AGP Executive Report

Resort Court Fight: Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club says it’s “not the end of the matter” after a Supreme Court judge rejected six specialist reports in its Judicial Review bid over the Rosewood Exuma project. Public Finance Watch: The Central Bank reports national debt jumped by more than $1bn in the first Davis administration’s final year, breaching $13bn as contingent liabilities rose. Aviation Costs: Eleuthera operators warn new airport fees could be a “double-edged sword” for private aviation, with sharp increases flagged for popular aircraft. Property Control Clash: A Supreme Court battle over Old Bahama Bay control is heating up, with condo owners seeking injunctions and reinstatement of management access. Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings remain in effect for New Providence and now include West Grand Bahama, with lightning, heavy rain and possible hail. Cruise Changes: Princess Cruises is shifting most calls from Princess Cays to Half Moon Cay, leaving some passengers facing different onboard benefits. Energy Reliability: Bahamas Grid says it’s bringing in international cable repair specialists to fix legacy underground faults after outages. Education Tension: The Ministry of Education says schools will stay open with contingency staffing as teachers remain on industrial action alert. Health & Safety: Forensic reports for victims of the Flamingo Air crash in Andros have arrived for review. National Remembrance: Tributes continue for former Minister Neville Wisdom, who died at 76.

Disaster Preparedness: The Bahamas’ Disaster Risk Management Authority is stepping up resilience work, including a new disaster communications platform for first responders and Business Continuity Planning workshops for nearly 100 businesses, as officials mark seven years since Hurricane Dorian and stress readiness before storms hit. Power and Community Impact: Reports say hundreds of residents on the western end of New Providence are again without reliable electricity for a second straight day, adding pressure on households and local operators. Tourism Demand: Fall travel to The Bahamas is up 17.65% year-over-year, with a quieter hurricane season helping more visitors choose September through November getaways. Cruise Changes: Princess Cruises is cutting back calls to its private Eleuthera destination, Princess Cays, with most remaining sailings already sold out after mid-October. Education Support: In Exuma, Yntegra Group donated classroom supplies to Black Point, Staniel Cay, and Farmer’s Cay schools as the new term begins. Local Business Resilience: Grand Bahama’s MSMEs are getting risk management and recovery training through GBPA workshops aimed at helping small operators “bounce back” after disruptions.

Bahamas Politics & Governance: Former Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Neville Wisdom has died, with Prime Minister Philip Davis and PLP leadership praising his decades of public service and sports development. Education & Labour: Schools opened but a teachers’ strike action triggered early dismissals, with government moving to secure an injunction to stop the walkout. Parliament & Development: A Freeport columnist argues for moving from the old Parliament Square toward a new parliamentary complex, pitching the historic site as a major tourist draw. Justice & Corrections: Bahamas officials are in the Turks and Caicos attending a Caribbean probation and parole conference, as preparations continue for a Conditional Release (Parole) system expected by end-2026. Business Resilience: The Disaster Risk Management Authority ran a business continuity workshop for nearly 100 companies, focusing on hurricane readiness and faster recovery. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, adding 19 slides and major new attractions for cruise visitors. Power & Daily Life: Residents and businesses in New Providence reported another BPL disruption tied to generation issues at Clifton Pier, with operators warning of mounting losses from repeated outages.

Disaster Preparedness: The Disaster Risk Management Authority ran a three-day Business Continuity Planning workshop for nearly 100 businesses, urging better hurricane readiness, faster recovery, and real-world plan testing. Elections & Governance: CARICOM election observers renewed calls for campaign finance legislation and a more independent, transparent electoral process after the May general election. Justice & Corrections: Bahamas officials attended a Caribbean probation and parole conference in Turks and Caicos as preparations move toward a Conditional Release/Parole system expected by end-2026. Public Safety & Power: Persistent electricity disruptions hit residents and businesses, with one operator warning constant blackouts are driving inventory losses and payroll strain. Health & Infrastructure: Grand Bahama’s $200m healthcare campus is progressing, with phase work aimed at outpatient and urgent care before summer 2027. Tourism & Cruise Economy: Norwegian Cruise Line opened its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, adding 19 slides and major new island attractions. Community & Sports: Tributes followed the death of former Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Neville Wisdom, remembered for youth investment and sports development. Immigration Enforcement: Fourteen Haitian nationals were convicted for immigration offences, while deportation orders removed six others to Haiti. International Spotlight: A new legal complaint in Spain alleges Julio Iglesias faced sexual abuse and forced labour claims tied to his properties in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Bahamas travel disruption: Royal Caribbean is asking some guests to volunteer to change plans for Utopia of the Seas’ Sept. 4 sailing from Port Canaveral, offering full fare refunds plus upgrades and alternate sailings after an email to passengers. Power cuts hitting businesses: Bahamas Power and Light reported generation issues at Clifton Pier, causing outages across parts of New Providence; business owners say constant blackouts are driving inventory losses and revenue strain. Grand Bahama healthcare milestone: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville toured a new $200 million Freeport healthcare campus expected to expand in phases, with early outpatient and urgent care services and a longer-term hospital plan. Disaster risk and digital policy at Atlantis: PM Philip Davis used the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum to push data protection and “control” over connectivity, while also speaking at a Whole-of-DRM symposium marking seven years since Hurricane Dorian. Education and union tensions: PM Davis said “all is well” after a photo sparked renewed scrutiny involving BEMU leadership, as teachers remain on industrial action alert. Immigration enforcement: 14 Haitian nationals were convicted for immigration offences and fined or sentenced, while deportation orders removed six others to Haiti. Sports and training links: Isaiah O’Brien is training in Ontario ahead of the North American Cup, with Bahamas and Bermuda set to face off in the Cayman Islands. International spotlight: UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding “Correct the Map” resolution backed by the Bahamas to promote more accurate world maps.

