By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

SOCIAL Services Minister Myles LaRoda yesterday defended his ministry’s pace in establishing the Protection Against Violence Commission amid criticism over delays, claiming that while the commission is not yet operational, its core responsibilities are already being carried out behind the scenes.

While he did not provide a timeline for the commission’s launch, Mr LaRoda told reporters yesterday that several prerequisites must be fulfilled before it can be formally established.

“You just cannot put a commission there,” Mr Laroda said. “There are certain things that trigger the commission so it is not just we name a body and that body get together. There are certain individuals on that body but to say that the work that commission do, it goes on now.

“I don’t want the public to think because you say it ain’t functioning, that duties of that commission is not going on so the law comes into play so you pass legislation which calls for a certain body and there are certain things that happening behind the scenes before that comes into action.”

The Protection Against Violence Bill, passed over a year ago and promoted by the Davis administration as a key step in tackling violence, establishes a commission responsible for supporting victims.

They would liaise with police officers when victims feel they lack full cooperation. The body would also recommend a national strategic plan to combat and respond to violence. It would also liaise with the minister to ensure sufficient shelters are available to victims throughout the country.

However, few updates have been provided about the government’s progress in enforcing the bill’s provisions, with local women’s rights activists repeatedly criticising the administration for “dragging its feet” on implementation.

Members of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee (PHRC) recently expressed concern over the delay, saying they intend to hold the administration accountable for failing to meet its legal obligations.

Yesterday, Mr LaRoda insisted the issue isn’t being ignored and said talks are ongoing with his permanent secretary to roll out the commission soon.