AGP Executive Report

One Tax Bahamas: The government says the Sept. 1 One Tax Bahamas rollout is not a new tax, but a single digital portal using a 10-digit Bahamas Identification Number to simplify VAT, business licence and real property tax access. Regulation Push: The Securities Commission of The Bahamas gives unlicensed moneylenders and credit extenders until Sept. 30 to regularize or face enforcement from Oct. 1. Cannabis Framework: A cannabis tracking platform will be pilot tested before year-end, with a system expected to be operational from February under the Bahamas Cannabis Authority. Power Crisis: Foreign Affairs/PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell defends a $380m BPL loan as part of chipping away at legacy debt and infrastructure needs. Labour Reform: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle says revised Employment and Industrial Relations Act amendments, including expanded leave, are moving toward Parliament before year-end. Tourism Momentum: The Bahamas reports record 2025 visitor growth and continued gains in 2026, supported by better air access and visitor tech. Royal Spotlight: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit The Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua for CHOGM, starting Oct. 27. Community & Business: Baha Mar Resort Foundation announces $300,000 in community investments; UB and OKX select five fintech finalists for a pitch competition.

Power & Cost of Living: Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) warned of a phishing scam offering fake electricity bill discounts, as the wider power crisis keeps hitting households and businesses. Island Reliability: BPL said a replacement generator for Little Grand Cay is still delayed and that it’s moving toward a long-term generation plan, with vendor selection focused on reliability and delivery times. Labour Tensions: BPL extended suspensions of union members Wellington Porter and Melvin Babb amid an overtime dispute, while the union says managers who authorise overtime haven’t faced the same scrutiny. Public Finance: The government added $700m to central government debt, widening concerns about fiscal discipline. Tax Administration: Opposition leader Michael Pintard urged a pause on the One Tax Bahamas rollout, citing privacy and governance questions ahead of the Sept. 1 launch. Fintech & Youth: UB Ignite and OKX Bahamas selected five finalists for a fintech pitch competition, aiming to turn ideas into viable businesses. Business & Tech: Aliv marked 10 years in telecoms and expanded into fibre, while Simplified Tech launched AI sales and humanoid robotics services. Royal & Tourism: King Charles III and Queen Camilla announced an autumn tour including a Royal Visit to The Bahamas ahead of CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda.

Power Crisis & Business Impact: Bahamas Power and Light’s instability is hitting the economy hard, with businesses and consumers weighing whether rented generators are a real fix as outages and delays continue, including on Grand Cay. Public Finance Scrutiny: The Davis administration added about $700m to central government debt despite projecting a surplus, raising questions about fiscal planning. Tax Reform Pushback: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard is calling for a pause to the One Tax Bahamas rollout ahead of the Sept. 1 launch, citing privacy and consultation concerns over the new Bahamas Identification Number. Judicial Review in Finance Ministry: A Supreme Court interim injunction halts proceedings to retire Deputy Financial Secretary Athena Marche pending judicial review. Tech & Entrepreneurship: Simplified Tech launches AI sales and consulting with humanoid robotics, while UB and OKX select five fintech entrepreneurs for a pitch competition. Tourism & International Links: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the Bahamas in late October as part of an autumn Commonwealth tour. Cruise Industry Notes: Carnival updates itineraries for 11 sailings and tests later dining hours; Norwegian confirms a fatal balcony fall on Norwegian Getaway.

BPL Debt Surge: The Ministry of Finance says Bahamas Power and Light’s borrowing from government jumped from $220.7m (March) to $287.2m (June), and from $179m (June 2022) to $381.9m by end of FY2025/26—raising fresh questions about how the funds are being used. Power Crisis Fallout: With outages dragging on, Grand Cay residents still await a delayed rental generator, while FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright calls for BPL to compensate households and businesses for damaged appliances and losses. Labour Tensions at BPL: The Bahamas Electrical Workers Union says two workers’ suspensions were extended by 20 days as an overtime investigation continues, with union leaders warning management may be misusing the process. Tax Push: The Department of Inland Revenue says enforcement and technology are lifting collections, and that the “One Tax Bahamas” portal will launch Sept. 1. Insurance Watch: AM Best withdrew ratings for New Providence Life Insurance Company, citing lack of updated financial information post-acquisition. Cruise & Tourism Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed a fatal balcony fall aboard Norwegian Getaway, while Disney announced expanded 2027–28 Caribbean sailings including Bermuda and Bahamas stops.

