AGP Executive Report

Cruise Safety & Tourism Reputation: A Royal Caribbean brawl at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau has reignited calls for tougher cruise bans, while Bahamas Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said she’s “extremely disappointed” and worried about repeated visitor incidents. Legal Fallout From Excursions: A woman injured during a Carnival “Pearl Island Beach Escape with Lunch” excursion has an amended complaint in U.S. court alleging alcohol-fueled assault and drug-facilitated sexual assault. Local Media Disruption: Early Friday, a fire at ZNS’ South NP transmitting station knocked out the 1540 AM signal; repairs could take up to three months. Community Giving: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1 million pledge over three years and a $40,000 cheque for Women and Girls in STEM. Energy & Infrastructure Pressure: Parliament heard updates on a new $285m specialty hospital in western New Providence and housing plans for 900+ homes, as energy outages and system overhaul remain a live concern. Grand Bahama Investment Signals: U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker met local business and community leaders, flagging concerns about restoring U.S. pre-clearance and urging more investment. Drought Preparedness: Saint Kitts and Nevis’ NEMA urged residents to stay ready as drought conditions persist alongside hurricane-season planning.

Energy & Reliability: A fresh wave of power outages is being blamed on “growing pains” and infrastructure upgrades, with critics saying households and businesses are still paying the price while reform promises lag. Grand Bahama Power Relief: The FNM is crediting PM Davis for lowering electricity costs on Grand Bahama, pointing to bill reductions for thousands of households. Hospital Build-Out: Construction is set to begin “shortly” on a new $285m specialty hospital in western New Providence, alongside renewed work at Rand Memorial and progress on the Freeport Health Campus. Housing Pipeline: Housing Minister Keith Bell says government plans to build 900+ homes and lots across multiple islands, using public-private partnerships to expand the pipeline. Airport Development: Nassau airport officials say they’re close to identifying a developer for an on-airport hotel, while also pushing terminal and airside expansion plans. Cruise & Port Moves: Global Ports Holding signed an MoU for a 30-year cruise port lease in St Vincent, while Nassau continues to see cruise-related friction, including arrests after brawls at the port. Maritime Environment: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by planting about 4,000 mangroves in two hours at Dover Sound. Aviation Airlift: Breeze Airways launched a new nonstop Tampa–Nassau route after more than 20 years, adding another boost to tourism access. Trade & Fisheries: The NFA warns a 15% US tariff on seafood could pressure American demand, while petroleum retailers say a past margin increase is helping cushion rising oil prices. Workforce & Skills: BTVI updated education leadership on efforts to produce more competent technical workers as investors complain about skills gaps. Public Health Training: CARPHA and IATA trained regional staff to safely transport infectious substances, strengthening lab and pandemic readiness.

Aviation & Tourism: Breeze Airways launched a new nonstop Tampa–Nassau route after more than 20 years, with officials saying the added airlift should boost stopovers and tourism growth. Maritime Costs: A CARISTATS/ECLAC look at Caribbean shipping says freight to nearby Bahamas ports can cost far more than shipping to distant hubs like Shanghai, driven by weak connectivity and limited route frequency. Energy & Reliability: In Parliament, Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis defended ongoing power outages as “growing pains” from major grid upgrades, while also citing a fuel hedge that she says delivered $21.7m in savings in four months. Workforce & Skills: The DPM met BTVI leadership, pressing for more competent technical professionals as investors complain about finding skilled Bahamian workers. Environment & Coastal Resilience: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by putting about 4,000 mangroves into the ground in two hours at Dover Sound. Public Health Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states on safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop. Cruise Port Security: Five cruise passengers were arrested in Nassau after a fight spilled into the police station, injuring officers and damaging property.

Energy Reform & Outages: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told Parliament that New Providence power cuts are “growing pains” tied to grid upgrades, with some loads temporarily shifted to single circuits while work continues. Fuel Hedge Savings: She also defended BPL’s fuel price protection, saying a fixed US$65/barrel arrangement has produced about $21.7m in savings since February. Grand Bahama Bills: Coleby-Davis said electricity bills will drop this week for 17,000 households and 1,500 businesses as Grand Bahama Power Company is brought in line on oversight and pricing. Workforce Development: The DPM met BTVI leadership, pressing for more competent technical workers as investors complain about skill gaps. Agriculture & Food Security: Jomo Campbell said the Golden Yolk poultry push is building productive capacity, citing completed poultry houses, an egg processing facility and 10,000 chickens. Community Environment: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by putting about 4,000 mangroves in the ground at Dover Sound in two hours. Cruise Port Security: Five U.S. cruise guests were arrested in Nassau after a fight that escalated into a “violent struggle” at the police station, injuring officers. Cruise Industry Investment: Government signed a pact for a 30-year cruise port deal to invest about $250m, while regional news also points to long-term port concessions elsewhere. Tourism & Health Ventures: Champion Spirit says a western New Providence longevity hospital opens in December 2026, and a new Elephant Rock Experience open house is set for June 13-14. Procurement Oversight: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis addressed public procurement criticism, highlighting certification and capacity-building for procurement staff. Tech & Work: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle outlined The Bahamas’ AI and future-of-work approach at the ILO.

