The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FIRST-time senators Clint Watson and Latrae Rahming used their maiden speeches yesterday to defend the Davis administration’s record, with Mr Watson announcing plans for a coordinated national drug strategy and Mr Rahming arguing the government is prepared to steer the country through economic and social change.

Mr Watson said the government is moving to replace a fragmented response to drug abuse with a framework driven by data, early warnings and cross-agency action.

He said former Commodore Raymond King is laying the groundwork for an agency that will bring together health professionals, educators, social workers, law enforcement and other stakeholders.

“For far too long, drug policy has been fragmented. For far too long, coordination has depended upon personalities rather than institutions. Today we are changing that,” he said.

He said the government is developing a framework to collect data and respond to emerging threats as part of a broader shift toward evidence-based policymaking.

Mr Watson said plans are underway to establish a national drug observatory, a national drug information network and an early warning system to detect dangerous substances. He said the government also plans to develop a comprehensive national drug strategy.

“This is a declaration that the fight against drugs is a national issue requiring a whole of government and a whole of society response, because drug abuse does not only destroy individuals. Say it again, drug abuse does not only destroy individuals, it damages families, it weakens communities, it steals futures.”

Mr Rahming, also making his first Senate contribution, said the Davis administration remains committed to continued progress and pointed to its economic record since taking office.

“The world is changing, technology is changing, energy is changing, work is changing, capital is moving, young people are thinking differently, citizens are demanding more, governments everywhere are being tested,” he said.

“The question before us is whether The Bahamas will meet this moment with the old habits or the new courage. I believe this Davis administration is up for the task.”

Senator Robyn Lynes, speaking on the high cost of living, highlighted recent measures she said were aimed at easing pressure on Bahamians, including VAT reductions, food assistance programmes and expanded concessions for homeowners.

However, she also called for further reforms to the real property tax system and changes to the subsidised housing programme.

Ms Lynes said rental income is often only enough to cover a mortgage or utilities and warned that rising property values, sometimes driven by surrounding development, do not always reflect an increase in household income.

“I propose, Madam President, we take a keen look at an equitable tax structure in these types of instances that looks beyond just the value of property but focuses on the income and the payment ability of the Bahamian, which would provide structured options for them to make application for the reduction in real property taxes or complete exemption in certain circumstance,” she said.

On housing assistance, she said recipients should face clear timelines and receive structured support aimed at helping them move forward.

She also backed exploring greater opportunities for women in business, expanded access to affordable daycare and consideration of evening childcare services.