Illegal Immigration Threatens Bahamian Sovereignty and The Bahamas

THE PLAGUE: A CALL TO DEFEND BAHAMIAN SOVEREIGNTY

Illegal migration into The Bahamas has reached a point that can no longer be dismissed, ignored, or politically sanitized.  This is not a problem we can continue to postpone.  It is a national crisis—and crises demand action.

Bahamians need to stop, look around, and ask a simple question:

What happens to a nation that refuses to enforce its own borders and laws?

Walk through places such as the Fish Fry and observe the changing landscape.  Listen to the languages being spoken.  Look at who is operating businesses and who is competing for opportunities.  These changes should force us to confront a difficult reality: our national identity, economic opportunities, and institutions cannot be protected by complacency.

But we must also be honest about who created the conditions that allowed this situation to grow.

The problem is not simply the presence of migrants.  The deeper problem is the corruption, greed, political cowardice, and exploitation that have allowed illegal migration to flourish.  Employers who deliberately seek cheap, exploitable labour are part of the problem.  Officials who compromise the integrity of immigration and citizenship processes are part of the problem.  Anyone who profits while ordinary Bahamians struggle is part of the problem.

For too long, we have tolerated a system in which enforcement can be weakened by money, connections, political interests, and personal gain.

That must end.

THE CURE: NATIONAL COURAGE

The cure begins with us.  We cannot demand national sovereignty while simultaneously selling pieces of it for profit.  We cannot condemn illegal migration while rewarding employers who exploit undocumented workers.  We cannot demand integrity from government while tolerating corruption when it benefits us personally.

The Bahamas belongs to Bahamians — not because we hate anyone else, but because every sovereign nation has the right and responsibility to control its borders, enforce its laws, protect its resources, and determine who is permitted to live and work within 

its territory.

- That means strong borders.

- It means serious enforcement.

It means transparent immigration and citizenship procedures.

- It means holding corrupt officials accountable.

- It means prosecuting employers who knowingly exploit illegal labour.

- It means protecting Bahamian workers and businesses from unfair competition.

And it means refusing to allow political parties, wealthy interests, or compromised officials to place personal gain above national interest.

We have been passive for too long.

Now is the time for Bahamians to demand accountability — not violence, not hatred, and not vigilantism, but lawful, relentless, uncompromising action.

Our national identity is not something we should surrender through neglect.

- Our borders matter.

- Our laws matter.

- Our citizenship matters.

- Our sovereignty matters.

- And Bahamians matter.

The time for excuses is over.

Enforce the law.  Defend the nation.  End the corruption.  Put The Bahamas first.

Source / Comment

The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip 'Brave' Davis and the Challenging Modern Day Mandate of 'Camelot' - Sanctioned by the Bahamian Electorate

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis enters a modern-day 'Camelot' in The Bahamas - ordained by The Bahamian People

By Dr Kevin Alcena 

                            "Camelot"

The legendary kingdom of King Arthur, immortalized in history and literature as a symbol of justice, nobility, wisdom, and enlightened leadership.  At the heart of Camelot stood the Round Table, a revolutionary institution where every knight sat as an equal, regardless of rank, wealth, or social standing.  The Round Table embodied the principles of equality, consultation, accountability, and service to the common good.  Its mandate was simple yet profound: to ensure that leadership was exercised not for personal gain but for the advancement and welfare of the people.

In many respects, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis enters a modern-day Camelot.  His administration has articulated a vision for national progress, economic empowerment, and social development that seeks to improve the lives of Bahamians.  Yet, as he embarks upon this new chapter, he must recognize that the highest calling of leadership is not merely to govern but to empower.  He must become a People’s Prime Minister—one whose policies, decisions, and aspirations are firmly rooted in the interests of the common man and woman.

Leadership has always been measured by service.  As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely observed, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”  The essence of public office is not privilege but responsibility.  It is the solemn duty of a leader to uplift the lives of those whom he serves.

The Bahamian people now look to their Prime Minister to advance a bold and transformative national agenda.  Economic development must remain a central pillar of this vision.  The government must cultivate an environment in which entrepreneurship flourishes and innovation thrives.  Excessive taxation and unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles should not stifle ambition or discourage investment.

