Constitution of The Bahamas
The Coat of Arms of The Bahamas

The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Scheduled to The Bahamas Independence Order 1973, made at Windsor Castle on 20 June 1973 and in operation from 10 July 1973. Ten chapters and 137 articles, reproduced from the Government of The Bahamas documents.

Preamble

WHEREAS Four hundred and eighty-one years ago the rediscovery of this Family of Islands, Rocks and Cays heralded the rebirth of the New World;

AND WHEREAS the People of this Family of Islands recognizing that the preservation of their Freedom will be guaranteed by a national commitment to Self-discipline, Industry, Loyalty, Unity and an abiding respect for Christian values and the Rule of Law;

NOW KNOW YE THEREFORE:

We the Inheritors of and Successors to this Family of Islands, recognizing the Supremacy of God and believing in the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM IN SOLEMN PRAISE the Establishment of a Free and Democratic Sovereign Nation founded on Spiritual Values and in which no Man, Woman or Child shall ever be Slave or Bondsman to anyone or their Labour exploited or their Lives frustrated by deprivation, AND DO HEREBY PROVIDE by these Articles for the indivisible Unity and Creation under God of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Four hundred and eighty-one years ago, the rediscovery of this Family of Islands, Rocks and Cays marked the rebirth of the New World.

The People of this Family of Islands recognise that their Freedom will be kept safe by a national commitment to Self-discipline, Industry, Loyalty, Unity and a lasting respect for Christian values and the Rule of Law.

Now, therefore, know this:

We, the Inheritors of and Successors to this Family of Islands, recognising the Supremacy of God and believing in the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual, solemnly proclaim the establishment of a Free and Democratic Sovereign Nation founded on Spiritual Values, in which no Man, Woman or Child will ever be a Slave or Bondsman to anyone, have their Labour exploited, or have their Lives frustrated by deprivation. By these Articles we provide for the indivisible Unity and Creation under God of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Contents

  1. Chapter IArticles 1 to 2
  2. Chapter IIArticles 3 to 14
  3. Chapter IIIArticles 15 to 31
  4. Chapter IVArticles 32 to 37
  5. Chapter VArticles 38 to 70
  6. Chapter VIArticles 71 to 92
  7. Chapter VIIArticles 93 to 106
  8. Chapter VIIIArticles 107 to 127
  9. Chapter IXArticles 128 to 136
  10. Chapter XArticle 137
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Download as PDF

The official text or the plain-language edition, typeset for print and stamped with the date.

The Bahamas Independence Order 1973

The Order in Council that brought the Constitution into force, with its seventeen transitional sections.

How the Constitution is changed

Article 54, the entrenched articles, and every attempt to alter the Constitution since 1973.

The referendums of 2002 and 2016

Nine questions put to the voters, the Bills behind them, and the results. 2002 and 2016.

Glossary

The words the Constitution uses, explained in plain English and linked to their articles.

About this edition

Where the text comes from, how it was prepared, and what was changed for the screen.