The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ACTING Parliamentary Registration Commissioner Arthur Taylor has been removed from his post and reassigned to another government agency.

Government officials did not respond to questions about his departure yesterday, and it is not clear where he has been transferred.

His removal followed heavy criticism of his department’s handling of the recent local government election process, which critics say was marred by delays, ballot errors, and administrative missteps across multiple Family Islands. The Tribune understands these elections played a role in the decision to transfer him.

His sudden departure contrasts sharply with his own public statements just two months ago, when he told The Tribune his department was ramping up preparations for the next general election.

At the time, he dismissed criticism of the local government election process, attributing delays to bad weather and insisting that only three polling divisions — Bimini, Harbour Island, and North Eleuthera — faced significant issues.

Reports from others painted a different picture, with allegations of ballots missing candidates’ names, polling stations opening up to six hours late, and voter confusion.

In Harbour Island and Governor’s Harbour, voting reportedly did not begin until 2.30pm — far beyond the mandated 8am start time. In some areas, ballots had to be reprinted and flown in from New Providence, further delaying the process.

Deputy Chief Councillor for Grand Bahama, Charlene Reid, called the election a “blemish on democracy.”

As criticism mounted, Mr Taylor defended his department’s performance, arguing that election officials had done their best under difficult circumstances. He dismissed claims that his department had been unprepared and took issue with critics who aired their grievances publicly rather than raising concerns directly with him.

His reassignment comes after opposition members also demanded accountability for the election chaos. St Anne’s MP Adrian White called for the resignation of Family Island Affairs and Works Minister Clay Sweeting, arguing that the election was handled in a “sloppy and chaotic” manner.

Mr Sweeting rejected Mr White’s calls for resignation, shifting responsibility to the Parliamentary Registration Department. He insisted that his ministry had fulfilled its legal obligations in the election process and that all necessary logistical support was provided.

It is unclear who has replaced Mr Taylor as the department readies plans for the next general election.