The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis says that the PLP government will not be deterred with respect to its Urban Renewal 2.0 programme, which has been receiving strong criticism in the press.

He said the new programme seeks to tackle crime and social ills in communities, as well as introduce programmes that will focus on anger management and conflict resolution.

Mr Davis, the Minister of Works and Urban Development, was speaking at the launch of the programme last week in Grand Bahama.

He said those opposed to the government are seeking to discourage their efforts.

“Your government is one that recognises that service to the needs of the people is the reason for our existence.

“There are those who will seek to deter us from our mission, but we will not be deterred. This is why we are here today, to revive our programme from five years ago.Those opposed to us would find occasion after occasion to criticise our efforts to bring comfort to those in need.

“They will suggest that every step we take is wrong, but it is the judgment of the people that we serve that matters,” he said.

Mr Davis added that there are “elitists” on the other side of the political divide who have criticised the people chosen to deliver Urban Renewal.

“To us, it is the effectiveness of the service provided, not the service provider. Our team in Grand Bahama is one in which we are proud. We have made an excellent start and it will only get better.”

There has been controversy over the appointment of Michelle Reckley, who was selected by the Prime Minister to head the Urban Renewal programme in Grand Bahama.

Ms Reckley serves as deputy director. She replaces Tirzah Carey, whose contract was not renewed by the government in June, despite her qualification and extensive experience in social work and management.

FNM MPs on Grand Bahama accused the government of victimisation, and criticised the government for putting some 40 urban renewal workers out of work.

Mr Christie, who stands behind the appointment of Ms Reckley, told reporters that he was confident he made the right choice.