Bahamas News
Prime Minister Makes Good on Promise to Provide Serviced Lots for Bahamians
#Nassau, July 13, 2018 – Bahamas – In keeping with his government’s commitment to making it easier for young Bahamians to own their own 
homes, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis officially launched the Serviced Lots Initiative at Sunset Close Subdivision Extension on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Located in the busy hub of the Carmichael Road area, approval was given for the subdivision’s extension in 2016.
A ceremony was held under a new mandate, in which the Ministry of Housing and the Environment’s focus is to offer for sale “Serviced Lots” to qualified Bahamians.
“This initiative will foster economic independence and empower Bahamians,” the Prime Minister said. “My government is making it easier for Bahamians, in particular young Bahamians, to own their own homes.”
Also present for the occasion were Cabinet Ministers, Senators, Members of Parliament, Clergy, Senior Government Officials, board members of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, and residents of Sunset Close Subdivision.
The 3.06-acre tract of land, which came to be known as Sunset Close Subdivision, was conveyed in October 2011 from the Treasurer of The Bahamas to the Minister Responsible for Housing for the development of an affordable housing area. The land was subdivided into 16 lots, at approximately 5,000 square feet each, and a 16,655-square-foot passive park. The name was derived from its location for it sits within the existing Sunset Subdivision.
Purchasers will secure a mortgage and be given two years to complete construction of a single family dwelling home. Purchasers will also have the opportunity to take full responsibility for the design of their own home, engagement of contractors and others.
The Sunset Close Subdivision Extension comprising 56,237 square feet was conveyed by a grant in 2018 from the Treasurer of The Bahamas to the Minister Responsible for Housing, for further development. The extension has 10 lots of approximately 4,000-5,000 square feet each. The hallmarks of this initiative are: ownership, equity choice, and flexibility, all of which will be aided by duty-free concessions, the Prime Minister said.
“In the past, the Department of Housing provided mortgage housing packages, which afforded little to no flexibility for the homeowner to customize their new home. Today, we are changing this!” he noted.
From the outset, the land that is acquired will contain equity to facilitate any mortgage that may be required to build. Lots will be sold on average $15,000 to $30,000.
“When we say fully serviced lots, we mean that the lots will already include the infrastructure to start construction, including electricity, water and paved roadways,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the Ministry of the Environment and Housing has already begun discussions with the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, and Bank of The Bahamas to help pave the way where mortgages are necessary.
The programme will provide prospective homeowners who purchase one of the serviced lots with access to customs duties and excise tax exemption on materials necessary to construct a single-family home.
The Department of Housing is working to provide the second parcel of serviced lots, located in the Lionel Davis Subdivision in the Fox Hill 
community. Those lots will be available for sale by early October 2018. The Prime Minister said that he was “especially excited” to announce that in January 2019 over 300 such serviced lots will be made available for sale in the Carmichael Village Subdivision.
And, the Department of Housing and the Department of Lands & Surveys are also identifying land for subdivisions on Andros, Abaco, Exuma and San Salvador. Other islands will be addressed subsequently.
Beginning today, interested Bahamians may go online to the Bahamas Government’s website, and download the serviced lots application form.
The completed application form and supporting documents may be submitted to servicedlotsunit@bahamas.gov.bs or delivered to the Department of Housing, Shirley Street.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Caption: Launch of Serviced Lots Initiative at Sunset Close Subdivision Extension, Carmichael Road, on Thursday, July 12, 2018: Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis addresses the audience as Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira looks on. A monument to the serviced lots initiative is unveiled by Prime Minister Minnis (centre right) and Minister Ferreira (centre left), accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Land, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (right), Pastor Jeff Beckles and Acting Permanent Secretary Janice Miller.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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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