The Hon. Leon Lundy, newly appointed Minister to Transport delivered his ministry’s 2026-2027 budget contribution June 18 in parliament. He established the importance of a “well functioning transportation system” to a nation and the economic droughts that it can support “when it falters.”
“The Ministry’s recurrent allocation moves from approximately 14.8 million dollars in the prior fiscal year to an estimated 15.1 million dollars for 2026/2027. Behind that figure stand five core departments, a national maritime authority and a mailboat network”.
Having inherited a well functioning transportation system with ongoing plans and processes the Minister shared a breakdown of accomplishments and further endeavors for each department within the Transport Ministry.
CORE DEPARTMENTS
Department of Road Traffic
“In 2025 alone, the Department Processed more than 130,000 vehicle registrations. More than 100,000 driver’s licences. And it collected More than 50 million dollars in Government revenue — across a network of more than 30 locations stretching from New Providence to The Family Islands.”
The Port Department
“The Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 — which this Honourable House addresses is one of the most meaningful economic reforms in our port sector:
The expansion of compulsory pilotage. The threshold for vessels required to use pilotage services has been raised from 30 to 300 gross tons, and the category of vessels subject to this requirement now Includes; boats registered under the Boat Registration Act and the Water Skiing and Motor Boat Control Act. What does this mean in practical terms? It means more work for the Bahamian harbour pilots. More income. More professional opportunity for the men and women who have trained for this skilled and Important role”.
Department of Meteorology
“The Department of Meteorology is a life-saving Institution. And this budget treats it as such. The Department is seeking an Increase in its allocation from Approximately 2.1 million dollars to 2.8 million dollars — an additional 693 thousand dollars.”
With weather being unpredictable throughout the years the Minister elaborated on the level of specialized training persons have received and have yet to gain.
The Post Office Department
“New account openings have risen — a sign of returning and growing public confidence in an institution that has faced real challenges. Credit card payment services have been implemented and are operating smoothly. The department has secured online banking access. And most significantly, the long-standing debit balance with a commercial bank — which had climbed to more than five million dollars — is being steadily and methodically reduced”.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority
“In the past year, this Authority has exceeded expectations
for an institution of its size. It signed a historic Memorandum of
Understanding with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — widely
recognized as the world’s foremost institution in aviation education and
research. That partnership gives our investigators access to world-class
training and specialized facilities, and it sets a new standard for how we build human capacity in the field of aviation safety.”
The Authority achieved full compliance with ICAO Annex 13
Standard 6.5 — the requirement that all accident and incident
investigations be completed and their final reports made publicly available within twelve months.
Surrey Industry
With a very honourable mention, the Minister shared vision of hope for the Hackney Cab – Surrey Industry. “This ministry is advancing Vision
2030 for the industry — a comprehensive strategic plan focused on horse welfare, equine infrastructure, operator training, and the deepening of the industry’s role in cultural tourism.”
Much work has started and the goal of Minister Lundy is to enact more productive changes to the departments that make his ministry a whole.
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