| THE BAHAMAS Commonwealth of the Bahamas Commonwealth of the Bahamas Joined United Nations: 18 September 1973 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 05/28/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Nassau
310,426
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess
mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality
and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess
mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality
and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
Elizabeth II of United Kingdom
Queen since 6 February 1952
Queen since 6 February 1952
The monarch is hereditary and holds that position for life or until
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen.
Next scheduled election: None
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen.
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Hubert A. Ingraham
Prime Minister since 4 May 2007
Prime Minister since 4 May 2007
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister
by the governor general
Elections: last held 4 May 2007
Next scheduled election: May 2012
leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister
by the governor general
Elections: last held 4 May 2007
Next scheduled election: May 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%
| RELIGIONS |
Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%, Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist
4.2%, other Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census)
4.2%, other Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional parliamentary democracy with 21 districts. Legal system is based English common law
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor
general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member body appointed by the governor general upon
the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (40 seats;
members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve the Parliament and call
elections at any time
elections: last held 4 May 2007 (next to be held by May 2012)
Judicial: Privy Council (London); Courts of Appeal; Supreme (lower) Court; magistrates courts
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor
general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member body appointed by the governor general upon
the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (40 seats;
members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve the Parliament and call
elections at any time
elections: last held 4 May 2007 (next to be held by May 2012)
Judicial: Privy Council (London); Courts of Appeal; Supreme (lower) Court; magistrates courts
| LANGUAGES |
English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The term Arawak (from aru, the Lokono word for cassava flour), was used to designate the Amerindians encountered by
the Spanish in the Caribbean. These include the Taíno, who occupied the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas (Lucayan)
and Bimini Florida, the Nepoya and Suppoyo of Trinidad and the Igneri, who were supposed to have preceded the
Caribs in the Lesser Antilles, together with related groups (including the Lokono) which lived along the eastern coast of
South America as far south as what is now Brazil. The group belongs to the Arawakan language family and they were the
natives Christopher Columbus found when he first landed in the Americas. The Spanish described them as a peaceful,
gentle people, although this description was biased by the fact that any "hostile" groups were automatically classified as
Caribs. On 12 October 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the Western Hemisphere in the Bahamas.
He encountered Arawak Indians and exchanged gifts with them. They were of the Lucayan tribe, and some traveled with
Columbus in his return to Europe. Spanish slave traders later captured native Lucayan Indians to work in gold mines in
Hispaniola, and within 25 years, all Lucayans perished. Without a source of slaves, the Spanish did not colonize the
islands, though they had claimed them. In 1647 - during the time of the English Civil War - a group of Puritan religious
refugees from the royalist colony of Bermuda, the "Eleutheran Adventurers", founded the first permanent European
settlement in the Bahamas and gave Eleuthera Island its name. Similar groups of settlers formed settlements in the
Bahamas, but the isolated cays sheltered pirates and wreckers through the 17th century. Charles II granted land in the
Bahamas to the Lords proprietors of Carolina, but the islands were left entirely to themselves. After Charles Town was
destroyed by a joint French and Spanish fleet in 1703, the local pirates proclaimed an anarchic 'Privateers' Republic' with
Edward Teach — better known as Blackbeard — as chief magistrate. Nassau was the main port preferred by the pirates
during this time. When the islands became a British Crown Colony in 1717, the first Royal Governor, a reformed pirate
named Woodes Rogers, brought law and order to the Bahamas in 1718, when he expelled the buccaneers who had used
the islands as bases. Instead, the pirates still working in these waters became privateers. Rogers is best known for his
capture of pirates Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read. During the American War of Independence the Bahamas
fell to Spanish forces under General Galvez in 1782. After the American Revolution the British government issued land
grants to a group of British Loyalists, and the sparse population of the Bahamas tripled in a few years. The planters
thought to grow cotton, but the limy soil was unsuited to it, and the plantations soon failed. Many of the current inhabitants
are descended from the slaves brought to work on the Loyalist plantations. When the UK outlawed the slave trade in
1807, the Royal Navy began intercepting ships and depositing freed slaves in the Bahamas. Plantation life was finished
after the emancipation of remaining slaves in 1834. During the American Civil War, the Bahamas prospered as a center of
Confederate blockade-running, bringing out cotton for the mills of England and running in arms and munitions. After
World War I, the islands served as a base for American rum-runners. During World War II, the Allies centered their flight
training and antisubmarine operations for the Caribbean in the Bahamas. Since Havana closed to American tourists in
1961, the Bahamas has developed into a major tourist resort. At the same time the establishment of Freeport as a free
trade zone (1955) developed an off-shore financial services center with a reputation for a tolerant atmosphere. Bahamians
achieved self-government through a series of constitutional and political steps, attaining internal self-government in 1964
and full independence within the Commonwealth of Nations on July 10, 1973. When Europeans first arrived, they
reported the Bahamas were lushly forested. The forests were cleared during plantation days and have not regrown.
