New home pictured on Davis Street, in Fox Hill. Photos Courtesy Stephen Taylor/Urban Renewal Commission

The Government’s Urban Renewal Commission continued its mandate of transforming the lives of Bahamians by presenting keys to a new home owner on Thursday.

Crystal Rolle, a single-mother, was overcome with tears of joy as she accepted the keys to a two-bedroom, 1-bathroom home on Davis Street, in Fox Hill.

Among those witnessing the key presentation was the Hon. Fred Mitchell, MP for Fox Hill and Minister of Immigration and Foreign Affairs; representatives of the Urban Renewal Commission including Diana Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary; Gregory Butler, Deputy Director; Inspector Deno Josey, Urban Renewal Centre Manager; and residents of the Fox Hill community. The Fox Hill Urban Renewal Seniors Choir performed a musical selection.

The Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development chats with Urban Renewal Commission representatives, from left, Diana Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary and Patricia Francis.

The Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development said Urban Renewal is about transforming the lives of people and ensuring that their lives are fit and proper, healthy, safe and that they are sheltered from the elements.

Urban Renewal Commission Co-Chair Cynthia “Mother” Pratt deemed it an honour to touch another life. Speaking to the success of the program she said those who don’t need any help would never see what Urban Renewal is doing.

“It’s the people that need help who see what Urban Renewal is doing. Urban Renewal is all about giving,” she said.

The home was constructed by James Neely Construction.

Crystal Rolle, new homeowner, is pictured at far right with her family.

Diana Lightbourne, Urban Renewal Commission Permanent Secretary, and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Urban Renewal Commission Co-Chair, chat at the key presentation ceremony for Crystal Rolle, new homeowner.

By Kathryn Campbell, Bahamas Information Services