CARICOM mourns passing of Bahamian Environment Minister Vaughn Miller

The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed profound sadness over the untimely passing of the Honourable Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

In a statement, The Honourable Adrian Forde, Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Government of Barbados, and Chair of COTED—Environment and Sustainable Development, extended condolences, saying, “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that I, on behalf of the entire Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the untimely passing of their esteemed Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Honourable Vaughn Miller.”

Minister Forde noted Minister Miller’s dedication to public service and environmental advocacy.

“He was not only a dedicated public servant to the Bahamian people but also a tireless and passionate champion for environmental stewardship on the regional and international stage. As a representative of an archipelagic nation on the front lines of the triple planetary crises, Minister Miller brought a unique and powerful perspective to our discussions. His voice was one of clarity, urgency, and unwavering commitment to protecting our shared Caribbean patrimony—our pristine waters, our unique biodiversity, and the very future of our Small Island Developing States.”

He added that within COTED, Minister Miller was “a respected colleague, known for his collaborative spirit, charm, and a profound dedication to finding sustainable solutions for our region’s most pressing environmental challenges. His contributions to our collective work on sustainable natural resource management especially our land resources, marine and plastics pollution and the advancement of the SIDS agenda were invaluable and will be deeply missed.”

Minister Forde further reflected on the loss to both The Bahamas and the wider CARICOM community.

“The loss of such a dedicated advocate leaves a significant void not only in The Bahamas but within our CARICOM family. Minister Miller’s legacy will endure in the policies he championed and the passion for environmental protection he instilled in all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We will miss the articulate voice of a brother, a friend and a warm personality.”

He concluded “As we mourn this immense loss, we also honour his remarkable service. We offer our deepest sympathies to his family during this period of unimaginable grief. May they, and the Government and people of The Bahamas, find strength and comfort in the enduring impact of Minister Miller’s life and work.”