Bahamas News
Department of Housing’s Rent-to-Own initiative to expand path to homeownership
By STIRLING STRACHAN
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, October 7, 2022 – The Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transport and Housing, announced ‘A Place To Call Home’ rent-to-own initiative as part of the government’s promise of new opportunities during her communication to the House of Assembly, October 5, 2022.
“In our party’s Blueprint for Change, we committed to the implementation of a Rent-To-Own initiative to expand the path to homeownership for Bahamians,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.
The Department of Housing is currently reviewing over 1,200 active applications for housing. Each customer service representative at the department is currently managing over 350 applications. These applications are from all segments of society and include teachers, nurses, police officers, hospitality workers and bankers to name a few.
Over the past few months, she said, her team at the Ministry of Transport and Housing has been working diligently on a viable and sustainable Rent-To-Own structure.
“I am pleased and humbled,” she said, to advise of the launch of Phase I of ‘A Place To Call Home,’ a Rent-To-Own
initiative of the Department of Housing.
The Minister stated:
“A Place To Call Home is being launched under the Housing Act which empowers the Department of Housing to:
- Construct dwelling houses upon land owned by the Government or to be acquired for such purposes;
- Acquire dwelling houses, land or housing projects by way of purchase, lease or otherwise;
- Sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of real of personal property acquired pursuant to this Act;
“As I have indicated in this chamber on numerous occasions the Davis administration believes ‘wholeheartedly in empowering hardworking Bahamians through homeownership.’ We believe, in a balanced development that puts Bahamians at the center of the evolution of our communities and our country.
“One of the recommendations of the internal report is the implementation of a viable and sustainable Rent-To-Own programme. It is my belief that ‘A Place To Call Home’ is that initiative.
“The mission statement of ‘A Place To Call Home’ is to provide a sustainable path to homeownership, to empower, to create value and to make a difference in the lives of Bahamians.”
She continued: “A Place To Call Home will be built on integrity. We will be transparent, honest, and accountable with the Bahamian people. A Place To Call Home will be innovative. We will use technology and proven best practices from Rent-To-Own initiatives from New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. A Place To Call Home will have impact. We will use data analysis and employ delivery solutions to ensure that we deliver value for the Bahamian people.
“A Place To Call Home is designed for working Bahamians. It is a multi-island, sustainable, financially viable housing solution administered by the Department of Housing with oversight provided by an Advisory Committee – comprised of qualified and experienced Bahamian professionals from the public and private sectors.
“Phase 1 of A Place To Call Home will be rolled out in very short order on the island of Abaco and will initially include 5 housing units. The homes will be in Spring City, the Minister noted, this Abaco rollout of A Place To Call Home is a partnership with the Bahamas Mortgage Corporate (BMC).
“We are starting A Place To Call Home, in Abaco, because this administration understands that the need for housing on the island is great. We also understand that the cost of rent on the island is significant – so this RTO initiative will assist in lowering the cost of housing.
“I said in my address to the Abaco Business Outlook that we will not abandon Abaconians. My ministry will deliver on that promise. At the Department of Housing, we understand that housing must complement national development and assist in regenerating our Family Islands. Therefore, A Place To Call Home will be multi-island. For example, the people of San Salvador – where there is major employment with the Club Med Resort – will be hearing about our plans shortly. In Bimini and North Eleuthera, where we seeing strong tourism numbers, A Place To Call Home will be launched. In Cat Island, Exuma, and North Andros, we will offer our Rent-To-Own initiative. Bahamians across our country will have a viable path to homeownership through A Place To Call Home and other housing solutions that the Department of Housing is working on.
“Deputy Speaker, an important component of A Place To Call Home will be to expand economic opportunities to licensed small contractors on our islands with a proven and verified track-record of quality performance and
excellence. We understand that economic benefits must trickle down, Deputy Speaker, so I say to small contractors, very simply – get ready!
“A number of housing models will be used in A Place To Call Home. The models will range from a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom model, to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom model.
“A Place To Call Home, Deputy Speaker, gives Bahamians the opportunity to save up for their first dream home while living in it at the same time. Over an agreed fixed period, rent will be paid to the Department of Housing. A portion of the rent will go towards a down payment for the mortgage, property maintenance, and insurance costs.
A reservation deposit is required to enroll in A Place To Call Home. Successful applicants will be required to attend a home ownership education course through the Department of Housing and agree to financial coaching. In short order a public invitation will be extended for interested applicants to register at www.mothbahamas.com. Bahamians are encouraged to follow the Ministry of Transport and Housing’s social media pages and to listen out for further information on radio and television.”