Public Procurement & Governance: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis told MPs procurement is “not static,” defending reforms and citing training progress, including 60 Level II certifications and other procurement capacity-building steps. Energy & Reliability: On Grand Bahama, Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis says electricity bills will drop after oversight and pricing changes, while on New Providence she blamed longer outages on Bahamas Power and Light’s Summer Readiness infrastructure upgrades. Tourism & Ports: St. Vincent signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year concession to modernize Kingstown Cruise Port, targeting major investment and improved shore-excursion capacity. Maritime Heritage: Nassau Harbour’s first permitted underwater archaeology expedition reported six shipwrecks, including pirate-era finds tied to the “golden age of piracy.” Cruise Port Security: Five cruise passengers were arrested in Nassau after a violent fight that continued at the police station, injuring officers and damaging property. Food Security & Training: BAMSI highlighted programs training farmers and marine science talent as a pathway to stronger food security and sustainability. Digital Payments & Finance: CIBC Caribbean rolled out Google Wallet support across The Bahamas and other markets, boosting contactless payments as ownership changes loom. Tech & Work: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle outlined The Bahamas’ AI and future-of-work approach at the ILO, stressing responsibility and workforce preparation. Gaming & Crypto: WSOP announced Solana as presenting sponsor and enabled Solana-based, zero-fee crypto buy-ins, with WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas set for stablecoin payouts. Legal/Policy Watch: Comments by an MP on alleged ministerial links were referred to The Committee of Privilege.

Energy Bills Cut in Grand Bahama: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis says electricity rates will drop for 17,000 households and 1,500 small businesses, with new bills reflecting removal of a base rate under 200 kWh, fuel charge tier tweaks, and the end of the storm recovery charge. Outages Linked to Upgrades in New Providence: Coleby-Davis also told the House that Bahamas Power and Light’s Summer Readiness Program is behind planned interruptions as circuits are rebalanced during infrastructure work, with some outages lasting up to eight hours. LNG-to-Power Financing Moves Forward: FOCOL secured a $379.2m package for its LNG-to-Power project, including US EXIM support and a $325m syndicated loan, with the first major equipment shipment due next week. Tourism Leadership Shift: Glenys Hanna-Martin was appointed the Bahamas’ first female Minister of Tourism, with her aviation background flagged as a boost for airlift and connectivity. Parliament Tension Over Allegations: Comments by East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson about Finance Minister Michael Halkitis were referred to the Committee of Privilege after privilege concerns. Trade Pressure on Forced-Labour Rules: Opposition MP Kwasi Thompson warns the government’s delayed response to a US forced-labour trade deficiency could trigger new tariffs affecting exports, with fishing communities at risk. Digital Payments Upgrade: CIBC Caribbean says Bahamas customers can now add cards to Google Wallet for contactless payments, as the bank prepares for an ownership transition. Cruise and Shipping Watch: A new report documents shipwrecks tied to the “real Pirates of the Caribbean” era near Nassau Harbor, adding to Bahamas maritime history. Sports: Team Bahamas fell 10-0 to Puerto Rico in the PONY 14U gold medal game, while Serena Brown posted a discus national record in her return to competition.

