The Rev’d Canon Basil L. Tynes was born to Mr. & Mrs. Aidan and Rodella Tynes. He attended St. Anne’s Primary in Fox Hill, New Providence from 1964 to 1969, and then Queen’s College in New Providence from 1969 to 1976, graduating with nine G.C.E. ‘O’ Level. He went on to study at Meisterschaft College in Toronto, Canada for his Grade 13 studies, followed by the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Biology) (B.Sc.) degree from 1977 to 1980. He then attended the University of the West Indies, Codrington College in Barbados from 1980 to 1983, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (B.A.), and the University of McGill in Montreal, Canada from 1983 to 1985, where he earned a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.).

Canon Tynes was ordained to the diaconate on January 19, 1987, at Holy Trinity Church in Stapledon Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas, and to the priesthood on January 25, 1988, at Christ Church Cathedral in New Providence, The Bahamas.

Canon Tynes began his career as a Religious Studies Teacher at Government High School from 1985 to 1987. He then served as the Assistant Curate at the Parish of the Most Holy Trinity from 1987 to 1990 and as a Chaplin and Family Life Teacher at St. John’s College, New Providence, Bahamas from 1988 to 1990. From 1990 to 1996, he was the Parish Priest at St. Peter’s Parish, North Long Island, and St. Christopher’s, Rum Cay. In addition, he served as a Scout Leader in North Long Island and a Part-Time Religious Studies Teacher at North Long Island High, Long Island, The Bahamas. He also held the position of Rural Dean of the Southern Bahamas from 1993 to 1995.

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

Canon Tynes was a Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the Anglican Theological Institute in 2015 and assisted with the establishment of the First Healing Conference in the Bahamas in 2019. He currently serves as the Parish Priest of St. Matthew’s, New Providence.

Canon Tynes married Sonia L. Evans of Highland Park, New Providence, on April 21, 1989, and they have two sons, Benjavarae and Christos.

Canon Tynes has authored several books, including Taking the First Few Steps: A Marriage Preparation Series, Re-Affirming our Anglican Heritage, Laying a Solid Foundation, and A Firm Faith: A Confirmation Guide. He has also written a training manual for chalice bearers, lay readers, and catechists in use in the Diocese, as well as a number of tracts on various topics such as cults and our response to them.