If Bahamians are suffering now, why is Prime Minister Philip Davis only looking to unveil his plan to address the high cost of living in 2025, three years into his administration? Is this delay due to sheer incompetence, a lack of having a concrete plan, or a combination of both?

The Nassau Guardian recently reported that Prime Minister Philip Davis, during a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) St. Barnabas constituency meeting, stated that his government will reveal plans to tackle the high cost of living in the New Year (2025). This announcement comes amidst growing frustration and desperation among Bahamians who have been grappling with high prices, inflation, and the rising cost of basic goods and services.

Excerpt from the article:

“The government will in the New Year divulge more about its plans to tackle the country’s high cost of living,” Prime Minister Philip Davis said.

“He conceded that despite the ‘successes’ of his administration, many people are not ‘feeling it’ because of high prices.”

This acknowledgment—that the “successes” of his government are not translating into tangible relief for citizens—raises critical questions about the administration’s preparedness, prioritization, and policy execution.

Due to the current State of Affairs, the people need assistance now and there is evidence of this growing need daily.

Great Commission Ministries, a prominent local charity, reported a 20 to 25 percent increase in requests for assistance in 2023.

Bishop Walter Hanchell, the organization’s founder, described this as “the worst” he has seen in terms of the growing need among people.

Notably, requests are no longer limited to the poor; members of the middle class are also seeking help due to the rising cost of food, housing, and utilities.

Admits all of this under the New Day Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration, budget cuts to social services have exacerbated the struggles of vulnerable families.

With charities like Great Commission Ministries unable to meet rising demand, government support becomes even more critical.

While the government touts ongoing reforms to the electricity sector as a solution to high power bills, these initiatives have yet to yield significant results.

Inflation has further eroded purchasing power, leaving families to struggle with stagnant wages and rising costs for essentials.

The PLP government has been in office for three years. During this time:

Minimal tangible measures have been implemented to provide immediate relief to struggling households.

The announcement of a plan for 2025 seems out of touch with the urgent needs of the population. If solutions were being actively developed, why wait until the next year to announce them?

The question of the day is now, is this due to incompetence or Lack of a Plan?

The government’s delayed response to the cost-of-living crisis suggests two possible explanations:

Lack of Preparedness; The PLP may have come into office without a clear or executable strategy to address inflation and rising living costs.

The delay in unveiling a plan could indicate a failure to prioritize the issue or mobilize the necessary resources in a timely manner.

Administrative Incompetence; If plans exist but have not been implemented, it raises questions about the government’s efficiency and competence in managing critical national issues.

The reliance on future promises rather than current action creates the perception of a reactive rather than proactive administration.

Prime Minister Davis has previously invoked the principle of helping one’s neighbor in times of need:

“If your brother does not have a cloak, give him yours.”

This moral imperative underscores the responsibility of the government to act with urgency. Delaying relief until 2025 contradicts the pressing reality that many Bahamians face today.

The failure of the PLP government to address the high cost of living over the past three years reflects either a lack of foresight or administrative inefficiency. While Prime Minister Davis highlights successes such as low unemployment and education programs, these achievements ring hollow for citizens who struggle to make ends meet. The growing reliance on charities like Great Commission Ministries signals a deepening crisis that demands immediate, not deferred, action.

If relief is only promised for 2025, then it is reasonable to conclude that the government either lacked a plan to begin with or has been slow to implement one. In either case, the cost is being borne by the Bahamian people who need help now—not in the distant future.

Supporting Documentation:

“Plans to reduce cost of living will be revealed in New Year, PM says” – The Nassau Guardian

“A growing need for assistance” – The Nassau Guardian (Bishop Walter Hanchell’s report on increased demands for aid).

The government must shift from promises to immediate action to meet the needs of its citizens, aligning rhetoric with tangible relief measures.

END