Ryan Pinder, the former Attorney General of The Bahamas, has officially concluded his four-year tenure and announced his departure from frontline politics. Speaking at the opening ceremony for Legal Year 2026, Pinder clarified to journalists that his departure represents a natural expiration of his term rather than a resignation from office.
Reflecting on his unexpected appointment in September 2021, Pinder revealed that Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’s invitation to serve as the nation’s top legal officer came as a complete surprise. He described accepting the position as an unparalleled professional opportunity that he felt compelled to accept despite the challenges it would entail.
Pinder characterized his service as Attorney General as both the most rewarding professional experience of his career and an immensely demanding undertaking. He acknowledged that the legal system had faced extraordinary pressures during his tenure, including emerging crime patterns, heightened regulatory complexities, and growing public expectations for judicial efficiency.
‘The past legal year has presented significant challenges,’ Pinder noted. ‘Our legal institutions have been tested by unprecedented demands, with progress often occurring gradually rather than through immediate transformation.’
The former Attorney General emphasized that ensuring accessible justice remains a fundamental priority, noting that procedural delays and systemic inefficiencies have tangible impacts on citizens’ lives. His office implemented an ambitious legislative agenda, introducing over 100 pieces of primary and subsidiary legislation with support from the Law Reform and Revision Commission.
Significant government initiatives highlighted included comprehensive land reform measures, the finalization of updated firearms legislation, and revisions to the Penal Code. Pinder particularly emphasized the importance of the Conditional Release of Offenders Parole Bill, advocating for rehabilitative approaches to criminal justice that facilitate successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society.
‘We firmly believe that providing rehabilitation frameworks and supporting the transition of formerly incarcerated persons back into community life represents both morally sound policy and practical benefit to the nation,’ Pinder stated. ‘This approach offers deserving individuals a structured opportunity for redemption while promoting broader social stability.’