philipdavis

Philip Davis is no stranger to Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador. As the Progressive Liberal Party standard bearer, he has represented the constituency for decades, first winning in 1992, losing once in 1997, and reclaiming the seat in 2002, holding it ever since.

The numbers suggest a PLP stronghold.

Challenging him this time is Free National Movement candidate Mike Holmes, a businessman with roots in Cat Island, and Coalition of Independents candidate Donna McKay.

While neither enters as the clear favourite, both represent different types of pressure for Davis.

Holmes is his strongest competitor in the race, and McKay is part of a growing undercurrent of voter frustration with the two-party system.

In 2012, Davis edged out the FNM candidate at the time in a competitive race, and in subsequent elections, his margins have remained comfortable. By 2021, he secured 876 votes, significantly ahead of his opponents, reinforcing the perception that the seat leans PLP heavily.

But this election is different because Davis is not just the incumbent MP, he is the sitting prime minister. That raises the stakes. His performance in this constituency will be a reflection of his national leadership.

McKay’s presence in the race can shift the dynamics, though third parties have historically found it difficult to convert support into seats. It is not known what the COI’s strength is on the ground in the constituency.

For decades, politics here has largely been a contest between the Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement. Governance has alternated between the two major parties.

When voters grow frustrated with one, they turn to the other, hoping for change.

But a growing number of Bahamians, especially online, argue there is little difference at all.

Some Coalition of Independent supporters even fuse the names into one label: “PLPFNM.” The message is blunt and clear: two sides of the same coin, meaning different colours and similar results.

That sentiment has fueled interest in the Coalition of Independents, led by Lincoln Bain, whose social media presence is strong and whose supporters say they are tired of the traditional duopoly. For them, voting outside the two major parties is about protest and winning the government.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis is seeking another term, arguing his administration has delivered stability and recovery. On the other side, Michael Pintard, now leading the FNM, presents himself as a renewed alternative, hoping to convince voters that his party represents a different direction.

So what is the wisest choice for voters who feel stuck?

In the Bahamas, seats are won constituency by constituency, and third parties struggle to convert energy into parliamentary seats. A protest vote may send a signal, but it may not change who governs.

Staying home, some argue, is a form of protest, but low voter turnout rarely disrupts political patterns and often strengthens them.

Choosing between imperfect options is uncomfortable, but elections are about power — who gets it, and what they do with it.

For voters wrestling with “PLPFNM” fatigue, the real question may not be who is the lesser of two evils, but it may be, ‘which choice gives my vote the greatest impact?

As Barbados delivers a third consecutive term to Prime Minister Mia Mottley, reinforcing political dominance, Prime Minister Philip Davis is also seeking a consecutive victory, with an election that could be called any day.

Davis is betting that continuity, paired with his message of “progress”, will resonate with voters.

Like Mottley, he is asking voters to stay the course with him rather than pivot, as the Bahamas, like Barbados, navigate inflation, crime, global geopolitical tension, and climate vulnerabilities.

But long dominance in politics can risk voter fatigue. Bahamians traditionally lean toward changing powers every election cycle.

Regional leaders watch these patterns closely.

Caribbean prime ministers tend to study each other. They observe what messaging worked in Barbados, what failed in Jamaica, and what energised voters in Trinidad. They pay attention to tone, whether voters reward assertive leadership or prefer softer, consensus-driven approaches.

They note whether economic messaging outweighs social issues like crime and the cost of living.

If a regional leader wins on a platform of continuity and global credibility, others may adopt that script. If voters punish arrogance or disconnect, that lesson is adapted too.

For Davis, Mottley’s consecutive victories may reinforce the belief that incumbency, when framed as progress, can overcome voter fatigue.

But Bahamian voters are not Barbadian voters. Their concerns differ.

As the Bahamas edges closer to an election, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s move is turning heads.

Over the weekend, Mottley announced a snap general election for February 11, even though her government still had time left on its constitutional term. It is the second time she has done this with at least a year remaining.

Mottley is widely admired across the Caribbean and the world, and leaders have publicly praised her leadership style.

