AGP Executive Report

Youth & Sports: Bahamas Athletic Pride’s “The Show: All-Star Survival 2026” kicks off a five-day softball showcase in Nassau, growing from a small 2018 event to 130 girls and scholarship opportunities. National Security & Governance: A Supreme Court judge refused an injunction to stop the transfer of acting Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs to the Supreme Court as Deputy Registrar, after complaints and an administrative leave process. Parliament & Cost of Living: Residents are pushing back on a proposed MP and senator duty allowance/pay increase, arguing it’s tone-deaf amid hardship. Economy & Business Continuity: Real estate businessman Mario Carey warns Bahamian-owned firms will keep shrinking without succession planning, citing closures tied to founders exiting without replacements. Labour Market: The Labour Force Survey shows unemployment holding around 8.7–8.8%, with more people entering and being hired. Health & Aid: The US Northern Command donates nearly $400,000 in equipment and vehicles to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Environment & Heritage: Bahamas National Trust breaks ground on a Welcome Centre at Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Exuma, adding visitor services and marine stewardship support. Independence Season: Flag Raising Ceremony marks the start of the 53rd Independence celebrations with national pride across Nassau.

Parliament & Pay: Prime Minister Philip Davis says a review of parliamentarians’ salaries and allowances is long overdue, with a draft amendment circulating that would boost MPs’ pay and duty allowances—sparking pushback from the Bahamas Union of Teachers, which calls it “unthinkable” while teachers and civil servants still await backpay. Labour Market: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle points to the latest Labour Force Survey showing unemployment steady at 8.8% and 8.7% in late 2025, with more people entering work and fewer discouraged workers. Grand Bahama Development: Government expects to complete the acquisition of the long-abandoned International Bazaar within 10 days, clearing the way for an Afro-Caribbean marketplace plan. Health System: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says PMH operating theatre renovations are temporarily disrupting elective surgeries, while emergency services remain running. Utilities & Regulation: URCA fined Bahamas Power and Light nearly $30,000 for late reporting of major outages in Abaco, though collection is suspended for a year. National Security & Independence: National Security Ministry and law enforcement held the Independence Flag Raising Ceremony to kick off the 53rd anniversary countdown. Youth & Work: Grand Bahama’s Summer Employment Programme orientation drew 650 of 800 selected applicants, while youth leaders at a CDB forum urged governments to move from consultation to real decision-making power. Business & Local Economy: Heroic Concrete launched “Heroic Is All of Us,” including a plan for contractors and customers to seek equity via a Builders Circle, as local succession planning gets renewed attention.

Labour & Skills: The Bahamas Chamber says the latest Labour Force Survey brings “cautious optimism” on unemployment and employment gains, but warns of a stubborn skills mismatch that could still slow growth. Power Reliability & Regulation: URCA fined Bahamas Power and Light nearly $30,000 for late reporting on major outages, while suspending enforcement for 12 months to test sustained compliance. Cost of Living & Competition: PM Philip Davis says his second-term agenda will push competition legislation to curb price-fixing and move toward standard electricity rates across islands. Budget Politics & Payback Claims: The Bahamas Union of Teachers calls MPs’ late-night duty allowance increases “unbelievable,” pointing to stalled teacher industrial agreement talks amid rising living costs. Public Accounts Pressure: Opposition leader Michael Pintard says pre-election building materials vouchers topped $1.5m, urging Public Accounts Committee scrutiny and investigations. Works Ministry Fallout: Workers protest transfers, pensions and promotions after a colleague’s fatal on-the-job crash, while Works Minister Clay Sweeting rejects blame-by-road-condition speculation. Healthcare Delivery: Health Minister Michael Darville outlined Grand Bahama upgrades, including Rand Memorial Hospital changes and progress on the Freeport Health Campus. Tourism & AI Push: Tourism Minister Hanna-Martin toured Nassau Cruise Port, while an upcoming AI Vibathon aims to help Bahamians build their own AI solutions. Sports & Community: BLTA junior nationals crowned multiple champions at Baha Mar, and the Bahamas men’s cricket team returned home after a second-place qualifier finish.

