National

“If You Are “Brave” Enough, Come Talk to the People Directly”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Rawson Square takeover was sparked by delayed payments and salary increases promised for public servants. But did the prime minister, like last week, address the crowd?

Published

2 months ago

October 15, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The heart of the country’s busiest tourist district erupted into chaos once again this morning as fed-up leaders and members of the Bahamas National Alliance of Trade Union Congress marched and protested outside Parliament.

Those protesters chanted and called for the prime minister, blocking traffic for hours.

The Rawson Square takeover was sparked by delayed payments and salary increases promised for public servants. But did the prime minister, like last week, address the crowd?

For the second week in a row, members of the Bahamas National Alliance of Trade Union Congress marched from the old City Market parking lot to Bay Street Wednesday morning.

“If you can’t pay our money, ring the bell,” and “Brave gotta go,” were just two of the main messages from protesters as they stood outside of the House of Assembly demanding the prime minister speak to them.

Part two of the Rawson Square takeover was sparked by delayed payments and salary increases promised for public servants.

In a televised address, the prime minister announced that the long-awaited national salary review, which he says is the most comprehensive examination of public service pay in decades, has been completed and will be made public. But he added that he canceled Tuesday’s scheduled meeting with union representatives after one group publicly threatened a national strike while negotiations were still underway.

However, union leader Belinda Wilson insisted that’s not how it went, challenging the prime minister to speak to the people directly.

Belinda Wilson – President, BNATUC
“Last week we went inside the Parliament to get him. Today we will wait and see if he’s brave enough to come out the Parliament by himself.”

The morning wore on, protesters braving the hot sun along with a firm police presence outside of the House of Assembly, blocked off with barricades in the square. The group insisted that the prime minister, who was inside giving a contribution to Parliament, come see them.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard, along with Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain, also marched with the protesters.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement
“To hell with what they have to say about us standing with workers. We are doing our job.”

Lincoln Bain – Leader, Coalition of Independents
“They need to stop thinking the money belongs to them. It belongs to the people, and you’re not giving us a favor. You’re giving us what’s ours. You’re our manager.”

Protesters also passionately aired their frustrations to reporters.

Protester
“And then I can’t go in there to sit down and talk to them, but he say he gone talk to the people. He ain’t gone talk to us. Come talk to me then. Let’s have a conversation.”

Sharon McKenzie – Protester
“Every time y’all get in office, the same thing. Five years after five years after five years. All we is asking for is what is duly right to us, what is duly owed to us.”