Madam Speaker,
It is an honour to rise on behalf of the great Bahamians of Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador, and it continues to be the privilege of my lifetime to do so as their Prime Minister as well as their representative in this House.
Madam Speaker,
Serving the Bahamian people well requires that we recognize both the promise and the perils of our times.
We are living through times of tremendous change – allowing us to seize hold of extraordinary new opportunities for Bahamians – opportunities our parents and grandparents could scarcely have dreamed of.
But we are also navigating very significant and complex threats.
We are working to build a country in which our people can make the most of their God-given talents, a country in which every citizen can live a life of purpose, and dignity, and security.
And we are also working to mitigate the serious risks we face, and to tackle our country’s hardest challenges.
Madam Speaker,
We are clear: the only way to change lives is to change the status quo.
We have been determined to solve problems that have been treated as unsolvable.
And we have indeed overseen significant change, and come a long way – under the protection of God, and in partnership with the Bahamian people.
We entered office with our nation’s economy in tatters, our finances in freefall, our hospitals, schools, and communities in crisis.
Rescue was step number one: We ended the speculation about downgrades and currency devaluation, we pulled the country back from the brink, and we moved quickly to replace damaging and punitive policies with ones that offered relief.
But we didn’t stop at rescue and relief – we moved quickly to revitalize our economy, creating new jobs, partnerships, and investments.
We are implementing our country’s first comprehensive, nationwide, innovative energy reforms – so that we can bring down costs for businesses and families, and make our energy supply cleaner and more reliable.
Rescue, relief, revitalization, reform – and don’t forget respect. Together, we have earned respect – we got our country off the blacklist, and we are promoting our islands, fighting for fair climate finance, and strengthening the partnerships that protect our borders.
Madam Speaker,
Across our islands, we are working for change, investing in our people, and building a dynamic and inclusive 21st century economy.
There is a lot of hard work ahead of us.
When you have big ambitions for your people and your country – sitting still is sinful. Apathy and cynicism are sinful.
It is our mission – it is our privilege — to strengthen and prepare The Bahamas in every way that we can – to improve our laws and regulations, to build modern infrastructure, and most importantly, to stand up for and invest in our people – so that we can secure the most exciting new opportunities — and protect ourselves from the most serious threats.
That’s the work we’re engaged in.
Because there aren’t too many shortcuts on the journey from Nation in Crisis to Promised Land.
Madam Speaker,
The bills we debate today are an important step forward in that journey.
In fact, the Independent Commission of Investigations Bill 2024, and the Protected Disclosures Bill, 2025, along with the recently enacted Ombudsman Bill, 2024, together represent the most aggressive and the most substantial accountability and anti-corruption reforms our country has seen.
This compendium of reforms will create formidable new tools to combat corruption and wrongdoing in both the public and private sectors.
Madam Speaker,
Transforming a country requires building on the most solid of foundations.
Bahamians deserve representatives and public servants and institutions that work for them – so here is the principle we should consider foundational: no one is exempt from scrutiny, and no one is above the law.
The Independent Commission of Investigations Bill 2024 will – for the first time – establish an independent body to investigate incidents involving serious breaches of the criminal law committed by officers of the security forces, and specified officials, including members of parliament, public officers, members of government entities, family island administrators and specified officials of other public bodies.
As Bahamians are well aware, last year very serious criminal allegations were made against multiple members of our uniformed forces, the very people whose job it is to keep our people safe.
Let me tell you how serious I believe this to be – I believe no country can lift people out of poverty, or turn young men away from trouble, or build communities in which people thrive, and neighbours look out for one another – if their citizens cannot trust those who take an oath to protect them.
In this very House, we passed significant new anti-gang legislation, giving the police stronger tools to punish gang activities and incarcerate gang members – but how can we present this as progress to Bahamians, when many Bahamians have come to believe that some members of our police force are themselves part of the problem?
It should surprise no one that among those Bahamians who are angriest about the allegations of misconduct are the principled and conscientious officers who now have to do their jobs — jobs that are already difficult and dangerous – in an atmosphere of increased hostility and suspicion.
When those in a position of authority violate the trust placed in them, they cause suspicion and anger that reverberate widely.
