AGP Executive Report

Power Crisis Hits Downtown: Bahamas Power and Light says Downtown Nassau outages were tied to two equipment issues at the East Hill Street Substation, with repairs expected to take 5–6 hours—yet businesses report 24+ hours of disruption, lost sales, and added overtime and generator costs. Energy Accountability: Prime Minister Philip Davis defended the Energy Minister’s silence, saying “the buck stops here,” while critics argue the government has not provided a clear timeline for restoring reliable electricity. Taxi vs Livery Standoff: The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union accuses the Road Traffic Department of “cherry picking” enforcement in the airport transport dispute, after the acting controller warned that blocking roads or access to cruise ports and hotels will be met with police action and penalties. Junkanoo Beach Safety Compliance: The Junkanoo Beach Association backs temporary stall closures tied to fire-safety equipment requirements, saying compliance must come first to protect the tourism hub. LPG Shipping Expansion: JM Baxi boosts its LPG fleet with a second VLGC purchase, adding to its growing Bahamas-linked shipping footprint. STEM Pipeline: BRON launched its inaugural BRON Academy to train future engineering and island-development professionals, including a bridge-design project.

Power Crisis Hits Business: The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation says prolonged outages are “downright unacceptably disruptive,” with Downtown Nassau firms closing, sending staff home, and paying overtime and generator repair costs after BPL grid failures. Accountability Pressure: Prime Minister Philip Davis defended Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis, saying “the buck stops here,” while critics argue the government still hasn’t provided a clear fix timeline. Union Tensions: BEWU says BPL suspensions are meant to intimidate union leaders amid disputes over overtime and “work to rule,” while the Road Traffic Department urges taxi and livery groups to stay in lawful talks to avoid tourism disruption. STEM Pipeline: BRON launched its inaugural BRON Academy, a two-week program for students and young professionals focused on engineering, architecture, environmental science and island development, including a bridge design project. Agriculture Support: Government crop insurance is gaining support from farming groups as a way to unlock financing and help producers recover after storms; fishermen also push for relief from a 12.5% US tariff. Tourism Investment: A new IDB-linked report puts Bahamas tourism investment at about $3.5B, but warns cruise-heavy arrivals may limit higher-value local spending. Education Repairs: School repairs are 85–90% complete ahead of reopening, with about $20m budgeted for 49 schools in New Providence plus Family Islands and Grand Bahama. Bahamas on Global Stage: The 2026 WSOP Paradise schedule confirms 20 bracelet events with $120m in guarantees at Baha Mar, boosting the island’s events and gaming draw.

Energy & Utilities: PM Philip Davis pushed back on criticism of Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis, saying “the buck stops here” as Bahamas Power and Light’s power crisis and overtime controversy continue to roil New Providence and beyond. Public Transport & Tourism: The Road Traffic Department warned taxi and livery drivers against unlawful disruption at airports and cruise ports, while BNATUC urged the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union to return to talks with livery operators to avoid threats of industrial action. Education & Workforce: Teachers are demanding a 20% pay increase over three years after negotiations stalled, as school repairs are reported 85–90% complete ahead of reopening. STEM & Skills Pipeline: BRON Ltd launched its inaugural BRON Academy to prepare future STEM professionals, including a bridge-design project focused on inter-island infrastructure realities. Agriculture & Food Security: Government crop insurance plans are welcomed by farming groups as a way to unlock financing and help farmers recover capital after storms; fishermen also seek US tariff relief. Tourism Investment: A new IDB-backed snapshot puts Bahamas tourism investment at about $3.5B in active and announced projects, but notes cruise-heavy arrivals may limit local economic spillover. Aviation Training: Middle Tennessee State University and the Bahamas signed on to expand an aviation career pipeline, training pilots and airport facility managers. Maritime & Finance: Butterfield says it has completed initial regulatory filings for its CIBC Caribbean acquisition, targeting first-half 2027 closing. Sports & Events: WSOP Paradise returns to Baha Mar with 20 bracelet events and $120M in guarantees, boosting the island’s events calendar.

