Bahamas gov’t to use dormant accounts to fund disaster emergencies

The Bahamas Government has introduced a groundbreaking legislative proposal aimed at reallocating funds from dormant accounts to the Disaster Emergency Fund. This initiative seeks to enhance the nation’s resilience and recovery capabilities in the face of increasingly frequent and severe storms. Prime Minister Phillip Davis emphasized the necessity of proactive disaster preparedness, stating that the government’s previous reactive approach had left the country ill-equipped for events like Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The proposed resolution authorizes the transfer of US$17 million from dormant accounts, which are currently part of the Consolidated Fund, to the Disaster Emergency Fund. These unclaimed resources will now serve a critical national purpose, providing immediate financial support during disasters without reliance on external funding. The government is also developing stringent regulations to ensure transparent and efficient management of these funds, outlining their permissible uses, investment strategies, and activation protocols. The establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) marks a significant shift towards risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness. Prime Minister Davis highlighted that this new strategy, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), could reduce potential disaster-related losses by 45% over the next decade, thereby improving fiscal resilience. The resolution aligns with the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2022, which mandates the maintenance of the Disaster Emergency Fund to finance response, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts. By capitalizing this fund, the Bahamas aims to build a stronger, more resilient nation capable of withstanding and recovering from natural disasters.