The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration yesterday announced plans to acquire 40 fire trucks, strengthen prison security and expand maritime defence infrastructure as it faces continuing pressure over emergency response capacity and public safety.

Finance Minister Michael Halkitis, delivering the 2026/2027 Budget Communication in the House of Assembly, said the government intends to acquire 20 fire trucks for the Fire Department and another 20 for the Airport Authority to strengthen emergency response and protect lives and property.

The acquisition comes as the government outlined investments across the country’s national security institutions, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

For the Defence Force, the government plans to refurbish three patrol craft and the auxiliary vessel HMBS Lawrence Major, while acquiring another auxiliary vessel.

Mr Halkitis said the government will also continue development of the HMBS Coral Harbour Base and advance work at the Inagua Base to strengthen the country’s maritime presence.

The Budget also provides for the upkeep of navigational aids and marine lights to improve safe passage through Bahamian waters.

At the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, the government plans to construct a secure exterior perimeter wall intended to prevent intrusions, deter escapes and disrupt illicit activity, including drug trafficking within the compound.

The announcement follows the government’s July 2025 groundbreaking for the long-promised high and medium security facility at the prison, after years of concern over outdated infrastructure, overcrowding and unsanitary slopping conditions that officials said failed to meet accreditation standards.

The project, estimated to cost $50m, is being financed through a public-private partnership and is expected to take two to three years to complete.

Mr Halkitis said the government will continue improvements to correctional facilities as the department pursues international certification, including upgrades to the remand centre intended to meet international standards.

The government also plans to introduce modern security technology, including cellphone jammers, to strengthen control and monitoring at the prison.

The Budget advances a Virtual Court Project intended to reduce inmate transport requirements and speed up case processing, while investments in medical and surgical equipment for the new correctional medical centre are intended to improve healthcare access for inmates.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is also expected to receive replacement and newly procured generators for police stations and facilities throughout the country to maintain operations during emergencies.

Mr Halkitis said: “These investments represent a comprehensive approach to national security, strengthening maritime and land-based capabilities, modernising our justice system, and ensuring that our institutions are equipped to meet current and emerging challenges.”