During his remarks at the Long Island Road Rehabilitation and Waterworks Project Contract Ceremony, on June 3, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that the event marked “another meaningful step in our shared journey to build a stronger, more connected Bahamas – one paved road at a time”.
“Today’s contract for the Long Island Road Rehabilitation and Waterworks Project reflects our belief that every island should have smooth roads, accessible potable water, and the necessary infrastructure to support growth,” Prime Minister Davis stated, at the event held at the Office of the Prime Minister, on Cable Beach.
“This project is about more than asphalt and pipes; it’s about people,” he added. “It’s about progress that is long overdue for Long Islanders.
“And most importantly, it is about partnering with our people to solve the challenges we face together.”
Also taking part in the ceremony was Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting.
Prime Minister Davis said that his Government was embracing partnerships that uplifted communities, generated jobs, and reaffirmed “our confidence in the capability of Bahamian companies”.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the $20 million investment represented a clear vote of confidence in the Rowdy Boys.
“Rowdy Boys Construction Ltd., a company born in Clarence Town, Long Island, and led by a man with more than 30 years of experience, Bernard Knowles,” he noted.
Prime Minister Davis added: “I commend the Knowles Family and their team for their professionalism, their commitment to quality, and for proving, time and again, that Bahamians have the talent to build and grow The Bahamas.”
He went further, noting that Rowdy Boys “is not new to this”.
“They have brought their skills and machinery to other islands, helping to modernize infrastructure across our archipelago. And now, they return home to improve Long Island – where their story began,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He continued: “That is the kind of legacy we believe in. That is the kind of story we want to write for every young Bahamian – to be able to say: ‘I helped build that road. I made that community stronger’. That’s what investments in infrastructure are all about. This project will help children get to school safely, as you heard the Minister said. It will help farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs to reach markets and make deliveries without delay.
“It will help families separated by distance to be connected by a smoother ride, one road at a time.”
Prime Minister Davis said that it also meant that Long Islanders and visitors would not be having to “dodge and weave through an obstacle course of potholes on your daily commute, because Long Island has too much potential, too many enterprising Bahamians with bright ideas, to allow the infrastructure to remain in its current state.”
“This project also means jobs – local jobs for Long Islanders,” he added. “The roads used by Long Islanders will be paved and restored by Long Islanders.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that through that work, “new skills will be learned, families will be supported, and pride will be restored”.
“That is the kind of empowerment we believe in,” he stated. “That is the kind of governance we promised. And that is the kind of progress we are delivering.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “Today is about a smoother future for Long Islanders. It is about giving Bahamians the tools and the trust to play a major role in nation and community building. So, to the people of Long Island, we hear you. We see your needs. And we will deliver.”
He announced that the project will be a model for other communities, other contractors, and other islands.
“Let it remind us that when we invest in Bahamians, everyone wins,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“I want to thank you for being here today,” he added. “May God continue to bless Long Island and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
“And Long Island, stay tuned – more is to come, very soon.”
