Deandrea Hamilton | Editor The Bahamas, July 4, 2025 – A significant chapter was added to the legacy of Civil Society Bahamas (CSB) this week as Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis officially proclaimed July 7 as “Civil Society Bahamas Day”, recognizing the organization’s two decades of national service and advocacy.
The proclamation comes as Civil Society Bahamas celebrates its 20th anniversary, under the theme: “Civil Society: Honouring the
Past, Shaping the Future.” The historic acknowledgment cements CSB’s role in promoting participatory democracy and supporting nonprofit collaboration throughout The Bahamas.
To commemorate the milestone, a special thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, 6 July 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets in Nassau. The service will honor the contributions of civil society leaders while setting a renewed vision for national engagement and development. Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Action Dr. Anthony Hamilton, President of CSB, has led a slate of initiatives since assuming office, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building bridges between the nonprofit sector, government, and citizens. Dr. Hamilton, along with CSB members, recently paid a courtesy call on Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Ryan Pinder, to discuss strategies for continued collaboration and nonprofit sector advancement.
“The Prime Minister’s proclamation is not just symbolic,” Dr. Hamilton said. “It is a validation of the vital work being done by ordinary citizens and grassroots organizations across our archipelago. Civil society is the backbone of national resilience.”
Founded in 2005, CSB serves as the umbrella body for nonprofit and community-based organizations in The Bahamas. Over the past 20 years, it has led advocacy efforts, policy consultations, and capacity-building programs on critical issues such as social justice, youth development, environmental protection, and gender equity.
A Church Service with Civic Significance
Sunday’s service at Zion Baptist Church is expected to attract a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including former and current civil society leaders, public officials, and youth organizations. The service will reflect on CSB’s past achievements and present its roadmap for future transformation.
The choice of venue is deeply symbolic: Zion Baptist Church has long been associated with community empowerment and national activism,
making it a fitting space for CSB’s commemorative gathering.
Looking Ahead: Empowerment, Engagement, Equity
With the official establishment of Civil Society Bahamas Day, CSB is preparing a lineup of initiatives focused on strengthening nonprofit impact and leadership development. These include training sessions, strategic forums, and regional partnerships that will better position Bahamian organizations to respond to evolving social and economic challenges.
As the civil society landscape faces global disruptions—from climate change to artificial intelligence—CSB plans to remain a unifying voice that pushes for inclusive policy and civic empowerment.
“Civil society is not a spectator in national life,” said Dr. Hamilton. “It is an active, essential player in shaping the future of our people and our democracy.”