News

House Communication By Bahamas Labour Minister Hon. D. Shane Gibson – Increase In National Minimum Wage

Published

11 years ago

July 23, 2015

COMMUNICATION
BY
HON. D. SHANE GIBSON, M.P.,
MINISTER OF LABOUR AND NATIONAL INSURANCE
&
MINISTER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE
ON
INCREASE IN THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE
22ND JULY, 2015

Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful to the good people of the Golden Gates Constituency on whose shoulders I stand on today and whom I have the privilege to serve. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to deliver a brief, but very important communication on a decision taken by the Government to cause an increase in the National Minimum Wage.

Mr. Speaker, subsequent to the enactment of the National Tripartite Council Act 2014, on 1st June, 2015, the National Tripartite Council held its inaugural meeting. During this historic meeting, Social Partners representatives, namely the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Confederation, the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Trade Union Congress; and the Government, discussed a number of important matters that impacted the working people of our beloved Bahamaland. This meeting, Mr. Speaker, is considered a milestone in the history of industrial relations in The Bahamas, as it marks a turning point in social dialogue and another achievement by this PLP Government.

In the Charter of Governance, Mr. Speaker, we made a covenant with the trade union movement and the working people of our country that this Perry Christie led Administration will take deliberate steps to improve the standard of living and quality of life for Bahamian workers. One of the first things we did was to institutionalize the principles of ILO Convention 144 concerning Tripartite Consultations to Promote the Implementation of International Labour Standards. I wish to remind this Honourable House that it was on 2nd March, 2015, that the Governor General, Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling, signed into law the National Tripartite Council Act, 2014 and laid another pillar in our plan towards a stronger and safer Bahamas.

Today Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to publically announce and formally communicate to Parliament that the Government of The Bahamas, acting on a recommendation from the National Tripartite Council, has taken a decision to increase the National Minimum Wage.

To this end, Mr. Speaker, and pursuant to Section 4(3) of the Minimum Wage Act, Chapter 321C of the Statute Laws of The Bahamas, I, acting in my capacity as the Minister with responsibility for Labour, signed the Minimum Wages Order to increase the minimum wage to Two Hundred and Ten dollars ($210.00) per week or Forty-two dollars ($42.00) per day or Five dollars and twenty-five cents ($5.25) per hour. This increase will become effective on 15th August, 2015, once both Houses of Parliament have affirmed a Resolution that I intend to formally move in due course.

The National Minimum Wage, Mr. Speaker, was statutorily enacted on 21st January, 2002, and effectively mandated that no person employed in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas should be paid less than One Hundred and Fifty dollars ($150.00) or Thirty dollars ($30.00) per day, or Four ($4.00) per hour.

The new minimum wage, Mr. Speaker, is a 40% increase, and while we in the government would have liked to have seen it a bit higher, we have accepted the recommendation of the National Tripartite Council and acted accordingly.

I am advised that the recommended increase came about after extensive consultation with national, regional, and international experts in the area of industrial relations. Additionally Mr. Speaker, the Social Partners, I am told, deliberated, agonized and analysed data acquired both locally and internationally, as well as it examined comparative legislation from a number of CARICOM member states, before coming to a compromise on a final figure for the new national minimum wage. It is envisioned that the Council will monitor the cost of living and the retail price index, and it is prepared to recommend additional increases to ensure that weekly wage of Bahamian workers is able to keep pace with any increase in these index.

Our research has confirmed that despite the false rumours that an increase in the minimum wage will lead to higher levels of unemployment, this notion should be rejected. In fact, Mr. Speaker, in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States, the increase in minimum wage has had a positive effect on the growth of the economy, as persons would very quickly utilize any wage increase by purchasing goods and services thus increasing economic activity.

I wish to caution those unscrupulous employers that would try and undermine this increase and deliberately and intentionally withhold the additional wage from hard working Bahamians, that the Inspectorate Unit of the Department of Labour have been instructed to implement a comprehensive inspection plan to ensure that there is compliance, and it will aggressively pursue violators and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

Mr. Speaker, it is with much pride and on behalf of the working people of the Bahamas that I move the following resolution:

WHEREAS section 4(2) of the Minimum Wages Act (Ch. 321B) hereinafter referred to as “the Act” provides that the Minister responsible for Labour may by order, increase the sums of minimum wages specified in section 4(1) of the Act after consultation with –
(a) a confederation being in the opinion of the Minister a confederation representative of employers and associations of employers generally; and
(b) an association of registered trade unions being an association in the opinion of the Minister representative of employees generally;

AND WHEREAS the Minister has consulted with a The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Confederation, a confederation representative of employers and associations of employers generally, and both the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Trade Union Congress, associations of registered trade unions which are representative of employees generally;

AND WHEREAS pursuant to section 4(3) of the Act, as soon as the Minister has made a minimum wages order it shall be subject to affirmative resolution of both Houses of Parliament;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House approves the increase of the minimum wages set forth in paragraph (2) of the annexed Minimum Wages (Increase in Minimum Wages) Order, 2015, that is –
“The minimum wages shall be fixed as follows –
(a) if the employee is employed by the week the minimum wages shall be two hundred and ten dollars per week;
(b) if the employee is employed by the day the minimum wages shall be forty-two dollars per day;
(c) if the employee is employed by the hour the minimum wages shall be five dollars and twenty-five cents per hour.”

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week

Published

3 days ago

July 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27^th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

3 days ago

July 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform

Published

1 week ago

July 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

By Magnetic Media Newsroom

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.