Source: Wikipedia History of the Bahamas
the Spanish in the Caribbean. These include the Taíno, who occupied the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas (Lucayan)
and Bimini Florida, the Nepoya and Suppoyo of Trinidad and the Igneri, who were supposed to have preceded the
Caribs in the Lesser Antilles, together with related groups (including the Lokono) which lived along the eastern coast of
South America as far south as what is now Brazil. The group belongs to the Arawakan language family and they were the
natives Christopher Columbus found when he first landed in the Americas. The Spanish described them as a peaceful,
gentle people, although this description was biased by the fact that any "hostile" groups were automatically classified as
Caribs. On 12 October 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the Western Hemisphere in the Bahamas.
He encountered Arawak Indians and exchanged gifts with them. They were of the Lucayan tribe, and some traveled with
Columbus in his return to Europe. Spanish slave traders later captured native Lucayan Indians to work in gold mines in
Hispaniola, and within 25 years, all Lucayans perished. Without a source of slaves, the Spanish did not colonize the
islands, though they had claimed them. In 1647 - during the time of the English Civil War - a group of Puritan religious
refugees from the royalist colony of Bermuda, the "Eleutheran Adventurers", founded the first permanent European
settlement in the Bahamas and gave Eleuthera Island its name. Similar groups of settlers formed settlements in the
Bahamas, but the isolated cays sheltered pirates and wreckers through the 17th century. Charles II granted land in the
Bahamas to the Lords proprietors of Carolina, but the islands were left entirely to themselves. After Charles Town was
destroyed by a joint French and Spanish fleet in 1703, the local pirates proclaimed an anarchic 'Privateers' Republic' with
Edward Teach — better known as Blackbeard — as chief magistrate. Nassau was the main port preferred by the pirates
during this time. When the islands became a British Crown Colony in 1717, the first Royal Governor, a reformed pirate
named Woodes Rogers, brought law and order to the Bahamas in 1718, when he expelled the buccaneers who had used
the islands as bases. Instead, the pirates still working in these waters became privateers. Rogers is best known for his
capture of pirates Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read. During the American War of Independence the Bahamas
fell to Spanish forces under General Galvez in 1782. After the American Revolution the British government issued land
grants to a group of British Loyalists, and the sparse population of the Bahamas tripled in a few years. The planters
thought to grow cotton, but the limy soil was unsuited to it, and the plantations soon failed. Many of the current inhabitants
are descended from the slaves brought to work on the Loyalist plantations. When the UK outlawed the slave trade in
1807, the Royal Navy began intercepting ships and depositing freed slaves in the Bahamas. Plantation life was finished
after the emancipation of remaining slaves in 1834. During the American Civil War, the Bahamas prospered as a center of
Confederate blockade-running, bringing out cotton for the mills of England and running in arms and munitions. After
World War I, the islands served as a base for American rum-runners. During World War II, the Allies centered their flight
training and antisubmarine operations for the Caribbean in the Bahamas. Since Havana closed to American tourists in
1961, the Bahamas has developed into a major tourist resort. At the same time the establishment of Freeport as a free
trade zone (1955) developed an off-shore financial services center with a reputation for a tolerant atmosphere. Bahamians
achieved self-government through a series of constitutional and political steps, attaining internal self-government in 1964
and full independence within the Commonwealth of Nations on July 10, 1973. When Europeans first arrived, they
reported the Bahamas were lushly forested. The forests were cleared during plantation days and have not regrown.
