Deo Adjuvante, Non Timendum
“With God as My Helper, I Have Nothing to Fear”
By Dr. Kevin Turnquest-Alcena
Nassau, The Bahamas
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” — Winston Churchill
The Bahamian drums are beating, the cowbells are ringing into 2026. The year 2026 represents more than another election cycle; it is a national crossroads.
As Bahamians often say, when “the fat lady sings and gives you the price of the fish,” the debate ends, and reality begins—someone must govern. The true challenge is not only who wins, but what agenda will guide the nation forward. While elections bring speeches and promises, words alone do not deliver progress. The country now requires a people-centered agenda rooted in discipline, accountability, and long-term development.
Reducing the national debt must be a top priority. High debt limits investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services.
As Warren Buffett once said, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” The government must commit to transparent budgeting, responsible borrowing, and improved tax collection.
Auditing government programs, prioritizing high-impact projects, and leveraging public-private partnerships are essential steps toward fiscal sustainability and ensuring every dollar borrowed produces measurable value for the nation.
Crime remains one of the most urgent challenges facing The Bahamas. It threatens public safety, tourism, investment, and social confidence.
Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach including intelligence-led policing, strengthened border security, judicial reform to reduce court backlogs, community policing, youth intervention programs, and rehabilitation services. As Marcus Tullius Cicero said, “The safety of the people shall be the highest law.” Treating crime as both a social and security issue ensures safer communities and stronger national cohesion.
A National Service Programme could further strengthen the nation by promoting discipline, civic responsibility, and workforce readiness among young Bahamians. Participants could serve in disaster response, healthcare, environmental protection, agriculture, technical trades, and community safety. Mahatma Gandhi wisely noted, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Beyond providing skills, the program would reduce youth unemployment, foster civic pride, and build social unity.
Education reform is central to national development. Priorities include early childhood education, teacher training, curriculum updates, and accountability measures. Nelson Mandela emphasized, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” A literate, skilled population drives productivity, innovation, and economic competitiveness, laying the foundation for sustained national growth.
Preparing Bahamians for the digital economy is equally vital. Integrating coding, robotics, AI, and digital entrepreneurship into schools equips students for modern careers and entrepreneurship. Bill Gates observed, “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it.” Partnering with tech firms, universities, and online platforms can provide mentorship and access to advanced resources, ensuring long-term competitiveness.
Public health and wellness must also be prioritized. The Bahamas faces challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Preventive healthcare, nutrition education, community fitness initiatives, and mental health services are critical. Gandhi reminded us, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” A healthier population reduces healthcare costs, improves productivity, and enhances quality of life.
Economic empowerment requires land reform and effective land management. Clear land titles, efficient approvals, and transparent administration encourage investment, reduce disputes, and support sustainable development, particularly in the Family Islands. Aristotle once said, “Land is the basis of all wealth.”
An efficient and accountable public sector is essential. Digitization, performance-based management, retraining programs, and rationalizing structures improve service delivery. As Peter Drucker stated, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” These reforms ensure taxpayers receive value while government operations remain sustainable.
Raising the minimum wage addresses rising living costs and improves social equity. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s principle, “A fair wage for a fair day’s work,” reflects the importance of fair pay in improving living standards, stimulating domestic consumption, and reducing inequality.
Supporting Bahamian investors and entrepreneurs strengthens local ownership and economic resilience. Simplifying investor registration, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, offering tax incentives, and providing mentorship foster innovation and job creation. As Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” A thriving business sector reduces dependence on foreign investment and drives national prosperity.
Economic diversification is critical to reduce vulnerability. While tourism remains important, expansion into financial services, captive insurance, renewable energy, agriculture, digital services, and the creative economy is necessary. Miguel de Cervantes’ wisdom, “Do not put all your eggs in one basket,” highlights the need for multiple growth sectors to ensure stability and opportunity.
Affordable housing and cost-of-living relief remain urgent. Government-subsidized programs, construction incentives, and policy reforms ensure working families can afford safe homes. As an unknown author noted, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”
Modern infrastructure drives national development. Roads, bridges, ports, airports, inter-island transportation, and broadband connectivity enhance trade, mobility, and quality of life. Lily Tomlin’s observation, “The road to success is always under construction,” underscores the ongoing need for investment in infrastructure.
Climate resilience and disaster preparedness are essential. As a small island nation, The Bahamas is highly vulnerable to climate change. Coastal protection, flood mitigation, resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and community awareness safeguard lives and property. The Native American proverb reminds us, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
Finally, good governance and anti-corruption measures underpin national success. Transparency, accountability, and strong institutions ensure public trust. Kofi Annan stated, “Good governance is less about structure and more about behavior.” Ethical leadership and citizen oversight are critical for maintaining confidence and ensuring fair use of national resources.
Countries such as Singapore demonstrate that discipline, efficiency, education, and long-term planning can transform a nation. While The Bahamas cannot replicate another nation entirely, adopting these principles can guide national development and sustainable growth.
As 2026 approaches, the national agenda must move beyond promises and focus on execution, accountability, and measurable results. Addressing crime, debt, education, health, wages, investment, and national service is essential to securing the future of The Bahamas.
A Christmas Message to the Bahamian People: As the year ends, warm wishes go out to the people of The Bahamas. May this season bring peace, reflection, and renewed hope. Merry Christmas, and may the coming year bring unity, progress, and national renewal.
December 20, 2025
