by: BIS/Andrew Coakley
Minister of Housing and Land Reform, the Hon. Keith Bell says the proposed Garden Villas and Drake Avenue housing complex in Freeport is a significant undertaking, a first of its kind for Freeport: “We have a successful housing program in New Providence and therefore we are convinced that the same success can be translated here in Grand Bahama,” said Minister Bell.
Minister Bell, along with Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey and officials of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation and the Inter-American Development Bank outlined details of the proposed housing complex at a town hall meeting at the Foster Pestaina Auditorium on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The Grand Bahama meeting, like others held in the country, was entitled S.H.O.U.T. (Sustainable Housing Opportunities for Urban Transformation), an initiative supported by the IDB to expand access to affordable, sustainable and resilient housing throughout The Bahamas. The town hall meeting in Freeport was focused on the proposed plan for Grand Bahama and to raise awareness, offer suggestions and give residents an opportunity to ask questions about the housing program.
Minister Bell noted that the focus of S.H.O.U.T. is on the redevelopment and regeneration of the Garden Village area, which encompasses Garden Villas and Drake Avenue. The abandoned buildings there have been purchased by the Government of the Bahamas, with Minister Moxey carrying out all the groundwork and preparing the area for redevelopment.
“Our vision, therefore, is not simply to replace old buildings with new ones. Our intent is to restore dignity, revitalize communities and create safe, affordable and resilient housing opportunities for the people of Grand Bahama,” Minister Bell told participants at the town hall meeting.
“Through SHOUT, we are proposing a comprehensive redevelopment that will introduce modern, affordable rental housing, improve the surrounding environment and create communities better suited to the needs of our people.
“But I want to commend the Minister for Grand Bahama for starting this everywhere. An important part of this process, however, involves securing the necessary land…. We recognise that these properties have history, ownership interest and more importantly, people are connected to these properties. We are committed therefore to ensuring that this process is undertaken responsibly, comprehensively, with appropriate consideration for affected residents and their resettlement needs.”
Minister Bell noted that redevelopment must not come at the expense of the very people the program seeks to help. He stressed the fact that even as the new development gets underway, focus must be on building better, incorporating stronger construction standards, improved drainage, energy efficiency and climate resilient designs that will protect communities for generations to come.
He said urban regeneration is about more than just buildings, but more about improving the quality of life, restoring pride in neighbourhoods and creating communities where Bahamian families can thrive.
“Our mission is to ensure that we leave no Bahamian behind.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey reminded participants that development is not simply about buildings, road works, or infrastructure. She said it’s about people, families, opportunities, security and the kind of future which the government wants to create for the next generation.
“Tonight’s public consultation on the Sustainable Housing Opportunities for Urban Transformation is therefore an important conversation for Grand Bahama,” said Minister Moxey. “We know that access to safe, affordable and sustainable housing remains a priority for many Bahamian families. A home is more than just a roof over our heads. It is the foundation upon which families build their lives, children grow and communities thrive. That is why programs such as this deserve our attention.
According to Minister Moxey, public consultations are so important as they provide an opportunity not only for government to share its plans, but for residents to ask questions, raise concerns and contribute ideas.
“Development works best when communities are informed and engaged and given a meaningful opportunity to participate. I encourage everyone here to take full advantage of this opportunity. Listen carefully to the presentations, ask the questions that matter to you and share your perspectives openly and constructively.
“Grand Bahama has tremendous potential and building stronger communities is an important part of realizing that potential. We want a Grand Bahama, where our families can find suitable housing, our neighbourhoods can flourish and our people can look forward to a better quality of life.”
Photos: BIS/Andrew Miller
