AGP Executive Report

Power Reliability & Business Impact: Bahamas Power and Light reported a generation-related outage at Clifton Pier that knocked out power across parts of New Providence, with operators like NRG Bahamas warning of inventory losses, revenue hits, and payroll strain from repeated blackouts. Disaster Risk & Business Continuity: The Disaster Risk Management Authority ran a three-day business continuity workshop for nearly 100 firms, pushing practical hurricane preparedness and recovery planning. Digital Policy & Connectivity: Prime Minister Philip Davis and Innovation Minister Sebastian Bastian used the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum in Nassau to argue for stronger data protection, enforceable connectivity rules, and digital inclusion for small island states. Education & Local Capacity: BAMSI opened the 2026–27 academic year with expanded facilities and student residences, framing the institute as a pillar for food security and skills building in North Andros. Regional Finance Leadership: JN Bank confirmed Luwanna Williams as managing director effective Sept. 7, following the retirement of Leesa Kow. Community Support: Yntegra donated classroom supplies to Exuma Cays schools, equipping teachers with tools and learning materials for the new term. Cruise & Tourism Investment: Norwegian Cruise Line opened its $350m Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, adding 19 slides and new island attractions aimed at boosting visitor demand.

Telecom Resilience & Disaster Readiness: The Disaster Risk Management Authority ran a three-day Business Continuity Planning workshop for nearly 100 businesses, pushing practical hurricane preparedness and recovery planning. Election Integrity: CARICOM observers renewed calls for campaign finance legislation and a more independent, transparent electoral process after monitoring The Bahamas’ May general election. Digital Sovereignty: PM Philip Davis and Innovation Minister Sebastian Bastian used the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum to argue for protected citizen data, enforceable landing rights, and digital inclusion that turns connectivity into local opportunity. Power Reliability Hits Business: Bahamas Power and Light reported generation-related outages affecting parts of New Providence; business owners say constant blackouts are driving inventory losses and revenue strain. One Tax Bahamas Concerns: Motor dealers and other businesses questioned whether the new One Tax portal will truly make filing easier, warning of added “hoops” and strain from new BIN requirements. Airport Fees Worry Tourism: A veteran airline chief warned proposed higher Family Islands airport levies could trigger a “bloodbath” for airlift and tourism competitiveness. CARICOM/Regional Finance & Skills: JN Bank confirmed Luwanna Williams as managing director, while BAMSI opened its 2026–2027 academic year with expanded facilities and a stronger food-security and capacity-building focus. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups reported nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in early 2026, with The Bahamas among the countries accounting for additional returns.

Humanitarian Pressure: Rights group GARR says nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with the Dominican Republic accounting for most cases and limited border-point services worsening Haiti’s crisis. Power & Business Impact: Bahamas Power and Light reported another generation-related outage affecting parts of New Providence; business owners say repeated blackouts are driving inventory losses and revenue strain. Digital Policy & Sovereignty: PM Philip Davis and Minister Sebastian Bastian used the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum in Nassau to push SIDS positions on data protection, landing rights and “digital sovereignty,” while stressing resilience and inclusion. Tax System Concerns: One Tax Bahamas rollout details show firms with multiple entities may need separate BINs even with one log-in, and business groups warn the portal could add “hoops” and anxiety for compliance. Airport Fees Warning: An airline executive warns proposed higher Family Islands airport levies could trigger a tourism “bloodbath” by eroding value for money and competitiveness. Education & Labour Tensions: Teachers’ union puts members on industrial action alert after rejecting the government’s latest pay counterproposal, raising the risk of further disruption. Cruise & Tourism Investment: Norwegian Cruise Line opened its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, adding 19 slides and new attractions as cruise lines intensify private-island upgrades. Governance & Asset Oversight: An IDB report urges The Bahamas to strengthen governance over public sector assets, citing limited ability to track and value what the state owns.

