Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s a pleasure to be here.
This morning marks the official launch of the Urban Renewal Authority – a landmark achievement for the government and people of The Bahamas.
Minister Bell, Minister Rahming, and Managing Director Dean, we could not be here today without your efforts, as well as the tireless determination of so many other members of the public service, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, led by Deputy Commissioner Anthony Rolle.
Two decades ago, the Christie administration was eager to implement a programme that would tackle urban blight on the island of New Providence and address the serious issues plaguing our communities, such as crime, gangs, youth delinquency, and a lack of programmes for community support.
A radical solution was needed.
That was the context in which Urban Renewal came to life — as an initiative designed to directly address our social challenges.
It was a ray of hope and replenishment then, and it continues to be one of the most effective, results-driven tools in this government’s arsenal.
We are pleased that the programme has expanded to Grand Bahama and other family island communities.
From community policing, to a robust Small Home Repairs Programme and Senior Citizens Club, Urban Renewal is a multi-prolonged initiative driven by the idea that when communities come together, real change happens.
And Urban Renewal is just one of the many avenues through which this administration is making real, tangible, and transformative changes for Bahamians.
Our policies, programmes, and strategic investments are all working together to uplift the people of this Commonwealth.
We want the Bahamian people to know, there are government programmes to empower and support their dreams, and that bridges are being built to provide new opportunities.
From funding for small businesses to the creation of jobs; from opportunities for training and education to our second chance programme for youth who run afoul of the law, we are giving Bahamians the hand-up they need to lead more fulfilling lives.
Naturally, Urban Renewal reflects our core values of compassion, empowerment, and just governance.
I have no doubt that the Urban Renewal Authority will continue to drive positive change in our nation, especially with such devoted and driven champions of this cause.
Ministers Bell and Rahming, along with Mr. Dean, have been instrumental in setting up this Authority from the very start.
I am also pleased to recognise the Authority’s able and committed co-chairpersons, the Rt. Hon. Algernon Allen, who has been a part of Urban Renewal since the very beginning, and the indomitable Rev. Dr. Dianna Francis.
And today, I am pleased to announce that former Prime Minister Perry Christie has accepted my invitation to guide and direct the Urban Renewal Authority and programme.
My invitation to him is in recognition of the fact that the programme was birthed by him. There is no one better suited to ensure its effectiveness and success.
With this independent statutory body, we guarantee a more efficient, accountable, and transparent Urban Renewal programme.
The ability to mobilise both private and public funding will make the new Urban Renewal Authority more financially sustainable, and more impactful, than ever before.
And that is something to celebrate.
My friends, I leave you today with a firm reminder— it takes close cooperation between all members of our village to truly create widespread and long-lasting change.
Governments alone cannot build stronger communities.
The private sector, civil society, community figures, and individuals all have a role to play.
We have to work together to create a safer, more prosperous, and more connected Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
We must embrace all our brothers and sisters, no matter their backgrounds.
We must see them as able and willing partners in this national project.
Urban Renewal has already changed many lives. And I know even more lives will be improved in this latest chapter.
Join us in securing lasting change. We all have a responsibility to leave these islands better than we found them. So, let’s all play our part.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.