The National Investment Fund (NIF) and Recklessly Careless Politicans in The Bahamas
By Tevin R. Bannister
This National Investment Fund issue clearly demonstrates why so many young Bahamians have no more faith in our political system nor its leaders.
Halkitis, in his budget communication in May 2026 said that the government borrowed $2.5 billion and said they used $1.8 billion on debt repayment, and the balance ($700 million) sent to the National Investment Fund (NIF).
OPM Comms Director, Latrae Rahming comes on National television and tells the Bahamian public that the $700 million figure "conflates" the issue and "muddys" the water. But this is the EXACT figure that the Minister of Finance stood up in parliament and told the public.
Even more insulting is the fact that Halkitis said that the government acted on the advice of the Attorney General and they acted on the basis of another piece of legislation, when the National Investment Fund is governed by its OWN legislation (National Investment Funds Act 2022) so why have legislation/regulations and dont use them??
International financial agencies have already said its "mind boggling" the way we manage our finances in The Bahamas. Putting politics aside, we must be very careful to safeguard our International financial reputation.
The minister and the comms director are clearly out of step on this issue, and it raises the question, did the Minister lie to Parliament (the people) ?