AGP Executive Report

Maritime Cybersecurity: Bahamas Transport Minister Leon Lundy opened a ports workshop focused on strengthening inter-institutional cyber-resilience, warning that attacks can enter through systems and networks and disrupt the economy and national security. Airlift Boost: Aeroméxico launched nonstop Mexico City–Nassau service, with the inaugural flight set for March 19, 2027, expanding Latin America access and supporting tourism diversification. Healthcare Support: The Public Hospitals Authority Foundation donated eight more dialysis machines to Princess Margaret Hospital, bringing its total to 15 as it targets 30. Exuma Development Fight: An Exuma dive operator told an appeal board that Yntegra’s Rosewood fuel dock plan could damage coral reefs and seagrass that support tourism and livelihoods. Construction & Housing: BNSI data shows construction permits rising in 2025, while an IDB housing report flags a growing mortgage and housing-stock gap for low- to middle-income Bahamians. Property Tax Concern: Attorneys warned a proposed 5.25% interest charge on unpaid VAT for real estate sales could “create havoc” in the property market. Cruise Industry Watch: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas faced delays after two medical evacuations, while Carnival adjusted a Halloween sailing port call from Princess Cays to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

Construction & Permits: Bahamas National Statistical Institute data shows 1,801 construction permits issued in 2025, up from 1,591 in 2024, with private/residential permits rising and commercial/industrial value jumping—Bahamian Contractors Association president Leonard Sands says it’s encouraging but calls for faster lending and stronger contractor licensing enforcement. Property Tax Pressure: Attorneys warn a proposed 5.25% interest charge on unpaid VAT for real estate sales after 21 days could “create havoc,” arguing the conveyancing timeline may push buyers into penalties through no fault of their own. Cruise Safety & Disruption: Carnival Panorama reported a passenger going overboard during a voyage toward Long Beach, triggering a coordinated search; Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas faced two medical evacuations, delaying return to Cape Liberty and cancelling a next port. Telecom Court Win: BTC defeated a former employee’s claim over a 1999 voluntary disengagement payment, with the Supreme Court ruling the signed release barred the case and it was filed after the deadline. Tourism Incident: An American tourist alleges a jet ski operator punched her after she rejected sexual advances; police confirmed a complaint and issued a wanted poster. Business Data: Worldbox expanded its global business database to 500 million entities across 240+ jurisdictions, positioning it for verification and AI use. Sports Spotlight: Bahamian shortstop Sebastian Walcott earned a call-up to Triple-A after strong Double-A production.

Cruise Disruptions: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is running about eight hours late after two medical evacuations forced a return to Nassau, cancelling the ship’s next port call and triggering passenger credits. Maritime Regulation & Flag Practice: A Bahamas-focused shipping commentary argues that international rules only work when they’re practical at sea, highlighting the Bahamas’ long IMO involvement through the BMA. Infrastructure Bankability: At CARIF, regional finance leaders stressed that Caribbean projects stall less for lack of capital and more for weak preparation—confidence in sponsors, cash flows, contracting, and frameworks is key. Bahamas Energy Update: Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis says work continues to deliver reliable power amid ongoing electricity challenges. Tourism & Cruise Growth: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas gets a Fort Lauderdale homeport push with retired Gen. Lori J. Robinson as godmother, while Carnival Jubilee expands short four- and five-day sailings from Galveston that can include Bahamas stops. Bahamas Financial Services: Senator Jerome Fitzgerald told STEP LATAM in Brazil that the Bahamas is modernizing its financial services legal and regulatory framework to better serve global families and investors. Local Politics & Mining Debate: Grand Bahama opposition leader Michael Pintard faces criticism for not clearly taking a position on proposed limestone mining near the old Bahamas Cement site.