Energy Reform & BPL Fallout: Prime Minister Philip Davis says the Bahamas is modernizing electricity generation, transmission and distribution, citing upgrades by Bahamas Grid Company and a plan “under construction,” while admitting outages won’t end overnight; he also called BPL overtime abuse “not credible,” and announced tighter controls as the government pushes fuel hedging and phasing out costly rental engines. Labor Tensions at BPL: BPL suspended two Fuel and Performance employees after a national address, and unions moved to “work to rule,” while opposition leader Michael Pintard accused the administration of using overtime revelations as a distraction from the wider crisis. Agriculture Push: Jomo Campbell says the government is negotiating with the U.S. to reduce a new 12.5% tariff back toward 10%, and unveiled a $13m National Crop Scheduling Roadmap to boost local production, storage and transport, plus explore crop insurance to help farmers access financing. Animal Control Measures: Campbell vowed a “hard and firm physical response” to stray dogs, illegal breeding and unlicensed pet ownership, with an Animal Control Board meeting and a planned public rollout. Aviation Workforce Pipeline: The Bahamas expanded its aviation training partnership with Middle Tennessee State University via the PEARL initiative, aiming to grow pilots, maintenance, dispatch and airport facility managers. Sustainability & Packaging: BAMSI alumnus Aaron John’s coffee-pulp biodegradable packaging venture advanced in EARTH University’s Sustainability Prize Program, turning agricultural waste into circular-economy materials. Cruise Industry Angle: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed new dining and thermal spa upgrades for Norwegian Aura and added Ravenna transport options, while a separate report highlights growing cruise tourism debates across the Caribbean including The Bahamas.

Electricity Crisis Fallout: Prime Minister Philip Davis said the country inherited a “power grid on life support,” outlined a nationwide plan to modernize generation, transmission and distribution, and defended a fuel hedge while facing sharp pushback over BPL overtime and outages. BPL Overtime Crackdown: After Davis highlighted about $20m in overtime and alleged abuse, BPL suspended two Fuel and Performance employees for “gross misconduct,” while unions launched “work to rule” and demanded proof. Energy Reform Debate: Opposition leader Michael Pintard called the address “spin and excuses,” questioned accountability for the crisis, and challenged claims that 95% of upgrades were done. Agriculture Push: Jomo Campbell announced a $13m investment to strengthen Bahamian farming with a National Crop Scheduling Roadmap, plus plans for crop insurance to help farmers secure financing. Stray Dog Response: The ministry vowed a “hard and firm physical response” targeting stray dogs, illegal breeding and unlicensed pet ownership. Maritime & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line rolled out new fly-cruise focus for India and added a $23 Ravenna train-station transfer option amid taxi delays. Sustainability in Action: Carnival’s Celebration Key repurposed ship coffee grounds into fertilizer, while BAMSI alumnus Aaron John advanced biodegradable packaging from coffee pulp.

Power & Utilities: Prime Minister Philip Davis says the Bahamas inherited a “power grid on life support,” citing over $500m in BPL debt, $500m in critical upgrades needed, and a plan now under construction to modernize generation, transmission and distribution—plus a fuel hedge of 2.5m barrels to shield bills through December and a January phase-out of 40MW of rental generation. Accountability & Labour: The overtime fight keeps heating up as Davis calls BPL overtime “abuse” and opposition leader Michael Pintard demands answers on the crisis and who approved payouts. Energy Infrastructure Plan: Bahamas Grid Company’s $130m T&D upgrades are credited with cutting outage frequency and duration in New Providence, while officials push LNG and combined-cycle commissioning timelines. Aviation Workforce: The Department of Aviation expands its MoU with Middle Tennessee State University to build local pipelines for pilots, engineers, air traffic control and aviation management. Cruise & Connectivity: Consumer Cellular and Airalo launch a co-branded eSIM portal to ease cruise-port roaming costs, while Norwegian Cruise Line adds a $23 Ravenna train-station transfer option amid taxi delays. Marine & Sustainability: MSC Foundation outplants critically endangered elkhorn coral near Browns Cay, and Carnival’s Celebration Key repurposes used onboard coffee grounds into natural fertilizer. Construction & Exports: Caribbean Cement eyes September regional export restart, including potential shipments to the Bahamas. Regulation: The Central Bank orders a stop to unauthorized products using Bahamian currency designs.

