OPM Press Secretary: Where Are the Green Homes?

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As we’re in the height of election season, OPM officials are calling on FNM candidate for Garden Hills, Rick Fox, to account for ten acres of crown land given to him by the Davis administration to build eco-friendly homes.

Back in 2022, the Davis administration signed a memorandum of understanding with Partanna Bahamas, a company owned by Fox, to build 1,000 green homes over three years.

Since then, no work has started on the project and Communications Director, in the Office of the Prime Minister, Latrae Rahming, says it’s time for Fox to give an account.

Latrae Rahming – Communications Director, Office of the Prime Minister

“He still has the government crown. I think that the annual fee I believe is $35,000 per year. I think the objective was to build homes. These were supposed to be environmentally friendly homes consistent with the government climate change agenda, and so I think it’s really for Mr. Fox to speak with the future of the company and his relationship in this development will be.”

However, Fox did address the project.

Back in February, when Fox was ratified for the FNM’s Garden Hills seat, he claimed it was actually government who hasn’t done their part.

Rick Fox – FNM Candidate, Garden Hills

“Both parties have to deliver responsibilities, I wait. I’m in a different position now. My life has changed by taking this role today, so the company is prepared to build any houses when the government of the Bahamas is prepared to execute on what their responsibilities are.“

“Just to be clear, in that contract, there’s not a dollar of the Bahamian people’s money that is given to me, has been given to me, or my company to execute of these homes. Those homes would be built with our company money.”

However Rahming, shooting that position down.

Latrae Rahming – Communications Director, Office of the Prime Minister

“The company was supposed to be as a private sector, private driven as well. They are supposed to be a development in Abaco and if if you have a candidate who has access to the prime minister to pick up the phone, I think it’s very inconsistent that whatever challenges that he said was the case, couldn’t be resolved in a timely manner.”

However, while Fox is on the campaign trail, Rahming says these are important questions that need to be answered:

Latrae Rahming – Communications Director, Office of the Prime Minister

“There’s an expectation whether it is FNM or PLP, when crown land is given for the purpose of development in the name of the Bahamian people, an expectation of that is done. Mr. Fox could relinquish the land if he change his mind. He could relinquish the crown land, give it back to the country.”

Meanwhile, Fox tells Our News he’ll address this at the FNM rally on Tuesday night.