FOCOL Energy Financing: FOCOL Holdings signed a US$379.2M package to build its LNG terminal and regasification facility at Clifton Pier, backed by U.S. EXIM support and a Bahamian bank syndicate. Tourism Leadership: Glenys Hanna-Martin was appointed the Bahamas’ first female Minister of Tourism, with officials pointing to her aviation background to boost airlift and connectivity. Cruise Sector Pressure: Jamaica’s tourism opposition MP Andrea Purkiss accused the cruise sector of shrinking by 28% since 2019, highlighting how visitor shortfalls ripple into local taxi, craft and attraction spending. Maritime History & Research: Researchers documented six shipwreck sites tied to the Golden Age of Piracy around Nassau Harbor, including recovered cannons and musket balls. Prison Security Upgrade: Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare said BDOCS is buying drone-blocking equipment after contraband drops, with a new court facility and modular prison units still in progress. Luxury Development in Exuma: Aman unveiled designs for Amancaya Bahamas, featuring a private island hotel, branded residences, marina, spa and dining. Marine Protection Push: Atlantis marked World Oceans Day with “blue zone” touch tanks and conservation education, while MSC rolled out an onboard ocean education program across its fleet. Energy Reliability Debate: Opposition MP Kwasi Thompson criticized Bahamas Power and Light over outage “excuses,” arguing bills are rising while reliability lags. Cruise Legal Risk: A Carnival Sunrise passenger filed a maritime lawsuit alleging sexual assault and inadequate onboard security. Trade & Shipping Oversight: The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2025 port state control report, noting detention rates and flag performance trends, including Bahamas-related updates.

LNG & Energy Finance: FOCOL Holdings signed a $379.2M financing deal for its LNG terminal and regasification facility at Clifton Pier, backed by Bahamian banks and the U.S. Export-Import Bank—another big signal for gas-to-power investment in the islands. Luxury Hospitality Development: Aman unveiled designs for Amancaya Bahamas in Exuma, including a 36-pavilion hotel, branded residences, marina access, spa, and a full architecture/interiors/landscape design team—aimed squarely at high-end tourism growth. Corrections Infrastructure: BDOCS Commissioner Doan Cleare says the long-awaited new prison facility plans are still in the works after years of groundwork and delays—keeping pressure on public-sector delivery. Public Procurement Scrutiny: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis defended the VAT cut on food and pushed back on claims of misuse in no-bid procurement, saying a 2021–2026 procurement assessment is coming amid calls for reform. Political Fallout: PM Philip Davis backed Halkitis in Parliament, rejecting resignation calls tied to a reported link to a construction company connected to convicted drug smuggler Jonathan Gardiner. Maritime & Shipping: MSC revived its Pearl transpacific service for early peak demand, while the U.S. Coast Guard released its 2025 port state control report showing fewer detentions and updated flag performance, including changes affecting the Bahamas. Regional Trade Policy: USTR proposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs covering 60 economies, with comment deadlines and hearings that could ripple into import costs for regional businesses. Tourism & Operations: Post Office & Customs in Antigua and Barbuda announced joint workflow reforms to improve international mail processing and border security—relevant for regional logistics partners. Business Expansion: 4Tech Entertainment announced expanded film, broadcast, and digital media operations across The Bahamas and into international markets.

Bahamas Travel Advisory: The government is urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Cuba, citing electricity, fuel, transport and basic goods disruptions, plus cash-based banking limits and strict entry/visa and cash-declaration rules. Postal & Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs departments are reforming joint workflows after a regional summit in San Salvador aimed at smoother mail processing and stronger border security. Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposes new Section 301 tariffs (10% or 12.5%) on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement failures, with comments due in early July—an issue that could ripple into Caribbean trade costs. Maritime Compliance: The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2025 port state control report shows fewer detentions overall, with Bahamas among flags removed from the targeted list. Tourism & Hospitality Moves: Baha Mar partners with event visionary Colin Cowie for a new Celebration Collection, while CTO’s Caribbean Media Awards in New York highlighted regional storytelling and launched CTO TV. Local Business & Media: 4Tech Entertainment expands film, broadcast and digital media operations across The Bahamas and into international markets. Energy & Resilience: As hurricane season ramps up, officials stress preparedness and the need for better climate resilience planning. Finance Minister Scrutiny: PLP and FNM supporters clash over claims linking Finance Minister Michael Halkitis to a construction firm tied to convicted drug trafficker Jonathon “Playa” Gardiner.

