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Scroll through the Facebook pages of the candidates from the Progressive Liberal Party and you may notice something unusual: all of them are posting nearly identical messages celebrating the government’s handling of the Grand Bahama Port Authority arbitration dispute.

The posts praise the leadership of Prime Minister Philip Davis, framing the arbitration ruling involving the GBPA as a major victory for the government. In several cases, the wording is almost exactly the same — congratulating Davis, describing his leadership as “decisive” and “courageous” and characterizing the moment as “pivotal in our nation’s history.”

So why the uniform message?

In an election season, the party has seemingly circulated the suggested talking points to candidates to ensure everyone communicates the same core message to the public—Davis won against GBPA.

The government had argued that the Grand Bahama Port Authority owed it $357 million, which it said represented reimbursement under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement for administrative services the state provides within the Port area.

However, the arbitration tribunal rejected the Davis administration’s claim for the $357 million. At the same time, the panel determined that the government is entitled to administrative payments following annual reviews under the terms of the agreement, as revised in 1994.

By repeating the same message of a ‘win’ across multiple candidates’ pages, the PLP is ensuring that voters hear a consistent narrative, that the government stood firm and successfully defended the country’s interests.

It is also a digital campaign strategy. When multiple candidates post similar messages, the narrative spreads faster across networks of supporters, with hopes to shape public perception.

Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard has highlighted the PLP’s attempt to spin the narrative. Critics may view identical posts as evidence of political spin or scripting rather than candidate independent voices.

With an election on the horizon, controlling the narrative can be just as important as the ruling itself.

When the arbitration ruling between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority was delivered, one figure stood out—$357 million.

That was the amount the Davis administration previously said was owed to the people of the Bahamas. The tribunal dismissed that reimbursement claim.

Yet in the Prime Minister’s national address on Tuesday, that number was not the headline.

Instead, the focus was on what the government described as historic gains, affirmation of the government’s authority to govern Freeport and confirmation of its right to payments under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement until 2054.

So why emphasize those points and not the dismissed claim?

Part of the answer lies in political communication, particularly in a political season.

An election can be called at any moment, and parties are already campaigning. In this political environment, every major development is viewed not only through a legal lens but also through a political one.

Governments rarely center their messaging around setbacks during campaign season. They highlight wins, long-term implications, and areas where leadership appears strong and decisive.

From the administration’s perspective, the arbitration may have been about clarifying power and resetting the balance between the government and the Port Authority. On governance questions, the ruling appears to have strengthened the government’s position.

At the same time, the dismissal of the $357 million claim is significant. It was a specific financial assertion made public in 2024.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard framed the outcome as a failure on the claim, arguing that arbitration was costly and did not deliver the promised reimbursement.

In election season, legal nuance often competes with political narrative.

Was this primarily about money, authority, or leverage? Voters may interpret the ruling differently depending on which element they consider most important.

As the Bahamas approaches a general election, a series of financial strains across the public sector suggests that the government’s kitty is running low.

The National Health Insurance Authority has acknowledged that its growth has outpaced its resources. CEO Christy Young-Butler said the scheme has added as many as 20,000 beneficiaries annually at certain points, while its budget has remained largely stagnant. Payment delays to doctors and laboratories have persisted for months.

At the Public Hospitals Authority, an internal memo revealed that the overtime budget was exhausted as early as September 2025. Overtime payments required senior approval before processing, a move that signals tighter spending controls. Minister of Health Michael Darville intervened and promised overtime payments would be paid.

Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson confirmed that the union has rejected the government’s counterproposal in negotiations for a new industrial agreement. While details of the offer were not immediately disclosed, the rejection signals that the offer was not satisfactory, and resolution is not imminent.

Meanwhile, the Police Staff Association says discussions over insurance, allowances, and salary adjustments have yielded no progress, adding to the perception of stalled financial commitments.

Collectively, these developments paint a picture of cash flow pressure at a politically sensitive time.

If frontline workers, medical providers, and law enforcement officers are publicly highlighting delayed payments or budget exhaustion, this can indicate fiscal strain beneath the surface.

