Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Remarks at the 2026 Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Awards

Ladies and gentlemen,

As I stand here today, I am in awe.

To look around this room and see so many young, bright, and determined Bahamians poised for greatness is encouraging and deeply moving. 

I am in awe of what these students have already accomplished at such a young age. Their excellence encourages me. They remind me that greatness begins early, fostered by love, curiosity, and hard work.

Well done,  young leaders, we are so proud of each and every one of you.

Tonight, we celebrate you: young people who are beginning to blaze your own trails to success. Each of you will walk a different road. And because of your gifts, your journeys will take different turns.

But as long as you remain focused and diligent, you will all share in a common outcome: progress will be inevitable as long as you stay on the path to success.

As you move from primary to secondary school, I encourage you to remain disciplined inside and outside of the classroom. But most importantly, I ask that you find where your passion lies and nurture it. Because that passion has the power to shape the Bahamas. 

I have no doubt that you, our young leaders, will blaze new trails on your own.

That is why I remain committed to creating opportunities for young Bahamians and accelerating progress for all students. We must ensure that there are opportunities for you to stay, grow, and thrive here at home. 

And we  must commit ourselves to creating a Bahamas where your hard work is properly respected and rewarded.

Organizations like this Foundation play a key role in creating that future.

Thank you to the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation, as well as the  Nassau Pan-Hellenic Council, for thirty years spent ensuring that young Bahamians have access to opportunity and recognition at an early stage in their journey.

That is something truly worth celebrating.

It also speaks to a broader belief I believe this programme was founded on: the belief that talent is everywhere in our country.

In every settlement.

On every island.

And in every classroom.

All a child often needs is someone to see them, guide them, and believe in them. There is no doubt that this Foundation has left an indelible mark on our nation and so many of the young people whom they have recognized.

I also wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who continue to give generously in support of this event and these young stars. 

To the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and all the schools represented here today, thank you for your continued role in nurturing and supporting our students. 

Thank you to the parents and loved ones who continue to guide and support our star students on their journey to excellence. You are all helping to create a brighter future for our nation.

To the more than one hundred and twenty young leaders here today, I am so very proud of you. Enjoy this moment and be proud of what you have achieved. You have earned it.

At the same time, remember that this recognition is also the beginning of a new chapter. As you move to secondary school, keep working, keep learning, stay humble, and stay curious. Carry the values you have learned with you wherever life takes you.

Finally, I must admit that this year’s ceremony is especially meaningful to me. Tonight has reminded me that there are few joys greater than watching a young person you love begin to discover their own strength and find their own path in this world.

What a joy it is to witness. That feeling, I am sure, is one shared by many in this room.

As I look around this room tonight, I see such great promise. I see future doctors, artists, engineers, public servants, and yes, the next Prime Minister. I see young Bahamians who will shape the next fifty years of our nation’s history.

Go forth young leaders. Blaze your own trails.

May love guide your steps. May He bless each of you and may he continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.