Commissioning Ceremony held for the Department of Social Services newly renovated Horseshoe Drive Outreach Centre

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Celebrating a milestone, officials and dignitaries gathered August 14, 2026 for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official reopening of the newly renovated Department of Social Services Horseshoe Drive Outreach Centre. The centre is a state of the art facility meticulously redesigned to enhance public service delivery, maximize energy efficiency, and provide modern accessible community spaces.

Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis gave the keynote address, remarking on what he learned during his upbringing to highlight and enhance the importance of community. "As a community, we understood that when one family was struggling, it was the community's responsibility to rally behind them. My friends, that lesson has stayed with me because I believe a government, at its best, should operate with the same sense of responsibility".

He noted the 40-years the centre has housed various departmental services and community assistance.

He said "my administration continues to invest in our social services programs like ProMIS, which makes applying for social assistance more modern and efficient, preserving one's dignity. We continue to expand support for children through programs such as the national breakfast program, because no child should go to school hungry. We are making our country more accessible by bringing amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Equal Opportunities Act -- amendments that will focus on inclusion and equal opportunity for the persons with disabilities. And the Protection Against Violence Commission now has this new home to carry out its mandate outlined in The Protection Against Violence Act (2023) -- an Act designed to enhance our laws in respect of domestic violence and violence against vulnerable persons."

Prime Minister Davis continued on in a very passionate address, stating Social Services is about prevention, intervention, stability and ultimately helping create the conditions for people to build better lives. It was also noted in his remarks that the newly renovated facilities will now house several important services under one roof: The Department of Social Services, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Temporary Shelter Unit and the Protection Against Violence Commission. Highlighting the staff and team members and all the moving parts required to make these initiatives a success and functional on a daily basis, he stated how important it is for everyone involved to be properly equipped and comfortable to offer the kind of care and assistance that the average person going through a struggle will require.

Chief Social worker, Monique McKenzie closed out the ceremony with a vote of thanks, followed by Bishop Ellis's blessing of the facility. The Prime and Mrs. Davis, Social Services Minister, other Ministers, Senators and Social Service officials gathered for a group photograph upon the cutting-of-the-ribbon. A tour of the facility followed.

(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)