Source: Wikipedia History of the Bahamas
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest Caribbean countries with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore
banking. Tourism together with tourism-driven construction and manufacturing accounts for approximately 60% of
GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Prior to 2006, a steady growth in tourism
receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to solid GDP growth but since then
tourism receipts have begun to drop off. The global recession in 2009 took a sizeable toll on the Bahamas, resulting in a
contraction in GDP and a widening budget deficit. The outlook for 2010 is for slightly positive growth as tourism from
the US returns, but sector investment is not expected to substantially increase. Financial services constitute the
second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy and, when combined with business services, account for
about 36% of GDP. However, the financial sector currently is smaller than it has been in the past because of the
enactment of new and more strict financial regulations in 2000 that caused many international businesses to relocate
elsewhere. Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth,
despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on the
fortunes of the tourism sector.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Bahamas)
banking. Tourism together with tourism-driven construction and manufacturing accounts for approximately 60% of
GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Prior to 2006, a steady growth in tourism
receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to solid GDP growth but since then
tourism receipts have begun to drop off. The global recession in 2009 took a sizeable toll on the Bahamas, resulting in a
contraction in GDP and a widening budget deficit. The outlook for 2010 is for slightly positive growth as tourism from
the US returns, but sector investment is not expected to substantially increase. Financial services constitute the
second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy and, when combined with business services, account for
about 36% of GDP. However, the financial sector currently is smaller than it has been in the past because of the
enactment of new and more strict financial regulations in 2000 that caused many international businesses to relocate
elsewhere. Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth,
despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on the
fortunes of the tourism sector.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Bahamas)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
In 1964 the British gave the Bahamas internal self-governance and the white UBP leader Roland Symonette became
the country's first premier. In 1967, under the leadership of a young black lawyer named Lynden Pindling, the PLP
were elected and went on to lead The Bahamas into independence in 1973.
A coalition of PLP dissidents and former UBP members formed the Free National Movement (FNM) in 1971 under
the leadership of Cecil Wallace Whitfield. After Whitfield's death in 1990, another ex-PLP, Hubert Ingraham, became
leader of the FNM and took the party to victory in the 1992 general election. The FNM was re-elected by a landslide
in 1997, but lost to a resurgent PLP, under the leadership of his former law partner Perry Christie, in 2002. Ingraham
turned the party leadership over to Tommy Turnquest in 2002, but in 2007 he returned to lead the FNM to victory
again by a five-seat margin.
Among the country's biggest challenges are the privatization of costly and inefficient state-owned corporations, the
retraining of hundreds of workers who will be affected by the change, decisions on ways to diversify tax revenues away
from import tariffs and license fees, and opening the economy to international trade agreements.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of The Bahamas
the country's first premier. In 1967, under the leadership of a young black lawyer named Lynden Pindling, the PLP
were elected and went on to lead The Bahamas into independence in 1973.
A coalition of PLP dissidents and former UBP members formed the Free National Movement (FNM) in 1971 under
the leadership of Cecil Wallace Whitfield. After Whitfield's death in 1990, another ex-PLP, Hubert Ingraham, became
leader of the FNM and took the party to victory in the 1992 general election. The FNM was re-elected by a landslide
in 1997, but lost to a resurgent PLP, under the leadership of his former law partner Perry Christie, in 2002. Ingraham
turned the party leadership over to Tommy Turnquest in 2002, but in 2007 he returned to lead the FNM to victory
again by a five-seat margin.
Among the country's biggest challenges are the privatization of costly and inefficient state-owned corporations, the
retraining of hundreds of workers who will be affected by the change, decisions on ways to diversify tax revenues away
from import tariffs and license fees, and opening the economy to international trade agreements.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of The Bahamas
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Disagrees with the US on the alignment the northern axis of a potential maritime boundary; continues to monitor and
interdict drug dealers and Haitian and Cuban refugees in Bahamian waters
interdict drug dealers and Haitian and Cuban refugees in Bahamian waters
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and Europe; offshore financial center
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: The Bahamas
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a constitutional, parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 342,400,
including an estimated 30,000 undocumented Haitians. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's Free National Movement (FNM) regained
control of the government in May 2007 elections that observers found to be generally free and fair. The civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control over security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. There were problems in some areas, including:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a constitutional, parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 342,400,
including an estimated 30,000 undocumented Haitians. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's Free National Movement (FNM) regained
control of the government in May 2007 elections that observers found to be generally free and fair. The civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control over security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. There were problems in some areas, including:
- complaints of abuse by police and prison and detention center guards;
- poor detention conditions;
- a poorly functioning judicial system, leading to delays in trials and lengthy pretrial detention;
- violence against women and children;
- discrimination against persons of Haitian descent.
