AGP Executive Report

Tourism Deal: CARICOM private sector group CPSO congratulated Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts on Royal Caribbean’s landmark plan to buy a 50% stake for about US$3 billion, a move expected to close in early 2027 and valued at roughly US$6 billion for the Caribbean hospitality brand. Sovereignty & Diplomacy: Bahamas Attorney General Wayne Munroe and Ambassador Wendall Jones pushed back on U.S. claims after concerns were raised in Washington about “rogue” DEA agents operating in The Bahamas without government permission, arguing it’s a sovereignty issue and that local coordination matters. UN Spotlight: Prime Minister Philip Davis defended The Bahamas’ stance at the UN General Assembly, including calls for multilateralism, climate action, and “digital sovereignty” over ownership of national data. Weather & Travel: A powerful nor’easter is disrupting East Coast travel and cruise schedules, with multiple Royal Caribbean and Carnival itinerary changes affecting Bahamas-bound sailings. Education & Youth: Jayden Sands was named the 2026 All-Bahamas Merit Scholar, earning $35,000 a year for four years to study accounting and finance. Sports: Bermuda beat The Bahamas by eight wickets in the North America Cup playoff, setting up a final against Cayman Islands.

Nor’easter Disrupts Cruise Schedules: Carnival Sunshine will return to Norfolk one day late and shorten its next sailing, with a modified Bahamas itinerary after the storm pushed ships farther offshore. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas is skipping its Canada/New England plan and heading to Florida and the Bahamas, while Oasis of the Seas faces a 10-hour delay and later boarding for its Sept. 27 sailing. Cruise Industry Moves Into Land Holidays: Royal Caribbean announced a US$3 billion deal for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, aiming to sell full “land and sea” vacations across the Caribbean. Local Education Boost: $14M is being invested in young Bahamians’ education, and Jayden Sands was named the 2026 All-Bahamas Merit Scholar, winning $35,000 a year for four years. VAT Interest Deadline: From Oct. 5, VAT interest on real estate transactions starts if payment isn’t made within 21 days of conveyance execution. Cabbage Beach Vendor Protest: Vendors protested fencing and relocation plans tied to the Cabbage Beach area, warning livelihoods and visitor access are being disrupted. Climate and Sovereignty at UN: Prime Minister Philip Davis told the UN that small states can’t survive a world without rules, warning against “colonisation by data” and stressing climate finance justice. Weather Update: Tropical Storm Gonzalo remains away from the Bahamas and poses no threat.

Cruise Disruptions: A nor’easter is already forcing flight cancellations and cruise reroutes across the East Coast, while Carnival Celebration cut short its Half Moon Cay stop due to unsafe swells. Royal Caribbean Updates: Icon of the Seas will spend an extra night docked in Miami before a revised Caribbean/Bahamas sailing, and Royal Caribbean is offering perks to guests willing to switch Allure of the Seas reservations. Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean is moving deeper into all-inclusives with a $3bn deal for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, and the Straw Market on Bay Street is closing for 48 hours for repairs and deep cleaning. Policy & Economy: The Bahamas will begin charging VAT interest on late real estate payments from 5 October 2026 (21 days to pay; prime + 1%). Governance & Security: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard questions the government’s focus amid allegations about undercover DEA operations in The Bahamas. Climate & UN: PM Philip Davis told the UN that small states can’t survive a world without rules, warning against “colonisation by data” and stressing climate finance and sovereignty. Local Life: Pinewood Gardens residents report worsening flooding after days of heavy rain, and Lyford Cay families identified two workers killed in an industrial accident.

Maritime & Security: USS St. Louis and USCGC Pablo Valent wrapped up a Nassau port visit, meeting RBDF and U.S. partners to strengthen cooperation on regional maritime security. Cruise Disruptions: A nor’easter and unsafe swells forced Carnival Celebration to cancel a stop at Half Moon Cay, while Royal Caribbean swapped a Canada/New England sailing for a Bahamas route due to weather. Politics & Governance: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard criticized the government over an alleged undercover DEA operation in The Bahamas, saying officials should focus on stopping crimes rather than the arrest process. Public Rights Clash: Vendors protested an erected fence and relocation plans at Cabbage Beach, warning promised alternative sites can’t fit everyone. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Grand Bahama Chamber president Ralph Hepburn renewed calls for airport terminal replacement and U.S. pre-clearance to restore growth after delays. Policy Watch: New VAT interest rules begin 5 October 2026 if real estate VAT isn’t paid within 21 days of conveyance execution. Climate Action: PM Philip Davis unveiled a Blue Carbon Programme in New York, backing seagrass mapping to measure climate benefits. Health & Care: Grand Bahama dialysis access surgery concerns continue after Dr. Duane Sands’ resignation, with Health Minister expecting a vascular surgeon before month-end.