Power & public finance: Bahamas Power and Light’s debt to central government has ballooned to $381.9m by end of the 2025/26 fiscal year, after $66.5m in advances between March and June 2026, raising fresh questions about how the funds were used amid the ongoing outages. Consumer pressure: FNM deputy Shanendon Cartwright says BPL should set aside money to compensate households for damaged appliances from outages, while BPL points customers to a claims process. Island disruption: Little Grand Cay’s replacement generator delivery was delayed again, with residents now waiting weeks since the power loss. Tax modernization: The Department of Inland Revenue will launch the One Tax Bahamas portal on Sept. 1, starting with a new Bahamas Identification Number (BIN) for registration, with enforcement also set to increase on delinquent property taxes. Education outcomes: National exam results show only about 1 in 3 BGCSE candidates who sat five-plus subjects earned at least five C grades, despite a modest rise in overall pass rates. Tourism & trade: Bahamas Trade Commission chief Barry Griffin argues tourism’s “leakage problem” can be tackled by building Bahamian firms that supply tourism demand. Regenerative healthcare: GARM Bahamas officially opens on Paradise Island, bringing regenerative and longevity-focused care to residents and visitors. Climate watch: CIMH and UWI warn El Niño is strengthening, with hotter, drier conditions and drought risks likely affecting parts of The Bahamas into 2027. Cruise industry: Disney Cruise Line plans a return to New York in 2027 with Disney Wish sailings to Bermuda and a Southern Caribbean expansion.

Offshore Planning: A new explainer weighs which offshore “debtor haven” jurisdictions U.S. citizens may consider, focusing on secrecy, court-recognition hurdles, and how creditors would have to pursue cases. Visa Policy Shock: A U.S. judge struck down a Trump-era nationality-based visa ban affecting Haiti, Cuba and many Caribbean nations including the Bahamas, saying it exceeded authority. Power & Business Impact: Downtown Nassau and parts of Shirley Street and Fort Charlotte stayed in the dark amid BPL/BGC repair work, with the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas forced off air after a generator overheated and fumes spread. Airport Upgrade: NAD begins a $6.5m rehabilitation of LPIA Runway 14/32, with a full closure expected for the first three to four weeks and operations shifted to Runway 10/28. Tourism & Healthcare Growth: GARM Clinic officially opens on Paradise Island, positioning The Bahamas as a longevity and regenerative destination. Entrepreneurship & Skills: The BeInspired Programme expands on Grand Bahama with funding up to $5,000 for young entrepreneurs, while BYLD students toured Grand Bahama Shipyard to explore ship repair careers. Local Economy Signals: Bank of The Bahamas reported $26.5m net income, and Commonwealth Brewery posted $6.27m first-half net profit. Governance & Compliance: Customs and Immigration union says health insurance coverage disruptions persist and members are being left to pay out of pocket.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is set to start a $6.5m rehabilitation of Runway 14/32 at Lynden Pindling International Airport, with the runway fully closed for the first three to four weeks and work expected to finish by Oct. 31. Power Crisis: New Providence and parts of the Family Islands continue to reel from unreliable electricity, with BPL reporting ongoing repairs after underground cable faults and warning that some areas may stay offline to avoid overloading. Island Reliability: Little Grand Cay residents say relief has been delayed again, as a replacement generator shipment keeps slipping due to additional testing. Business Impact: Original Patties Bakery suffered a major setback after an early-morning fire destroyed stock, freezers, storage and offices; the cause is under investigation. Finance & Banking: Bank of The Bahamas reported $26.5m net income for FY ended June 30, 2026, citing higher lending and stronger operating income, while Commonwealth Brewery posted a 5.1% rise in first-half net profit to $6.27m. Local Talent & Education: BRON Academy launched to expose Bahamian youth to engineering, architecture and technical careers, and BAMSI alumnus Aaron John is advancing biodegradable packaging from coffee pulp. Policy & Investment: Bahamas Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis says the government is not participating in the initial public offering linked to the Dangote refinery underwriting invitation. Legal & Human Rights: A paralysed man shot by police in 2016 was awarded a US$80,000 interim payment for urgent medical treatment.

