By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the Opening of the Family Court Complex, on December 19, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, in the near future, many families will receive “fair consideration, equitable solutions, and balanced remediation of their circumstances” in the new complex.
“When we talk about strengthening the justice system, we often talk about the criminal justice system, but we must never forget the many
ways that justice can be delivered,” he said at the complex located on Bernard Road. “Certainly, for many families who find themselves navigating tragedies, disputes, and custody arrangements, there is a vested interest in expanding the capacity of our courts to see more cases and speed up the process by which they receive justice.”
Among those present included Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Ryan Pinder, Chief Justice, His Lordship the Honourable Sir Ian Winder, and Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
“The family unit is the basic building block of our society,” Prime Minister Davis added. “When families thrive, societies thrive. Conversely, when families struggle, when they are not supported, and when they are disenfranchised, that is when we see social decay and communities in decline.”
Therefore, he pointed out, The Bahamas must invest heavily in “protecting our families and facilitating justice on their behalf”.
“If this complex can help to protect a child, support a mother, or provide a fair arrangement for a father seeking to be in his child’s life – if this complex can deliver these outcomes at a faster pace thanks to our expanded capacity, then this investment will have been worth it,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis added that, across The Bahamas’ court system, his Government was making major investments to expedite justice for
all Bahamians.
“As they say: ‘justice delayed is justice denied’,” he said. “We must redouble our efforts to minimise unnecessary delays in our court systems.”
Prime Minister Davis added that “Swift Justice” had been a buzzword in The Bahamas for well over a decade, and while there had been important progress made over the years, his Government cannot let up until “every family, every victim, and every person who enters the doors of a courtroom in The Bahamas can say that justice was administered fairly and swiftly”.
“I am confident that this ambitious goal can be realized,” Prime Minister Davis said. “If we want to fulfill our potential as a nation, we must realise this goal.”
He noted that the courts had such a fundamentally important role to play in society. It was through the courts that precedents were set and case law was interpreted, which may guide decisions and define what justice looked like for years to come, he added.
“We must do all we can to ensure that the Judiciary, as a branch of government, has the resources it needs to carry out its mandate and expand access to justice,” Prime Minister Davis stated.
He added: “In opening the doors of this Family Court Complex, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and dignity. The
decisions made in these courtrooms will undoubtedly change and improve lives. We aspire to uphold the highest standards of justice. The goal is for those who come before these benches to be met by judges who are both caring and knowledgeable. Families will be supported by social workers and legal advocates who understand the gravity of their situations.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that having “this modern, dedicated space to hear matters of importance to families” was a huge step forward that should be celebrated.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that he knew that there were many who advocated for the new court opening for quite a number of years.
“Your words did not fall on deaf ears,” he said. “We heard you, and this complex is a product of, not just the government’s dedication to justice, but your advocacy and agitation as well.”
“Together, we can ensure that our families – your families – are supported, empowered, and protected,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Thank you; and may God bless the families of our nation.”
PHOTO CAPTION — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Official Opening of the Family Court Complex, on Bernard Road, on December 19, 2024. Among those present included Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Ryan Pinder, Chief Justice, His Lordship the Honourable Sir Ian Winder, and Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose. Drone Photography Courtesy of Eric Rose)