The Rev’d Canon Basil L. Tynes was born to Mr. & Mrs. Aidan and Rodella Tynes. He received his early education at St. Anne’s Primary in Fox Hill, New Providence, and later attended Queen’s College in New Providence, where he graduated with nine G.C.E. ‘O’ Level qualifications. Canon Tynes furthered his education at Meisterschaft College in Toronto, Canada, for his Grade 13 studies, followed by the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.Sc.) from 1977 to 1980. He then pursued theological studies at the University of the West Indies at Codrington College in Barbados, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (B.A.) from 1980 to 1983. He later obtained a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, between 1983 and 1985.

Canon Tynes was ordained to the diaconate on January 19, 1987, at Holy Trinity Church in Stapledon Gardens, New Providence, and to the priesthood on January 25, 1988, at Christ Church Cathedral, New Providence. His ministry began as a Religious Studies Teacher at Government High School from 1985 to 1987. He then served as Assistant Curate at the Parish of the Most Holy Trinity from 1987 to 1990, and as Chaplain and Family Life Teacher at St. John’s College, New Providence, from 1988 to 1990. Canon Tynes’ pastoral journey included service as the Parish Priest at St. Peter’s Parish, North Long Island, and St. Christopher’s, Rum Cay, from 1990 to 1996, where he also contributed as a Scout Leader and part-time Religious Studies Teacher. He served as Rural Dean of the Southern Bahamas from 1993 to 1995.

In 1996, Canon Tynes became the Rector of St. George’s, New Providence, and held this position until 2000. He also served as Chairman of the Commission on Mission, Renewal, and Ministry from 2000 to 2006. In the same year, he was appointed Canon Missioner for the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, a role he held until 2022. He served as Rector of St. Barnabas Parish from 2000 to 2021 and as Chaplain for both the 23rd Company of the Boys’ Brigade and the 5th Company of the Girls’ Brigade. Canon Tynes was also a member of the Provincial Committee on Mission, Renewal, Ecumenism, and Interfaith from 2002 to 2009.

Canon Tynes’ academic contributions include lecturing in Old Testament Studies at the Anglican Theological Institute in 2015. He was instrumental in establishing the First Healing Conference in the Bahamas in 2019. Canon Tynes currently serves as the Parish Priest of St. Matthew’s, New Providence.

Canon Tynes is married to Sonia L. Evans of Highland Park, New Providence, and they have two sons, Benjavarae and Christos. An author of several books, including Taking the First Few Steps: A Marriage Preparation Series, Re-Affirming Our Anglican Heritage, and A Firm Faith: A Confirmation Guide, Canon Tynes has contributed numerous tracts on various religious topics. He has also written a training manual for chalice bearers, lay readers, and catechists that is widely used in the Diocese.