Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In a sharp and fiery rebuttal to the Davis Administration’s 2024/2025 Budget Communication, Opposition Leader Michael Pintard delivered a scathing critique of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), accusing Prime Minister Philip Davis of painting a misleading picture of the country’s economic health and failing to address the daily struggles of ordinary Bahamians.
Pintard, who heads the Free National Movement (FNM), launched his response with a direct acknowledgment of public sentiment revealed in a recent Nassau Guardian poll—64.7% of Bahamians believe the economy is worsening. “Even he admits what the poll reveals,” Pintard began. “And yet, the government continues to act as if things are getting better for everyone—when in truth, they’re only getting better for the few.”
The Opposition Leader challenged the Davis-led government’s claims of a balanced budget and economic surplus, calling such declarations out of touch with reality. He pointed to unpaid contractors, nurses, and vendors as evidence that financial obligations remain unmet. “When Davis says the government hasn’t made any cuts, clearly he has forgotten the people the government owes,” he said, questioning the validity of the administration’s fiscal declarations.
On the topic of taxation, Pintard blasted the government for its handling of value-added tax (VAT) on essential goods. “When the FNM left office, feminine products and medicine were VAT-free. The PLP slapped on 10%—then turned around, dropped it to 5%, and called it relief. That’s not help—that’s damage control,” he argued.
Pintard was equally unsparing on social and economic issues. He pointed to rising crime—specifically murders and sexual violence—and growing feelings of insecurity among citizens. “People don’t feel safe, and they don’t feel like they can trust their government,” he said.
Job creation also came under fire. Pintard cited nearly 20% youth unemployment and stagnant wages as evidence that the economy is not working for the majority. “The government talks a lot about the numbers, but the real question is: Do Bahamians feel it in their everyday lives?”
In terms of promised economic support, the FNM leader said the PLP has fallen dramatically short. “For Small Business Support, they once promised $50 million a year. That means we should be at $150 million. But right now, they would struggle to show how they’ve spent even $15 million. That’s not empowerment. That’s neglect.”
Pintard also addressed failings in education and healthcare. He cited a 2023 Ministry of Education survey which found that 44% of students were experiencing “learning loss,” exposing what he called “systematic gaps” in the education system. He criticized the dire condition of public healthcare facilities, singling out Rand Memorial Hospital, which he said is operating with just one functioning operating theatre.
On support for the vulnerable, Pintard accused the government of quietly cutting $9.6 million from social assistance spending in the first eight months of the fiscal year. “Despite all the pain in this country, the Prime Minister did not think this was worth mentioning.”
The Opposition Leader also slammed the PLP for failing to deliver on a number of its signature promises. These include revenue from carbon credits, the creation of a Family Island Development Fund, funding for the Freedom of Information Office, and timely publication of fiscal reports.
“Make no mistake—this is a pre-election budget,” Pintard declared. “They will promise the moon and stars. The question isn’t what the government will promise on budget day—it’s how many more promises they’ve failed to deliver.”
In a biting final critique, Pintard said Prime Minister Davis is “out of touch” and blind to the system’s failings. “Philip Davis thinks the system is fine because it works for his friends. I think the system is broken because it doesn’t work for you,” he said.
“You can’t fix a problem if you don’t admit it exists,” Pintard warned. “You certainly can’t lift everyone up, when you think that some jobs are more valuable than others.”