Mottley led the Barbados Labour Party (BPL) to back-to-back 30–0 election victories in 2018 and 2022. The Opposition is newly led by Ralph Thorne of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), who crossed over from the BLP in 2024.  Mottley has recently finalized her slate of candidates. DLP said it is ready to contest the election with a full slate of candidates.

This raises an obvious question for the Bahamas. The next general election is not constitutionally due until September. But the political temperature in the country is intensifying. VAT relief on grocery items is scheduled to take effect in April. New constituencies have been added. Candidates are being ratified. Campaign messaging is intensifying on social media.

Like Mottley, Davis also platformed climate change.

Like Mottley, Davis also granted legal land titles to people.

Like Mottley, Davis is also seeking a second consecutive term, though Bahamian voters have historically elected the alternate party.

The risks are big as early elections can backfire if voters feel rushed or are still not convinced that the government should be reelected. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis attempted it but lost in 2021.

But Mottley is showing confidence, and it remains to be seen if conditions are favourable for a win.

No election date has been announced in the Bahamas.

The Progressive Liberal Party has officially selected the famed gaming businessman and ambassador Sebas Bastian to run on its Fort Charlotte ticket in the upcoming general election— a move that could be seen as a strategic play by the governing party.

Here are 5 things Sebas Bastian brings to the PLP ticket—some of which could strengthen the party and stir backlash:

1. Money

Bastian is one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, making most of his wealth from gaming.

As the owner of Island Luck, one of the country’s largest gaming companies, and other business ventures, he brings deep financial resources that could supercharge the PLP’s campaign operations, making Fort Charlotte one of the most competitive constituencies in the next election.

2. Media Influence

Bastian controls a popular private media outlet– Eyewitness News.

That gives him an audience, visibility, narrative control, and influence that few to no candidates possess.

3. Youth

At 40, Bastian represents a perceived new generation of leadership within the PLP, one that could resemble what Bahamians have been calling for, rather than the party’s old guard.

He can be perceived as a fresh face with new ideas, possibly expanding the party’s base beyond traditional supporters.

4. A brand as an innovator

Bastian has branded himself as a modern, innovative entrepreneur with investments in various ventures and constantly holds motivational conferences under the banner OWN Talks.

His inclusion on the PLP ticket could help the party appeal to younger, business-minded voters, which is a persuasion that the party is shifting toward innovation within its political circle.

5. A controversial gaming connection

While his gaming business empire brings him success, it also carries baggage.

The gaming industry remains controversial among religious and conservative communities in the Bahamas, which have long opposed its legalization and increase.

In an address to public workers, Prime Minister Philip Davis delivered a pointed message–saying he doesn’t “believe in cussing and carrying on,” but in “partnership and finding solutions,” – a slight at union leaders of the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) and the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), Kimsley Ferguson and Belinda Wilson, who threatened another protest over the delayed salary increase.

Speaking during a national address on Tuesday night, Davis bypassed the union leaders whom he had promised a meeting, and said he was speaking directly to public workers as tension rises.

“I will not sit in rooms where respect is not mutual. Real progress happens when grown men and women sit down and reason with each other,” Davis said.

While reiterating his respect for unions, Davis said, “Fights get us nowhere. We need progress and respect. We achieve nothing by thrashing words in the press.” He continued, “Cussing and carrying on don’t work for ‘Brave.’ We are adults and  we must act like it.”

The big picture

This comes after Ferguson and Wilson met with Davis on Monday as promised, following a heated protest last Wednesday over the delayed salary increase to December instead of September.

During Monday’s meeting, the pair and Davis reviewed the salary for public servants, but were to meet on Tuesday to finalize the logistics of the increase. Wilson, addressing the media afterward, stated that a protest was imminent if the agreement was not finalized for workers’ next pay day, October 25.

Davis, moments later, issued a press statement, cancelling Tuesday’s meeting due to Wilson’s comments.

What’s at stake?

By addressing public workers instead of union leaders in a meeting as promised, Davis could be seen as undercutting unions’ influence. The move risks alienating Wilson and Ferguson, who may feel publicly sidelined.

Davis may want to be seen as the reasonable figure in a heated dispute, positioning his government as solutions-oriented and above the fray.

