In a historic vote, attorney Sharon Wilson was unanimously elected to a second term as President of the Senate on Wednesday.
It marked the first time a woman won re-election to head that legislative body.
Business consultant and former diplomat Joseph Curry obtained the unanimous support of Senators for the vice presidency.
Mrs Wilson and Mr Curry were nominated by Government Senate Leader Mrs Allyson Maynard-Gibson and supported by Senator Keith Bell.
Mrs Wilson affirmed that “fairness will be our watchword in this place.”
“I want to let you know,” she told Senators, “that we expect of you the level of decorum which ought to come from this chamber.
“I am certain that we are all here with a common goal and that is the advancement of the cause of the Bahamian people.
“And so I welcome you all as we try to move our Bahamaland truly forward, upward, onward together.”
Government Senate Leader Mrs Maynard-Gibson acknowledged the “absolute confidence” of Senators in Mrs Wilson.
“There is no one in the Senate chamber who questions her ability to preside fairly and effectively on behalf of the Bahamian people,” she said. “Undoubtedly she has earned her place in history.”
The Bahamian electorate, she said, “has given us a very strong mandate to effect change on their behalf. The change for which they voted is set out in our charter of governance.”
The Speech from the Throne, she said, sets out the new government’s legislative agenda for the immediate parliamentary term.
“You can count on the Government working hand in hand with the Opposition to effect change on behalf of the Bahamian people,” said Mrs Maynard-Gibson.
“We are most grateful and humble by the trust (the electorate) have reposed in us to be their servants.”
Former Minister of Education, Desmond Bannister, the Opposition Leader in the Senate, welcomed the election of Mrs Wilson.
“We support your election,” he told her, “which brings a wonderful distinction in having served twice. I know that fairness will be your high note.”
“The Government has to move their agenda,” Mr Bannister added. “We’re not here to be obstructionists we are here to ensure that they do move their agenda and that that agenda is moved expeditiously. They have made any number of commitments to the Bahamian people.”
Senate Clerk Christine Brown administered the oath in which Senators swore to bear “faithful and true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors, according to law.”
By Gladstone Thurston
Bahamas Information Services
