Keith Ricardo Bell is a Bahamian Progressive Liberal Party politician as the Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal since 2023. He is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Carmichael constituency since 2021.
Keith Bell | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal | |
| Assumed office 4 September 2023 | |
| Prime Minister | Philip Davis |
| Preceded by | JoBeth Coleby-Davis (as Minister of Housing & Transport) |
| Minister of Labour and Immigration | |
| In office 2021 – 4 September 2023 | |
| Prime Minister | Philip Davis |
| Preceded by | JoBeth Coleby-Davis (Housing & Transport) |
| Succeeded by | Pia Glover-Rolle (Labour & Public Service) Alfred Sears (Immigration and National Insurance) |
| Minister of State for National Security | |
| In office 2012–2017 | |
| Prime Minister | Perry Christie |
| Member of Parliament for Carmichael | |
| Assumed office 23 September 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Desmond Bannister |
| In office 2012–2017 | |
| Preceded by | Desmond Bannister |
| Succeeded by | Desmond Bannister |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Keith Ricardo Bell |
| Political party | Progressive Liberal Party |
| Alma mater | College of the Bahamas University of the West Indies |
Bell also served as the MP for Bamboo Town constituency from 2012 to 2017.
Career
editEducation and Early Career
editBell holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Law and Criminal Justice from the College of the Bahamas, and a Law degree from the University of the West Indies.[1] Before entering politics, Bell served as a police officer for over 22 years, earning the Baton of Honour as the top graduate from the Police College in 1986. He also lectured at the College of the Bahamas and served as a Member of the Catholic Board of Education and the Bahamas National Trust.[2]
Parliament
edit1st Term (2012-2017)
editKeith Bell was first elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Carmichael constituency in 2012, defeated FNM incumbent Desmond Bannister. He was appointed as the Minister of State for National Security by Prime Minister Perry Christie, serving in the position from 2012 to 2017.[3]
Minister of State for National Security
editDuring his tenure as Minister of State for National Security, Bell was responsible for leading the implementation of several key initiatives, including the Bahamas National Crime Prevention Strategy and the Police Recruitment and Training Program.[4][5]
As Minister, Bell was accused of mismanagement of funds.[6] He lost his bid for re-election in 2017 to Thomas Desmond Bannister.[7]
2nd Term (2021-present)
editKeith Bell was re-elected as the MP for Carmichael in 2021, defeating incumbent Thomas Desmond Bannister.[8] During his tenure, he has served in Prime Minister Philip Davis' Cabinet as the Minister of Labour and Immigration and as the Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal.
References
edit- ^ "5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour". www.5thchildlabourconf.org. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "Keith Bell | Carmichael". The Progressive Liberal Party. 2021-02-02. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "Bell aims to become security minister". www.tribune242.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "Keith Bell: Crime plan has not failed". www.tribune242.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "Keith Bell puts his foot in his mouth". www.tribune242.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "thebahamasweekly.com - Minister Keith Bell's Mid-term Budget Communication". www.thebahamasweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "TRADE-OUT: PLP's sweep reminiscent of 2017 election results". Eye Witness News. 2021-09-22. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "The Bahamas General Election Results 2021". www.bahrep.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.