Instead, strategic tax exemptions and incentives should be implemented to encourage entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors to create enterprises that generate employment, wealth, and economic opportunity throughout the nation.

A modern Camelot must also embrace the transformative power of technology.  Artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation possess the potential to revolutionize education, healthcare, governance, and commerce.

The digitalization of The Bahamas should not become an additional burden upon citizens and businesses; rather, it should serve as a catalyst for productivity, efficiency, and national competitiveness.  Technology must be harnessed to empower Bahamians, simplify government services, and unlock new avenues of prosperity for future generations.

The philosopher Voltaire understood the weight of leadership and responsibility.  As he famously stated, “With great power comes great responsibility.”  Leadership demands wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.  Likewise, Marcus Garvey declared, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”  As The Bahamas advances into a rapidly changing world, it must preserve its cultural heritage and national identity while simultaneously embracing modernization and progress.

Prime Minister Davis would do well to draw inspiration from King Arthur himself.  Arthur’s greatness did not arise solely from his authority as king but from his capacity to unite diverse individuals around a common purpose.  He valued counsel, encouraged participation, and recognized that leadership was strengthened—not diminished—when others were given a voice.  Through the Round Table, he institutionalized consultation, fairness, and shared responsibility.  These timeless principles remain essential to effective governance today.

The significance of the Round Table extends beyond mythology.  It symbolizes the idea that every citizen deserves a seat at the table of national development.  It reminds leaders that wisdom is not monopolized by the powerful and that the most durable governments are those that listen to their people.  The transition from a good leader to a great leader occurs when leadership evolves from the exercise of power into the empowerment of others.

It is equally imperative to acknowledge the profound historical significance of Prime Minister Brave Davis’s electoral accomplishment.  In securing victory in two consecutive general elections, he achieved a feat that had not been witnessed within the Bahamian political landscape for twenty-four years.

Such an achievement is not merely an electoral triumph; it is a powerful affirmation of public confidence, political legitimacy, and national trust.  The Bahamian electorate has once again vested in him the authority and responsibility to guide the nation through an increasingly complex global environment.

This renewed confidence constitutes what may aptly be described as a contemporary Mandate of Camelot—a covenant between the government and the governed founded upon the principles of prosperity, justice, opportunity, and national advancement.

The electorate has entrusted Prime Minister Davis with the stewardship of the Commonwealth, expecting not only competent administration but visionary leadership capable of transforming challenges into opportunities.

Yet history teaches that great mandates are accompanied by even greater obligations.  Electoral success must transcend political celebration and evolve into meaningful action.

The true measure of statesmanship is not found in the magnitude of victory but in the magnitude of service rendered to the people.  Therefore, this mandate must be utilized to cultivate economic dynamism, stimulate entrepreneurial innovation, accelerate technological modernization, strengthen educational opportunities, and expand pathways to prosperity for all Bahamians.

The legendary King Arthur, whose authority was strengthened by the wisdom of the Round Table rather than the power of the throne alone, Prime Minister Davis must continue to govern through consultation, inclusion, and consensus-building.  He must remain attentive to the aspirations of ordinary Bahamians, ensuring that national development is not concentrated among a privileged few but distributed equitably throughout society.

If Camelot represented the dream of a just and prosperous kingdom, then the modern Bahamas can aspire to become its own Camelot—a nation where opportunity is abundant, leadership is accountable, entrepreneurship is encouraged, technology serves the people, and every citizen has a meaningful stake in the country’s future.

The Bahamian people have bestowed upon Prime Minister Davis a historic mandate.  The challenge before him is to transform that mandate into a legacy.  By embracing the principles of Camelot—justice, equality, consultation, innovation, and service—he can elevate his premiership from one of political success to one of enduring historical significance.  In doing so, he will not simply govern the nation; he will help shape a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient Bahamas for generations to come.

As King Arthur demonstrated centuries ago, true greatness is not measured by authority alone but by the ability to inspire, unite, and empower a people toward a common purpose.  The people have spoken.  The mandate has been granted.  The question now is whether this modern Camelot can fulfill its promise for every Bahamian citizen.

