Perry Gomez

Michael Perry Gomez (18 January 1947 – 21 October 2023) was a Bahamian politician, who served as Minister of Health and as member for North Andros & Berry Islands in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.[1] First elected to the legislature in the 2012 election after defeating Education Minister Desmond Bannister by a margin of 24 votes,[1] he was appointed by Prime Minister Perry Christie to be Minister of Health.

Michael Perry Gomez
Minister of Health
In office
12 May 2012 – 11 May 2017
Prime MinisterPerry Christie
Preceded byHubert Minnis
Succeeded byDuane Sands
Member of the House of Assembly of the Bahamas for North Andros & Berry Islands
In office
12 May 2012 – 22 October 2023
Personal details
Born(1947-01-18)18 January 1947
New Providence, Bahamas
Died21 October 2023(2023-10-21) (aged 76)
Political partyProgressive Liberal Party

Early life

Gomez was born on New Providence and graduated from the University of the West Indies with a degree in medicine in 1971. He then attended medical school at Wayne State University where he specialized in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.[2]

Career

Gomez was known globally for his work on HIV/AIDS research, being the founder and director of the National HIV Programme of the Bahamas. Under his direction, the Programme had a major impact on decreasing the spread of the disease. HIV transmission rates in the Bahamas declined by more than 30 percent and HIV transmission from mother-to-child also decreased dramatically. Seventy-two percent of all persons with advanced HIV receive requisite treatment and all persons with HIV and TB co-infection receive full treatment for both conditions.[1]

Death

Perry Gomez died on 21 October 2023, at the age of 76.[3]

Electoral history
General Election 2012: North Andros & Berry Islands[4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
PLP Perry Gomez 1,192 48.75 -4.92
FNM Desmond Bannister 1,168 47.77 +1.44
Democratic National Alliance Randy Butler 85 3.48 +3.48
Majority 24 0.98 -6.37
Turnout 2,445 93.53
PLP hold Swing -6.37

Notes
  1. "Nation's Health In Dr Gomez' Hands". Nassau Tribune, 15 May 2012.
  2. "Perry Gomez". The Nassau Guardian, 2012.
  3. Former Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez has died at the age of 76
  4. "North Andros & Berry Islands" (PDF). Election 2012. Nassau Guardian. 7 May 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.


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