Banking Leadership: JN Bank confirms Luwanna Williams as new managing director effective Sept. 7, following Leesa Kow’s retirement, with Williams bringing 20+ years’ Caribbean finance experience. Power Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light reported generation issues at Clifton Pier causing outages across New Providence; business owners say constant blackouts are hitting inventory, payroll and revenue. Digital Policy & AI Skills: PM Philip Davis and Minister Sebastian Bastian used the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum in Nassau to push “digital sovereignty,” data protection and resilience, while Bastian urged AI literacy to be built into education and teacher upskilling. Education & Labour: The Bahamas Union of Teachers put 1,400+ members on industrial action alert after rejecting the government’s counterproposal again, raising disruption fears. Tax System Rollout: One Tax Bahamas is set to require separate BINs for multiple entities, while businesses question whether the new portal will reduce “hoops” or add complexity. Tourism & Airlift Costs: Hotel and airline operators warn airport fee increases could trigger a “bloodbath” for Family Islands tourism by eroding value for money. Public Sector Oversight: An IDB-backed push calls for stronger governance over public assets, as concerns grow about the government’s ability to track and value what it owns. Disaster Readiness: A DRM symposium at Baha Mar highlighted institutional strengthening and preparedness seven years after Hurricane Dorian. Immigration Enforcement: 14 Haitian nationals were convicted for immigration offences and six deported from New Providence.

Disaster Risk & Resilience: The Bahamas is being highlighted as a regional leader in disaster risk management after the IDB partnered with the Disaster Risk Management Authority for a symposium at Baha Mar, with PM Philip Davis stressing stronger institutions and preparedness ahead of the next major storm. Public Finance & Accountability: Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority chairman Jamahl Strachan says an audit of the authority’s spending will be tabled in Parliament, after reporting showed government loans to the authority and questions over repayment capacity. Digital Economy & Skills: Innovation Minister Sebas Bastian told the WTPF-26 forum that the Bahamas must quickly build AI literacy and update education and training so citizens can become builders, not just consumers. Connectivity Policy Forum: ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Bahamian officials used WTPF-26 to push “meaningful inclusion” and resilience-focused digital policy for small island states. Tourism & Aviation: Flyte won approval to launch private jet service linking Florida with Nassau, Bimini, Marsh Harbour and Eleuthera, expanding charter access across the region. Local Business Resilience: Grand Bahama Port Authority’s “Built to Bounce Back” workshop trained MSMEs on risk management and continuity planning. Energy & Environment: GBPA launched a sargassum cleanup pilot, recycling removed seaweed into mulch and compost. Labour Update: Bahamas Union of Teachers voted to move toward industrial action, citing stalled negotiations over a new industrial agreement. Cruise Operations: Royal Caribbean cancelled Royal Beach Club Paradise Island day passes for one Nassau date in Jan 2027 due to a chartered sailing reserving the club.

BPL Costs & Debt: A new look at government records says the Bahamas has effectively been funding BPL through rising legacy debt and fuel-cost support since 2021, with BPL borrowing from government climbing sharply into the hundreds of millions by the 2025/26 fiscal year. Digital Sovereignty Push: Prime Minister Philip Davis and Innovation Minister Sebas Bastian used the ITU’s World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum in Nassau to argue small islands are getting a “sovereignty discount” in tech deals, and should negotiate better terms on data, licences, resilience and affordability. Connectivity After Disasters: Bastian also urged regulators to require satellite and other connectivity providers to offer service during emergencies at fair prices as a condition of operating licences. Credit Tightens: The Central Bank reported Bahamian dollar credit narrowed to $69.5m in July, with private sector credit growth slowing while some consumer and mortgage lending rose. Airport Fees Rise: Aviation operators warned new private-airport levies—hitting international travellers hardest—could force higher travel costs from Jan. 1, 2027. Auto Sales Cool: The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association said there’s no panic over an 11% drop in new vehicle sales in 2026’s first half, blaming shipping costs and delays. Tourism & Power Pressure: Andros tourism operators say outages and limited airlift are adding real costs, including generator spending for small lodges. Grand Bahama Back-to-School: RBPF and Doctors Hospital events in Grand Bahama delivered giveaways, health checks and supplies to hundreds of students. Immigration Enforcement: Ten Haitian and one Jamaican national were convicted for immigration offences, while 24 foreign nationals were deported after removal orders were executed.