Cost-of-Living & Competition: PM Philip Davis says his second-term agenda will go after price-fixing with competition legislation and push standard electricity rates nationwide, including new ownership moves for Grand Bahama Power. Budget Debate—Family Islands & Education: Works Minister Clay Sweeting framed 2026/27 spending as “nation building” for every island, while Education Minister Chester Cooper highlighted literacy/numeracy, expanded school breakfast programmes, and a laptop/tablet push. Healthcare—Grand Bahama Upgrades: Health Minister Michael Darville outlined progress on morgue and pathology services at Rand Memorial, plus the Freeport Health Campus schedule and plans to repurpose Rand into geriatric/psychiatric care. Tourism & Ports: Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin toured Nassau Cruise Port as Carnival completed a Celebration Key pier expansion—doubling capacity to four ships and adding 700,000 more annual visitors. Governance & Pre-election Scrutiny: Opposition leader Michael Pintard renewed calls for investigations after building materials vouchers reportedly topped $1.5m weeks before the election, including no-bid awards. Drug Scandal Fallout: Speaker Patricia Deveaux rebuked Andre Rollins amid renewed parliamentary clashes tied to the US Gardiner-linked drug allegations and Top Notch Builders. International & Community: Davis reaffirmed UN partnership commitments; the US Embassy lit Nassau for America’s 250th; and Zonta’s Workforce Readiness Programme backed another cohort of women.

OAS & Governance: In Panama, Foreign Affairs Minister (OAS 56th General Assembly) backed the rule of law and said The Bahamas held a May 12 election that returned Prime Minister Philip Davis, while also calling out the lack of women at top global tables. Budget Priorities: Works Minister Clay Sweeting told MPs the 2026/27 budget is about nation-building and results for every island, not just New Providence, as the government pushes infrastructure and modernization. Tourism Oversight: BHTA executives met Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna Martin and aviation officials to press key tourism issues. Food Security & Marine Protection: Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell reported progress on the Golden Yolk egg project and broader efforts to boost local production and protect fisheries. National Security Regulation: National Security Minister Myles LaRoda said his ministry is modernizing the private security sector—collecting license fees, cancelling long-unlicensed firms, and advancing Security Guards Act amendments by end-2026. Health & Education: Health Minister Michael Darville said a feasibility study with UWI is underway toward a full medical school in The Bahamas. Cruise Infrastructure: Carnival completed a Celebration Key pier extension on Grand Bahama, doubling capacity to four ships and boosting expected annual arrivals. Public Safety: The U.S. Embassy warned Americans not to rent jet skis in The Bahamas after injuries and sexual assaults, citing weak enforcement. Crime & Social Issues: Security Minister LaRoda flagged troubling reports of sexual assaults against women, while HIV data showed 142 new cases reported in 2025. Road Deaths: Reports highlighted multiple fatal crashes, including a deadly Shirley Street crash that killed four young women from Cat Island.

Private Security Reform: National Security Minister Myles LaRoda says the government is modernizing the Security Guards Act, citing enforcement gains (152 companies cancelled, 250+ guards removed) and pushing amendments expected by end-2026 to tighten training, conduct, penalties, oversight, and equipment rules. Health & Education Policy: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says a feasibility study with UWI is underway to establish a full medical school in The Bahamas, aiming to attract local and international students. Road Safety Push: A Letters-to-the-Editor plea urges stronger measures to cut traffic deaths, pointing to speeding, phones, red-light running, reckless overtaking, and DUI as preventable drivers of tragedy. Justice System Update: A US judge denied Jonathan Eric Gardiner’s motion to dismiss a criminal complaint, with the case now tied to the post-indictment posture. Public Accountability: Commentary targets “gatekeeping” around calls for a local police probe in the Gardiner matter, arguing sub judice and cross-border process limits local action. International Cooperation: Bahamas officials joined a UNODC maritime reconnaissance mission in Haiti, focusing on seamanship and boarding procedures. Cruise Economy (Local Impact): Carnival’s Celebration Key pier extension doubles berths to four ships, boosting capacity to 13,000+ guests a day and adding about 700,000 visitors annually. Community & Workforce Readiness: JA Bahamas launches a paid summer internship placement program for 42 students via an RBC Capital Markets grant, aiming to bridge school achievement and job readiness.

