The Disaster Reconstruction Authority Bill, 2019 represents the start of a new regime of disaster preparedness and response in The Bahamas, said Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Prime Minister Minnis was speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday as he led off debate on a Bill that will establish a body corporate to be known as The Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority.

“The Disaster Reconstruction Authority Bill, 2019, we debate today is a major part of the necessary change in how the Government and The Bahamas responds to disaster preparedness, response and reconstruction,” said the Prime Minister.

The Authority will be responsible for the management of reconstruction and restoration in areas designated disaster zones.

The legislation will also empower the Prime Minister to declare an impacted area a disaster zone after consultation with the relevant authorities.

Under the Bill, the functions of the Authority include assessing reconstruction needs, overseeing reconstruction plans, monitoring and regulation, arranging distribution of funds and materials, and establishing and coordinating relations with national and international relief and reconstruction organizations.

A Board of Directors will be the governing body of the Authority. The Board will consist of a chairman and deputy chairman appointed by the Minister on the advice on the Prime Minister; the Managing Director of the Authority; the Director of NEMA or a representative; a representative of the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction appointed by the Minister; and not more than seven or less than three other people appointed by the Chairman after consultation with the Minister.

The Chairman shall not hold political office.

The Authority’s powers include managing donations, awarding contracts, investing funds, hiring employees and taking necessary legal action to implement reconstruction operations in a disaster zone.

The Authority will be empowered to establish The Bahamas National Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund and to provide for the appointment of its trustees.

“This Trust Fund will be an independent and non-political body to help fund home and building repairs,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“We must create a public culture that is accountable and transparent with hurricane relief funds and that scorns corruption and fraud.”

The Bill also addresses the issue of travel authorization for international aid workers during disasters.

The Department of Immigration may grant to personnel of international contributors a humanitarian travel authorization, provided there are no national security or public health and safety concerns related to the particular individual.

Humanitarian travel authorization shall be free of charge and granted for an initial period of three months. It will be renewable free of charge for periods of up to six months and longer as necessary throughout the disaster recovery period.

As it relates to the National Emergency Management Agency, the Authority will collaborate with NEMA in carrying out its functions.

“This is far-reaching legislation that advances our disaster management regime,” said Prime Minster Minns.

“We are serious about making change. My Government is hard at work in the process of reconstructing Abaco, the Abaco Cays and Grand Bahama.”