NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In a few short years, if The Lord continues to tarry, The Bahamas will undergo another general election. I fully expect that the dominant PLP and the limping FNM will contest those elections. The COI, if it is till around and intact, to offer a disjointed slate of candidates. In my view, there are three main issues confronting the average unwashed Bahamian. Why do I say ‘unwashed’ ? Simple, far too many of our people accept political propaganda hook line and sinker.
Few bother to find out what it is that they really expect from any incumbent administration or the Opposition forces, such as they might be, if they were to come to high office. If one does not know what he/she wants to achieve through the democratic process, a dog, literally, will eat you and your lunch.
The Three biggest concerns are: affordability; health care and the costs of energy and fuel. Another potential Elephant is housing. These concerns, no doubt, are foremost in the minds of the erstwhile Rt. Hon. Prime Minister. and his talented inner cabinet.
Relative to the cost of energy and duel, the administration may wish to consider a holiday tax relief on fuels at service stations for the rest of this year. If it is not feasible to entirely remove the stamp duty collected by ALL administrations over the years, at least substantially reduce it for the duration of the suggested duration of the holiday tax period. With gasoline at an average of $ 7.00 if the administration were to slash the assumed stamp duty from $1.50 or so, down to $ 1.00 maximum, that would bring some monetary relief to motorists.
Affordability, however, straight across the board, is literally ‘killing’ the average Bahamian. If one is fortunate or able to secure a mortgage on a modest home in a half way decent subdivision, you’re facing an average monthly payment in excess of B$ 2,000.00 per month. This means, pure and simple, that few residents of New Providence, will EVER be able to own their own homes. The alternative, pay an average monthly rent of B$1,200.00 for a two (2) bedroom apartment until The Lord calls you home.
The Hon. Minister of Housing & Land Reform, Keith Bell (PLP-Carmichael) , an exceptional senior cabinet minister, has his work cut out for he and his expanded ministry. Having ;known’ Minister Bell for decades in his public life and with his vast experience in the private real estate and finance industries, he is more than capable to assist the PM will providing affordable housing here in New Providence AND the liberalization of CROWN GRANTS & outright purchases
. We have seen this already over in The Abaco Chain and at the fastest growing Island in The Bahamas…….Exuma wherein the enlightened Davis Administration has engineered multiple new subdivisions.
We must NEVER forget what Minister Bell and his equally able cabinet colleague, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth & Sports (PLP-Garden Hills) , with the direct input of the Prime Minister, have achieved up in Bozine Town !! After generations occupying land on that hill top location; building homes and raising their families, qualified occupiers have now been granted appropriate legal documents of ownership !!
Our health care facilities have long bee plagued by legacy issues and shortages of medical personnel. Of course, we must factor in the celebrated ‘BRAIN DRAIN’. This term, however, is pivotal for the PM to cement his unfolding legacy. He has a most competent and dedicated health ministerial team in the persons of the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville , Minister of Health & Wellness (PLP-Tall Pines) and the Hon. Owen Wells, Minister of Sate within that ministry (PLP-St. James).
The beginning of the construction of new hospital is just around the corner. Messrs. Darville & Wells, since the general elections and their appointments, have hit the ground running and running very fast. Long outstanding personnel shuffles have been made at The Public Hospital Authority. The legacy issues at The PMH , including the resident rodents, are been addressed. The RAND over in Grand Bahama is up and running smoothly, even if there are still one or two lingering concerns.
This ordained second Davis administration will, no doubt, finally establish a functional National Health Care Scheme, like NIB, for ALL Bahamians and legal residents. The costs of medical health insurance in the private sector is out of the reach of tens of thousands of ordinary Bahamians. This is where the administration MUST step in. There are far too many of our people dying from chronic illnesses and even preventable diseases. NOT ONE more life must/should be lost going forward.
As we wind down this fateful year of 2026 , we must be ever mindful that governments are elected to do good for the population and to make their lives more affordable; prosperous; safe and, of course, empathy with the masses. I submit that the current enlightened Prime Minister has long displayed these traits and KNOWS just what has to be done THIS TERM. To God then, in all things, be the glory!!
-Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
