NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Prime Minister and Killarney MP Dr. Hubert Minnis has urged the Davis administration to consider purchasing or swapping privately owned wetlands to safeguard natural flood buffers, while also proposing the introduction of a “micro-flood insurance” program for low-income households affected by natural disasters.
Dr. Minnis, who made the recommendations before contributing to debate on the Data Protection Act, 2025, said recent torrential rains had once again exposed the island’s vulnerability to flooding—particularly in western New Providence, which includes much of his Killarney constituency.
“The western part of New Providence comprises a lot of wetlands, lakes, and ponds. It also comprises a lot of cavities,” Minnis told Parliament. “Individuals are always advised to be careful when they’re buying land in the western part of the island because of these large cavities.”
While commending the Ministry of Works for its cooperation and swift response to the flooding, Minnis cautioned that the saturated ground could pose structural risks, particularly near the airport road.
“The fear is that the limestone below the airport road may have undergone some degree of degradation,” he said. “The Ministry of Works should examine that road thoroughly before a cavity appears and causes some serious injury to individuals or vehicles.”
The former prime minister stressed the need for long-term solutions, warning against the destruction of wetlands for development.
“If individuals own wetlands, either in the interest of the nation government can purchase the wetland to protect the future of the nation, or they can make a swap,” he said. “Give them proper land elsewhere of their choice, so as to save the wetlands and subsequently save our future.”
Dr. Minnis also revisited a proposal advanced under his administration for a “micro-hurricane insurance” program and urged the government to expand it to include flood coverage.
“During Hurricane Dorian, we learnt a lesson. Many homes were destroyed or damaged, and at least about 50 percent of homes required less than $10,000 to get them back together immediately,” he said.
He explained that a micro-insurance scheme would enable low-income Bahamians to access $10,000 to $15,000 in rapid assistance to begin repairs after a flood or storm.
“What we experienced last week was nothing more than a drizzle compared to what may come,” Minnis cautioned. “The big one will come. Therefore, I’m recommending that the government move forward with a micro-flood insurance program, based on income means testing for homes.”
