Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on June 5, 2023, that as his Government opened the doors to the new Consumer Affairs Building, it not only marked a historic milestone but also celebrated “our collective commitment to a fair Bahamas”.
“In this journey, we remember the vision of the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the Official ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Consumer Affairs and the Consumer Protection Commission Building, on Tonique Williams Darling Highway.
“His foresight laid the foundation for the consumer protection we see today, safeguarding the rights of every Bahamian.”
“Our dedication to strengthen consumer protection is embedded in our Blueprint for Change and Economic Plan,” he added. “Our strategy aligns with our National Development Plan, which sets out a clear roadmap for sustainable, inclusive growth that ensures equal opportunities for all Bahamians.”
Among those present were Cabinet Members, including Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs; Wayde Watson, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs; and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response, the Hon. Myles LaRoda.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government was committed to reinforcing The Bahamas’ social protection safety nets, and ensuring that all Bahamians had access to basic goods and services.
“We believe in a thriving business environment where profitability and affordability coexist,” he said. “Our ongoing dialogue with retailers aims to create a balance that fosters business growth while preserving consumer affordability.”
He added: “We understand the weight of challenges like inequality and economic exclusion. These challenges, though tough, make our resolve even stronger. We are tirelessly working to strengthen our social safety nets, ensuring that the most basic needs -- from bread to books -- are within reach for every Bahamian.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that, in fostering a thriving business environment, his Government strove to find a balance.
“A balance where our local grocery stores and retailers can turn a profit, yet a single mother in Nassau or a young family in the Family Islands can afford their weekly shopping and fill their vehicles with fuel,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He added: “To this end, we are enhancing the Consumer Protection Act 2006. Amendments are coming, and they are amendments are about giving you, the consumers, a louder voice and stronger rights. For example, Bahamians living abroad can now lodge a complaint. The Consumer Commission will be empowered to alert you of harmful practices.
Businesses will be required to be licensed and registered. And deceptive conduct, harassment and coercive selling practices will be addressed more comprehensively.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that those and further steps will be taken to ensure a more organized framework, clearer definitions, and stronger protection for consumers.
He added that his Government was championing the importance of customer service, because it believed it can stimulate economic growth and provide better experiences for consumers.
“Imagine walking into a store where you are greeted with a smile, your concerns are heard, and your rights respected,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“That is the Bahamian marketplace we envision.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the current year's budget also included funding for consumer debt counselling.
“This means that the young couple in Freeport, overwhelmed by mortgage payments, or the retiree in New Providence, juggling medical bills, will have access to professional advice and practical tools to manage their financial burdens,” he said.
“As we inaugurate the Consumer Affairs Building today, we are making a clear statement: We stand for consumer rights,” he added. “We envisage this building as a pillar of consumer protection, casting its shadow of security across every corner of our beloved nation, especially our cherished Family Islands.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government’s commitment to the Bahamian people was to bring immediate relief and stability.
“But our vision goes beyond economic recovery,” he said. “It extends to compassionate social relief, enhanced security, and safeguarding your rights as consumers.”
“In essence, protecting consumer rights is our investment in you,” he added. “It is about your wellbeing, your health, your safety, and your economic prosperity.
“As we open this building today, we are united in our shared vision for a fairer, and equitable Bahamas -- a Bahamas where every consumer is protected, every voice is heard, and every right is respected.”
Prime Minister Davis closed by reflecting on his Government’s recently-presented "Budget 2023: A Budget for Security and Progress".
“This budget speaks directly to you, the hard-working, resilient Bahamians,” he said. “It is designed to strengthen our national security, rebuild our economy, and ensure the safety of every single Bahamian.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “With a focus on enhanced border protection, crime prevention, climate resilience and food security, this budget provides stability and progress in our daily lives. Its commitment to promoting Bahamian ownership, expanding affordable housing, and investing in education, training, and empowerment sends a clear message: our government is investing in you.
“It's about making life better for the young family in Freeport, the small business owner in Nassau, and every Bahamian in between.
“That is what this budget means for us.
“That is what we are celebrating today.”
Prime Minister Davis thanked those present for their “unwavering support and trust” in his Government.
“Together, we will continue building a brighter future for every, every Bahamian,” he said. “May God continue to bless The Bahamas.”
