STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND IMMIGRATION ON BETHEL VS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN THE PRIVY COUNCIL

For Immediate Release – 16 June 2026

I make this statement to the House and in particular to the family and the Estate of Claudia Edwards Bethel deceased.

On the 11 June 2026, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled that the government of The Bahamas was vicariously liable for the acts of an Immigration Officer Norman Bastian in arresting and detaining Claudia Edwards Bethel.

We accept the judgement and apologize unreservedly to the family of Mrs. Bethel and her Estate.

On coming to office in 2021, the Government established a multi agency task force to address weaknesses in the oversight of the security forces. The work of the task force has already resulted in changes that strengthened the processes.

The Minister of State will advance proposals shortly for consultation with all stakeholders.

The Officer Norman Bastian who perpetrated the wrong has been retired from the public service in the public interest. We wish to make it clear that the government of The Bahamas does not in any way support or condone his unlawful conduct.

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