AGP Executive Report

BPL Overtime Clash: The Bahamas government backed Bahamas Power & Light’s new overtime reforms, calling the near-$20m annual bill “unsustainable and unacceptable” after internal records showed three fuel-and-performance workers received over $600,000 in overtime from May 2025 to April 2026—while the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union says the focus is a “distraction” from wider grid failures and power outages. Aviation Fees Pressure: NBAA says BANSA has begun retroactive collection of fees on aircraft operators since May 1, 2021, with private aviation hit by steep increases; tourism and private aviation leaders want regulators to consider the “bigger picture” for the Bahamas’ image. Digital Future Push: Bahamian leaders at CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana discussed moving from connectivity to cybersecurity and local innovation, with a focus on modernizing government systems. Education & Power Fallout: The Bahamas Educators Managerial Union says a meeting is being set with the education minister to address promotions and a new industrial agreement, as politicians warn power outages could disrupt school reopening. Cruise & Port Economy: Downtown Nassau is urged to become a premium destination to convert cruise passenger volume into longer stays and more local spending. Marine & Youth Talent: A Bahamian cohort begins studies at South Carolina State University through a Commonwealth of the Bahamas partnership aimed at building marine and science skills.

BPL Power Crisis: The government backed Bahamas Power and Light’s new overtime policy, calling an annual overtime bill of about $20m “unsustainable and unacceptable” and pushing for tighter controls as outages continue to disrupt schools, courts, and hospitals. Union vs Utility: Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson dismissed overtime-pay leak claims as a “distraction,” while the union threatened industrial action over the policy, escalating a long-running fight over staffing, fatigue, and pay. Fuel Hedge Talks: Citi Bahamas said it hopes to help government secure another fuel hedge for BPL this year, citing oil-price volatility and building on a December 2025 hedge. Tourism Pressure: A Maldives lawmaker warned tourism can’t be “milked dry,” pointing to competition from destinations like the Bahamas and urging careful policy changes around booking platforms and foreign operators. Digital Future: Bahamian leaders used CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana to push stronger digital systems, cybersecurity, and government modernization tied to everyday citizen needs. Marine & Education Pipeline: A new Bahamas–SC State partnership is sending a first cohort of students into marine-focused study, while the Sandals Foundation and ADO expand Pinewood Gardens Community Farm to support regenerative, low-cost food production. Cruise Economy: Downtown Nassau is urged to become a premium destination so more cruise passengers actually spend time and money ashore, not just pass through. Luxury Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backed a $200m–$250m Governor’s Harbour boutique resort plan, citing jobs and local business opportunities. Hospitality at Sea: Four Seasons launched its 207m yacht in the Bahamas region, bringing ultra-suite, ocean-facing service to the Caribbean travel market.

Power & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light’s overtime fight is escalating as the government backs a new overtime policy, calling an annual bill near $20m “unsustainable and unacceptable,” while the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union says leaked overtime figures are a distraction from ongoing blackouts. Fuel Costs & Finance: Citi Bahamas says it’s ready to help government secure another BPL fuel hedge as oil-price volatility threatens electricity costs. Digital Policy: Bahamian leaders are pushing for stronger digital systems and cybersecurity at CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana, framing modernization as a way to fix everyday government pain points. Education & Talent Pipeline: A new partnership is bringing Bahamian students to South Carolina State University through a Ministry Scholars Program, with marine-focused study among the first cohort. Tourism & Cruise Business: Nassau Cruise Port scored World Cruise Awards nominations, while local voices argue Downtown Nassau must convert cruise passenger volume into longer stays and more local spending. Construction & Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backs a $200m–$250m Governor’s Harbour luxury resort plan, and debate continues over Bahama Rock Limited’s proposed Freeport Harbour expansion.