Public sector unions represent thousands of voters, and unresolved salary disputes can quickly become political pressure.

For the Progressive Liberal Party, an election fought amid questions about whether the treasury is stretched could complicate its messaging around progress and stability.

When a by-election is called in the Bahamas, many people expect it to shake up Parliament or send a strong message to the government. But history shows something different. More often than not, the governing party wins.

Here’s why:

1. The ‘power of incumbency’

The governing party controls the machinery of state: the various ministries and the budgets.

And in the lead-up to a by-election, constituencies experience sudden road repairs, community clean-ups, street lights fixed, park upgrades and new social assistance grants.

These visible improvements become closely associated with the party in power. And voters may feel, “If they are doing this now, imagine what more they can do if we support them.”

2. Voters may not want to ‘fight the Government’

A by-election does not change the government but only replaces one member of parliament.

Many Bahamians may ask: Will my constituency be penalised or ignored if I vote against the government? And who will be able to bring more resources to the community?

So voters may decide that it is better to stay with the government, so the area is not left out.

This mindset benefits the governing party.

3. Turnout is usually low, which favours the government

By-elections typically attract fewer voters than general elections.

Who usually has the strongest ground game, money, and transportation on election day mostly wins

The government party can mobilise known supporters by providing rides and spending more on outreach.

Meanwhile, frustration or voter apathy can keep swing and opposition voters home.

So the results may not reflect the national mood but just who decided to show up.

4. By-elections are not ‘protest votes’ like other countries

In some countries, voters use by-elections to punish the government. But in The Bahamas, by-elections are often viewed as one constituency vote and not worth ‘rocking the boat’.

Without the power to change the prime minister or government, many people do not see the point in making a statement.

Darron Pickstock’s win in the Golden Isles by-election highlights a strong moment for the PLP and raises questions for the FNM as both parties look ahead to the next general election.

Click here to watch Darron Pickstock’s victory speech.

The big picture

The by-election, held after the death of former MP Vaughn Miller, was regarded as a litmus test for the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Pickstock secured 1,842 votes to Brian Brown of the Free National Movement’s (FNM) 1,629, giving him a margin of about 213 votes. Turnout was low.

Pickstock, a former senator, campaigned on a detailed 10-point plan focused on infrastructure, community development and youth programs.

What it means

The win gives validation for the PLP, giving them momentum ahead of the general election.

His ten-point plan directly addressed Golden Isles’ needs — roads, drainage, transport, youth engagement — which suggests voters responded to his concrete promises.

Pickstock’s win was narrow, which shows Brian Brown for the FNM remains competitive in the constituency. For the FNM, this loss could be a sign that more work is needed in strategy and messaging.

What’s at stake

Both parties will use this by-election as a gauge. Pickstock’s win strengthens the PLP, and Brown’s loss puts more pressure on its leadership team to deliver.

Pickstock now faces the challenge of meeting his promises. If he does not deliver, the FNM could reclaim ground.

Mobilising voters remains a major factor. How each party activates its base in Golden Isles will matter going forward.

What the Opposition is saying

Brown said he will continue the work in the community, and his office will remain open, feeding five hundred people for Thanksgiving.

“Thank you, Golden Isles,” he said with hands in the air.

Michael Pintard called the loss “a journey” and “a setback”, but the party will go on.

“This was a close race, and we fell just a bit short…There is a lot more work to be done in this country. This is but one leg to provide better governance for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The finish line is in sight. FNMs do not fold; we don’t faint. We will reevaluate, refocus, retool. We will be ready for the big dance, for the general election.”

He committed to inspiring voters who did not show up at the polls, highlighting corruption in government, the dire state of the healthcare system and rising crime.

Quoting the line of a popular song, Pintard said to FNMs, “Don’t worry about a thing because everything will be alright.”

The bottom line

Pickstock’s win boosts the PLP, perhaps, strengthens their mandate, and puts pressure on the FNM to recalibrate ahead of the general election, which could be called early.

Pickstock now has to deliver on his promises, and both parties must stay deeply engaged in Golden Isles if they want to maintain or change the political landscape.

