标签： Bahamas

The Bahamian government has issued a robust response to the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s concerns regarding its proposed acquisition of the Grand Bahama Power Company, framing energy reform as an essential public necessity rather than a conventional business transaction. In an official statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, authorities expressed concern that the Chamber’s position could misrepresent both the purpose and critical urgency of the proposed reforms, potentially distorting public perception of what is at stake for Grand Bahama and the nation as a whole. The administration articulated that electricity constitutes fundamental national infrastructure that transcends mere commercial service, characterizing it as simultaneously a public safety imperative, a cost-of-living concern, and a crucial determinant of economic competitiveness. The government explicitly rejected the notion that reliability and affordability should be delayed until demand increases, asserting that reliable and affordable power serves as a prerequisite for investment and population growth rather than a reward for achieving these milestones. The statement challenged the Chamber’s reliance on economies of scale arguments, countering that the geographical reality of an archipelago nation precisely necessitates a coordinated national approach to prevent fragmented planning and isolated pricing from entrenching inequality and weakening national competitiveness. Officials dismissed claims that national rate structures are artificial, maintaining they represent deliberate governance choices to prevent deepening disparities between islands. Addressing concerns about potential taxpayer burden, the government emphasized that modern energy reform derives from engineering solutions and system design rather than ownership models, citing storm-hardened infrastructure, redundancy systems, automation, and disciplined capital planning as genuine determinants of reliability. Referencing recent success in New Providence, the statement highlighted the $130 million Foundational Grid Upgrade Project which has already demonstrated independently verified improvements including 45% reduction in outage frequency and 35% reduction in outage duration, with reliability on normal operating days improving by nearly 50%. The government revealed that broader reform initiatives through public-private partnerships have unlocked approximately $1 billion in investment commitments across the archipelago. While reaffirming openness to continued dialogue, the administration stressed that national discourse must not accept high electricity costs as inevitable, defer reform until demand increases, or treat equity across islands as optional.

In a striking directive to fellow Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) members, Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister and PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell has publicly advised politicians against feeling obligated to engage with press inquiries. The recommendation came through a vocal message distributed yesterday, wherein Minister Mitchell emphasized that no constitutional or legal requirement compels officials to respond to reporter calls or provide media statements.

Mitchell articulated concerns that unplanned media interactions often lead to ‘unforced errors,’ which political opponents then exploit through distorted interpretations. ‘Our opponents are reading the tea leaves and are too busy trying to make two plus two equal five,’ he stated, adding emphatically, ‘Folks, two plus two today still equal four, not five.’ This guidance emerges as Bahamian media outlets intensify outreach to prospective candidates and emerging political figures ahead of the approaching general election.

Positioning himself as ‘an observant student of politics,’ Mitchell further counseled against self-imposed deadlines and public declarations beyond constitutional mandates, warning that such commitments may later prove problematic.

Meanwhile, Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis launched a critique of Minister Mitchell in a Tribune op-ed published today, specifically targeting his recent official travel to London. She characterized his international meetings—including one conducted virtually via Zoom—as misaligned with national priorities during a period of strained public healthcare resources. Barnett-Ellis questioned the judicious use of public funds for such travels, cautioning that these decisions risk diminishing public trust and reinforcing perceptions of a governing administration increasingly detached from the pressing realities facing citizens.

The Bahamian government is confronting severe criticism following Prime Minister Philip Davis KC’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Canadian energy giant Emera regarding the potential acquisition of Grand Bahama Power Company. The disclosure has sparked accusations of political theater and creating false hope among residents.

Darren Cooper, a prominent Grand Bahama business owner and radio personality, characterized the government’s actions as treating citizens like ‘puppets’ by announcing preliminary discussions as a finalized deal. Cooper drew parallels to last year’s Grand Lucayan agreement, which remains uncompleted, suggesting a pattern of premature announcements without substantive details.

The controversy intensified when Dave McGregor, Emera’s Caribbean chief operating officer, revealed in a staff communication that both local and Bahamian management were completely blindsided by the Prime Minister’s announcement. McGregor explicitly stated that while discussions about a possible government acquisition option were ongoing, ‘no final agreement’ had been reached, directly contradicting the government’s presentation.

Energy sector analysts note that the proposed acquisition faces significant challenges, particularly given Emera’s status as a publicly-traded company subject to Canadian and US securities regulations. The Prime Minister’s announcement timing—suggesting a 60-90 day closing window—appears particularly optimistic without Emera’s formal agreement.

Grand Bahama residents expressed widespread skepticism, citing the government’s troubled track record with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL). Environmental advocate Joe Darville voiced concerns about reliability guarantees, noting that while GB Power has faced recent service challenges, residents have grown accustomed to relatively consistent power compared to other islands.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard questioned the government’s capacity to improve energy services, stating: ‘The government has a record of failure around BPL in multiple places in The Bahamas, which does not give us confidence that they will do a better job.’ The announcement has raised fundamental questions about acquisition costs, potential partners, and how the government intends to address Grand Bahama’s specific energy challenges beyond political pronouncements.

The Free National Movement (FNM), Bahamas’ primary opposition party, is intensifying its electoral preparations with an accelerated candidate ratification schedule. Party leader Michael Pintard confirmed the imminent completion of their selection process, indicating one ratification round will occur before Valentine’s Day followed by up to three additional approval cycles.

