Press Release

Source: Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas
Date: 6 May 2026
Contact: Financemail@bahamas.gov.bs

The Ministry of Finance is pleased to release its monthly report on government’s fiscal operations for the month of February 2026, as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act, 2023.

For the review month, total revenue declined by $12.1 million (4.1 percent) to $280.8 million, although tax revenue grew by $17.6 million (7.3 percent) to $258.7 million. Gains in tax collections were associated with a sharp improvement in taxes on international trade and transactions of $34.0 million (66.3 percent), as the robust growth in tourism underpinned stronger receipts from the tourism sustainability levy and departure taxes. VAT collections also increased by $2.6 million (2.5 percent). In a partial offset, declines were posted for receipts from taxes on the use and permission to use goods and property tax collections of $9.4 million (20.6 percent) and $4.5 million (18.9 percent), respectively. Non‐tax revenue increased by $8.2 million (35.4 percent) to $31.5 million, supported by higher general registration fees and dividend income.

Recurrent expenditure declined by $2.0 million (0.9 percent), although gains were posted for personal emoluments of $5.7 million (7.9 percent) and social benefits of $5.3 million (29.1 percent). The latter were offset by an $8.2 million (14.4 percent) decline in outlays for the use of goods and services, which included lower payments for utilities and communications costs. Capital expenditure increased by $3.3 million to $16.7 million, the bulk of which was directed to non‐financial assets.

As a result of these developments, the government recorded an estimated fiscal surplus of $45.3 million in February 2026, down from a $58.6 million surplus in the corresponding period of the prior year. Financing operations during the month increased the outstanding debt stock by an estimated $25.0 million, largely reflecting domestic borrowing activity.

The public is encouraged to visit the national Budget Website  (www.bahamasbudget.gov.bs) to view all fiscal reports.