Urban Renewal took its services directly to the doorsteps of residents in Mason’s Addition on Monday, as Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations, the Hon. Lisa T. Rahming, and Centreville Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, led scores of Urban Renewal personnel through the community in an intensive walkabout aimed at reaching, listening to and empowering women.

Urban Renewal Centres across New Providence were closed for the day, allowing teams to converge on Mason’s Addition for the coordinated community outreach. Joined by Chief Superintendent Darvy Pratt and officers of the Urban Police Division, teams went door to door speaking with residents, identifying needs and registering women for the upcoming “Women Have A Voice Too!” symposium.

For Minister Rahming, the exercise represented the Ministry’s community relations mandate in action — moving beyond the walls of its Centres and actively seeking out women who may be struggling, hurting or simply unsure where to turn for help.

“This is our Community Relations team going into the community to search for women — women who need us and women who need this team to show them where they can go for help,” Minister Rahming said.

“Whether you are hurting, whether you are dealing with depression or domestic violence, or whether you simply need direction, we will have professionals at our symposium who can provide guidance and support.”

Her message to women was clear:

“We are going to knock on every door. We are not waiting on you to come to us; we are coming to you.”
Minister Rahming said the outreach will continue, with Urban Renewal teams going into communities every day leading up to the September 24 event to engage women, identify their needs and encourage them to participate in the symposium.

Minister Campbell described the exercise as a powerful example of the government taking its work directly to the people.

“It is remarkable to see the Ministry coming out of the office and putting boots on the ground,” Minister Campbell said. “Minister Rahming and I are used to going door to door, but this time it has a deeper meaning. We are taking the mission of her Ministry directly to the general public.”

He added: “As the saying goes, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. We want to make sure our women are well taken care of.”

As teams moved through the community, Urban Renewal officers heard firsthand some of the challenges facing women and families. Among the concerns raised were the need for safe accommodation and assistance with food for children. Officers indicated that the issues identified during the exercise would be followed up as the Ministry works to connect residents with appropriate services and resources.

The outreach comes at a significant time for women and families across The Bahamas. Recently released Royal Bahamas Police Force mid-year statistics recorded 825 domestic-related reports during the first six months of 2026, compared with 367 during the corresponding period in 2025 — an increase of 125 percent.

The Ministry’s women’s empowerment initiative, however, was already underway before the release of the statistics, with outreach activities beginning last week in preparation for the symposium. The latest figures have added significance to an initiative centred on reaching women where they are and ensuring they know that support is available.The door-to-door exercise also served as a registration drive for the inaugural “Women Have A Voice Too!” symposium, powered by the Community Relations Unit and Centreville Urban Renewal Centre.

The event will be held in honour of Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, whom Minister Rahming described as an advocate for women throughout The Bahamas.

“We selected Mrs. Ann Marie Davis because she is an advocate for women in this country across every spectrum,” Minister Rahming said.

“Women Have A Voice Too!” will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, Montrose Avenue.

The symposium will bring together professionals and resource providers to offer women information, support and direction on issues affecting their lives and families. Monday’s walkabout reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to making community relations exactly that — meeting Bahamians in their communities, listening to their concerns and taking assistance directly to their doors.

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