Telecom & Digital Policy: Prime Minister Philip Davis urged small island states to unite against a “sovereignty discount” in global technology and data deals, calling for a shared negotiating position on data, control, resilience, satellite and spectrum policy as The Bahamas hosts the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum at Atlantis. Central Bank Watch: The Central Bank reported Bahamian dollar credit narrowed to $69.5m in July, down sharply from $165.1m a year earlier, while private sector credit growth also slowed. Cruise & Tourism Investment: Norwegian Cruise Line’s $350m Great Stirrup Cay expansion is now adding Great Tides Waterpark, opening Sept. 4 with a 170-foot Tidal Tower, 19 slides and an 800-foot Wandering River; access is extra and analysts peg day passes around $75–$150. Public Services & Infrastructure: Long Island’s Millers water mains project is nearing completion, with over 120 homes and businesses set to receive potable water for the first time. Community & Animal Welfare: The Ministry of Agriculture launched “Mission Pawsible” to curb roaming and improve compliance and public safety around dog ownership. Governance & Oversight: Investigators are probing alleged salary overpayments to more than 100 teachers, with some former staff facing theft charges. Climate Pressure: A UN report warning global temperatures may exceed 1.5°C soon was flagged by AOSIS as a wake-up call for urgent action. Local Crime Concern: A downtown Nassau shooting near Parliament has sparked renewed debate about crime and public safety.

Cruise & Tourism Investment: Norwegian Cruise Line marked the Sept. 4 opening of its new Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay with a ribbon-cutting and preview, touting a $350m expansion and a target of about 700,000 visitors annually by end-2027. Energy & Infrastructure: Water mains upgrades in Long Island will bring potable water to 120+ homes and businesses as a $3.6m project nears completion. Public Safety & Social Policy: The Ministry of Agriculture launched “Mission Pawsible” to curb roaming dogs and improve compliance with animal protection laws. Crime & Accountability: Investigators are probing alleged salary overpayments to more than 100 teachers, with charges tied to a reported quarter-million-dollar overpayment. Business Resilience: The DRM Authority began Business Continuity Planning workshops to help nearly 100 micro, small and medium enterprises prepare for outages and disasters. Digital Inclusion: A disability advocate urged Caribbean universal service funds to set aside 15% for digital inclusion and accessible training. Private Aviation: Flyte received approvals to expand private charter operations from Florida into The Bahamas and Caribbean. Economy & Governance: A senior banker warned the government’s late fiscal forecast changes are fueling “something to hide” suspicions and eroding trust. Regional Security/Immigration: A Bahamasair chartered flight returned 116 Haitian nationals after deportations tied to irregular status.

Cruise & Tourism Investment: Norwegian Cruise Line officially opened the new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, part of a roughly $350m expansion, with the cruise line targeting about 700,000 visitors annually by end-2027 and positioning the island as a full-day destination beyond beaches. Digital Economy & Policy: Prime Minister Philip Davis told the WTPF-26 forum that The Bahamas must turn connectivity into real economic opportunity, stressing resilience, redundancy and cyber security as the economy leans more on digital systems. Disaster Risk & Business Resilience: DRM Authority launched a three-day Business Continuity Planning workshop under its Business Resilience Programme, training nearly 100 micro, small and medium enterprises on preparing for and recovering from disruptions like hurricanes and power outages. Energy Reliability in Abaco: Abaco tourism operators say persistent electricity outages are damaging operations and repeat business, even as they look to a proposed hybrid power facility for more reliable power. Public Finance Transparency: A senior banker warned that quiet fiscal forecast changes without timely disclosure are fueling “something to hide” suspicions and could erode trust in government fiscal management. Workplace & Education Tensions: Pressure is rising over unresolved trade union grievances, with industrial action and warnings from educators’ unions as the 2026-2027 school year begins. Healthcare Leadership: Former Doctors Hospital CEO Charles Sealy II was appointed managing director of the Public Hospitals Authority effective Sept. 14, replacing Dr Aubynette Rolle. Legal & Investor Fallout: A Bahamas-based investor is fighting a $232m US court judgment tied to a failed COVID-era medical equipment deal, calling it a “rip-off” and pursuing appeals. Beach Access Rights: A beach advocacy group says removing the Cabbage Beach fence is only a partial fix, calling for permanent legal protections for recognised public access points.

