AGP Executive Report

US Tariff Pressure on Exports: The Bahamas is scrambling after the US imposed a 12.5% export tariff tied to forced-labour rules, with Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell saying the government is seeking clarification and an exemption for crawfish and stone crab as the crawfish season nears. Local Business Hit by Power Instability: The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce says rising costs and weekend outages are forcing businesses to close, lose sales, and spoil refrigerated inventory, as Bahamas Power and Light continues to face equipment and weather-related failures across islands. Cost of Living Signals: Bahamas National Statistical Institute data shows CPI up 3.8% year-over-year in April, driven by transport, restaurants/hotels, and utilities. Maritime & Port Development Watch: A proposed Blu Cay Marina near Potter’s Cay is moving through environmental approvals but faces public pushback; meanwhile, hydrography is highlighted as key to safer, greener Caribbean port growth. Cruise Industry Momentum: Royal Caribbean reports strong demand and fuller ships, while Celebration Key marks its first anniversary on Grand Bahama with major guest numbers and community partnerships. Aviation & Security Moves: Bahamasair reiterates safety-first expansion with regional interlining plans, and Damen wins contracts to refit four Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels. Trade Diversion for Producers: Abaco Neem says it may shift US packaging to avoid the tariff’s impact on “manufactured in The Bahamas” marketing.

US Tariffs Hit Bahamian Exports: The Bahamas says it’s seeking clarification and an exemption after the U.S. imposed a 12.5% forced-labour tariff on some exports, with Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell stressing it’s not a finding of forced labour in Bahamian fisheries and warning the extra burden is smaller than it sounds. Power Reliability Crisis: Bahamas Power and Light outages kept flaring across New Providence and Abaco, with residents reporting long blackouts that disrupt businesses and risk spoilage, while critics again demand transparency and faster fixes. Maritime & Defence Upgrades: Damen won contracts to refit four Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels, aiming to cut transit time and return ships to service faster. Harbour Expansion Under Fire: Activists push to halt Bahama Rock’s proposed Freeport Harbour expansion and aggregate mining, calling for a full independent evaluation before excavation and dredging proceed. Tourism & Aviation Moves: Bahamasair leaders reiterated safety-first growth and regional interlining plans, while Carnival’s Celebration Key marked its first anniversary with 2.4 million guests. Local Industry & Skills: Sygnus launched a receivables purchase platform to help suppliers unlock cash tied to public projects, and UB is rolling out an environmental and aerospace satellite engineering program to build local capability. Community Events: Fox Hill Festival plans include a town hall with agriculture and entrepreneurship, plus Emancipation Day celebrations.

US Tariff Pressure on Exports: The Bahamas is seeking a US exemption for crawfish and stone crab after a new 12.5% tariff tied to forced-labour rules took effect, with officials saying the extra burden is 2.5 points and warning of tight margins heading into the crawfish season. Forced-Labour Trade Rules: The US replaced expiring Section 122 duties with broader Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on imports from 60 economies, putting more pressure on Bahamian exporters and prompting government review of the impact. Seafood Industry Alarm: Fishermen warn the tariff could cut US demand and prices, then ripple through the supply chain to communities that depend on seafood. Power Reliability Crisis: Widespread BPL outages hit Abaco and New Providence, including long disruptions and equipment faults, threatening businesses and refrigerated goods. Energy Reform Push: Local voices are calling for faster solar expansion and stronger requirements for major developments to generate more power on-site. Maritime & Defence Procurement: Damen won contracts to refit four Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels, aiming to reduce transit time and return ships to service faster. Aviation Safety & Growth: Bahamasair leadership reiterated safety-first operations while highlighting regional interlining partnerships to reduce reliance on US gateways. Tourism & Skills: UB launched an environmental and aerospace satellite engineering programme to build local capability in satellite monitoring and climate applications. Local Business Finance: Sygnus Investment Bahamas launched a receivables purchase platform to help approved suppliers unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Transport Regulation Debate: Ride-sharing entrepreneurs were urged to use regulated public service drivers, with union leaders calling for enforcement on unlicensed vehicles. Labour Trafficking Watch: Officials reported an uptick in labour-related trafficking investigations, describing modern-day slavery risks tied to job promises.

Forced-Labour Tariff Shock: The U.S. has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Bahamian exports under Section 301, replacing expiring Section 122 levies, after Washington said The Bahamas failed to fully enforce a forced-labour import ban; the Davis administration says it’s reviewing the impact and engaging U.S. officials to ensure recent local legal changes are considered. Aviation Safety Fallout: Bahamas officials have grounded Flamingo Air after a July 10 crash on North Andros killed 10 people; the airline’s certificate was suspended and refunds began, with the carrier’s future unclear. Maritime Skills Pipeline: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for its 2027 apprenticeship program, pairing paid on-the-job training with accredited classroom studies in marine welding, fabrication, pipefitting and mechanical trades. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism launched “It’s More Bahamas Season” with $250 instant savings for North American travelers booking air-inclusive packages for autumn travel. Cruise Demand Snapshot: A cruise industry survey found strong booking momentum for 2026+ and showed the Caribbean/Bahamas as the top destination choice. Local Industry Governance: A board dispute in the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association is headed toward legal action over whether new leadership was properly elected. Infrastructure Works: Port Lucaya Marina demolition has started for a $21.8m redevelopment, beginning with dock-finger removal and marina basin dredging. Workforce Planning: Government says it remains in talks with the Bahamas Union of Teachers after the union accused it of halting negotiations.

Aviation Safety Shock: The Bahamas has grounded Flamingo Air after a July 10 crash on North Andros killed 10 people, with the Ministry of Transport suspending the airline’s operating certificate and refunds already underway. Trade & Exports: The U.S. imposed new forced-labour Section 301 tariffs that include a 12.5% rate on Bahamian exports, and the Office of the Prime Minister says it’s reviewing impacts on fisheries and Polymers International while engaging Washington for clarification. Tariff Mechanics: The U.S. action covers 60 economies with rates from 10% to 12.5%, replacing expiring Section 122 levies, and includes “on-the-water” timing rules plus product-specific exclusions. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism launched “It’s More Bahamas Season” with $250 instant savings for North American travelers booking air-inclusive packages for autumn travel. Cruise Demand: A CruiseLine.com/Shipmate survey found strong booking momentum for 2026 and beyond, with the Caribbean/Bahamas topping destination interest. Skills & Jobs: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for a 2027 apprenticeship program pairing paid on-the-job training with accredited technical instruction. Local Industry Governance: A dispute in the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association has escalated to legal action over whether a president was lawfully elected. Infrastructure & Housing: Pinewood Gardens residents are set for drainage upgrades and new lift stations to ease recurring flooding, while homeowners report long delays getting electrical connections.

Forced-Labor Tariffs Hit The Bahamas: The U.S. imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies after Section 122 expired, with The Bahamas facing a 12.5% rate; the Prime Minister’s Office says it’s reviewing impacts on exporters and engaging Washington for clarification. Air Safety Shock: Bahamas officials grounded Flamingo Air after a July 10 crash on North Andros killed 10; the airline’s certificate was suspended and refunds began, with its online presence reportedly disappearing. Cruise Demand Stays Strong: A CruiseLine.com/Shipmate survey found 92.8% of travelers already booked for 2026+ and the Caribbean/Bahamas as the top destination, reinforcing steady inbound interest. Mega-Ship Race: Carnival unveiled Carnival Destiny for 2029, targeting Caribbean itineraries including Bahamas stops, as lines compete for the biggest ships. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism launched “It’s More Bahamas Season” with $250 instant savings for North American travelers booking air-inclusive packages. Skills Pipeline: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for its 2027 apprenticeship program, pairing local training with UK-accredited trade studies. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Works Ministry began drainage upgrades in Pinewood Gardens, including lift stations to reduce recurring flooding.

Aviation Safety & Tourism Disruption: The Bahamas grounded Flamingo Air after a July 10 crash on North Andros killed 10 people; the Ministry of Transport suspended the airline’s operating certificate, with refunds issued and the carrier’s online presence reportedly wiped. Trade & Exports: The U.S. imposed new forced-labor Section 301 tariffs that include a 12.5% rate on Bahamian goods, replacing expiring Section 122 levies; the Office of the Prime Minister says it’s reviewing impacts on exporters like fisheries and Polymers International and is seeking clarification from Washington. Local Industry & Skills: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for its 2027 apprenticeship program, offering four years of paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction via BTVI and an international partner in the UK. Construction & Infrastructure: Demolition has started on Port Lucaya Marina in Grand Bahama for a $21.8m redevelopment, beginning with dock fingers and moving toward new slips, dredging, and upgraded facilities. Community Services: Works Ministry drainage upgrades are underway in Pinewood Gardens, including planned lift stations to reduce recurring flooding. Workforce & Education: The Bahamas public school system is short about 300 teachers, with government pushing recruitment to avoid disruptions at the start of the new school year. Sports Tourism & Travel Demand: Expedia’s 2026 island rankings and cruise survey results point to continued strong interest in Caribbean/Bahamas travel, while the Ministry of Tourism launched “It’s More Bahamas Season” with $250 savings for North American visitors.

Aviation Safety: Bahamas officials grounded Flamingo Air after a July 10 crash on North Andros killed 10, suspending the airline’s operating certificate and triggering refunds as the carrier’s online presence reportedly vanished. Trade & Exports: The U.S. imposed new forced-labour Section 301 tariffs, with The Bahamas facing a 12.5% duty; the Office of the Prime Minister says it’s reviewing impacts on exporters like fisheries and Polymers International and is seeking clarification from Washington. Energy Costs: FOCOL Holdings chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson urged Bahamians to “ride out” oil price volatility after Brent pushed above $100 a barrel, warning of knock-on effects for fuel, electricity, food and freight. Tourism & Travel Deals: The Ministry of Tourism launched “It’s More Bahamas Season” with a $250 instant savings offer for North American travellers booking air-inclusive packages for late-summer and autumn travel. Cruise Demand: A new cruise survey found strong booking momentum, with the Caribbean/Bahamas topping destination interest and many travellers planning 8+ night sailings. Infrastructure & Homes: Residents in Pinewood Gardens are seeing drainage upgrades and new lift-station work aimed at easing recurring flooding. Workforce & Skills: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for its 2027 apprenticeship programme, pairing on-the-job training with accredited technical instruction. Local Governance & Industry: A dispute in the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association has escalated to legal action over whether a president was lawfully elected, while a separate push targets lower booking commissions for guides and marine conservation. Public Services: The government says it will launch a crackdown on irresponsible dog ownership, including fixed-penalty fines and an amnesty for spay/neuter compliance.

US Tariff Shock for The Bahamas Exports: The Trump administration has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Bahamian goods entering the U.S., citing alleged failures to enforce bans on forced-labour products—potentially hitting fisheries and Polymers International, with the Bahamas saying it’s seeking clarification after recent Customs Management Act changes. Oil Price Jitters: FOCOL Holdings chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson says Bahamians “just got to ride out” oil pushing past $100 a barrel, warning higher fuel costs will ripple through electricity, food, freight and transport. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism launched “It’s More Bahamas Season,” offering $250 instant savings on four-night-plus packages for travel Aug. 15–Nov. 15. Cruise Demand Snapshot: A survey finds strong booking momentum for 2026+ cruises, with the Caribbean/Bahamas topping destination picks. Grand Bahama Marina Redevelopment: Demolition has started on Port Lucaya Marina’s $21.8m revamp, beginning with three dock fingers and new slips, dredging and upgrades. Workforce & Training: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for its 2027 apprenticeship program, while the government faces a public school teacher shortfall. Local Industry Governance: A board dispute at the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association is headed to court over whether leadership was lawfully elected. Homebuilding Friction: Residents report long delays and high costs for electrical connections for new homes, adding pressure to the construction pipeline. Flood Relief in Pinewood: The Works Ministry began drainage work and a lift-station push aimed at easing recurring flooding. Maritime Skills Pipeline: The shipyard’s apprenticeship plan and education partnerships highlight continued focus on skilled trades for the maritime sector.

US Tariffs Hit Bahamas: The US has imposed new 10%–12.5% forced-labour tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including the Bahamas, as temporary levies expire. The move targets countries accused of not enforcing bans on goods made with forced labour, with rates set under Section 301 and taking effect at 12:01am Friday. Flood Control Push: In Nassau’s Pinewood, the Ministry of Works has started drainage clearing and preparing Sapodilla Boulevard for a lift station aimed at reducing recurring rainy-season flooding. Local Value-Add Sponging: A Bahamian entrepreneur is trying to revive the sponge market by shifting from exporting raw sponge to selling value-added, ready-to-use products—backed by sustainability and consumer education. Aviation Safety for Small Planes: A new report outlines how small-aircraft operators are regulated in the Bahamas, including inspector checks and multi-stage certification before carrying passengers for payment. Coral Disease Warning: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund says about 80% of vulnerable stony corals are already affected by SCTLD, urging sustained monitoring and coordinated response. Healthcare Investment: Doctors Hospital says it will begin a $7m renovation of its Collins Avenue facility soon, as part of up to $44m in broader healthcare upgrades. Education Labour Talks: The Bahamas Union of Teachers warns members to stay on guard amid a dispute over a new industrial agreement, while government says talks are still progressing. Cruise Demand: A survey reports the Caribbean and Bahamas lead cruise bookings, with 61.1% of future bookings choosing the region. Green Turtle Cay Scrutiny: DEPP says its records show no mining or coastal construction tied to the Gillam Bay project, despite a petition surpassing 1,600 signatures.

Aviation & Jobs: Thirty-five Flamingo Air employees were furloughed after the airline’s Air Operator Certificate was temporarily suspended following the July 10 crash in North Andros that killed 10 people. Education & Skills: University of The Bahamas launched an Environmental and Aerospace Satellite Engineering programme to train students for satellite monitoring of coastlines and marine ecosystems, with courses starting in September. Cruise & Tourism Demand: A new survey says the Caribbean and Bahamas are the top cruise destination, with 61.1% of future bookings choosing the region. Local Economy Outlook: CFAL forecasts the Bahamian economy will grow around the IMF’s 2% this year, led by tourism and improving fiscal performance. Energy & Infrastructure: Windsor Lakes, a $35m eco-luxury community in New Providence, is set to welcome its first residents in September as power commissioning and wastewater work near completion. Environment: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warns Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is spreading, with 80% of susceptible stony coral species already impacted. Labour & Workplace Safety: The Bahamas Contractors Association will meet the Labour Department after inspections highlighted low awareness of the Health and Safety at Work Act, 2002. Governance & Development Scrutiny: DEPP says records show no mining or marine works tied to the Gillam Bay development petition on Green Turtle Cay, despite calls for more transparency. Finance & Pensions: The Securities Commission renewed its push for mandatory occupational pension plans for private sector workers to deepen local capital markets.

Cruise & Tourism: Carnival Corporation backed U.S. Embassy 250th anniversary events in The Bahamas and Belize, while Carnival also expanded its 2027 cruise lineup with more rare itineraries and added surplus food donations to Bahamian communities. Grand Bahama Development: Celebration Key marked its first anniversary on Grand Bahama after welcoming 2.4 million guests, highlighting local partnerships and economic activity. Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warned of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease threatening reefs, as BPL-related power instability and outage complaints continue to fuel public pressure. Labour & Construction Safety: The Department of Labour halted work at four western New Providence construction sites over Health and Safety at Work Act breaches, and the Bahamas Contractors Association is pushing for better workplace safety law awareness. Public Sector Negotiations: The Bahamas Union of Teachers accused government of halting salary talks; officials say negotiations are still progressing. Finance & Pensions: The Securities Commission renewed its push for mandatory private sector occupational pension plans. Health Watch: Health officials said they’re on high alert for cyclospora in the U.S. due to imported produce, with no local cases reported. Aviation: Bahamas officials grounded Flamingo Air after a fatal crash killed 10.

Cruise & Tourism: Carnival marked Celebration Key’s first anniversary on Grand Bahama, saying the private destination welcomed 2.4 million cruise guests in its inaugural year and supports about 1,000 year-round jobs, with more than 80% of food and retail operators locally owned. Food Waste & Shipping Ops: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to The Bahamas, offloading 318 pounds of prepared, unserved meals from Carnival Freedom and Carnival Conquest to local charities for community distribution. Environment & Marine Industry: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warned that Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is already devastating reef-building corals, with about 80% of susceptible stony coral species impacted locally. Energy & Infrastructure: Consolidated Water received a limited notice to proceed for long-lead equipment on its Kalaeloa, Hawaii desalination project and announced a record $10.1m municipal water equipment order in Florida. Public Finance & Pensions: CFAL forecasts the Bahamian economy will grow around the IMF’s 2% expectation, while the Securities Commission renewed its push for mandatory private-sector occupational pension plans. Health & Agriculture: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the government is on high alert for cyclospora in the US, with no cases reported in The Bahamas. Education & Labour: The Bahamas Union of Teachers accused government of halting salary talks, while officials denied it; separately, the Ministry of Education is seeking to recruit nearly 300 teachers.

