The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK 

Tribune Freeport Reporter 

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations Lisa Rahming has called for greater support for the employees delivering Urban Renewal services, arguing that workers cannot effectively care for vulnerable residents if they are struggling with challenges of their own.

Rahming made the appeal while addressing Urban Renewal centre managers and officers from across The Bahamas during a managers’ conference held in Grand Bahama.

“We have to empower them. We have to show them how much we love them. We have to give them the resources that they need. We have to encourage them and worry about their welfare too,” Rahming said.

She told the gathering that Urban Renewal workers are often the first point of contact for residents facing serious hardships, including hunger, homelessness, difficulties paying rent and other financial challenges.

But, she said, employees should not feel unable to seek assistance when they themselves encounter difficult circumstances.

“This is a charge to all of the Urban Renewal staff here. I don’t want you to sit by and hurt and not tell us,” Rahming said.

“I would be saddened by that. Let us know if you need help because you won’t be able to help those in the community.”

Rahming said the government could not necessarily provide ongoing assistance with expenses such as rent, but acknowledged that people can fall on hard times and said Urban Renewal should be prepared to help in legitimate circumstances.

Her comments came as she sought to clarify the direction of Urban Renewal under the newly established Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations.

She said the government is building on an initiative that has been in existence for approximately 24 years.

“We are building on what’s already established,” she said. “We are expanding on what’s there.”

Rahming said the ministry’s approach is to expand the range of services available to communities while maintaining the foundation of Urban Renewal.

“We’re not changing anything. We’re expanding. We’re providing more and we’re giving more hope to persons,” she said.

She placed particular emphasis on the role of Urban Renewal managers and staff, saying the government must provide them with the tools and support required to serve communities effectively.

The minister also used the conference to encourage greater collaboration among Urban Renewal centres throughout the country.

She stressed that Grand Bahama and the Family Islands must be treated as integral parts of the national programme, noting that the conference was deliberately held in Grand Bahama.

“New Providence is not the only place. That’s not The Bahamas,” Rahming said, drawing applause from the audience.

She encouraged managers from islands including Long Island, Andros, Abaco, Bimini and others to use the gathering to develop relationships and share ideas about the needs of their respective communities.

Rahming said managers should leave the conference feeling “excited” and “energised”, rather than viewing the trip simply as an opportunity for recreation.

“We want to hear your ideas,” she said. “It’s not all about what we think should happen. You understand more often than us. You tell us what to do.”

The minister also announced a personal contribution towards the Grand Bahama Urban Renewal Band after being told that the group needed additional instruments.

Rahming said she would contribute her monthly salary to help get the effort started.

She also highlighted Urban Renewal bands in Cat Island and Exuma, saying the Cat Island band is expected to participate in the upcoming Youth March in Nassau.

Minister of Immigration Frederick Mitchell and Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey were also present and brought remarks. Urban Renewal officials, police representatives and centre managers from throughout the country also attended.

The minister said the conference was intended not only to discuss the programme’s direction, but also to recognise the managers and officers who work directly with communities.