The Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) once said; “We oppose this Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  The FNM has this view; they’ve passed something called the Fiscal Responsibly Act, The Procurement Act, The Freedom of Information Act.  All of these things have nothing to do with people’s ordinary lives. 

Freedom of Information, I don’t think so.

It’s bureaucratic, expensive to execute.

We are talking about a philosophical difference between us and them.”

Now Prime Minister; the Hon. Philip E. Davis K.C. takes the world stage and demands accountability and transparency form the world as it related to Climate Change.

“PM calls for $1trn fund to fight climate change” – The Tribune

Excerpt from this article; “THE Prime Minister yesterday called for greater global transparency as he added his voice to calls for the creation of a $1trn fund to combat climate change.

Philip Davis KC, speaking at COP 29 conference, said The Bahamas is ‘advancing’ it’s first Biennial Transparency Report on progress towards meeting its climate change goals with funding from the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT).

The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) framework allows countries to track and report on national climate change mitigation policies and adaptation actions, and gain support towards achieving the global temperature and adaptation goals, including their progress on achieving individual national; determined contributions (NDCs).

‘Transparency is not merely a reporting requirement. It’s the backbone of real, lasting climate action.  For countries, transparency means acknowledging where we stand and what we need,’ said Mr. Davis.”

 I wonder if I were to rewrite that last line if all would be well with in our country; “‘Transparency is not merely a reporting requirement. It’s the backbone of real, lasting democracy”.

The New Day Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government is at odds with “democracy.”  They are willing to go on the world stage and expect and demand transparency, accountability and democracy but apply it at their convenience at home; but real life does not work that way.

Does Prime Minister Davis not realize how contradictory this statement really is; does he even care?

Let us take a look at what he is really saying and how he is contradicting himself and his government.

Contradictions in Transparency: A Closer Look at the Davis-led PLP Government

In the same breath that Prime Minister Davis is calling for global transparency, his administration faces serious transparency issues at home. A few notable examples highlight this ongoing struggle:

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Delays

Despite FOIA being passed by the previous administration, the current PLP government under Prime Minister Davis has been slow to implement it fully. The delay in rolling out FOIA keeps critical information inaccessible, making it harder for Bahamian citizens to hold their government accountable.

Electricity Rate Increase

The public faced an increase in electricity rates with little explanation, drawing frustration and distrust. Many citizens questioned the financial management practices of Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), yet clear, detailed information on how rates were determined or the factors driving these costs were not provided. For a government that calls for international transparency, this lack of openness at home on issues affecting daily life reveals a troubling contradiction.

Lack of Transparency on Government Contracts

Under the current administration, there have been limited disclosures on government contracts, despite the Procurement Act being in place. While the government has a system for public procurement, the lack of timely updates and detailed contract information has raised questions. For instance, significant contracts awarded without competitive bidding remain undisclosed to the public, leaving citizens in the dark about how and where their tax dollars are being spent.

Handling of National Debt and Public FinancesThe PLP government has also been hesitant to embrace the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s mandates, which aim to increase fiscal transparency. For example, while they release budget information, certain critical reports on the country’s debt levels, particularly regarding the terms of recent borrowing, have lacked detail. This makes it challenging for citizens to understand the true state of the national debt and the strategies employed to manage it.

Conclusion

In my opinion, it’s almost surreal to see Prime Minister Davis step onto the world stage, all fired up, calling for transparency, accountability, and democracy—as if he’s auditioning for the role of “Champion of Openness” at the Global Oscars. And yet, back home, where he actually has the power to practice what he preaches, it’s like he’s developed a sudden case of selective amnesia.

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for reason, it is their nature.

END