US Immigration Ruling: A Biden-appointed judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa suspension for nationals of 75 countries, including several Caribbean states, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and ordering it vacated—an immediate win for families seeking case-by-case processing. AI & National Strategy: A Bahamas-focused op-ed argues the country doesn’t need the biggest AI model, but must build skills, services and data ownership—while tying any AI push to energy planning. Power Crisis Hits Commerce: Downtown Nassau businesses say Bay Street outages are now crippling operations and revenue, with calls for a more permanent fix as some shops remain in the dark. BPL Overtime Dispute: Union-management tensions over BPL overtime continue to flare, with criticism aimed at how overtime was handled during the wider grid strain. National Investment Fund Scrutiny: Opposition figures and former officials question National Investment Fund transfers and governance, including whether proper business cases and an independent board were in place. Tourism Talent Pipeline: The Tourism Development Corporation’s Summer Sounds program is training young musicians for careers in the “orange economy,” linking culture to downtown visitor experience. Local Business Fire: Original Patties Bakery suffered major damage in an early-morning fire that destroyed freezers, storage and office areas. Caribbean Economy Outlook: ECLAC forecasts Caribbean growth of 5.6% in 2026, but warns the region slows sharply without Guyana’s oil-driven surge. Cruise Industry Move: Royal Caribbean expands RoyalUp bidding beyond staterooms to premium onboard and Perfect Day at CocoCay experiences, including casitas and cabanas.

Energy & Business Disruption: Downtown Nassau businesses are still dealing with prolonged power outages, with Bahamas Power and Light citing two equipment issues at the East Hill Street Substation and scheduling repairs expected to take 5–6 hours, while operators warn the disruption is crippling sales and operations. Public Finance Scrutiny: Former Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson says the government hasn’t provided basic information on the National Investment Fund, including how more than $200 million was removed and what business case supports airport-related spending. Local Transport Tensions: The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union accuses the Department of Road Traffic of “cherry picking” enforcement in the taxi-versus-livery dispute, after the regulator warned against unlawful road blockages and threatened penalties. Regional Growth Watch: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth of 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—highlighting the widening gap driven by Guyana’s oil-led expansion. Tourism & Connectivity: More than a year after Silver Airways’ collapse, Abaco and Bimini still feel the airlift shortfall, with out-island tourism performance weak and seat loss yet to be fully replaced. Cruise Industry Moves: Royal Caribbean expands RoyalUp bidding beyond staterooms to premium onboard and private-island add-ons, including casitas and cabanas at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Immigration Policy Impact (US): A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting nationals from 75 countries, including The Bahamas, as the ruling found the policy “patently unlawful.” Entrepreneurship: GBPA backed a youth innovation and entrepreneurship camp in Grand Bahama, aiming to grow local talent and business skills.

Power Crisis Hits Downtown Nassau: Bay Street businesses say prolonged outages are wiping out sales, spoiling food and forcing closures, with BPL citing equipment issues at the East Hill Street Substation and delays in restoring full service. Crown Land Legal Setback: The Privy Council has dismissed an appeal over a proposed Paradise Island beach club and lighthouse restoration, ruling the Crown Land lease was never binding without ministerial execution. National Investment Fund Scrutiny: Former Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson says the NIF’s framework calls for an independent board, as questions persist over how more than $200m was removed and what approvals and business cases were used. Taxi vs Livery Dispute: The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union accuses Road Traffic of “cherry picking” enforcement while warning against unlawful road blockages amid an ongoing standoff. Tourism Airlift Pressure: Abaco and Bimini still feel the seat-loss fallout after Silver Airways’ collapse, with out-island tourism only beginning to show improvement in mid-year. Caribbean Growth Outlook: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but just 1.1% without Guyana, underscoring the region’s widening economic divide.

