On Friday morning, March 6th, 2026, local government representatives from councils across Eleuthera gathered at the site of the Eleuthera Icon in Governor’s Harbour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of local government in The Bahamas, under the theme, ‘Local Voices, National Progress, Stronger Together’.
Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting, along with Director of Local Government, Mr. Donald Rolle were both present for the morning ceremony, along with Family Island Administrators – Rochelle Anderson, Bridgette Knowles, and Gwendolyn Patram. Included in the audience were past and present chief councilors, chairpersons, local government board members, statutorial boards, local government workers, as well as spiritual, civic and social leaders and wider community members. High School based junior local government councils from Preston Albury High, Windermere High, and Central Eleuthera High, had also been invited to take part.
Instituted in 1996, local government was designed to bring governance closer to the people on the Family Islands. It was a pivotal step in the nation’s democratic journey, shifting specific governance issues from the centralized system. Residents of the Family Islands were empowered to elect their own local leaders and play a meaningful role in shaping community decisions. Moderator, Kamesha Carey, in her welcome, described, “Over the years, we have witnessed the significant impact of this system in Eleuthera and throughout the Family Islands. Local government has created a vital platform for residents to express their voices, make decisions that reflect the unique needs of their communities, and contribute to the continued growth and development of our islands. In many ways, local government has strengthened the foundation of democracy by allowing communities to actively participate in governance and by ensuring that those closest to the issues have a voice in addressing them. Each local voice matters. And when those voices come together with a shared purpose, they drive national progress.”
Several past and present chief counselors were invited to share reflections on their experience within local government. Robert Roberts, chief councilor with the Spanish Wells District Council, who was first elected in 1996, and continue to serve within local government today, stated, “Like many others at the time, I stepped forward simply because I cared about the community. I didn’t know then that this journey would allow me to serve as counselor, deputy chief councilor, and for the past 10 years, as chief councilor. Through all of those roles, one thing has remained clear to me. Service to your community truly matters.”
He continued, expounding on the impact he had seen with local government, and encouraging the young counselors in the audience to step up, saying, “When local voices come together, communities grow. We become stronger together. Local government was built on a simple but powerful idea, that decisions affecting our communities should be shaped by the people who live in those communities. Local government gives ordinary citizens like myself the opportunity to become leaders. It brings governance closer to the people. And when local voices are heard, real progress happens. Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen communities improve, challenges addressed, and partnerships form. We have learned that leadership at the local level is not about titles. It’s about teamwork. It’s about listening, and it’s about, most importantly, showing up. National progress does not begin in isolation. It begins in our districts. It begins in our community meetings. It begins when neighbors decide to work together for something greater than themselves.”
He added, “To the young people of the Bahamas, your communities need your ideas, your energy and your courage. Local government is where leadership is developed. It’s where you learn responsibility, accountability. And service is where you discover that your voice truly matters. Do not wait for someone else to fix what you care about. Step forward. Get involved. Run for office. Be part of the next chapter of your community.
“As we reflect on 30 years…Let us think about what the next 30 can become. Local government proved that leadership does not only live in Nassau, it lives in our streets, our settlements, and our communities. When local voices rise, the nation rises. When young people step forward, progress accelerates. And when we stand stronger together, there is nothing the Bahamas cannot achieve. So let us not just celebrate 30 years, let us ignite the next 30. The future of our nation begins with one simple decision. To serve.”
Former chief councilor in South Eleuthera, Clement Thompson, reflecting on the past thirty years, highlighted the importance of leadership driven by love and care for the people, not by prestige – emphasizing that decisions should always prioritize the best interests of the community, free from political bias. He also highlighted the opportunities for growth, as well as the bright future for leadership in local government shown within his district – sharing the story of the current chief councilor for South Eleuthera, Shawna McCartney, who was a former secretary hired during the days of the first council, and had come full-circle, now leading the communities. Also the story of Mr. Johnson, current chairman for Tarpum Bay, one of the youngest council members in The Bahamas – indicating a vibrant future for leadership.
Minister Clay Sweeting, with the help of the three junior local government chief councilors present at the anniversary ceremony and flag raising (Sohan Bryan, De’Anntae Hepburn, and Ranaria Brown), then read aloud the proclamation declaring the recognition of March as Local Government Month – an opportunity to honour visionaries, administrators, council members and public servants, and to recognize and support local government’s vital role in nation-building, community empowerment and democratic participation.
A symbolic flag-raising followed.
