NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The government has set out a broad legislative and policy agenda for the new Parliamentary term, covering economic reform, housing regulation, labour protections, immigration enforcement, digital governance, and long-term national planning.
In the Speech from the Throne delivered by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt, The Davis administration formally outlined its agenda for the session ahead, having been given a renewed mandate with its consecutive electoral victory.
On the economic front, the government said it is focused on “building a stronger, more modern, more resilient Bahamian economy.” Planned reforms include new competition legislation to address price fixing and market dominance, alongside a unified investment incentives framework and a national investment policy designed to set clearer expectations for investors.
The government also said it will establish a foreign direct investment compliance unit to ensure investors meet their commitments, while modernizing land administration through the Land Adjudication Act and Registered Land Act to improve efficiency and reduce delays in property transactions. Mandatory timelines for development approvals are also planned, alongside a review of the real property tax regime aimed at providing relief to homeowners.
State-owned enterprises will be required to submit binding business plans with measurable targets, as the government moves to reduce long-term reliance on public subsidies.
Grand Bahama was highlighted as a key development priority, with the government pointing to plans to strengthen its role as a regional hub for trade, tourism, and logistics through major infrastructure and investment projects. It also confirmed continued development planning for the Family Islands, stating that “individual family island development plans” will guide a more structured approach to regional growth.
In labour policy, the government said “the dignity of work must remain central to national policy,” announcing plans for an Employment Bill 2026. The legislation is expected to modernize workplace protections, including expanded maternity leave, mental health provisions, and safeguards for working parents. Reforms to national insurance will also continue, alongside expanded digital systems and broader coverage for informal workers. A public sector pension plan and a national productivity council are also planned.
Food security measures were described as essential to national stability, with the government stating that “a stronger Bahamas must produce more of what it consumes.” Plans include a national import substitution framework, production targets for key agricultural goods, and stronger requirements for government food procurement from local producers. Tourism-linked agriculture incentives will also be introduced.
In the energy sector, the government said it intends to improve fairness and affordability through an electricity consumer protection code. It also plans energy equity legislation to address geographic cost disparities between the islands, alongside reduced import duties on renewable energy systems and energy-efficient appliances.
Housing reforms featured prominently, with the government outlining plans for a national rental policy registration system with “enforceable living standards” for tenants. A residential tenancy authority will also be established with powers to inspect, investigate, and enforce compliance in the rental sector.
In education, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the Education Act, describing it as “the most significant legislative reform in a generation.” It also confirmed plans to make pre-primary education universal and compulsory from age four, alongside continued investment in lifelong learning programmes.
Health reforms include continued hospital expansion, modernization of dental regulation, and expanded health coverage for public servants. The government also outlined a new framework to address elder neglect and strengthen protections for vulnerable seniors.
On national security, the address stressed that “the safety and security of the Bahamian people remain among the highest obligations of the state.” Measures include strengthened firearm laws, expanded specialist courts, and new initiatives to reduce court backlogs and improve justice delivery.
Immigration enforcement will be tightened through employer compliance legislation, biometric tracking systems, overstay penalties, and a national immigration fraud intelligence unit. The government also plans mandatory sentencing provisions for public officers involved in immigration-related corruption.
Digital governance reforms include plans for a National Cybersecurity Authority and comprehensive cybersecurity legislation. A national digital ID system, e-Government platform, and artificial intelligence governance framework will also be introduced to regulate emerging technologies and modernize public services.
Long-term planning initiatives include a national development framework, a master physical development plan, and continued modernization of governance systems, including Freedom of Information implementation and electoral reforms such as biometric voter cards and electronic poll books.
Environmental policy was also highlighted, with plans for updated building codes, a National Environmental Tribunal, and stronger waste management and marine protection legislation. A Blue Carbon governance framework will be introduced to regulate environmental initiatives and ensure national benefit-sharing.
The government also confirmed support for the creative sector, including training institutions, intellectual property protections, and incentives for film and media production, positioning the sector as part of broader economic diversification efforts.
