NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister Philip Davis hailed the appointment of Senator D’Asante Small as a proud moment for The Bahamas, describing it as part of a broader transformation that is bringing forward a new generation of national leadership.
Speaking at a ceremony where Senator Small received her Instruments of Appointment, Prime Minister Davis said her elevation to the Senate reflects both her personal record of service and the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Bahamians and women in public life.
“Today is a proud day for our country,” Prime Minister Davis said. “D’Asante comes to the Senate not as a stranger to service, but as someone who has already carried a heavy load for her country. We are simply giving her a wider platform to keep doing what she has been doing all along.”
He highlighted Senator Small’s years of community and professional service – from her work with the Public Hospitals Authority, to her leadership as Creative Director of the 50th Independence Celebrations, and her roles representing The Bahamas at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, on the boards of the National Training Agency and the National Apprenticeship Programme, and in youth and women’s empowerment initiatives.
“In every season of her life, she has been rooted in faith, family, and a belief that leadership is service,” noted Prime Minister Davis.
The Prime Minister also noted that Senator Small’s appointment symbolizes a generational shift underway across government and public institutions.
“Across our government, a new generation is stepping forward,” he said. “You see it in economic leadership, in climate action, in diplomacy, in energy reform, in law enforcement, and in the creative industries. Leadership in The Bahamas does not belong to one age group or gender – it belongs to those who prepare themselves, who work hard, and who love this country.”
Prime Minister Davis highlighted emerging leaders serving in senior national roles – including Director of Investments Phylicia Woods, Senator Barry Griffin, Minister Clay Sweeting, Minister JoBeth Coleby Davis, Director of Communications Latrae Rahming, and young Bahamians representing the country in diplomacy, climate policy, energy, and governance.
He also celebrated the growing prominence of women’s leadership across public institutions, noting historic firsts: Toni Seymour as the first female CEO of Bahamas Power and Light, Shanta Knowles as the first female Commissioner of Police, and Captain Natasha Miller as the first female Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
“With D’Asante Small, we add another chapter to this story of women stepping into national roles that for too long were closed to them,” he said.
The Prime Minister pledged to continue placing young Bahamians in senior roles in government, on boards, in the diplomatic service, and throughout the public sector.
“I am prepared to make a big bet on the talent of our young people,” he declared. “If you work hard, prepare yourself, and show integrity and care for others, your country will make room for you at the top.”
Prime Minister Davis urged young Bahamians to see themselves in Senator Small’s story:
“Wherever you are – in school, in business, in the arts, or in service – know that your country needs your ideas, your courage, and your energy. Prepare yourselves. When your moment comes, be ready to step forward, just as she has done.”
In closing, Prime Minister Davis congratulated Senator Small and her family, commending her as a voice for faith, fairness, and opportunity.
“Use your voice to strengthen our democracy and widen the circle of opportunity,” he said. “May God bless you, your family, and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”