Bahamians have been asking – rightly, justifiably – how can we be hopeful things will change? How can we trust a system when those accused of wrongdoing are the only ones with the power to investigate that wrongdoing?
I know that a lot of Bahamians thought that as serious as things had become, nothing would change.
That’s been the pattern, for too long – the spotlight shifts to the next outrage or crisis, and nothing changes.
But I’m serious when I say: we aren’t here to protect or prolong the status quo.
So say goodbye to the old rules – and get familiar with the new ones.
Because we’re here to work, not play.
Madam Speaker,
Let me tell you why these reforms are important and why they are going to make a difference.
When I talk to young Bahamians, they tell me straight up – they believe there are two systems in this country. The system they have to operate in – where they can be slapped around or have the book thrown at them for small or even invented infractions – and another system, in which the most egregious law-breaking by the wealthiest Bahamians or by expats is overlooked, or winked at – instantly forgiven and forgotten.
They tell me that some of the elites who are the quickest to condemn young people in trouble, who can spout off righteous indignation at a moment’s notice – these are the very same people who play whatever game they have to, behind the scenes, to get their child or friend off the hook for the same misdeeds.
Because in the end, these elites believe accountability is for other people, if you know what I mean.
Madam Speaker,
This kind of mistrust can be a cancer, one that grows and grows until it undermines everything we want to achieve.
And we have to address it – we have to stand with all of the Bahamians who are working hard, playing by the rules, not using their hardship or circumstances as an excuse, while others behave with impunity.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Bahamians deserve fairness, and justice.
And the upstanding members of the Police Force, the Defence Force, and other government agencies deserve to serve our nation with the respect and support of their fellow citizens.
That is why those who undermine the impartial execution of justice must be removed and punished.
Respect for our institutions is at stake. New serious incidents could put our national reputation at stake. And our progress toward a more fair and equitable society is at stake.
A lot is on the line.
Madam Speaker,
It is a lamentable that so many of the words proclaimed and even shouted in this House in the past about transparency and corruption and accountability turned out to be just hot air.
All that rhetoric and speechifying by the members opposite – but no action, no practical solutions, no follow-up.
Incredible, isn’t it, that the same people now demanding a Commission of Inquiry that would cost Bahamians millions are some of the very same people who failed to properly manage the international donations that came in during Hurricane Dorian – even with the entire world watching.
As for accountability measures during the pandemic – well, don’t you remember how some of them think? Accountability is for other people.
I certainly hope no new dramatic or theatrical displays are planned for today.
I’m keeping an eye on that mace, you know.
And my friendly — but quite serious — advice to the members opposite is that they should not attempt again to use a symbol representing one of our nation’s most profound historical moments as a prop for a cheap stunt.
Bahamians know what grandstanding to win political points looks like.
We’ll leave others to their hypocrisy and play-acting.
My colleagues and I are here to do the work.
Madam Speaker,
We indeed worked hard during this period of consultation with the Bahamian people to shape and improve the reforms in this legislation.
We are grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process, and as I will detail in a moment, we widened the scope of the legislation as a result of the input we received.
I’m proud of the legislation, and proud that the consultation period was substantive and productive.
Together, we are declaring that we refuse to be brought low or defined by our challenges– that allowing wrongdoers to undermine our solidarity and progress is wrong – especially when there is so much that is strong, and vibrant, and beautiful, and excellent about us…
…and when the vast majority of Bahamians demonstrate day after day their integrity and resilience.
So many Bahamians choose to do the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing.
So many choose to live upstanding, productive lives.
They aren’t asking for applause or recognition – they’re asking for fairness.
Madam Speaker,
It is on their behalf that we seek change and reform.
The Independent Commission of Investigations Bill 2024 will create an independent body, run separately and apart from any security force or any government agency, which will have the power to investigate allegations made against members of security forces, as well as officials.
Security Forces specifically include The Bahamas Police Force, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Bahamas Department of Corrections, The Bahamas Customs and Excise Department, The Bahamas Immigration Department and any other Force or Service as specified in an Act of Parliament.
As a result of our public consultation, we significantly expanded the jurisdiction of the Independent Commission and the scope of the law, which will now apply to “specified officials” defined by the Bill to include Parliamentarians, senior public officers, heads and deputy heads of government corporations, general managers and deputy general managers of government corporations, chief and deputy chief magistrates, senior Family Island Administrators, and other elected local government officials, directors and board members of government entities, any other class of public officers and persons appointed to public bodies, as the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition may by order specify.
