National

“Building A Home At 65 Is Hard, But God Has Been Good”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Nearly a year after their home went up in flames, the family of a national hero is ready to move into their new space that was built by friends and supporters.

Published

8 months ago

April 16, 2025

Our News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Nearly a year after their home went up in flames, the family of a national hero is ready to move into their new space that was built by friends and supporters.

Almost a year ago, the Neely family was left devastated after their family home was destroyed by fire on May 31st, 2025, the family escaping with their lives and the clothes on their backs.

Fast forwarding to eleven months later, the home is just about complete. Captain Whitfield Neely is one of the most decorated officers to serve on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, a national hero and one of 15 survivors of the HMBS Flamingo tragedy in 1980.

Captain Whitfield Neely – HMBS Flamingo Survivor
“I’ve been here every day inclusive of today, and I continue to push, I continue to strive to reach completion of the goal I have in mind.”

It’s a story we’ve been following from the start.

In a matter of months, we’ve seen the family receive donations, lay the foundation, and build their home back brick by brick.
While impressive, it hasn’t been easy.

Captain Whitfield Neely – HMBS Flamingo Survivor
“Building a home back at age 65 is no easy feat, because it demands so much and it takes a lot of you. But I thank God, yinno, like I told Leslie the other day, even he ended up in hospital because everyone is getting sick, and I say, ‘Boy, this is a real strange feeling.’ But I pray to God he keeps me here until the end of the project.”

He also tells me their new home is more spacious with additional rooms, his wife playing a huge role in the design.

Captain Whitfield Neely – HMBS Flamingo Survivor
“She loves these bright colors. I’m a real pastel kind of person, but it looks lovely. I love it. It’s different now, ‘cause our first home was just like an eggshell color inside. She puts some grays and blues, some kind of china bone and stuff, big name colors, but it’s lovely.”

And with others still reeling from the effects of losing a home to fire, Captain Neely has this advice:

Captain Whitfield Neely – HMBS Flamingo Survivor
“Be strong and set small goals, yinno, set small goals. Because yes, you want the house completed, but when you sitting down and planning, set small goals and maximize the use of the dollar, because it cost so much to build.”