Yesterday was yet another reminder that trusting the “New Day” Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is like trusting a conch shell to hold water. Even if they told us that water is wet, we’d still have to check.

First, we learned that the grand tales told by the Davis administration about “improprieties” in the National Food Distribution Task Force were apparently just that—tales. And before we could even digest that, another headline hit:

“Lights went out at Grand Lucayan” – The Nassau Guardian

Yes, the multimillion-dollar Grand Lucayan resort in Grand Bahama—allegedly sold, signed, sealed, and delivered—had its power disconnected. The official explanation from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) came courtesy of its ever-available spokesperson, Latrae Rahming, who said it was all a “brief issue during the turnover process.” Power, he assured us, was quickly restored.

A brief issue, mind you. Translation: “We forgot who was supposed to pay the light bill.”

Rahming explained that it was a matter of “reconciling utility bills attributed to the government and the new owners,” since “operations remain in transition as redevelopment efforts continue.”

Now, let’s stop right there. Because apparently, this “brief issue” happened at a resort that — according to the government — was sold months ago. Back in May 2025, the Davis administration proudly announced it had signed a Heads of Agreement with Concord Wilshire, a U.S.-based real estate and resort developer, for the sale and redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan for $120 million.

The deal was supposed to be straightforward:

• The government sells the resort for $120 million.
• Concord Wilshire takes over upkeep and future expenses.
• The Bahamas Treasury gets a nice, shiny $120 million deposit.

Except… where’s the receipt?

Because just after that signing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper issued one of the most Bahamian political disclaimers ever recorded:

“I will repeat one more time, I will make no statement on Grand Lucayan until the money is in the bank. So, if you don’t hear a statement from me, that means the money ain’ in the bank yet.”

Well, since he hasn’t made a statement and instead directed reporters back to the OPM — the same office that gave us the “brief issue” excuse — are we to conclude that the money still ain’ in the bank?

So, let’s get this straight:

• The government claims the Grand Lucayan has been sold.
• The OPM says the lights were disconnected during the “turnover process.”
• The DPM won’t comment until the money is received.
• And no one seems to be able to confirm that the $120 million has actually been paid.

That leaves us with one simple, glaring question:

Who really owns the Grand Lucayan?

Because right now, it sounds like the PLP government is squatting in its own sale announcement — still paying the light bill on a property they supposedly don’t own, while the “new owners” wait somewhere between Miami and make-believe.

If the resort is in “transition,” maybe someone should let Bahamians know which direction — toward private ownership or back toward another PLP press release.

Until we see the $120 million in the Treasury’s account, maybe the only thing actually sold here is the story.

As usual this New Day government has taken a simple matter and created more questions than providing answers.

The Bahamas deserves better.

END