Bahamas News
PM Davis Highlights Importance of 2nd Annual Sustainable Development Goals Conference
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Keynote Address at the 2nd Annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Conference, on July 2, 2024 Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis stated that it was an honour to be there with participants and stakeholders, and congratulated the SDG Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister for “bringing us together, once again, to discuss the advancement of our SDG agenda.”
“Friends, as the theme of this conference suggests, the time has come to move from awareness to action,” he said at the event held at the Performing Arts Centre of the University of The Bahamas. “We have talked ad-nauseum about the need to make headway on the SDGS, as well as on the major obstacles to progress.
“At the top of our agenda is the need to achieve climate justice and climate finance reform to promote a just transition for The
Bahamas and all Small Island Developing States,” he added. “This applies not just to the achievement of SDG 13:Climate Action, but to all of our goals.
“Moving forward, in acknowledgement of the all-encompassing impact climate change has had – and will continue to have – on our economies and societies, we must fully integrate climate solutions into all of our sustainable development strategies.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that, as they accelerate the SDG agenda, they need to be mindful that not everyone in Bahamian society is aware of the SDGs and their importance to global development.
“They are not aware of the goals we have achieved or those where we still need significant progress,” he said. “It is critical to promote greater awareness of the SDGs, their importance, and the decisions we are making in relation to them.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “But people don’t need to be fully aware for us to take action. In fact, it is through delivering action-oriented change that more people will become aware and buy into our collective vision. Awareness isn’t always the prerequisite for action. Sometimes it takes those who are aware to take the necessary action to drive widespread support. Nothing increases awareness like the implementation of action-oriented policies that make a real, positive impact in people’s lives. Academics, community organizers, policymakers, legislators, and government leaders have a responsibility to take necessary actions to achieve the SDGs and create a better society for our people.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that, as they endeavoured to leave no one behind in a new economic, social, and climate reality, they must all play their part.
“My Government, for its part, is driven by a deep commitment to sustainable development, as many of our policy strategies demonstrate,” he said. “We are certainly making ‘healthy’ strides toward achieving Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing. Improving healthcare is one of our top priorities, and we have been greatly encouraged by the success of our burgeoning NHI programme.”
“We have revamped and will continue to upgrade health facilities across Eleuthera and other Family Islands, and last year we broke ground on a $210 million Health Campus in Grand Bahama,” Prime Minister Davis added. “That’s a big deal for Grand Bahamians, who will now enjoy easy access to cutting-edge facilities and life-saving services.”
He pointed out that, in New Providence, his Government was actively engaging stakeholders as it forged ahead with a “new state-of-the-art” hospital.
“We have also brought medical cannabis legislation as well as longevity and regenerative therapies legislation to parliament, further broadening the horizons of physical and economic wellbeing in The Bahamas,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Our efforts at encouraging Bahamians to lead healthier lives is further evidenced by food security efforts such as farmers markets, and infrastructural developments like the new multi-purpose gymnasium in South Andros.”
“To live well, one must be well – and so we are empowering Bahamians to take control of their well-being,” he added.
Prime Minister Davis said that SDG 4, Quality Education, was another key priority for his administration. The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training (MOETVT) was committed to increasing the high school graduation rate from 50% to 85% by 2030, he added.
“To achieve this end, this administration has implemented the Bahamas Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Project – a $43 million undertaking in conjunction with the Caribbean Development Bank, Prime Minister Davis noted. “This project involves the construction of the East Grand Bahama Comprehensive School and upgrades to schools across Grand Bahama, but also the development of a modernised IT strategy for the Ministry and professional development opportunities for some two thousand administrators and teachers.”
“By investing in our scholastic infrastructure, our educators, and our promising young pupils, we are well on our way to securing a sustainable future for all Bahamians,” he added.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government had also made considerable progress on Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
He stated: “We have grown the economy and pursued opportunities for business growth and job creation that have lowered the unemployment rate. We are launching initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Programme to address skill gaps and help our young people to boost employability. We have negotiated 30 new trade union agreements in less than three years, bringing better wages and benefits for tens of thousands of Bahamians, because decent pay is a part of decent work.”
“In fact, we are the first country in the entire region to launch a second-generation Decent Work Country Programme as we pursue more opportunities for gainful employment and decent work for every member of our workforce,” Prime Minister added: “This is a testament to our dedication to creating a better world of work for Bahamians.”
He said that, of course, he could not discuss sustainable development without mentioning the ‘new energy era’.
