Meet Senator Michela Barnett Ellis
A Leader Rooted in Service and Integrity
Senator Michela Barnett Ellis is a distinguished attorney and public servant with over 17 years of legal expertise in The Bahamas. Admitted to the Bar of England and Wales on November 22, 2007—with a Certificate of Good Standing from The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn—and to the Bar of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on December 7, 2007, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in the practice of law.
Michela began her career at Graham, Thompson & Co. in September 2007, where she honed her skills in commercial real estate transactions and civil litigation—including contract disputes, negligence, public law, divorce, and matrimonial matters. Recognized for her expertise and leadership, she was promoted to partner in January 2016, where she now handles a broad spectrum of civil litigation matters ranging from personal injury to contentious probate and statutory interpretation.
Her legal acumen has been complemented by her significant contributions to professional organizations. Michela served as Honorary Secretary for the Bahamas Bar Association from June 2019 until February 2022 and was an active Board Member of the National Insurance Board from July 2017 to September 2021, where she chaired both the Building and Contracts Committee and the Operations Committee. Her exceptional work earned her a spot on the Citywealth IFC Power Women Top 200 list for three consecutive years (2015, 2016, 2017).
Michela’s academic credentials include an LLB (Hons) from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Vocational Training for the Bar from BPP College of Professional Studies in London, England, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario.
Appointed to the Senate on February 4, 2022, Senator Barnett Ellis now brings her legal expertise, unwavering integrity, and community-focused vision to the legislative arena. As a Lifetime Member of the Free National Movement, an Advisor to the Torchbearer’s Youth Association, and a Trustee for the FNM Women’s Association, she remains deeply committed to public service. Additionally, as a member of the Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and an active volunteer with organizations like The Bahamas AIDS Foundation and The Volunteer Reading Project, Michela’s dedication to community empowerment extends far beyond the courtroom.
Grounded in her Catholic faith and active at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Senator Barnett Ellis is also a devoted mother, balancing her professional accomplishments with a heartfelt commitment to her family and community. Her career and service exemplify a lifelong dedication to advancing justice, fostering inclusive prosperity, and ensuring every Bahamian has the opportunity to thrive.
Key Values
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“Honesty and ethical conduct at every turn.”
I believe in leading with unwavering moral principles. Integrity means being honest, transparent, and consistent in all decisions and actions. In my work, every policy, initiative, and conversation is grounded in a commitment to doing what’s right—even when no one is watching. This value builds trust, fosters long-term relationships, and ensures that every decision made is in the best interest of Free Town. -
“Responsibility, transparency, and answerability to the community.”
Accountability is at the core of effective leadership. I pledge to be open and transparent, ensuring that every decision and action is scrutinized and justified. By maintaining clear lines of communication, actively listening to community feedback, and accepting responsibility for our actions, we can build a government that truly serves its people. Accountability is how we ensure fairness, improve policies, and uphold the trust placed in us by the residents of Free Town. -
“Giving power to the people to shape our future.”
The strength of Free Town lies in its people. Community empowerment means creating opportunities for every resident to have a voice in our collective future. I am dedicated to supporting local initiatives, investing in education and skills development, and fostering partnerships that give everyone a chance to contribute to and benefit from our community’s success. When the community is empowered, we build a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant Free Town. -
“Building an economy that benefits every member of our community.”
Inclusive Prosperity is about ensuring that our economic policies and development strategies leave no one behind. I am committed to creating an environment where local businesses thrive, well-paying jobs are accessible, and every resident has the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. By investing in education, skill-building, and innovative community partnerships, we will build an economy that reflects the true spirit of Free Town—a community where every voice is heard, every talent is valued, and shared success is the goal. This approach not only strengthens our present but also lays a solid foundation for a brighter future for all.