This Commission will be truly independent – not even a Prime Minister can direct this Commission.
Nor can any member of the Senate or House of Assembly serve on the Commission.
Madam Speaker,
I anticipate that the Leader of the Opposition may raise the question of an Integrity Commission, but let us be clear: this administration has carefully considered the best approach to ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong investigative oversight in The Bahamas.
The Independent Commission of Investigations not only meets but fully integrates the critical oversight functions that would otherwise fall under an Integrity Commission. This legislation ensures that all public officials—including those in law enforcement and government—are subject to independent scrutiny, with full investigative powers, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability measures. It was this government’s view that in a small nation like ours, establishing multiple commissions with overlapping mandates would be inefficient, duplicative, and unnecessary. Instead, we have taken a comprehensive and streamlined approach—creating a single, independent body with the authority to investigate misconduct across public institutions. This is not a diluted solution; this is a stronger, more effective one. While others may call for additional bureaucratic structures, we have delivered a commission with real power, real independence, and real capacity to root out corruption and misconduct at every level of governance.
The Commission will be led by three Commissioners appointed by the Governor General after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
These Commissioners will be people of high integrity who possess the qualification to hold high judicial office or who have already held high judicial office.
They will be respected, seasoned professionals of the highest calibre.
No one who has been convicted of an offence of dishonesty or moral turpitude can serve on the Commission.
Members of a Security Force and those who are a party to, partner, director or manager of a company with a government contract are also prohibited from serving as a Commissioner.
Other key roles will include a President and Vice-President, and three Directors of Complaints charged with conducting preliminary investigations.
The Commission will be empowered to conduct investigations, including receiving complaints from citizens, gathering evidence, summoning and examining witnesses under oath, and determining whether criminal charges will be recommended to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In the interest of public transparency, with the exception of very specific circumstances in which confidentiality is required, the Commission may issue press releases at the commencement and end of an investigation.
A report will also be provided to the person who made the complaint, the concerned officer or official, and to the relevant agency.
For other public servants, this report will be submitted to the Public Service Commission.
Of course, because it’s the people’s business to know the results of the investigation, the report will also be submitted to Parliament.
Madam Speaker,
What this means is that the public will now have the ability to make complaints to an Independent Commission, and will no longer have to rely on agencies to investigate themselves.
So, for example, if a complaint was made related to the alleged misconduct of a police officer or a defence force officer, and that complaint falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission, the investigation would not be solely handled internally by the Police Force, as is the standard practice today.
Instead, the Independent Commission of Investigations will take the lead.
This is not to say that the Police Force is or has been incapable of conducting internal investigations. They have done so, very honourably and very capably, on many occasions in the past.
But, as I said earlier, when distrust in the police has become widespread, all steps must be taken to restore that trust.
This Independent Commission is a change that has been well received by Bahamians.
I believe that as the Commission does its work, support will only grow, as the Bahamian people realize the numerous benefits from having an independent body empowered to investigate complaints.
I believe our security officers and officials will appreciate this change as well.
Ultimately, it is the law-abiding majority who will benefit the most from having a transparent, independent process for investigations against security officers and officials.
Madam Speaker,
This Bill is part of a wider effort to aggressively address crime and wrongdoing in our nation.
Within the Police Force and Defence Force, a number of internal changes are underway.
Within our communities, new policies and initiatives are being rolled out.
Clear Hold Build, for example, has already had a noticeably positive impact on the Englerston community. We will share those results in just a few days, as we prepare to use this data to inform our approach to fighting crime throughout New Providence.
Of course, corruption and crime are complex social and cultural issues, requiring a society-wide, all-hands-on-deck effort to ensure an enduring impact.
With the support of our churches, schools, non-profit organisations, families, private sector businesses, and law-abiding citizens, we can win the fight against crime and corruption in our communities.
The Bill before us today will go a long way toward re-establishing trust in the integrity of our investigations process and ensuring that those charged with upholding the law are carrying out their duties without compromise.
With this Bill, we are turning the page on the way things used to be done and moving on to a new age of accountability.