Energy Overhaul & Outage Reality: PM Philip Davis told the nation Bahamas Power and Light is still far from “lights-on” stability, explaining the grid has two linked parts—generation and transmission/distribution—and citing the July 30 Blue Hills transformer failure. He also outlined a nationwide modernization plan now under construction, with Bahamas Grid Company upgrades already cutting New Providence outage frequency by 45% and duration by 35%. Fuel Hedge & LNG Timeline: Davis said a 2.5m-barrel fuel hedge will keep shielding consumers from global oil hikes through December, while the government moves to phase out 40MW of rental generation in January and begin LNG this year, with combined-cycle commissioning at Blue Hills in 2027-2028. Overtime Crackdown: Davis directly attacked BPL overtime “abuse,” saying about $20m was spent last year and calling it not credible that workers logged extreme overtime; opposition leaders are demanding answers on accountability and BPL oversight. Aviation Workforce Push: The Department of Aviation expanded its MoU with Middle Tennessee State University to build Bahamian pathways into piloting, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control and aviation management. Cruise Logistics: Norwegian Cruise Line added a $23 transfer option to Ravenna’s train station after warning taxi delays of up to two hours. Marine & Sustainability: MSC Foundation outplanted 32 critically endangered elkhorn coral fragments near Browns Cay, while Carnival’s Celebration Key repurposed weekly used coffee grounds into natural fertilizer for local landscaping. Local Business & Compliance: The Central Bank ordered a stop to unauthorized products using Bahamian currency images, warning of prosecution. Sports & Events: High Level Sports Performance 2026 is set for Nassau in November, and BAPA launched the Bahamas Elite Physique Championships at UB.

Energy & Utilities: Prime Minister Philip Davis used his national address to lay out the scale of Bahamas Power and Light’s grid crisis, debt and the need for major upgrades, while the wider fallout continues around BPL’s new overtime crackdown and leaked pay records. Labour & SOE Reform: Trade unions are backing BEWU in a dispute over BPL’s unilateral overtime policy, and Fidelity Bank’s Gowon Bowe says privatization should be on the table if government can’t make tough SOE decisions. Grid Leadership: Bahamas Grid Company appointed Ryan Holder as COO as it moves toward an all-Bahamian-led management team to modernise the energy sector. Construction/Industry Skills: The Bahamas Department of Aviation signed an amended MOU with Middle Tennessee State University to expand aviation training and workforce development for Bahamians. Shipping/Trade Materials: Caribbean Cement says it could restart regional exports as early as September after capacity upgrades at its Rockfort plant, with The Bahamas among potential destinations. STEM & Waste Management: BETA Camp in Grand Bahama challenged students to engineer solutions for resilient, sustainable industry, including automating waste management and recycling. Aviation Safety & Community: A memorial in Nassau marked the Independence Day Flamingo Air crash victims, including members of Da Pond Band and pilot Franklyn Cambridge. Tourism & Cruise Business: A Bahamas-focused cruise tourism debate argues the real issue isn’t cruising volume, but whether visitors are being given reasons to stay longer and spend ashore.

Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank is seeking shareholder approval to issue about 11.58 million new shares tied to its nearly $1.8 billion purchase of CIBC Caribbean, a move that could reshape ownership between CIBC and minority shareholders in the Bahamas. Primary Health Care: The Bahamas has joined the Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas, setting up a consultative mechanism to align health investments with the National Health Strategy. Housing & Finance: MP Lisa Rahming’s “Let’s Talk House” in Marathon connected residents with mortgage, real estate, insurance, construction and development professionals to guide homeownership. Energy & Labour Tension: Bahamas Power and Light overtime has sparked fresh backlash after leaked salary details; BATUC says the leak was “atrocious,” while BPL and government push a crackdown amid ongoing power-outage frustration. STEM for Industry: Cloud Carib-backed BETA Camp in Grand Bahama challenged students to build solutions for waste management and sustainable industrial growth, with winners pitching automation ideas. Aviation Training: The Department of Aviation signed an amended MOU with Middle Tennessee State University to expand aviation education and workforce development for Bahamians. Tourism & Cruise Value: A local op-ed argues the cruise industry delivers the volume, but The Bahamas must improve what visitors do ashore to drive repeat spending and longer port stays.

