing the public to see how the agency operates and how decisions are made.

“We will embrace a culture of transparency and accountability,” he said, describing transparency as a governing principle of his administration.

The executive chairman said internal policies, reporting structures and controls are also being reviewed, with the possibility of departmental reorganization to eliminate duplication, streamline operations and clarify responsibilities.

“There must be clear lines of authority, clear mandates and clear accountability,” Strachan said.

He added that security would be one of the central pillars of his leadership as the authority seeks to improve the management and safety of parks and public beaches.