NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Touting The Bahamas’ governance, legal framework, and business environment as models of “certainty,” Prime Minister Philip Davis, while addressing the 2025 Bahamas Business and Investment Forum, underscored the government’s commitment to delivering sustained growth through reforms, regulatory strength, and a welcoming environment for investment.
“In a period of global uncertainty — when markets are volatile, geopolitical tensions run high, and the rules of engagement seem to shift by the day — I come to you with a simple, confident message: The Bahamas offers certainty,” Prime Minister Davis declared.
He emphasized that this certainty permeates every aspect of the nation’s framework. “Certainty in our governance. Certainty in our legal framework. Certainty in our business environment. And certainty in our direction as a nation committed to stability, integrity, and sustainable growth.”
Highlighting The Bahamas as a stable democracy and a reliable investment destination, the Prime Minister pointed to the country’s strong legal heritage rooted in English Common Law, with the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England serving as the final court of appeal. “We boast a robust financial services sector, a business-friendly tax environment, and one of the most dynamic tourism economies in the hemisphere,” he said.
Beyond these fundamentals, Davis stressed that clarity is what sets The Bahamas apart in the global market. “We know who we are. We know what we offer. And we know where we’re going.”
He detailed government initiatives designed to streamline investment and foster growth. “We are modernizing infrastructure, digitizing services, upgrading energy systems, and removing outdated bureaucratic hurdles — all to ensure that your investments in The Bahamas are not only secure, but positioned to grow.”
On the workforce, Davis pointed to the deep expertise cultivated over generations. “For generations, Bahamians have cultivated deep expertise in international financial services, creating a highly skilled talent pool. As a result, The Bahamas offers investors access to a robust base of experienced professionals ready to support and facilitate global business operations.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges facing global investors today. “We live in a time when once-reliable markets are being tested by conflict, supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, and policy unpredictability.” Yet, he reassured, The Bahamas stands out for its political continuity, policy coherence, and economic prudence. “Our monetary policy is steady. Our fiscal consolidation is delivering results. Our debt is declining. And our credit rating outlook was recently upgraded by Moody’s — a signal of growing international confidence in our economic stewardship.”
He emphasized the country’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law. “Investment policies are published and enforced. Contracts are respected. And our judiciary remains independent and internationally respected — a foundation of our common law heritage.”
According to Davis, The Bahamas does not simply offer a place to invest, but a partner for growth. “Our approach is to work with you — through every phase of the investment journey. From inquiry to implementation, from licensing to operations to expansion, this administration is available, responsive, and focused on results.”
He highlighted the role of the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister as a “single point of contact — cutting through bureaucracy, coordinating across agencies, and ensuring that your project isn’t delayed by red tape or unnecessary silos.”
Looking ahead, Davis said The Bahamas is evolving rapidly. “Our traditional strengths — tourism, financial services, and logistics — continue to grow. But we’re also creating the policy and regulatory frameworks to support investment in renewable energy, digital assets, blue economy ventures, technology parks, and climate adaptation infrastructure.”
He described ongoing reforms to modernize systems for clarity and efficiency: “We’re modernizing our registry and land systems to ensure clarity of ownership. We’re introducing digitized platforms to improve government responsiveness. And we’re streamlining approvals across major ministries to reduce wait times and improve accountability.”
Davis also pointed to the quality of life as a key competitive advantage. “Executives want to bring their families. Teams want to be based in places where they feel safe, welcomed, and inspired. In The Bahamas, we offer world-class education, reliable medical care, an English-speaking workforce, and a lifestyle that supports well-being and productivity.”
The Prime Minister cautioned that investors should expect not just stability, but also strong regulation and governance. “In today’s environment, where innovation is moving faster than regulation, investors are right to ask hard questions — not just about incentives, but about safeguards.”
He proudly cited The Bahamas’ pioneering approach to digital asset regulation as a case in point. “In 2020, we became the first country in the world to pass a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets and exchanges — the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act, or DARE.” When the FTX collapse sent shockwaves globally, “Our institutions held. Our regulators acted swiftly. Our courts operated with transparency.”
This, Davis said, demonstrated The Bahamas’ resilience and commitment to the rule of law. “That moment became a global proof point — not of failure, but of resilience.”
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister invited investors to partner with the country’s vision for growth. “If your goal is to invest in a place where ideas are taken seriously, where government is a partner, and where opportunity is matched by reliability — then I invite you to look seriously at The Bahamas. This is a nation ready to grow — with you, and because of you.”
