Bahamas News
Three Biggest Takeaways From Commonwealth Observers Include Bahamas Campaign Finance Reform
The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – A Commonwealth Observer Group reviewing The Bahamas’ May 12, 2026 General Election has praised Bahamian voters and the country’s democratic traditions — while also raising major concerns about campaign finance laws, media fairness and the lack of a political code of conduct.
The interim report, issued May 14 and led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, described the election as peaceful and orderly
overall, but signaled that several longstanding democratic reforms still remain unresolved in The Bahamas.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
Perhaps the strongest language in the report focused on the continued absence of campaign finance legislation.
The Commonwealth warned there remains: “no statutory framework governing the registration of political parties and the regulation of political contributions and campaign expenditure.”
Observers said that absence: “continues to undermine accountability and contributes to public cynicism regarding the influence of money in politics.”
The report stressed that the relatively small size of Bahamian constituencies makes the country especially vulnerable to concerns over political influence and spending.
The Observer Group said: “The relatively small size of the Bahamian electorate in each constituency makes it especially vulnerable in this regard.”
The recommendation itself is not new — and that was part of the concern.
The Commonwealth pointed out that similar recommendations were made after the 2017 and 2021 elections.
This time, however, the language became sharper: “Ten years after this recommendation was first made by a Commonwealth Observer Group, its implementation has become more urgent.”
VOTERS AND DEMOCRATIC CONDUCT COMMENDED
Even with those concerns, the Group strongly praised Bahamian voters and election workers for maintaining calm and order throughout the election process.
In one of the strongest commendations of the report, observers stated: “We applaud the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas for once again exercising their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner. The Bahamas has a proud democratic tradition, and that tradition has once again been affirmed.”
The Group also commended polling officials for: “the efficiency and professionalism with which they discharged their duties.”
Police, defence force officers, political parties and party agents were also praised for contributing to what observers described as a peaceful election environment.
The report specifically noted the: “maturity of Bahamian electoral culture.”
MEDIA FAIRNESS AND ACCESS
The Commonwealth also raised concerns about media fairness and political influence within parts of the Bahamian media environment.
While the report praised press freedom and described Bahamian private media as vibrant and active, observers said they received complaints about perceived bias and political alignment.
The report stated: “The vibrancy of private broadcasters and the country’s print media is commendable.”
But it also noted: “reports of the close relationship between the owners of private media houses and the main political parties and perceptions of biased reporting that this created.”
Observers additionally raised concerns over misinformation and the tone of discourse on social media platforms during the campaign.
The report also revisited concerns surrounding the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, urging balanced political access and equitable election coverage.
The Commonwealth further encouraged the creation of: “an independent media association to support and regulate media professionals”
along with a media Code of Conduct designed to foster: “greater accountability and fair coverage of election campaigns.”
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR POLITICAL PARTIES
The Observer Group also renewed calls for political parties to formally establish rules governing campaign behavior and political engagement.
The report urged political parties, in consultation with civil society, to develop: “a Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates.”
According to the Commonwealth, such a Code should clearly define: “the manner in which campaigns are conducted, standards of civility in public discourse and personal attacks on opponents on social media.”
The recommendation was also made after the 2017 and 2021 elections, signaling what observers see as a continuing need to formalize standards of political behavior and campaign engagement in Bahamian democracy.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is expected to issue a final report with additional recommendations in the months ahead.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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