NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Our Islands, Our Future (OIOF) coalition acknowledges recent reports indicating that Prime Minister Philip Davis is open to discussions with Challenger Energy Group (CEG), formerly Bahamas Petroleum Company. While we respect the Prime Minister’s commitment to dialogue, we urge the government to remain steadfast in its prior commitments to environmental protection and sustainable development.
In November 2021, the Prime Minister stated that he was “not minded” to allow oil drilling and was completely opposed to oil exploitation in the country. In April 2022, he emphasised that oil drilling was “not on our radar, not in our contemplation,” highlighting the government’s focus on monetizing blue carbon credits by preserving marine ecosystems, such as mangroves and seagrasses. As reported in October 2024, the Prime Minister said in no uncertain terms, “If there is oil beneath the waters of The Bahamas, it will stay there.”
CEG’s track record raises significant concerns. Their 2020 exploratory drilling off Andros Island was approved without adequate public consultation, and their Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Plan were criticized for not meeting international standards. Moreover, CEG still apparently owes The Bahamas unpaid license fees from its previous exploration activities, and its exploration licenses expired in June 2021.
Public sentiment strongly opposes offshore oil drilling. A July 2024 survey conducted by OIOF revealed that 86% of Bahamian respondents support legislative action to prevent further fossil fuel exploration, with 74% advocating for a transition to renewable energy. Only 4% opposed a ban on oil drilling, and 9% were undecided.
OIOF remains committed to collaborating with the government to enact legislation that permanently bans offshore oil drilling in Bahamian waters. Protecting our natural resources aligns with the nation’s long-term economic and environmental interests.
The Bahamas has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting the marine environment and transitioning from fossil fuels. The country recently joined the global call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, reinforcing its commitment to a just energy transition. Domestically, the Prime Minister has issued a proclamation for National Ocean Protection Week for three consecutive years, underscoring the administration’s recognition of the ocean’s vital role in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, OIOF will participate in the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, where we will advocate alongside the Fossil-Free Wider Caribbean coalition and others for a regional moratorium on offshore oil exploration.