Workforce Pipeline: JA Bahamas launched a paid summer internship for 42 high-achieving students, funded by a $50,000 RBC Capital Markets grant, placing youth with major local employers across New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Andros. Education Milestone: St. Augustine’s College co-valedictorians Alexis Roberts and Jayden Sands (3.98 GPA) reflected on moving from COVID-era virtual schooling to graduation and the next step into adulthood. Public Accountability: The Public Beaches and Parks Authority faced fresh scrutiny over spending and transparency, with new Executive Chairman Jamahl Strachan promising a “new era” and clearer public reporting. Private Security Reform: The Ministry of National Security is moving to update decades-old private security laws, gathering input from guards to shape amendments. Road Safety Tragedy: A fatal crash on Shirley and Church Streets near St. Matthew’s Church killed four teenage girls, with a driver and others injured. Tourism Connectivity: Bahamasair restored scheduled service to Cat Island after more than 20 years, with twice-weekly flights and PM Philip Davis marking the relaunch. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership at the OAS General Assembly in Panama, focusing on security, climate resilience and measurable action plans. Coral Protection: Marine conservation experts met in Miami to tackle Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, with The Bahamas highlighted as a key partner. Legal/Political Tension: Opposition and government figures traded barbs over the Public Accounts Committee, with calls to televise PAC proceedings rejected by the opposition chair. International Legal Drama: US court filings and commentary continue to swirl around Bahamian Eric Gardiner’s case, with supporters alleging the charges lack proper grounding. Crime/Justice Spotlight: A private security unit and public accounts debate both point to wider governance pressure as the country heads into another political cycle.

Traffic Tragedy: Four young women died and four others were rushed to hospital after a crash on Shirley and Church Street near St. Matthew’s Church, with police reporting a grey Mazda sedan hit a tree shortly after 1:00 a.m. Public Accounts Clash: Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell accused Opposition Leader Michael Pintard of trying to “weaponise” the Public Accounts Committee by pushing for televised, public PAC hearings—while Pintard argues it’s about transparency and tougher scrutiny of spending. Gardiner Case: Fresh commentary keeps pressure on the Eric Gardiner matter, with writers alleging the U.S. case is unfair and that bail was denied despite claims the cash was election-related. U.S.-Bahamas Ties: Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mrs. Davis joined U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker and Mrs. Walker at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau to mark America’s 250th independence anniversary. Tourism Connectivity: PM Davis celebrated Bahamasair’s return of scheduled service to Cat Island after more than 20 years, restoring twice-weekly flights between Nassau and Arthur’s Town. Environment & Health: The Environment Ministry says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, while the Bahamas Cancer Society broke ground on a $5M expansion to add patient rooms and support spaces.

Bahamasair Relaunch: Prime Minister Philip Davis marked Bahamasair’s return of scheduled flights to Cat Island after more than 20 years, with twice-weekly Nassau–Arthur’s Town service starting Thursday and Sunday, framed as a boost for tourism and small businesses. Tourism Policy: The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association met the new tourism minister, Glenys Hanna-Martin, to align priorities and push for deeper private-sector input into tourism decisions. Cost of Living: The Bahamas National Statistical Institute reported inflation rose again in March, driven by higher clothing, transport and health costs, with year-on-year inflation up 3.1%. Environment Enforcement: The Ministry of the Environment says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in Southern New Providence, including planning a detection and enforcement unit and exploring a long-term fix. Health Expansion: The Cancer Society of The Bahamas broke ground on a $5M expansion to add patient rooms and conference space for families seeking treatment in New Providence. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their foreign ministers’ partnership at the OAS in Panama, focusing on security, climate resilience and economic cooperation. US-Bahamas Ties: The U.S. Embassy kicked off its Independence celebrations in Nassau with performances and a military flyover, highlighting the security relationship. Immigration Reform: Business groups backed a “Trusted Traveller” style change in the Immigration (Amendment) Bill, allowing certain foreign business visitors short stays without work permits. Marine Protection Funding: Officials began planning how agencies will staff and manage marine protected areas under the Bahamas’ $300m debt-for-nature conversion, expected to generate about $124m for conservation over 15 years.

Foreign Policy & Regional Security: Canada and CARICOM foreign ministers renewed their partnership at the OAS in Panama, endorsing a results-focused action plan on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and transnational crime on the agenda. Tourism & Inter-Island Connectivity: Prime Minister Philip Davis marked Bahamasair’s return to Cat Island after more than 20 years, with twice-weekly flights starting Thursdays and Sundays. Immigration & Business Travel: The Bahamas Chamber backs the “Trusted Traveller” approach, supported by an Immigration (Amendment) Bill expected July 1 that lets approved foreign business visitors enter for up to three days without a work visa. Cost of Living: BNSI reports inflation rose 0.35% in March, driven by clothing, transport, and health, with annual inflation up 3.1%. Environment & Enforcement: The Environment Ministry says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, including planning a detection and enforcement unit and exploring a long-term takeover solution. Health System Pressure: NHI warned providers to expect continued delayed payments, with most of a $24.5m budget increase tied to the National Drug Plan. Governance & Allegations: COI leader Lincoln Bain faces alleged land scam complaints involving payments near Coral Harbour Roundabout. Justice & Crime: A man was sentenced to 12 years for sex with a 12-year-old that resulted in pregnancy. Court Watch: NCLH and former directors seek to dismiss Frank Del Rio’s consulting pay lawsuit. Politics Watch: FNM chairman Duane Sands blasted ongoing power outages and reliability failures, arguing the energy reforms aren’t delivering.