Bahamas Energy & Utilities: Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis says work is continuing to deliver “reliable power” as communities face persistent electricity woes. Cruise & Tourism: Carnival Jubilee will launch regular four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston starting April 2028, with stops in Cozumel and Progreso—an added boost for regional itineraries that can include The Bahamas. Port Operations: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas faced a double medical emergency near Nassau, triggering a U-turn, a delayed return, and cancellation of the next port call. Regional Payments: CARICOM is moving toward a faster, cheaper cross-border payments system in local currencies, with a CAPSS pilot expected after consultations. Bahamas Finance Services: Senator Jerome Fitzgerald highlighted ongoing legal and regulatory modernization and new solutions for international family offices at STEP LATAM in Brazil. Tech & Telecom Policy: Ministers in the Cayman Islands attended a Nassau ICT policy forum and pointed to takeaways supporting plans to procure an additional subsea telecom cable. Local Business & Retail: BTC launched HONOR’s latest smartphone lineup in The Bahamas, featuring AI and durability-focused features for consumers. Education & Youth Skills: The Tourism Development Corporation is continuing its Junior Achievement partnership for a second year, mentoring students through entrepreneurship and work-readiness training. Cyber & Security: Reports say Bahamian businesses are seeing a sharp surge in cyber attacks.

Cruise & Tourism: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas faced a double medical emergency off the Bahamas, triggering an early U-turn to Nassau and forcing the next port call to be canceled. Cruise Industry: Carnival Jubilee is adding shorter 4- and 5-day Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston starting April 2028, with stops in Cozumel and Progreso, plus more Bahamas sailings. Port & Experience Upgrades: Carnival is reworking Half Moon Cay into “RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay” with a new pier so guests can dock instead of tendering—aimed at cutting delays and expanding access for larger ships. Aviation & Regional Connectivity: Tropic Air Charters is upgrading its private charter fleet by buying two Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft, supporting service between South Florida and the Bahamas. Local Business & Tech: BTC launched HONOR’s newest smartphone lineup in The Bahamas, highlighting AI and durability features for everyday use. Financial Services: Bahamas showcased financial services innovation at STEP LATAM in Brazil, with new wealth-planning solutions and legal/regulatory modernization highlighted by Minister Jerome Fitzgerald. Education & Youth Skills: Tourism Development Corporation renewed its Junior Achievement partnership for a second year under “Unlocking Potential,” mentoring students in entrepreneurship and work readiness. Telecom Policy: Cayman ministers attended a UN ITU telecom/ICT forum in Nassau, pointing to the Bahamas’ plan to procure an additional subsea cable.

Bahamas Financial Services: Senator Jerome Fitzgerald told STEP LATAM in Brazil that The Bahamas is pushing new financial services reforms and solutions for internationally mobile families, including a proposed tax residency certificate for qualifying permanent residents (90 days annually) and plans for a Bahamas Invest Concierge. Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light is rolling out a SCADA system across the islands with a $90m IDB loan, aiming to monitor the grid, reroute power, and reduce outage impacts. Telecom & Digital Resilience: Cayman ministers attended the UN ITU WTPF-26 in Nassau and said takeaways support plans to procure an additional subsea telecom cable, while also touching cyber and eGovernment priorities. Construction & Permitting: Reports highlight efforts to cut building approval red tape and speed online applications and third-party sign-offs; construction permit values also surged in 2025. Tourism & Aviation: Tropic Air Charters bought two Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft to upgrade private charter operations between South Florida and the Bahamas. Retail Tech: BTC launched HONOR’s latest AI smartphone lineup across The Bahamas with in-store demonstrations. Cybersecurity: Abaco-based Waves IT says Bahamian businesses have seen a 230% rise in cyber attacks over five years, urging staff training as the first defense. Workforce Development: TDC is continuing its Junior Achievement partnership for a second year under the “Unlocking Potential” theme, mentoring students in entrepreneurship and work readiness. Hospitality Training: Calls are growing for the Bahamas Hotel Training College to return as a standalone institution after its integration into UB’s CALM.

Bahamas Financial Services: Senator Jerome Fitzgerald told STEP LATAM in Brazil that The Bahamas is pushing ahead with a Tax Residency Certificate for qualifying permanent residents (with a 90-day annual presence requirement) and plans a Bahamas Invest Concierge Unit to streamline high-net-worth investor onboarding and approvals. Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light is rolling out a SCADA system across the islands, backed by a $90 million IDB loan, to monitor the grid, isolate faults, and reduce outage risk. Construction & Permitting: The Ministry of Works says it will cut building-plan approval turnaround to 60 days by digitising applications, publishing decision timelines, and allowing qualified private-sector engineers/architects to sign off and inspect. Tourism & Travel Tech: Bahamasair is preparing an AI “Sophie” bot to handle over 80% of reservations calls that don’t involve ticket purchases. Cybersecurity: A local IT principal warned Bahamian businesses face a 230% surge in cyber attacks over five years, stressing staff training as the first line of defence. Hospitality Training: Calls are growing for the Bahamas Hotel Training College to return as a standalone institution after its integration into UB’s hospitality training structure. Retail & Consumer Tech: BTC launched HONOR’s latest smartphone lineup in-store with hands-on demos of AI and durability features.

