Bahamas Secures First Budget Surplus Since Independence: PM Davis Touts Milestone for PLP Government

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

NASSAU, The Bahamas — In what he described as an historic milestone for the nation, Prime Minister Philip Davis on Wednesday announced The Bahamas’ first budget surplus since gaining independence in 1973. Presenting the 2025/2026 Budget Communication in the House of Assembly, Davis said the fiscal plan reflects the values of his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration and builds on the foundation laid over the past three years.

“For the very first time since Independence, we have finally secured the achievement of a balanced budget—more than a balanced budget—a budget with a surplus,” declared Prime Minister Davis to applause from government benches.

The 2025/2026 national budget, he said, is grounded in the PLP’s Blueprint for Change and focuses on four key policy pillars: Security, Opportunity, Affordability, and Reform.

“Our agenda is focused on national and personal security, economic opportunity through growth and investment, affordability in the face of inflation, and systemic reform of government operations,” Davis stated.

Economic Growth Fuels Revenue Boom

According to the Prime Minister, strong performance across key economic sectors laid the groundwork for this fiscal achievement. The construction sector expanded by 19% in 2024, driven by capital investments and increased imports of building materials. The information and communication sector also rebounded, recording 21.5% growth, thanks to broader adoption of digital technologies.

Perhaps most notably, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries posted a 21% increase, signaling the success of government-backed efforts to revitalize domestic food production through targeted agricultural programs and regenerative projects.

This sectoral growth translated directly into improved government revenues. Total revenue for the first nine months of the current fiscal year hit $2.5 billion, up 12.2% or $266.3 million over the previous year. That figure represents 69.4% of the budget’s full-year target.

Tax Receipts Drive Fiscal Turnaround

The lion’s share of the revenue came from taxes, which rose to $2.2 billion—an increase of $243.2 million. Among the standout contributors:

• Property taxes surged by $27.3 million, mainly from collections on commercial and foreign-owned undeveloped properties—most of which came from non-Bahamians.
• VAT receipts grew by $50.8 million, totaling $1.0 billion, or 68.9% of the budget forecast. Since the VAT rate was adjusted to 10% in FY2021/2022, receipts have increased by $210.4 million, reflecting both economic resilience and increased consumer activity.
• Taxes on international trade and transactions rose by $125 million to $627.3 million, aided by a surge in departure tax collections and recent reforms targeting cruise passenger-related levies.

Prime Minister Davis acknowledged, however, that more work remains in VAT compliance on real estate transactions. New measures are expected to close existing loopholes and improve collection in this area.

Non-Tax Revenue and Business Licenses Also Up

Non-tax revenue rose to $258.2 million, driven by higher immigration and customs fees, along with gains in surplus bank fees. Business license receipts and other corporate taxes, particularly from International Business Companies, contributed an additional $48.1 million to the coffers.

Managing Expenditure With Discipline

On the expenditure side, total spending reached $2.6 billion, representing 73% of the budget target. Recurrent expenditure alone stood at $2.4 billion, or 72.5% of the forecast.

Key expenditure increases included:

• $20 million rise in employee compensation (total: $649 million), partially due to higher National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions.
• $11.2 million boost in pensions and gratuities (total: $148.6 million).
• $82.4 million increase in use of goods and services, including $7.1 million earmarked for catastrophic healthcare services.
• $38.2 million rise in interest payments on public debt (total: $447.3 million), split evenly between foreign and domestic obligations.

The government also maintained strong support for education, with over $70 million in scholarships, university contributions, and grants to independent schools.

A Defining Moment for the Davis Administration

Wednesday’s budget communication marks a political and economic victory for the PLP government, especially as it heads toward the mid-point of its term. The achievement of a surplus and the successful balancing of the budget is a headline accomplishment that the administration will likely tout as evidence of responsible governance and long-term fiscal planning.

“This was not an accident. It was the result of discipline, reform, and vision,” Davis said.

With macroeconomic indicators trending upward and targeted investment continuing in key areas, the Davis administration is positioning itself as the party that not only promises change—but delivers it.