Power Crisis: Persistent BPL outages are hitting homes and businesses again, with operators like NRG Bahamas saying constant blackouts are forcing shutdowns, damaging inventory, and straining payroll. Health & Infrastructure: Grand Bahama’s $200 million Freeport healthcare campus is moving ahead, with phase 1A/1B expected before summer 2027 and early outpatient and urgent care services. Disaster Risk & Policy: PM Philip Davis used the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum to push SIDS priorities on data protection and fair digital connectivity, while also marking Hurricane Dorian’s anniversary at a DRM symposium. Education & Training: BAMSI opened the 2026–2027 academic year with expanded facilities and student residences, aiming to strengthen food security and local capacity. Immigration Enforcement: 14 Haitian nationals were convicted for immigration offences and fined or sentenced, while deportation orders removed six others to Haiti. Public Safety: Bahamas artist Stefan “Legend” Davis was killed in Miami-Dade after a driver fleeing a traffic stop ran a stop sign, according to deputies. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Tides Waterpark opens today at Great Stirrup Cay, and Royal Caribbean is offering incentives for guests to switch Utopia of the Seas sailings. Business & Governance: An IDB report urges stronger government oversight of public assets, warning of limited ability to track and value what the state owns.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a “Correct the Map” resolution backed by African states and The Bahamas, arguing current world maps shrink Africa’s perceived size. Tragic Loss: Bahamian artist Stefan “Legend” Davis was killed in a Miami-Dade crash after a vehicle fleeing police collided with his car; the suspect was arrested. Governance & Accountability: Parks and Beaches Authority chairman Jamahl Strachan says an audit of the authority’s spending will be presented to Parliament soon, after reports of large government loans. Education & Labour: Teachers’ union BUT signals industrial action over stalled negotiations, while administrators returned to work after a court injunction in a separate BEMU dispute. Disaster Readiness: A DRM symposium at Baha Mar highlights disaster risk management progress, with PM Davis stressing stronger preparedness. Digital Skills Push: Innovation minister Sebas Bastian says The Bahamas must build AI skills fast, turning connectivity into real economic opportunity. Tourism & Business: Flyte gets approval to launch private aviation links between Florida and The Bahamas/Caribbean; Norwegian Cruise Line opens its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay. Public Safety: Authorities renew focus on dog attacks, warning enforcement is lacking and urging responsible ownership.

Royal Tour: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit The Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda this fall as part of a nine-day Commonwealth tour, running Oct. 27–Nov. 4. Digital Policy: The Bahamas hosts the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum 2026 at Atlantis, with PM Philip Davis pushing small-island states to unite for fairer global technology and connectivity deals. Crime & Safety: Bahamian entertainer Stefan Davis (Stefan Legend) died in Florida after a high-speed police chase crash; authorities say the fleeing driver’s vehicle hit another car, killing Davis and two occupants, while a third was arrested. Power & Cost of Living: A new report details how BPL debt and government support have grown over time, while residents are urged not to accept outages as “the new normal.” Weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for North Abaco, Grand Bahama, and expanded to North Andros and the Berry Islands, with residents told to stay indoors and away from windows. Education: The Supreme Court moved to end public school disruption by ordering BEMU members back to work. Animal Welfare: The government continues deportations of foreign nationals and also faces mounting pressure over stray dog enforcement and what happens to trapped animals. Tourism & Business: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Tides Waterpark opens Sept. 4 at Great Stirrup Cay, adding slides, cliff jumps and a wandering river.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line has officially opened its new Great Tides Waterpark on its private island Great Stirrup Cay, with a Sept. 2 ribbon-cutting preview and a Sept. 4 grand opening—featuring a 170-foot tidal tower, 19 slides, cliff jumps, an 800-foot wandering river, and a splash zone, with day passes expected to cost about $75–$150. Education & Labour: The Bahamas Educators Managerial Union (BEMU) struck at the start of the school year, sending about 40,000 students home early, but the Supreme Court later granted an interim injunction ordering a return to work while issues like promotions and staffing remain unresolved. Public Safety & Animals: The Ministry of Agriculture launched “Mission Pawsible” to push responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, aiming to reduce roaming and dog attacks through prevention and stronger enforcement. Economy & Finance: The Central Bank reported Bahamian dollar credit narrowed to $69.5 million in July, with private sector credit growth slowing. Climate Watch: A new UN report warns global temperatures are likely to exceed 1.5°C soon, urging urgent action—especially for small island states.