Election Integrity & Courts: Prime Minister Philip Davis refused to address a US court filing tying $30,000 found after election-day plane crash to campaign cash in the Jonathan Gardiner case, as prosecutors argue Gardiner still links to Top Notch Builders. Energy & Public Services: FNM chairman Duane Sands says power outages and load shedding are worsening for residents and businesses, with fuel costs rising and reliability failing. Cost of Living: BNSI reports inflation rose again in March, driven by clothing, transport and health care, with year-on-year inflation up 3.1%. Environment & Enforcement: Environment Ministry says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, including a planned detection and enforcement unit and possible long-term industry takeover. Tourism Policy: Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association pushes for a stronger private-sector role after meeting new Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin. Reefs & Climate: DEPP says stony coral tissue loss disease remains a major threat, with regional calls for coordinated response. Justice & Crime: A man gets 12 years for sex with a 12-year-old girl; a Bahamian in the US pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession as an unlawful alien. Government Operations: Innovation Minister Sebastian Bastian outlines a shift from static national plans to a continuously reviewed National Development Plan.

Bahamas Politics & Justice: COI leader Lincoln Bain is named in alleged land scam complaints after three people say they paid $1,500 per acre near Coral Harbour Roundabout but never received ownership. Public Safety & Courts: Jonathan Eric Gardiner—linked to Top Notch Builders—was denied bail in New York after court filings say he withdrew $20,000 from the company’s bank account the day before the election; prosecutors argue he stayed affiliated with the firm amid a drug conspiracy case. Energy & Daily Life: FNM chairman Duane Sands blasts ongoing New Providence and Family Islands power outages, saying reliability and costs have not improved. Tourism Policy: The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association presses the new tourism minister for a stronger private-sector role, urging consultation before tourism-related legislation. Environment & Reefs: DEPP says stony coral tissue loss disease remains a major threat; a marine conservation workshop at OPM highlights the push for better coordination and marine protected-area management. Airlift & Family Islands: PM Davis celebrates Bahamasair’s relaunch of scheduled service to Cat Island, with flights twice weekly starting Thursday. Regional Governance: Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell addressed the OAS General Assembly in Panama, stressing rule of law and lawful migration. International Business: USMCA renewal talks face a missed deadline as U.S. industry groups push for certainty.

Sunwing Shift to DR: After suspending Cuba routes, Sunwing says Canadian bookings to the Dominican Republic jumped 50% year-over-year, with Puerto Plata up 60% and Samaná also rising—an early sign of how travel demand is reshaping regional tourism. Bahamas Water Governance: The Water and Sewerage Corporation held its second Integrated Water Resources Management workshop, tying new Green Climate Fund-backed water-sector funding to policy, legislation, and coordinated stakeholder planning. Coral Alarm: Researchers warn Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is spreading across The Bahamas, threatening reefs that underpin tourism, fisheries, and shoreline protection. CARICOM Legal Scrutiny: A legal opinion challenges the procedural validity of CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment, arguing member-state participation requirements may not have been met. Tourism & Airlift: Bahamasair reintroduced scheduled service to Cat Island twice weekly, with the Prime Minister framing it as a boost for residents, small businesses, and inter-island connectivity. Gardiner Cash Claim: Gardiner’s attorney says confiscated cash was campaign-related, pointing to limited Bahamian campaign-finance regulation as part of the defense argument. Energy Transition Push: CDB officials and regional leaders urged a more coordinated renewable energy transition, warning structural vulnerabilities leave the Caribbean exposed to overlapping global shocks.