With 13 prospective candidates still under review, the FNM anticipates resolving most pending approvals in the upcoming ratification session. This strategic acceleration positions the party to finalize its electoral roster efficiently amidst growing political competition.

The opposition has already officially endorsed 28 candidates through previous ratification rounds, creating a balanced slate combining experienced legislators from the former Minnis administration with fresh political talent. Notable ratified candidates include Party Chairman Dr. Duane Sands (Bamboo Town), Kwasi Thompson (East Grand Bahama), Michael Foulkes (Golden Gates), Marvin Dames (Mount Moriah), and Carlton Bowleg (North Andros and Berry Islands).

The political landscape grows increasingly competitive as the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) simultaneously advances its own candidate preparations. The PLP recently confirmed 15 additional candidates, bringing their total ratified representatives to 28. Their selections include 12 incumbent parliamentarians and three newcomers, among them Darron Pickstock who secured the Golden Isles seat in a November 2025 by-election following the passing of Vaughn Miller.

Political activity intensifies across the islands with PLP hopefuls in Grand Bahama constituencies actively mobilizing support at party headquarters, signaling heightened engagement as both major parties approach the upcoming electoral period with strategic urgency.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has vigorously defended his administration’s handling of major development initiatives in Grand Bahama, countering criticisms that key projects remain unrealized more than four years after their announcement. During a Tuesday address, the Prime Minister acknowledged public frustration while maintaining that substantial progress continues behind the scenes on complex undertakings including the Grand Lucayan Resort redevelopment, a new international airport, and a modern hospital facility.

Addressing the particularly contentious Grand Lucayan transaction, Davis characterized the process as “a complex transaction requiring careful sequencing,” emphasizing that proper approvals, coordination, and structured execution were paramount. “We are making steady progress,” he asserted, dismissing claims of governmental failure as premature political theater.

The Prime Minister reserved his strongest condemnation for previous administrators, stating that “the criticisms coming loudest from those who created the problem should hang their heads in shame.” He accused political opponents of being “incompetent political scammers who brought us this mess” while vowing his administration would remain focused on protecting workers and advancing projects through credible, sustainable measures.

Davis rejected suggestions that Grand Bahama has been neglected, noting that certain elements appear to be “rooting for the failure of Grand Bahama” for political gain. He emphasized that “success is the only option because the people of Grand Bahama deserve nothing less,” criticizing what he described as a counterproductive mindset focused on “old arguments and old disappointments.”

The Prime Minister contextualized the delays within the broader economic circumstances inherited by his administration in September 2021, referencing International Monetary Fund reports that depicted the nation’s economy as “in the intensive care unit on life support.” Despite this challenging foundation, Davis highlighted economic recovery and growth in Grand Bahama as evidence of progress, pointing to ongoing construction activity at the hospital and Grand Bahama Shipyard as visible signs of advancement.

Regarding the Grand Lucayan’s complex history, the administration canceled a prior sale agreement in December 2021, pursued a failed arrangement with Electra America in 2022, and announced a new $800 million heads of agreement with Concord Wilshire in May 2025. Davis confirmed that former employees laid off from the resort “are being paid,” addressing one aspect of the protracted redevelopment process.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Intense speculation surrounds the Progressive Liberal Party’s selection for the Killarney constituency, with former Senator Robyn Lynes emerging as a prominent potential candidate in what political observers anticipate will be a fiercely contested electoral battle. The Tribune has verified that officials from the PLP’s Killarney branch conducted a meeting with Ms. Lynes on Monday evening, where branch representatives expressed strong support for her potential candidacy, noting she remains the only individual to have shown substantive interest in the seat thus far. Although interviewed by the party’s Candidate Committee recently, Lynes has maintained a strategically ambiguous position, indicating willingness to accept any constituency the party leadership might assign without specifying preferences. Party insiders acknowledge limited available options but confirm active efforts to identify a suitable riding for her nomination. Meanwhile, Killarney branch supporters emphasize their readiness to collaborate with whomever the party ultimately designates, with one committed member stating: ‘We as a branch, whomever the party sends, we work with. No fussing. No fighting.’ The nomination landscape grows increasingly complex as ZNS General Manager Clint Watson also enters consideration amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the Southern Shores constituency where he has sought nomination. Senator Ronald Duncombe, who previously contested Killarney unsuccessfully during the last election cycle, remains noncommittal about his political intentions, declaring he will serve wherever the Prime Minister determines he is most needed. Despite his ambiguous status, Duncombe asserts that both his team and local branch maintain active operations within the constituency, expressing unwavering confidence in the PLP’s electoral prospects regardless of candidate selection. He references potential vote-splitting advantages due to former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’s independent candidacy as a significant factor that might benefit the PLP. However, some branch members indicate Duncombe has operated somewhat independently from the formal branch structure, acknowledging his consistent financial contributions and event participation while suggesting he could enhance engagement with branch-specific activities. The Free National Movement has already formalized Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis as their candidate, intensifying pressure on the PLP to finalize their nomination strategy ahead of Sunday’s anticipated ratification of remaining candidates.