Funds for a women’s shelter for domestic violence victims will be allocted in new budget, PM says

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE government will build a shelter for women to strengthen support for domestic violence victims, according to Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis.

During his budget communication in the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Davis said funds for the shelter will be allocated in the new budget .

“We are increasing legal aid support for victims of domestic violence, both within the social services framework and with a Victim Care Fund within the office of the judiciary,” he said.

“My government is fully committed to fighting crime, fighting the causes of crime, and increasing support for victims of domestic violent crime.”

Mr Davis also foreshadowed investments in additional crime-fighting initiatives, saying a comprehensive approach will focus on prevention, detection, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation.

“Funding will be provided for the renovation of community centres in the inner-city areas of New Providence,” he said.

“In order to better serve those involved in the administration of justice, the premises and facilities of the courts will be renovated, and a new judicial complex built.”

Davis says it’s time

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said his administration would take decisive action on the Grand Bahama Port Authority, declaring that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, once key to Grand Bahama’s prosperity, no longer works. His frank remarks attracted the attention of many yesterday as he delivered his budget communication in the House of Assembly.

Mr Davis noted that while some islands showed economic growth this fiscal year, Grand Bahama continued to decline.

“Grand Bahama contributes 12 per cent of the overall GDP of The Bahamas, yet its economy declined by 9 per cent compared to the previous year,” he said.

“There was a silver lining as the tourism sector witnessed a slight increase in 2022, which was evident in the growth

Mr Davis said the government would further equip Royal Bahamas Police Force officers with proper body cameras and equipment.

“We will continue to