1. Country Over Party

This policy applies regardless of who is in government. It exists to protect the people of The Bahamas, not any political organization.

2. Preparedness, Not Panic

Responsible leadership plans ahead, communicates clearly, and avoids fear-driven decision-making.

3. Firm Borders, Human Dignity

We can enforce immigration law while honoring our values and humanity.

Why This Matters

The Bahamas sits at the center of a rapidly shifting regional migration landscape. Decisions made beyond our borders — combined with instability in our region — can have outsized consequences for a small island nation like ours.

The United States has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals, with removals scheduled to begin in early 2026. That timeline is not distant. It gives The Bahamas months, not years, to ensure our laws, capacity, and preparedness are aligned with the realities unfolding around us.

While the Smuggling of Migrants Bill moved quickly, the urgency of the moment makes one thing clear: getting this right matters more than moving fast. Immigration and sovereignty policy cannot afford shortcuts, silence, or confusion — especially when regional dynamics are changing in real time.

We can be urgent and diligent; decisive and transparent; and Prepared before pressure arrives not after.

1. National Transparency Briefing

The government should publicly brief Bahamians on regional migration risks, diplomatic discussions, and preparedness plans so citizens understand what pressures exist and how the country is preparing. Trust is built when people are informed not after decisions are already made.

BFM Principle: Transparency is not optional when sovereignty is at stake.​

2. Balanced Border Defense

Border security must be reinforced both north and south of The Bahamas to reflect changing migration routes and regional realities. Preparedness means deploying resources where risks are emerging not only where they existed in the past.

BFM Principle: We defend the whole nation, not just familiar front lines.

3. Decentralized Processing Capacity

Immigration and asylum processing should not fall solely on Nassau. Planning capacity outside New Providence protects public services, reduces congestion, and ensures orderly, humane operations if pressure increases.

BFM Principle: Preparedness protects people before systems are overwhelmed.

4. Emergency Sovereignty Readiness Framework

Beyond anti-smuggling enforcement, The Bahamas needs a clear framework for managing sudden migration surges; including capacity limits, expedited processing, and firm, lawful enforcement that safeguards national resources.

BFM Principle: Urgency must be matched with structure, clarity, and control.