As Prime Minister Davis embarks upon this historic chapter, he would do well to remember the timeless words attributed to King Arthur: “The strength of the kingdom lies not in the crown, but in the people who wear its burdens and share its dreams.”

If he governs with wisdom, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the common man, then his administration may be remembered not merely as a government that won elections, but as one that transformed a nation, expanded opportunity, strengthened democracy, and elevated the aspirations of an entire people.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but where leadership is guided by justice, wisdom, and service, a nation prospers and its people flourish.”  May this Mandate of Camelot be remembered not as a moment of political triumph, but as the beginning of a golden era of national renewal, economic empowerment, and enduring prosperity for all Bahamians.

Source / Comment

Michael Pintard is the Free National Movement (FNM) Problem!

The FNM Has a Michael Pintard Problem!!!!

By James Julmis

The Free National Movement has many problems, but one sits at the centre of them all: Michael Pintard.

After another national rejection, the FNM can no longer pretend that its problem is messaging, timing, money, or machinery.  Those things matter in politics, but leadership sits above all of them.  A party can recover from bad strategy.  A party can recover from poor campaign planning.  A party can recover from division.  What it cannot easily recover from is a leader the public has already decided against.

That is the political burden Michael Pintard now carries.

The Bahamian people have listened to him.  They have watched him.  They have measured him.  They have seen him in Parliament, on the campaign trail, in press conferences, and in moments when serious leadership was required.  Their answer has been clear.  They have declined to follow him.

That is the hard truth the FNM must now face.

Pintard has struggled to connect with ordinary Bahamians because he often sounds like a man speaking at people rather than with them.  His politics feels rehearsed, distant, and overly calculated.  He talks about the people, but he has failed to make the people feel that he truly knows their daily lives, their pressures, their fears, and their hopes.

Politics is about trust.  It is about whether people can look at a leader and say, “That person understands me.”  With Pintard, too many Bahamians see performance without connection.  They see volume without warmth.  They see criticism without comfort.  They see ambition without a clear reason to believe.

This is why the FNM has a Pintard problem.

The party may want to blame the PLP.  It may want to blame the timing of the election.  It may want to blame the media, the voters, or the national mood.  But none of that changes the result.  The public looked at the choice placed before them and decided that Michael Pintard was unready to lead the country.

That judgment cannot be brushed aside.

The FNM must ask itself a serious question: if Michael Pintard could not persuade the country after years in opposition, after repeated opportunities to define himself, and after a campaign built around removing the government, what evidence is there that the public will suddenly see him differently?

There comes a point when a party must stop protecting a leader from political reality.

Pintard’s weakness is deeper than one election cycle.  It is about temperament, image, connection, and credibility.  He has never found a language that reaches beyond the FNM base.  He has never fully settled the question of who he is as a national leader.  He has never made Bahamians feel that he carries the emotional weight of the country.

That is why he remains limited.

The Bahamian people may disagree with the government on issues.  They may complain about the cost of living, crime, bureaucracy, and the pressure of daily life.  But disagreement with the government does automatically become support for the opposition.  The FNM assumed public frustration would be enough. It was wrong.

People may want better.  That does not mean they want Pintard.

This is the central failure of his leadership.  He has been unable to turn public concern into public confidence.  He has been unable to turn criticism of the government into belief in himself.  He has been unable to make the FNM feel like a government-in-waiting.

That is a personal political failure.

The FNM must now decide whether it wants to keep managing Pintard’s image or begin rebuilding the party.  It cannot do both.  A party serious about renewal must be honest about why the public pulled away.  It must listen to what the country has already said.

Bahamians have made their judgment.

They do not see Michael Pintard as the answer.

And until the FNM accepts that, it will continue to confuse movement with progress, noise with leadership, and opposition with readiness.

The FNM has a Michael Pintard problem.

The longer it denies it, the longer it will remain exactly where the Bahamian people have placed it: in opposition.

Source / Comment

It's Every Bahamian Duty to Keep The Bahamas Safe

Bahamians Demand and Deserve a Safer Bahamas

Dr. Duane Sands, Chairman of The Free National Movement: The Duty to Keep Bahamians Safe Endures

Last year’s reduction in murders is welcome news in a country that has felt the heavy toll of violent crime.  Any reduction in murder matters, and every life saved matters.  But no Bahamian believes that a single statistic means the work is done.

We can acknowledge progress and still be clear-eyed about reality.  Bahamians want to feel safe walking home, sending their children to school, and going about their daily lives without fear.  That remains the standard by which success must be measured.

A decline in murders, while important, does not on its own mean we have a safer society.  Crime trends can shift quickly if the underlying system remains weak.

Even the Minister of National Security has acknowledged the need to study where crimes occur, when they occur, and who is affected.  That analysis must lead to action because public safety is built on execution, not explanations.

What Bahamians are asking for now is clarity and follow-through: clear priorities, clear timelines, and clear results.  Too often, crime plans are announced but not fully delivered, leaving communities frustrated and victims underserved.

That is why the Free National Movement has put forward a comprehensive 10-point plan to address crime.  Our plan is not a slogan and not a copy.

It is a correction, and focuses on tougher, smarter policing, faster justice, and a public health approach that works to prevent violence before it spreads.  It calls for stronger enforcement against gangs and illegal firearms, improved intelligence-led policing, modern forensic capacity, and real accountability across the justice system.

Any serious crime strategy must also confront sexual violence head-on.  Reported sexual offences continue to rise, disproportionately affecting women and children.  Protecting them must be central to national security.

Laws alone are not enough.  Survivors must be supported, believed, and protected, and cases must move quickly through the system.  The continued absence of a national forensic lab, leaving victims waiting months for DNA testing, is unacceptable.

Public confidence also depends on capacity.  Visible policing, adequate manpower, modern tools, and an efficient court system are essential if gains are to be sustained.  Without them, progress risks being temporary.

Bahamians do not want a victory lap.  They want solutions.  If murders are trending down, that is a positive step.  But safety cannot be seasonal, and it cannot depend on short-term measures.  The duty to keep Bahamians safe endures, and it demands serious leadership, real investment, and decisive action.

A National Agenda for The Bahamas

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

Source / Comment

Rick Fox is not hiding in The Bahamas

The Future of The Bahamas

Bahamians Deserve More Than Silence

Many have asked: Which party are you joining  None.  Not yet.

Not because I'm undecided but because silence is still masquerading as governance.

People Are Worried

An estimated 350,000 Haitian nationals face the termination of Temporary Protected Status in the United States in the coming months.

People are already worried. They're just afraid to ask.

When decisions of that scale are announced, nations in the region have a right to ask what preparedness looks like.  Not because panic is inevitable, but because planning is responsible.

What does the US Government know that they aren't telling us?

What does The Bahamas Government know that they haven't shared?

Why the rush?  Why the silence?  What's coming?

These questions don't undermine national security.  They strengthen public trust.

Urgency Without Explanation Breeds Distrust.

Last week, Parliament passed a Smuggling of Migrants Act at lightning speed.

Urgency?  Absolutely. Sovereignty matters. Preparedness matters.  But transparency matters too.

We are a nation of 400,000 citizens.  What happens when 350,000 asylum seekers need a place to go?  When does enforcement begin?  What are the routes?  What guarantees that The Bahamas won't become a spillover zone?

What troubled many Bahamians - was not that action was taken, but that it was taken with minimal public briefing, no visible capacity assessment, and little dialogue about downstream impact.

When governments move quickly but refuse to explain their thinking, citizens have every right to ask why.  That silence doesn't calm people.  It unsettles them.

The Pattern Is Repeated With Our Elections.

This same silence appears again most troublingly in how we approach our elections.

Since the by-election, I have asked every party the same questions.  We are still waiting.

Will you commit to a National Day of Voting so no Bahamian has to choose between democracy and survival?

Will you increase transparency in ballot handling and counting so trust is earned, not demanded?

Will you guarantee secret, secure, verified votes?  One person, one vote, one time.

Will you commit to addressing these issues before calling the next general election?

These aren't partisan requests.

They are baseline requirements for trust.

What is concerning is not disagreement on their part, it is refusal to even engage -  on borders and on ballots.   On what matters most their silence can no longer be the answer.

Why I Haven't Chosen a Party?

I won't offer loyalty to a system that treats transparency as a threat.  I won't choose sides when neither side is willing to state its position.

This is not avoidance - it is accountability.

I have been open about my interest in serving.  I have been honest about my questions, my values, and the seriousness with which I am approaching this moment.

I am not hiding.  I am listening.  I am learning.

And I am doing this the way I have approached every arena I've competed in sports, business, entertainment:

Be open. Be honest.  Be inquisitive.  Be willing to learn how to win without losing your principles.

A New Path Forward

Today, I am launching The Bahamas Future Movement.  Not a political party.  A civic platform - nonpartisan and uncompromising.

One mission: forcing transparency where silence has taken hold.

We will:

1. Give Bahamians a voice loud enough to be heard

2. Hold every party accountable before votes are cast

3. Make transparency the price of seeking power

I am investing one million dollars of my own money to build this movement.

No donors and no strings; accountable only to the Bahamian people.

The Challenge

To every political party and leader:

Tell us where you stand on election integrity.

Tell us your plan for border preparedness.

Tell us what you know and what you don't.

Publicly - clearly and now.

The moment any party answers these questions in good faith, I will listen and I will engage.  I will work together for the future of our country.

When I do choose, it will be where transparency has the best chance to lead.

Until then, I stand with the people demanding answers not with a system that hides behind silence.

Join Us

If you are ready to serve, to ask hard questions, and to help build a future rooted in trust join us.

Our leaders can break their silence, or citizens will build something strong enough that silence no longer works.

The Bahamas Future Movement Starts Now

https://www.bahamasfuturemovement.com

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The Bahamas Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs L. Ryan Pinder, KC on the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025

The purpose of the Smuggling of Migrants Bill 2005 is not to change who is allowed to stay in The Bahamas.  Its purpose is to give us sharper tools to go after the criminal smugglers who profit from exploiting desperate people and who add to the number of people in our country, The Bahamas - without a legal right to be here...

 

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs L. Ryan Pinder, KC

Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025

4 December 2025

 

 

As many of you know, several weeks ago, on October 15th, a bill to strengthen our country’s fight against human smuggling was tabled in the House of Assembly.

The proposed legislation has been publicly available online since it was tabled, as is standard for this administration.

With the bill due to be debated in the coming days, discussion regarding the legislation has increased, and we thought it might be helpful, in advance of the debate, to provide Bahamians with information about the changes proposed in the bill, as well as the context and rationales for those changes.

The clear and unequivocal goal of the bill is to reduce human smuggling activity in our country and to thereby reduce the number of migrants in The Bahamas, by criminalizing and increasing penalties for a wide range of activities associated with smuggling.

Migrant smuggling is a heinous crime that exposes vulnerable individuals to deception, abuse, and dangerous conditions.  Without a strong legal framework, criminal networks and enterprises operate with impunity, placing lives at risk and undermining our national security.  The Bill strengthens our ability to hold smugglers accountable as it introduces stiff penalties for those who would exploit the vulnerable for profit.

Under the new law:

...if you procure false documents for migrants;

...if you assist with their entry into our country;

...if you help them pass through our country;

...if your boat or plane is used to transport them;

....if you hide them;

....if you help them stay here;

...if you facilitate or benefit from human smuggling in any way...

...you will be more likely to face prosecution and more likely to suffer significantly harsher consequences.

Every individual who seeks to profit from human suffering and smuggling - while endangering our country and our people - should know that the odds that engaging in the smuggling business will ruin their lives are about to increase dramatically.  New penalties include fines of $300,000 and prison sentences of 15 years.

Until now, prosecutors pursuing smuggling charges have been forced to patch together different provisions from the Penal Code and from Customs and Immigrations laws – the new law closes gaps and loopholes and provides a clearer and more robust set of rules to establish illegality and to increase punishment.

Strengthening and updating the tools we use to better fight criminal networks is something we’ve had to do nearly continually throughout our history.

Our country occupies not only the most beautiful stretch of ocean in the world, but one of the most strategic – for at least five hundred years, these hundreds of thousands of square miles of waters have included vital shipping routes, linking peoples and nations and empires.  The same geography that makes us a critical corridor for legitimate trade and travel has also made us vulnerable to illicit activity.

With more than 700 islands and cays, and hundreds of thousands of miles of territory – but a small population, with limited resources – surveillance and enforcement have long been a challenge.

But all Bahamians should know that we have made historic progress in recent years, under the Prime Minister’s leadership -- he has prioritized substantial investments in new technology, in surveillance and enforcement assets, in robust recruitment and professional training, and in strengthening critical partnerships.

I note that the Prime Minister has skillfully strengthened our strategic and operational partnerships while still standing up for our sovereignty; at the 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, he resisted considerable pressure to sign a declaration that 20 countries in our region did sign, because he insisted our country could not bear the burden of accepting migrants or refugees.

The progress we’re making now is the result of great effort and coordinated collaboration.  The Commodore, and the Commissioner, and the men and women they lead, have made the most of their expanded capabilities, and significantly strengthened our borders – we have seen, for example, a dramatic increase in the apprehension of smugglers and migrants before they make landfall.  It is notable that our gains have come even as economic, political, and humanitarian crises in Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela have led, in recent years, to an extraordinary number of their citizens attempting to flee, with many attempting to reach the United States via our waters.

This brings us to another critical reason for the new bill – the new bill improves our capacity to partner with the Trump Administration and the United States, and with other regional partners, including:

• New ways (via Protocol) to share information quickly about smugglers and suspicious boats;

• Clear legal authority for our officers to work with partners at sea, including on foreign-flag boats;

• And - guidance for how our Defence Force and Police can safely stop, check, and even take control of boats when smuggling is suspected – even outside our own waters, in some circumstances.

The passage of this Bill will put us among respected international partners, like the United States and other nations, who recognize the urgency of addressing the crime collectively and responsibly, and will strengthen both our national response and our global partnerships and standing in the world.

Smugglers work across borders, so law enforcement has to as well – the new law makes it easier to team up, share evidence, and run joint patrols with our partners.

As I conclude, I want to address some concerns that have been raised.

I know some Bahamians are asking – what does this mean for our country?  Are the rights of migrants changing?  These are fair questions, that deserve clear answers.

The bill we tabled did not give migrants any new right to enter The Bahamas, to remain in The Bahamas, or to receive any legal status in The Bahamas.  It did not take away any power that we have under the Immigration Act to arrest, detain, charge, or remove people who are here in breach of our laws.

The purpose of the bill is not to change who is allowed to stay.  Its purpose is to give us sharper tools to go after the criminal smugglers who profit from exploiting desperate people and who add to the number of people in our country without a legal right to be here.

The bill does make clear that migrants should not be treated as smugglers under this law, just because they are on the same boat.  Without more evidence, we would not charge the migrant with smuggling.

But they can still be detained, charged with immigration offences, and deported in accordance with our existing immigration laws.  Nothing in the bill removes or weakens those powers.

The bill says that migrants are entitled to humane treatment – entitled to safety, dignity, and nonrefoulement—which means not sending people directly back into serious harm.  This has caused some people to ask whether new “rights” are being created.

That is not the case.  To reiterate - these provisions do not give anyone a right to be granted status or to remain in The Bahamas.

What they do is say that when we intercept a vessel or process a group of migrants, our officers must ensure:

• that people are not subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment;

• that vulnerable persons—such as children, pregnant women, and people with serious medical needs—are identified and handled with care; and

• that returns and repatriations are carried out in an orderly and safe manner.

This is not about changing who can stay.  It is about how our officers conduct themselves while enforcing the law.

We can enforce our laws without abandoning our basic humanity on the high seas or in our detention facilities.  That balance is not new; it has been the practice of our Defence Force for years.

The legal guidance we received is that this articulation of how migrants should be treated, which is consistent with obligations that already exist, does not grant any new rights or entitlements.  But we understand that the concerns that it does are sincere.