Banking Leadership: First Citizens overhauled its executive team, naming Sana Ragbir acting Group CEO after Jason Julien’s resignation, with two acting deputy CEO roles also filled. Public Healthcare: The Public Hospitals Authority appointed Charles Sealy II as Managing Director effective Sept. 14, 2026, tasking him with boosting performance, efficiency and accountability. Energy & Resilience: Bahamas Power and Light and EA Energy are pushing ahead on Abaco’s hybrid solar-and-LNG plant, with solar expected to feed the grid in November and full completion targeted for May 2027; CARILEC also plans a regional resilient/renewable energy conference in Nassau Oct. 18–22. Tourism & Economy: Central Bank data says tourism growth strengthened in July, led by a rebound in high-value stopover demand, robust cruise inflows and double-digit rental room-night gains; BNSI reported CPI dipped 0.1% in June but stayed up 4.3% year-on-year. Cost of Living & Policy: Government fiscal forecasts were revised after Budget debate, cutting the projected surplus by over 56%; a trustee pledged to investigate how $20m education funds were used in the Carmichael Village affordable housing financing. Business & Compliance: Securities Commission penalties totalled $221.7m over two years, while the Central Bank warned against fraudulent financial institutions and issued notices on unlicensed lenders. Crime & Courts: Supreme Court refused to freeze assets of a Bahamas-based investor pursued over a $232.1m PPE-related judgment. Energy Reliability Debate: Former MP Leslie Miller accused BPL, BTC and WSC of “ruining” the economy amid overtime controversy. Health Demand: An obesity specialist warned black-market demand for GLP-1 drugs is rising as prices and coverage gaps drive “unregulated acquisition.” Shipping & Travel: Carnival adjusted Bahamas port dates for multiple ships, and NCL unveiled a $350m Great Stirrup Cay waterpark.

Energy & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Philip Davis visited Abaco to assess a roughly $90m hybrid solar-and-LNG power project with battery storage, targeting solar feed-in to the grid in November and full completion by May 2027. Renewables Demand: A Bahamas renewable energy provider says recurring outages are driving “triple platinum” solar sales and expects a boost from Bahamas Development Bank financing. Cost of Living & Prices: Bahamas inflation eased slightly in June (CPI down 0.1% month-to-month) but remains 4.3% higher year-on-year, with big pressure from restaurants/hotels and transport. Public Finance Scrutiny: Government fiscal forecasts were quietly revised, cutting a projected surplus by more than 56% after Budget debate—raising questions about transparency. Trade & Imports: The goods trade deficit jumped nearly $250m in Q2 2026 as imports rose faster than exports. Tourism Momentum: Central Bank data points to stronger July tourism growth, led by a rebound in high-value stopover demand and continued cruise strength. Food & Health Risks: Experts warn black-market demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is rising as official coverage gaps leave a costly, unregulated market. Crime & Business Impact: A suspected drug dealer, “Spy” Ellis, was shot dead in Abaco, while fishermen report crawfish catches down sharply amid concerns over illegal off-season harvesting.

US Immigration: The US ended its January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including The Bahamas, after a court order; the pause is no longer in effect as of Aug. 21, 2026, with interviews continuing under existing rules. Education & Community: BTC expanded back-to-school support with school supply help for teachers and students, while Minister Chester Cooper said the education system still faces gaps—especially in math—alongside plans to expand breakfast programmes and special education units. Energy & Reliability: JoBeth Coleby-Davis defended BPL’s summer readiness amid unusually hot conditions, as residents continue to report disruptions and outages. Financial Crime Oversight: The Securities Commission of The Bahamas reported 1,327 suspicious transaction reports filed from 2021-2025 and said AML/CFT compliance improved, with fewer deficiencies per examination by 2025. Tourism & Access: Junkanoo Beach stakeholders discussed long-term lease options and a revitalization blueprint aimed at making the destination cleaner, safer and better organized. Public Safety: Abaco saw the killing of Warren “Spy” Ellis in Marsh Harbour, according to local reporting.

Education & Skills: Deputy PM Chester Cooper says the teacher shortage is “not eliminated” as public schools reopen, with recruitment of 100+ teachers underway and plans to expand the National School Breakfast Programme and special education units. Power & Infrastructure: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis insists BPL was ready for summer demand but warns officials have learned not to give “too much assurances,” as a Cabinet review will examine peak demand, substations and needed network upgrades after months of outages. Fintech & Entrepreneurship: UB Ignite and OKX Bahamas, with the SBDC, backed a fintech pitch competition that selected five finalists from 114 ventures, offering cash and mentorship to grow homegrown businesses. Financial Crime Oversight: The Securities Commission reports suspicious transaction reports rose to 490 in 2025 and says compliance is strengthening, with AML/CFT/CPF deficiencies per examination falling by more than half from 2022 to 2025. Conservation Funding: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will open a third grant call on Sept. 1, targeting up to $3m from the $300m debt-for-nature conversion. Tourism & Local Economy: Junkanoo Beach stakeholders discussed 5–10 year lease options and a revitalization blueprint to improve cleanliness, safety and organisation. Community Support: BTC continued back-to-school initiatives, while McDonald’s Bahamas and St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk delivered backpacks, supplies and meals to 130+ students.

