My friends, good afternoon,

They say that in The Bahamas, our greatest natural resources are our people and our beauty. But today, as we stand underneath a sun that has warmed these islands for years, we acknowledge that the same sun is the very engine of our future. 

And so it is good to be here with you as we mark the commissioning of completed rooftop solar installations under the Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas (RRESB).

Today, we turn a new page on how we power our lives, how we protect our environment, and how we define Bahamian leadership in the 21st century. 

Energy is foundational to national development.

It determines how effectively we educate our children, how reliably we deliver healthcare, and how competitive our businesses can be.

So, today is about solar panels, yes. But it is also about how we power this country and what that means for the future we are building together.

This is why programmes like RRESB matter.

They reflect my administration’s commitment to strengthening the systems that underscore daily life in our country, while building a country that is more sustainable and more energy-secure. 

Because we understand energy security to be a matter of necessity. 

We live on the frontlines of a changing climate.

We have felt the fury of the winds and the rising of the tides. We know, better than most, that the old ways of generating power – reliant on volatile oil and fragile, centralized grids are no longer enough to guarantee our safety.  

This is why this administration will continue to strengthen our critical infrastructure and improve the resilience of our energy sector. 

As Prime Minister, I see these investments as investments in our future. They will serve our country for many years to come – while reflecting a broader shift in how we think about development.

Sustainability is no longer separate from growth – it is essential to it. 

If we are serious about the long-term prosperity of our country, then we must be serious about how we manage our natural resources and generate energy.

RRESB is one example of that commitment in action. 

By investing in cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure, we are strengthening the institutions that serve our people – including our schools. That means better learning environments today and greater opportunities for generations. 

When we harness the sun, we ensure that even when the storms come, our lights stay on.

The Bahamas will not just endure the future; we will power it.

At this time, I wish to acknowledge and thank all those whose work has brought us to this point.

I extend sincere appreciation to Mr. Ruiz, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, The Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands, and to Mr. Fache, Program Manager with the European Union Delegation, for their partnership.

I also wish to thank our partners at the Inter-American Development Bank, the University of the Bahamas, the Project Execution Unit, ANO Technologies, Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis and the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation for their dedication and expertise in implementing this program.

Leadership is not about following trends; it is about setting them. 

With this commissioning, the University of The Bahamas takes its place at the vanguard of our energy transition. You are setting an example and proving your commitment to stewardship – leaving our islands better that we found them.

Today’s achievement reflects what can be accomplished when we work together in pursuit of a stronger Bahamas.

So, my friends, why does today’s achievement matter to Bahamians?

Well…it matters because it strengthens the systems people rely on every day.

It matters because it improves our ability to generate energy sustainably.

It matters because it represents responsible investment in our nation’s future.

And, most importantly, it matters because it brings us one step closer to an energy system that will serve generations of Bahamians for years to come.

This is the work of nation-building. It is not accomplished in a single day or in a single project. It is steady work – consistent and purposeful. 

Thank you, and may God continue to bless our Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

(Photos by: Eric Rose)

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