Good morning members of the media, and thank you for being here today.
I am joined by the Minister Health and Wellness, the Minister of the Public Service and Labour, and the Management team of the Public Health Authority.
I want to speak directly to the Bahamian people about the recent industrial actions by the Bahamas Doctors Union, the Consultant Physician Staff Association, and the Bahamas Nurses Union. This situation impacts not only our healthcare workers but every Bahamian who relies on our healthcare system.
It is important to understand that the Government, in these negotiations, represents the interests of all Bahamians. We are negotiating not just for the healthcare workers, but for the sustainability and fairness of the entire healthcare system that serves this nation.
On Tuesday, the Government sought and obtained an injunction to address the disruptions caused by industrial actions. This step was taken to ensure that critical healthcare services remain accessible to the public while we continue working toward a resolution. Let me be clear: this is not about confrontation. This is about ensuring that our healthcare system continues to function for the benefit of all Bahamians, even as we address the concerns raised by healthcare workers.
Healthcare workers are essential to our nation. Their dedication, hard work, and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. They save lives and provide care in our most vulnerable moments, and their contributions are deeply valued by this administration.
However, we also have a duty to the people of The Bahamas to ensure that the system is fair, accountable, and sustainable—not just for healthcare workers, but for every Bahamian who depends on it.
Since June 2022, my administration has been actively engaged in negotiations with the unions. These discussions have been comprehensive, with over 17 meetings held to address concerns and finalize agreements.
In October 2023, we resolved $2.8 million in outstanding holiday pay, including $1.5 million in ex gratia payments to healthcare workers. These payments reflected our commitment to resolving long-standing issues. We acted in good faith, not just for the workers but for the public, who expect fairness in how public funds are managed.
Despite these efforts, recent industrial actions have disrupted healthcare services. As a Government, we had to act to protect the rights of all Bahamians to access medical care.
These negotiations while focused on addressing worker grievances— were also about ensuring that the public healthcare system serves the people efficiently and responsibly.
Three key issues lie at the heart of this impasse, and they must be understood in the context of our collective responsibility as a nation.
The first issue is the unions’ request for overtime payments without requiring doctors to sign in or out of work. Accountability is central to any organization, especially one funded by taxpayers. How can we justify paying overtime without verifying who worked and when?
This is not just a technicality—it is about protecting the public’s investment in the healthcare system.
Every Bahamian who pays taxes has a stake in ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly. I ask you, the Bahamian people: would you agree to pay overtime in your business or workplace without proof that the hours were worked? Accountability is not negotiable—it protects the fairness and integrity of the system for everyone.
The second issue involves health insurance. We have offered three comprehensive options to provide healthcare workers with flexibility and choice. These options are designed to address the workers’ needs while ensuring that the system remains financially sustainable.
Our role as a Government is to find solutions that balance these two priorities. This is not about withholding benefits—it is about offering fair and sustainable options that meet the needs of both workers and the public.
The third issue is the finalization of agreements. The Government has shown its readiness to sign agreements and move forward. However, there have been occasions where union representatives have failed to attend scheduled meetings, causing unnecessary delays. This undermines the process and ultimately prolongs the challenges faced by both workers and the public.
Let me be very clear: the Government is not negotiating against healthcare workers—we are negotiating on behalf of the Bahamian people. Our goal is to achieve outcomes that are fair to all parties involved. This is not a zero-sum game. It is about finding solutions that ensure the sustainability of our healthcare system while addressing the legitimate concerns of our workers.
To the union leaders, I urge you to return to the table. Let us resolve these issues together. We are committed to meaningful dialogue, but it must be rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the public good. The Bahamian people are counting on all of us—Government and unions alike—to act in their best interests.
To the Bahamian people, I want to assure you that this administration is acting with your interests at heart.
These negotiations are not about taking sides; they are about ensuring that our healthcare system continues to serve you effectively, efficiently, and equitably. We are not here to create division but to foster solutions that benefit everyone. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect and improve the services you rely on.
This is a time for cooperation and progress, not conflict.
We can resolve this impasse and build a healthcare system that reflects the best of who we are as a nation—fair, accountable, and dedicated to serving every Bahamian.
We can reach a win-win scenario for both our hard-working doctors and the Bahamian people. Come back to the table.
Thank you, and I am now open to your questions.