This is not difficult to address.  We intend to amend the bill to remove any ambiguity or uncertainty on the point.

We all pray that conditions in other countries improve, and that the flow of migrants slows – but while we pray for the best outcome, we prepare for the worst, and that includes not only expanding our technical and resource capacity but strengthening our laws so we can better prosecute and punish those participating or assisting in any way with the terrible crimes associated with human smuggling.

The bill provides stronger tools for law enforcement, and harsher punishment for criminals – if you want fewer people in our country illegally, you will want to support this bill.

The Bahamas Ailing Healthcare System

The Failing Healthcare System of The Bahamas

Dr. Duane Sands, Chairman of the Free National Movement:  "Silencing Truth in Healthcare"

Last week, I was deeply disturbed to learn that Nurse Pearl Williams, a respected healthcare professional with more than four decades of service at Princess Margaret Hospital, was suspended for doing what too many are afraid to do: speak the truth.

After 44 years of caring for Bahamians, Nurse Williams went public with an emotional plea to Prime Minister Philip Davis, describing the dire state of our nation's main public hospital: leaky roofs, rodent infestations, medical supply shortages, and exhausted staff stretched far beyond their limits.  Her message was not one of politics but of pain; the pain of seeing the system she has served her entire life collapsing around her.

Rather than confront the truth, the Public Hospitals Authority chose to suspend Nurse Williams.

But the problems Nurse Williams spoke of did not appear overnight.  They are the result of years of neglect under this PLP administration, a government that came to office promising to fix healthcare but has failed to deliver.

While facilities across the country crumble, the Davis Administration has chosen to borrow more than $200 million from the Chinese to build a new hospital instead of repairing and upgrading the ones we already have.  Theychase ribbon-cuttings and photo opportunities while nurses work double shifts, supplies run short, and patients suffer in silence.

The Free National Movement has repeatedly warned that our healthcare system is decaying from the inside.  We have called for, and continue to demand, a comprehensive national audit of all public hospitals, a timeline for critical infrastructure repairs, better pay and training for nurses, and a real plan to upgrade facilities from Grand Bahama to Inagua.  These are not partisan demands; they are the bare minimum that a responsible government owes to its people.

The FNM believes that those who care for our citizens deserve respect, not retribution. Nurse Williams spoke not just for herself, but for countless others: nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who are tired of broken promises, unsafe conditions, and a government more interested in managing headlines than solving problems.

We stand firmly with her, and with every Bahamian demanding dignity, accountability, and action in healthcare.  The truth is this: our healthcare system is failing, our workers are crying out, and our people deserve better.

It is time to stop punishing those who speak up and start fixing what's broken.  The Free National Movement will continue to fight for a healthcare system worthy of the Bahamian people, one that values its Workers, protects its patients, and delivers care with competence and compassion.

FREE NATIONAL MOVEMENT 144 MACKEY STREET, P.O. BOX N-10713 | NASSAU, N.P, THE BAHAMAS

(242) 393-7853

November 9, 2025

Where are We on The National Salary Review for Public Servants in The Bahamas?

The Bahamas Prime Minister Answers: Here’s where we are.  The national salary review is complete, and tonight it will be made public.  While the review did not include every category of public servants, the same methodology will be applied to ensure increases are extended across the wider public service.  This includes our teachers, whose hard work and dedication continue to shape the future of this nation.

It’s the most comprehensive review of public service pay in decades.  It examines every grade, every scale, every allowance, and every increment.  It looks at the impact of inflation, at fairness between professions, and at how we can modernize pay across the public service.

The findings show that since coming to office in 2021, public officers have received salary increases every year, and that entry-level workers, the ones earning the least, have benefited the most with the consistency and regularity of their reassessments, salary adjustments, and increments, ensuring that these officers received their due in a structured, timely way, after many years of delay.

We did this because we made a decision to put workers first.  Some have asked about the delay.

The delay was not a cash flow problem.  It was an administrative process, making sure the new salary adjustments for more than fifteen thousand public officers were accurate, fair, and done right the first time.  I am satisfied we have resolved the issue, and I want to reassure every public servant that you will be paid before Christmas.

