This PLP government has once again proven that reckless decision-making has real consequences for Bahamian livelihoods.
The latest example is the government’s sudden attempt to “revisit” the boating and yachting fee increases introduced just months ago. These changes were rushed, poorly thought out, and implemented without proper consultation. Now, only after widespread criticism and damaging press, the government is scrambling to soften its position. Unfortunately, much of the damage is already done.
The boating and yachting industry warned them. Marina operators warned them. Family Island communities warned them. The message was clear: these fee hikes would drive boats away, empty marinas, and cost Bahamians jobs and income.Local businesses including cleaning companies, car rentals, boat engineers, captains, brookers, pilots, and restaurants have all suffered from this policy. Despite this, the PLP ignored every warning.
Today, charter cancellations are mounting, marina traffic has dropped sharply, and millions of dollars that would have been spent in Family Island communities have now gone elsewhere. This could have been avoided. It was the direct result of bad policy and bad process.
Bahamians understand the need for fair revenue collection, environmental protection, and proper enforcement. What we do not accept is a government that refuses to consult, rushes major policy changes, and then pretends to listen only after the fallout becomes impossible to ignore. This government’s handling of boating fees is not an isolated mistake. It fits a clear pattern. Time and again, the Davis-Cooper administration announces ill-conceived policies, dismisses public concern, then reverses course once the backlash grows. Fishermen’s boat registration fees. NIB contribution hikes. No-bid contracts. Failed deals quietly abandoned once exposed. Each flip-flop costs the country credibility, confidence, and economic stability.
Leadership is not governing by trial and error. Leadership is listening before decisions are made, not after livelihoods are damaged.
The Free National Movement remains committed to reversing the damage and unlocking the true potential of the maritime tourism sector. Under an FNM government, we will revise the boat fees put on Bahamian boat owners and remove the 10% yacht charter fee to make The Bahamas competitive again. We will ensure that technology and service platforms for fees, permits, and licenses are easy to access and use. We will launch a Grand Bahama BOOM initiative — Building Opportunities and Optimizing Momentum–to rebrand and reenergize the island’s boating, yachting, and cruise economy. And we will expand cultural and marine festivals across our islands to drive domestic tourism and create new jobs.
The boating industry did not have to suffer this season. It suffered because this government refused to listen.