WHAT GOVERNS US
The Disaster Risk Management Act 2022
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Our Foundational Framework
The Disaster Risk Management Act, 2022 is the legal cornerstone of disaster risk management in The Bahamas and the establishing legislation for the Disaster Risk Management Authority. It lays the groundwork for a national system that is proactive, comprehensive, and inclusive—shifting the country from reactive disaster response to forward-looking risk reduction.
The Act provides a unified framework to protect lives, livelihoods, and the national economy. It mandates an integrated, all-hazards approach to disaster management addressing not only hurricanes, but all natural hazards that threaten our islands.
It emphasises early action, whole-of-society coordination, and special protections for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and Family Island communities.
Through its policy Instruments, the Act transforms national policy into action: guiding plans, setting standards, securing financing, and aligning The Bahamas with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s Comprehensive Disaster Management framework.
This legislation also defines the governance structure that enables national coordination at every level. Below is an overview of the key bodies established or empowered by the DRM Act and how they work together to safeguard the country:
The Drm Act:
Our Foundational Framework
The Disaster Risk Management Act, 2022 is the legal cornerstone of disaster risk management in The Bahamas and the establishing legislation for the Disaster Risk Management Authority. It lays the groundwork for a national system that is proactive, comprehensive, and inclusive—shifting the country from reactive disaster response to forward-looking risk reduction.
The Act provides a unified framework to protect lives, livelihoods, and the national economy. It mandates an integrated, all-hazards approach to disaster management addressing not only hurricanes, but all natural hazards that threaten our islands. It emphasizes early action, whole-of-society coordination, and special protections for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and Family Island communities.
Through its policy Instruments, the Act transforms national policy into action: guiding plans, setting standards, securing financing, and aligning The Bahamas with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s Comprehensive Disaster Management framework.
This legislation also defines the governance structure that enables national coordination at every level. Below is an overview of the key bodies established or empowered by the DRM Act and how they work together to safeguard the country.
Our Structure
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How We Are Funded
The Disaster Risk Management Authority is financed through a dual system that supports both its national mandate and operational flexibility. Each year, the Authority receives funding from the Government’s Consolidated Fund, ensuring baseline support through the national budget.
How we are Funded:
Funding By Us!
As a quasi-governmental agency, the Authority is also legally empowered to raise and accept external funds—including grants, donations, and contributions from international partners. This structure allows for greater agility in accessing resources and reduces dependence on fixed government cycles.
Importantly, the DRM Act establishes two dedicated disaster funds—a national first for The Bahamas. These are:
- The Disaster Risk Management Fund, which supports risk analysis, preparedness, and disaster reduction.
- The Disaster Emergency Fund, which covers urgent response, recovery, and humanitarian relief.
These funds are significant because they mark the first time The Bahamas has had pre-positioned disaster risk reduction financing—resources that can be mobilized quickly, transparently, and strategically before a crisis escalates.
Both funds are managed and audited by the DRM Authority, with reporting to Parliament. Together, they ensure the country is not only prepared to respond but also equipped to plan, reduce risk, and recover stronger.