NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis has officially announced the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will commence its general election campaign on February 16, following the completion of candidate ratifications. The declaration came during a rally at party headquarters on Farrington Road, where Davis signaled the transition from internal preparations to full public campaigning.
In a sharply worded address, Davis framed the upcoming election as a critical choice between continued progress or regression, directly targeting Opposition leader Michael Pintard as ‘Petty Pintard’ – a characterization that drew enthusiastic applause from supporters. ‘My mummy used to tell me – there’s nothing worse than a petty man,’ Davis stated, invoking personal wisdom to criticize his political opponent.
The Prime Minister warned that opposition leadership would jeopardize economic recovery achievements, specifically citing concerns about public service restructuring and potential employment reductions. Davis contrasted what he termed ‘petty leadership’ focused on ‘grudges instead of progress’ with his administration’s record of economic stabilization post-pandemic.
Davis accused opposition forces of consistently criticizing government policies without presenting substantive alternatives. ‘We can’t afford leaders who are more interested in settling scores than solving problems,’ he emphasized, urging supporters to actively campaign rather than assume victory.
The Prime Minister made direct appeals to key constituencies, promising organized labor continued representation in policy discussions and pledging sustained support for healthcare workers. ‘Working people deserve fairness, unions deserve respect, healthcare workers deserve support,’ Davis declared.
Newly ratified PLP candidates joined in presenting the party’s accomplishments since 2021, highlighting infrastructure investments, VAT reductions on essential food items, minimum wage increases, and labor agreement signings. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper characterized the ratification process as ‘a deployment order’ signaling the party’s transition from economic recovery to promoting Bahamian ownership and sustained development.
Davis concluded by positioning the election as a referendum on whether recent reforms would be maintained or reversed, emphasizing his administration’s investments in social programs and infrastructure across the archipelago.