National Commission for Persons with Disabilities

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our annual Disability Icon Awards. A special thank you goes out to all our honorees and the First Lady Ann Marie Davis whose continued support has been uplifting for the entire community for years. We would also like to thank Minister of Social Services Ms. Babara Cartwright Minister of State Mr. Bacchus Rolle and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Phedra Turnquest for their support. It was truly an amazing night and another opportunity to shed light on the disability community. See you again next year!

Media Credit: Margaux Blackman Kenneth Andrew Clarke 🤟♿️

Autism Advocacy and the RBPF

ADVANCE POLLING

Advance polling is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as part of the national electoral process. This important exercise provides eligible voters who may be unable to vote on General Election Day with the opportunity to cast their ballots in advance.

Persons with disabilities are fully entitled to participate in advance polling. It is therefore essential that all polling environments are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of voters. This includes ensuring physical access to polling stations, providing clear and appropriate communication supports, and allowing assistance where required, in accordance with the laws and electoral procedures of The Bahamas.

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities remains steadfast in its mandate to advocate for the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of national life, including the democratic process. We strongly encourage all eligible persons with disabilities to take advantage of advance polling and to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

We also call on election officials and all relevant stakeholders to uphold the principles of equity, dignity, and non-discrimination by ensuring that no voter is excluded. Every individual must be empowered to participate independently and with confidence while preserving the secrecy and integrity of the ballot.

Advance polling is not merely a matter of convenience—it is a vital pathway to an inclusive democracy. Let us work together to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully represented and actively engaged in shaping the future of our nation.

Official Statement
on the Passing of Mr Peter Goudie

National Commission for Persons with Disabilities

April 22, 2026

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities announces the passing of our beloved colleague, brother, and friend, Mr Peter Goudie.

Mr Goudie was one of the longest-serving members of the Commission, and his unwavering commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities has left an enduring mark on our nation. Throughout his years of service, he was a steadfast advocate, using his voice, lived experience, and passion to ensure that persons with disabilities were not only heard, but fully included in every aspect of national life.

His impact extended far beyond the Commission. Deeply rooted in community, Peter championed accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity at every turn. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, offering encouragement, guidance, and practical support to those who needed it most. His advocacy was not simply professional—it was deeply personal, grounded in a genuine commitment to improving lives and removing barriers.

He will be remembered for his humility, his quiet strength, and his unwavering belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves dignity, opportunity, and a rightful place in society. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the policies he helped shape, and the progress he worked tirelessly to advance.

On behalf of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We share in your grief and stand with you during this difficult time.

As we mourn his passing, we are reminded of the responsibility to continue the work to which he devoted his life. Let us honour his memory by carrying forward his vision—one rooted in inclusion, compassion, and equity for all.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us.

Prepared by: Kevin E Cartwright, BA, MEd
Commissioner, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
Chairman, Education and Public Awareness Committee
Approved by: Dr Anthony Hamilton, Chairman National Commission for Persons with Disabilities