Bahamas: Eighteen-year-old among new govt home recipients
Three first-time Bahamian homeowners, including an 18-year-old entrepreneur, were given the keys to their new homes in the Pinecrest subdivision, located in the South Beach constituency, during a ceremony there.
“It feels like a blessing that many can’t achieve,” said Shante Taylor on the sidelines of the event.
“I want to thank God, first and foremost. Secondly, I want to thank my mother. Without her, this wouldn’t be possible. She got her first house at 19, so it looks like I beat her. I’m very excited about it, but without my mother or God, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Taylor said the process was “stressful” because she started so young.
But according to Taylor, the people she worked with were “amazing”.
“I loved it, and I loved my experience,” she said.
“I hope more people my age can have this opportunity. They have to have the mindset to want the opportunity first.”
The other two recipients are Katrina McKinney and Sandra Campbell-Walker.
Pinecrest is a private-public partnership between Arawak Homes Limited and the government. The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation is the primary mortgage partner for the project.
The average lot size is 6,000 square feet, and all housing models feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms. All homes have concrete frame construction and storm-rated windows and doors.
Minister of Transport and Housing JoBeth Coleby-Davis lauded the project as an example of the Davis administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing for Bahamians.
“The timeline for the quick delivery of the homes should come as no surprise since the Davis-led administration intends to meet the needs of Bahamians via its affordable housing initiative,” she said.
“In ‘Our Blueprint for Change’, we promised to empower Bahamians by making our economy work for all Bahamians. Under our Homes for Bahamians initiative, we are committed to housing and the fundamental right to pursue public-private partnerships to develop new subdivisions. The Pinecrest project is a fulfilment of our pledge.
“Homeownership is one of the basic forms of human empowerment and allows for creating a sense of community.”
Coleby-Davis said these homes would provide “a sense of place” for residents.
The government broke ground on the subdivision in late January.
Coleby-Davis previously defended the integrity of the home construction after former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis insisted the housing development was “set up for disaster” due to flooding in the area and claimed it was started without the necessary permits.
The minister said last month the relevant authorities went above and beyond to ensure that these homes would be safe, even though the most adverse weather.
Homes are being constructed on 43 lots in the South Beach development, with finished houses sold for less than $200,000.
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