By DENISE MAYCOCK 

Tribune Freeport Reporter 

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis led the relaunch of the Small Homes Repair Initiative over the weekend, signing a contract to repair 40 home repairs in Grand Bahama.

“I want to express my profound appreciation to the people of Grand Bahama for your patience and steadfastness,” he said. “We know it has been quite

an ordeal. Many of you may have had your homes assessed two or three times.”

A press conference was held on Saturday at the Office of the Prime Minister to announce the relaunch of repairs to homes that suffered damage during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

Mr Davis highlighted the challenges of governance, noting that many important initiatives often fall through the cracks due to competing priorities like

healthcare and education. “One of those has been bringing relief to those who require a roof over their heads,” he admitted. “I have corrected some of those structural deficiencies and decided to lead this relaunch.”

The prime minister emphasised his personal commitment to the initiative, saying he had visited Abaco on Friday and was in Grand Bahama to ensure progress.

“I think we will sign about 40 contracts, and they will be coming back by the end of the week to continue this process,” he added. “I am going to be on it personally going forward.”

Mr Davis assured residents that mobilisation would begin immediately after the contracts were signed. “For far too long, there have been bureaucratic tapes and hurdles, and I am cutting through them to get these things done,” he declared.

The relaunch of the home repairs initiative holds particular significance for the prime minister, who was moved by the conditions he encountered during last November’s by-election, which led to the election of Kingsley Smith.

“In many homes I visited, people pointed out that nothing had been done to their homes despite assessments and promises since Hurricanes Matthew, Jeanne, and Frances. That was truly shocking,” he remarked. “I was moved from then to now to get these things done and to hurry and get it done.”

When asked about the cost of the home repairs, Prime Minister Davis responded: “I think they have the number, but I am not putting a price tag on it.”

Kingsley Smith, MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, thanked residents for their patience and reassured them that the government was working to assist as many people as possible, prioritising the elderly and the sick.

“There are quite a few homes that will be dealt with. You may not be among the first or second, but we are coming,” he said.