Madam Speaker,
An indispensable companion to the Independent Commission of Investigations bill is the Protected Disclosures Bill, 2025, which establishes and strengthens safeguards for employees reporting wrongdoing, including unlawful or unethical conduct, within both public and private organisations.
The provisions of the bill empower whistleblowers to report fraud or corruption or misconduct – by ensuring confidentiality, providing a pathway for disclosure, and protecting them from retaliation.
We are confident that these reforms can improve both public and corporate governance in The Bahamas.
Indeed, establishing a clear mechanism for reporting and investigating wrongdoing can discourage and deter wrongdoing in the first instance. Not only will whistleblowers be protected from retaliation, but severe penalties will be imposed on anyone who obstructs the reporting process.
Whistleblowers have also helped governments and corporations around the world identify problems early, before misconduct can escalate or abuses can become systemic.
Whistleblowers need only act in good faith, with a reasonable belief in the accuracy of the information they disclose, and a reasonable belief that the conduct described constitutes wrongdoing, to be eligible for the Act’s numerous and detailed protections.
The Act provides for a designated authority – empowered to act independently – to publish guidelines for disclosures, to conduct investigations, and to issue reports and recommendations.
Madam Speaker,
Those who seek to stop wrongdoing are standing up for all of us – and promoting integrity and fiscal and corporate accountability. Whistleblower protections can reshape an organisation’s behavior, can serve as an early warning system, can improve regulatory compliance, and can deepen stakeholder and citizen trust.
The protections in this legislation incentivize the alignment of public and private operations with both legal and ethical standards.
Whistleblowers act as allies for citizens, and guardians of public and corporate integrity, frequently preventing compliance violations in the first place or preventing them from escalating into larger crises.
The experiences of large corporations abroad indicate that the adoption of ethical governance practices, including whistleblower protections, is correlated with an increase in market value.
This is not surprising – protections which deter misconduct and promote integrity and accountability are worth a lot to citizens and shareholders.
Madam Speaker,
In order to make progress on our ambitious policy goals, we need government to be effective, and well-managed, and accountable.
We are in the process of implementing the Ombudsman bill, which for the first time provides Bahamians an independent advocate to investigate and address complaints they may have about government services or their treatment by government officials. The creation of operational manuals, the staffing, the training – all are planned or already underway.
Madam Speaker,
In keeping with this administration’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing oversight, and ensuring accountability, I am pleased to announce that the Committee responsible for selecting the Ombudsman will receive their formal notice of appointment next week. This marks a critical step toward the full establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, a new mechanism designed to serve as an independent watchdog over public administration.
This Committee, as outlined in the Ombudsman Act, 2024, brings together key stakeholders, including:
• The Prime Minister,
• The Leader of the Opposition,
• A representative of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission,
• A representative of the Public Service Commission,
• The President of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, and
• A member of civil society, recommended by the umbrella organization of civil society groups in The Bahamas.
Their role is clear: to identify and recommend an individual of integrity, independence, and legal expertise to serve as the country’s first Ombudsman. This is not a political appointment — this is an appointment based on merit, competence, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of fairness and justice.
The Office of the Ombudsman will be an important tool for resolving complaints of maladministration, investigating breaches of fundamental rights, and ensuring that government services operate fairly, efficiently, and free from bias or corruption. It will also advise on human rights compliance, review legislation for consistency with international standards, and make recommendations to improve governance.
Madam Speaker, this government is committed to not just passing laws but ensuring that the institutions created by those laws are fully operational and effective. The work of this Committee is crucial, and we will ensure that the Office of the Ombudsman is properly resourced and positioned to fulfill its mandate to the Bahamian people.
We look forward to the Committee beginning its work, and to the swift appointment of the Ombudsman, as we continue taking concrete steps toward a more accountable and transparent government.
The creation of a public Ombudsman, the robust new protections for whistleblowers, the establishment of an Independent Commission of Investigations – each of these achievements is significant in its own right, and together, they represent a very substantial step forward for good governance in The Bahamas.
And of course, good governance is not some abstraction– good governance is what allows us to create real change for Bahamians.
Madam Speaker,
The bills we debate today give more power to the Bahamian people, and they have my full support.
Thank you.