Rights Bahamas Supports Women United’s Call for Accountability Following Commissioner Cleare’s Remarks

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – “Rights Bahamas stands in solidarity with Women United and all Bahamian women who have spoken out against the discriminatory comments made by Bahamas Department of Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare.”

“While we acknowledge the formal apology issued by Commissioner Cleare, we do not believe that an apology alone is sufficient to address the seriousness of the statements made or the broader issues they have exposed.”

“The comments attributed to the Commissioner suggested that male recruits who struggle would be given greater leniency and support, while female recruits would face a harsher standard of evaluation. Such remarks are not simply unfortunate words; they reflect a mindset that undermines the principles of equality, fairness, and merit upon which public institutions should operate.”

“Leadership matters. The words of senior public officials carry weight because they shape workplace culture, influence policy, and signal to employees how they are valued. When discriminatory attitudes are expressed by those in positions of authority, they damage confidence in the institution and raise legitimate concerns about whether decisions are being made fairly and impartially.”

“The apology issued by Commissioner Cleare did not occur in a vacuum. It came only after women and advocates across the country challenged the remarks and demanded accountability. Their willingness to speak out should be recognized and commended. It demonstrates that silence is no longer an acceptable response to sexism, discrimination, or unequal treatment.”

“However, Rights Bahamas agrees that this issue extends beyond one individual or one statement. The incident has highlighted concerns that many women have raised for years about the persistence of double standards within workplaces, institutions, and leadership structures throughout The Bahamas.”

“For this reason, Rights Bahamas supports Women United’s call for a full review of the Department of Corrections’ recruitment policies and practices. Any recruitment process must be transparent, fair, and free from gender-based bias. Public confidence requires assurance that all applicants and officers are evaluated according to the same standards, regardless of gender.”

“We further support calls for meaningful accountability and believe that serious consideration must be given to whether Commissioner Cleare can continue to effectively lead a mixed-gender organization after publicly expressing views that call his impartiality into question.”

“This moment presents an opportunity for national reflection and reform. The conversation should not end with an apology. It should lead to concrete action, stronger protections against workplace discrimination, and a renewed commitment to equal treatment under the law and within our public institutions.”

“Rights Bahamas remains committed to defending the rights and dignity of all people and will continue to advocate for a Bahamas where fairness, equality, and respect are more than aspirations—they are realities.”