PLP MP's

The Hon. Melanie Sharon Griffin, nee Strachan, was born in Nassau, Bahamas. She received her early education at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and her secondary education at St. Augustine’s College, Fox Hill and the Government High School. At the College of The Bahamas she attained an Associate of Arts degree in Social Science and was a founding member of the College of The Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS). A choir director for many years, Melanie holds a Diploma in Applied Church Music from the Bahamas Baptist Institute. A born again Christian, Mrs. Griffin, is also a founding member of Judaea Baptist Church where she is a licensed Minister, serving in several capacities.

In March 1999, Melanie was appointed to the Senate by the Hon. Perry G. Christie, Party Leader, where she served her God and Country with dignity and honour. She was elected the Member of Parliament for Yamacraw on May 2nd, 2002 and appointed Minister of Social Services and Community Development on May 10th, 2002. In addition to carrying out the mandate of the Government, she has been motivated by the Scriptures to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked and visit the sick and imprisoned.

An advocate for child and family welfare, the Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, has made a major impact on the social landscape of the Country, particularly through the enactment of three major pieces of legislation – The Residential Care Facilities Act 2004, the Child Protection Act, 2007 and the Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act, 2007. Mrs. Griffin has also been a champion for the rights of persons with disabilities and has produced a draft Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Bill, 2007 which is expected to be laid in Parliament later this year. Additionally, she was instrumental in the expansion of the Disability Affairs Unit to a Division with its own office and resource centre, as well as the implementation of an allowance for special needs children under the age of 16 years certified disabled.

As a member of parliament, Mrs. Griffin has served the community of Yamacraw well. Infrastructural development of roads and parks, the establishment of community associations which foster and promote community spirit and the discipline and development of young people through a community youth and marching band are some of the highlights of her achievements in Yamacraw.

She is married to Mr. Leon Griffin and has one daughter, Celine Leonice.