On June 2nd, 2026, following the release of the 2026-2027 National Budget Communication, the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce (ECC) circulated a position statement, offering comments, insights and recommendations to the government, on behalf of the business community in Eleuthera, after a comprehensive review – highlighting the need for a long-term strategic economic plan, greater recognition of Eleuthera as a major driver in the national economy, and a more supportive environment for local businesses on the island.
“We acknowledge and are extremely grateful to see and feel the impact of the recent public investments in Eleuthera’s infrastructure. However, as the voice of business on this island, we must ask: What is the larger, long-term strategic plan to ensure lasting success beyond reactive, “catch-up” measures?” said the Chamber.
It added that businesses and residents continue to experience disruptions as a result of unstable utility services, “Our members and residents continue to face daily disruptions and basic hardships due to utility instability, particularly regarding water and electricity. Substantive economic growth cannot thrive on an unreliable foundation. We need a clear, proactive roadmap for utility resilience.”
“Since 2020, Eleuthera’s growth has been one of the strongest and most vibrant opportunities for the expansion and diversification of the entire Bahamian economy.”
The Chamber, in its statement, also expressed disappointment that the Budget did not fully recognise the scale and potential of Family Island economies, like Eleuthera – saying the island, since 2020, has been one of the strongest opportunities for growth and expansion in the country. “We are deeply disappointed that the Budget does not fully recognise the sheer scale and potential of emerging Family Island economies, particularly Eleuthera. Since 2020, Eleuthera’s growth has been one of the strongest and most vibrant opportunities for the expansion and diversification of the entire Bahamian economy.”
The ECC suggested measuring the actual impact created by projects on the ground, and finding ways to keep capital circulating within local communities, saying, “This reality must be seized with clear, measurable benchmarks. We must go beyond simply counting tourism arrivals and focus on economic impact per project – understanding how much value is truly created on the ground, and capital retention – finding ways to keep money circulating directly within our local businesses, services, and communities.”
A domestic investment and empowerment regime was also recommended to protect existing local businesses, and help new startups to thrive alongside foreign investments. The ECC recommended locally tailored incentives, policies prioritising sub-contracts for local businesses from major projects, and supporting local companies in adopting sustainable practices toward climate resilience.
The ECC also called for the government to define a strategic economic plan for Eleuthera, prioritising community empowerment, local land ownership, avenues for reinvestment in local communities, and education opportunities for future entrepreneurs, saying, “Eleuthera is currently recovering from a multi-decade economic depression. We must learn from our history and maximise this current moment to protect ourselves from future global crises.”
The Eleuthera Chamber, said that it stands ready to partner with the government to design and implement the recommended frameworks, adding, “We must innovate with the resources we have today to secure our tomorrow. We remain completely committed to ensuring that the wealth generated in Eleuthera truly benefits, empowers, and stays with the people of Eleuthera.”
