NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Opposition Leader Michael Pintard is slamming the Davis Administration’s energy reform efforts as “just more glossy presentations with no clear answers,” warning that Bahamian families and businesses are still facing rising electricity costs while the government offers “big announcements with poor execution.”
“The Government’s so-called ‘comprehensive’ plan to address the country’s energy crisis, much like its rollout of the Grand Lucayan deal, lacks fundamental transparency, key timelines, and financial specifics, leaving Bahamians in the dark once again,” Pintard said in a statement. “It is just what they do. Big announcements with poor execution.”
He questioned the lack of public details around recently signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with local energy companies: “Again, we find ourselves asking, What are the terms? Who truly benefits, and when will Bahamians actually feel relief in their electricity bills?”
“These are not unreasonable questions, and reputations are at stake. Even when credible investors are involved, the shady way the government executes its deals casts a cloud of suspicion over everyone they do business with.”
Pintard charged that the administration continues to deflect blame onto the former government while offering no tangible results nearly four years into its term: “The irony is impossible to ignore: after nearly four years in office, the PLP is still announcing plans while blaming the FNM for a crisis they have made worse through delay, deflection, and denial.”
He pointed out that even the government’s own projections admit prices will continue to rise until 2027, saying, “leaving struggling families and businesses to suffer for years while the PLP parades their failures as victories.”
He further argued that the administration’s cancellation of the fuel hedging programme, originally implemented under the Free National Movement, directly contributed to the spike in fuel surcharges: “History will reflect: the Davis Administration canceled the original fuel hedging strategy that had been implemented under the FNM, a move that has directly contributed to the record-breaking fuel surcharges Bahamians are now forced to pay.”
“They denied it in the house until the Prime Minister and Minister Sears were caught blaming each other on the record in the House of Assembly.”
Pintard also voiced skepticism over the timeline for delivering solar and hybrid microgrids to 14 Family Islands: “The government claims solar and hybrid microgrids will reach 14 islands by next year, and that projects will begin before 2025 ends. With prices still rising, Bahamians can’t wait until 2026 or 2030 for lower bills.”
“The Davis Administration says these projects will begin before the end of this year, but offers no signed contracts, no financing disclosures, and no independent verification of that timeline. The Bahamian people have a right to know.”
He concluded: “The FNM remains committed to supporting responsible, results-driven energy reform that brings relief to Bahamian households and sets the country on a path to long-term energy sustainability. But this must be done through real planning, real investment, and real accountability, not fanfare.”
“The Bahamian people don’t need more headlines. They need lower bills, more reliable service, and a government that tells them the truth.”
