Public service reform key to a sustainable Bahamas

and accepting thousands of dollars from Jonathan Ash to expedite payments the Government owed to the contractor, but was fully exonerated.

* Former Cabinet Minister Lanisha Rolle was charged in March with one count of bribery and 14 counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences concerning contracts worth over $750,000. The charges relate to her time in office from 2019 to 2021. She is presently free on bail.

The Government has taken several steps to strengthen anti-corruption measures, and promote transparency and accountability in government operations. These measures include the establishment of an anti-corruption unit within the Office of the Attorney General, the development of a code of ethics for public officials, and the introduction of new legislation aimed at strengthening anti-corruption measures. However, challenges remain in the fight against corruption in the public sector in The Bahamas.

These challenges include a lack of resources and capacity in government agencies responsible for enforcing anti-corruption measures, as well as ongoing concerns around political interference and the effectiveness of anticorruption measures in practice. Overall, addressing corruption in the public sector is critical to building trust in government, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring that public resources are used effectively and for the benefit of citizens.

The National Development Plan

The National Development Plan (NDP) of The Bahamas includes several strategies for improving the public sector. By implementing these and other measures outlined in the plan, The Bahamas can work to improve the public sector and promote sustainable development. Some key takeaways that can help to improve the public sector include:

1. Strengthening accountability. The NDP emphasises the need for strong accountability mechanisms in government operations, including using performance-based management systems and regular audits. This can help to promote transparency and ensure that public resources are used effectively and efficiently.

2. Investing in human capital. The NDP recognises the importance of investing in human capital, including by providing training and professional development opportunities for public sector employees. This can help to improve the skills and expertise of public servants, leading to better service delivery and increased efficiency.

3. Promoting digitisation: The NDP highlights the need for greater use of digital technologies in government operations, including for service delivery and data management. This can help to improve the speed and quality of government services, and can also help to reduce the risk of corruption and other forms of misconduct.

4. Enhancing public-private partnerships: The NDP encourages greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, including through public-private partnerships (PPPs). This can help to leverage private sector expertise and resources to improve service delivery and promote economic growth.

5. Strengthening governance frameworks: The NDP emphasises the need for strong governance frameworks, including anti-corruption measures and ethical standards for public officials. This can help to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in government operations, and can help to reduce the risk of corrupt practices.

Conclusion Reforming the public sector in The Bahamas is a critical task that requires the attention and support of government, civil society and citizens. The issues facing the public sector are significant and can undermine public trust in government institutions, leading to a loss of confidence in the rule of law. However, by implementing the strategies outlined in the National Development Plan and other initiatives, The Bahamas can work to improve the quality and efficiency of public services, promote transparency and accountability, support economic growth, and advance good governance. Reforming the public sector is an ongoing process that requires sustained commitment and effort, but it is essential for building a prosperous and sustainable future for The Bahamas and its citizens.