Teacher Pay Deal: The Bahamas Union of Teachers and the government have agreed a new five-year industrial pact (2025-2030), retroactive to July 1, lifting entry pay to $30,100 and setting a maximum salary of $54,000, with lump-sum payments of $700 (year three) and $750 (year five) plus hardship allowances for Family Islands teachers. Freeport Harbour Supply Shock: Bahama Rock says it will cease production Sept. 18 and temporarily lay off 69 workers for 60 days, citing depleted permitted limestone reserves and uncertainty over permits to access a new source tied to the Freeport Harbour expansion—while opponents demand an independently verified assessment of whether other producers can cover any aggregate shortfall. Grand Bahama Jobs at Risk: A separate report puts the potential impact at about 80 jobs and highlights the company’s estimated $25m annual contribution to the island’s economy as the shutdown deadline nears. Financial Services Leadership: Suntera Global appoints Toni Bonzon as managing director for its Bahamas office, tasked with running operations and driving new corporate and private wealth business, especially across Latin America. Climate Resilience Funding: The CABRIC programme will offer climate resilience grants to Bahamian community and non-profit groups, with about US$5m available for the country across small (up to $150k), medium ($150k-$300k) and large ($300k-$500k) grants. Environment Watch: A study warns Caribbean queen conch protected by marine protected areas may lose suitable climate conditions abruptly within two decades, shifting the conservation challenge beyond fishing pressure. Coral Decline: New research finds Bahamas coral cover has been falling over the 21st century as warming reduces reefs’ recovery time. Aviation Tragedy: A Miami family of four—two adults and two grandchildren—was found dead after a small plane went missing near the Bahamas, with search efforts focused off Andros/Great Harbour Cay.