NASSAU, The Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip Davis delivered a powerful call to defend truth and strengthen national journalism during remarks at the launch of Righteous Realignment Bahamas, describing the press as “one of the last walls protecting our democracy.”
Speaking to journalists, media professionals, and students, Prime Minister Davis urged the country to treat journalism not as decoration, but as essential to the structure of a free society.
“Democracy does not defend itself,” he said. “It is defended by citizens who stay engaged, and it is defended by institutions that take their duty seriously. Among those institutions, the press holds a special place.”
The Prime Minister warned of the dangers of misinformation and cynicism:
“Noise spreads faster than truth. Outrage sells. Cynicism is everywhere. And if we are not careful, we will wake up in a Bahamas where people no longer trust anything, and where division becomes the default setting.”
He continued, “Journalism is not decoration in a democracy. It is part of the structure. If the people are sovereign, then the people must have access to what is true, what is proven, what is happening, and what it means for their lives.”
Addressing young reporters directly, he underscored the weight of their responsibility.
“Your loyalty is to the public. Your discipline is to the facts. Your standard must be fairness. Your work must be grounded in proof,” he said. “And when you do that, even people who disagree with you will know you are serious.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the effort and professionalism already being demonstrated by Bahamian journalists and announced a new commitment from his administration:
“I am going to ask Cabinet to explore how we can invest in, and help develop, the future of journalism in The Bahamas – how we can support training and professional development, how we can strengthen media literacy and standards in an age where misinformation can spread in seconds.”
“If you hold to the principle that media power must be balanced with responsibility, that truth must be pursued with fairness and wisdom, and that the public deserves clarity and context, then you will be doing something that matters for the whole country.”