BPL Overtime Clash: Bahamas Power & Light’s near-$20m annual overtime bill is being branded “unsustainable and unacceptable” as the Government and the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union trade accusations over leaked pay figures and a new overtime policy, while New Providence power outages keep disrupting schools, courts, and hospitals. Aviation Fees Hit Operators: The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority has begun retroactive fee collection on piston, turboprop and jet flights since May 1, 2021, drawing pushback from private aviation as tourism leaders warn it could hurt the Bahamas’ image. Digital Sovereignty Push: Bahamian leaders are weighing cybersecurity and modernization priorities at CANTO’s conference, with a focus on moving from connectivity to competitiveness and strengthening local innovation. Supply Chain Leadership: The 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum™ Awards spotlight rising talent and mentorship across transport, software/tech, and warehousing. Education Pathways: SC State’s Bahamas partnership brings the first Bahamian cohort to study biology with marine conservation goals. Logistics & Careers: A new Women in Supply Chain Forum award and a Bahamas-focused leadership development spotlight underscore talent pipelines for industry.

BPL Overtime Clash: The Bahamas government backed Bahamas Power & Light’s new overtime reforms, calling the near-$20m annual bill “unsustainable and unacceptable” after internal records showed three fuel-and-performance workers received over $600,000 in overtime from May 2025 to April 2026—while the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union says the focus is a “distraction” from wider grid failures and power outages. Aviation Fees Pressure: NBAA says BANSA has begun retroactive collection of fees on aircraft operators since May 1, 2021, with private aviation hit by steep increases; tourism and private aviation leaders want regulators to consider the “bigger picture” for the Bahamas’ image. Digital Future Push: Bahamian leaders at CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana discussed moving from connectivity to cybersecurity and local innovation, with a focus on modernizing government systems. Education & Power Fallout: The Bahamas Educators Managerial Union says a meeting is being set with the education minister to address promotions and a new industrial agreement, as politicians warn power outages could disrupt school reopening. Cruise & Port Economy: Downtown Nassau is urged to become a premium destination to convert cruise passenger volume into longer stays and more local spending. Marine & Youth Talent: A Bahamian cohort begins studies at South Carolina State University through a Commonwealth of the Bahamas partnership aimed at building marine and science skills.

BPL Power Crisis: The government backed Bahamas Power and Light’s new overtime policy, calling an annual overtime bill of about $20m “unsustainable and unacceptable” and pushing for tighter controls as outages continue to disrupt schools, courts, and hospitals. Union vs Utility: Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson dismissed overtime-pay leak claims as a “distraction,” while the union threatened industrial action over the policy, escalating a long-running fight over staffing, fatigue, and pay. Fuel Hedge Talks: Citi Bahamas said it hopes to help government secure another fuel hedge for BPL this year, citing oil-price volatility and building on a December 2025 hedge. Tourism Pressure: A Maldives lawmaker warned tourism can’t be “milked dry,” pointing to competition from destinations like the Bahamas and urging careful policy changes around booking platforms and foreign operators. Digital Future: Bahamian leaders used CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana to push stronger digital systems, cybersecurity, and government modernization tied to everyday citizen needs. Marine & Education Pipeline: A new Bahamas–SC State partnership is sending a first cohort of students into marine-focused study, while the Sandals Foundation and ADO expand Pinewood Gardens Community Farm to support regenerative, low-cost food production. Cruise Economy: Downtown Nassau is urged to become a premium destination so more cruise passengers actually spend time and money ashore, not just pass through. Luxury Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backed a $200m–$250m Governor’s Harbour boutique resort plan, citing jobs and local business opportunities. Hospitality at Sea: Four Seasons launched its 207m yacht in the Bahamas region, bringing ultra-suite, ocean-facing service to the Caribbean travel market.

Power & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light’s overtime fight is escalating as the government backs a new overtime policy, calling an annual bill near $20m “unsustainable and unacceptable,” while the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union says leaked overtime figures are a distraction from ongoing blackouts. Fuel Costs & Finance: Citi Bahamas says it’s ready to help government secure another BPL fuel hedge as oil-price volatility threatens electricity costs. Digital Policy: Bahamian leaders are pushing for stronger digital systems and cybersecurity at CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana, framing modernization as a way to fix everyday government pain points. Education & Talent Pipeline: A new partnership is bringing Bahamian students to South Carolina State University through a Ministry Scholars Program, with marine-focused study among the first cohort. Tourism & Cruise Business: Nassau Cruise Port scored World Cruise Awards nominations, while local voices argue Downtown Nassau must convert cruise passenger volume into longer stays and more local spending. Construction & Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backs a $200m–$250m Governor’s Harbour luxury resort plan, and debate continues over Bahama Rock Limited’s proposed Freeport Harbour expansion.

