Good afternoon and welcome to the Office of The Prime Minister,
It is a privilege to be here today as we mark another meaningful step in our shared journey to build a stronger, more connected Bahamas—one paved road at a time.
Today’s contract for the Long Island Road Rehabilitation and Waterworks Project reflects our belief that every island should have smooth roads, accessible potable water, and the necessary infrastructure to support growth.
This project is about more than asphalt and pipes; it’s about people. It’s about progress that is long overdue for Long Islanders.
And most importantly, it is about partnering with our people to solve the challenges we face together.
We are embracing partnerships that uplift communities, generate jobs, and reaffirm our confidence in the capability of Bahamian companies.
This $20 million investment represents a clear vote of confidence in the Rowdy Boys. Rowdy Boys Construction Ltd., a company born in Clarence Town, Long Island, and led by a man with more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Bernard Knowles.
I commend the Knowles Family and their team for their professionalism, their commitment to quality, and for proving, time and again, that Bahamians have the talent to build and grow The Bahamas.
Rowdy Boys is not new to this. They have brought their skills and machinery to other islands, helping to modernize infrastructure across our archipelago. And now, they return home to improve Long Island — where their story began.
That is the kind of legacy we believe in. That is the kind of story we want to write for every young Bahamian — to be able to say: “I helped build that road. I made that community stronger.”
That’s what investments in infrastructure are all about.
This project will help children get to school safely.
It will help farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs to reach markets and make deliveries without delay.
It will help families separated by distance to be connected by a smoother ride, one road at a time.
It will also mean not having to dodge and weave through an obstacle course of potholes on your daily commute, because Long Island has too much potential, too many enterprising Bahamians with bright ideas, to allow the infrastructure to remain in its current state.
This project also means jobs — local jobs for Long Islanders. The roads used by Long Islanders will be paved and restored by Long Islanders.
And through this work, new skills will be learned, families will be supported, and pride will be restored.
That is the kind of empowerment we believe in.
That is the kind of governance we promised.
And that is the kind of progress we are delivering.
Today is about a smoother future for Long Islanders.
It is about giving Bahamians the tools and the trust to play a major role in nation and community building.
To the people of Long Island, we hear you. We see your needs. And we will deliver.
This project will be a model for other communities, other contractors, and other islands.
Let it remind us that when we invest in Bahamians, everyone wins.
Thank you and may God continue to bless Long Island and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
And Long Island, stay tuned – more is to come, very soon.