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on June 5, 2023, that as his Government opened the doors to the new Consumer Affairs Building, it not only marked a historic milestone but also celebrated “our collective commitment to a fair Bahamas”.
“In this journey, we remember the vision of the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the Official ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Consumer Affairs and the Consumer Protection Commission Building, on Tonique Williams Darling Highway. “His
foresight laid the foundation for the consumer protection we see today, safeguarding the rights of every Bahamian.”
“Our dedication to strengthen consumer protection is embedded in our Blueprint for Change and Economic Plan,” he added. “Our strategy aligns with our National Development Plan, which sets out a clear roadmap for sustainable, inclusive growth that ensures equal opportunities for all Bahamians.”
Among those present were Cabinet Members, including Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs; Wayde Watson, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs; and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response, the Hon. Myles LaRoda.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government was committed to reinforcing The Bahamas’ social protection safety nets, and ensuring that all Bahamians had access to basic goods and services.
“We believe in a thriving business environment where profitability and affordability coexist,” he said. “Our ongoing dialogue with retailers aims to create a balance that fosters business growth while preserving consumer affordability.”
He added: “We understand the weight of challenges like inequality and economic exclusion. These challenges, though tough, make our resolve even stronger. We are tirelessly working to strengthen our social safety nets, ensuring that the most basic needs -- from bread to books -- are within reach for every Bahamian.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that, in fostering a thriving business environment, his Government strove to find a balance.
“A balance where our local grocery stores and retailers can turn a profit, yet a single mother in Nassau or a young family in the Family Islands can afford their weekly shopping and fill their vehicles with fuel,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He added: “To this end, we are enhancing the Consumer Protection Act 2006. Amendments are coming, and they are amendments are about giving you, the consumers, a louder voice and stronger rights. For example, Bahamians living abroad can now lodge a complaint. The Consumer Commission will be empowered to alert you of harmful practices. Businesses will be required to be licensed and registered. And deceptive conduct, harassment and coercive selling practices will be addressed more comprehensively.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that those and further steps will be taken to ensure a more organized framework, clearer definitions, and stronger protection for consumers.
He added that his Government was championing the importance of customer service, because it believed it can stimulate economic growth and provide better experiences for consumers.
“Imagine walking into a store where you are greeted with a smile, your concerns are heard, and your rights respected,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“That is the Bahamian marketplace we envision.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the current year's budget also included funding for consumer debt counselling.
“This means that the young couple in Freeport, overwhelmed by mortgage payments, or the retiree in New Providence, juggling medical bills, will have access to professional advice and practical tools to manage their financial burdens,” he said.
“As we inaugurate the Consumer Affairs Building today, we are making a clear statement: We stand for consumer rights,” he added. “We envisage this building as a pillar of consumer protection, casting its shadow of security across every corner of our beloved nation, especially our cherished Family Islands.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government’s commitment to the Bahamian people was to bring immediate relief and stability.
“But our vision goes beyond economic recovery,” he said. “It extends to compassionate social relief, enhanced security, and safeguarding your rights as consumers.”
“In essence, protecting consumer rights is our investment in you,” he added. “It is about your wellbeing, your health, your safety, and your economic prosperity.
“As we open this building today, we are united in our shared vision for a fairer, and equitable Bahamas -- a Bahamas where every consumer is protected, every voice is heard, and every right is respected.”
Prime Minister Davis closed by reflecting on his Government’s recently-presented "Budget 2023: A Budget for Security and Progress".
“This budget speaks directly to you, the hard-working, resilient Bahamians,” he said. “It is designed to strengthen our national security, rebuild our economy, and ensure the safety of every single Bahamian.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “With a focus on enhanced border protection, crime prevention, climate resilience and food security, this budget provides stability and progress in our daily lives. Its commitment to promoting Bahamian ownership, expanding affordable housing, and investing in education, training, and empowerment sends a clear message: our government is investing in you.
“It's about making life better for the young family in Freeport, the small business owner in Nassau, and every Bahamian in between.
“That is what this budget means for us.
“That is what we are celebrating today.”
Prime Minister Davis thanked those present for their “unwavering support and trust” in his Government.
“Together, we will continue building a brighter future for every, every Bahamian,” he said. “May God continue to bless The Bahamas.”
