The Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development and Cecile Johnson, new homeowner, participate in ribbon cutting ceremony for Ms. Johnson’s new home in Kemp Road. Also shown from left is Dr. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Co-Chair, Urban Renewal Commission; Diana Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary; the Hon. Algernon Allen, Co-Chair, Urban Renewal Commission and Terry Delancy, Contractor.

The provision of a new home for Cecile Johnson and her family is demonstration of the Government’s love to her and the thousands of Bahamians who reside here,

The Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, expressed these sentiments as he presented the keys to Ms. Johnson and her son, Rashad Adderley, during a ribbon-cutting and key presentation ceremony Thursday, May 26, 2016.

“It takes all of us to bring help and hope,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “As long as we are working together as a team you will be surprised to know what we can do with each other.”

 Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister

He said the presentation is also “divine intervention” depicting manifestation of the presence of the Lord.

Mr. Davis acknowledged the efforts of Urban Renewal Co-Chairs Algernon Allen and Dr. Cynthia Pratt who he said understand the pain and hurt of the people and demonstrate that they will bring relief where pain lives. He said the Co-Chairs are fulfilling the mandate of the biblical mandate to clothe the naked, provide shelter for the homeless and water for those who thirst.

“It is so beautiful!” said Ms. Johnson as she and extended thanks to those who made her Kemp Road home possible. It was with a “grateful” and “humble” heart that she accepted the keys on behalf of her family.

Before officially blessing the home, Rev. Oswald Pinder, rector of St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, said Ms. Johnson’s home was a primary example of the church and community making a difference in the lives of Bahamians. He said God is “extremely” pleased when one of His is blessed.

“Today for me, tomorrow for you,” said Fr. Pinder. “We ought to celebrate because tomorrow is ours,” he added.

Also in attendance was Urban Renewal Commission officials including Diana Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary; Gregory Butler, Deputy Director; Patricia Francis, First Assistant Secretary. The Urban Renewal Pop Band provided music for the event.

Cecile Johnson and Hon. Philip Davis