One Tax Bahamas Backlash: A sharp op-ed says the One Tax Bahamas rollout landed badly, citing poor messaging, business-community friction, and timing amid power-failure criticism. Energy & Power Fixes: Another commentary argues the energy minister shouldn’t be blamed for Bahamas Power and Light’s legacy problems, urging clearer government communication on repairs and solutions. Education Focus: Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper delivers the 2026 National Back-to-School Address tonight, outlining priorities from literacy and exams to teacher recruitment, technology, wellbeing and pathways to success. Fintech & Entrepreneurship: OKX and UB Ignite host a fintech pitch competition, selecting five finalists after training for young entrepreneurs; Financify’s Daquan Swain wins. Finance & Regulation: The Central Bank warns against fraudulent financial institutions and unlicensed lenders, while the Securities Commission imposes $221.7m in penalties over two years. Tourism & Culture: Visa Blue, a Bahamian short film by Nathan McPhee, earns a Best Film nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Energy Infrastructure Update: PM Philip Davis tours Abaco’s planned hybrid solar-and-LNG plant with battery storage, aimed at easing the ongoing blackout crisis. Labour & Wages: The Bahamas Tripartite Council discusses whether to raise the national minimum wage again and calls for a dedicated wage-setting body. Cruise Industry Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line expands U.S. operations with new Philadelphia terminal access, while Royal Caribbean renames Perfect Day at CocoCay to Perfect Day CocoCay. Immigration Pressure: A report says the U.S. plans to increase deportation flights to Haiti, including a surge of people deported from the Bahamas.

Education Policy: Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper will deliver the 2026 National Back-to-School Address tonight at 8:00 p.m., outlining progress and priorities across literacy, exams, teacher recruitment, special education, classroom technology, wellbeing and pathways to success. Energy & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Philip Davis and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis toured Abaco’s planned hybrid solar–LNG power plant, with battery storage aimed at easing frequent blackouts affecting businesses and Family Islands. Finance & Regulation: The Central Bank issued a public notice warning against fraudulent financial institutions, while the Securities Commission imposed $221.7m in penalties over two years and continues action against unlicensed lenders. Labour & Wages: The Bahamas Tripartite Council is pushing for a dedicated wage-setting body as it reviews whether the national minimum wage should rise again. Fintech & Entrepreneurship: OKX and UB Ignite hosted a fintech pitch competition, selecting five entrepreneurs for training and judging at the University of The Bahamas. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line expands U.S. access with new Philadelphia cruise terminal operations, while Royal Caribbean rebrands Perfect Day CocoCay and the WTTC highlights growing private-sector tourism leadership. Global Context: A federal court struck down a U.S. immigrant visa ban based on nationality, and IDB reports show Guyana’s debt servicing and jobs improving as growth accelerates.

Tourism & Growth Outlook: RF Bank & Trust VP David Slatter says the Bahamian economy is on solid footing, with tourism performing strongly and construction/infrastructure activity supporting GDP. Energy & Resilience: Prime Minister Philip Davis toured Abaco’s planned hybrid solar–LNG power plant, aimed at easing the energy crisis and reducing frequent blackouts; separate reporting also notes Grand Cay’s power restoration after weeks of disruption. Youth & Skills: Abaco students took part in the Future Ready Bahamas STEM camp, building and coding with hands-on tech including 3D printing and AI. Cruise & Tourism Branding: Royal Caribbean renamed “Perfect Day at CocoCay” to “Perfect Day CocoCay,” while Norwegian Cruise Line pushed further into the U.S. market with a new Philadelphia terminal opening. Finance & Regulation: The Securities Commission reported $221.7m in administrative penalties over two years as it tightens enforcement; Sunshine Finance elevated President Rosel Moxey to CEO and seeks a new president. Business Systems: The Bahamas Chamber welcomed the phased rollout of One Tax Bahamas, with early registration for the Bahamas Identification Number set for Sept. 1. Governance & Public Access: The Ministry of Tourism ordered removal of a Cabbage Beach fence after concerns it could restrict access and harm vendors.