FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie will not be paid in his advisory role to the Urban Renewal Authority.

Latrae Rahming, the director of communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed this  a day after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced Mr Christie’s role guiding and leading Urban Renewal, which has now been established as an independent statutory body.

Critics pounced on Mr Davis’ announcement, questioning whether Mr Christie would be paid and why he had been given the role.

“It’s not uncommon for former prime ministers around the world to serve in unpaid national service roles,” Mr Rahming said on social media.

The Free National Movement’s Torchbearers Youth Association (TYA) criticised Mr Christie’s role, arguing it shows the administration does not believe in the potential of young Bahamians.

“While young, capable and well-trained Bahamians are eager to serve, the PLP government –– known for bringing people out of retirement –– continues to recycle its old guard rather than investing in the future,” the TYA said.

 The authority will be governed by a board of directors consisting of two co-chairpersons appointed by the minister, a managing director, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry responsible for Urban Renewal, and between five and eight additional members representing civil society organisations, also appointed by the minister.

 The board will have the power to establish committees, manage contracts, grant loans for community projects and minor home repairs, and identify and report dangerous or dilapidated buildings to the minister.

 Former FNM Cabinet minister Algernon Allen and Dr Dianna Francis, chairs of the commission, will continue as co-chairs of the authority.