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Commonwealth Law Ministers Will Share Best Practices to Develop Technologies to Improve their Justice Systems

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9 years ago

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#Bahamas, October 25, 2017 – Nassau – Commonwealth Law Ministers met in Nassau for four days to discuss law reform for civil and criminal justice, and the application of the technology to achieve objectives.   The conference was held at Baha Mar convention centre, October 16-19, 2017 under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law Through Technology.”

Commonwealth Secretary General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland (Baroness Scotland), Q.C. told the media in the Closing Press Conference: “We know that our Commonwealth jurisdictions are facing many challenges today.   So, this was a really important moment for us and I thank the Bahamas Government and the Attorney General, the Hon. Carl Bethel, Q.C. for generously hosting us.”

She said: “The whole point of this conference was to bring the Law Ministers together to be able to discuss issues of common interest and to produce packages and tools to assist all our Ministers; and I believe we have achieved our aim.”

Baroness Scotland described the meeting as having “a wide-ranging agenda” that included currently discussed hot topics such as “the Rule of Law and Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Countering Violent Extremism, International Humanitarian Law, Separation of Powers, Judicial Independence, and Child Early Enforced Marriage.”

“Each of these topics has important bearings on the everyday lives and livelihoods of Commonwealth citizens and on their personal welfare and individual dignity.   The outcomes of their discussions, I am confident, will help countries to uphold the Rule of Law and deliver to these citizens a justice system that is fair and efficient and responds to modern challenges,” said Baroness Scotland.

“Understanding these challenges, Law Ministers have emphasized and agreed on a number of key points.  With regards to the theme of ‘Strengthening the Rule of Law through Technology’, Ministers looked at technology’s ability to promote efficiency, accuracy, quality of services, and long-term cost effectiveness in many areas including the preparation of legislation, the use of video and teleconference systems in court proceedings, police, and prosecution and court case management systems, e-filing and documentation, legal and digital identity, and more effective communication with and between law enforcement and justice institutions,” she said.

She added that the Law Ministers proposed that small and developing countries be supported “through the sharing of best practices and solutions from across the Commonwealth to develop technologies that can improve their justice systems.”

The Baroness balanced the Ministers’ conclusions with: “They also looked at the other side of the coin — the challenges technology poses, including threats to privacy and issues of cyber security.   At the meeting, the Commonwealth presented a new secure messaging mobile app, which will be trialed in 2018.   This app will help countries collaborate to tackle cross-border organized crimes and cyber crimes.  The Law Ministers agree, that in order to meet their sustainable development goals, they need sound legal frameworks to develop and improve health, education, employment, financial and other critical services.”

She continued, “They discussed how they will work with law reform bodies, national parliaments, the judiciary and law ministries to make their aspirations a reality.  They also turned their attention to the fight against terrorism.   Ministers considered a raft of recommendations, including strategies to review and strengthen legal frameworks and legislation to prevent the grooming and recruitment of foreign terrorists, and to stop them from crossing borders and being funded.”   The Law Ministers agreed to share experiences and put in place measures to address the phenomenon of foreign terrorists, in line with the United Nations Resolution 2178.

“They also agreed that non-coercive measures should be adopted, when necessary and/or in combination, with criminal justice approaches that where appropriate, member countries can be able to rehabilitate and reintegrate returning terrorists and stop the recruitment, training and organizing, transporting or equipping of anyone to commit acts of terror,” said Baroness Scotland.

“On the issue of countering violent extremism, Ministers agreed that coordinated action and drawing on lessons learned from right across the Commonwealth was essential as a way forward.   They also emphasized that tackling the issue of extremism online was best achieved through cooperative engagement through global communications service providers.   Regarding the implementation of international humanitarian law, Ministers reiterated its importance and committed to consider ways to promote and implement these laws in their countries.”

Baroness Scotland added that Law Ministers also discussed Child Early and Forced Marriage and expressed their strong support for its prevention and elimination.

