Bahamas News
PM Davis advocates tech innovation; and calls to millennials and Gen Z legal practitioners to let voices be heard, at Law Society’s Legal Week 2025
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the University of The Bahamas Law Society’s Legal Week 2025, on January 27, 2025, at the Harry C. Moore Library, Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, as a region, they all recognise the need to invest heavily in technological innovation.
“After all, digitalisation is a part of the three biggest changes impacting the world — what we refer to as the triple transition of climate change, digitalisation, and social justice,” he said. “We must ensure that our legal system is keeping pace with these rapid global changes.”
He added: “Take our court system, for example. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the real need for digital technologies. In many ways, we were forced to swiftly and aggressively adopt new technologies. Technologies supporting widespread digital recording, digital meetings, digital hearings, cloud-based storage, and remote access were all rolled out at record speed.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that they “must not let this momentum subside”.
“Just last year, we were able to roll out an electronic filing system for our Supreme Courts, as another important step forward,” he said. “We must continue to be guided by the needs of the courts, the needs of the people, and the need to facilitate justice as we invest in technologies.”
“We must ensure that we are expanding capacity by building new courts such as the Family Courts, like the Juvenile facility that we just opened, and we must ensure that our legislation is keeping up as well,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Locally, we must build on the changes brought in over the past few years to amend the Supreme Court Act, the Judges Remuneration and Pensions Act, the Magistrates Act, the Coroners Act, and the Court of Appeal Act as we work toward the swift and effective administration of justice.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, in 2024, the Trial by Judge Alone legislation was another step in the right direction. However, he added, there was still a lot that his Government must do to “equip our judicial system with everything it needs to facilitate justice in all contexts”.
“That is the only way we will ensure that our legal system is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He added: “Of course, the biggest shared regional challenge looming on the horizon is climate change. I’m excited to see that we are having a session for millennials and Gen Z to discuss opportunities for innovation and reform. I encourage all young legal practitioners and scholars to speak up and have their voices heard.”
Prime Minister Davis told those in attendance that, sooner rather than later, they will be called upon to “take on our biggest challenges, as the old gives way to the new”.
He said: “You must begin using your influence and your innovative mindset to make a difference right now — and that must include climate
change. As we take on climate change, we can anticipate opportunities in sustainability and environmental law. This also applies to areas like financial services where carbon offsetting, impact investment, and compliance with environmental, social, and governance standards will all require the guidance of bright, young legal minds.
“Of course, we cannot anticipate all the changes that the future holds, but we can equip ourselves with the timeless values that will prepare us for any change.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that his experience as both a legislator and an attorney had taught him that the law must “serve the public interest – from the wealthiest and most powerful to the least among us who too often do not have a voice”.
“You are called on to be, among other things, a voice for the weak, powerless and voiceless; to ensure justice is always evenly served,” he said. “In doing so, you will promote social order, civility, equity, peace, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms.”
“There is great opportunity to be found in promoting social justice as we work toward building a better Bahamas, a better Caribbean, and a better world,” Prime Minister Davis added.
PHOTO CAPTION
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks, during his Official Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the University of The Bahamas Law Society’s Legal Week 2025, on January 27, 2025, at the Harry C. Moore Library.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)
By Shakara Trott
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – From Tin Tubs to Jacuzzis. From Kerosene Lamps to Chandeliers. From Hand Pumps to Running
Water.
As the nation reflects on its journey, these nostalgic comparisons remind Bahamians of just how far we’ve come. On the eve of July 10th, the Grand Independence Central Lawn was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as scores of Bahamians, families, dignitaries, and special guests gathered to commemorate the country’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence.
The evening featured a cultural showcase brimming with national pride—from lively food trucks to breathtaking fireworks—bringing the community together in a unified celebration of heritage, resilience, and hope for the future.
Dignitaries made a grand entrance, chauffeured onto the grounds in red-carpet, Vogue-style fashion, and introduced by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Wilbert Stubbs.
The festivities began with an ecumenical service led by the Grand Bahama Christian Council. Bishop Barry Morris and Bishop John C. Wallace opened with a call to worship and invocation, followed by an uplifting session of praise led by Calvary Temple’s worship team.
In a stirring keynote address, Archdeacon Earl Hepburn reflected on the spiritual foundation of the Bahamian journey. “No matter how
much effort is put in, if God is not at the center, the foundation will falter,” he said, reminding attendees that the nation’s progress must always be rooted in faith.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted to high-energy entertainment with performances by DECISION, Top Tier Band, RYCON, Sharade, The Bmes, Bahamas Dance Theatre Troupe, Wilfred Solomon, Nishie L.S., DMAC, and KB—offering a rich tapestry of Bahamian culture in music and dance.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, carried out the traditional Inspection of the Guard, setting the stage for the ceremonial highlight of the evening.
Finally, just prior to midnight, and as Independence Day, July 10, rolled in, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force raised the National Flag, and sounds of the National Anthem filled the air.
With fireworks lighting up the sky, The Bahamas proudly turned 52—marking more than half a century of independence, growth, and national pride.
PHOTO CAPTION: Independence Park was abuzz with excitement as the nation celebrated its 52nd anniversary. The event drew hundreds of attendees who came to mark this significant milestone in the country’s history. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey is pictured as she greeted uniformed branch officers, dignitaries, and members of the community at the celebration.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
Bahamas News
Bahamas conducts grand 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrations despite turbulent weather
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Severe weather conditions forced the much-anticipated Independence Anniversary Celebration to take on a different format from the usual exciting lineup, on the evening of July 9.
The planned traditional Ecumenical Service and the Cultural Show set for that evening at 8:00pm were impacted by turbulent weather, and organizers pivoted to meet the nation’s expectations.
Gratefully, as the rain cleared and time progressed to just past midnight, July 10 — Independence Day — the Aquamarine, Gold and Black
National Flag was raised under a calm sky, with events unfolding serenely to usher in 52 years of Independence before scores of Bahamians who assembled at historic Clifford Park.
Just hours prior, the Department of Meteorology had issued a “Severe Weather Warning” for several islands including New Providence, cautioning residents against localized flooding, strong gusty winds and tornadic activity, and to remain indoors until the passage of the storm.
Out of an abundance of caution, The National Independence Secretariat, acting on the weather warning and in consultation with the relevant agencies, made adjustments to the Independence Calendar for that evening.
As a result, the Cultural Show would be held on a date to be announced.
The Bahamas Christian Council held its traditional Ecumenical Service at Bahamas Harvest Church on J.F. Kennedy Drive, which was broadcast live on ZNS at 9:00pm.
The Flag Raising Ceremony proceeded as usual at Clifford Park, where The Bahamas had become an independent nation in 1973, on July 10.
A number of clergymen participated in the Ecumenical Service, and choirs rendered melodious and spirited gospel songs – all with a common message imbued with this year’s theme: “Together We Rise.” In attendance were high-level Government officials, and members of The Opposition.
Pastor Mario Moxey of Bahamas Harvest Church implored Bahamians to not look at the theme as merely a slogan, but instead as a call for renewed hope for our Bahamaland.
In delivering the Independence sermon, Apostle Delton Fernander, president of the Bahamas Christian Council, said that independence came about by many, who believed in the cause. He said though much has been accomplished, there is still more to do.
Tying the line from The Pledge, ‘One People, United in Love and Service,’ to the theme, “Together We Rise”, he stated, “these words instruct
us to address many of the ills facing the nation. In this vein, he called for unity as a means to achieving this.
At Clifford Park, and the Flag Raising Ceremony: Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, carried out the customary Inspection of the Guard despite the soggy conditions of the grounds.
Witnessing the historic events were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; the Hon. Chester Cooper; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; The Hon. Mr. Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder; Members of the Opposition, Cabinet Ministers, high level officials, guests, and spectators.
At midnight, with the Flag hoisted in the air by officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force, the playing of the National Anthem by the parade band, and fireworks, The Bahamas became 52-years-old as an independent nation.
Following on — at 1:00am was ‘The People’s Rush’ by the various Junkanoo groups, which thrilled the crowds on Bay Street.
Independence Day will also be commemorated with the traditional State Reception at Government House, and a Family Fun Day at Clifford Park.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
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