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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

ALL THE KING S MEN: this was partially the scene as the King Charles III opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on 3 November 2026. Prime Minister Philip Davis led the delegation of The Bahamas to the conference of 55 nations, Our photo of the week.

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

A PRIME MINISTER INTERESTED IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Prime Minister Philip Davis has a keen interest in The Bahamas and foreign affairs. He travels extensively promoting The Bahamas in various international fora because he knows that without an international side of the job and reputation, the country is simply left with its hands swinging and no place around the table.

In pursuance of this the Government of The Bahamas has provided the funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is responsible for ensuring that what is being offered at the official political level, is being delivered by the bureaucracy.

Each Prime Minister has their style. Former Prime Minister Perry Christie left it to his foreign minister to carry out both the political and technical functions. It appears that this Prime Minister has as a more hands on approach on both sides of the job.

His particular focus on the job has been climate change. In the earlier part of his time in government he declared that climate change for The Bahamas was existential, and since that time he has set about shouting from the rafters and making the case for The Bahamas around the world.

In order for the foreign affairs work of the Prime Minister to succeed, he has to have a capable technical team around him. He has carved out an American like support system in a redeveloped Office of The Prime Minister with a retinue of technicians who support the front line work.

Behind him and in advance many times is the technical arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that has been retooled to support the expansive work of the Prime Minister overseas.

Foreign Affairs is not a popular or considered ministry in The Bahamas, nor is its minister considered to be important until someone gets in trouble trying to go into another country or loses a passport but the work of the Ministry in its role as the official point of contact between foreign countries and our own is indispensable to the execution of the policy framework abroad.

Thank you to all the officers of the Ministry as they execute their work quietly and without fanfare at home or abroad.

The recent Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, the recent visit of Charles III are a testament to the combined work of these agencies in supporting the broader work of the government as we fight to continue our existence within this troubled world.

Congratulations Prime Minister.

Number of hits for the week ending Saturday 7 November 2026 up to midnight: 202,975;

Number of hits for the month of November up to Saturday 7 November 2026 up to midnight: 1,650,234;

Number of hits for the year 2026 up to Saturday 31October 2026 up to midnight: 52,613,476;

DON T LET THEM EAT BEANS

It appears that Donald Trump the president of the United States was almost as out of touch with reality as ill-fated Queen Marie Antoinette who is accused of saying when her courtiers told her that the people of France complained that they had no bread, she reportedly said: let them eat cake . They say she actually didn t say that but it s pinned on her and it is now used universally to indicate a politician who is simply clueless. Donald Trump appointed to head the Health Department of his administration a man who is clueless on health issues and appears to do the exact opposite of what has been prescribed for years as healthy eating. Robert Kennedy Jr who is a disgrace to the name of his storied father is now saying that people ought to consume more red meat and saturated fat, reversing decades long campaigning on the exact opposite. You can t make this stuff up.

HOW HIGH SHOULD FRED MITCHELL JUMP?

Last week again and for some inexplicable reason, the United States Ambassador Hershel Walker intervened in the public domain with a message that could have been left unsaid or communicated privately to the government of The Bahamas. Instead, he chose to feed the newspapers and stupid Candia Dames of the Nassau Guardian in this public row that they have all invented. He claimed that he has one billion reasons to speak out against the government on the Freeport Grand Bahama policy. One reason for every dollar that the US has invested in Grand Bahama. That is false but never mind. U S investment in Grand Bahama is not a billion dollars. But we digress. The newspapers claimed that he was responding to a statement by the Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell in which they said the Foreign Minister told the Ambassador to mind his own business. Nowhere did the foreign minister say such a thing but even if he did, this is his country. Nevertheless the press and the ambassador were off and running with that ball. We have a suggestion since that is the way the Ambassador sees it. We suggest that Mr. Mitchell say the following to the Ambassador: From now on in my own country I will be quiet, unless I ask you first if I can speak. Just tell me how high to jump and I will. Sounds fair to you dear readers. Sounds fair to us.

SARAH ST GEORGE S CROCIDILE TEARS

3^rd November 2026 in Freeport

We were sent by an informant last week the video clip, some 13 minutes, of Sarah St George, one of the principals of the Grand Bahama Port Authority. She was speaking at something they called the Icon Awards given to citizens of Freeport for their historic contribution to the city. This is just a public relations assault on the Bahamian public to fool people that the Grand Bahama Port Authority really cares about what happens to people in Freeport. It s not public relations that the city needs, it is development and investment. If you had tears, you should have been ready to shed them as she spoke about the way Freeport had developed and what a wonderful time we all had as the city for good or ill developed. Hogwash! The question is not whether what was built was built, the question is why is the city falling apart now? Why can t the investments be made to support its infrastructure, no new investment and the Port has a reputation of selling off assets, taking the cash from the insurances after the hurricanes and simply taking the cash and running. What is to happen in 2054 burns in our minds today? We cannot wait until then to settle the future. That is the issue.

BLACK WOMEN UBER ALLES

We would like to pay tribute to Stacy Adams who was not in the race for election in the state of Georgia on Tuesday 2^nd November 2026 in America s midterm elections. But eight black women won state wide races in Georgia on that day. They most certainly have to thank Stacy Abrams who ran before for governor and lost. She was the one who dared first to dream and challenge that in racist Georgia it would be possible to overcome and win by organizing voters to come out and vote. The eight Black women who won on Tuesday are: Keisha Lance Bottoms, Governor, Penny Brown Reynolds, Secretary of State, Tanya Miller, Attorney General, Katherine Juhan-Arnold Agriculture Commissioner, Nikki Porcher, Labour Commissioner, Sheila Edwards Public Service Commissioner, Lydia Powell, State School Superintendent. Congratulations to them but a big thank you to Stacy Adams who first dared to dream.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BAHAMIAN IN THE STATES

Oliver Gilbert III newly elected U S Congressman for 24^th district in Florida. A man of Bahamian descent with Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell at the Independence Celebrations in Miami, Florida in July 2026

The following statement was issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas Fred Mitchell, following the victory of U.S. Congressman Elect Oliver G. Gilbert:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 November 2026
NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by extension The Bahamas Government extends its warmest congratulations to Oliver G. Gilbert III on his election to represent Florida s 24th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Gilbert s connection to The Bahamas is deeply rooted in his family s history. His grandparents hail from Harbour Island and Nassau, linking his family to two important communities in the Bahamian archipelago. His achievement is therefore a source of considerable pride for Bahamians at home and throughout the diaspora.
Mr. Gilbert s victory in the 3 November 2026 general election is a proud moment for The Bahamas and, in particular, for the Bahamian diaspora. His election represents another significant achievement by a person of Bahamian heritage in American public life, following the distinguished congressional service of outgoing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who also has Bahamian roots.

A seasoned public servant and attorney, Gilbert previously served as Mayor of Miami Gardens from 2012 to 2020 and has served as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner since 2020. His years of experience in local government have prepared him for the responsibilities of representing his constituents at the national level. Before entering elected office, he also served as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County and practised law privately.

Mr. Gilbert is set to succeed Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who has represented Florida s 24th Congressional District since 2011 and has endorsed his candidacy. Congresswoman Wilson was also among this year s Independence Honours recipients, receiving the Order of Excellence from the Governor General, Her Excellency Cynthia Pratt.

Mr. Gilbert s election continues a meaningful connection between Bahamian heritage and public service in the United States, the Government of The Bahamas recognises the importance of the Bahamian diaspora and the valuable contributions its members make to the societies in which they live and work. The accomplishments of individuals such as Mr. Gilbert demonstrate that Bahamian roots remain a source of pride and distinction well beyond our shores.

As Mr. Gilbert prepares to assume his seat in Congress in January 2027, the Government of The Bahamas wishes him every success in this important new chapter of public service. We look forward to the continued strengthening of the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between The Bahamas and the United States. Best wishes to Mr. Gilbert as he embraces the honor and responsibility of serving the people.

End 

THE KING S VISIT A SUCCESS DEPSITE OUR LOUSY PRESS

King Charles II rushing on Bay Street with Ministers Jomo Campbell and Leslia Miller Brice on 28 October 2026 in Nassau.

The lousy, nitpicking press of The Bahamas was busy at it again last week troubling the Prime Minister Philip Davis about the cost of the visit of King Chares to The Bahamas. Of all the things that we have to concern ourselves about in this country, they are worried about that. Here s our take. We don t give a wit about the monarchy but the fact is The Bahamas has a king and his name is Charles. The fact is he is an international star, a respected celebrity that brings with him a cache that the country also gets when he visits. The visit went off flawlessly. The people of the country enjoyed it. The press response overseas was powerful, most powerful of all his embrace of the Junkanoo culture in the international news. Who could ask for more? Only the nitwits directed by Candia Dames and the silly crew at the Nassau Guardian and others. We should be proud of the success of a visit that went off without a hitch and no security incidents. He had a safe and popular and well organized visit.

MICHAEL PINTARD DOESN T UNDERSTAND THE LAW

The lost in space, the punch drunk Leader of The Opposition Michael Pintard was at it again last week, with the obsession that he has with something that is nothing called the National Investment Fund and the so called missing 712 million dollars that are not missing. He convened the Public Accounts Committee of which he is chair and had the Attorney General Wayne Munroe before him. Mr. Pintard demanded that the Attorney General violate his privilege between client and attorney by disclosing what advice he gave to the government about the fund. Mr. Munroe refused and reminded the Leader that this was a principle that he could not violate. That did not stop Mr. Pintard from dancing up and down in the press with a silly protest. But the law is the law Mr. Pintard.

THE COAT AND TIE BUSINESS

The Heads of Government meeting of the Commonwealth, an agglomeration of 55 countries mainly from the tropical parts of the earth, met in boiling hot and humid Antigua and Barbuda last week. Translation it is hot as hell in every one of the countries with a few exceptions. You would think that these folks would dress appropriately. However, that was not the case, almost to man or woman they were dressed down in suit and tie and women similarly suited up. A few challenged the tradition. So much for the revolution. King Charles topped it off with an evening dinner in the heat under the stars, demanding tuxedo and black tie. Good lord! Ridiculous!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DICKON MITCHELL OF GRENADA

Grenada s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell

He did it again. For the people of Grenada, they re-elected Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, the cherub faced Prime Minister and his National Democratic Congress for the second time in a row and for another five year term. This time he took all the seats except one, and even defeated the Leader of the Opposition. The following press release was issued on 5 November 2026 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell congratulating Mr. Mitchell (no relation):

The Bahamas has congratulated Grenada s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell after his National Democratic Congress secured a second term, winning 14 of Parliament s 15 seats in the 5 November election.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell conveyed congratulations on behalf of Prime Minister Philip Davis and the government.

The Bahamas shares strong friendly and diplomatic ties with Grenada and looks forward to a continued productive working relationship, the revised statement said.

The NDC increased its seats from nine in 2022. The opposition New National Party retained only St. George North West.

Reported totals put the NDC at approximately 61% of valid votes, against 36.8% for the NNP. Turnout was provisionally reported at 63.3%, with all polling divisions reporting. Results await certification.

Fred Mitchell also spoke with Grenadian Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall on Election Day.

THE DEMOCRATS WIN BUT NOT SO FAST

There is a lot of crowing about the win of the Democratic Party and the fact that they have won control of their legislature in the United States election on Tuesday 2 November 2026. We caution folks who think that this means radical change. The fact is these majorities are often reversed within two years. The fact is the people who supported the policies up to now have not gone anywhere. The man who sits at the apex of power in the United States will be there for another 2 years. Foreign Policy is left largely to him alone to conduct. So Bahamians ought to continue to be circumspect with regard to their relations with that country.

FELIX SANDS WRTES FROM GRAND BAHAMA

USA Election Takeaways

The major lessons and takeaways from the historic midterm election outcome in the United States, held November 3rd, 2026. Teachers of political science will use this as a case study on how political fortunes can shift in two short years and burn to the ground the political Power house, in this case the Grand Old Party, (GOP). The political beat down was complete: it went from north to south, from east to west. The reasoning was Elementary: People First ! People are more important than things! People are more important than profits!

Lesson one; in a democracy 50% + 1= equals winner. The people on the day of election holds the ultimate power.

Lesson number two; 90% of Americans thought that corruption was a major factor in their voting decision. They believe that politicians were using politics to enrich themselves and not for the greater good of the people.

Lesson number three; political parties must strike a balance. Conservative or Liberal principles mean very little if the average citizen cannot live a reasonable lifestyle. Mainly, being able to afford food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. The example of a Mississippi candidate for Senate suggesting to voters who could no longer afford beef was quoted as saying they should then get their protein from eating beans. The story encapsulates a deaf and completely out of touch CANDIDATE with political realities. That statement will live on in years to come.

Lesson number four; discounting the values of Empathy, Equity and Justice.

The singling out and discriminating against a community based on ethnicity, race, Creed, color, and gender is counterproductive to a political party's growth. The highly publicized ICE raids in black and brown communities were carried out without Mercy. The purging of women in government positions was counterproductive and eliminated another voting block.

The final point is the USA, as a superpower, must be seen as upholding the principles laid out in the United Nations Charter, and not become dismissive of world order, and the right of self-determination of an independent state. Most American citizens have not bought into the go it alone isolationist principle. When you dismiss these principles you, then, create word worldwide instability. Therefore, the people voted for a change in Direction.

50 + 1 = majority. The ultimate goal of politics is the daily adding of people to your party rolls.

As a tribute to Georgia's first Black Female Governor-elect, Keisha Lance Bottoms, "Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again." William Cullen Bryant.

Felix Sands

ABAGAIL CARTWRIGHT DEAN S BLUE HOLE

The Price of Being Bahamian

Last week, residents of Great Guana Cay endured approximately 13 days without electricity. This was more than unfortunate; it was unacceptable. As Bahamian citizens, on a sparsely populated island, they are entitled to the same basic services and customary rights enjoyed by residents elsewhere in the country.