31 March 2005
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Thirty-eighth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations: The Bahamas
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report and the written replies to its list of issues
(CRC/C/Q/BHS/1), which gave a clearer understanding of the situation of children in the State party. However, it deeply regrets
that the report was received 10 years after the date on which it should have been submitted. The Committee is encouraged by the
frank and constructive dialogue it had with the high-level delegation of the State party and welcomes the positive reactions to the
suggestions and recommendations made during the discussion.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Status of Children Act in 2002 which, inter alia, abolished the distinction between
children born in wedlock and children born out of wedlock, particularly in relation to intestacy.
4. The Committee also notes with appreciation the adoption of the Inheritance Act in 2002, which makes provision for all children
to have equal rights or entitlement in circumstances where property is distributed on intestacy.
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
7. The Committee notes the challenges facing the State party, namely the vulnerability to natural disasters, including hurricanes,
which have impeded progress towards the full realization of children’s rights enshrined in the Convention.
D. Principal areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Reservations
8. The Committee notes with regret the reservation that the State party has made to article 2 of the Convention, but welcomes the
information during the dialogue that, given, inter alia, some recent new laws, the reservation may be withdrawn.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Thirty-eighth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations: The Bahamas
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report and the written replies to its list of issues
(CRC/C/Q/BHS/1), which gave a clearer understanding of the situation of children in the State party. However, it deeply regrets
that the report was received 10 years after the date on which it should have been submitted. The Committee is encouraged by the
frank and constructive dialogue it had with the high-level delegation of the State party and welcomes the positive reactions to the
suggestions and recommendations made during the discussion.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Status of Children Act in 2002 which, inter alia, abolished the distinction between
children born in wedlock and children born out of wedlock, particularly in relation to intestacy.
4. The Committee also notes with appreciation the adoption of the Inheritance Act in 2002, which makes provision for all children
to have equal rights or entitlement in circumstances where property is distributed on intestacy.
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
7. The Committee notes the challenges facing the State party, namely the vulnerability to natural disasters, including hurricanes,
which have impeded progress towards the full realization of children’s rights enshrined in the Convention.
D. Principal areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Reservations
8. The Committee notes with regret the reservation that the State party has made to article 2 of the Convention, but welcomes the
information during the dialogue that, given, inter alia, some recent new laws, the reservation may be withdrawn.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2010 REPORT
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, the Bahamas faced increasing challenges to its traditional record of good governance due to economic instability, rising
crime, and increased tensions over migration issues.
The FNM ruled the Bahamas for 10 years under Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, until the 2002 elections brought the PLP, led by
Perry Christie, back to power. In May 2007, the FNM triumphed at the polls, winning 23 parliamentary seats to the PLP’s 18,
thereby restoring Ingraham to the premiership and demoting Christie to leader of the opposition. Christie retained this position by
winning an overwhelming majority of votes in the PLP leadership conference in October 2009.
As the Caribbean’s only upper-income country, the Bahamas has established a model service economy based on an impressive
tourism sector—which accounts for a large share of national income—and offshore financial services. However, in 2009, the
worsening global economy cut into the Bahamian tourism industry and posed new challenges to the Ingraham government.
Marijuana cultivation and trafficking by foreign nationals residing in the country has led the United States to keep the Bahamas on
the list of major drug-producing or drug-transit countries. The country is also a major transit point for migrants coming from
elsewhere in the Caribbean, especially Cuba and Haiti, in the hope of reaching the United States.
In January 2009, an ambulance driver and a member of Parliament were arrested on charges of attempting to extort money from
American actor John Travolta following his son’s death in the Bahamas. A mistrial was later declared when another lawmaker
prematurely announced an acquittal.
The Bahamas is an electoral democracy. The lower house of the bicameral Parliament, the 41-member House of Assembly, is
directly elected for five-year terms. The 16 members of the upper house, the Senate, are appointed for five-year terms by the
governor-general, who represents the British monarch as head of state. Nine of the senators are appointed on the recommendation
of the prime minister, four on the recommendation of the opposition leader, and three on the recommendation of the prime minister
after consulting with the opposition leader. The head of the majority party or coalition in Parliament typically serves as prime
minister.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, the Bahamas faced increasing challenges to its traditional record of good governance due to economic instability, rising
crime, and increased tensions over migration issues.
