The Office of the Clerk provides the central administrative and procedural support necessary for the effective functioning of the Parliament of The Bahamas.

The Clerk of Parliament serves as a senior parliamentary officer and provides institutional leadership and professional support for the conduct of parliamentary business. The Office supports the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the President of the Senate, Members of Parliament, Senators, parliamentary committees and the wider Parliamentary Service.

The Office is responsible for ensuring that parliamentary proceedings and records are properly administered and maintained, while providing impartial procedural and administrative support in accordance with the Constitution, the Standing Orders, legislation and established parliamentary practice.

Through its work, the Office of the Clerk helps preserve the continuity, integrity and institutional knowledge of Parliament and supports the effective discharge of the Legislature’s constitutional responsibilities.

The Role of the Clerk of Parliament

The Clerk of Parliament is a senior officer of the Parliamentary Service who provides procedural, administrative and institutional support for the work of Parliament.

The Clerk’s responsibilities are connected to the proper conduct and administration of parliamentary business and include supporting the functioning of the Houses, maintaining parliamentary records, coordinating procedural services and assisting the presiding officers and Members with the administration of parliamentary proceedings.

The Clerk also provides leadership within the Parliamentary Service and works with parliamentary departments and officers to ensure that the services required by Parliament are effectively coordinated.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the Office of the Clerk operates within the constitutional, legislative and procedural framework governing the Parliament of The Bahamas.

Core Responsibilities

Parliamentary Procedure

Supporting the proper administration and conduct of parliamentary proceedings in accordance with the Constitution, Standing Orders and established parliamentary practice.

Chamber Administration

Coordinating the administrative and procedural requirements associated with sittings of the House of Assembly and Senate.

Parliamentary Records

Ensuring that official parliamentary records and documents are properly maintained, preserved and made available in accordance with applicable requirements.

Legislative Services

Supporting the processing and administration of parliamentary business, including Bills, resolutions, motions and other documents laid before Parliament.

Committee Support

Providing administrative and procedural support for parliamentary committees and their work.

Procedural Advice

Providing appropriate procedural guidance and support to the presiding officers and Members in relation to parliamentary business.

Parliamentary Administration

Providing leadership and coordination for the administrative operations of the Parliamentary Service.

Institutional Continuity

Maintaining the institutional knowledge, records, practices and procedures necessary for the continuing operation of Parliament.

Supporting the House of Assembly

The Office of the Clerk provides procedural and administrative support to the House of Assembly in the conduct of its parliamentary business.

This support includes coordinating the administrative requirements associated with sittings of the House, assisting with the preparation and processing of parliamentary business, maintaining official records and providing procedural support to the Speaker and Members.

The Office also works with parliamentary departments responsible for legislative services, Hansard, committees, publications, information technology, communications and other areas necessary to support the effective operation of the House.

The Clerk’s Office serves the institution of Parliament and provides professional support to Members irrespective of political affiliation.

Supporting the Senate

The Office of the Clerk provides administrative and procedural support for the work of the Senate.

The Office assists with the coordination and administration of Senate business and works with the President of the Senate, Senators and parliamentary officers to support the orderly conduct of proceedings.

The Office also supports the processing and maintenance of official Senate records and works with relevant parliamentary departments to ensure that the Senate has the administrative, procedural and information services required to carry out its constitutional functions.

Professional Standards

The Office of the Clerk is committed to providing professional, impartial and institutionally focused support to the Parliament of The Bahamas.

Its work is guided by the Constitution, Standing Orders, applicable legislation, parliamentary practice and established administrative procedures.

The Office supports the parliamentary institution and provides services to Members and parliamentary officers in accordance with their respective roles and responsibilities.

Professionalism, confidentiality, accuracy, integrity, continuity and respect for parliamentary procedure are fundamental to the work of the Office.

Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Office of the Clerk?

The Office of the Clerk provides procedural, administrative and institutional support for the work of Parliament.

Who is the Clerk of Parliament?

The current Clerk of Parliament is Mr. David Forbes. 

What does the Clerk do?

The Clerk provides leadership and professional support for parliamentary administration and procedure and assists with the effective conduct and documentation of parliamentary business.

Does the Clerk make political decisions?

No. The Office provides institutional, procedural and administrative support. Political decisions are made by elected Members and Senators in accordance with their constitutional roles.

Does the Clerk advise Members?

The Office provides appropriate procedural and administrative guidance in relation to parliamentary business.

Where can I find parliamentary documents?

Our website provides dedicated sections for Bills, Order Papers, Votes & Proceedings, Hansard, Committee Reports and other parliamentary documents.

How can I contact the Office of the Clerk?

Office of the Clerk
Parliament of The Bahamas
Parliament Street
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas