Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaks to the press at RF Economic Outlook at Baha Mar on March 12, 2025. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis pledged that The Bahamas will navigate emerging trade challenges, including potential tariff wars, through intentional trade diversification during his keynote address at the RF Bahamas Economic Outlook Conference at Baha Mar yesterday.
He highlighted the importance of new trade partnerships, noting that a single relationship with a new source market can significantly reduce the cost of goods. For example, he pointed out that the cost of eggs dropped dramatically after the government found a new source market. He stressed that The Bahamas can and will weather these challenges as trade alliances shift through diversification strategies that strengthen resilience against shocks from any single market.
“This is by no means the only solution to this particular problem,” he said. “As we forge new trade partnerships, we are also investing in agriculture because lowering our food import bill is another means through which we can bolster our resilience.
“We will start with egg production. Next up is the poultry industry, and eventually, similarly large investments in meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as specialty Bahamian produce. The dual objectives of expanded partnerships and investments in domestic opportunities are not mutually exclusive as long as they drive progress toward the same goal. So, trade diversification and local food production both serve a need in different ways.”
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump launched a trade war against America’s three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada, and China. President Trump has also increased tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 25 percent, challenging US allies and vowing to take back wealth “stolen” by other countries.
Mr Davis noted that throughout history, the world has faced uncertainty. Economic instability, geopolitical shifts, and changing power dynamics have left many nations grappling with questions of security, growth, and relevance. However, he emphasised that these moments of uncertainty test leadership and the ability to prevail.
“Let me be equally clear: engagement does not mean compromise,” he said. “We will not abandon our national priorities to fit neatly within the designs of others.”
“We will not be pressured into choices that do not serve the best interests of our people. Within our strategic development framework, we must ensure that our solutions, even when reliant on international support and partnerships, always prioritise the well-being of our people first.”
“The Bahamas has made its choice. We embrace international opportunities as a partnership between equals. We will not be dictated to, and we will not be sidelined.”
Mr Davis emphasised the need for The Bahamas to ask whether “external shocks” will dictate the country’s future or if it will forge strategic partnerships that reinforce resilience. These partnerships must, he said, be mutually beneficial to the nation’s interests.
He also addressed the challenges of globalisation, including economic imbalances, shifting labour markets, and external vulnerabilities. He noted that The Bahamas has positioned itself as a leader in global discussions relevant to its future through engagement.
He cited examples such as The Bahamas’ role in CARICOM, which has helped influence decisions on climate change and fair global financial policies. He also highlighted the country’s seat at the table as a proactive and influential member of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
“We must build coalitions, reinforce strategic partnerships, and assert our interests with clarity and confidence. And we must remain open to the possibilities brought about by partnerships, because history does not favour the rigid,” Mr Davis said.
Comments
Sickened 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Hold on.... Davis found the cheaper eggs?!?!?! I thought for sure that the white man did that.
whatsup 2 weeks, 5 days ago
hahaha....exactly
Sickened 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Hold on... we haven't started the Golden Yolk initiative yet? What happened to the $15million dollars on the project if it hasn't even started?!?!?!? Let me guess... consulting fees? ROFL.
moncurcool 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Im sorry Davis, but I was in Solomon's this week and the cost of eggs is $10. Where did it drop significantly from this new source that are clearly not be truthful about who found it? If the government found it then why didn't egg prices drop at all stores? Stop trying to take credit for what Rupert Roberts did just for his Super Value chain.
2026 cannot hurry up and come to remove this old new day government.
tetelestai 2 weeks, 5 days ago
That you think the other fellas are any better is comical...
moncurcool 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Better than these jokers
Porcupine 2 weeks, 4 days ago
$16.50 for medium eggs on this Family Island.
TalRussell 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Premiership's attempt at direct intervention in $9 - $13 price eggs is guaranteed to make matters worser rather than better. -- 'Imagine if all of $15 million were to kickstart thousands' 'Rent-A-Chicken' backyard/patio entrepreneurial mindsets'. --Starter Package, Includes (3) Layin' Hens, your Coop and Rooster++. -- Yes?
hj 2 weeks, 5 days ago
You got to laugh when our politicians are trying to put a "brave" face and pretend they are independent.At the end they will do exactly what our northern neighbors tell them to do . Also you can advise the "top diplomat" of our country to keep his mouth shut in the future since he has spoken a lot of foolishness in his "political" career Finally it would be nice if you stop trying to take credit for the reduced price of eggs. All the millions you have spent on your projects went to consultant fees, rent of buildings that belong to party supporters and construction contracts also on party supporters
bahamianson 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Says the chicken to the Eagle. Seriously? I guess you will stop s being crawfish to the US. Dude , go sit down. We are but a pimple in the world. We have no say.
ExposedU2C 2 weeks, 5 days ago
We've had out-of-control inflation for years, but only now is this bozo talking about the need for new trade relationships. The light bulb over this man's head has been blown for too long and likely can never shine light on a sensible new idea.
So why have you waited until now to lay claim that you yourself can do such things? Oh, that's right, I forgot how you botched up the government sponsored large scale farming project in Andros that should have been feeding our nation by now. But I have not forgot about that project's $2 million building that burnt down which you neglected to insure as the cabinet minister responsible for the farming project.
This should have us all shaking in our boots because we know this delusional wimp has already failed leadership test after leadership test. Davis is a coward who can't get on board a plane fast enough to visit a U.S. hospital whenever he feels ill.
Just who does this wimp with his rat-sized pair think he's kidding with his bravado act?! President Trump has proven time and time again that he has a lion's pair between his legs. We had better hope Davis fully appreciates that U.S. pre-clearance facilities, U.S. visitor and business visas, and U.S. student visas, etc., serve the best interests of our people. After all, are we really going to stand by and let the very corrupt Davis take all of us down with him?!
Now that's laughably rich coming from a wimpish guy who has made a complete and utter fool of himself and our nation by claiming to have great concern for the impacts of climate change on our environment while allowing toxic polluting particulates to be spewed all over our people by cruise ships and now rockets.
Davis should be run out of office by the people, and the sooner the better.
birdiestrachan 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Mr Davis and his cabinet are intelligent people. And as Moses said this is a wise and intelligent people goes for them and always. Has.never mind the folks who believe they are not much less than every body else. To bad and.to sad.
ExposedU2C 2 weeks, 5 days ago
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz
Bonefishpete 2 weeks, 5 days ago
I remember seeing chickens in Hatchet Bay in my early travels.
Porcupine 2 weeks, 4 days ago
This PM trades in words. No action. Words alone. And the Bahamian people keep buying.
SP 2 weeks, 4 days ago
“As we forge new trade partnerships, we are also investing in agriculture because lowering our food import bill is another means through which we can bolster our resilience"
The last time we heard this sweet song and dance was from Pintard during Covid. From then to now between two administrations, nothing tangible has been accomplished.
Why would anyone believe they are suddenly capable addressing the issue of food security?
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