The Bahamas

Introduction

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas consists of a chain of several hundred islands of which only around 20 are inhabited. The islands in general, other than New Providence Island and Grand Bahama, are often referred to as the ‘out islands’ or the ‘family islands’. They lie in the Atlantic Ocean 50 miles to the east and south-east of Florida, USA. The population is 305,655 and the total area is 13,940 sq km of which 10,070 sq km is mainland area.

The governor-general appoints the cabinet on the recommendation of the prime minister. Nassau, the capital, is administered directly by central government. There are 32 local government districts being 13 second-schedule districts and 19 third-schedule districts. Local government expenditure contributes about 0.64 per cent to GDP.

Summary

Elected local government was formally established in 1996. So far there have been four local government elections. Although local government is 100 per cent funded by central government, it has maintained its autonomy and has had a significant positive impact on local communities through service delivery and local development.