The FNM ruled the Bahamas for 10 years under Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, until the 2002 elections brought the PLP, led by
Perry Christie, back to power. In May 2007, the FNM triumphed at the polls, winning 23 parliamentary seats to the PLP’s 18,
thereby restoring Ingraham to the premiership and demoting Christie to leader of the opposition. Christie retained this position by
winning an overwhelming majority of votes in the PLP leadership conference in October 2009.
As the Caribbean’s only upper-income country, the Bahamas has established a model service economy based on an impressive
tourism sector—which accounts for a large share of national income—and offshore financial services. However, in 2009, the
worsening global economy cut into the Bahamian tourism industry and posed new challenges to the Ingraham government.
Marijuana cultivation and trafficking by foreign nationals residing in the country has led the United States to keep the Bahamas on
the list of major drug-producing or drug-transit countries. The country is also a major transit point for migrants coming from
elsewhere in the Caribbean, especially Cuba and Haiti, in the hope of reaching the United States.
In January 2009, an ambulance driver and a member of Parliament were arrested on charges of attempting to extort money from
American actor John Travolta following his son’s death in the Bahamas. A mistrial was later declared when another lawmaker
prematurely announced an acquittal.
The Bahamas is an electoral democracy. The lower house of the bicameral Parliament, the 41-member House of Assembly, is
directly elected for five-year terms. The 16 members of the upper house, the Senate, are appointed for five-year terms by the
governor-general, who represents the British monarch as head of state. Nine of the senators are appointed on the recommendation
of the prime minister, four on the recommendation of the opposition leader, and three on the recommendation of the prime minister
after consulting with the opposition leader. The head of the majority party or coalition in Parliament typically serves as prime
minister.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
18 March 2009
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcome on Bahamas: Amnesty International regrets rejection
of recommendations to abolish the death penalty
Amnesty International welcomes the Bahamas' prompt ratification of the two Covenants, following the announcement in the
Universal Perodic Review (UPR) Working Group of its intention to do so.1 We also note the Bahamas' willingness to consider
acceding to other human rights instruments, including the Convention against Torture, its Optional Protocol, and the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.2
Amnesty International is very disappointed, however, that the Bahamas rejected a wide range of recommendations by many states
regarding the death penalty, including establishing a moratorium on executions, to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to abolish the death penalty.3 While it is a most welcome trend that no
executions have been carried out for the past nine years in the Bahamas, Amnesty International is concerned that death sentences
continue to be handed down and that the authorities have recently voiced support for a resumption of hanging. Amnesty
International takes this opportunity to reiterate our call to the government to repeal all provisions allowing for the death penalty and
to declare a moratorium on executions.
Amnesty International welcomes the endorsement by the Bahamas of recommendations to ensure full and effective implementation
of the Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act and to address the problem of rape.4 Amnesty International recognizes that recent
legislation has increased the penalty for serious sexual crimes to life imprisonment, but is concerned that recommendations by
several states to criminalize marital rape were rejected.5
Finally, Amnesty International welcomes the undertaking by the Bahamas to respond promptly to concerns raised by several Special
Procedures regarding conditions in the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.6 Recent reports indicate that abuses continue to take
place at the facility, and Amnesty International urges the Bahamas to act swiftly on this undertaking and conduct an independent
investigation into recent allegations of ill-treatment.
el Detention Center which houses foreign nationals accused of breaching immigration laws.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
18 March 2009
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcome on Bahamas: Amnesty International regrets rejection
of recommendations to abolish the death penalty
Amnesty International welcomes the Bahamas' prompt ratification of the two Covenants, following the announcement in the
Universal Perodic Review (UPR) Working Group of its intention to do so.1 We also note the Bahamas' willingness to consider
acceding to other human rights instruments, including the Convention against Torture, its Optional Protocol, and the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.2
Amnesty International is very disappointed, however, that the Bahamas rejected a wide range of recommendations by many states
regarding the death penalty, including establishing a moratorium on executions, to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to abolish the death penalty.3 While it is a most welcome trend that no
executions have been carried out for the past nine years in the Bahamas, Amnesty International is concerned that death sentences
continue to be handed down and that the authorities have recently voiced support for a resumption of hanging. Amnesty
International takes this opportunity to reiterate our call to the government to repeal all provisions allowing for the death penalty and
to declare a moratorium on executions.