Resort & Events: Baha Mar teamed up with famed event visionary Colin Cowie to launch the “Baha Mar Celebration Collection,” a Bahamas-inspired, fully curated wedding and private-events concept line aimed at rising demand for experiential destination celebrations. Creative Media Expansion: 4Tech Entertainment announced it’s expanding film, broadcast and digital media operations across The Bahamas and into international markets, adding leadership co-owners and broadening services from live coverage to aerial cinematography. Trade Policy Impact: The U.S. USTR proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor import findings across 60 economies, with rates of 10% or 12.5% (and 37.5% for Brazil), while inviting public comments and setting a July 7 hearing—an issue that could ripple into regional shipping and import costs. Water & Infrastructure Growth: Consolidated Water appointed water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as Senior VP, Strategy and Growth, pointing to momentum from its Cat Island desalination facility and new U.S. contract awards. Legal & Insurance Costs: CG Atlantic General Insurance was ordered to pay $10,000 in non-party litigation costs after the Supreme Court found it effectively controlled key parts of a case before withdrawing. STEM & Youth: An all-girl New Providence team will represent The Bahamas at the International Greenwich Olympiad in London with a sensor-based mobility cane project for people with visual impairments. Healthcare Procurement Watch: A local call for more transparent, competitive tendering for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies at the Public Hospitals Authority highlights long gaps in publicly advertised procurement. Energy & Labor Talks: Labour Day coverage points to amendments to the Industrial and Employment Act and ongoing union negotiations, with teachers’ groups pressing for clearer progress on pay and terms.

Fuel Costs & Boating: U.S. gas prices are still biting boaters as summer approaches, with regular up about 34% year-on-year and diesel up 53%, while ethanol-free fuel can cost 20 cents to $1 more per gallon—pushing some to buy only what they need. Hurricane Resilience: Bahamas officials and experts are stressing preparedness as hurricane season ramps up, from home and business checks and storm shutters to stocking non-perishables, water, first-aid kits, and securing key documents. Labour & Employment Law: The Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union is welcoming amendments to the Industrial and Employment Acts, while other union talks remain tense as negotiations drag on. Power Reliability: A call is growing for better communication as grid upgrades continue, with residents frustrated by outages even as the government targets fixes ahead of summer. Climate Finance & Agriculture: At the CDB’s 56th meeting, leaders backed climate risk insurance tools, including parametric coverage aimed at agricultural recovery after extreme weather. Maritime Industry: The Bahamas Transport Minister led a delegation to Posidonia 2026 to strengthen ties for the Ship Registry, while the Bahamas Maritime Authority launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system. Heritage & Tourism: An international expedition reports the first Nassau harbor finds of shipwrecks linked to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” era, including a burned hull possibly tied to Henry Avery’s Fancy. Caribbean Food Policy: Regional health groups urged faster action on healthy food policies to tackle the NCD crisis. Tourism Media: The CTO’s Caribbean Media Awards in New York—sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism—highlighted storytelling beyond beaches, and launched CTO TV.

Governance & Business Climate: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index puts Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while The Bahamas and Barbados remain among the region’s stronger performers—an investor-facing signal on public-sector trust. Power & Utilities: A Bahamas Power and Light outage story is driving fresh calls for clearer public communication as the grid is redeveloped to reduce failures, with officials saying summer reliability is the goal. Tourism Media & Marketing: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) honored regional journalists and creators at Caribbean Week in New York and launched CTO TV, backed by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, to expand video storytelling beyond resorts. Maritime & Shipping: Bahamas Transport Minister Leon Lundy led a delegation to Posidonia 2026 to strengthen ties for the Bahamas Ship Registry, while the Bahamas Maritime Authority highlighted its digital seafarer record book push. Heritage & Tourism Assets: A New Providence Pirates Expedition reports six shipwrecks linked to real “Pirates of the Caribbean” figures found in Nassau’s harbor, with researchers pointing to a possible Avery-linked hull. Labor & Education: Budget talks include a 5-year teachers salary agreement starting July 1, but the Bahamas Union of Teachers says its members were left out as negotiations stall. Food Security & Agritourism: Stakeholders at a World Agritourism Festival urged linking agriculture with tourism to boost food security, jobs, and rural resilience.

