Today we will look into a story that’s raising more than a few eyebrows and leaving us with a lot more questions than answers. The New Day government promises us a grand total of thirty-eight dollars and thirty-three cents in annual savings. Yes, you heard that right, folks—thirty-eight dollars and thirty-three cents. While we appreciate every penny, we can’t help but scrutinize the details behind this so-called fantastic deal. And, let me tell you, those details are murkier than water in an outhouse on a sweltering summer day.

Let’s turn to a recent article from The Nassau Guardian. The headline reads, “BPL in the midst of privatization.” Opposition Leader Michael Pintard has some strong words on the matter. During the 2024/2025 budget debate, Pintard declared, “It is clear from the information provided by the government that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) is in the midst of being privatized. BPL, by whatever name you wish to call it, is in the midst of a privatization exercise.”

Pintard goes on to reveal that the government has, rather slyly, introduced a privatization process under the guise of something else during the budget debate. Back in March, the prime minister assured us that BPL would not be privatized as part of their reform plan. Yet, just three months later, reports emerged, and the Minister of Energy confirmed, that $100 million worth of sovereign assets are being transferred from state control and ownership to private control and majority ownership for a quarter-century or longer.

So, let’s ask the obvious question: if $100 million of sovereign assets are being transferred for 25 years or more to private control, doesn’t that constitute privatization?

And here’s another pressing question: if the government is in the process of transferring BPL’s transmission and distribution network, retaining only 40% ownership of the new entity, what happens to the BPL employees who currently maintain these networks? Will they be seamlessly transferred to the new company, or are their jobs at risk?

And also, who will truly control BPL for the next 25 years?

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has historically criticized the Free National Movement (FNM) for what they consider the disastrous sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). But now, it appears the PLP might be on the brink of making an even more colossal mistake, all while trying to convince us otherwise.

So, yes, we are grateful for the promised savings of thirty-eight dollars and thirty-three cents. But we must question what we stand to lose in this bargain. Is it really worth it?

Stay with us as we continue to unravel this complex and concerning issue.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) fails for one reason, it is their nature.

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