Cruise & Tourism Boost: Norwegian Cruise Line marked the ribbon-cutting for its new Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay, ahead of the Sept. 4 grand opening, with Bahamian officials and a preview of 19 slides, cliff jumps and an 800-foot river. Education & Labour: The Ministry of Education says school operations resumed after the Supreme Court ordered BEMU members back to work via an interim injunction, while BEMU president Stephen McPhee says the union is still “not in a good place” with government. Local Infrastructure: Long Island’s Millers area is getting potable water for the first time as WSC nears completion of a $3.6m water main upgrade affecting 120 homes and businesses. Animal Welfare Push: The Ministry of Agriculture launched “Mission Pawsible” to curb roaming dogs and improve public safety and animal welfare. Public Safety Concern: Police are investigating a downtown Nassau shooting after an argument turned deadly, with a suspect fleeing in a vehicle. Housing Updates: Housing Minister Keith Bell says new home projects are expanding across New Providence and the family islands, including plans for 160 homes at Adastra and more developments in Fox Hill and Sea Breeze. Business Resilience: The DRM Authority began a three-day business continuity workshop to help small businesses prepare for disasters and disruptions.

Education & Labour: The Supreme Court granted an interim injunction ending the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union (BEMU) strike, ordering members back to work after schools closed early on the second day of the new school year; Education Minister Chester Cooper called the action “precipitous” and said government has been working to bridge gaps tied to teacher and administrator shortages. Hurricane Dorian Remembrance: On the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Dorian, Prime Minister Philip Davis and Cabinet marked the day with tributes to victims in Abaco and Grand Bahama, while stories continue to surface about the storm’s lasting scars. Digital Economy Push: Speaking at the Seventh World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum in Nassau, PM Davis said The Bahamas must turn strong connectivity into real economic opportunities for communities across the archipelago. Tourism & Cruise Growth: Norwegian Cruise Line says its $350m Great Stirrup Cay expansion, including the new Great Tides Waterpark, is expected to draw about 700,000 guests annually by next year. Business & Finance: First Citizens named Sana Ragbir acting Group CEO after Jason Julien’s resignation, as the bank reshuffles senior leadership. Sports: Bahamian Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. homered for the Yankees, and Bertram “BJ” Murray Jr. made his MLB debut for the Cubs. Weather Watch: Former Tropical Storm Edouard continues to weaken after landfall on the Texas-Louisiana border, with heavy rain and flood risk still a concern. Court Case: A 25-year-old woman, Leslia McIntosh, faces trial after being charged with stealing $69,179.25 from the Administrator’s Office in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Education Disruption: The Bahamas Educators Managerial Union (BEMU) launched industrial action today, with public schools closing early across New Providence and Grand Bahama as students were turned away and sent home; BEMU President Stephen McPhee says unresolved issues include administrative vacancies and poor communication. Court & Public Service: In Nassau, a 25-year-old woman, Leslia McIntosh, was charged with stealing $69,179.25 from the Administrator’s Office in Marsh Harbour, Abaco; she denied the charge and was granted $9,500 bail, returning to court Oct. 1. Healthcare Leadership: The Public Hospitals Authority named Charles Sealy II as Managing Director effective Sept. 14, tasking him with improving performance, accountability, and public healthcare delivery. Dorian Anniversary: Seven years after Hurricane Dorian, Prime Minister Philip Davis marked the anniversary, noting recovery progress in Abaco alongside ongoing rebuilding needs. Tourism & Travel: The Bahamas is rolling out expanded airlift and fall travel deals, while Carnival adjusted Bahamas port dates and Norwegian unveiled its $350M Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants no longer pose a cyclone threat to The Bahamas, but forecasters warn of showers, locally heavy rain, and gusty winds.

