Bahamas News
Government moving on pledge to achieve 30 percent conversion to renewable energy by 2030
By: Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, June 9, 2022 – The government is forging ahead to achieve energy sector reform in the country with 30 per cent conversion to renewable energy, or ‘solar power,’ by 2030.
Long Cay
The initiative would reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel energy sources, which are very costly, contribute to high cost of living in The Bahamas and elsewhere, and add to adverse climate change globally.
To begin the process of conversion to solar power, Technical Assessments for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems are underway in North Andros, Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Marsh Harbour and Abaco to assist the country in its transformation to clean renewables.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis in his recent Budget Communication highlighted the importance of the solar power initiative, noting that “it has long been a major complaint of businesses that a key challenge to the Ease of Doing Business over the years has been the very high costs of electricity, the unreliable supply of electricity, and the limited inclusion of solar technologies in our energy mix, even despite our abundant potential for solar power and the tools at our disposal to solve this problem.”
The prime minister in his Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget Communication, May 25, 2022 recalled the execution of an $80 million loan on August 5th, 2020 with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the “Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas.”
The objective of the loan was to support the government with the rehabilitation of critical energy infrastructure and restoration of electricity service in islands heavily-affected by Hurricane Dorian, while facilitating the integration of Renewable Energy (RE).
The specific objectives were to:
(i) Support the rehabilitation of the electricity transmission and distribution system and installation of new and resilient RE capacity in Abaco and East Grand Bahama;
(ii) Promote the adoption of solar PV technologies in the Family Islands; and
(iii) Contribute to the improvement of the regulatory framework for RE technologies and the mechanisms for its deployment.
The Prime Minister advised that there has been “very little” progress since 2020, and that “since coming into office my administration has moved quickly to rectify this and to capitalize on this missed opportunity by strengthening the Project Execution Unit (PEU) in the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely delivery, value for money and to co-ordinate activities with other relevant stakeholders on this project. The result has been substantial progress on this project in the past few months.”
The immediate focus is the introduction and implementation of new models to develop resilient solar PV installations in The Bahamas.
“To accomplish this an assessment of energy systems in New Providence and the Family Islands will need to be done. This work will start in the southeastern islands, namely Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay.
“This year we will deploy in those islands, public decentralized solar PV plants; rooftop systems and innovative microgrids with storage capacity; and grid modernization technologies to improve the reliability and resiliency of the power network on these islands.
North Andros
“Additionally, pilot installations of Solar Photovoltaic Systems on public buildings in Andros will also be carried out. Thereafter, the installations of Solar Photovoltaic Systems with be extended to the Central and Northern Bahamas.
“A key aspect of this project is to ensure Bahamian participation and ownership in this industry. What this means, is that going forward, we are committed that all future maintenance, installation, site works or the like, will be conducted by Bahamians.”
In the first cohort of this initiative, the Government has committed to have a minimum of 25 Bahamians, trained and certified to operate in this sector.
“We will also commit and ensure that government funding agencies make resources available to those individuals who have successfully completed this course, in order to support them in opening their own business in this sector. We will also encourage the inclusion of green technology in all new major construction, and eventually provide the opportunity to offer similar services around the region,” he said.
At a Local Government Practitioners Conference, May 25, at SuperClubs Breezes, Prime Minister Davis informed that he has “direct superintendence of this energy and economic development project,” and assessments are being led by members of the Project Execution Unit/Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas Program, within the Ministry of Finance.
He said, “This transformative initiative is contained in my Government’s Economic Plan and Blueprint to provide renewable and solar energy for the country thereby reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuel by 30 percent by 2030.”
He admonished Local Government practitioners that they are on the frontline in leading this transformation, and that he and the minister are counting on their “strong leadership in making this a success.”
On March 30, 2022 the government, led by Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis, signed a $9 million contract funded by the European Union in partnership with the IDB to assist in the expanded use of clean, renewable energy, and promote post-hurricane reconstruction ‘with resilience’ in The Bahamas.
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
During the signing held at the Ministry of Finance, Senator Halkitis said, “It is worth noting that a high priority of this administration is to reduce the use of fossil fuel by creating an environment for renewable energy, where interested persons or entrepreneurs can participate in, among other things, the application of solar energy for the advancement of industry that is propelled by clean energy. Today, the EU and IDB are providing financial assistance of approximately $9 million, in grant funds, to assist in transforming a plan for renewable energy into reality.”
He said that the support comes at a very timely moment given the current geopolitical circumstances impacting fuel prices and the rise in the costs of goods and services. He also alluded to the current energy investment initiative that is at present being funded by the IDB at a cost of $80 million.
