The Custodial Department supports the Parliament of The Bahamas by maintaining clean, sanitary and presentable facilities for Members, employees, visitors and guests. Through daily cleaning, sanitation and housekeeping services, the Department helps create an environment that is suitable for parliamentary business and public engagement.
Every department plays an important role in the overall functionality of the institution. The Custodial Department plays an important role in the daily operation of Parliament.
From offices and meeting areas to public spaces and other parliamentary facilities, custodial staff help maintain a clean, orderly and professional environment throughout the parliamentary precinct.
Their work supports the health, comfort and overall experience of everyone who works in or visits Parliament.
Our Role
The Custodial Department is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the parliamentary facilities.
Its responsibilities include:
Routine cleaning of offices and common areas
Cleaning and sanitizing restrooms
Maintaining public areas and shared spaces
Cleaning meeting and conference areas
Waste collection and disposal
Restocking designated sanitary supplies
Maintaining cleanliness during parliamentary activities and events
Responding to cleaning needs throughout the workday
Reporting maintenance or facility concerns to the appropriate department
Daily Cleaning Services
Custodial staff carry out routine cleaning activities throughout designated areas of Parliament.
These services include:
Sweeping and mopping floors
Dusting and surface cleaning
Cleaning desks and appropriate work surfaces
Cleaning doors, glass and other frequently-touched areas
Emptying waste receptacles
Cleaning and sanitizing washrooms
Maintaining common areas
Replenishing approved supplies
Cleaning schedules may vary according to the use and requirements of individual areas. A rotation system is in place to ensure equality in assignments.
Sanitation & Hygiene
Maintaining appropriate sanitation standards is an important part of the Department’s work.
Custodial personnel help maintain hygienic conditions by regularly cleaning and sanitizing frequently used spaces and surfaces.
Particular attention may be given to:
Restrooms
Entrances and common areas
frequently-touched surfaces
Meeting spaces
Public areas
Areas used during parliamentary proceedings and events
Parliamentary Proceedings
The work of the Custodial Department supports the smooth operation of parliamentary proceedings.
During periods of increased activity, including sittings of the House of Assembly and Senate, custodial services help ensure that designated areas remain clean and presentable for Members, staff, media and visitors.
Meetings & Official Events
Parliament hosts meetings, official functions, ceremonies, delegations and other activities throughout the year.
The Custodial Department supports these activities by preparing and maintaining designated spaces before, during and after events.
This may include:
Before an Event
Preparing designated areas
Cleaning and arranging spaces
Checking restroom and sanitation supplies
During an Event
Monitoring cleanliness
Addressing immediate cleaning needs
Maintaining designated public areas
After an Event
Cleaning event spaces
Removing waste
Restoring areas to their normal condition
Waste Management
The Department supports the collection and appropriate handling of routine waste generated within designated parliamentary facilities.
Custodial staff help keep waste receptacles and collection areas orderly while following applicable workplace and sanitation procedures.
Specialized or regulated waste should be handled according to the appropriate institutional procedures and by the responsible personnel or service provider.
Supplies & Equipment
Custodial operations require appropriate cleaning supplies, sanitation products and equipment.
The Department helps monitor the availability of routine custodial supplies and identifies replenishment needs through the appropriate administrative process.
Cleaning equipment and products should be used in accordance with applicable workplace safety requirements and manufacturer instructions.
Cleanliness & Workplace Standards
A clean workplace contributes to a professional environment for everyone who uses Parliament’s facilities.
The Custodial Department works to maintain standards of:
Cleanliness
Sanitation
Order
Presentation
Professionalism
Workplace hygiene
All Members, employees and visitors can contribute to keeping shared spaces clean by reporting concerns through the appropriate channels.
Working Across Parliament
The Custodial Department works alongside other parliamentary departments to support the day-to-day operation of the institution.
This may include coordination with departments responsible for:
Administration
Facilities and maintenance
Security
Human resources
Events and official functions
Parliamentary proceedings
Where a concern extends beyond routine custodial services, it can be referred to the appropriate department for follow-up.
Reporting Facility Concerns
Custodial staff may identify issues that require attention beyond routine cleaning.
These may include:
Plumbing concerns
Damaged fixtures
Lighting issues
Water leaks
Electrical concerns
Damaged furniture
Other facility-related issues
Such matters should be reported to the appropriate departmental or administrative head.
Our Custodial Team
The Custodial Department is supported by personnel responsible for maintaining designated areas of the parliamentary precinct.
Diana Gilbert Head of Department
Diana.gilbert@bahamasparliament.org
Rose Mackey Staff
rose.mackey@bahamasparliament.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Custodial Department do?
The Custodial Department maintains the cleanliness, sanitation and general presentation of designated parliamentary facilities.
Which areas does the Department clean?
Custodial services may cover offices, restrooms, meeting areas, public spaces, common areas and other designated facilities.
How can I report a cleaning concern?
Cleaning concerns should be reported to the appropriate custodial or administrative contact within Parliament.
Does the Custodial Department handle repairs?
Routine custodial staff may identify and report facility concerns, but repairs and technical maintenance should be handled by the appropriate department or service provider.
Does the Department provide cleaning services for public events?
The Department may support authorized parliamentary events by preparing and maintaining designated spaces before, during and after activities.
How can employees help maintain a clean Parliament?
Employees and visitors can help by disposing of waste properly, keeping shared areas orderly and reporting spills, sanitation concerns or other issues promptly.
Clean Parliament, Shared Responsibility
Maintaining Parliament as a clean and welcoming environment is a shared responsibility.
The Custodial Department provides essential daily support, while everyone who uses parliamentary facilities can contribute by respecting shared spaces and following established cleanliness and sanitation practices.