In the wake of recent events that have shaken the foundations of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the eyes of the nation are fixated on new Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles, tapped for the post after the resignation of Clayton Fernander, in the wake of a U.S. indictment of a chief superintendent and a sergeant of the organization.

The question is whether Knowles can steer the RBPF toward trust, integrity, and efficacy.

Knowles, a veteran with over 33 years of service, has held a leadership role within the RBPF. Her time has been marked by management of the sexual offenses squad and the Trafficking in Person squad, with her diverse experience across various divisions of the RBPF, including the Criminal Investigations Department and the National Crime Prevention Office.

Is she a competent candidate to lead the force in these turbulent times?

The challenges ahead are tough and tempestuous.

The indictment that led to the resignation of Fernander has cast a shadow over the RBPF, raising concerns about systemic corruption and the integrity of law enforcement in the Bahamas.

The public’s trust was eroded when another chief superintendent was placed on leave in June after audio recordings of collusion with criminals in an airport heist were circulated on social media. These instances add to years of allegations from the public about corruption in the organization.

Restoring trust will require not only a change in leadership but a noticeable shift in the culture of the police force.

Knowles’ approach to policing, characterized by community outreach and a focus on crime prevention, could be the key to transforming the public’s perspective of the RBPF.

She has a history as its liaison officer which suggests she has strong communication skills useful in building transparency that could in turn be instrumental in rebuilding confidence in the force.

As the first woman poised to lead the RBPF, Knowles also represents a break from tradition and hopefully inspires a new generation of officers committed to decent and ethical service.

Her appointment offers a chance to redefine the values and vision of the RBPF.

The task is Herculean. The road ahead for Knowles and the RBPF will undoubtedly be fraught with obstacles. We can only hope Knowles has the fortitude, judgment, and moral compass to guide the organization into a new era of policing where integrity is non-negotiable, community relations are paramount, and the badge is worn with honor, untainted by corruption.

Only time will tell.

An embattled Bahamian entrepreneur Toby Smith condemned the government, irked that Prime Minister Philip Davis and his government favor foreign investors over Bahamian investors.

“Foreign all the way. When last did you announce support for any Bahamian-owned stores, wholesalers, retailers, bonefish camps, lodges, boutiques, [and] Bahamian-owned resorts? In fact, anything Bahamian owned?” a furious Smith asked in a social media post. He referred to the government’s signing of a $550 million Heads of Agreement with foreign developers on Monday for a new luxury resort in Faith Cave Cay, Exuma, which comes after a recent signing of other Heads of Agreement for $25 million for a boutique in the island chain. The signings come on the heel of the government’s decision to grant Crown Land to Royal Caribbean International (RCI) for its $100 million beach club project, which Smith says he has a lease. Smith has been in a long battle with the government for the property located on the western end of Paradise Island for the development of his Paradise Island Light and Beach Club. But Chief Justice Ian Winder recently ruled that he does not have claim to the land because it was never executed.

Davis supported Smith while in opposition but has since changed his view after winning the seat of government, now granting RCI approval to develop the land.

One of Davis’ cabinet ministers, Glenys Hanna-Martin said she still opposes the RCI project and has come out in support of Smith as developers prepare to break ground, “almost immediately.” She stands by her statement when she accused the Minnis administration in 2021 of “kicking a Bahamian developer to the curb” in favor of the cruise line.

Smith said he was proud of Hanna-Martin’s support for his project, “and not being a hypocrite but staying true to her word.”

Hanna-Martin’s opinion goes against cabinet procedures and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard has called for her resignation since cabinet ministers are expected to present a unified front based on the West Minister’s principle of collective responsibility. But Davis hit back expressing “full confidence” in Hanna-Martin, adding that she did not violate the ministerial code.

Smith then lashed out at Davis in another social media post, “On the defensive! Lay with dogs, pick up fleas.”

Davis requested that Smith resubmit an application for his project.

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe is among the newly appointed members in Prime Minister Philip Davis’ cabinet and that’s troubling.

His appointment has raised eyebrows since Munroe is a criminal defense lawyer who has gained a reputation for protecting society’s worst.

