The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

REVEREND Fr Kirkland H. Russell, Rector of the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King, called on the legal professionals and the wider Bahamian society to reclaim integrity as a core national value.

Speaking during the annual ecumenical service marking the start of the 2026 legal year in Grand Bahama, Fr. Russell lamented what he described as a growing erosion of integrity in various sectors of the country, including law enforcement, the church, and the legal profession.

“Many of our people have no integrity,” he said, pointing to a widely circulated social media video allegedly showing a police officer attempting to solicit money from a visitor. He warned that such behaviour threatens tourism, which he described as “the lifeblood of our economy.”

“The most vulnerable tourists are the ones that come here, have a nice time, and keep coming back,” he said. “And we are playing around with that.”

Fr. Russell did not spare the church, noting that some religious leaders appear more focused on financial gain than on spiritual guidance, caring for the poor, or preaching the gospel.

Referencing a popular social media skit that satirizes church fundraising practices, he said the portrayal resonates with many Bahamians because it reflects their lived experiences.

“Sad to say, but a lot of our people feel that way about our church,” he said.

Turning to broader societal issues, Fr. Russell criticized what he described as an entrenched “tip culture,” recounting a personal experience in which a store clerk suggested he deserved a tip for performing a routine job duty.

“Why do I need to give you extra for what you have already been paid to do?” he asked.

Addressing members of the legal profession directly, Fr. Russell acknowledged that while most lawyers practice honestly, the profession has suffered reputational damage due to unethical conduct by some.

“There are people out there who believe that ‘crooked’ and ‘lawyer’ are synonymous,” he said. “That’s a shame, but some can rightly say so because money was taken from them unjustly.”

Calling for national renewal, Fr. Russell urged Bahamians to “make integrity great again,” invoking scripture from Matthew 5:37: “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’”

He encouraged legal professionals to conduct themselves with honesty, professionalism, and mutual respect, even in contentious courtroom settings, and reminded them that children are watching and learning from their behaviour.

Following the service, members of the judiciary participated in annual procession from the church to the Garnet Levarity Justice Centre. Attorney General Ryan Pinder was also in attendance. Students from various schools throughout the island were also present.

After the march, Chief Justice Ian Winder outlined progress and priorities for the judiciary as the new legal year begins, emphasizing ongoing criminal justice reform.

“We’re looking to continue enforcing criminal justice reform,” Chief Justice Winder said, noting that new rules implemented over the past year now allow for active case management, defence statements, and evidentiary hearings to help identify issues early and resolve matters more efficiently.

He also highlighted the establishment of a Criminal Justice Board comprising key stakeholders tasked with identifying systemic challenges and developing solutions.

On the status of the courts on Grand Bahama, the Chief Justice said there are three magistrates sitting in Freeport and one in Eight Mile Rock. Additionally, three Supreme Court judges serve the island, with two assigned exclusively to criminal matters and one handling civil cases.

Addressing concerns about case backlogs, Chief Justice Winder acknowledged that progress remains a challenge.

“I’m never pleased with the backlog,” he said, adding that efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, to remove cases that are no longer viable due to deceased parties, uncooperative witnesses, or matters no longer in the interest of justice.

The opening of the legal year on Grand Bahama concluded with renewed calls from both church and judiciary for accountability, reform, and a recommitment to justice grounded in integrity.