Power & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light’s overtime fight is escalating as a leaked payroll snapshot shows three workers receiving $601,295 in overtime over a year, while the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union calls it a distraction from ongoing outages; the government has backed BPL’s new overtime controls, saying the bill could reach about $20m annually and is “unsustainable and unacceptable.” Education & Labour: Deputy PM Chester Cooper is set to meet the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union to address school reopening concerns, including promotions and an industrial agreement. Energy Infrastructure: Citi Bahamas is exploring another fuel hedge for BPL as oil-price volatility threatens future costs. Tourism & Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backs a $200m–$250m Governor’s Harbour boutique resort plan, while Nassau Cruise Port scored a World Cruise Awards nomination for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026. Digital Sovereignty: Bahamian leaders at CANTO’s conference in Punta Cana pushed for stronger cybersecurity and local innovation to move the region beyond basic connectivity. Agriculture: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a regenerative agriculture demonstration site.

BPL Overtime Fallout: Bahamas Power and Light’s new overtime policy is sparking a full-blown fight with the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union, after leaked internal records showed three employees received about $601,295 in overtime over a year; the union calls it a distraction from ongoing outages, while the government says an annual overtime bill nearing $20m is “unsustainable and unacceptable” and demands tighter controls. Power Outage Pressure: Opposition and business voices are piling on as blackouts disrupt schools, the Supreme Court, and hospital operations; the Bar Association criticized the AG for not outlining concrete fixes, and calls are growing for reliability during school hours. Fuel Hedge Talk: Citi Bahamas says it wants to help government secure another BPL fuel hedge amid volatile oil markets, building on a December 2025 hedge. Cruise Industry Boost: Nassau Cruise Port scored nominations for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Bahamas for Best Cruise Destination at the World Cruise Awards, as downtown Nassau stakeholders push for more premium, longer stays ashore. Eleuthera Resort Push: The Eleuthera Chamber backs a $200–$250m boutique luxury resort and residences at the former Club Med site in Governor’s Harbour, citing jobs and local business opportunities. Marine & Food Security: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a regenerative agriculture demonstration site, supported by Rocky Farms Nursery donations. Education Link: A first cohort of 21 Bahamian students has begun studies at South Carolina State University through a Commonwealth of The Bahamas scholars partnership.

Power & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light is tightening overtime rules after internal records showed three Fuel and Performance employees collected over $600,000 in overtime in a year, triggering union backlash and a fresh trade dispute. Overtime Policy: The Government says the new BPL overtime system adds checks like prior approval, documentation, timekeeping controls, monthly reviews, and caps—aimed at cutting an overtime bill nearing $20m annually. Grid Strain & Public Impact: Opposition leaders and legal officials point to ongoing outages affecting hospitals and court operations, while the AG says disruptions were limited and courts can manage with backup power. Energy Infrastructure: FOCOL-Shell’s New Providence Gas JV has signed with ECOnnect Energy for a floating LNG import terminal at Clifton Pier, positioning LNG as a cleaner generation fuel for BPL. Cruise & Tourism: Nassau Cruise Port earned a World Cruise Awards nomination for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026, alongside a Bahamas destination nomination, as the port targets continued passenger growth. Construction & Materials: Caribbean Cement says it could restart regional exports as early as September, prioritizing local demand first while eyeing the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas after a supply crunch. Agriculture & Food Security: Sandals Foundation and the Agricultural Development Organization are scaling Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a regenerative agriculture demonstration site, supported by plant donations and funding. Digital Sovereignty: A Bahamas minister warns against “digital colonialism,” urging the country to retain audit access, data control, and provider exit options for critical systems. Marine Conservation Funding: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund is preparing grant-writing workshops and a call for proposals for up to $50,000 for marine conservation groups. Local Business & Development: Eleuthera’s Chamber backs a $250m-plus revival of the former Club Med site in Governor’s Harbour, targeting construction jobs and a mid-2027 start. Transport Labor Tensions: The taxi and livery dispute at LPIA is escalating again, with threats of industrial action that could disrupt tourism operations.