Political
On 7 January 1964 The Bahamas received its first written constitution, in which Bahamians were granted virtually full control over their internal affairs, with the British Governor retaining responsibility for external affairs, defence and internal security. Cabinet government was introduced for the first time.
A most significant change occurred in 1969 with a new constitution whereby the British Government agreed to entrust matters dealing with internal security and external affairs to the Bahamas Government.
The final constitutional change was consummated on 20 June 1973 when the British Parliament enacted the Bahamas Independence Order 1973 granting The Bahamas full independence. On 10 July 1973, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas became a sovereign independent state, and chose to remain a member of the Commonwealth. Today it remains a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States.
On Thursday 16th September, 2021, The Bahamas held a General Election which saw the Progressive Liberal Party elected to government under the Leadership of the Honourable Philip E. Davis QC MP who was sworn in on 17th September, 2021, as fifth Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The Order of precedence and portfolios for the Cabinet Ministers are as follows:
The Honourable Philip E. Davis QC MP
Prime Minister
The Honourable I Chester Cooper MP
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation
Senator the Honourable Leo Ryan Pinder
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
The Honourable Frederick A. Mitchell MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service
The Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin MP
Minister of Education, and Technical and Vocational Training
The Honourable Dr Michael Darville MP
Minister of Health and Wellness
Senator The Honourable Michael Halkitis
Minister of Economic Affairs and Leader of Government Business in the Senate
The Honourable Clay Sweeting MP
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs
The Honourable Wayne R. Munroe QC MP
Minister of National Security
The Honourable Jomo Campbell MP
Minister of State for Legal Affairs
For more information, please visit the following sites:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs