The Government of The Bahamas formally opened a new session of Parliament with a ceremony marked by pomp, pageantry and constitutional tradition, May 20, 2026 beginning with the swearing-in ceremonies of parliamentarians in both the Lower House and Upper House.
Bahamians from across the country turned out in celebration of the occasion, donning elegant spring-coloured cocktail gowns, fascinators and gloves as they participated in the historic ceremonies.
During the proceedings, Hon. Lashell Adderley was returned as President of the Senate, while Hon. Patricia Deveaux resumed her role as Speaker of the House of Assembly. Attorney and Senator Hon. Ja’Ann Major was appointed Vice-President of the Senate, and Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Sylvanus Petty, was named Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Following the administration of charges to parliamentarians, adjustments were made to the traditional ceremonial proceedings due to forecast inclement weather. The customary Reading of the Speech from the Throne and Inspection of the Guard ceremony, ordinarily held in Rawson Square, was relocated to the Imperial Ballroom of Atlantis Paradise Island.
Parliamentarians, and the Governor General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Cynthia A. ‘Mother’ Pratt, were transported to Atlantis Paradise Island for the continuation of the official ceremonies.
Upon arrival, the Inspection of the Guard was conducted outside the ballroom, while the Reading of the Throne Speech took place inside the Imperial Ballroom before a packed audience comprising Bahamians from New Providence and the Family Islands.
The occasion was attended by senior members of the Judiciary, led by Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder, along with Justices of the Supreme Court, President of the Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Milton Evans, and members of the Magistracy.
The Speech from the Throne outlined the government’s legislative and policy agenda, highlighting its commitment to building on its mandate of economic progress through the creation of greater opportunities for Bahamians and the introduction of modern legislation aimed at strengthening consumer protection and advancing land reform.
The government also announced plans to review the real property tax regime, expand initiatives to improve food security, address energy reform, and introduce incentives aimed at increasing home ownership and improving the standard of living for Bahamians.
Additional priorities outlined in the Speech included the modernization of healthcare services, including dental regulation, immigration reform, the introduction of digital security measures, and landmark legislation such as the eGovernment Act and the Artificial Intelligence Governance Act.
Climate resilience was also identified as a major national priority, with plans announced to update The Bahamas Building Code and introduce comprehensive waste management and marine pollution legislation featuring stronger penalties and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.
The formal opening of Parliament represents one of the country’s most significant constitutional traditions and signals the commencement of the government’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session.
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