Grand Bahama needs reform—no one disputes that.
But reform must be done carefully, transparently, and in a way that actually fixes problems instead of creating bigger ones.
Under the Government’s proposal, taxpayers are being asked to stand behind $280 million in new borrowing to acquire and operate Grand Bahama Power. This comes on top of an already staggering debt burden in the electricity sector.
According to official public debt figures, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and its predecessor, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), already owe approximately $298.1 million directly to the public treasury. This includes more than $50 million in additional loans taken on in 2025 alone, without public explanation or debate.
These figures do not include a further estimated $500 million in legacy debt tied to BPL.
Before adding hundreds of millions more in guarantees, the government needs to explain why it still struggles to deliver affordable, reliable power $800 million later.
And after they explain that, we ask them to answer basic questions about this deal for the benefit of the Bahamian public:
How was the purchase price determined, and who verified it?
What debts and obligations come with the company?
Will electricity bills actually go down—or will taxpayers end up covering losses?
How much more public money will be needed after this first round of borrowing?
These are questions any family would ask before taking on a massive loan.
This is a time to learn from our past mistakes, and avoid creating another government-owned utility that depends on public support to survive. BPL is already living on undeclared loans from the public treasury.
That leaves the biggest question of them all: Why are Bahamians being shut out of this deal?
Why wasn’t a structure explored that allows citizens to own a stake, share in the future of their island, and build wealth?
Instead, all the risk is being placed on taxpayers, with no opportunity for citizens to participate.
For a government that has failed to reduce electricity rates in New Providence, and has also overseen the mishandling of BPL, we find it unlikely that this rushed action will ease the financial burden on any Grand Bahamian.
The timing says it all. Once again, the Davis Administration seems to be chasing talking points for a general election, rather than delivering clear wins for our people.
Our position, on the other hand, is principled.
We support real energy reform. We need the reliability of power to improve, and for the cost to come down in Grand Bahama. We support expanded Bahamian ownership in utilities wherever feasible.
We will not endorse piling new debt onto an already broken system.
We cannot support blank cheques backed by taxpayers.
And we reject making major decisions without full disclosure.
The Bahamas deserves reform that lowers risk—not reform that mortgages our future.
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