Press Release
More than 400 Bahamian contractors gathered for the Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations’ Contractors Small Home Repairs Workshop as Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, KC, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Bahamians through stronger partnerships, greater accountability and quality workmanship.
Describing the initiative as a partnership between the Government, Bahamian contractors and the Bahamian people, the Prime Minister said the success of the Small Home Repairs Programme depends not only on the quality of repairs completed, but also on the trust, professionalism and compassion demonstrated by those entrusted to carry out the work.
“When we invest in local contractors, we are investing in Bahamian talent,” the Prime Minister said. “We are supporting family businesses, creating opportunities and strengthening entire communities.”
He emphasized that partnerships also carry responsibility, noting that the Bahamian people deserve confidence that every project awarded will be completed to a high standard and with integrity.
“The Government must uphold its responsibilities, and contractors must uphold theirs,” he said. “Quality workmanship, fairness, professionalism and accountability must define this programme.”
The Prime Minister reminded participants that their work extends far beyond
construction projects.
“When communities become stronger, families are lifted and people are able to live with dignity,” he said. “Be sensitive and responsive to our people. Never dismiss someone’s circumstances because you do not know what they are going through. It is what we do for the least among us that truly matters.”
Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations, the Hon. Lisa Rahming, described the Contractors Small Home Repairs Workshop as one of the Ministry’s flagship initiatives, aimed at strengthening partnerships with contractors while ensuring vulnerable Bahamians receive quality assistance that restores not only their homes, but also their hope.
Reflecting on the programme’s foundation, Minister Rahming noted that the Urban Renewal initiative has long been championed by Prime Minister Davis.
“It was Prime Minister Philip Davis, when he served as Deputy Prime Minister, who carried Urban Renewal in his heart because of his genuine love and care for the Bahamian people,” she said. “He worked alongside then Prime Minister Perry Christie to help bring that vision to life, and today we continue building on that legacy.”
She said the Davis Administration remains committed to ensuring that every Bahamian, regardless of where they live, has access to safe, dignified living conditions.
“This Government believes that every Bahamian matters, including those living
throughout our Family Islands,” Minister Rahming said.
Through the Small Home Repairs Programme, the Ministry continues to improve the quality of life for vulnerable residents by eliminating outside toilets, constructing proper bathrooms, providing access to running water where none previously existed, installing wheelchair ramps for persons with disabilities, strengthening inner-city communities, creating opportunities for Bahamian contractors and restoring hope to families across the country.
“We are restoring lives, giving hope to those who have lost hope and improving lives throughout our nation,” she said.
Addressing the contractors directly, Minister Rahming thanked them for answering the call to serve.
“The quality of your workmanship, the respect you show homeowners and the way you communicate with families all matter,” she said. “This Ministry will not be measured simply by the number of contracts we award. We will be measured by the lives we improve, by the confidence people have in your work and whether families feel safer, stronger and more hopeful because of what you do.”
She encouraged contractors to embrace a renewed commitment to excellence,
professionalism, accountability and compassion.
“Together we will raise the standard of service, workmanship, accountability and compassion. Together we will build stronger homes, stronger families and stronger communities.”
In a spirit of renewal, Minister Rahming also announced a fresh beginning for contractors participating in the programme.
“Today we forgive everyone,” she said. “Those who did not complete previous work, those who received mobilisation fees and never started—we leave that in the sea of forgetfulness. Today we begin again. Today we equip you to move forward with a renewed commitment to serving the Bahamian people.”
While extending that opportunity for a fresh start, the Minister made it clear that contractors will be held to a higher standard going forward.
She advised participants that government ministries and agencies are streamlining information and strengthening collaboration, meaning that failure to comply with the standards and contractual obligations of one ministry could affect a contractor’s relationship and future opportunities with other government agencies.
“Going forward, contractors will be held accountable,” Minister Rahming said. “We are streamlining information across government, and compliance matters. Your relationship with one ministry can impact your opportunities with another. We are raising the bar because the Bahamian people deserve quality work, professionalism and integrity every time.”
To support contractors in meeting those expectations, officials from the Department of Inland Revenue, the National Insurance Board, the Ministry of Works and other government agencies participated in the workshop, providing information on regulatory requirements, compliance obligations and best practices for doing business with the Government.
The Contractors Small Home Repairs Workshop forms part of the Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations’ ongoing commitment to strengthening contractor capacity, improving service delivery and ensuring that government investments continue to restore dignity, improve living conditions and build stronger communities throughout New Providence and the Family Islands. Through partnerships, training and increased accountability, the Ministry is raising the standard of the Small Home Repairs Programme so that every dollar invested delivers lasting results for the Bahamian
people.
