NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis affirmed that The Bahamas will not remain silent or compromise its national priorities, stressing that the country will engage internationally as an equal partner, always prioritizing the well-being of its people.
In his welcome address at the RF Bahamas Economic Outlook 2025, Prime Minister Davis stated, “We will not allow our voices to be dulled. Our national interests are not served by silence; they are served by engagement. But let me be equally clear: engagement does not mean compromise. We will not abandon our national priorities to fit neatly within the designs of others. We will not be pressured into choices that do not serve the best interests of our people. Within our strategic development framework, we must ensure that our solutions, even when reliant on international support and partnerships, always prioritize the well-being of our people first. The Bahamas has made its choice. We embrace international opportunities as a partnership between equals. We will not be dictated to, and we will not be sidelined.”
He added, “When the future is written, it will be clear: The Bahamas stood firm, spoke with clarity, and claimed its place in the world.”
Davis highlighted the need for The Bahamas to actively assert its voice amid shifting global dynamics, asking, “Will we be mere spectators in the shifting tides of global realignment, or will we assert our voice with clarity and resolve? Will we allow external shocks to dictate our trajectory, or will we forge strategic partnerships that reinforce our resilience?” He emphasized that uncertainty is not the enemy and that the nation must embrace challenges rather than shrink from them, as external dialogue and relationships are necessary, not optional.
The Prime Minister also addressed the economic pressures facing the country, such as inflation and supply chain disruptions, noting that these are consequences of a world in flux. “They are the results of economic decisions made in distant boardrooms and capitals that shape the realities of our people. Our prosperity depends on access—to markets, investment, and technological progress. And access is only secured through engagement,” he explained. He highlighted The Bahamas’ leadership role in global discussions, particularly on climate change, which has secured millions in funding for climate resilience and green economy initiatives.
Davis underscored The Bahamas’ stance on advocating for fair global policies related to financial services, criticizing imbalanced policies that judge small nations like The Bahamas by one standard, while exempting others from the same scrutiny. He pointed to The Bahamas’ active role in international tax policy, including its objections to the OECD’s approach to small financial centers and its early support for the United Nations Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
“We must build coalitions, reinforce strategic partnerships, and assert our interests with clarity and confidence. We must remain open to the possibilities brought about by partnerships because history does not favor the rigid,” Davis continued. “The defining characteristic of those who endure is not merely strength, but agility—the ability to pivot, anticipate shifts before they arrive, and seize opportunities in the midst of disorder.”
Davis also acknowledged the country’s vulnerability due to its reliance on tourism and lack of economic diversification but emphasized that The Bahamas is not powerless. “We must never sit back and passively allow external events to dictate our fate,” he stated. “Earlier this month, we demonstrated the power of tapping into new trade partnerships. One single relationship forged with a new source market can significantly reduce the cost of goods. If we can lower the prices of eggs so dramatically, imagine the possibilities out there for us to explore.” He affirmed that, through trade diversification strategies, The Bahamas will navigate shifting alliances and potential tariff wars, boosting resilience to shocks from any single market.
Davis concluded that while these are not the only solutions, they reflect a strategic approach that balances international cooperation with the nation’s priorities.