Energy & Grid Modernisation: Bahamas Power and Light is rolling out a SCADA system across the islands, backed by a $90 million Inter-American Development Bank loan, to monitor the network, isolate faults, and reduce cascading outages. Family Islands Investment: The government says it’s packaging Family Island infrastructure projects to make them bankable and more attractive to private investors, tackling the small-demand challenge. Infrastructure Leadership: Dr. Kenneth Romer was named CARIF 2026 Infrastructure Leadership MVP for aviation and tourism infrastructure work. Water Costs in Grand Bahama: Grand Bahama Utility Company is seeking roughly 30% average water rate increases to cover a $1m revenue gap and fund a proposed $9.5m, five-year capital plan. Governance Watch (NIF): Finance Minister Michael Halkitis admitted governance arrangements for the National Investment Fund are still being completed, including regulations, committee structure, reporting, and audits. Tax Policy for Residents: Proposed legislation would create a Bahamas tax residency certificate for permanent residents who spend at least 90 days a year in-country. Telecom Retail Expansion: ALIV opened a new Hooper’s Bay store in Exuma to expand in-person support and device sales. Hospitality Training Debate: Calls are growing for the Bahamas Hotel Training College to return as a standalone institution after its integration into UB’s CALM structure.

Infrastructure & Investment: The Bahamas is making Family Island projects “bankable” by packaging multiple infrastructure works into larger investment packages to attract private capital, with Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis highlighting the strategy at CARIF. Aviation & Tourism Leadership: Dr. Kenneth Romer was named CARIF’s 2026 Infrastructure Leadership MVP, praised for advancing resilient, investable infrastructure. Energy Reform Push: Coleby-Davis also spotlighted the country’s energy overhaul—solar, battery storage, natural gas, hybrid microgrids and grid modernisation—citing fuel savings and ongoing builds in Abaco and New Providence. Water & Utilities: Grand Bahama Utility Company is seeking about a 30% average water rate increase to cover an estimated $1m revenue gap and fund a proposed $9.5m, five-year capital plan. Governance & Finance: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis told Parliament the National Investment Fund’s governance is still being completed, including regulations, committee structure, reporting and audit processes. Insurance Careers: The Insurance Commission of The Bahamas ran an outreach at ISBET to explain insurance career paths and the sector’s role in the economy. Digital Business Skills: A BNPFT report says Bahamian labor productivity beats the Caribbean average but lags high-income countries, pointing to skills and digital adoption gaps. Drug-Control Designation: The U.S. listed the Bahamas among 23 major drug transit/producing territories for FY2027, while Brazil rejected U.S. criticism of its anti-drug efforts. Cruise Industry: Carnival Jubilee will shift to more frequent 4- and 5-night sailings from Galveston in 2028-29, reflecting a broader mega-ship trend toward shorter itineraries.

Productivity & Skills Gap: The Bahamas National Productivity Task Force says labor productivity is above the Caribbean average but far below high-income countries, pointing to a persistent skills gap (including digital literacy and construction trade skills) plus weak business adoption of digital tools. Public Beaches & Tourism: Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority chair Jamahl Strachan says Cabbage Beach vendors will be relocated to Goodman’s Bay, Montagu, and Junkanoo Beach as developers address severe erosion. National Investment Fund Scrutiny: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis defended the use of $310.9m in National Investment Fund proceeds for public infrastructure, stressing governance and accountability while facing renewed Opposition questions. Energy Resilience Push: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis highlighted CARIF 2026 progress on solar, battery storage, LNG, hybrid microgrids and grid modernization, including projects in Abaco and New Providence. Grand Bahama Water Rates: Grand Bahama Utility Company filed for a rate adjustment that could raise bills for most customers, with higher impacts for heavy users. Workplace Safety Standards: Public Service and Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle says the government is reviewing and updating occupational safety and health regulations after fatal construction incidents. Cruise Industry Spotlight: Royal Caribbean named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson godmother of Legend of the Seas, underscoring the ship’s Veterans Day christening. Housing Affordability: An IDB report flags a long-running affordable housing shortfall and cites mortgage and regulatory constraints limiting supply. Corrections Expansion: Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare says construction is progressing on a new high-medium security facility and judicial complex, with new cells already arriving.