Amnesty International welcomes the endorsement by the Bahamas of recommendations to ensure full and effective implementation
of the Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act and to address the problem of rape.4 Amnesty International recognizes that recent
legislation has increased the penalty for serious sexual crimes to life imprisonment, but is concerned that recommendations by
several states to criminalize marital rape were rejected.5
Finally, Amnesty International welcomes the undertaking by the Bahamas to respond promptly to concerns raised by several Special
Procedures regarding conditions in the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.6 Recent reports indicate that abuses continue to take
place at the facility, and Amnesty International urges the Bahamas to act swiftly on this undertaking and conduct an independent
investigation into recent allegations of ill-treatment.
el Detention Center which houses foreign nationals accused of breaching immigration laws.
Click here to read more »
Letter to Colin Powell on U.S. Bully Tactics Against International Criminal Court
June 30, 2003
The Honorable Colin J. Powell
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Dear Secretary Powell:
I am writing to convey our strong dismay over recent U.S. government actions towards the International Criminal Court (ICC).
We are familiar with the Bush administration's deep reservations towards the court. Administration officials have frequently
expressed their concern about the ICC's potential to become a politically motivated vehicle advancing an anti-American agenda.
While we strongly believe the treaty contains ample safeguards-- many of which were crafted by U.S. negotiators-- I am not
writing to defend the efficacy of those checks and balances
U.S. officials are engaged in a worldwide campaign pressing small, vulnerable and often fragile democratic governments to sign
bilateral agreements with Washington. As you know, these agreements would exempt 270 million Americans and foreign nationals
working under contract to the U.S. government from the authority of the court. While we believe the agreements the United States
is proposing violate the ICC treaty by going beyond the letter and spirit of Article 98, I am not writing to argue the unlawfulness of
these instruments.
Bahamas: U.S. Ambassador Richard Blankenship has publicly warned that if the Bahamas did not support the U.S. position on the
ICC, a significant amount of U.S. aid would be withheld, including aid for paving and lighting an airport runway.
Click here to read more »
June 30, 2003
The Honorable Colin J. Powell
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Dear Secretary Powell:
I am writing to convey our strong dismay over recent U.S. government actions towards the International Criminal Court (ICC).
We are familiar with the Bush administration's deep reservations towards the court. Administration officials have frequently
expressed their concern about the ICC's potential to become a politically motivated vehicle advancing an anti-American agenda.
While we strongly believe the treaty contains ample safeguards-- many of which were crafted by U.S. negotiators-- I am not
writing to defend the efficacy of those checks and balances
U.S. officials are engaged in a worldwide campaign pressing small, vulnerable and often fragile democratic governments to sign
bilateral agreements with Washington. As you know, these agreements would exempt 270 million Americans and foreign nationals
working under contract to the U.S. government from the authority of the court. While we believe the agreements the United States
is proposing violate the ICC treaty by going beyond the letter and spirit of Article 98, I am not writing to argue the unlawfulness of
these instruments.
Bahamas: U.S. Ambassador Richard Blankenship has publicly warned that if the Bahamas did not support the U.S. position on the
ICC, a significant amount of U.S. aid would be withheld, including aid for paving and lighting an airport runway.
Click here to read more »
Statement by The Honourable T. Brent Symonette,
M.P. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General
at the Sixty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
25 September, 2009
New York
Mr. President
Climate change presents acute challenges for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like The Bahamas. We are extremely
vulnerable to its impact.
One of the major consequences of climate change for The Bahamas has been the increase in the number, frequency and ferocity of
hurricanes impacting our country and region over the last two decades.
As an archipelagic nation, The Bahamas faces particular challenges in the area of maritime safety and security. My Government has
committed tremendous financial and technical resources to combat illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons, illegal, unreported and
unregulated fishing, and human smuggling, and underscores the need for effective cooperation and coordination among States
and the development of innovative approaches to resolve these issues and complement national efforts.
The Bahamas welcomes the constructive engagement of the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization to address
the issue of piracy. The Bahamas, as the world's third largest ship registry, will continue to engage with its partners in the
international community toward ensuring the safety and security of international shipping.
