Department of Local Government

Department of Local Government It is intended, through Local Government, to bring government closer to the people it is intended to serve. Granting business licenses

4. Boat registration

10.
(1)

Locally Elected Officials ought to better understand and respond to the needs of the people; thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of goods and services to the local communities. Through this process, we enhance the deepening of democracy and the furtherance of participatory governance. Through the provisions of the Local Government Act 1996, Local Government Authoriti

es have been given the mandate and responsibility:

1. To appoint Statutory Boards
- Road Traffic Authority
- Port Authority
- Town Planning Committee
- Hotel Licensing Board
- Licensing Authority

2. Building Control Officers: to grant building permits

3. The formulation of traffics schemes

5. Formulation of Public Transportation Systems

6. The Maintenance of public buildings, government-owned airports terminal buildings, hospitals, clinics, and their environs.

7. The upkeep of settlement roads, parks, playgrounds, beaches, cemeteries, and road verges.

8. The collection and disposal of household garbage, etc.

9. The supply of water for use of members of the public - standpipes, and taps situated in public areas.

11. The maintenance and upkeep of public school buildings and their environs in cases where there are no school boards or school committees for primary schools.

12. Regularization for the use of crown lands in the District. The support and development of sporting, social, cultural, and economic community activities.

13. Budget

14. The District Council is given an Annual Budget by the Central Government

03/09/2026

Local Government Junior Council is back!




Today, we officially launched the 2026–2027 Local Government Junior Council Year! 🇧🇸The Hon. Clay Sweeting formally read...
03/09/2026

Today, we officially launched the 2026–2027 Local Government Junior Council Year! 🇧🇸

The Hon. Clay Sweeting formally read the Writ, marking the official launch of this important youth initiative—one that has continued to grow each year since its relaunch in 2023.

This year, we are proud to welcome three additional schools to the Junior Council family: Teleos Christian School in New Providence, whose students attended today’s launch, Sunlight Academy in Spanish Wells, and Wilbur S. Outten Academy in Grand Bahama.

The continued expansion of the Junior Council reflects the importance of giving young Bahamians a voice, fostering leadership, civic engagement, and a deeper understanding of local government and community development.

Joining the Minister at today’s launch were Under Secretary Delgardo Forbes of the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs and newly appointed Director of Local Government, Harcourt McCoy.

As we begin another year, we look forward to empowering our young leaders to learn, participate, serve, and help shape the future of their communities and our nation. 🇧🇸


01/09/2026

Meet Harcourt McCoy, the new Director of Local Government!

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Harcourt McCoy as our new Director at the Department of Local Government! Today marks his...
01/09/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Harcourt McCoy as our new Director at the Department of Local Government! Today marks his first day at headquarters, during which he took the opportunity to introduce himself to every member of our team and engage with Family Island administrators. Outgoing Acting Director Donald Rolle facilitated these introductions, ensuring a smooth transition and laying the groundwork for strong relationships from the start.
Mr. McCoy brings with him a wealth of experience in education. He began his career as a P.E. coach and has held the positions of vice principal and principal at Anatol Rodgers, the largest government school in The Bahamas. Additionally, he served as the District Superintendent for Eleuthera at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, further enriching his leadership background. His extensive experience and expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable to our team.
We look forward to the positive impact he will make on our initiatives and community engagement. Welcome to the team, Mr. McCoy!

Family Island Administrators and District Councils collaborate closely to foster the development of our family island co...
20/08/2026

Family Island Administrators and District Councils collaborate closely to foster the development of our family island communities! Pictured here are Family Island Administrator Quenna Gibson and Councillor George Harris visiting one of the sites where drain repairs are currently underway in Inagua.


Workshops like the one currently taking place in Acklins, organized by the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund, play a crucial ...
20/08/2026

Workshops like the one currently taking place in Acklins, organized by the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund, play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the environment. Local government was out in full support, represented by Family Island Administrator Herman Gilbert and the District Council, working together to promote the development and growth of our family island communities. By engaging community members in these initiatives, they not only provide valuable education but also ensure the sustainability and continued development of these communities.




13/08/2026

Each year, the Local Government Junior Council program continues to grow, and with each passing year, councils extend their reach, seeking to improve not only their schools but also their communities! Prepare for another exciting year of this remarkable youth initiative, where our young leaders not only have their voices heard but also create real change that extends beyond their school walls!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BjYup4S1P/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The summer school repairs project in Acklins is making impressive strides at the following schools: Lovely Bay Primary, ...
06/08/2026

The summer school repairs project in Acklins is making impressive strides at the following schools: Lovely Bay Primary, Snug Corner Primary, Salina Primary, and A. Lofters Roker High School. FIA Herman Gilbert has been closely monitoring the progress at each site since the signing of the contracts, ensuring that everything remains on track. The dedicated contractors are not just fulfilling their obligations; they are pouring their passion and pride into every detail. Their commitment ensures that students, teachers, and staff will return to revitalized environments that foster both learning and growth. With enthusiasm and dedication, the future looks bright for the schools!


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Manx Corporate Centre, West Bay Street
Nassau

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

242-328-2700

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