Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said in the House of Assembly, on March 11, 2026, that the CAPAS Bill, 2026, was a “foundational Bill for our country” and establishes the proper framework and structure for the Creative and Performing Arts School.
“CAPAS is a dream that has been dreamt of and spoken about for a very long time,” he said, during his Contribution to the Debate on the CAPAS Bill, 2026 and Junkanoo Authority Bill, 2026.
He added: “As we debate this Bill, I can’t help but think about the talented young people I’ve met over the years, those who have been singing, dancing, acting, and producing for years. Some pursued these passions from early childhood, but lacked the support and infrastructure to take the next steps. They needed a place where they could learn and train seriously, a place that could guide them along a professional pathway in the creative and performing arts, and they needed it right here in The Bahamas.
“Sadly, for our creatives, many dreams have been deferred. Many dreams have died waiting for this moment. And many others were forced to take root elsewhere.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that CAPAS was “the answer we should have given those talented people”.
“Unfortunately, we can’t make up for lost time and opportunities, but we can give our creatives the support they need today,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, as they laid “this legislative foundation”, he was proud to report that CAPAS doesn’t just exist on paper.
“It is already a reality,” he said. “CAPAS opened its doors last September to 50 Bahamians who began a 28-week foundational programme in acting, vocal performance, and dance. These lessons came at no cost, because this administration believes that financial circumstances should never stand between a Bahamian and the development of their world-class talent.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “I was privileged to attend the first-ever showcase held by CAPAS just a few weeks ago, featuring these same students, and it was truly astounding to see the level of talent we helped them cultivate through this programme. One of the students in the showcase is a member of staff at the Office of the Prime Minister, who dedicated herself to developing her talents each day after work, and was able to perform on an auditorium-style stage for the first time ever, thanks to CAPAS.
“I was proud to see her display her immense talent for singing and to know that we were able to help her confidently take this major step.”
He stated that it was amazing to see the talent that was “all around us in this nation.”
“And we owe it to the many talented Bahamians to build an institution that can help them to fulfill their dreams,” Prime Minister Davis said. “CAPAS is helping us to do that.”
He added: “And this is just the beginning. A production arts stream is already in development, expanding into film, audio production and engineering, and other aspects of production. In the near future, CAPAS will be home to a three-year Bachelor of Arts programme with a curriculum developed in collaboration with international conservatoires and industry leaders.”
“The long-term vision is the creation of an institution that will produce, not just performers, but directors, producers, and creative entrepreneurs who will build the next chapter of our Orange Economy right here at home.”
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