Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis has confirmed that the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will officially launch its general election campaign on February 16, following the completion of the party’s ratification process.
Speaking at a PLP ratification event at party headquarters on Farrington Road, Davis said the party had concluded its candidate selection phase and was now moving into full campaign mode, with increased visibility and engagement expected from members.
“This marks the end of one phase and the beginning of another,” Davis told supporters. “The selection process is done. Ratifications are complete. Next week, February 16, the Progressive Liberal Party launches its campaign.”
Davis warned that “a lot is at stake” in the upcoming election, framing the vote as a choice between continued progress under the PLP or what he described as obstruction from the opposition. He sharply criticised Opposition leader Michael Pintard, labelling him “Petty Pintard” and accusing him of focusing on grievances rather than governance.
“My mummy used to tell me — and that was a woman — there’s nothing worse than a petty man,” Davis said to applause from party supporters. “A petty leadership focuses on grudges instead of progress. Petty leadership puts ego ahead of people. Petty leadership tears down instead of builds up. A petty man is very dangerous to this country.”
Davis argued that such leadership would stall national progress, citing proposals to right-size the public service and warning of potential job losses. He also referenced the treatment of former prime minister Dr Hubert Minnis as an example of what he characterised as petty leadership.
Calling for steady governance, Davis accused the opposition of criticising the government’s economic recovery efforts without presenting viable alternatives. He urged supporters not to take victory for granted, stressing that “winning is earned through process.”
The prime minister also addressed union members and healthcare workers, pledging continued engagement with organised labour and ongoing support for frontline staff.
“Working people deserve fairness, unions deserve respect, healthcare workers deserve support,” he said. “As long as I am prime minister, unions will always have a seat at the table.”
Newly ratified PLP candidates also addressed supporters, highlighting the party’s record since returning to office in 2021 and outlining plans for continued investment in infrastructure, labour protections and social programmes.
Long Island candidate Reneika D. Knowles pointed to infrastructure and economic challenges facing Family Island communities, while Southern Shores candidate Obie Roberts cited VAT reductions on unprepared food, minimum wage increases and signed labour agreements as signs of economic progress.
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, ratified for Exuma and Ragged Island, described the ratification process as “a deployment order,” signalling the party’s shift from economic recovery to what he called an era of greater economic ownership for Bahamians.
In closing, Davis said his administration had stabilised the economy following the pandemic, expanded social programmes and invested in infrastructure nationwide, warning that the upcoming election would determine whether those reforms continue or are reversed.