“They recognized Child Early and Forced Marriage as one of the barriers to the achievement of sustainable development; the full realization of human rights for women and girls, and the elimination of violence against women and girls,” said The Baroness.

“Law Ministers recognized the increasing impact of climate change and natural disasters on our member countries and expressed solidarity with all Commonwealth member countries, effected by natural disasters and extreme weather events in recent months including, and in particular, those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.”

Baroness Scotland emphasized that Law Ministers stressed the need for practical and technical assistance, in dealing with the challenges of climate change.

“The focus on national implementation of the existing global framework for climate change as contained in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

“Ministers highlighted the importance of effective laws to support the smooth operation of relief efforts during and after natural disasters including the accountability of relief agencies and the import, export and transit of emergency items,” said The Baroness.

“We have responded positively to their requests to continue to cooperate with other international organizations including the international federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and the British Red Cross to help countries review and strengthening their legislation.”

Baroness Scotland also said, “These are just the highlights of the critical discussions that took place during the course of the meeting.  To assist governments to turn to their aspirations into action, we have offered them some new tools: Our new ‘Legislative Drafting Handbook and Guide to Law Reform’ will help countries to implement effective legislation in a host of areas, including climate change, ending early enforced marriage, and gender equality.   It would particularly be of value for small jurisdictions, facing unlimited challenges to drafting or reforming legislation.”

According to Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Legal Exchange is a knowledge portal that will support member countries by providing access to the laws of 52 states.   The website is one of the series of products from the Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform launched by Baroness Scotland in July, and would provide technical assistance and an online platform with best practice guides, model law standards, templates and legal insights on climate change, human rights, and a whole range of other issues, aimed at supporting governments wishing to either advise existing laws or draft new legislation.

She concluded the meeting with the press conference adding that the legal exchange website contains the database of statutes and Commonwealth model laws, which have been digitized, categorized, and cross-referenced, making it easier for governments and Law Ministers to access and download.  The site also provides an online community of practice for government lawyers from across the Commonwealth, enabling countries to share information on current law reform initiatives.

By: Gena Gibbs (BIS)

Photo caption: Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland and Bahamas Attorney General, Senator the Hon. Carl Bethel addressed the media, October 19, 2017 on the conclusions of the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM) at Baha Mar Convention Center.  (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

 

 

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Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

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2 days ago

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May 23, 2026

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The Rick Fox Political Timeline

 

“Are You Thinking About Politics?”

Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”

October 19, 2025

“Then Jump, Man.”

Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.

November 24, 2025

“The Bahamas Must Be First”

Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.

February 4, 2026

“Officially Picked”

The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.

March 20, 2026

“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”

Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

March 30, 2026

“I’m Giving The Salary Back”

Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of Garden Hills.

April 14, 2026

“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”

A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.

April 16, 2026

“Pick Rick” Officially Launches

Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.

April 19, 2026

“Vote and Win”

Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.

April 20, 2026

“The Wealthiest Candidate”

Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.

April 25, 2026

“The Garden Hills Blueprint”

Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:

  • youth development,
  • healthcare access,
  • infrastructure upgrades,
  • environmental restoration,
  • entrepreneurship,
  • and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.

May 4, 2026

“The Numbers Don’t Lie”

Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:

  • 20 community clean-ups,
  • 16 streets and locations served,
  • and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.

May 6, 2026

“Shaq Steps In”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.

May 8, 2026

“Buju Backs Rick”

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.

May 10, 2026

“Vanessa Williams Endorses”

Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.

May 11, 2026

“Magic Joins the Campaign”

NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.

May 12, 2026

“Election Day”

Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.

May 13, 2026

“Grace in Defeat”

Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.

May 18, 2026

“We Pick Rick”

Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:

“We Pick Rick.”

The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas News

First Woman to Lead Tourism Ministry: Glenys Hanna-Martin Takes On Bahamas’ Leading Industry  

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3 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Veteran parliamentarian Glenys Hanna-Martin has made history, becoming the first woman to lead the Ministry of Tourism in The Bahamas — assuming responsibility for the country’s most important economic engine 62 years after tourism first gained Cabinet-level representation.

Tourism received its first Cabinet minister on January 7, 1964, when Sir Stafford Sands was appointed Minister of Finance and Tourism, helping shape what would become the dominant pillar of the Bahamian economy.

Now, six decades later, Hanna-Martin steps into the role as the nation’s first female Tourism Minister.

The longtime Englerston Member of Parliament moves into the powerful portfolio following years overseeing education and after building one of the most enduring political careers in modern Bahamian history.

Hanna-Martin is widely regarded as the country’s longest-serving female MP, having represented Englerston continuously since 2002.

Her appointment comes at a critical moment for the tourism sector, which continues to drive employment, foreign exchange earnings, hotel development, cruise expansion and airlift growth across the archipelago.

The scale of the industry she now oversees is staggering.

According to tourism and government data, The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, including roughly 10.8 million cruise passengers and 1.7 million air arrivals.

Tourism is estimated to generate roughly 70 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employs more than half of the Bahamian workforce either directly or indirectly.

The industry also continues to fuel massive hotel and resort expansion projects across Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, while helping sustain airlift partnerships, cruise port investments and vacation rental growth.

The Ministry of Tourism is widely viewed as one of the most influential assignments in any Bahamian Cabinet because of its direct connection to the nation’s economic stability and international image.

And while regional competition intensifies across the Caribbean, The Bahamas remains one of the world’s most recognized island tourism brands.

Hanna-Martin now inherits responsibility for protecting and expanding that position.

Her political career has already included several barrier-breaking milestones, including becoming the first female chairman of a major political party in The Bahamas and the first female Minister of Transport and Aviation.

Now, she adds another first to her legacy.

For many observers, the significance of the moment extends well beyond symbolism.

Tourism is not simply another ministry.

It is the heartbeat of the Bahamian economy.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas News

“Politician-1” Frenzy Intensifies After Plane Crash Survivor Allegedly Misses US Court Appearance

Published

3 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Questions and speculation intensified across The Bahamas Thursday night after Eyewitness News reported that Jonathan Eric Gardiner — the Election Day plane crash survivor now accused in a major international cocaine trafficking conspiracy — was allegedly a no-show for a scheduled US court appearance.

The latest development adds yet another dramatic twist to a case that has already pushed the country into political and social fever pitch.

Gardiner first appeared in federal court in Orlando on May 15 following his arrest on a New York federal warrant tied to a DEA investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking operations running through The Bahamas into the United States.

But the case exploded nationally after US federal affidavits repeatedly referenced an unnamed Bahamian political figure identified only as:  “Politician-1.”

The filings allege meetings connected to a proposed cocaine shipment and references to political protection for trafficking operations.

No politician has been publicly identified by US prosecutors.

Still, the mystery has consumed the Bahamian public.

Talk shows, social media timelines, Parliament corridors and street corners have erupted with demands for answers, including headlines declaring:  “TELL US WHO IS POLITICIAN 1.”

Public speculation has centered heavily around West End MP Kingsley Smith, who has denied any involvement in drug trafficking or cartel activity.

The controversy became so intense this week that Smith was reportedly heckled inside Parliament while taking his official oath of office.

Adding to the surreal nature of the case are reports carried by The Tribune that some passengers aboard the doomed flight were ordinary Bahamians trying to return home to vote after missing another flight connection on Election Day.

What began as a dramatic survival story involving 11 rescued passengers floating in waters off Florida has now transformed into a sprawling scandal involving alleged drug trafficking, political intrigue, DEA affidavits and mounting national anxiety.

The Tribune has also reported alleged links between Gardiner and construction-related business dealings, while US court documents reportedly describe cash-filled envelopes labeled for “Politician-1” in language investigators viewed as consistent with narcotics payment structures.

For many Bahamians, the story now feels almost unbelievable: an Election Day plane crash, an accused drug kingpin, references to Parliament, public outrage and now questions surrounding an alleged missed US court appearance.

And with official answers still limited, the fever surrounding “Politician-1” appears only to be growing.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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