NASSAU, Bahamas (May 16, 2026) — Glenys Margaret E. Hanna-Martin, a veteran lawmaker and former education minister, was sworn in as The Bahamas’ new Minister of Tourism, becoming the first woman in the country’s history to lead the vital sector.
Hanna-Martin’s appointment comes days after the Progressive Liberal Party secured a strong reelection victory last Tuesday, returning Prime Minister Philip Davis to office for a second consecutive term. She essentially swapped portfolios with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who retained his deputy role and took over as Minister of Education, Science and Technology.
A six-term Member of Parliament for the Englerston constituency in Nassau and an attorney by profession, Hanna-Martin brings deep Cabinet experience to the tourism portfolio. She previously served as Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and earlier as Minister of Transport and Aviation.
Executives and staff of the Ministry of Tourism issued a warm welcome Friday. “We extend best wishes as she begins this historic chapter in leading the country’s tourism sector,” the ministry said in a statement.
Tourism accounts for the majority of the Bahamas’ economy, employing tens of thousands and driving foreign exchange earnings through both air and cruise visitors. Hanna-Martin’s prior oversight of aviation is expected to prove valuable as the country works to expand airlift and strengthen connectivity to key source markets.
Hanna-Martin, 67, was born in Nassau and educated in The Bahamas, England and Canada. She has a long record as a trailblazer for women in Bahamian politics, having served as the first female chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party. She is also the longest-serving female parliamentarian in Bahamian history.
