The Older Persons Rights, Protection, Care and Support Bill, 2026, is another reflection of an Administration that refuses to turn a blind eye; refuses to ignore the vulnerable and oftentimes the defenseless; and an Administration that is prepared to speak for those whose voices may not be as strong as they once were, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. McKell Bonaby told House Members Wednesday.

It also continues the Davis Administration’s “legislative march to touch the lives of every single Bahamian regardless of who they are.”

“It is a simple concept which is to protect those that once protected us,” State Minister Bonaby said.

Delivering his Contribution to the Second Reading of the Bill, Mr. Bonaby said the legislation is not merely about creating new protections on paper.

“It is about creating a culture of respect, responsibility and accountability — a culture in which the elderly are seen not as burdens, but as citizens whose wisdom, sacrifice and contribution remain invaluable.

“It is about ensuring that an older person can live without fear in the home they have built, in the community they helped shape and in the country they served. It is about ensuring that no senior is left isolated, neglected or exposed to exploitation simply because they are unable to defend themselves.

“It also speaks directly to those who care for our elderly; to those who pray for our elderly; and, Madam Speaker, perhaps most importantly, to those who prey on our elderly. Because those who have spent a lifetime building this country deserve to be remembered here in these hallowed walls.”

The State Minister said: “The way we treat our elders is a reflection of who we are, and a preview of how we will be treated. The dignity of our elderly must never be treated as a privilege. It is a right. Their safety must never depend on whether someone happens to notice their suffering. It must be protected by law, supported by policy and reinforced by the conscience of our nation.

“Upon receiving assent, it will undoubtedly change the way the State approaches the protection, care and dignity of its older citizens. Mt. Moriah stands firmly in support of this Bill as we continue our legislative march to touch- the lives of every single Bahamian regardless who you are.”

State Minister Bonaby said the passage of the Bill will also send a clear message that in The Bahamas, age does not diminish a person’s worth.

“The hands that built our homes, the hands that raised our children, the hands that strengthened our churches and the hands that sustained our communities deserve our protection and our gratitude.

“We must be prepared to listen when an older citizen speaks. We must be prepared to act when warning signs appear. And we must be prepared to hold accountable anyone who abuses the trust placed in them.

“We stand with our older citizens, with their families and with every caregiver who carries out this sacred responsibility with patience and love, and we stand for a Bahamas where growing older is not a source of fear, but a stage of life marked by security, dignity and respect.”

State Minister Bonaby applauded Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Services, the Hon. Bacchus A. Rolle for having “moved this debate in an erudite, eloquent and compassionate manner befitting legislation of this importance.”

“He has comprehensively addressed many of the significant features of this Bill,  equally my other colleagues have also made similar contributions. However, notwithstanding that, I believe I would be remiss if Mt. Moriah did not lend its voice to such a significant piece of legislation — legislation which, upon receiving assent, will undoubtedly change the way the State approaches the protection, care and dignity of our older citizens.

‘Psalm 71:9 states, ‘Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.’ This Bill affirms that we have not forgotten our civic, moral and biblical duties, for we have enshrined them in our laws.”

The State Minister also recognized the “important role played by families, caregivers, community organizations, churches and public institutions.”

“The protection of our elderly cannot rest on the shoulders of one agency or one individual. It requires vigilance, compassion and cooperation from all of us. May we never forget that the way we care for our elderly today will help determine the kind of country we become tomorrow.”

The post Bonaby: Older Persons Bill, 2026 continues Administration’s legislative march to touch the lives of every single Bahamian appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.