Power & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light’s overtime fight is escalating as a leaked payroll snapshot shows three workers receiving $601,295 in overtime over a year, while the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union calls it a distraction from ongoing outages; the government has backed BPL’s new overtime controls, saying the bill could reach about $20m annually and is “unsustainable and unacceptable.” Education & Labour: Deputy PM Chester Cooper is set to meet the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union to address school reopening concerns, including promotions and an industrial agreement. Energy Infrastructure: Citi Bahamas is exploring another fuel hedge for BPL as oil-price volatility threatens future costs. Tourism & Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backs a $200m–$250m Governor’s Harbour boutique resort plan, while Nassau Cruise Port scored a World Cruise Awards nomination for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026. Digital Sovereignty: Bahamian leaders at CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana pushed for stronger cybersecurity and local innovation to move the region beyond basic connectivity. Agriculture: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a regenerative agriculture demonstration site.

BPL Overtime Fallout: Bahamas Power and Light’s new overtime policy is sparking a full-blown fight with the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union, after leaked internal records showed three employees received about $601,295 in overtime over a year; the union calls it a distraction from ongoing outages, while the government says an annual overtime bill nearing $20m is “unsustainable and unacceptable” and demands tighter controls. Power Outage Pressure: Opposition and business voices are piling on as blackouts disrupt schools, the Supreme Court, and hospital operations; the Bar Association criticized the AG for not outlining concrete fixes, and calls are growing for reliability during school hours. Fuel Hedge Talk: Citi Bahamas says it wants to help government secure another BPL fuel hedge amid volatile oil markets, building on a December 2025 hedge. Cruise Industry Boost: Nassau Cruise Port scored nominations for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Bahamas for Best Cruise Destination at the World Cruise Awards, as downtown Nassau stakeholders push for more premium, longer stays ashore. Eleuthera Resort Push: The Eleuthera Chamber backs a $200–$250m boutique luxury resort and residences at the former Club Med site in Governor’s Harbour, citing jobs and local business opportunities. Marine & Food Security: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a regenerative agriculture demonstration site, supported by Rocky Farms Nursery donations. Education Link: A first cohort of 21 Bahamian students has begun studies at South Carolina State University through a Commonwealth of The Bahamas scholars partnership.

Power & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light is tightening overtime rules after internal records showed three Fuel and Performance employees collected over $600,000 in overtime in a year, triggering union backlash and a fresh trade dispute. Overtime Policy: The Government says the new BPL overtime system adds checks like prior approval, documentation, timekeeping controls, monthly reviews, and caps—aimed at cutting an overtime bill nearing $20m annually. Grid Strain & Public Impact: Opposition leaders and legal officials point to ongoing outages affecting hospitals and court operations, while the AG says disruptions were limited and courts can manage with backup power. Energy Infrastructure: FOCOL-Shell’s New Providence Gas JV has signed with ECOnnect Energy for a floating LNG import terminal at Clifton Pier, positioning LNG as a cleaner generation fuel for BPL. Cruise & Tourism: Nassau Cruise Port earned a World Cruise Awards nomination for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026, alongside a Bahamas destination nomination, as the port targets continued passenger growth. Construction & Materials: Caribbean Cement says it could restart regional exports as early as September, prioritizing local demand first while eyeing the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas after a supply crunch. Agriculture & Food Security: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a regenerative agriculture demonstration site, supported by plant donations and funding. Digital Sovereignty: A Bahamas minister warns against “digital colonialism,” urging the country to retain audit access, data control, and provider exit options for critical systems. Marine Conservation Funding: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund is preparing grant-writing workshops and a call for proposals for up to $50,000 for marine conservation groups. Local Business & Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backs a $250m-plus revival of the former Club Med site in Governor’s Harbour, targeting construction jobs and a mid-2027 start. Transport Labor Tensions: The taxi and livery dispute at LPIA is escalating again, with threats of industrial action that could disrupt tourism operations.

Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light’s power crisis keeps escalating, with load shedding hitting parts of New Providence and earlier outages forcing Supreme Court closures and disrupting hospital operations; Labour & Power Sector: the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union has filed a trade dispute against BPL over an overtime policy, while the Taxi Cab Union and livery drivers’ airport dispute also threatens industrial action; Cruise & Tourism: Nassau Cruise Port scored a World Cruise Awards nomination for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026, as cruise operators push more Bahamas-focused short itineraries and new private-island upgrades like Norwegian’s Great Tides Waterpark; Agriculture & Food Security: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm into a national regenerative agriculture demonstration site, supported by Rocky Farms Nursery; Energy Infrastructure (LNG): Shell/FOCOL’s New Providence Gas JV selected ECOnnect Energy for a floating LNG import terminal to speed LNG access for power generation; Marine Conservation: BPAF is preparing grant-writing workshops and a call for up to $50,000 for Bahamian marine conservation groups; Digital Governance: The Bahamas and Estonia signed a digital cooperation MOU covering AI, cybersecurity, digital identity and government modernization.

Tourism & Public Spaces: Chinese Ambassador Yan Jiarong met Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority chair Jamahl Strachan, backing cooperation on park/beach development, beautification and environmental protection—covering the Authority’s 250+ sites. Airport Disruption Risk: The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union says industrial action could follow an escalating Lynden Pindling International Airport dispute with livery drivers over commercial-lane arrangements. Cruise Industry Push: Norwegian Cruise Line is betting on a bigger Bahamas experience with Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay (debut Sept. 4) and expanded 2028 summer itineraries featuring more overnight port stays. Energy & Business Continuity: New Providence power outages continue, including Supreme Court closures after generator problems and further load shedding affecting multiple communities. Digital Government & Sovereignty: The Bahamas and Estonia signed a digital cooperation MOU covering AI, cybersecurity and digital identity, while Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald urged a regional digital sovereignty pact to avoid “digital colonization.” Water Infrastructure: Water and Sewerage Corporation says Windsor Wellfield upgrades are boosting production and saving millions by reducing reliance on costlier reverse osmosis water. Marine Conservation Funding: Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will open grant proposals Aug. 31 after training, with workshops in August for marine conservation groups. Real Estate Development: HG Christie welcomed new canal-front townhouse inventory in Grand Bahama, signaling renewed development momentum.

Digital Government & AI: The Bahamas and Estonia signed a landmark digital cooperation MOU to boost government modernization, digital identity, interoperability, cybersecurity, and AI governance, with technical exchanges and workshops planned. Energy & Power Reliability: New Providence continues to see load shedding and outages as BPL struggles with summer demand and circuit capacity, disrupting homes, businesses, and even court operations. LNG Infrastructure: New Providence Gas Limited appointed Px Group to operate and maintain the Clifton Pier LNG import and regasification terminal, targeting operations in Q1 2027 to diversify electricity generation away from heavy fuel oil and diesel. Tourism & Real Estate: Westgate Resorts launches its first Caribbean property, Westgate Bimini Bay, opening Oct. 1, 2026, while Grand Bahama’s HG Christie welcomes a new waterfront townhouse development and Windsor Lakes hits 70% sold with major infrastructure and amenities nearing completion. Marine & Environment Funding: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will open a Marine Conservation Program grant call Aug. 31, with training workshops in August to help nonprofits strengthen marine protection projects. Public Services & Community: The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority kicks off free “End of Summer Fitness in the Park” programming at Goodman’s Bay Park through early September. Legal/Business Oversight: A Supreme Court order calls for a forensic review of disputed Conch & Coconut revenue exceeding $6.7M tied to a tourism and concierge business.

Energy & Utilities: New Providence residents and businesses kept facing rolling blackouts as Bahamas Power and Light reported multiple outages tied to Clifton Pier and Windsor Field equipment, while Baha Mar’s Robert Sands said the resort has seen “no impact” and urged patience as BPL executes its plans. Power Sector Reform: The Bahamas Grid Company and BPL continue to trade blame publicly, with FNM’s Andre Rollins demanding transparency and alleging staffing and fault-repair gaps. LNG for Electricity: New Providence Gas Limited has appointed Px Group to operate and maintain its Clifton Pier LNG import and regasification terminal, targeting first operations in Q1 2027 to cut reliance on heavy fuel oil and diesel. Water Infrastructure: The Water and Sewerage Corporation says the Windsor Wellfield enhancement is saving over $2 million a year by boosting natural water output and reducing costly reverse osmosis purchases. Marine Conservation Funding: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will open a Marine Conservation Program grant call for up to $50,000 after training, with workshops in August for communities across the islands. Aviation & Fees: BANSA has started retroactive air navigation fees on many aircraft operators since May 1, 2021, raising costs and warning of possible detainment for unpaid balances. Tourism & Development: A proposed $200M–$250M resort and residences project is planned for the former Club Med site in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, with construction expected to start mid-2027. Legal/Conch & Coconut: A court ordered a forensic review of disputed Conch & Coconut revenue totaling over $6.7M tied to bookings and receipts since 2017. Regional Construction Materials: Cemex reported stronger Q2 performance in its South, Central America and Caribbean division, highlighting Jamaica’s reconstruction and tourism-linked demand after Hurricane Melissa.

Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light outages kept hitting New Providence, with multiple areas reporting blackouts tied to Clifton Pier and Windsor Field issues, while Baha Mar says it’s not been affected and urges patience as BPL plans roll out. LNG & Power Infrastructure: New Providence Gas Limited has tapped Px Group to operate and maintain the Clifton Pier LNG terminal, with operations expected in Q1 2027 as the island moves away from heavy fuel oil and diesel. Aviation & Fees: BANSA has begun retroactive air navigation fees on operators dating to May 1, 2021, raising costs by 300%–700% for many aircraft. Health Systems: The Bahamas officially joined the Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas, launching a consultative mechanism with PAHO, IDB and the World Bank. Marine Conservation: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund is opening a grant-writing and monitoring/evaluation training track ahead of a call for proposals, with up to $50,000 available for eligible marine conservation groups. Tourism & Hospitality: A $250M Eleuthera project is planned for the former Club Med site in Governor’s Harbour, while health officials shut down Exuma’s Chat ‘N’ Chill pending violations. Legal & Business: A court ordered a forensic review of $6.7M in disputed Conch & Coconut revenue tied to bookings and receipts since 2017.

Aviation Oversight: A Supreme Court order has ordered a forensic review of more than $6.7M in disputed Conch & Coconut tourism/concierge revenue, with an independent administrator to track bookings and receipts tied to the Harbour Island and Eleuthera operation. Aviation Safety: After the July 10 Flamingo Air crash near San Andros, a Bahamian aviation safety consultant says the industry should act on available risk signals even before the final probable-cause report. Energy & Grid Pressure: With summer outages continuing, BPL says the grid is under strain and points to standby support from major corporate consumers like Baha Mar, while political voices trade blame over who’s responsible for the power failures. Aviation Fees Hit Operators: BANSA has started retroactive air navigation fees on operators since May 1, 2021, with reported increases of 300%–700% based on aircraft weight. Marine Conservation: The Bahamas Project for Marine Conservation pushed past the halfway mark in assessing 70 MPAs using METT workshops, funded through debt-conversion savings. Tourism Development: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled first images of its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay ahead of a Sept. 4 opening. Digital Cooperation: The Bahamas and Estonia signed a landmark MOU to boost digital transformation, including AI, cybersecurity, and digital identity. Health Aid: The Bahamas donated $500,000 in chemotherapy medication to Cuba to support children’s cancer care.

Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light’s summer outages keep sparking heat in Parliament and the streets, with FNM’s Andre Rollins accusing Bahamas Grid Company of lacking the expertise to fix recurring grid faults, while BPL and BGC push conservation and argue the grid is being modernized. Aviation & Fees: The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority has started retroactively charging aircraft operators for flights since May 1, 2021, with fees rising 300%–700% based on maximum takeoff weight and potential detention for unpaid balances. Digital Cooperation: The Bahamas and Estonia signed a digital transformation MOU covering digital government, interoperability, digital identity, AI, cybersecurity, and citizen-centred services. Water & Infrastructure: Consolidated Water reported Q2 2026 results, with revenue down 2% to $32.9m but Bahamas energy-related bulk revenue up 20% tied to new desalination plants. Marine Conservation: The Bahamas Project for Marine Conservation advanced its METT assessments across 70 MPAs, funded through a debt-conversion model. Tourism & Development: A $200m–$250m boutique hotel and residential plan at the former Club Med site in Eleuthera targets mid-2027 construction and partial openings by 2029. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled first images of its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay ahead of a Sept. 4 opening. Trade & Costs: U.S. Section 301 tariffs on salmon and shrimp are expected to raise costs for seafood importers, with little relief available. Health & Aid: The Bahamas donated $500,000 in chemotherapy medication to Cuba for children’s cancer care. Food & Retail: Korean fried chicken brand BBQ opened its first Mexico City outlet, expanding a regional footprint that already includes the Bahamas. Business & Jobs: Government says it will review labour certificate applications and employment data to improve transparency and access for Bahamians. Aviation Safety Watch: Scrutiny continues after a fatal North Andros crash, with reporting highlighting the age profile of Bahamian-registered aircraft.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line shared first-look images of its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, a nearly six-acre, Sept. 4, 2026 opening featuring the Wandering River tunnel, the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide, cliff jumps, and new dining like Low Tide Smoke and Catch of the Cay. Hospitality Development: A $200M–$250M boutique hotel and residential project at the former Club Med site in Eleuthera is moving to its next phase, with construction targeted for mid-2027 and partial opening in 2029. Energy & Infrastructure: Bahamas Power and Light is securing a $1M+ 70-ton transformer from Elsewedy Electric to strengthen New Providence’s grid after outages. Workforce Policy: Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell says the government will review labour certificate applications and employment data to improve transparency and access for Bahamians. Banking Payments: Scotiabank credit cards in The Bahamas now work with Apple Pay, a major upgrade for everyday tap-and-go payments. Public Health Aid: The Bahamas donated $500,000 in critical chemotherapy medication to Cuba for children’s cancer care. Culture & Community: Atlantis’ RnB Brunch with Dru Hill drew big nostalgia crowds, while Bon Vivants earned a North America top-50 best bars nod.

Cruise & Tourism: Carnival says it cut greenhouse gas emissions 20% five years ahead of schedule, with a new 2029 target of 25%—a reminder that Bahamas cruise demand is increasingly tied to cleaner ship operations. Cruise Infrastructure: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, opening Sept. 4, 2026, with major family and thrill attractions plus a new pier for easier access. Work & Immigration: The Bahamas government will review labour certificate applications and employment data, with Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell saying the goal is transparency and ensuring Bahamians get real access to jobs without discouraging investment. Energy & Grid Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light is bringing in a $1M+ 70-ton transformer from Elsewedy Electric to stabilize supply for about a third of New Providence, as outages keep driving public pressure and political debate. Planning & Digital Transformation: A Bahamas government delegation met Cayman counterparts on planning automation and digital workflows to streamline development and regulatory systems. Tourism Marketing: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation pushed its “island ambassadors” message to Ohio travel advisors, pitching 16 destinations beyond Nassau. Mining Policy: Fred Mitchell reaffirmed the government’s opposition to expanding Bahama Rock’s Grand Bahama operations amid ongoing environmental review.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, a nearly six-acre, family-and-thrill lineup opening Sept. 4, 2026, plus a new two-berth pier to speed access for cruise guests. Work Permits & Jobs: Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell says the government will review labour certificate applications and employment data, with meetings for employers to balance investment needs and access for qualified Bahamians. Power & Infrastructure: BPL is bringing in a $1M+ Egyptian-made transformer to strengthen New Providence’s grid after outages, while the political fight over who’s responsible for the power crisis keeps heating up. Energy Policy Watch: The IDB warns the Bahamas’ fuel hedge expires Dec. 2026, calling it a major medium-term risk unless a replacement plan is ready. Planning & Digital Government: A Bahamas delegation met Cayman officials on planning automation and digital transformation to streamline development and regulatory systems. Cannabis Industry: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the medical cannabis rollout is moving as the government secures the Metrc digital platform for licensing and seed-to-sale tracking. Local Business: Scotiabank credit cards now work with Apple Pay in The Bahamas, a fresh push toward modern payments for consumers.