Department of Local Government

The late Mr. Preston Davis Cunningham joined the Family Island Administrators’ Cadre as an Assistant Family Island Commissioner on 1st August, 1991. He underwent apprenticeship training in George Town, Exuma, in 1992 under the supervision of the late Mr. Charles King. Upon completion of his training, he received his first independent appointment to the District of Mayaguana, where he served from June 1993 to April 1994.

In April 1994, he was redeployed and appointed to oversee the San Salvador District. During that same year, he was promoted to the post of Deputy Family Island Commissioner and, in 1995, advanced further to the position of Family Island Commissioner.
In October 1999, while serving in Bimini, Mr. Cunningham was promoted to Senior Deputy Family Island Administrator. His final promotion came in February 2004, when he attained the highest rank within the Family Island Administration cadre, that of Family Island Administrator.
Mr. Cunningham served in numerous Family Islands and Local Government Districts throughout his distinguished career, including Long Island, Bimini and Cat Cay, North, Central and South Abaco, the Berry Islands, Cat Island, Inagua, Central Eleuthera, the City of Freeport, and East Grand Bahama. Owing to his exceptional competence and leadership abilities, he was frequently entrusted with the responsibility for overseeing multiple districts simultaneously.
Mr. Cunningham’s final tour of duty concluded in November 2020, when he was recalled to the Department of Local Government Headquarters to complete his public service career. After forty-nine (49) years as a Public Officer, including thirty (30) years of dedicated service with the Department of Local Government, he proceeded on eighty-one (81) weeks of accumulated vacation leave. Upon exhausting his leave, he attained the mandatory retirement age and officially retired from the Public Service in February 2021.
Mr. Cunningham was known for his jovial personality, welcoming spirit, and engaging conversations. Many of his colleagues looked forward to visiting his district, knowing that he would be an exceptional host and would ensure that every work-related trip was both productive and enjoyable. His passion for and extensive knowledge of Local Government were truly admirable and earned him the respect of all who had the privilege of working with him.
Mr. Preston Davis Cunningham will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his Local Government family. MAY HIS ETERNAL SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Today, a funeral service was held for the late Charles King, former director of Local Government in Cat Island.
Among those in attendance was Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, as well as Acting Director of Local Government Donald Rolle, Family Island Administrators, Unit Heads of the Department, and former colleagues who came together to honor his memory.

Yesterday, a memorial service was held in honor of Charles King, former Director of Local Government. Notable attendees included Acting Director of Local Government Donald Rolle, Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson, Consultant Alexander Williams, and a number of Family Island Administrators and District Council members.

The Hon. Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth and Sports with responsibility for Regattas joins Acting Director Of Local Government for the final race of the Long Island Regatta!

Tonight marked the Opening Ceremony of the 57th Annual Long Island Regatta!
Family Island Administrator Jandilee Archer delivered welcoming remarks for what is one of the country's most cherished events. Also in attendance were Sindy Gay, Unit Head of the Regatta Desk, and Acting Director of Local Government,Donald Rolle, who officially declared the regatta open!

The Regatta Desk team is on its way to Long Island!

Today, our department is hosting an administrative zoom meeting with all Family Island Administrators and Local Government unit heads. During the session, Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson addressed the participants, expressing his appreciation for the department's contributions during the recent general election. This meeting aims to provide administrators with important updates regarding changes within the department.

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting a courtesy call from the Registrar of Trade Unions, Ms. Yolanda Yallop, accompanied by Ms. Reva Rolle. The purpose of the meeting was to explore and enhance the ongoing relationship between the Department of Local Government and the Trade Union Section of the Ministry of Labour. Our discussions centered on fostering and strengthening professional collaboration and communication between our departments. In attendance from our team was Acting Director, Donald Rolle, FIA Lashanta Fowler and Human Resources Manager, Tracey Simmons -Davis.

Today, unit heads come together, guided by Acting Director Donald Rolle, to explore the current operations of the Department of Local Government. Joining the discussion to share valuable insights is consultant Alexander Williams. Together, they aim to craft innovative procedures that will elevate our effectiveness and pave the way forward for our department!

Junior Councils showing up to show support for our senior citizens!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hxx9DUjuj/?mibextid=wwXIfr