National Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Vision 2040 and Institutionalized Development Planning

02/19/2026

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — National leaders, policymakers, and development partners convened today at Margaritaville Beach Resort for a Parliamentary Session focused on strengthening implementation of the National Development Plan, Vision 2040, the Bahamas’ long-term framework for sustainable growth, economic resilience, and institutional continuity.

The Session underscored bipartisan recognition that national development must be structured, measurable, and sustained beyond political cycles.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip E. Davis, MP, KC, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing long-term planning:
“The true measure of leadership is not only what we achieve in our time, but what we make possible beyond it. Through Vision 2040, we will be the generation that secures our nation’s future for years to come.”

The Prime Minister noted that durable institutions are essential to coordinate, monitor, and sustain progress across generations.

Leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Michael Pintard, MP, reinforced the need for measurable outcomes and cross-sector collaboration:

“The political class is challenged to facilitate the outcomes that our people identify as crucial to them. The targets should be measurable, and cooperation across sectors, politics, age, and dividing lines is essential for success.

It is about putting the country on a sustainable path where the dreams and aspirations of our people can be realized regardless of which political organization is in charge.”

Chairman of the National Development Plan Steering Committee, Mr. Felix Stubbs, highlighted the importance of structured governance, implementation discipline, and cross-government coordination to ensure Vision 2040 remains a living, evolving framework.

Leader of the Coalition of Independents, Mr. Lincoln Bain, described the moment as historic and emphasized the importance of national unity beyond partisan lines:

“This is a historic moment. It is time for us to have a vision as a people, not as a political party. I want to congratulate the administration for getting it done. Credit must be given where it is due. By reaching across the table to all political parties, we are demonstrating the kind of bipartisan effort this country needs.”

Mrs. Shirley Gayle, IDB Country Representative, reaffirmed the Inter-American Development Bank’s ongoing partnership with The Bahamas:

“The IDB’s support has focused on strengthening systems, data, and institutional capacity so that planning is evidence-based and future-focused. We remain committed to that partnership and to working alongside the Bahamian people as Vision 2040 becomes a living framework guiding decisions, investments, and opportunities.

For as long as it is needed, The Bahamas can be assured of the IDB’s continued support.”

The Session builds on the objectives of the Bahamas National Development Planning Institute Bill, 2025, which seeks to move the country from planning to implementation by establishing a permanent institutional framework to coordinate, monitor, and sustain national development efforts over time.

Vision 2040 remains a national framework designed to evolve with the country while maintaining a consistent long-term direction focused on improving lives, expanding opportunity, and strengthening resilience.