Labour & Education: Bahamas’ teacher pay talks get messy as the budget promises a 5-year salary increase for BECAWU from July 1, but leaves the Bahamas Union of Teachers (B.U.T.) still waiting after stalled negotiations since October. Maritime & Shipping: Bahamas Transport Minister Leon Lundy leads a delegation to Greece’s Posidonia 2026 to strengthen ties for the Bahamas Ship Registry and support Greek-owned vessels. Maritime Heritage & Tourism: Archaeologists report six pirate-linked shipwrecks found in Nassau’s harbor for the first time, including a burned hull possibly tied to Henry Avery’s “Fancy,” adding fresh fuel for Bahamas history tourism. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line cancels Norwegian Viva itineraries from San Juan for the 2027-28 winter season, redeploying the ship to PortMiami with Bahamas-focused sailings. Food Security & Agritourism: Stakeholders push agritourism as a new engine for food security and rural jobs, urging governments to treat agriculture as an ecosystem tied to tourism and culture. Public Health Policy: Caribbean leaders call for faster healthy food policy action to curb the region’s NCD crisis, highlighting implementation gaps and the need for evidence-based measures. Climate & Water Resilience: Regional meetings in Nassau focus on climate services, early warning systems, and water security to boost Caribbean resilience and adaptation planning. Fuel Costs & Boating: Rising fuel prices are reshaping summer plans for boaters, with ethanol-free gas premiums and higher diesel costs driving more cautious fueling decisions. Cruise Bahamas Upgrade: Carnival’s Half Moon Cay is now branded RelaxAway, with new pier, trams, eateries, and expanded amenities rolling out for guests. Illegal Migration Enforcement: Coast Guard and partners interdict an overcrowded vessel carrying 240 people near Turks and Caicos, warning against dangerous unlawful sea journeys.

Maritime & Trade: Bahamas Transport Minister Leon Lundy led a delegation to Posidonia 2026 in Greece to strengthen ties for the Bahamas Ship Registry, with the Bahamas Maritime Authority highlighting support for Greek-owned vessels. Seafaring Tech: The Bahamas Maritime Authority rolled out a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system, aiming to modernize documentation for the fleet. Piracy Heritage & Tourism: An international expedition reports six shipwrecks linked to the real “Pirates of the Caribbean” era, including a possible match for Henry Avery’s Fancy, found in Nassau’s harbor—fueling research and visitor interest. Food Security & Agritourism: Stakeholders at World Agritourism Festival 2026 urged governments and investors to treat agritourism as an economic ecosystem that links agriculture, tourism, and culture to improve food security and rural jobs. Public Health: Caribbean leaders and health experts called for faster, evidence-based healthy food policy to tackle the region’s NCD crisis, citing implementation gaps and the rise of ultra-processed foods. Climate Resilience: GWP-C participated in Nassau meetings on climate services, early warning systems, and hurricane-season outlooks to boost regional preparedness. Cruise Industry: Carnival upgraded and renamed its Bahamas private island to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, adding a pier, trams, and new guest amenities.

Maritime & Transport: Bahamas Transport Minister Leon Lundy led a high-level delegation to Greece’s Posidonia 2026 to deepen ties with the Greek shipping community and support the Bahamas Ship Registry through the Bahamas Maritime Authority. Cruise & Tourism: Carnival is upgrading and renaming its Grand Bahama private island to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, adding a pier, trams, eateries and more guest amenities—while also planning a July 4 fireworks “gathering” near Celebration Key for America’s 250th anniversary. Public Health & Food Policy: Caribbean leaders and health experts urged faster, evidence-based healthy food policy action to tackle the region’s non-communicable disease crisis, citing the rise of ultra-processed foods and implementation gaps. Maritime Heritage: Archaeologists report six newly found shipwrecks in Nassau’s harbor tied to the Golden Age of Piracy, including a possible link to Henry Avery’s “Fancy.” Aviation Policy: Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis called for modern legal frameworks and resilient institutions to keep aviation safe, secure and sustainable for the archipelago’s economy and tourism.

Cruise Industry & Tourism: Carnival is ramping up America’s 250th celebrations with a fleetwide fireworks plan that includes seven ships converging near Grand Bahama’s new Celebration Key for a July 4 show, while other ships watch San Diego’s Big Bay Boom; locally, Carnival also unveiled its upgraded Bahamas private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, adding a new pier, trams, eateries and more. Maritime Operations & Safety: Norwegian Bliss cut port time in Alaska after a propulsion issue reduced speed, and the U.S. Coast Guard reported stopping 240 illegal immigrants on an overcrowded, leaking vessel south of the Turks and Caicos. Bahamas Heritage & Research: British divers and Bahamian researchers say shipwrecks tied to the “real-life Pirates of the Caribbean” were found near Nassau, with six wrecks linked to the Golden Age of Piracy. Regional Development & Policy: PM Dr. Godwin Friday used the CDB’s Nassau meeting to push resilience, regional cooperation and climate-linked development financing, while the Caribbean’s healthy food policy push highlighted slow progress on non-communicable diseases. Infrastructure & Governance: Bahamas aviation legal advisers heard calls for modern, resilient legal frameworks, and new government ministries are being formed alongside ongoing debates over funding and delivery.