Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Remarks at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Judicial Complex

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Today, as we break ground on this complex, I am proud of the progress we have made.

I am proud because of what this groundbreaking represents. 

This groundbreaking represents the government’s commitment to the administration of law, the protection of rights, and the safety of our people. 

For years, judicial reform and the need for modern infrastructure have been discussed but not delivered. This urgency has long been clear. 

When my government came into office, we began the work. We made a commitment to security and reform in our justice system, and we acted swiftly. 

This new Judicial Complex, which will house both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, stands as a bold declaration of that commitment. 

It reflects this government’s determination to strengthen the rule of law across the Bahamas. 

This is a major step forward that many within the legal and judiciary worlds have advocated for over the years. Your voices did not fall on deaf ears. 

We heard you. 

This complex, when it is completed, will be a product of the government’s commitment to reform, combined with your persistence and advocacy. 

The demolition of the Rodney Bain Building marks the end of an era. That structure served generations of Bahamians, and we honor that legacy. 

But today, we build for what is required now.

We build for the demands of the future and for generations to come.

This project is part of a broader national effort meant to move our nation forward.

It is part of a sustained investment in justice, as well as the safety and security of our people.

Since taking office, this administration has hired 787 new police officers, 379 new correctional officers, and over 300 immigration officers to strengthen our capacity to enforce the law.

And through initiatives like Clear Hold Build, we have taken a comprehensive approach to reclaiming our neighbourhoods and restoring the confidence of Bahamian families.

We passed new bail and anti-gang legislation to give our courts stronger legislative tools. 

The result of that work is measurable: overall decreases across various categories of serious crimes, including homicides and armed robberies.

This Judicial Complex is the next chapter in that same story.
A modern, purpose-built facility for our Supreme Court and Court of Appeal is the institutional backbone that complements everything else we have built.  

We have already delivered the Family Court Complex on Bernard Road. 

Today, we go further. Because we understand that officers on the street and laws on the books are only as effective as the courts that give them meaning.

Justice must have a space worthy of its purpose. Today, we are breaking ground for such a space.

The investment in this complex means cases will be heard in a timely manner. 

It means decisions will be delivered without delay. 

It means that we are moving closer to a future where every individual can stand before the law with the confidence that justice will be administered fairly and swiftly.

These are the outcomes we are investing in.

So today, as we break ground, we reaffirm our commitment to a system that is fair, accessible, and worthy of the people it serves.

I wish to thank the Chief Justice, the Office of the Attorney General, and all our partners who have helped bring us to this point. 

As we move forward, let’s take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to building a stronger, more effective legal system for all Bahamians. 

May God bless this project and may God bless our great nation.

Thank you.