His career has complicated matters for the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Munroe and his partner, Jomo Campbell, the new Minister of State for Legal Affairs have defended notorious gang leaders and murderers who terrorize the Bahamian society.

Criminals often obtain the services of Munroe and Campbell while being investigated by police for killings. The outcome is usually an acquittal and they are released to commit other killings. And the pattern continues.

Munroe’s name has become synonymous with the representation of hardened criminals.

He has publicly criticized the police force and its duty to carry out law and order.

However, Davis lauded Munroe at the swearing-in ceremony, saying he will “bring balance and fairness to the way the state interacts with the people.”

Munroe said he will waste no time to push for inquests into police shootings.

“A speedy system benefits not only the families who say something went wrong but officers whose careers may be languished and held up while these matters drag on and that will be a matter I will be discussing,” he told reporters after the ceremony.

Reports are that Munroe’s relationship with the Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle is quite frosty due to his prior stands and criticisms levied at the organization.

In a social media post, some members of the public have expressed concerns regarding the appointment of Munroe as National Security Minister.

Cherneka Brown said, “He helps criminals out of jail and now the minister of national security…?

Brent Gibson said, “Gangsterism, who makes a criminal lawyer, a national security minister?”

Liz Jones said, “He will bring strife and turmoil to the police force and other security forces.”

It will be interesting to see how Munroe carries out his duty as the minister with responsibility for national security, his answers for the plaguing crime problem, and whether or not he can balance his relationship and defense of criminals with the rules and laws that govern the country.

As House Speaker Halson Moultrie awaits for government to address a litany of concerns at his office, such as no running water, no bathroom facility, a leaking roof, and the presence of moulds, the public shows no pity.

In recent days, House Speaker Halson Moultrie decried the condition at his office, warning that if the government does not address his concerns, he would “turn in the keys,” by the end of October.

How did that come about?

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis addressed a structural issue at Cabinet saying that his government hopes to relocate soon due to a leaking roof at Charlotte’s House, as the building where ministers meet, has already been condemned.

Moultrie then raised his concerns and rebuked the government for overlooking his office. He said if the executive branch will not work in his best interest, he will not be attending the office space.

“A man should never respect any other man above himself. So God is not a respect of persons. I will not sit and accept such a circumstance,” he said.

Should we feel sorry for Moultrie?

Some social media users showed no empathy for Moutrie, saying Bahamians have been dealing with situations like his for many years.

Shane McDonald said, “I’m glad that’s happening to him. Now he will see just how the Bahamian people feel.”

Scott Lowe said, “How many Bahamians have to walk to the corner pump to get water every day and this man wants fancy kitchen and private bathroom, all because he holds a ceremonial position in a farce of the government.”

One person identified as Monique Pratt-Ferguson said, “Ok, now it’s a big deal. Persons have been working in government facilities for years in those conditions. Now it hits home, it’s a problem.”

Opposition leader Philip Davis said he nor members of the Progressive Liberal Party will attend a COVID-19 special meeting planned with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, PAHO representative Dr. Esther de Gourville, and the Government’s Health Consultant Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis–although they were invited.

The special meeting, announced in Dr. Minnis’ national address to the nation on Sunday, was scheduled for today, as the government strategizes a plan to combat the exponential increase of COVID-19 cases in New Providence and Abaco.

Why is the PLP not attending?

In a press conference, Davis revealed that he refuses to attend as he wants all PLP members to be in attendance. He said the invitation was only extended to three members of his organization, although Minnis said, “the leader of the opposition and his team have been invited.”

Davis said, “Three persons are not my team.”

Davis referred to this as conflicting information, thus he rearranged a separate meeting with PAHO for next Monday, October 12th.

What this means

Dr. Minnis in his address on Sunday, hinted at a possible lockdown for areas of the Bahamas where the number of cases continues to rise, adding that the meeting with key stakeholders will outline specific strategies for the way forward.

Minnis purposed that after the meetings, he will brief the nation on the recommendations of our health experts, especially on the way forward for New Providence and Abaco.

However, if Davis and his team are absent from the meetings, they miss an opportunity to problem-solve, discuss, and come to conclusions by collaborating together, particularly if a national lockdown is announced.

Featured Image: The Tribune