It remains to be seen if this tone and new position will calm tensions or deepen the divide between the government and the unions.

The opening of the Bahamas’ Parliament by Governor General Cynthia Pratt took place on Wednesday, marking the first time she oversaw the formal start of the parliamentary year as the king’s representative.

Pratt was appointed last month after the House was prorogued on August 12, nearly two years after the Progressive Liberal Party won the government.

It is a ceremonial event on the parliamentary calendar when the governor-general sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session of parliament.

It is a rare occurrence in Bahamian history since the House is typically prorogued to prepare for a general election. Prime Minister Philip Davis said it is his government’s attempt to renew its agenda after “passing over one hundred bills” in parliament.

Since it was prorogued, the Leader of Government Business Obie Wilchcombe died unexpectedly and now the government has appointed Wayne Munroe to the position after the house opened.

Photo credit: Theo Neilly and William Mortimer

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.

Following weeks of speculations on the governing party’s connection to FTX, the billionaire exchange headquartered in the Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed speculations that the Progressive Liberal Party received money from the exchange.

“Not to my knowledge,” he said when reporters asked whether or not FTX donated to the party’s campaign in 2021 or whether or not anyone in the party took any money from FTX.

He clarified, “I do not hold any wallets. In fact, I’m agnostic to it.”

Davis said he does not know if any Cabinet minister held digital wallets with the crypto giant.

“I do not know that.”

Why it matters

Former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried is known for his altruism and has given away millions of dollars to international and national charities.

US politicians have also received millions of dollars in campaign donations from ‘the crypto genius.’

Sam Bankman-Fried is thought to have close ties to the Progressive Liberal Party. The Opposition has questioned the governing party, asking, whether or not the PLP accepted donations from Bankman-Fried, did the party hold digital wallets with FTX, and whether it did its due diligence to screen the company before its operation in the Bahamas.

The big picture

FTX, valued at 32 billion dollars, filed for bankruptcy last week. And Sam Bankman-Fried stepped down as CEO.

John Ray, the man known for overseeing the Enron scandal in the US, is the new CEO of FTX.

The collapse has caused chaos in the financial market. However, Bankman-Fried, now a crypto villain, says he is still working to recoup customer funds, purported to be billions of dollars lost in the collapse.

FTX has a big hole in its balance sheet and owes its top 50 creditors alone, some 3.1 billion dollars.

State of Play

Davis’ expressions like “Not to my knowledge” and “I do not know” may not be outright denials as reported by some local media. It can mean that he is not completely certain or the information has not been officially presented to him.

The minimum wage increase was a long-awaited promise of the New Day government and when Prime Minister Philip Davis announced its final decision on Tuesday in a national address, the public took to social media to express disappointment in the scant increase.

The country’s minimum wage is expected to increase to $260 from the $210, which was in place since 2015. It is a raise of $6.50 an hour, the lowest renumeration that employers can legally pay their workers.

Davis announced that it will be retroactive going back to July and will begin in January 2023.

With the exponential increases in goods and services, many believe the increase by $50 will have little to no effect on boosting incomes and improving the welfare of workers at the low end of the ladder.

Beverly Sands said, “If he thinks $260 a week can sustain a family with the prices then let him put himself and the other MPs on that weekly salary. See if they can survive for a year or two.”

LaDawn Russel asked, “He ain’t shame?” While Natalie Duncombe joined in the chorus, “Is this a joke?”

Levelle Ferguson called it “chump change when the cost of living is higher than a week’s salary.”

Many people believe the minimum wage should have increased to at least $300.

 “He got to be living in a dream if he thinks $260 weekly is substantial. After tax and NIB, you’ll be living off the same old minimum wage of $210. He might as well raise it to $300,” Stephona Forbes said.

Sharee Neymour suggested $400 as the new minimum wage. “If the government is serious about affecting change, they could come up with more than that [260].”

Some people, however, believe Davis’ announcement should be celebrated.

Nicole Brown said she is “proud” of Davis. “Good job,” she said.

And Dave Beckford, Vice President of the Bahamas General Workers Union said, “Congratulations.  A little closer to liveable wages.  This for the workers. A little increase is better than no increase.”