NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Opposition Leader and Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard says Grand Bahama’s economic recovery continues to be constrained by stalled infrastructure projects, unmet government commitments and declining public services, warning that these challenges are weighing heavily on residents and investors alike.
“As we begin a new year, I’m more energized and focused than ever,” Pintard said. “Across our islands, but especially in Grand Bahama, families continue to feel the pressure of rising costs, strained public services, and uncertainty about the future. They want solutions, and the FNM will be ready to meet their needs.”
Pintard said the FNM’s 2026 agenda is focused on restoring confidence in Grand Bahama as a place for investment, job creation and sustainable development, while ensuring public institutions function effectively.
“In 2026, I’ll continue to advocate for a Grand Bahama where opportunity exists for the many, not just the few,” he said. “Our island should be a place where public institutions work and work well, and progress can be seen through real improvements in people’s daily lives.”
The Opposition Leader argued that several major commitments made by the Davis administration since 2021 remain unfulfilled, creating uncertainty for businesses and residents.
“Many of the specific deliverables that the Davis Administration committed to back in 2021 remain unmet,” Pintard said.
He pointed to the continued deterioration of healthcare infrastructure at Rand Memorial Hospital, noting that upgrades promised early in the administration have yet to materialize.
“They told us that critical upgrades to Rand Memorial Hospital would be undertaken immediately, but as the PLP nears the end of its term, healthcare workers and patients are still operating within a system that continues to deteriorate,” he said.
Pintard added that financing for hospital upgrades had already been secured under a previous FNM government but was later cancelled.
“Under a previous FNM government, financing had already been secured for meaningful upgrades to Rand, work that was ready to move forward,” he said. “The Davis-Cooper administration cancelled it, leaving Grand Bahama without urgently needed improvements that remain necessary today. Too many people still need to travel to New Providence for basic care.”
Concerns were also raised about the lack of progress on the Grand Bahama International Airport, which Pintard described as critical to tourism growth and foreign investment.
“The government promised progress on the Grand Bahama International Airport, including the completion of key phases by 2025,” he said. “At the start of 2026, not one shovel is in the ground. There’s no clear public accounting of the project’s design, cost, location, or management structure.”
He further criticized the absence of transparency surrounding the proposed Grand Lucayan redevelopment.
“This year, the government threw a rally for a Grand Lucayan deal that none of us still have any details on,” Pintard said. “They staged a demolition, but couldn’t find the time to reveal timelines, obligations, or how this project fits into a broader tourism and economic strategy for the island.”
While outlining these concerns, Pintard said the FNM is advancing a comprehensive development agenda aimed at long-term economic growth rather than isolated projects.
“While they delay, stall and go silent on key issues, the FNM will continue to roll out its transformative vision,” he said. “Our plan will be built with people at the center, not just one-off projects.”
Pintard outlined 16 priority initiatives for 2026, including securing a suitable buyer and partner for the Grand Lucayan, completing the process of attracting a private airport operator and construction consortium, resolving regulatory uncertainty over utility oversight, upgrading roads and infrastructure in Freeport subdivisions, expanding parks and community spaces, attracting new investment, passing environmental bylaws, completing the Marco City tech hub, revitalizing the marina and yachting sector, expanding tourism-related enterprises, restoring U.S. pre-clearance at the airport, and addressing staffing shortages and equipment needs at Rand Memorial Hospital.
“I look forward to making the case that we can and will do better under new FNM management,” Pintard said.
