By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has acknowledged an uptick in legal migration to address a growing labour shortage in the Bahamian construction sector, citing a lack of skilled local workers to meet rising demand.

Speaking at a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) event at Windsor Park last night, Mr Davis emphasised that while the construction boom continues across the country, developers must adhere strictly to immigration laws. He warned that all foreign labourers must possess valid work permits and be provided with appropriate housing.

“There’s more construction happening in The Bahamas than ever before,” he said. “Hotels and developments are rising from the ground up and with that comes real pressure of finding enough workers. At the moment, there are simply not enough skilled Bahamian workers right now to fill their construction jobs and even the Bahamas Construction Association said the same thing.

“Yes, there has been an increase in legal migration to meet that demand, but I want to put every construction company and developer on notice tonight. If you are bringing people into work, they better have a valid work permit and they must have decent housing. This ain’t no free for all.”

He also directed a stern warning at landowners who enable illegal shanty towns, stressing that existing laws will be enforced. “We’re going to protect the dignity of Bahamian communities and we are going to do it while creating the additional skilled labour force that we need,” he said.

These comments followed criticism from Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard, who accused the government of overseeing a “broken, politicised and corrupt” immigration system. In response, Mr Davis defended his administration’s policies, affirming its commitment to law and order. “This is a country of order,” he stated, adding that laws are being enforced “fairly, firmly, and without apology”.

Mr Davis stressed that foreign workers must train Bahamians to eventually take over their roles. Employers are expected to actively invest in Bahamian development and promotion.

To support this goal, the Prime Minister announced plans to collaborate with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Ministry of Education to establish a new BTVI campus in New Providence. The campus will feature updated infrastructure, a modern curriculum, and a nationwide focus on preparing Bahamians for high-paying technical jobs.

Mr Davis also addressed concerns about the upcoming introduction of biometric voter ID cards. Despite criticism from FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, who suggested the process is being rushed, Mr Davis said the FNM passed the relevant legislation in 2020 but failed to implement it. He said his administration is simply completing what was started.

“No one is being erased. No one is being left out,” he assured voters. “If you want your new card, one that fits in your wallet and doesn’t need to be hidden under your mattress or in a zip up bag, go get a card. If you don’t want it, that’s fine, but don’t let anyone lie to you.”

He concluded: “No one is taking away your right to vote. The PLP protects voting rights. We don’t play games with democracy. We the PLP, fought hard for you to have that right to vote.”