Editor,
If there were a competition for the worst prime minister in Bahamian history, who would win? By worst, I mean who achieved the least, who was the most lackluster, and who had little to no vision for the country and the fewest accomplishments.
Let us begin by taking Sir Lynden Pindling and Hubert Ingraham out of the running. Despite their flaws and mistakes, both men made extraordinary contributions to our country. They continue to have a big stature in Bahamian history.
Though Sir Roland Symonette was part of a government that opposed racial equality, he made significant contributions, including his involvement in the development of a mass tourism industry, which is the basis of our modern economy.
This leaves former prime ministers Perry Christie and Dr. Hubert Minnis, and current Prime Minister, Phillip Brave Davis.
Both former Prime Ministers also had serious flaws and failures. Though Mr. Christie had two terms, he often proved incapable of getting things done. He made some major mistakes like giving the gaming houses a license to print money at the expense of the people. He was known as a big talker.
Mr. Christie failed to discipline his cabinet. There were many scandals in his government. He became so unpopular, he was the first prime minister to lose his seat in the House of Assembly at a general election.
Still, he started the ball rolling on the development of Baha Mar. He successfully and almost flawlessly introduced VAT in order to increase government revenues. Mr. Christie also began initial work on National Health Insurance. He was genuinely concerned about the lack of affordable health care for Bahamians.
Dr. Hubert Minnis also made many mistakes including a great number of very bad appointments. He was often harsh. He failed to complete many things his party promised before they won.
He did, however, have to deal with the worst hurricane in Bahamian history. He was the right person to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. His policies helped save many lives, fed tens of thousands of people, and provided economic relief for the unemployed and many businesses.
Dr. Minnis set up the Small Business Development Centre, which provided funds for entrepreneurs. He expanded access to free tuition for eligible students at UB and BTVI, and expanded preschool programs.
All of these former leaders had some ideas for the country and concern for the needs of the Bahamian people.
By many accounts, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis is an affable man. But what will be his legacy? Despite all his talk about climate change in his travels around the world, he has done nothing substantial in The Bahamas to promote adaptation and resilience to rising sea levels and the threat of major storms.
What has he done of significance in terms of infrastructure, health care, tourism development, long-term economic development, social development and general national development? It is difficult to think of any major accomplishments these past three-plus years.
However, it is easy to count the mistakes and wasted opportunities. This includes his failure to seriously address income inequality and to address serious allegations of corruption on the police force. Putting VAT on breadbasket items and medicines is a major mistake that continues to hurt many Bahamians and harm him politically.
His supposed drive for energy reform is covered in mystery, secrecy, and a lack of transparency. There are many questions but few answers about the arrangements with the major players receiving contracts and concessions. Ending the previous government’s fuel hedge at BPL has been an economic disaster for consumers and businesses.
Mr. Davis never seemed to have a vision for the country and it shows. Despite a nice personality, history will likely record him as the prime minister of least consequence and fewest accomplishments, especially if the PLP loses the next election.
Mr. Davis has done some minor things. If he gets a second term, he has an opportunity to leave a more substantial legacy. But if he loses, which is very possible and perhaps likely, his time in office will likely soon be forgotten because he has done so little that is memorable or lasting.
The big lesson for future prime ministers is to have a clear vision and concrete plans and to get to work immediately. You have to be in control of your government and stay home and get things done.
Many in the country, even PLPs, expected more of Mr. Davis. However, he has been a serious disappointment.