Downtown Power Crisis: Downtown Nassau businesses say prolonged Bay Street outages have “crippled” sales, spoiled food and blocked card payments, with Bahamas Power and Light citing equipment issues at the East Hill Street Substation and warning repairs could take 5–6 hours—after more than a day without reliable power. Out-island Airlift Pressure: Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board says Abaco and Bimini are still struggling more than a year after Silver Airways’ collapse, with seat losses not yet replaced and tourism performance weak through early 2026. Taxi vs Livery Tensions: Bahamas Taxi Cab Union accuses Road Traffic of “cherry picking” enforcement in the ongoing taxi-livery dispute, after the department warned protests must stay lawful and peaceful. Legal Setback for Paradise Island Project: Privy Council dismisses an appeal over a proposed Paradise Island beach club and lighthouse restoration, ruling the Crown Land lease was never binding without ministerial execution. Regional Growth Watch: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—highlighting the region’s widening economic divide. ICT & Business Support: BTC backs CANTO’s 41st annual conference in Punta Cana, spotlighting connectivity as a driver of competitiveness.

Downtown Power Crisis: Downtown Nassau businesses say prolonged Bay Street outages have “crippled” sales, spoiled food and blocked card payments, with Bahamas Power and Light citing equipment issues at the East Hill Street Substation and scheduling repairs that stretched into a second day. Out-Island Connectivity Strain: More than a year after Silver Airways’ collapse, Abaco and Bimini still feel the seat-loss gap, with tourism performance weak until June’s first room-revenue uptick. Energy Reform Pressure: Opposition and business voices are again demanding answers and accountability as residents report outages lasting weeks on places like Little Grand Cay. Taxi-Livery Tension: The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union accuses road traffic authorities of “cherry picking” enforcement while warning both sides to follow the Road Traffic Act amid threats over protests and road blockages. Tourism & Development Legal Setback: The Privy Council dealt a final blow to a Paradise Island beach club and lighthouse restoration plan, ruling the Crown Land lease was never binding without ministerial execution. ICT Regional Support: BTC’s board backed CANTO’s 41st conference in Punta Cana, spotlighting connectivity and competitiveness for the Caribbean.

Electricity Crisis Hits Downtown: Bahamas Power and Light outages tied to the East Hill Street substation left parts of downtown Nassau and nearby areas in the dark for hours, cutting into cruise-day commerce and forcing some businesses to close early or rely on generators and power banks. Business Fallout & Calls for Action: The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation says the disruption is “downright unacceptably disruptive,” adding overtime and generator repair costs while employees are sent home. Island Power Woes Continue: On Little Grand Cay, residents report more than two weeks without reliable electricity, with generator fuel costs rising and repairs delayed. BPL Accountability Debate: Multiple voices are pushing for less politics and clearer timelines, while overtime practices and management decisions remain under scrutiny. Junkanoo Beach Compliance: The Junkanoo Beach Association backs temporary stall closures over fire-safety equipment, saying safety must come first. Taxi/Livery Tensions: The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union rejects warnings from the road traffic controller and continues its dispute with the livery drivers’ union. Regional Business & Policy: ORG welcomes CARICOM’s election observation report and urges practical electoral reforms, including campaign finance changes. ICT & Growth: BTC board support for CANTO’s 41st conference highlights regional momentum in telecommunications and ICT.