Minister Coleby-Davis said: “I understand that many Bahamians would like an example of how ‘A Place To Call Home’ will work. Therefore, let me give an analogy and explain. Mary Johnson is a teacher. She is interested in enrolling in ‘A Place To Call Home.’ Mary registers online with the Department of Housing and is advised of the cost of a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. She selects the housing solution to lease for 12 months with the purchase option. Mary also indicates that her preferred financial institution is The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC).”
(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
The Bahamas, March 30, 2026 – The voice of a proud mother captured the spirit of a nation Monday night, as Bendra Rolle shared heartfelt reflections on the overwhelming Bahamian support for her son, VJ Edgecombe, during the Philadelphia 76ers matchup against the Miami Heat in Miami.
“The patriotic support and scenery at my son, VJ Edgecombe’s NBA game… was overwhelming,” Rolle said in a statement issued following the game. “The arena in Miami was lit. Bimini and the Bahamas showed up and showed out.”
Her words come amid what has already been widely described as a remarkable showing of national pride, with Bahamians traveling in large
numbers to South Florida to witness the young guard’s continued rise. For Rolle, however, the moment extended far beyond basketball.
“Beyond VJ’s basketball talents, I’m so moved by his magnetic personality and personal journey to inspire and excite an entire nation—our beloved Bahamas,” she said. “I thank God for VJ’s humility and for his hunger for greatness. He never forgets how far God has brought us.”
While the Sixers did not secure the win on the night, Edgecombe delivered a solid individual performance, finishing with 13 points and five assists. He made an early impact on the game, showing confidence and poise before foul trouble disrupted his rhythm, but still managed to leave his mark in meaningful minutes.
The game itself evolved into a cultural showcase, with Bahamian flags waving throughout the arena and chants ringing out in support of Edgecombe. Much of that presence was bolstered by a coordinated travel push from Bahamasair, which helped facilitate fan travel and added to the electric atmosphere in Miami.
Rolle said the emotional weight of the moment was deeply felt by her family, as they witnessed firsthand the unity and pride of the Bahamian people.
“Thanks and love for the tears and overwhelming joy on Monday, Bahamas,” she expressed. “The Bahamian flags were love, loud, and proud. On my own behalf, VJ, and the entire family, I am ever grateful for the indescribable experience.”
Her closing words underscored what many have described as the true victory of the night—not the final score, but the powerful display of national pride and support surrounding one of The Bahamas’ rising stars.
PHOTO BY SIXERS NATION
Bahamian pride is already on full display in South Florida, with fans arriving in strong numbers ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated NBA matchup featuring VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Helping to power that movement was Bahamasair, which rolled out a strategic promotion to facilitate travel, turning the game into a full-scale national showing.
And the celebration started early.
A “Bahamas Invades Florida” pre-party over the weekend set the tone, with Bahamian fans, DJs and supporters converging in Fort
Lauderdale to build momentum ahead of the game. The event, marketed as a major cultural gathering, has spilled into Miami, where a strong Bahamian presence is expected inside the arena tonight.
This is no ordinary road game.
The Sixers enter the matchup healthy and are favoured to win, adding to the anticipation surrounding what many expect to be a standout performance by the Biminite guard.
Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been electric in his rookie season — delivering high-scoring performances and quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
But beyond the stats, it’s the moment that matters.
With South Florida just a short flight away, Bahamians have seized the opportunity to show up in force — flags, energy and all — transforming the game into something far bigger than basketball.
A national turnout.
A rising star.
And a night where the Bahamas is expected to be felt — from tip-off to final buzzer.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – Twenty days into the latest Middle East escalation, the United Nations is warning the conflict is spreading beyond its original battlefield, as the death toll rises and governments around the world issue urgent travel advisories — including The Bahamas.
In a March 17 statement, the UN Secretary-General’s office said the war must stop and called for all Security Council resolutions to be respected, noting with concern that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
The current round of fighting began February 28 with strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iranian-linked forces, followed by missile and drone attacks across Iraq, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf.
International monitors report more than 1,300 people killed in Iran alone, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf states. U.S. officials confirm at least 13 American service members have died since the escalation began, while reports indicate additional senior Iranian military leaders were killed in recent strikes.
Despite the growing violence, several NATO countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have not joined offensive operations, instead calling for diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a travel advisory, warning Bahamian nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon and to reconsider travel across much of the Gulf region due to the risk of sudden escalation, flight disruptions and security threats.
Officials say Bahamians already in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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