Education: DPM Chester Cooper says BGCSE math is the “hard truth” — only one in three students passed, and the system “belongs to us” to fix, with a fuller report and interventions promised by end of September. Health & Safety: A doctor warns GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are fueling a black market in The Bahamas, driven by high prices and not being covered under the national plan, raising risks from unregulated use. Energy & Power Reliability: PM Philip Davis toured Abaco’s $90m hybrid solar-and-LNG plant, with solar expected to feed BPL’s grid in November and full completion targeted for May 2027; meanwhile, criticism continues over summer outages and BPL’s “readiness.” Tourism & Economy: July tourism growth strengthened, with higher-value stopover gains, robust cruise inflows, and rental room night growth; Miss Universe Bahamas also made a courtesy call on the Tourism Minister. Food & Fisheries: Crawfish catches are down sharply in key grounds, with operators reporting up to two-thirds lower production amid concerns about illegal off-season harvesting and increased pressure. Crime & Courts: The Supreme Court refused to freeze assets in a $232m investor case tied to a failed COVID-era PPE deal, while suspected drug dealer Warren “Spy” Ellis was shot dead in Abaco. Weather: Tropical Storm Edouard is strengthening toward the Texas-Louisiana coast with heavy rain and flooding risks; South Florida is urged to watch for rain from Dolly’s remnants.

Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Edouard has formed in the Gulf and is expected to strengthen before a Texas landfall Tuesday, with heavy rain and flooding risks along the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts; hurricane and storm-surge watches are in place as forecasters track the system’s fast changes. Local Education & Community: As public schools reopen, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper toured New Providence campuses, while students and teachers returned to classes amid ongoing staffing and facilities hurdles. Back-to-School Support: BTC continued its annual back-to-school push with school supply support and community donations for students and educators. Crime Update: A third man has been charged in connection with a deadly Harbour Island shooting last year. Public Safety & Power Debate: An op-ed challenges the government’s explanation for Bahamas Power and Light disruptions, arguing maintenance and demand pressures are the real drivers. Tourism & Cruise News: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay ahead of its Sept. 4 opening, with day passes starting at $99.99 for eligible guests. Sports: Battle 4 Atlantis matchups in the Bahamas include Penn State facing Memphis in the first round.

Gulf Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center has started advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, with a tropical storm warning posted for parts of Texas and Louisiana as the system—now near the Louisiana coast—could become Tropical Storm Edouard within 24–36 hours, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds. Tropical Aftereffects: Forecasters are also tracking the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly, which may still bring locally heavy rain and gusts to the Bahamas and nearby islands later this week, even if redevelopment chances stay low. Energy Update (Abaco): Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis toured a nearly $90 million hybrid solar and LNG power plant in Abaco, saying solar will feed the grid in November and the full system could power the Abaco mainland by May 2027. Education Focus: As the new school year begins, Education Minister Chester Cooper says urgent work remains—especially in mathematics—while teachers’ union leaders warn several schools are returning without principals. Power Reliability (Abaco): Residents reported weekend outages across mainland Abaco and the cays, with BPL citing storm impacts and repairs. Public Health Concern: Princess Margaret Hospital faced backlash after a video showed a rat inside the facility; the Public Hospitals Authority says pest control and inspections are underway. Crime-Fighting (Finance): The Securities Commission reports 1,327 suspicious transaction reports filed between 2021 and 2025, with filings peaking in 2025. Tourism & Community: Junkanoo Beach stakeholders met to discuss long-term lease options and a revitalization blueprint, while a back-to-school partnership between McDonald’s Bahamas and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk supported hundreds of students.

Royal Visit Watch: Buckingham Palace says King Charles III and Queen Camilla will lead an eight-day Caribbean tour for CHOGM 2026, including stops in Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas and Guyana (27 Oct–4 Nov), with the trip framed around Commonwealth ties and slavery legacy. Regional Politics: Antigua and Barbuda has already dropped its oath of allegiance to the King, pledging loyalty to the state instead—adding pressure to the royal agenda. Public Safety & Security: The U.S. is funding more than $2 million in upgrades and equipment for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, aimed at strengthening training and operations. Immigration & Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard transferred 15 migrants to the Bahamas after an interdiction east of Miami Beach. Education: Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Chester Cooper delivers the 2026 National Back-to-School Address tonight as students return Monday. Energy & Infrastructure: A roughly $90 million hybrid power project in Abaco (solar, LNG and battery storage) is moving ahead, with first phase expected to feed the grid in November. Sports Governance: NACAC president Mike Sands urged CARICOM to create a high-level sports commission or sub-committee beyond cricket. Culture & Film: Bahamian filmmaker Nathan McPhee’s short film “Visa Blue” earned a Best Film nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Weather: Tropical moisture tied to Dolly’s remnants is driving rain and flood concerns across parts of the Caribbean and South Florida, with ongoing monitoring for possible Gulf development.