Power and Water Crisis: Eleuthera residents and businesses say BPL outages and water supply problems are disrupting daily life, with one hospital deferring visits and running costly generators. Climate Finance: PM Philip Davis in New York pledged $25m for the Bahamas Banks Blue Carbon programme to map and monetise seagrass removals under Article 6, while stressing no credits are issued yet. Aviation Fees Fight: Airlines and the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network are trading barbs over proposed overflight charges; BACSWN says the widely cited $775 figure is outdated and promises consultation, while US carriers warn the fee could hit private aviation hard. National Security Infrastructure: The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) soft-launched its new headquarters, aiming to centralise operations and strengthen protection of wildlife. Health Access: Breast cancer screenings are expanding with free mammograms in October, as officials report a significant uptick in diagnoses. Business and Investment: BISX launched “Own a Piece of It” to boost local investing awareness, starting with JSJ. Cruise and Resorts: Royal Caribbean’s $3bn, 50% stake in Sandals/Beaches signals a push into land-based holidays, with Sandals’ Adam Stewart calling it a new growth era. Sports: Saint Martin thrashed the Bahamas 8-0 in Nations League C opening play.

Bahamas-US Security: The Bahamas accused “rogue” DEA agents of operating illegally on its soil and raised the issue with the Trump administration, warning it could strain law-enforcement cooperation and sovereignty. Weather & Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas changed its Bahamas/Florida itinerary after adverse weather hit Canada and New England, while Carnival Venezia cut short its Bermuda visit due to a nor’easter. Power & Schools: Eleuthera schools dismissed students early again after ongoing BPL outages disrupted electricity and water. Local Safety: Carmichael Urban Renewal and police hosted a crime-prevention symposium for Flamingo Gardens residents, covering neighborhood watch, theft prevention, and personal safety. Wildlife Enforcement: The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) soft-launched its new headquarters on West Bay Street, adding a centralized base and training hub. Aviation Costs: US airlines challenged proposed Bahamas overflight fees as excessive and duplicative. Climate at the UN: The UN approved its first sea-level rise declaration, with leaders stressing the existential threat to island nations. Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean’s $3bn, 50% stake in Sandals/Beaches signals a major push into all-inclusive land-based holidays.

Royal Caribbean-Sandals Shockwave: Royal Caribbean confirmed a $3bn deal for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, with the transaction expected to close early next year—sparking debate locally after a former tourism minister warned cruise firms “don’t run hotels well,” while Exuma’s MP said it could accelerate the Beaches Exuma redevelopment. VAT and Trusts: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald says VAT will be removed from trust services by year-end and also from certain property transfers into trusts for family beneficiaries, aiming to boost competitiveness for wealth planning. Financial Services Regulation: Former AG Ryan Pinder KC urged centralising financial services compliance into a single reporting portal ahead of upcoming FATF evaluations. Homeownership Pressure: Opposition Senator Arinthia Komolafe warned a new 5.25% VAT interest charge on late real estate VAT payments could make mortgages harder, calling for a longer payment deadline and better Inland Revenue processes first. Power Grid Complaints: Bahamas Grid’s role in new connections is drawing heavy criticism from developers, with claims that timelines have stretched from weeks to months. Health and Community: Abaco nurses called out sick for a third day over mold fears at Marsh Harbour Community Clinic, while the Ministry says repairs are underway and testing found no harmful mold. International Links: Ghana’s Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean visited The Bahamas to push cultural and commercial ties, and Azerbaijan announced technical assistance for UNESCO World Heritage preparations for small island states including The Bahamas. Sports & Culture: Chickcharney Challenge returns Sept. 26 at Clifton Heritage Park, and Bahamian bodybuilder “Bowflex Barbie” Dekel Quant heads to the Olympia in Las Vegas.

Severe Weather Alert: The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for New Providence, the Berry Islands and West & Central Grand Bahama (and adjacent waters/cays) from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM EDT, citing heavy showers, possible thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, dangerous lightning, heavy downpours, flooding, hail and possible waterspouts/tornadoes—boaters should seek safe harbour and residents should stay indoors away from windows. Tourism Leadership Change: Valery Brown-Alce was named Acting Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for one week, as Latia Duncombe transitions to another public service role, with a permanent director expected Oct. 1. Climate Justice Funding: The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) is one of two Caribbean groups—and the only Bahamas group—selected for the Commonwealth Foundation’s Climate Justice Unlocked grant to expand climate education and advocacy across communities. Business & Policy Watch: URCA says residential solar PV must cost about $3 per watt or less to deliver competitive returns; separate commentary warns government should “clean up their own house” before penalizing delayed VAT payments, as real estate deals could slow. Regional Governance: Heads of Judiciary raised grave concern over leaked CCJ internal communications involving judges’ criticism of court leadership and processes. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean confirmed a landmark $3 billion deal for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, valuing Sandals at about $6 billion and expanding land-based all-inclusive offerings across the Caribbean.