“This project, in summary, entails the installation of renewable energy capacity in East End Grand Bahama and Abaco. The Family islands are also expected to receive support from the energy investment project as solar systems will be constructed on these islands to reduce reliance on traditional energy.”
Photo Caption: Technical Assessments are taking place in Family Islands for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems as part of the country’s energy sector reform for 30 percent reliance on renewable energy (solar power) by 2030.
(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside).
Long Cay – Photos 1 and 2
North Andros – 3
Marsh Harbour, Abaco – 093103 and 092514
The Bahamas, March 30, 2026 – The voice of a proud mother captured the spirit of a nation Monday night, as Bendra Rolle shared heartfelt reflections on the overwhelming Bahamian support for her son, VJ Edgecombe, during the Philadelphia 76ers matchup against the Miami Heat in Miami.
“The patriotic support and scenery at my son, VJ Edgecombe’s NBA game… was overwhelming,” Rolle said in a statement issued following the game. “The arena in Miami was lit. Bimini and the Bahamas showed up and showed out.”
Her words come amid what has already been widely described as a remarkable showing of national pride, with Bahamians traveling in large
numbers to South Florida to witness the young guard’s continued rise. For Rolle, however, the moment extended far beyond basketball.
“Beyond VJ’s basketball talents, I’m so moved by his magnetic personality and personal journey to inspire and excite an entire nation—our beloved Bahamas,” she said. “I thank God for VJ’s humility and for his hunger for greatness. He never forgets how far God has brought us.”
While the Sixers did not secure the win on the night, Edgecombe delivered a solid individual performance, finishing with 13 points and five assists. He made an early impact on the game, showing confidence and poise before foul trouble disrupted his rhythm, but still managed to leave his mark in meaningful minutes.
The game itself evolved into a cultural showcase, with Bahamian flags waving throughout the arena and chants ringing out in support of Edgecombe. Much of that presence was bolstered by a coordinated travel push from Bahamasair, which helped facilitate fan travel and added to the electric atmosphere in Miami.
Rolle said the emotional weight of the moment was deeply felt by her family, as they witnessed firsthand the unity and pride of the Bahamian people.
“Thanks and love for the tears and overwhelming joy on Monday, Bahamas,” she expressed. “The Bahamian flags were love, loud, and proud. On my own behalf, VJ, and the entire family, I am ever grateful for the indescribable experience.”
Her closing words underscored what many have described as the true victory of the night—not the final score, but the powerful display of national pride and support surrounding one of The Bahamas’ rising stars.
PHOTO BY SIXERS NATION
Bahamian pride is already on full display in South Florida, with fans arriving in strong numbers ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated NBA matchup featuring VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Helping to power that movement was Bahamasair, which rolled out a strategic promotion to facilitate travel, turning the game into a full-scale national showing.
And the celebration started early.
A “Bahamas Invades Florida” pre-party over the weekend set the tone, with Bahamian fans, DJs and supporters converging in Fort
Lauderdale to build momentum ahead of the game. The event, marketed as a major cultural gathering, has spilled into Miami, where a strong Bahamian presence is expected inside the arena tonight.
This is no ordinary road game.
The Sixers enter the matchup healthy and are favoured to win, adding to the anticipation surrounding what many expect to be a standout performance by the Biminite guard.
Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been electric in his rookie season — delivering high-scoring performances and quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
But beyond the stats, it’s the moment that matters.
With South Florida just a short flight away, Bahamians have seized the opportunity to show up in force — flags, energy and all — transforming the game into something far bigger than basketball.
A national turnout.
A rising star.
And a night where the Bahamas is expected to be felt — from tip-off to final buzzer.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – Twenty days into the latest Middle East escalation, the United Nations is warning the conflict is spreading beyond its original battlefield, as the death toll rises and governments around the world issue urgent travel advisories — including The Bahamas.
In a March 17 statement, the UN Secretary-General’s office said the war must stop and called for all Security Council resolutions to be respected, noting with concern that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
The current round of fighting began February 28 with strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iranian-linked forces, followed by missile and drone attacks across Iraq, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf.
International monitors report more than 1,300 people killed in Iran alone, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf states. U.S. officials confirm at least 13 American service members have died since the escalation began, while reports indicate additional senior Iranian military leaders were killed in recent strikes.
Despite the growing violence, several NATO countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have not joined offensive operations, instead calling for diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a travel advisory, warning Bahamian nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon and to reconsider travel across much of the Gulf region due to the risk of sudden escalation, flight disruptions and security threats.
Officials say Bahamians already in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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