A top Bahamian corrections official has issued a public apology to the nation’s female population after making gender-biased remarks that sparked fierce backlash from political leaders and women’s advocacy groups, including widespread demands for his resignation.
Doan Cleare, Commissioner of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, made the controversial comments during an official induction ceremony for the department’s 81st recruit cohort. In his remarks, Cleare claimed that female correctional recruits would face immediate dismissal for even a single mistake, while male recruits would be granted more leniency. He justified this double standard by arguing that qualified male candidates are far more difficult to recruit to the service.
The incendiary comments quickly drew public outrage, prompting an immediate rebuke from National Security Minister Myles LaRoda, who addressed the controversy in the country’s House of Assembly. LaRoda confirmed that he had summoned Cleare to his office to address the incident, after which the commissioner submitted a formal written apology to both the minister’s office and the permanent secretary of the Ministry of National Security.
In his public apology issued yesterday, Cleare acknowledged that his comments were “inappropriate and caused offence”. He emphasized that his words were never intended to demean, disrespect, or discriminate against women, noting that “as a public servant, I have always held women in the highest regard and deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions to public service, nation-building, and the advancement of our society.”
Cleare added that he has worked alongside many “outstanding” women throughout his decades-long career, and has long respected their “professionalism, leadership and commitment”. He admitted that his remarks do not align with the core values, professional standards, and guiding principles of the Ministry of National Security, his own department, or the Bahamian government at large.
Taking full responsibility for the lapse in judgment, Cleare acknowledged that as a senior leader and public official, he is required to communicate with professionalism, respect, and sensitivity in every public statement. “I offer my profound and heartfelt apology,” he said. “I sincerely regret the offence my remarks caused and acknowledge the disappointment and concern they may have occasioned.”
Cleare’s apology came in response to mounting pressure from across the political and advocacy spectrum. Lisa Bostwick-Dean, president of women’s advocacy group Women United and a former senator, was among the most prominent voices calling for Cleare to step down immediately. Loretta Butler-Turner, a former leader of the Bahamian Opposition, said she was “appalled” by the comments and demanded that Cleare formally retract his statement. Michela Barnett-Ellis, the Member of Parliament for Killarney, described the commissioner’s remarks as “deeply concerning” and pressed LaRoda in Parliament to launch an investigation into whether the biased comments reflected actual disciplinary and termination practices within the correctional system.
LaRoda confirmed that the permanent secretary will meet with Cleare later this week to hold further discussions on the incident. He also noted that Cleare had claimed the comments were made in jest, but added that he had reminded the commissioner that his senior public position gives all of his statements significant weight that requires careful consideration.