Press Statement

More than 36 government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and community partners joined the Ministry of Social Services on Saturday as hundreds of Bahamian families gathered at R.M. Bailey Park for Family and Community Day, the culminating event of National Family Week 2026.

The initiative reflected the Ministry’s growing focus on poverty reduction by connecting vulnerable families with essential goods, government services and community resources while creating pathways toward greater stability, self-sufficiency and long-term economic empowerment.

Coordinated by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the event brought
together stakeholders committed to improving the lives of Bahamian families through practical support, education and access to services.

Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Barbara Cartwright, and Minister of State for Social Services, the Hon. Bacchus Rolle, joined hundreds of residents throughout the day, interacting with families and community partners while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to reducing poverty and strengthening families throughout The Bahamas.

Minister Cartwright, who has consistently identified poverty reduction as one of the Ministry’s highest priorities, personally distributed grocery bags, blankets, backpacks, school supplies and other care packages to hundreds of residents attending the event.

“Our goal is not only to meet immediate needs, but to help families build a stronger future,” Minister Cartwright said. “Through partnerships such as these, we are connecting people with resources that can help move them toward greater stability, self-sufficiency and opportunity.”

Throughout the day, the Ministry also provided complimentary hot breakfast, lunch, drinks and bottled water, ensuring families were well cared for while enjoying the day’s activities.

Families accessed a wide range of services and giveaways provided by participating government agencies. Bahamas Power and Light presented ten $50 electricity vouchers to lucky recipients, while the Water and Sewerage Corporation distributed giveaways. Representatives from the Disaster Risk Management Authority, National Health Insurance, the Ministry of Health’s Vaccination Programme, the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Unit and the Protection Against Violence Commission were also on hand to provide information and services.

Community organizations played an equally important role in the day’s success. The International Men’s Day organization, which hosted a community discussion on men and marriage in Mason’s Addition on Friday, participated by providing business attire for men preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce. The Zonta Clubs of New Providence and Nassau also distributed workforce-ready clothing to residents seeking employment opportunities.

Additional support and services were provided by Men of Today, Men of Tomorrow (MOT²), Teen Challenge, Prison Fellowship Bahamas, Bahamas Strong Families Forever, the Bahamas Christian Council, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Civil Society Bahamas, the Caribbean Institute of Women in Leadership, Sand Dollar Designs, Samaritans for Christ, Princess Court, Core of Hope Summer Club, the community outreach organization led by Robyn Lynes and numerous other organizations committed to strengthening Bahamian families through advocacy, outreach and practical support.

Children enjoyed a full day of activities, including bouncing castles, interactive games and SAFE Archery, while a live remote broadcast by 100 JAMZ kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day.

Residents of Demetrius Senior Citizens Home were among the special guests, enjoying a day of fellowship and entertainment before returning home with care packages prepared especially for them.

The Family and Community Day marked the successful conclusion of National Family Week 2026, which featured the National Family Week Church Service, the Marriage Recommitment Service, the Single and Divorced Forum, Elders Day outreach activities and the Family and Community Day. Together, the week’s programme highlighted the importance of healthy relationships, family support, community engagement and practical assistance while reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to helping families overcome hardship and achieve lasting independence.

Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Sharmie Farrington, thanked the public, volunteers, sponsors and the more than 36 participating stakeholders whose collaboration made this year’s observance a success.

“National Family Week has reminded us that strong families remain the foundation of strong communities,” Farrington said. “From the National Family Week Church Service and the Marriage Recommitment Service to the Single and Divorced Forum, Elders Day and today’s Family and Community Day, each event was designed to strengthen families in different ways. We sincerely thank every organization, volunteer and participant who helped make this year’s observance such a meaningful success.”

Minister Cartwright said the overwhelming public response demonstrates the value of bringing services directly to the people and noted that the Ministry intends to build on the success of the initiative by expanding similar poverty reduction and family support outreach beyond New Providence to communities throughout the Family Islands.

As families departed R.M. Bailey Park carrying groceries, school supplies, blankets, clothing and other essentials, many also left with new community connections and access to services designed to support them long after National Family Week had ended. The day’s success reflected the power of government, faith-based organizations, community groups and volunteers working together to reduce poverty, strengthen families and build healthier, more resilient communities across The Bahamas.

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