National Investment Fund Scrutiny: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis defended the use of $310.9m from the National Investment Fund for public infrastructure, saying public benefit and accountability must go together as Opposition presses for legal review. Energy & Infrastructure Push: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told CARIF 2026 that Bahamas is upgrading power and aviation resilience with solar, battery storage, LNG and grid modernization, including Abaco and New Providence projects. Grand Bahama Utilities Costs: Grand Bahama Utility Company filed for water rate changes that could hit heavy users hardest, adding pressure after earlier electricity moves. Grand Bahama Residents vs Bahama Rock: Residents in Hepburn Town, Bartlett Hill and Harbour West allege repeated blasting damage and say repairs don’t hold. Workplace Safety Standards: Public Service and Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle urged stronger occupational safety rules after fatal construction-site accidents, with regulations set for review. Corrections Overcrowding: Bahamas Department of Corrections says it’s holding about 1,700 people in a facility built for 900, while a new high-medium security complex and court upgrades move forward. Financial Services Expansion: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said Bahamas is adjusting its financial products to better serve Brazil, including new legal tools aimed at demand shifts. Nuclear Cooperation: Bahamas presented its 2026–2031 IAEA country programme framework covering nuclear safety, food/agriculture, health, water and energy. Prison/Probation System Rollout: National Security and Corrections held staff empowerment sessions to support the probation and parole implementation. US Drug List Includes Bahamas: The US kept The Bahamas on its major drug transit/production list while removing Venezuela from the “failed demonstrably” category.

Dog Attack Fallout: Nassau and Grand Bahama residents are demanding fair enforcement after a string of serious maulings, including an Ida Street incident where a 3-year-old needed emergency surgery; Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell says the dog is in custody and urges the owner to come forward. Power Costs Check: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce advises businesses to compare electricity consumption and charges before judging whether GBPC’s new commercial rate structure is helping, after some members report no drop in bill totals. Tourism & Aviation Fees: Atlantis says any new aviation overflight fee could hit bookings, as concerns grow around a proposed flat charge tied to BACSWN. Corrections Upgrade: Bahamas Department of Correctional Services is moving toward a new high- to medium-security facility with expanded medical, mental health, education and work-release areas, drawing debate over “comforts.” Animal Welfare Push: Grand Bahama Humane Society leaders warn enforcement alone won’t solve animal overpopulation without stronger spay/neuter and responsible ownership education. Cruise Industry Buzz: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled Norwegian Aura’s May 2027 entertainment lineup, headlined by “Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston,” alongside new shows and nightlife. Corporate Appointments: FOCOL Holdings appoints Anton A. Saunders to its board as it strengthens its energy role across The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. Urban Renewal Outreach: Urban Renewal teams went door-to-door in Mason’s Addition to register women for support services and a “Women Have A Voice Too!” symposium.

Bahamas Maritime Safety: Police and multiple agencies are investigating the death of a 36-year-old Indian worker after he was trapped beneath metal plates in a vessel’s engine room while traveling from Grand Bahama to New Providence. Urban Renewal & Women’s Support: Urban Renewal teams, led by Minister Lisa Rahming and MP Jomo Campbell, went door-to-door in Mason’s Addition to register women for the “Women Have A Voice Too!” symposium, with support for issues like depression and domestic violence. Junkanoo Season Boost: Minister Leslia Brice officially opened the 2026/27 Junkanoo season and highlighted ministry seed-funding to groups and participants, stressing Junkanoo’s island-wide community roots. Energy & Jobs Pressure: DEPP asked Bahama Rock to revise environmental documents tied to its Harbour Expansion and Aggregate Mining Project as the company prepares to pause aggregate production, putting 69 hourly workers at risk. Local Governance & Public Safety: Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell urged the owner of a dog involved in a serious attack on a three-year-old to come forward, saying the dog is in custody and charges are expected. Healthcare Labour Talks: Bahamas Nurses Union president Muriel Lightbourn says negotiations for a new nurses industrial agreement are close, though nurses remain frustrated by delays.