Workplace Safety: The Bahamas Contractors Association is meeting the Labour Department after inspectors halted work at four western New Providence sites for Health and Safety at Work Act breaches, including missing PPE, unsafe forklift use, poor hazard signage, and weak emergency preparedness. Construction Oversight Debate: BCA president Leonard Sands says the Act is too vague to define “safe and unsafe,” raising fears enforcement could be subjective and legally vulnerable. Power Reliability: Long Island is on rotational load shedding after a fire-triggered outage; residents on other islands report ongoing blackouts and frustration with energy stability. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for a 2027 four-year apprenticeship with internationally accredited training in marine welding, fabrication, pipefitting and mechanical trades. Cruise & Community: Carnival expanded its surplus food donation program to The Bahamas, redirecting hundreds of pounds of prepared meals to local charities. Tourism Labour Tension: Taxi and livery drivers’ dispute at hotels and LPIA is set for union talks, with fears it could disrupt tourism. Housing Market: New Providence is in a “super seller’s market” as limited supply drives bidding wars within hours. Cost of Living Pressure: Rising living costs are pushing more Bahamians into side hustles to make ends meet. Electricity & Rebates: URCA agreed to a BPL customer rebate after a regulatory settlement. Cruise Destination Milestone: Celebration Key on Grand Bahama marked its first anniversary after welcoming 2.4 million guests.

Cruise Tourism & Jobs: Carnival’s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama marked its first anniversary, welcoming 2.4 million guests since opening in July 2025, with 1,000 year-round jobs and 80%+ of food and retail operators locally owned. Maritime Skills: Grand Bahama Shipyard opened applications for its 2027 four-year apprenticeship program, pairing BTVI and a UK engineering college to train Bahamians in marine welding, fabrication, pipefitting and mechanical trades. Aviation Safety: Bahamas officials grounded Flamingo Air after a crash on North Andros killed 10, while investigators continue looking into the cause. Construction Safety: The Department of Labour halted unsafe work at four New Providence construction sites for serious violations, including unsecured scaffolding and missing fall protection, with follow-up inspections planned. Local Transport Tensions: Taxi and livery driver disputes at major hotels and LPIA are set for union talks, with fears the standoff could hurt tourism. Cost of Living Pressure: Rising living costs are pushing more Bahamians into “side hustles,” as workers seek extra income beyond a single job. Power Reliability: BPL placed parts of Long Island on rotational load shedding after recent outages tied to station issues. Housing Market: New Providence is in a “super seller’s market,” with limited supply driving fast bidding wars above asking prices.

Hurricane Readiness: The Bahamas Red Cross is restructuring to decentralise emergency response, building and equipping dedicated facilities on more than 16 islands so Family Islands have local stockpiles of food, water, medical supplies and shelters before storms hit. Cruise & Food Waste: Carnival expands its surplus meal donation program to The Bahamas, redirecting 318 pounds of prepared meals from Carnival Freedom and Carnival Conquest to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and the Urban Renewal Authority. Grand Bahama Tourism Boost: Celebration Key marks its first anniversary, welcoming 2.4 million cruise guests since opening July 19, 2025, and highlighting local jobs and Bahamian-owned food and retail operators. Aviation Safety Push: After the Independence Day Flamingo Air crash, industry leaders are calling for a Bahamas Aviation Safety Committee to improve accountability and stakeholder involvement. Tourism Tech for Fishing: Digital Sportsman launches DS Guide, a consumer booking marketplace for guided outdoor tours in The Bahamas, including fly and bonefishing. Maritime Safety Concern: A former Port Department official warns wreck removal failures are creating ongoing maritime safety and environmental risks. Cannabis Rollout Questions: Pharmacists seek clarity on the medical marijuana push, saying the Cannabis Authority still lacks a visible public presence and contact points. Airport Taxi Tensions: Taxi drivers at LPIA threaten wider industrial action after talks with the transport minister failed to resolve their dispute.