The union leaders have to do their jobs, to represent their members.  But I have to do mine, to represent all Bahamians.

My responsibility is not only to one group, but to every citizen who depends on a strong, stable country.

Some have asked what the grievance really is.  There is no grievance here.  The grandstanding and public drama do not change the fact that this Government is paying workers as promised.  So the question must be asked, is the objection to the fact that we are paying?  Surely, no one can object to fairness being delivered.

There is a proper procedure for filing grievances, and that process is always available.  But let’s be clear, this situation is not about a grievance.  It is about the Government doing what is right by its workers.

Before they can be members of any union, they are first employees of The Government of The Bahamas.  That is why I am speaking directly to you tonight, because not all public officers are union members, but every single one of you serves this nation.  You deserve to hear from your Prime Minister directly.

Workers should always be beneficiaries of our negotiations but never pawns when we disagree.  When politics, personal ambition, or theatrics replace genuine advocacy, it is the workers who suffer, and I will never allow that to happen.

I know that progress is still needed for some categories of workers, and we are continuing to review those cases.  We are not finished, but we are further along than we have been in a very long time.

We may have differences in approach in looking after workers, but our common goal must always be the same, to improve the lives of Bahamian workers.  That is what binds us, and that is what should guide us forward.

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Bahamians Killed in Haiti

Reports of Two Bahamians Killed in Haiti

Two Jamacians Drown in Haitian Waters

13TH JULY 2025, 9:25 PM. Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas

The Ministry has received, via our Embassy in Port au Prince unconfirmed reports that two Bahamians were killed in Haiti.  The report from Île de la Tortue today is that three Bahamian males and a Jamaican male, while on a speed boat, were shot at by unknown persons, which resulted in two of the males being killed and another hospitalized. One male remains unaccounted for.

The Brigade de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupéfiants (BLTS), which is the counternarcotics unit of the Haitian National Police (HNP) has confirmed that today, July 13th, 2025, “under the leadership of Acting Superintendent Jeir Pierre, the Port-de-Paix police and prosecutor’s office intercepted a rowboat heavily laden with drugs.  The result: two Jamaicans drowned, one body in the morgue, and a Bahamian in custody.  The BLTS seized more than 90 kg of cocaine.  Several other suspicious boats are believed to be still at large.  A first in the history of the Northwest.”

The Ministry is communicating with the official and relevant authorities in Haiti and will continue to monitor and provide updated information.

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The Bahamas Government Advises Bahamians to Avoid Travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Bahamians are advised not to travel to Israel under any circumstances (including the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem in particular

16 June 2025 – Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas

SUMMARY

Avoid all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories.  This advisory contains important information regarding the current security situation in Israel.  Bahamians are advised not to travel to Israel under any circumstances (including the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem in particular).  The Ministry encourages all Bahamians who are travelling or living abroad to register here.  If you are in urgent need of consular assistance, please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.

SECURITY ALERT

There are ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The situation has escalated with an increase in drones, missiles and other projectiles target strikes in Israel.  Further attacks are likely to occur imminently. Interceptions can produce falling military debris in Israel (in particular Jerusalem and the West Bank).

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A nationwide state of emergency is currently in effect in Israel.  Ben Gurion International Airport is closed.  All flights to and from Israel are cancelled until further notice.  Borders are closed or there are restrictions of movement.  Updates are provided by Israel’s Home Front Command here or you may call 104.

ADVICE TO BAHAMIANS IN ISRAEL, LEBANON, SYRIA AND EGYPT

Bahamians who are presently in Israel or any of the surrounding states, are advised to:

- monitor local media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation

- follow the instructions of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation or shelter in place orders, which can be updated at short or no notice

- identify the location of the closest bomb shelter

- shelter in a hardened structure when air raid warning sirens are active

- move away immediately and contact local authorities if you encounter an unexploded ordnance, military debris or fragments, or any suspicious object

- ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date

ADVICE TO BAHAMIANS IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

If you are in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and are unable to access the Home Front Command website, Please call the Palestinian Civil Defence at 102 or here.

Last updated 16 June 2025

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