The Government of The Bahamas has officially appointed the Protection Against Violence Commission, with appointments effective February 1, 2026, marking a defining step in operationalizing the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023.
Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Myles LaRoda underscored that the establishment of the Commission gives full institutional authority to the Act, transforming legislative intent into coordinated national action.
Addressing the press conference, Minister LaRoda emphasized that violence against women and vulnerable persons is not a peripheral social issue, but one that directly affects national stability and development.
He invited those present to imagine the woman who wears multiple hats — mother, grandmother, caregiver, professional, mentor — quietly enduring violence.
“Each of us can speak to the love of a mother, grandmother, or mother figure who shaped our lives. When she is harmed, the family is harmed. When the family is harmed, the community weakens. And when communities weaken, national progress is compromised.”
Referencing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Minister LaRoda reminded the nation that social development cannot advance without the elevation of women to equal status. The family remains the premier institution of society. A healthy family produces healthy communities; healthy communities build a healthy nation.
With the Commission now formally appointed, the law carries not only words, but structure and enforcement. From Strategic Vision to Implementation Chair of the Commission, Marisa Mason-Smith, paid homage to the architects whose foundational work made this milestone possible. She recognized Dr
RubyAnn Nottage, Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, Dr Robin Roberts, and the committee of experts who developed the comprehensive National Strategic Plan to Address Gender-Based Violence.
That strategic plan informed the legislative drafting process led by Jewel Major and her team within the Office of the Attorney General. Their work — extensive in scope and broad in its coverage of various forms of abuse — culminated in the Protection Against Violence Act being gazetted in 2023.
“Today,” Mason-Smith noted, “we move from planning to purposeful execution. The experts have laid the groundwork. The legislation is in place. Now we will implement with resolve to eliminate violence and protect our people.”
Co-Chair Pastor David Burrows reinforced the Commission’s generational responsibility, emphasizing the need to break cycles of abuse.
“The problem is expansive and difficult to correct,” he said. “But when we inform, educate, and reach our people — when we give direction to the upcoming generation so they do not fall into the patterns of previous generations — we create impact. And when we create impact on lives, we have done our duty.”
Inclusive Protection: Leaving No One Behind Desiree Clarke, representing the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted that persons living with disabilities are often more susceptible to
various forms of violence and exploitation.
She noted that statistics consistently show heightened vulnerability within this community, underscoring the importance of ensuring that national protection strategies are inclusive by design. Clarke expressed pride in serving on the Commission, affirming that disability inclusion must remain central to the
Commission’s mandate.
Dr Roslyn Astwood of the Bahamas Christian Council emphasized that the spiritual dimension of the Commission’s work provides essential grounding. She noted that moral accountability, compassion, and faith-based guidance will complement the legal and social framework, reinforcing the ethical values upon which Bahamian families are built.
Deputy Director of Culture Portia Sands underscored that protecting individuals from violence is consistent with the core tenets of Bahamian culture — respect for family, protection of children, care for elders, and communal responsibility. Addressing violence fortifies, rather than threatens, the national identity. Administrative and National Support The administrative functions of the Commission will be carried out by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs under the leadership of Director Sharmie Farrington, ensuring structured coordination, monitoring, and sustained oversight.
The Protection Against Violence Commission represents a whole-of-society approach grounded in law, strategy, culture, faith, and public policy. It signals a unified national commitment to confront violence in all its forms.
The protection of women, children, persons with disabilities, and all vulnerable individuals remains central to the stability of families, the strength of communities, and the advancement of The Bahamas.
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