Immigration & Courts: The US Supreme Court backed the Trump administration on key deportation and asylum rules, clearing the way to revoke Temporary Protected Status for some Syrians and Haitians and allowing border turn-backs without asylum hearings. Gaming & Governance: In the Bahamas Senate budget debate, Attorney General Wayne Munroe challenged the FNM to take the government’s appointment of gaming-linked cabinet ministers Sebas Bastian and Leslia Miller-Brice to court. Public Accountability: New FNM senator Rick Fox pushed for measurable performance benchmarks in the 2026/27 budget, criticizing “autopilot” spending through state enterprises. Energy & Power Reliability: Economists and residents are raising alarms as New Providence and parts of the Family Islands see outages and load shedding, with questions growing over BPL’s capacity planning and long-term energy strategy. Water Sector Planning: The Water and Sewerage Corporation held a second Integrated Water Resources Management workshop, tied to a Green Climate Fund-backed $65.197M national water project. CARICOM Legal Challenge: A UWI professor says CARICOM’s reappointment process for Secretary-General Carla Barnett was procedurally flawed and may be legally void. Tourism Alignment: The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association met the new tourism minister to discuss “aligned perspectives and objectives.” Productivity Push: The National Productivity Council draft legislation and five-year strategic plan are completed and awaiting formal presentation to government. Maritime Cooperation: Saudi Arabia launched a two-year maritime sustainability project for 14 Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, to strengthen IMO legal and regulatory capacity.

Drug Case in US Court: Convicted drug trafficker Jonathan Eric Gardiner (“Player”) told a New York judge his cash from the election-day plane crash was “campaign related,” as he seeks release pending trial on US charges including cocaine import conspiracy and firearms offences. Gaming Appointments Clash: Attorney General Wayne Munroe challenged the FNM to test in court the PLP’s appointment of gaming-tied cabinet ministers Sebas Bastian and Leslia Miller-Brice, after Senate debate over alleged rule-of-law breaches. Budget Accountability Push: FNM Senator Rick Fox urged measurable results in the 2026/27 budget, warning of “autopilot” spending through state enterprises without published performance contracts. Social Services Priorities: Minister Barbara Cartwright flagged rising homelessness, elder care, child welfare, and disability support as urgent budget priorities. Sex Offenders Register Debate: Bahamas Crisis Centre founder Sandra Dean-Patterson opposed making the sex offenders register public, warning it could fuel vigilantism and weaken monitoring. Transport & Energy Pressure: Transport Minister Leon Lundy outlined budget plans for ports, traffic, and maritime authority, while BPL reported outages after demand exceeded peak load on New Providence. Regional Maritime Support: Saudi Arabia and the IMO launched a two-year “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project for 14 states, including The Bahamas, to strengthen maritime laws and capacity. Community & Environment: Grand Bahama held a World Oceans Day beach sweep with nearly 100 volunteers, tying marine protection to tourism and local stewardship. International Appointment: Tyson K. McKenzie was appointed Bahamas Consul General in Miami, effective 1 July 2026. Cruise Incident Spillover: A PortMiami brawl involving Carnival passengers led to 16 people being placed on the cruise line’s “Do Not Sail” list.

Energy Reliability Watch: Bahamas Power and Light says demand exceeded peak load Tuesday night, overloading circuits and triggering outages across parts of New Providence, with some areas still without power near West Bay Street and the Office of the Prime Minister—renewing questions about whether energy reforms are delivering. Social Services & Housing: Minister Barbara Cartwright says homelessness demand is rising, calling shelter access “urgent,” while also flagging elder care and other pressures in the 2026/27 budget debate. Parliament & Governance: Transport Minister Leon Lundy outlined a 2026/27 budget that includes port reforms like the Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill and higher pilotage thresholds, alongside road traffic and mailboat operations. Housing & Land Reform: Housing and Land Reform Minister Keith Bell framed the new ministry as a push for ownership—linking land titles to homebuilding and long-delayed land issues. Youth Development: Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey marked 27 graduates completing the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Youth Leaders Certification Programme. International Diplomacy: Tyson K. McKenzie appointed Consul General to Miami effective July 1, 2026. Regional Policy: Jamaica, with The Bahamas and the U.S., led an OAS push to strengthen emergency aid for disaster-hit states. Public Safety Debate: Bahamas Crisis Centre founder Sandra Dean-Patterson says the sex offenders registry should not be public, citing vigilantism risks. Tourism Economy: Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin stressed tourism development should empower Bahamians to own and lead, citing visitor numbers and airport expansion plans. Crime & Migration: ICE removed several criminal illegal immigrants, including a Bahamian man convicted of attempted sexual assault on a child. Sports: Bahamas World Boxing Federation sends a national team to a five-week training camp in Mexico and the Dominican Republic ahead of the CAC Games. Global Environment: A new high-resolution global seagrass map highlights both ongoing losses and recovery hotspots—useful for conservation planning.