BCP seeks emergency injunction against Government’s transfer of electrical grid

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Constitution Party (BCP) has filed for an emergency injunction against the government’s transfer of New Providence’s electrical grid to the Bahamas Grid Company. The Bahamas Grid Company will be predominantly owned and operated by Island Grid Solutions, a subsidiary of Pike Corporation from North Carolina, USA.

In a statement, the BCP said, “We are seeking an Emergency Injunction and the Court’s Leave to file for a Judicial Review concerning the government’s management of the electrical grid modernization and the transfer of the majority of shares in the Bahamas Grid Company to a foreign entity.”

Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis previously indicated that under a joint venture partnership, the government will own 40 percent of Bahamas Grid Company, with Island Grid Solutions holding 60 percent. “BPL will contribute its New Providence transmission and distribution assets valued at $100 million for 40 percent of the shares in the SPV, while Island Grid, as the T&D manager, will raise $130 million from private investors for 60 percent of shares,” Coleby-Davis stated.

The BCP’s statement continued: “Our legal and research teams, including two paralegals, have prepared and submitted the injunction documents to the Bahamian Judiciary for expedited handling. However, we are still awaiting acknowledgment of receipt from the Supreme Court Registry.”

The defendants named in the injunction are Prime Minister Philip Davis, Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Attorney General Senator Ryan Pinder, and the entire Cabinet of the Bahamas. The complainants include the BCP and its leaders—Sharell Ali McIntosh, Dwayne Huyler, Glenroy Bethell, Veronica Owens—and independent candidate Kareem Hanchell, representing the people of the Bahamas, the beneficial owners of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and Bahamas Power and Light (BPL).

“The BCP asserts that the Government has bypassed established policies, violated laws, ignored BEWU Union contracts and MOUs, and disregarded the Rule of Law and the Constitution to finalize this deal with Island Grid Solutions and Pike Corporation. Without a specific law outlining the details of this transaction, the actions of the Davis Administration are deemed illegal and unjustifiable,” the BCP added.

The BCP further stated: “We urge the Judiciary to deliver a strong message to the government for its legal transgressions and to provide an opportunity for a thorough review of this significant decision. The Judiciary represents the final safeguard against corruption, and if corruption is found within it, justice for the citizens will be compromised. Recognizing that this battle may be prolonged, the BCP has launched a petition on Change.org to support Bahamian ownership of the BPL grid and invites the public to sign and exert pressure on the government.

Additionally, the BCP has established a GoFundMe page to fund its legal efforts, which may include hiring a King’s Counsel to pursue the matter to the Privy Council if necessary.