CCJ Confidentiality Breach: Regional heads of judiciary say leaked internal CCJ communications raise grave concerns about how the court is run, urging no comment on individual allegations while defending the CCJ’s role for appellate and original jurisdiction. All-Inclusive Deal: Royal Caribbean confirmed a landmark agreement to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, valuing the brand at roughly US$6 billion and expanding land-based vacation options across the Caribbean. Power Woes in New Providence: Residents in Eastern New Providence reported major disruption after a lightning strike and transformer fire at Blue Hills Power Station; BPL says service was restored, but outages are part of a wider reliability problem. Education Talks: The Bahamas Union of Teachers deal is near finalisation as government moves from bargaining to drafting, while 100 new teachers are expected to join soon. National Construction Risk: Heroic Concrete warns the country needs a broader aggregate supply strategy after uncertainty around Bahama Rock’s operations. Maritime/Legal: Bahamian referees get CONCACAF Nations League assignments in Turks and Caicos, while Jonathan Eric Gardiner’s trial is set for March 1, 2027 in New York.

Bridge Repairs: Andros residents await repairs to the long-closed Central Andros bridge after cracks sparked concern, with work expected to begin in October and cost put at about $400,000. Power Woes: Stapledon and Millennium Gardens residents report frequent blackouts, with some saying outages can last up to 24 hours and disrupt students’ online learning and damage appliances. Cybersecurity Push: Bahamas officials and port stakeholders gathered for a workshop to strengthen cyber resilience for maritime and logistics systems, warning that attacks can hit through many routes. Airlift Expansion: Aeroméxico is set to launch the first nonstop Mexico City–Nassau service in March 2027, opening a new Latin America gateway. Cruise & Resorts Watch: Royal Caribbean is reported in talks to buy a majority stake in Sandals Resorts in a deal valued above $6B, while Holland America upgrades RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay ahead of its 2027 anniversary. Local Business: AML Foods says construction is well underway on a new $15M Cost Right Nassau warehouse club, targeting an early 2027 opening. International Spotlight: U.S. Sen. John Curtis is calling for a probe into Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding afterparty funding by a Russian oligarch.

US Immigration: A Haitian pastor’s bid to stay in the U.S. was denied after he was placed on a deportation flight, then pulled off at the last minute, with DHS rejecting his lawful permanent residency application. Migration & Security: A joint operation intercepted an illegal vessel carrying 60 migrants in Turks and Caicos waters; all were safely brought ashore for processing. Politics & Oversight: U.S. Sen. John Curtis is pushing the Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden over whether presidential family ties were used for private gain, citing reports that a Putin-linked Russian oligarch helped fund Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding celebrations. Bahamas Travel & Trade: Aeroméxico announced nonstop Mexico City–Nassau service launching March 19, 2027, boosting Latin America connectivity for tourism and business. Local Governance & Housing: The government says it will overhaul rent laws and expand the Rent Control Unit as officials admit rents are “extremely high.” Maritime Cybersecurity: The Ministry of Transport hosted a cybersecurity workshop for ports and maritime agencies to strengthen national resilience. Community & Environment: Nassau Cruise Port and partners removed about 2,100 pounds of waste from Bonefish Pond National Park for International Coastal Cleanup Day. Health Services: Bimini MP Randy Rolle called a circulated video “disheartening,” after a patient was transported on the back of a truck due to inoperable ambulances. Tourism Safety: Transport Minister Leon Lundy said a man accused of assaulting an American tourist was not a licensed jet ski operator.

Ethics & Politics: Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding blowout is back in the spotlight after reports that Russian businessman Umar Kremlev paid for major parts of the three-day celebration, prompting fresh claims of corruption and “payback” denials from Trump. Regional Infrastructure: CARIF 2026 wrapped with a push to turn Caribbean infrastructure plans into bankable, resilient projects—highlighting financing tools, risk allocation, and stronger government–investor collaboration, with The Bahamas among participating countries. AI & Governance: The IDB convened heads of state and tech leaders at the UNGA to advance a roadmap for safe AI adoption across Latin America and the Caribbean, including work on institutions, regulation, skills, and digital infrastructure. Maritime Security & Cyber Resilience: A U.S. Navy USS St. Louis port visit in Nassau underscored the U.S.-Bahamas partnership, while a Bahamas workshop stressed that port cybersecurity is national security. Airlift Expansion: Aeroméxico launched nonstop Mexico City–Nassau service starting March 19, 2027, boosting Latin America connectivity. Health: PHA Foundation donated eight more dialysis machines to Princess Margaret Hospital, bringing the total to 15. Local Accountability: ORG backed FOIA regulations for public consultation, aiming to strengthen transparency and public participation. Sports: Bahamas and Saint Martin kick off their Concacaf Nations League C campaigns in Nassau.

