Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, said the establishment of the country’s Protection Against Violence Commission reinforces the government’s resolve to deepen collaboration with international partners, civil society, faith-based institutions, the private sector, and community organizations as a means of expanding awareness, strengthening prevention and improving access to support services for men, women, boys and girls affected by violence.
Mr. LaRoda said the establishment of the Commission and simultaneous appointments, further demonstrate that the Government remains “firmly committed to strengthening the systems that safeguard the safety and dignity of the people of The Bahamas” while providing concrete national action that demonstrates its continued commitment to strengthening protections at home.
The announcement of the establishment of the Commission was made Monday (March 2, 2026), during a press conference at the Ministry’s Headquarters, and is in accordance with Section 10 of the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023.
Monday’s announcement, along with the announced appointments of its Commissioners, officials say, advances the process from statutory foundation to operational structure.” The appointments became effective February 1, 2026.
“This announcement comes at a consequential time,” Mr. LaRoda said. “As The Bahamas prepares to observe International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, and as I prepare to lead a delegation to the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, we do so with concrete national action that demonstrates our continued commitment to strengthening protections at home.”
Minister LaRoda called the Commission: “a central mechanism within the Act’s protection regime.”
“The Protection Against Violence Act, 2023 provides a comprehensive legislative framework for the protection of, and support to, victims of violence in The Bahamas,” Mr. LaRoda told his audience. “Its mandate is clear: to guide coordination, strengthen systems, promote accountability, and ensure that victims of violence have access to effective remedies and appropriate support services.
“The passage of that Act marked a significant step forward in strengthening our national response to violence. Today, we advance from statutory foundation to operational structure.”
Experts from across the country’s justice, education, social development, youth engagement, faith-based services, and community welfare organizations have been named to the Commission. Dr. Marissa Mason-Smith will sit as Chair, and Pastor, Dr. Dave Burrows as Deputy Chair.
“Dr. Mason Smith and Pastor, Dr. Burrows bring distinguished professional experience, sustained community engagement, and direct involvement in victim support services,” Mr. LaRoda said. “Their leadership reflects this Government’s commitment to competence, integrity and evidence-informed oversight.”
Additional appointments include: Attorney Cleopatra Christie, The Crisis Centre; and Dr. Roslyn Astwood, Bahamas Christian Council.
Ex officio members, appointed in accordance with Section 1(a) of the Schedule, include: Attorney Jewel Major, Office of the Attorney General; Ms. June Collie, Ministry of Education; Ms. Portia Sands, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Mrs. Desiree Clarke, National Commission of Persons with Disability (NCPD), and Mrs. Sharmie Farrington, Director of Gender and Family Affairs.
Minister LaRoda said the appointments underscore the multi-sectoral nature of the Commission’s work.
“Violence intersects with justice, education, social development, youth engagement, faith-based services and community welfare. A coordinated national response is therefore essential,” he said.
Additional appointments will be made following consultation and recommendations from the Commission to ensure full operationalization of its mandate. The Department of Gender and Family Affairs will provide administrative and technical support to facilitate the Commission’s work.
As provided for under the Act, the Commission is empowered to partner with community organizations to secure appropriate facilities for safe housing and shelter, including for accompanying children where necessary.
“Protection must be practical. Support must be accessible. Systems must be responsive,” Minister LaRoda said. “In due course, the Commission will develop a comprehensive action plan to guide implementation and ensure measurable progress under the Act.
“The Government of The Bahamas remains steadfast in its commitment to building safer communities, strengthening institutional accountability and upholding the dignity of every person,” Mr. LaRoda added.
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