AGP Executive Report

Cabbage Beach Access: Vendors and beach users are pushing the Government and Four Seasons Ocean Club Residences developer for clarity after rumours of $10,000 “relocation” letters sparked confusion over whether Paradise Island’s Cabbage Beach will remain open and what guarantees vendors would get. Public Finance Scrutiny: An economist says “something’s not adding up” after the national debt rose by more than $1bn in a year despite a forecast Budget surplus, pointing to transparency gaps around deficits, direct debt and contingent liabilities. VAT Cost Pressure on Food Retail: AML Foods warns the revised VAT treatment of uncooked groceries will raise reinvestment costs by about 10% and increase annual expenses by $4.5m, forcing a “pivot” as inflationary pressures mount. Regulator Moves on Investment Funds: Bahamas Securities Commission seeks court-supervised liquidation of Holdun Family Office (Bahamas) over alleged misvaluation of funds and unjustifiable fees, following winding-up actions against related funds. Aviation Tragedy Off Andros: Bodies of four family members missing after a small plane flight from Great Harbour Cay to Miami were recovered, including an 80-year-old pilot and his wife and two grandchildren. Disaster Preparedness: The Department of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Inagua and adjacent waters and parts of the Great Bahama Bank, urging residents and boaters to take immediate precautions. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Two Bahamian track stars, Devynne Charlton and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, are set for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, while Penn State returns to Nassau for the Atlantis Collegiate Baseball Series.

Bahamas Aviation Tragedy: A Miami-bound Piper PA-34 with four relatives aboard vanished off the Bahamas near Andros; by Tuesday, family members said all four—80-year-old pilot Mario Lamar, his wife Lili, and grandchildren Sofia Sosa and Christian Sosa—were found dead after relatives recovered the bodies by boat, with the U.S. Coast Guard coordinating alongside Bahamian authorities. Electricity & Infrastructure: Bahamas Grid executives, via CFAL, say they’re moving to a “Plan B” to keep work going when Bahamas Power and Light resources aren’t available, prioritising network modelling and faster fixes amid ongoing outage concerns. Tax Administration: Grand Bahama business leaders say they weren’t clearly briefed on One Tax Bahamas requirements, including whether separate BINs are needed for different entities operating in Freeport. Cyber Resilience: Global standard-setters CPMI-IOSCO published a cyber resilience toolkit for financial market infrastructures and a paper on risks from third-party providers. Sports Spotlight: Devynne Charlton set a new Bahamian women’s 100m hurdles national record of 12.33 seconds at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Digital Assets: A Henley & Partners report says 23 crypto billionaires exist globally, with nine tied to Bitcoin, as crypto wealth broadens despite price pullbacks.

Crypto & Wealth: Henley & Partners’ Crypto Wealth Report 2026 says there are 135,694 crypto millionaires worldwide, with 92,272 Bitcoin millionaires, even as Bitcoin sits about 38% below its October 2025 peak. Aviation Safety: A multi-agency search is underway for a small plane carrying four family members that lost contact off the Bahamas coast near Andros, after departing Great Harbour Cay for Florida. Public Finance: The Central Bank reports national debt jumped by more than $1bn in the final year of the Davis administration, pushing debt to $13.17bn and lifting key ratios amid higher net borrowings and contingent liabilities. Tourism & Ports: Princess Cruises is shifting most published calls away from Princess Cays to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, with passengers facing limits on beverage benefits by ship arrival area. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Philip Davis toured the Freeport Health Campus, saying the first phase is due by Sept 2027 and the facility is intended to support future growth in Grand Bahama. Governance & Housing: The Ministry of Housing says it has no record of “Spy” Ellis or his companies receiving housing contracts under the Davis administration, after opposition questions. Education Labour: Education Minister Chester Cooper urged “calm heads” as teachers remain on industrial action alert amid stalled negotiations.

National Debt Watch: The Central Bank says The Bahamas’ national debt jumped by more than $1bn in the first Davis administration’s final year, breaching $13bn to $13.17bn as net borrowings and rising contingent liabilities pushed key ratios higher. Monetary & Reserves Update: The economy kept a positive growth path in Q2, with tourism gains and construction stimulus, while external reserves rose $181.5m (5.9%) to support about 31 weeks of import cover. Power Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light again apologised as outages hit New Providence for a second week, while Bahamas Grid Company moves to bring in international cable repair specialists to fix legacy underground faults. Airport Fees Debate: Eleuthera operators warn proposed private aviation airport charges could be a “double-edged sword,” with concerns about near-doubling costs for popular aircraft types. Cruise Industry Shift: Princess Cruises is dropping most Princess Cays calls, moving passengers to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, with some onboard benefits limited by ship arrival area. Legal & Property Fight: Old Bahama Bay control is back in Supreme Court as condo managers seek injunctions and reinstatement of access amid competing claims. Education & Labour: Teachers remain on industrial action alert as Education Minister Chester Cooper urges “calm heads” amid stalled negotiations. Housing Contracts Claim: Housing officials say there’s no record of murdered Abaco businessman “Spy” Ellis receiving housing contracts under the Davis administration. Business Continuity & Resilience: The DRM Authority marks seven years since Hurricane Dorian, pushing a shift from response to preparedness. Education Leadership: UB appoints Dr. Raquel Barr-Edgecombe interim dean for graduate studies.

Disaster Preparedness: The Disaster Risk Management Authority says it has shifted from post-storm response to whole-of-risk resilience, rolling out a new disaster communications platform and expanding support for Family Islands, while flagging shelter standards as a key gap. Business Continuity: Nearly 100 local businesses joined DRM workshops to stress-test hurricane plans and improve recovery readiness. Power Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light reported generation issues at Clifton Pier that knocked out power across parts of New Providence, with operators like NRG Bahamas warning constant blackouts are hitting inventory, revenue and payroll. Digital Policy: Prime Minister Philip Davis told the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum that small states must protect citizens’ data and negotiate cross-border value, while Minister Sebastian Bastian said the Bahamas is proud to host the regional digital-policy conversation. Cruise Economy: Princess Cruises is dropping most calls to Princess Cays after itinerary revisions, while Norwegian Cruise Line opened its $350m Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, adding 19 slides and new island attractions. Tourism Demand: Squaremouth data shows fall travel up in Aruba (+53.93%) and The Bahamas (+17.65%) as hurricane-season anxiety eases. Local Education Support: Yntegra Group donated classroom supplies across Exuma Cays schools as students return. Legal Fees Dispute: The Court of Appeal is set to decide a CLF legal fee access fight tied to the Duprey estate.

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.