Power Crisis Fallout: Downtown Nassau businesses stayed dark and shuttered as outages dragged into the night, with merchants reporting lost sales and relying on generators or limited payment workarounds. Energy Governance Pressure: A minister’s silence and the lack of a clear restoration timeline are adding to public frustration, while Abaco’s Little Grand Cay residents report more than two weeks without reliable power. Urban Renewal Push: Minister Lisa Rahming highlighted early wins in her first 100 days, including a Small Home Repairs Contractors’ Workshop for 400+ builders and a people-centred approach to safer homes and community empowerment. Senior Citizens & Migration: Business leader Mario Carey warned that seniors are leaving for countries with better benefits and lower costs, urging faster action on an Older Persons Rights framework. Youth & Skills Pipeline: BTC spotlighted scholarship recipients’ progress, while BRON launched its inaugural BRON Academy to steer students toward STEM and island-development careers. Tourism & Investment: The Bahamas’ tourism investment pipeline was pegged at $3.5bn, but the report flags a heavy cruise mix that may limit per-visitor local economic value. Agriculture & Trade: Crop insurance talks gained support from Abaco farmers, and fishermen pressed for relief on a 12.5% US tariff impacting export competitiveness. Sports & Community: CBC sponsored Caribbean Hoopfest, backing young athletes with hydration support and exposure to US scouts. Cruise Demand Signal: Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond are set to bring thousands of visitors to St. Kitts, boosting local taxi, tour and retail activity.

Tourism Investment Surge: The Bahamas’ tourism pipeline is hitting $3.5 billion, led by cruise infrastructure in Grand Bahama, luxury resort projects across Eleuthera, the Exumas and Abaco, and a Paradise Island development—though the visitor mix still skews heavily toward cruise arrivals. Power & Utility Governance: The BPL grid crisis keeps spilling into politics and labour, with FNM chairman Duane Sands questioning BGC’s ownership and payments, while unions push back on BPL’s overtime policy and BEWU warns suspensions are meant to intimidate. Education Costs & Pay Talks: Teachers are pressing for a 20% salary increase over three years after the government returned to the table with the same package BUT says it rejected, while the government reports school repairs are 85–90% complete ahead of reopening. Agriculture Under Pressure: Farmers welcome the government’s crop insurance exploration, and commercial fishermen seek tariff relief after a 12.5% US tariff threat to exports. Labour at the Airport: The taxi-livery standoff at LPIA remains unresolved as BNATUC urges the taxi union back to talks. Finance & Deals: Butterfield says it has completed initial regulatory filings for its $1.8bn CIBC Caribbean acquisition, targeting first-half 2027 closure. Business & Community: Lisa Rahming highlights early wins from her first 100 days, including small home repairs training and support for vulnerable residents. Sports & Events: The 2026 WSOP Paradise schedule lands in the Bahamas with $120m in guarantees across 20 bracelet events.

BPL Overtime Fallout: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard says PM Philip Davis’ national address on Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) was “spin and excuses,” arguing the overtime issue is ultimately the government’s responsibility and demanding accountability for persistent outages. Utility Action & Labour Response: After Davis’ remarks, BPL suspended two Fuel and Performance employees for “gross misconduct,” prompting unions to push back and announce “work to rule” actions amid the wider electricity crisis. Agriculture Push: The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources launched a 2025–2030 Bahamas National Crop Scheduling Roadmap, aiming to cut food import dependence by matching production to market demand, supported by BAIC, BAMSI and other agencies. US Tariff Talks: Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell says negotiations with the US are underway to reduce a new 12.5% tariff back toward the pre-July 24 10% rate, with multiple meetings already held. Family Island Banking Access: Scotiabank says it’s working with a telecom partner to restore broader ABM access in Exuma after residents raised concerns about restricted machine availability at Sandals Emerald Bay. Local Business Security: Fort Charlotte vendors report repeated break-ins, with some estimating losses of thousands of dollars and questioning what protection can be improved. AI Governance Debate: An op-ed urges the Bahamas to adopt an “AI decision record” approach alongside planned AI governance legislation and a national AI commission. Tourism & Community: BahamasLocal.com marks World Photography Day with a “HOME” call for Bahamian creators and businesses to share images that reflect local identity.