In the 2021 election, the Coalition of Independents made a headline-grabbing promise–$100,000 for every Bahamian. It was bold and grandiose, and for many, hard to reconcile with the economic reality of the country.
The elaborate figure floated publicly by its leader, Lincoln Bain, was staggering, estimated to be $40 billion in total for the country.
Heading into the 2026 election, Bain is offering something different, but also ambitious—Crown land for every eligible Bahamian, with legislation promised within the first 100 days in office.
So the question is how it connects to what was promised before.
For some Bahamians, it raises questions about Bain’s credibility and if it is feasible, while others, particularly COI supporters, see this as an evolution.
Where would the land come from, how would it be distributed, what qualifies someone as eligible, and how quickly could something of this scale realistically be delivered to Bahamians? are many questions being asked.
Voters are now asking what happened to the $100,000 promise and whether it still stands.
Big promises are not new in politics, and particularly around election time. They often speak to real frustrations about the cost of living, access to opportunities, and a desire for change. And for a third party, bold promises like these can be a way to break through a political system long dominated by two major parties.
As the election approaches, the COI faces a familiar challenge of turning these big ideas into believable plans.