Tourism & Travel: Carnival Fantasy Class ships (Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise) are being pitched as a more affordable, simpler option for Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises, with a laid-back “FUN ship” feel. Local Crime & Safety: Police in New Providence are investigating an American tourist’s claim that she was punched in the face after rejecting a sexual advance from a man she met at Goodman’s Bay, who police have now put on a wanted flyer. Education & Community: UB North is highlighting student support and career-ready partnerships as students settle into the Northern Campus experience. Environment & Enforcement: BahWEN opened its headquarters on 6 West Bay Street, with National Security Minister Myles LaRoda stressing protection of reefs and fisheries as a national security priority. Business & Housing: An IDB document warns housing supply growth has lagged demand, with mortgage commitments down sharply since 2015, and calls for public-private solutions to boost adequate housing. Politics & Oversight: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard says the FNM will press for answers on the National Investment Fund as Public Accounts Committee hearings begin Sept. 22. Weather: A severe weather advisory remains in effect with thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong gusts and flooding risk across parts of the Bahamas.

Tourism & Safety: A 25-year-old American tourist says a wanted Jet Ski operator attacked her after she rejected his advances in New Providence, as police pursue the suspect. Cruise Disruptions: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas delayed its return to New Jersey after two passengers—including a seven-year-old—were evacuated in critical condition to Nassau, with a Florida port stop cancelled. Government at the UN: Prime Minister Philip Davis will lead The Bahamas delegation to UNGA81, pushing climate action, international finance reform, regional security, reparations, and AI/digital sovereignty. Diplomacy & Representation: Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun says he’s confident about retaining Myanmar’s UN seat amid a credentials review process that includes The Bahamas on the committee. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis says power fixes are underway, while Bahamas Grid continues stabilization efforts after service interruptions. Community & Environment: Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. helped organize the 41st International Coastal Cleanup, removing over 1,200 pounds of debris. Sports: Bermuda’s North America Cup opener was rained out, with the Bahamas next in the round-robin mix.

U.S.-Bahamas Ethics Storm: Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy says Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding “gift” from Kremlin-linked IBA chief Umar Kremlev is “wrong” because the appearance is “really bad,” even as Trump claims Don Jr. repaid the money; Democrats have launched a probe. Cruise Disruptions: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was forced to turn back to Nassau after two passengers, including a 7-year-old, fell critically ill; the ship later delayed its Cape Liberty return and cancelled a Florida stop. Weather Watch: Bahamas Met issued and updated severe thunderstorm warnings for multiple islands and waters, urging residents to stay indoors and away from windows as storms bring lightning, heavy rain, hail and possible waterspouts. Business & Services: Grant Thornton returned to The Bahamas after seven years, while Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis said work continues to restore reliable power amid ongoing grid issues. Community & Environment: Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. led the 41st International Coastal Cleanup, pulling over 1,200 pounds of debris from Yamacraw Beach.

Accounting & Tax Services Return: Grant Thornton is back in The Bahamas after seven years, re-establishing a local presence under Bahamian accountant John Bain. Power Reliability Push: Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis says work continues to restore reliable electricity as Bahamas Grid moves to stabilize service interruptions, including bringing in overseas specialists and using infrared scans to curb outages. Voter Engagement Beyond Election Day: ORG launches “Beyond the Polls” to keep Bahamians involved in governance year-round, citing trust gaps in public institutions. Telecom Expansion in the Family Islands: ALIV marks 10 years in Exuma with an expanded footprint and community partnerships, including work tied to the George Town basketball court. Cruise Disruption in Nassau: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas evacuated two critically ill passengers, including a 7-year-old, delaying the ship’s return to New Jersey and cancelling a Florida stop. Severe Weather Alerts: The Bahamas Department of Meteorology re-issued and updated severe thunderstorm warnings affecting multiple islands and waters, urging residents to stay indoors and away from windows. Blue Economy Funding: Action Bequia is selected for CBF BluEFin seed funding, part of a regional push to support biodiversity and climate-resilient blue economy projects. International Spotlight on Bahamas Wedding: U.S. President Donald Trump says Don Jr. will repay a Kremlin-linked Russian businessman tied to wedding festivities in the Bahamas, as U.S. lawmakers press for investigations.