Digital Creator Policy: Bahamas ESports Federation president Michael Armogan says local content creators still face red tape blocking monetization on global social platforms, calling for a dedicated push to move the agenda after the March 29 242 Influencers & Creative Conference. Hurricane Watch: Even with an unusually quiet Atlantic so far, Florida remains the top U.S. storm risk as conditions could turn more favorable later in September. Bahamas Wedding Fallout: Reports and responses keep swirling after Russian-linked boxing official Umar Kremlev allegedly bankrolled parts of Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding weekend, with U.S. lawmakers pressing for answers. Water & Sewerage Investment: The Water and Sewerage Corporation says it will pour more than $200m into climate-resilient water and sanitation upgrades nationwide. Unregulated Industry Warning: A Turks and Caicos “bush mechanic” economy is flagged as an unregulated industrial zone raising safety and environmental concerns. Public Health Diplomacy: Belize backs binding vaccine-sharing promises in future pandemics at WHO talks, with Bahamas among the Caribbean states supporting enforceable rules. Housing Enforcement: Five illegal structures in a South New Providence shantytown were demolished as the government continues clearing unapproved communities.

Bahamas Infrastructure & Resilience: The Water and Sewerage Corporation says it will pour more than $200 million into climate-resilient water and sanitation upgrades nationwide, including elevated equipment, stronger storage tanks, and protected water mains designed to handle major storms. Housing & Enforcement: In South New Providence, five illegal structures in a Cowpen Road shantytown were demolished by the Unregulated Community Action Task Force after a complaint and 28-day notices. Public Safety: A 3-year-old girl is recovering after a vicious dog attack, with her mother urging the owner to turn himself in and warning of the injuries that may require further facial reconstruction. Tourism & Power Reliability: Abaco’s second-home tourism market is taking a hit from ongoing power outages and equipment damage, with residents saying load shedding is pushing visitors to leave early. Aviation & Costs: Aviation experts warn that proposed overflight fee increases could damage the aviation sector and tourism by raising travel costs and threatening small charter operators. Health Services Expansion: The Cancer Society of The Bahamas is expanding its New Providence facility with 10 additional rooms to ease capacity and support more family island patients. Cruise Industry Watch: Carnival Tropicale bookings have opened for its 2028 debut from Texas, adding new Caribbean and Bahamas-focused itineraries and major onboard water attractions. Local Jobs & Industry Tension: Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson says he can’t support Bahama Rock’s expansion as proposed, but urges government to protect existing jobs while addressing environmental concerns. Environmental Education: Four students were selected as Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars for marine-focused training and internships through BREEF and The Island School.

Power & Tourism: Abaco’s frequent load shedding and outages are hurting the second-home market, with visitors and equipment taking hits across the north, south and cays. Water Infrastructure: WSC says it will pour over $200m into more hurricane- and flood-resilient water and sanitation systems, including stronger tanks, protected mains and elevated facilities. Aviation Costs: Industry operators warn proposed overflight fee changes could raise travel costs and damage charter aviation and tourism. Marine & Environment Skills: Four students were selected as Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars, pairing 100-day study at The Island School with a BREEF internship focused on reefs and wildlife. Education & Literacy: Bahamas Literacy Association president Dr. Ruth Sumner marked International Literacy Day by framing literacy as empowerment for jobs, health forms and informed choices. Cruise & Shipbuilding: Carnival Tropicale’s construction moves ahead with first steel cut in Germany, while Carnival Freedom’s dry-dock updates include a new whale-tail funnel. Energy & Business Performance: FOCOL reports a 50.1% profit jump for FY2025 alongside B$89.3m in capital additions. Grand Bahama Jobs & Mining: Bahama Rock workers protested as the company prepares to halt aggregate production Sept. 18 and faces approval pressure for expansion at the former Bahamas Cement site. Climate Grants: CABRIC is opening grant funding for locally led climate resilience projects in Cat Island, Long Island and San Salvador. Sports & Aviation-Adjacent: WSOP Paradise Super Main Event at Baha Mar is set for a $50m guaranteed field, with GGPoker’s WSOP Express offering free entry routes.