An increased level of criminal activity is creating new challenges for The Bahamas, a phenomenon shared with other countries in
our region. We continue to implement national and regional anti-crime initiatives to combat this scourge, which undermines our
economies and indeed to our social stability.
Illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and small arms and light weapons, are major contributing factors to this phenomenon. The
Bahamas is not a producer of illicit drugs. Neither The Bahamas nor the other member States of CARICOM are manufacturers or
suppliers of small arms and light weapons. Yet, illicit drugs and light weapons account overwhelmingly to violent crime in our
societies.
A disproportionate amount of our scarce budgetary resources are dedicated to fighting illicit drug and light arms trafficking through
our territory and in dealing with the terrible fallout in our communities.
The Bahamas is firmly committed to enhancing regional and international cooperation in the area of peace and security. We are
pleased that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has agreed to re-engage with the Caribbean region and to
support the fight against the crime and violence that today mars our societies.
Click here to read more »
M.P. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General
at the Sixty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
25 September, 2009
New York
Mr. President
Climate change presents acute challenges for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like The Bahamas. We are extremely
vulnerable to its impact.
One of the major consequences of climate change for The Bahamas has been the increase in the number, frequency and ferocity of
hurricanes impacting our country and region over the last two decades.
As an archipelagic nation, The Bahamas faces particular challenges in the area of maritime safety and security. My Government has
committed tremendous financial and technical resources to combat illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons, illegal, unreported and
unregulated fishing, and human smuggling, and underscores the need for effective cooperation and coordination among States
and the development of innovative approaches to resolve these issues and complement national efforts.
The Bahamas welcomes the constructive engagement of the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization to address
the issue of piracy. The Bahamas, as the world's third largest ship registry, will continue to engage with its partners in the
international community toward ensuring the safety and security of international shipping.
An increased level of criminal activity is creating new challenges for The Bahamas, a phenomenon shared with other countries in
our region. We continue to implement national and regional anti-crime initiatives to combat this scourge, which undermines our
economies and indeed to our social stability.
Illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and small arms and light weapons, are major contributing factors to this phenomenon. The
Bahamas is not a producer of illicit drugs. Neither The Bahamas nor the other member States of CARICOM are manufacturers or
suppliers of small arms and light weapons. Yet, illicit drugs and light weapons account overwhelmingly to violent crime in our
societies.
A disproportionate amount of our scarce budgetary resources are dedicated to fighting illicit drug and light arms trafficking through
our territory and in dealing with the terrible fallout in our communities.
The Bahamas is firmly committed to enhancing regional and international cooperation in the area of peace and security. We are
pleased that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has agreed to re-engage with the Caribbean region and to
support the fight against the crime and violence that today mars our societies.
Click here to read more »
2008 Annual Report
27th February, 2009
FORWARD
This is my second report as Data Protection Commissioner for The Bahamas. It covers the calendar year 2008, of the operation of
the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 (DPA).
The establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (OPDC) in October, 2006 was a significant step forward for
The Bahamas in terms of data protection legislation as it began the continual and progressive course toward becoming an open and
transparent community. It is acknowledged that the field of data protection is challenging with new aspects being introduced almost
daily. It is therefore more apparent that we must, as a regulatory authority and a “small state,” ensure that we are responsive and
proactive.
As a Corporation sole, the Commissioner is independent in the performance of his duties. By law he is appointed in writing by the
Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. The Commissioner has
responsibility for:-
• Administering and enforcing the provisions of the DPA.
• Promoting the observance of good practice methods by Data Controllers within the requirements of the DPA.
• Influencing thinking on privacy and processing of personal information matters on a local and global basis.
• Discharging as the national supervisory authority, various functions relating to or arising from any international obligations The
Bahamas may have or is seeking to be a party to, in connection with data protection.
Bahamians are no doubt aware that there is an on-going Bahamas Government On-line Initiative (BGOL) designed to enhance the
delivery of progress and services by making them available over the Internet. The DPA is an essential part of the Government’s E-
Commerce enabling package and you will see elsewhere in this report that we have been successful in making available to the
public various educational material on-line via our website www.bahamas.gov.bs/dataprotection
Our aim is to ensure that personal information that is collected on individuals is managed in a manner which ensures that
fundamental privacy rights are observed and that the data is used in a manner that is consistent with the intentions of the data
subject.
