Bahamas News
Bahamians to get another chance at affordable homes
#Bahamas, May 11, 2018 – Nassau – In keeping with his Government’s mission to accommodate the ownership of affordable housing for Bahamians, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis introduced a landmark Bill to this effect, in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of affordable housing, during the afternoon session debate on the Access To Affordable Homes Bill, 2018.
“This landmark legislation will significantly increase home ownership throughout The Bahamas, helping potentially hundreds of Bahamians to realize the long sought dream of a home to call their own,” the Prime Minister said.
This, he continued, is the mission of his Government – the new housing program that will help to foster the common good and create a more equitable and just society.
“Along with the opportunity for work, education and health care, access to affordable housing is vital for social development and human happiness and well-being,” the Prime Minister said.
Affordable housing is also on the Social Agenda and social vision of the Free National Movement, which the Prime Minister said is driven by its commitment to social justice and opportunity for Bahamians.
“Home ownership is good for family life and social stability. Home ownership is good for the economy, affording owners greater financial equity and social mobility,” he said.
Under the proposed Act, the Government will provide service-ready land at reduced cost.
The Government has identified properties for subdivision development and the sale of residential serviced lots in New Providence, Andros, Abaco, Exuma and San Salvador. The first service lots in New Providence will be available for sale in June of this year.
The new housing program will also encourage second home ownership in the Family Islands
The Prime Minister noted that over the past several decades many Bahamians were able to purchase homes through various Government housing programs and subdivisions in New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. However, a number of these programs had various problems the poor quality of construction, the padding of costs, various corrupt practices, a lack of timeliness among other issues.
The proposed legislation will also pass on tremendous savings to homeowners. The average lot that will be sold has a value of $100,000 will be sold for approximately $30,000. Certain material for home building will be duty free, which may save homeowners approximately an additional $30,000 to $40,000.
The Government is also seeking to provide concessions on other material such as solar panels; as part of its long-term vision for large-scale use of renewable energy. An essential feature of the proposed housing program is that homeowners may choose their own contractors and monitor the work of their contractors. This provides great flexibility and control.
Potential homeowners will be given a two-year window to construct their home. This will empower potential homeowners to be solely responsible for the construction of their home by utilizing their own architect and/or contractor. However, the proposed legislation provides a potential homeowner with the option to request a one-year extension from the home completion date should a challenge arise.
Moreover, the Department of Housing has been directed to cease the business of building houses. Instead, the Department will concentrate on installing the necessary infrastructure on the land to be developed and sold as residential serviced lots.
“Our ambitious housing program is incentive that will help to boost new construction, our second largest industry,” the Prime Minister said. “Our housing program will create considerable opportunities for the construction industry and related businesses.”
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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