Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations, the Hon. Lisa Rahming, has underscored the importance of investing in frontline workers, strengthening national partnerships and expanding community-based services to better serve vulnerable Bahamians.
The Minister delivered the charge during the Ministry’s recent inaugural Managers’ Conference at Pelican Bay Resort (October 1) bringing together Urban Renewal centre managers and officials from New Providence, Acklins, Andros, Exuma, New Providence, Eleuthera and Bimini, under the theme, “One Ministry, One Vision, Stronger Communities.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, welcomed delegates to the island and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between her Ministry and Urban Renewal in advancing sustainable community development.
Highlighting Grand Bahama’s role in innovation, maritime logistics and economic development, Minister Moxey stressed that meaningful national progress must extend beyond physical infrastructure to include investments in the well-being of residents.
“True community development is never a static desk programme, a ribbon cutting ceremony or a seasonal exercise in token assistance,” she said.
She highlighted collaborative initiatives undertaken in Grand Bahama, including the transformation of abandoned structures in Tripp Circle into transitional housing, neighbourhood revitalisation efforts through the Garden Villas project and the Beautiful Grand Bahama initiative.
According to Minister Moxey, these partnerships demonstrate the tangible benefits of aligning government policy with grassroots intervention, particularly in addressing housing challenges, supporting vulnerable families and restoring community pride.
“When your centres function with strategic precision and unyielding empathy you create the quiet stability that allows families to heal, neighbourhoods to rebuild and whole islands to thrive,” she said.
The one-day conference provided a platform for managers to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and explore strategies to enhance service delivery in communities throughout The Bahamas.
Addressing participants, Minister Rahming emphasised that the Ministry’s expanded mandate builds upon more than two decades of Urban Renewal initiatives aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged residents.
She explained that the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations represents an opportunity to broaden existing programmes, strengthen community engagement and provide greater assistance to those in need.
“We are not changing anything, we are expanding, we are providing more and we are giving more hope to persons,” she said.
Placing particular emphasis on the welfare of Urban Renewal employees, Minister Rahming acknowledged the challenges faced by frontline workers who routinely assist residents experiencing financial hardship, homelessness and food insecurity.
She stressed that meaningful community development must begin with ensuring that the individuals responsible for delivering essential services are adequately supported, equipped and empowered.
“They cannot pour from an empty cup,” she said, urging employees experiencing personal hardship to seek assistance rather than struggle in silence.
The Minister also encouraged managers to participate actively in discussions, share practical solutions and establish stronger working relationships across the islands. She said their firsthand knowledge of community challenges remains essential to shaping effective national policies and programmes.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, also addressed the gathering, commending the Grand Bahama Urban Renewal Band for its musical presentation and highlighting the influence of music in promoting national identity, cultural pride and positive youth development.
Drawing attention to the international influence of Caribbean musicians, Minister Mitchell emphasised the value of investing in young people and providing opportunities for them to develop their talents.
Minister Rahming subsequently pledged the equivalent of one month’s salary towards the purchase of additional musical instruments for the Grand Bahama Urban Renewal Band, reaffirming her commitment to youth development through the programme.
Chief Superintendent of Police Darvy Pratt also addressed the conference, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Urban Renewal. He encouraged managers to strengthen cooperation with police officers assigned to their respective centres, noting that clearly defined responsibilities, mutual respect and collaboration are essential to effective community engagement.
The conference reinforced the Ministry’s national mandate to uplift disadvantaged communities, improve access to essential services and promote a more inclusive and people-centred approach to community development.
Participants were encouraged to return to their respective centres equipped with renewed purpose, practical strategies and a strengthened commitment to serving the Bahamian people.
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