Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works and Urban Development, the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis as he addressed engineers in Freeport Friday. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

FREEPORT, The Bahamas – Though hope and rebounding prosperity are on the horizon for The Bahamas, the Government is cognizant of the real struggles of its people and keenly aware of the Grand Bahama’s continual challenges, says Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip “Brave” Davis.

The Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador and Minister of Public Works and Urban Development was in Grand Bahama Friday afternoon addressing participants at the Third Annual Bahamas Society of Engineers Northern Branch at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant.

He told the gathering the Government is conscientiously working towards a tangible turnaround for each island of The Bahamas, and he announced some capital works projects for Grand Bahama, inclusive of the Fishing Hole project.

“In a very pointed way, this government fulfilled its promise to create a Ministry for Grand Bahama, which is the vehicle through which the needs peculiar to this island are brought to the forefront.

“All must know that in the same way that faith cannot take a holiday, collectively, we are tireless in our efforts to cause Grand Bahama to return to its glory days,” he told professional engineers and guests.

The Minister took note of the fact that the Northern Region Branch has grow from a fledging group of eight to what he described as a synergetic team of 41. “This is a very good indication that you are serious about your profession and that you understand the value of unity. These are the characteristics that are essential to the growth and development of our country,” he stated.

The Deputy Prime Minister also told the gathering that he was very pleased to note that they are busy doing things to grow their profession by identifying skills and captivating hearts and minds while they are young.

“Here-in lies the importance of public/private partnerships. Your work adds value to education that Government seeks to provide. The students of Jack Hayward High School who are being trained in design, drafting, modeling, architectural drawing, and engineering software through Auto CAD must know that they are gaining an invaluable experience.

“When I was a boy, we would make tops to spin in the street. Today, you are inspiring minds to digitally design complex models from conception, mobilize cars from rodent traps, launch rockets from bottles through recycling, and build bridges that accommodate and support model traffic.

“Proffering yourselves as role models form deep impressions on these young people, many of whom may have no other guidance available to them. Never tire doing good,” he said!

Further, he told the group that as they continue plan for succession in their profession, the Government seeks to protect the interest of its citizens so that the framework exists in which they thrive.

“I am happy to report that as per my Ministry’s commitment at your last forum, we are working with the Professional Engineers’ Board, the Engineering Societies, and the Department of Immigration to ensure that foreign interests are registered to operate within the confines of The Bahamas’ Professional Engineers Act and the Immigration Act.

“We value the work and expertise that immigration brings; however, it is sufficient to say that we are guided by order,” Mr. Davis stated.

He was also pleased to advise that Grand Bahama Island is the subject of several capital projects for the short term.

“In keeping with our commitment to allow, to the extent possible, Grand Bahama to manage its affairs, the carriage of the Fishing Hole Causeway rests with the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

“A robust, cost-effective, environmentally-sensitive, elevated causeway with culverts is nearing to construction. This is long anticipated by Grand Bahama and will mitigate the natural nuisance that awakens every time a storm visits these shores.

“More plaintive tears will be dried as construction of the West End Junior High School foreshadows opening to accept students from the area in September of 2015. We are satisfied that this is essential for the growth and development of West Grand Bahama,” the Minister for Public Works and Urban Development stated.

Mr. Davis also advised that additionally they are addressing the need for Grand Bahama to have fire stations, fire hydrants, and adequate manpower.

Also, he said that in the medium-term, they will turn their attention to mitigate the beach erosion along the shoreline of Smith’s Point and beautify that area with the installation of a fifteen hundred foot (1,500 ft.) cantilevered sheet-piled seawall with capping beam.

He also noted that atop the wall, a six-foot wide sidewalk will be constructed, and three steps to the beach would be provided along the wall length, with a disabled access ramp at the western end of the scheme.

“My Ministry is at the detailed design stage, and an announcement in this regard is forthcoming,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Further, he said, “before I conclude, I want to say something about embracing change as opportunity. Some wise soul once said ‘ The trouble with opportunity is that it always comes disguised as hard work’. I now add to it that it very often comes under the guise of hard times.

“However, I ascribe to the view that hard times come with immense opportunities. Allow these times to inspire you and drive you, seek new and innovative ways of operation.

“Growth is never achieved within the status quo. God has given us all diverse gifts and talents. He has given you specialist skills that evolve each day. Do not waste them. Stay on top of change. Look at the world differently. Do not settle for mediocrity. Your country depends on forward thinking, excellence, and integrity to build a Bahamas suitable for our children and their generation,” he told the gathering. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)