But how should a government balance the high cost of serving remote communities with its obligation to provide essential services?

Following the reporting of this unfortunate news in Great Guana Cay, there were sweeping claims that the government is doing nothing and it is incompetent. Then there came unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and reckless spending by the government. These claims are both unfair and misleading.

The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation. According to the last census, our population approaches 400,000, spread across 19 principal inhabited islands and numerous smaller cays and settlements.

Governing an archipelago is fundamentally different from governing a single-island state. Yet Bahamians frequently compare our country to Barbados, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations without appreciating our unique geographical challenges and the enormous financial and logistical responsibilities associated with governing a nation spread across numerous islands.

Every inhabited island, regardless of population, requires essential infrastructure and services. These include island administration, healthcare facilities with a morgue, schools, teachers, nurses, doctors, law enforcement, social services, produce exchange, electricity, water, roads, airports (some islands have more than one), bridges (some islands have more than one), docks (some islands have multiple), and mailboat services.

Ports of entry require Customs and Immigration personnel. Many services also require government vehicles, staff, staff accommodations, and ongoing maintenance.

Even ambulances and fire trucks, though they may be infrequently used in some communities, represent expensive but potentially lifesaving necessities.

These obligations do not disappear because an island has 100 residents instead of 100,000. In many instances, providing such infrastructure is neither financially feasible nor economically justifiable when measured against population size. Yet government must still provide and maintain these essential services, by duplicating expensive infrastructure, etc across the islands because citizenship, not location, determines the rights of Bahamians.

And infrastructure is expensive, and it does not maintain itself!

With limited revenue sources, growing demands and competing national priorities, government must continuously find innovative ways to finance development and maintenance while meeting the needs of New Providence, the larger populated islands, and advancing national economic interests.

I would argue that the Davis administration has undertaken one of the most ambitious programs of Family Island infrastructural modernization since Independence, addressing facilities and systems that have deteriorated through years of inadequate maintenance.

Certainly, more remains to be done. The Guana Cay experience demonstrates that. But legitimate criticism must be accompanied by an appreciation of the enormous responsibilities involved in governing our scattered islands.

Guana Cay brought to light the unique challenges that the government faces in sustaining accessibility to all Bahamians, and it does not matter that an island has less than 200 people; however, it does not mean that the government is not spending millions to construct roads in Exuma, improve water infrastructure in Long Island or develop a new airport in Cat Island. Simultaneous development and redevelopment takes place far beyond what we see in our own communities in New Providence or what we hear on the news.

Our geography makes governance expensive, but it must never make any Bahamian expendable. And our inability to see development should never lead us to conclude that work is not in progress.

-Abigail Cartwright

IN PASSING

The Great Fathom

Facebook:

I was stunned by the inventiveness of this piece by Cynthia Munnings, a Bahamian artist living in UK. The piece is made of straw, top from the palms of The Bahamas, used in the straw market. Great stuff. You can view it in our high commission in London.

Fred Mitchell MP

Fox Hill

6 November 2026

Fred Mitchell Greets UK PM

Facebook:

With British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at Jumbey Island in Antigua.

Fred Mitchell MP

Fox Hill

4 November 2026

The Bahamas And Ghana

Prime Minister Philip Davis at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on 4 November 2026 with the President of Ghana John Mahama and his delegation.

Fred Mitchell With The Prime Minister Of Australia

Facebook:

With Prime Minister Philip Davis in his brush aside with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in St John's in Antigua.

Fred Mitchell MP

Fox Hill

3 November 2026

Prime Minister Philip Davis Greets The Troops

Facebook:

Prime Minister Philip Davis joined by me and Mario Bowleg, Youth Minister, Senators Robyn Lynes, Latrae Rahming, Clinton Watson and Kevin Simmons visits the RBDF troops on duty in Antigua for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

Fred Mitchell MP

Fox Hill

3 November 2026

Brave Davis At Bat In Cricket

Facebook:

Prime Minister Philip Davis at the crease showing his form. The first time he has held a cricket bat since 12 years old. It was a friendly match with his fellow Prime Ministers as part of the team. This was part of the 45th anniversary of the independence of Antigua and Barbuda. The celebrations took.place just before the Heads of Government Of the Commonwealth in Antigua. Photos by Marvin Thompson Office of The Prime Minister.

Fred Mitchell MP

Fox Hill

2 November 2026

Greeting Prime Minister Gaston Brown

Facebook:

I joined Prime Minister Philip Davis in a tet-a-tet with Gaston Brown, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda at the Prime Minister's office in St John, Antigua.

Fred Mitchell MP

Fox Hill

2 November 2026

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