The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Government is negotiating with digital platforms such as Meta, TikTok and X in a bid to ensure Bahamian creators and influencers can be paid for their work, the Prime Minister said yesterday.

Speaking at the first-ever ‘242 Influencers and Creatives’ conference, Philip Davis KC said the Government will be “making the case” about Bahamian talent to large social media platforms.

“We are reaching out to companies such as OpenAI, Meta, TikTok, X and others because we are making the case that talent and capability exist right here in The Bahamas,” said Mr Davis. “The work before us is to build the relationships, the access and the systems that allow Bahamian creators to earn from their talent.”

He said the conference was designed to connect Bahamian creators with global platforms and industry stakeholders, providing direct engagement on eligibility requirements and future opportunities within the digital economy.

“This conference is built around exactly that idea; bringing global technology platforms, creative industry voices and Bahamian creators together,” Mr Davis said.He pushed back against the notion that domestic constraints are limiting creator earnings, adding: “There are no local barriers. The work before us is to build the relationships.”

Mr Davis argued that while international platform access is critical, local participation must also improve. “Before we ask the global marketplace to monetise Bahamians, we have to do better at home,” he said. “Before we ask international brands to invest in Bahamian creators, local brands must lead as well.”

He pointed to growing collaboration between Bahamian businesses and influencers as a positive sign, noting that such partnerships help validate the commercial value of local content creators. Mr Davis also signalled that the Government intends to play a more direct role in supporting the sector, revealing plans to allocate public sector advertising dollars towards Bahamian creators.

“I will direct government agencies and ministers to identify Bahamian influencers and creators who can help carry public information and public education messages, and to allocate intentional budgets for that purpose,” he said.

Framing the initiative within a broader economic shift, Mr Davis told attendees: “When I look across this room, I see the outline of a new Bahamian economy.” He described creators as part of a growing sector of entrepreneurs leveraging digital platforms to build audiences and income streams, often starting with minimal resources.

“You took a phone, a camera, an idea and your own voice, and turned it into reach,” he said. Mr Davis said the Government’s role is to “open gates” for the next generation, arguing that access to opportunity - not talent - has been the primary constraint for many Bahamians.

“What was missing was never ability. What was missing was access. What was missing was connection,” he said. The Prime Minister urged creators to take advantage of emerging opportunities, adding: “Meet me in the middle. We will create the environment and give you the tools. You bring the discipline, the work ethic and the ideas.”