The Government of The Bahamas, in conjunction with private partners, distributed 735 food vouchers during the launch of the Grand Bahama Food Assistance Programme today, June 19, 2020.
Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson, noted that recently Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis has indicated that food distribution would be a priority for the government and mandated the appointment of the National Food Committee. As a result, a steering committee has been formed in Grand Bahama which also includes Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; Greg LaRoda, president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; Rev. Dr. Robert Lockhart, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council; and NGOs on the island.
“Today is the beginning of the process to distribute the vouchers,” Senator Thompson said. “The government will ensure that no person goes hungry.”
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie Campbell was also present and said this is a worthy exercise so that people’s basic needs are addressed. To ensure the vouchers are distributed, he said the funding is in the current budget.
To assist with the programme, a national database has been established and those in need will be registered. This is designed to speed up the process while ensuring there is no duplication of assistance.
Private partners assisting with the programme to date are Buckeye Bahamas Hub and the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Additionally, the government has committed to fund 85% of the programme for three months and will assess the situation; then, the programme will continue if necessary. On island food stores participating include Sawyer’s Fresh Market, Solomon’s, and Express Food Mart.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Ellison Delva of Cates and Co. will serve as administrator.
Distribution of the vouchers are as follows, with these distribution points: Reach Out Youth Organization, 225; Salvation Army, 225; Bahamas Red Cross, 103; Calvary Bible Temple, and Jubilee Cathedral, 50. Additional distribution points will be announced later.
While the programme launched in Grand Bahama today -- of the nine zones established, some other Family Islands have already started. The zones are: five in New Providence, one in Grand Bahama, one in Eleuthera, one in the Northern Family Islands and one in the Southern Family Islands.
The official website of the steering committee will be launched next week at www.feedgrandbahama.com.
The Grand Bahama Feed Programme was launched on Friday, June 19, 2020 at the Office of the Prime Minister by Minister State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson with Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie Campbell (pictured).
Also present were: Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; Greg Laroda, president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; Rev. Dr. Robert Lockhart, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council; Permanent Secretary Harcourt Brown; as well as representatives of the Salvation Army, Bahamas Red Cross, Reach Out Youth Organization and Jubilee Cathedral. (BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)
