35 Bozine Town residents receive long-awaited land deeds

Thirty-five residents of Bozine Town are now the legal owners of the land they have called home for generations, after Prime Minister Philip Davis presented them with their land deeds today.

The ceremony marks a major step in the government’s effort to resolve a decades-long land dispute that has left families in the community without the security of formal title to their properties.

Back in March, Housing Minister Keith Bell told Parliament that the government was moving to acquire the land in Bozine Town for $10, paving the way for residents to finally secure legal ownership.

Bell said at the time that the issue stemmed from circumstances that had developed over many years and had remained unresolved for far too long.

Speaking at today’s presentation, Davis said the government was taking “another important step” toward giving Bozine Town residents something they had waited generations to receive.

The Prime Minister said land is where families establish roots, build homes and create memories, but stressed that when ownership is uncertain, the impact extends far beyond what is written on paper.

He said uncertainty over land ownership can affect a family’s ability to build, invest and confidently pass property on to the next generation.

Davis said that is why land reform matters and why the story of Bozine Town is significant.

He reflected on the generations of Bahamians from across the islands who settled in the community, built families and created a close-knit neighbourhood through hard work and perseverance.

The Prime Minister said Bozine Town became a place where residents looked after one another, children were known throughout the community and generations remained connected.