标签： Bahamas

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.

The Progressive Liberal Party faces significant internal discord regarding the potential staging of a pre-election voting convention, revealing deep fractures within the Bahamian political organization. Senior figures and supporters remain sharply divided on whether such an event would demonstrate party strength or create unnecessary division mere months before the nation heads to the polls.

Prominent voices within the PLP have expressed serious reservations about the convention’s strategic value. Former MP Shane Gibson questioned the fundamental purpose of holding internal elections at this critical juncture, suggesting it might primarily serve to highlight government achievements rather than address substantive organizational needs. His skepticism echoes concerns raised by PLP Deputy National Coordinator for Elections Valentine Grimes, who warned about the potentially divisive nature of internal contests so close to a general election.

The opposition to the convention finds its most vocal proponent in former MP Leslie Miller, who dismissed the entire exercise as “a trivial exercise in futility” that would have minimal impact on voter behavior. Miller emphasized that Bahamian voters typically don’t seriously engage with election decisions until March, suggesting the convention would amount to wasted effort.

Amidst this debate, attention has turned to potential leadership contenders. Current Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has indicated he will not seek re-election, focusing instead on retaining his Fox Hill constituency. Communications Director Latrae Rahming, frequently mentioned as a potential successor, has remained publicly circumspect about his intentions while expressing humility at being considered.

Senator D’Asante Small has emerged as another potential candidate, refusing to rule out a leadership bid while emphasizing her commitment to strengthening the party through modernization, expanded membership, and support for emerging leaders. She specifically encouraged other young PLP members to step forward, noting the party’s openness to new leadership.

Despite the substantial opposition, some party members advocate strongly for the convention. Joe Johnson, chairman of the PLP’s Men’s Branch, characterized the event as a crucial launch mechanism that could generate momentum and energy ahead of the general election. He emphasized the historical significance of potentially securing consecutive electoral victories, something not achieved in decades.

The PLP’s last pre-election convention in 2017 resulted in a decisive victory for then-Prime Minister Perry Christie over challenger Alfred Sears, though the party subsequently suffered a sweeping defeat in the general election—a historical precedent that continues to inform current deliberations.

The Bahamas government has firmly rejected opposition calls for the resignation of ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, who continues to lead the state-owned broadcaster while pursuing political candidacy. Public Services Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has invoked General Order 949 to defend Mr. Watson’s position, stating that public officers are not required to resign during political activities until formally ratified as candidates.

The controversy centers on Mr. Watson’s dual role as head of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and his aspirations to represent the Progressive Liberal Party in Southern Shores. The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) contends this arrangement compromises the impartiality of the national broadcaster and undermines public trust.

The debate intensified following the resignation of ZNS sports reporter Jay Phillipe, who stepped down from his position at the organization’s Grand Bahama station to pursue nomination for the FNM in Bain and Grants Town. Mr. Phillipe stated his resignation was necessary to avoid any perceived conflict of interest while seeking political office.

FNM chairman Dr. Duane Sands has challenged the government’s position, arguing that Mr. Watson’s continued leadership creates legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality. Dr. Sands maintains that the appearance of impartiality is essential for a national broadcaster, and that public confidence diminishes when its chief executive engages in partisan political activities.

Mr. Watson has previously committed to resigning if formally nominated as a PLP candidate, but opposition leaders consider this position inadequate to address immediate concerns about neutrality and the integrity of public broadcasting.