Good day and welcome to Fred Mitchell’s latest midnight voice note sermon, broadcast from the Church of Deflection and Distraction, where the only consistent doctrine is avoiding the real issues. One might assume the PLP Chairman has taken on the role of the nation’s self-appointed motivational speaker — except instead of addressing rampant allegations, like say, passports being allegedly sold out the back door of Immigration, he is too busy recording audio affirmations to gaslight the public.

You would think, with accusations swirling around such a serious and potentially explosive scandal, the Chairman of the ruling party might muster a coherent statement — you know, something more substantial than accusing Bahamians of “picking apart” the government’s fairy tales. But no, we get voice notes… glorious, empty voice notes.

And speaking of tales, let’s turn to the Budget Communication — the pièce de résistance of this government’s creative writing class. We were boldly told that the country now has a balanced budget and even a surplus! Remarkable! That would be quite the feat — if it were remotely true. But alas, even that illusion is wearing thin, as the Minister of Tourism and Aviation had to gently contradict the Minister of Finance, clarifying that, well… the goal is a balanced budget. Aspirational, sure — but presenting it as an accomplished fact is about as honest as those “Bahamas for Bahamians” campaign speeches during election season.

But Fred Mitchell does not want us focusing on those contradictions. No, no — his energy is better spent lecturing the public about how wrong they are for daring to question the gospel according to the PLP. Apparently, in his eyes, if you are not nodding along like a good little foot soldier, you’re just a bitter critic who “tears everything to pieces.” Because yes, the Chairman of a democratic nation’s ruling party apparently finds freedom of speech quite annoying.

Now let’s get to the irony of the year: the same government that refuses to implement the Freedom of Information Act — because it’s too expensive, according to Fred — has no problem throwing millions into travel, vanity projects, and new communications offices to spin their message. But transparency? That’s “wasteful.” Instead, we’re told that the funds are better used for “social programs,” which would be a lovely excuse… if this administration was not already missing fiscal targets and barely delivering on the social commitments they’ve made.

At some point, one must ask: Is this government unable to walk and chew gum at the same time, or are they simply choosing not to — because too much sunlight might expose something they would rather keep in the shadows?

What’s painfully clear is this: whenever the pressure mounts, the playbook is always the same. Distract, deflect, deny. And when all else fails? Send out Fred with another voice note full of vibes.

The Bahamian people are not fools. They see the smoke, they feel the fire — and no amount of PLP pep talks, budget gymnastics, or recycled talking points can cover up the rot forever.

The people deserve better — and no voice note will change that.

END