The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 4,000 people who rely on government assistance will be able to access Social Services, gender and family affairs, temporary shelter services and the Protection Against Violence Commission from one renovated Horseshoe Drive facility.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis on Friday officially commissioned the V B Munnings Building, now home to the Department of Social Services, Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Temporary Shelter Unit and Protection Against Violence Commission.

The cost of renovating the building, which has served New Providence residents for more than four decades, was not disclosed.

The centre will provide assistance including food, shelter, burial and rent support through ProMIS, while bringing several agencies serving vulnerable residents under one roof.

Mr Davis said the centre serves people during some of the most difficult periods of their lives, including mothers seeking help to feed their families, people with disabilities, families facing housing problems and young people in need of support.

He said the Davis administration’s investment in Social Services was intended to create a system that helps people through difficult circumstances, provides stability and enables them to move forward.

“Our work remains guided by one principle,” Mr Davis said, “a government, at its best, should meet people where they are, and help them get where they should and wish to be.”

The Prime Minister said placing the agencies in the renovated facility would allow government services to be more coordinated and responsive.

He highlighted ProMIS, which allows people to apply for social assistance, and the National School Breakfast Programme. He also referred to proposed amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Equal Opportunities Act and the work of the Protection Against Violence Commission under the Protection Against Violence Act 2023.

Social Services Minister Barbara Cartwright said the renovation was part of a broader effort to improve the ministry’s facilities, operations and delivery of services.

“Yes, it is a newly renovated building,” Ms Cartwright said, “but the steps towards today have been intentional and deliberate.”

She said the ministry had reviewed and reorganised its operations and retrained staff in preparation for the centre’s opening.

Ms Cartwright said representatives from the Tony Blair Institute and Sheltering Tree Consultants assisted the ministry with its transition and staff training.

She said the Department of Social Services would continue upgrading its facilities throughout the country and introduce new technology and workflows intended to make interactions with government more seamless.

The renovated building will also become the permanent home of the Protection Against Violence Commission, chaired by Marissa Mason Smith.

“The Commission’s work has started,” Ms Cartwright said, “and – now it has a home.”

She also credited former Social Services Minister Myles LaRoda with recognising the need to improve the facility for both members of the public and the public servants who work there.