This is a noble challenge, made against the rapid growth seen in the use and accessibility of data compiled from the Internet, and in
the process, providing fertile ground for the misuse of personal data by criminal elements in our society.
It is our task, therefore, to apply the various principles of data protection (detailed in this report) to best use and in line with best
practices in this field.
Click here to read more »
27th February, 2009
FORWARD
This is my second report as Data Protection Commissioner for The Bahamas. It covers the calendar year 2008, of the operation of
the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 (DPA).
The establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (OPDC) in October, 2006 was a significant step forward for
The Bahamas in terms of data protection legislation as it began the continual and progressive course toward becoming an open and
transparent community. It is acknowledged that the field of data protection is challenging with new aspects being introduced almost
daily. It is therefore more apparent that we must, as a regulatory authority and a “small state,” ensure that we are responsive and
proactive.
As a Corporation sole, the Commissioner is independent in the performance of his duties. By law he is appointed in writing by the
Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. The Commissioner has
responsibility for:-
• Administering and enforcing the provisions of the DPA.
• Promoting the observance of good practice methods by Data Controllers within the requirements of the DPA.
• Influencing thinking on privacy and processing of personal information matters on a local and global basis.
• Discharging as the national supervisory authority, various functions relating to or arising from any international obligations The
Bahamas may have or is seeking to be a party to, in connection with data protection.
Bahamians are no doubt aware that there is an on-going Bahamas Government On-line Initiative (BGOL) designed to enhance the
delivery of progress and services by making them available over the Internet. The DPA is an essential part of the Government’s E-
Commerce enabling package and you will see elsewhere in this report that we have been successful in making available to the
public various educational material on-line via our website www.bahamas.gov.bs/dataprotection
Our aim is to ensure that personal information that is collected on individuals is managed in a manner which ensures that
fundamental privacy rights are observed and that the data is used in a manner that is consistent with the intentions of the data
subject.
This is a noble challenge, made against the rapid growth seen in the use and accessibility of data compiled from the Internet, and in
the process, providing fertile ground for the misuse of personal data by criminal elements in our society.
It is our task, therefore, to apply the various principles of data protection (detailed in this report) to best use and in line with best
practices in this field.
Click here to read more »
Friday, December 12, 2008
BHRN Celebrates Human Rights Day
The Bahamas Human Rights Network (BHRN) celebrated Human Rights Day at the HUB in Nassau this past Wednesday December
10th. The celebration was in observance of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It
also marked BHRN's second anniversary since it was publicly launched in conjunction with Human Rights Day 2006.
Prof. Michael Stevenson, head of the law department at the College of the Bahamas, led a discussion on the topic of human rights
and the Bahamian constitution. The discussion was followed by a reading of the Bahamian constitution which then flowed into
Express Yourself--the HUB's weekly open mike poetry, spoken word, and other performed arts night.
Appropriately, the past week has also marked a significant milestone for human rights in the Bahamas. The Bahamian government
has announced its intention to repeal the law permitting corporal punishment during the upcoming legislative term, a move that has
been applauded by BHRN as well as Amnesty International.
Sadly, we were also reminded that much still needs to be done to confront religious bigotry and human smuggling.
Labels: Bahamas Human Rights Network, Human Rights, religious freedom
Click here to read more »
BHRN Celebrates Human Rights Day
The Bahamas Human Rights Network (BHRN) celebrated Human Rights Day at the HUB in Nassau this past Wednesday December
10th. The celebration was in observance of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It
also marked BHRN's second anniversary since it was publicly launched in conjunction with Human Rights Day 2006.
Prof. Michael Stevenson, head of the law department at the College of the Bahamas, led a discussion on the topic of human rights
and the Bahamian constitution. The discussion was followed by a reading of the Bahamian constitution which then flowed into
Express Yourself--the HUB's weekly open mike poetry, spoken word, and other performed arts night.
Appropriately, the past week has also marked a significant milestone for human rights in the Bahamas. The Bahamian government
has announced its intention to repeal the law permitting corporal punishment during the upcoming legislative term, a move that has
been applauded by BHRN as well as Amnesty International.
Sadly, we were also reminded that much still needs to be done to confront religious bigotry and human smuggling.
Labels: Bahamas Human Rights Network, Human Rights, religious freedom
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Sir Arthur A. Foulkes
Governor General since 1 February 2006
Sir Arthur A. Foulkes
Governor General since 1 February 2006
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
