National

House Chaplain: “Every Bahamian Deserves To Eat, Despite Their Political Preference”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – “Put Bahamians first,” that’s the stern yet impassioned plea from House of Assembly Chaplain Bishop Valentino Williams, who urged the government to ensure Bahamians get first priority on several issues, namely immigration, land ownership, and healthcare.

Published

12 months ago

July 16, 2025

Berthony McDermott

At the start of Wednesday morning’s parliamentary session, Williams said while much has been accomplished in the past 52 years, he believes there’s a lot more to do.

Addressing the vexing issues of immigration, Williams said no effort or expense should be spared to secure The Bahamas for Bahamians and not for foreigners.

Bishop Valentino Williams – Chaplain, House of Assembly

“No foreigner, no matter how wealthy they are or what they bring to the table, under no circumstances should have more privileges in The Bahamas over a bahamian. The Bahamas ought to be for Bahamians,” Williams expressed.

He also addressed the high cost of land ownership for ordinary Bahamians.

Coincidentally, his message came moments before the government began debating two pieces of land reform legislation.

Williams said the wealth should be made more common for the average Bahamian, adding land is too expensive for Bahamians to buy.

He admitted that the unfortunate reality is that successive governments have prioritized their supporters.

“The practice is very disheartening and depressing, every Bahamian deserves to eat, despite their political preference,” he said.

Williams, who is also the Senior Pastor of Life Changers Ministries International, also touched on healthcare.

While applauding government efforts, he said too many Bahamians suffer because of shortfalls in the healthcare system.

“Sadly in some cases, if you don’t have private healthcare, which is too costly for the average Bahamian, you will more than likely end up dying if you have a chronic illness. The system needs an overhaul…,” he said.

Lastly, he called for more to be done to reduce crime in The Bahamas.

“We must get crime under control, one murder is too much. We must put the fear of God in these criminals who seek to wreak havoc in our streets. As the old adage says, if you spare the rod, you spoil the child,” Williams said.