Local Government of The Bahamas

Ministry: Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government

Association: Bahamas Association of Local Government Authorities

Local government is provided for by the Local Government Act 1996, and not by the constitution. The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government is responsible for local government. Outside Nassau, which comes under the aegis of central government, the country comprises 32 districts for the purpose of local government, 19 unitary districts and 13 two-tier districts, each of which comprises a number of town areas. Local elections are held every three years.

The districts do not have revenue-raising powers; they receive transfers from national government. District councils are responsible for hospitals and clinics; the supply of public potable water by standpipes; the upkeep of state school and other government buildings; and the town committees responsible for general health and sanitation.