National

Protection Against Violence Bill Sparks Row

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A dispute in the House of Assembly has its genesis in a statement released by several women’s protection groups.

Published

10 months ago

July 27, 2023

Sasha Lightbourne

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A dispute in the House of Assembly has its genesis in a statement released by several women’s protection groups including Women United, Women of Strength Association and Advocates like Marion Bethel-Sears.

It opposes this particular version of the Protection Against Violence Bill claiming this is not what they worked on for more than a decade.

The claim is their version spoke to consent, but this bill is a last-minute replacement missing key provisions to protect women and girls from violence.

Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe, whose ministry will feel the most impact, said a number of groups “were consulted”.

Minister Wilchombe mentioned the involvement of other groups including some religious denominations, but Pintard would have no part of it.