“An ageing 20th-century grid can’t support a growing 21st-century economy,” Prime Minister Davis said. “So we are tackling the root cause of high electricity prices and unreliable power – burdens that have held us back for far too long.”
“We are forging a just and environmentally alert energy future for our archipelago, one in harmony with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy,” he added. “Powered by solar and natural gas – two energy sources that are far cleaner than crude oil and diesel – our new energy era will see the modernisation of power grids across the country, bringing efficiency gains, lower energy bills, and new opportunities for Bahamians.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government was tailoring energy solutions to each island, while implementing an equity rate adjustment that will lower the bills of residential consumers.
“In executing a just energy transition, we are not simply reducing our nation’s carbon emissions, we are lowering the cost of living and the cost of doing business,” he said. “There is an interconnectedness and synergy inherent to the Sustainable Development Goals, which means that progress on one front translates to progress in other areas.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “Take farming, for example. There are obvious implications for SDGs 1, 2, and 3, as well as SDG 8. While Our National School Breakfast Programme applies to SDGs 2, 3, and 4. This highlights the need for strategic approaches to national development that identify those opportunities where our investments will create the biggest ROI in terms of advancement toward the SDGs for the benefit of our people.
“My friends, we are practising what we preach, and making change where it matters most.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that those were just a few examples of the progress his Government had made; but, he added, it still had “so much work left to do”.
“As we move from awareness to action, be reminded that the journey towards sustainable development is a collective one,” he said. “It requires the concerted efforts of the government, the private sector, civil society, and individuals.”
“We will do our part in the public sector, but corporate support and citizen participation will be just as crucial,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Together, we can accelerate the SDG agenda and build a sustainable, flourishing future for The Bahamas.
“Thank you, and may God bless us in our efforts.”
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
What the Attorney General must do now to protect Bahamian exports
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
NASSAU, Bahamas — The United States’ decision to impose a 12.5 percent tariff on Bahamian exports is about more than higher costs for seafood, rum and other goods entering the American market. It is a warning that The Bahamas must move quickly to strengthen or clarify its legal framework governing forced labour and supply-chain enforcement.
The tariff, which takes effect July 24, is part of a sweeping U.S. trade action affecting 60 economies following a review by the Office of the
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The review concluded that the listed countries have not adequately prohibited or enforced measures against goods linked to forced labour in global supply chains.
The action follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated an earlier series of Trump-era tariffs imposed under emergency powers. In response, the Trump administration shifted to a different legal authority—Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974—using findings from a U.S. Trade Representative investigation into forced-labour compliance to support a new round of tariffs affecting 60 economies, including The Bahamas.
Importantly, the action does not accuse Bahamian businesses of using forced labour. Instead, it reflects the U.S. view that The Bahamas’ legal or enforcement framework does not yet meet the standard Washington expects.
That distinction matters.
The Attorney General’s Office now has the responsibility to lead the country’s legal response. That begins with determining precisely what concerns the U.S. Trade Representative identified, reviewing whether Bahamian law adequately addresses those concerns and, where necessary, recommending legislative or regulatory changes. If deficiencies exist, legal amendments and stronger enforcement could help position The Bahamas for removal from the tariff list.
The government may also seek formal discussions with U.S. officials while those reforms are undertaken, outlining a clear timetable for
compliance and demonstrating that the country is committed to meeting international labour standards.
A Nassau Guardian front-page report on July 24 drew attention to the tariff action, prompting broader questions about why The Bahamas was included among the 60 economies affected by the U.S. trade measure and what steps are now needed to restore full confidence in the country’s trade framework.
For many Bahamians, the immediate concern will be the fisheries sector, one of the country’s largest export industries. Commercial shipments of lobster, conch, fish, crawfish and other products entering the United States could become more expensive because of the additional tariff, potentially affecting exporters’ competitiveness.
The broader lesson is that international trade increasingly depends not only on quality products, but also on strong business relationships and confidence in the legal systems that govern them.
For The Bahamas, this is less a finding of wrongdoing than a reminder that international credibility is earned through modern laws, effective enforcement and trusted partnerships. The challenge now is for the Attorney General’s Office to lead a swift legal review, identify any deficiencies and chart a clear path toward compliance so Bahamian exporters are not burdened any longer than necessary.
-
Government1 week agoGovernment Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform
-
News1 week agoPlanning for Tomorrow: Why Sustainable Communities Begin with Good Planning
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCaught in the Net, Not Accused of Wrongdoing
-
Bahamas News3 days agoCaribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week
-
Bahamas News3 days agoCWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails