AGP Executive Report

Shark Attack Update: A 12-year-old American boy, Parker Roll, is recovering after a shark bite off Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays; his 16-year-old brother Jack rushed to stop the bleeding, and doctors expect him to walk again in weeks. Air Connectivity: Bahamasair has restored scheduled flights to Cat Island after more than 20 years, with twice-weekly service between Nassau and Arthur’s Town. Tourism & Community: Baha Mar is running a summer camp and junior tennis championship at its John McEnroe Tennis Center, spotlighting youth sport on New Providence. Coral Protection: Regional marine scientists met in Miami to tackle Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, with The Bahamas highlighted as a key partner through MSC’s Ocean Cay work. Economy & Prices: The Bahamas National Statistical Institute reports inflation rose again in March, driven by higher clothing, transport and health costs. Environment Enforcement: The Ministry of the Environment says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, including a planned detection and enforcement unit. Public Health: Health officials marked Regional Testing Day, citing major progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030. Governance & Finance: The Bahamas Gaming Board has reportedly moved against offshore betting operators amid concerns about unlicensed wagering and card-based payments.

Coral Disease Response: Scientists and conservation leaders met in Miami to tackle Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, with The Bahamas highlighted through MSC’s Ocean Cay marine conservation work, including coral research, underwater nurseries and disease-focused studies. Racquets & Junior Sports: Baha Mar’s John McEnroe Tennis Center is running summer racquets programming and hosting the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s junior championships. Bahamas Sailing Spotlight: Donald Martinborough reclaimed the Sunfish Nationals title, winning his 15th national crown at Montagu Foreshore and securing qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. U.S.-Bahamas Independence Ties: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau kicked off 250 years of American independence celebrations with performances, anthem renditions and a dramatic F-35B flyover. Shark Attack Rescue: A 12-year-old American boy attacked by a shark off Exuma was saved by his older brother, who helped stop bleeding until help arrived. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM reaffirmed cooperation at the Canada-CARICOM foreign ministers meeting, focusing on security, Haiti, climate resilience and economic growth. Gaming Enforcement: The Bahamas Gaming Board moved against offshore betting operators amid concerns about unlicensed wagering and local card-based payouts. Health & Prices: Health officials reported a decline in HIV infections, while the Bahamas National Statistical Institute said inflation rose again in March, driven by clothing, transport and health costs. Environment Crackdown: The Environment Ministry is stepping up action against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, including a planned enforcement unit and longer-term industry solutions. Cancer Support Expansion: The Bahamas Cancer Society broke ground on a $5M expansion to add patient rooms and conference spaces for families. Tourism & Travel: Bahamasair marked Cat Island service returns after 20 years, while cruise and travel coverage continues to spotlight Caribbean summer demand.

HIV Update: Bahamas health officials say new HIV diagnoses fell sharply over 15 years, with 142 new cases recorded in 2025, as they push free testing during Regional Testing Day. Cost of Living: Bahamas National Statistical Institute reports March inflation rose 0.35% month-to-month, driven by clothing, transport and health care. Environment Enforcement: The Environment Ministry says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, including a planned detection and enforcement unit and a possible long-term takeover plan. Cancer Care: The Bahamas Cancer Society broke ground on a $5M expansion to add patient rooms and conference space for families traveling to New Providence for treatment. Local Governance & Development: Minister Sebastian Bastian says the National Development Plan will become a “living instrument” with continuous review and dedicated professionals, shifting focus from documents to execution. Air Connectivity: Prime Minister Philip Davis marked Bahamasair’s relaunch of scheduled service to Cat Island, with flights twice weekly starting Thursday. Legal/Allegations: COI leader Lincoln Bain is named in alleged land scam complaints involving payments for property near Coral Harbour Roundabout. Cruise & Tourism Buzz: A Bahamas wedding spotlighted on social media and cruise deal coverage continues to draw attention to the islands.

Bahamasair Service Boost: Prime Minister Philip Davis marked Bahamasair’s relaunch of scheduled flights to Cat Island for the first time in over 20 years, with twice-weekly service starting Thursday (Thursdays and Sundays) to support local businesses and development. Tourism Policy Push: The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association met the new tourism minister, Glenys Hanna-Martin, urging a bigger private-sector role in shaping tourism policy and stressing consultation before new legislation. Reef Disease Warning: A marine conservation workshop in Miami highlighted ongoing stony coral tissue loss disease as a major threat to Bahamian reefs, calling for stronger regional coordination and shared best practices. Energy Crisis Pressure: Free National Movement chairman Duane Sands renewed criticism over persistent power outages and load shedding across New Providence and the Family Islands, saying the promised fixes are not delivering. Local Governance & Allegations: COI leader Lincoln Bain is named in alleged land scam complaints involving payments for property near Coral Harbour Roundabout. Legal Fallout: Jonathan Eric Gardiner’s bail was denied in the U.S. as prosecutors link him to Top Notch Builders amid a drug conspiracy case. Shark Attack Update: A 12-year-old boy was reported injured in a shark attack in the Bahamas, with family members rushing to help.

Bahamas-China Media Exchange: Eyewitness News director Genea Noel has been selected for a three-week media exchange programme in the People’s Republic of China, starting next week. Tourism & Airlift: Bahamasair is reintroducing scheduled service to Cat Island with twice-weekly flights from Nassau (Thursdays and Sundays), aiming to boost business, healthcare access, and visitor arrivals. Blue Economy Push: SBDC Bahamas and partners launched the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, backed by a five-year $30m IDB loan deal, to train and fund reef-positive, investment-ready small businesses. Reef Health Alert: Researchers and regulators are sounding alarms over Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease as it spreads across The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, with a stakeholder meeting held in Miami to coordinate responses. Water Sector Planning: The Water and Sewerage Corporation held an Integrated Water Resources Management workshop at Margaritaville, tied to a $65.197m Green Climate Fund-backed water-sector project. Culture on the World Stage: Baha Mar is a principal benefactor of The Bahamas Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, contributing $150,000. Local Power Outage Frustration: Residents in West Bay report repeated outages affecting food and business operations, with calls for better notification and reliability from BPL. Sports & Youth: The Fidelity Bank title sponsorship for the UB Mingoes Golf Invitational (July 5) supports youth development, while the NTA’s Cohort 27 graduation highlights workforce training momentum. Nassau Cruise Boom: Nassau Cruise Port set another single-day record, welcoming 33,254 cruise guests. Piracy History Discovery: A team says it has found six shipwrecks near Nassau linked to pirates, including three from the Golden Age of Piracy.

Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power and Light is reporting extended outages on New Providence after peak demand and equipment issues, with restoration efforts tied to overloaded switchgear and circuit faults. Renewables Push: Caribbean leaders and regulators are urging a faster, more coordinated renewable energy transition, warning fragmented efforts won’t meet resilience goals. Water Sector: The Water and Sewerage Corporation held its second Integrated Water Resources Management workshop, tied to a $65.197M Green Climate Fund-backed water project. Tourism & Industry: The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association met the new tourism minister to align priorities, while Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau named Tito Fritz as Guest Experience Manager. Training & Jobs: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle praised NTA Cohort 27 graduates for investing in skills, as the National Productivity Council draft legislation and a five-year plan near presentation. Public Health/Community: A 12-year-old American boy is in stable condition after a shark attack near Staniel Cay, Exuma, and Bahamian police say he was treated after being transported to New Providence. Tech & Skills: An AI expert is set to run a one-day “AI Vibathon” at Margaritaville Beach Resort to help participants build apps. Sports: Bahamas junior track and golf teams are set for major summer competitions, and Eastwood Judo Club hosted its annual tournament.

Business Milestone: Allison Demas marks 15 years in business with Media InSite, growing from a basement pitch to a regional media-tracking operation serving private, public and international clients across the Caribbean. Aviation & Trade: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport says Executive Air has launched a new regional cargo service aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping local farmers export. Politics & Governance: In the Senate, AG Wayne Munroe challenges the FNM to take to court concerns over cabinet appointments with gaming ties, as debate continues over accountability and rule-of-law claims. Budget Accountability: New FNM senator Rick Fox calls for measurable results and performance benchmarks in the 2026/2027 budget, criticizing “autopilot” spending through state enterprises. Public Safety: Police report a 12-year-old American boy was bitten by a shark while swimming near Staniel Cay in the Exumas; he was taken to New Providence and listed stable. Environment & Community: Grand Bahama marks World Oceans Day with a beach cleanup at Xanadu Beach, bringing together government agencies, groups and volunteers to protect marine resources. Regional Policy: Saudi Arabia launches a two-year “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project with the IMO for 14 countries, including The Bahamas, to strengthen maritime laws and implementation. Tourism & Culture: The Fox Foundation honors 20 community dads for Father’s Day in a “Legacy of Leaders” event themed on second chances. Transport: Minister of Transport Leon Lundy delivers his 2026/2027 budget contribution, highlighting road traffic, ports, and mailboat networks.

Gaming Cabinet Row: The AG challenged the FNM to take the courts over the appointment of Cabinet ministers Sebas Bastian and Leslia Miller-Brice, after renewed criticism of their gaming ties during Senate budget debate. Fiscal Accountability Push: New senator Rick Fox urged the Davis administration to attach measurable results to the 2026/27 budget, warning that state enterprises are spending “on autopilot” without clear performance benchmarks. Fatherhood Spotlight: The Fox Foundation honored 20 community dads for Father’s Day, highlighting “second chances” and community impact. Shark Safety Update: A 12-year-old American boy was injured in a shark attack while swimming near Staniel Cay in the Exumas; police say he’s in stable condition. Blue Economy Drive: The SBDC and The Nature Conservancy launched a blue economy accelerator to help more small businesses enter marine-related sectors beyond fisheries. Housing & Land: Minister Keith Bell tied housing to land reform in the budget, stressing ownership as the foundation for long-term security. Tourism Ownership Theme: The Tourism Minister said tourism development should be measured by how many Bahamians can own, lead and prosper in the industry.

Cruise Tourism & Visitor Economy: Nassau Cruise Port hit another high with 33,254 passengers in a single day on June 8, topping its prior record and underscoring the knock-on benefits for retailers, tour operators and other Bahamian businesses. Port Safety & Conduct: Carnival Cruise Line banned 16 passengers after a chaotic brawl in a PortMiami customs line following a Bahamas trip, with the incident going viral and raising fresh questions about passenger behaviour at ports. Sports & Community: The Bahamas World Boxing Federation sent a national team from New Providence to a five-week training camp in Mexico and the Dominican Republic ahead of the CAC Games in Santo Domingo. Local Sports Spotlight: Three-time world champion Donald “Donnie” Martinborough returned to win the 2026 Bahamas ISCA National Championships at Montagu Foreshore, claiming his 15th national Sunfish title. Environment & Public Voice: Environmental groups warned proposed changes to the Environmental Impact Assessment rules could make public consultation discretionary, limiting residents’ ability to challenge major developments. Governance & Oversight: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard renewed calls to televise and open Public Accounts Committee proceedings to the public. Transport & Watercraft Regulation: Transport Minister Leon Lundy said changes are coming to tighten the watercraft industry, including jet ski operators being brought in line with regulations. Cost of Living Focus: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald told the Senate that affordability and competition reforms are key to improving everyday life for Bahamians.

Cruise Boom: Nassau Cruise Port hit another milestone, welcoming 33,254 passengers on June 8—its highest single-day total—boosting business for retailers, tour operators and more. Port Disruption: Royal Caribbean cancelled an Allure of the Seas sailing for March 7, 2027, citing a full-ship charter, and offered affected guests alternative dates plus onboard credit. Local Justice: The Privy Council reopened the constitutional fight over Jean-Rony Charles’ detention and expulsion to Haiti, sending it back to the Supreme Court even though he was murdered in 2023. Crime & Courts: In the US case involving Bahamian drug suspect Jonathan Eric Gardiner (“Player”), prosecutors asked for a one-day delay to prepare for a possible bail bid. Public Safety: The Bahamas Humane Society is urging responsible dog ownership after a senior citizen was attacked by a pack of about 10 dogs in Kemp Road. Environment Watch: Save Exuma Alliance warns proposed EIA regulation amendments could make public consultation discretionary, reducing community input and transparency. Transport Policy: Minister Leon Lundy defended proposed vehicle license fee changes, including a new class system and a lower registration fee for fully electric vehicles. Governance: Opposition Leader Michael Pintard again wants Public Accounts Committee meetings televised and open to the public. Financial Oversight: The Central Bank warned the public against unauthorized entities using The Bahamas’ name, listing several banks not licensed to operate locally. Business & Tourism: Caribbean Wines & Spirits announced its Summer Tent Sale on June 27 with major discounts and sampling. Sports: Donnie Martinborough won the 2026 Bahamas ISCA Sunfish Nationals at Montagu Foreshore, topping the podium in a two-day event.

Power and transport pressure: Residents across New Providence, Abaco and Eleuthera reported disruptive outages over the weekend, with BPL citing load-shedding linked to transformer work and Abaco officials warning the frequency is becoming a major concern. Fuel costs hit operators: Taxi, bus and livery leaders say rising fuel prices are squeezing earnings, while government-approved taxi rates have largely stayed fixed for years. Postal modernization: Transport Minister Leon Lundy toured post office facilities in New Providence, saying the visits are part of plans to modernize services and ensure buildings are ready for the next phase. Cruise boom in Nassau: Nassau Cruise Port set a new single-day record on June 8 with 33,254 passengers from six ships, pushing past the prior high of 30,538 and underscoring the economic lift for local businesses. Public scam warning: The Office of the Prime Minister says a social media message falsely claiming “PLP Empowerment” opportunities is a scam and urges people not to share personal information or send money. Health update: Bahamas was among countries recognized by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis. Education and community: Social Services celebrated Empowerment Hour graduates in Pinewood Gardens and Carmichael, highlighting skills training and vocational support.

Nassau Cruise Boom: Nassau Cruise Port set a new single-day record on June 8, welcoming 33,254 cruise passengers—up from the prior 30,538 mark—driven by six ships including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, plus Disney Fantasy and others. Tourism Development: The Tourism Development Corporation says it has invested $3 million into its Home Sweet Home initiative over two years, helping Bahamians turn properties into vacation rentals, with loan-and-grant support via the Bahamas Development Bank. Local Business & Policy: The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association says it was blindsided by proposed Road Traffic Act changes, including new vehicle title requirements and revised licensing fees, while opposition figures call the increases another “money grab.” Social Services: The Ministry of Social Services celebrated graduates of its Spring 2026 Empowerment Hour Programme in Pinewood Gardens and Carmichael, highlighting training in life skills, vocational areas, and entrepreneurship. Disability Data: BNSI reports 38,551 people with disabilities in The Bahamas—10.3% of the population—up sharply from 2010. Public Accountability: A letter raises concerns that audited public accounts are about four years behind and questions whether the Auditor General post is fully confirmed. Safety Incident: An 80-year-old American man died after being pulled unresponsive from the water near South Beach at Ocean Cay, with CPR attempted by responders.

Track & Field: Denisha Cartwright stunned reigning champion Devynne Charlton to win the women’s 100m hurdles at the BAAA Combined Junior and Senior Championships, clocking 12.97 seconds. Junior Athletics: Zion Davis and Kei-Mahri Hanna set new junior national records as Bahamian athletes chased NACAC U18/U23 and World Juniors spots. Aviation & Business: InterCaribbean Airways unveiled the first of eight new Embraer ERJ170 jets, marking a major fleet expansion expected to roll out by fall. Environment & Planning: Proposed changes to The Bahamas’ environmental legislation could reduce mandatory public consultation, with groups warning Bahamians may lose a meaningful voice on developments. Transport & International Ties: Transport Minister Leon Lundy met China’s ambassador to discuss aviation connectivity and infrastructure cooperation. Sports (Cricket): Rain washed out the opening day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier; Bahamas and Bermuda shared points, with play set to resume. Tourism Safety: The U.S. Embassy renewed warnings to Americans about renting jet skis in Nassau, citing injuries and sexual assault reports. Community & Culture: The Empowerment Hour Programme celebrated graduates in Pinewood Gardens and Carmichael with life skills, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support.

Cricket Update: Rain washed out the opening day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier at North Field, with Bermuda’s matches against Bahamas and Panama’s against Belize both abandoned; Bermuda and Bahamas shared points, and Bermuda coach Cal Waldron says they’ll regroup for the next game versus Belize. Tourism & Culture: Cyndi Lauper brought her biggest hits to Atlantis Paradise Island on Saturday, headlining Atlantis: LIVE at the Imperial Ballroom and celebrating her birthday weekend with multiple costume changes and a packed crowd. Travel Safety Warning: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is urging Americans to avoid renting jet skis, citing serious injuries and sexual assault reports, while Carnival says it has already issued precautions for Nassau sailings. Local Water Rules: Nassau Harbour is rolling out new boating restrictions from July 1, including a 5mph/no-wake speed limit and penalties up to $100,000 for leaving vessels unmanned for 21 days or more. Regional Sports: The Bahamas won the Caribbean Cup at Jamaica’s Dragon Boat Festival, finishing ahead of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Environment & Finance: The IFC plans up to US$15m into a Caribbean climate resilience debt fund that includes The Bahamas, while DENR says a northern curly-tailed lizard was captured after being spotted as a likely shipping-container stowaway.

Boating Rules Tighten in Nassau: From July 1, Nassau Harbour will enforce an official five-mile-per-hour no-wake speed, and boaters who leave vessels unmanned for 21 days or more could face fines up to $100,000. Sports—Bahamas in the Spotlight: Bermuda’s T20 Americas qualifier opener has been rearranged, with Bermuda set to face the Bahamas at 3pm today, as both sides chase qualification. Grand Bahama Blood Drive: World Blood Donor Day saw a major blood drive at Rand Memorial Hospital, with organizers stressing that donated blood is vital for trauma, NICU, sickle cell and other patients. Disability Data Update: Bahamas National Statistical Institute reports 38,551 people aged five and older living with disabilities (10.3%), based on the 2022 Census. Fuel Prices Pressure: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis says government is monitoring rising pump costs as gasoline hits around $6.89–$7.34 per gallon at major retailers. CARICOM Regional Diplomacy: The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group plans to visit Haiti as soon as practicable after ongoing virtual monitoring. Culture & Heritage: The Public Hospitals Authority marked the decade milestone of the Robert Smith Complex, commissioned in 2016, supporting children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and severe behavioral challenges.

Tourism & Cruise Watch: Bahamas tourism officials say they’re moving fast to protect the cruise boom, with Minister David Collado pointing to warning signs in May–July and meetings with MSC, Royal Caribbean and Carnival to keep passenger numbers steady. Public Safety & Travel Warnings: The U.S. Embassy has issued fresh advisories urging Americans to avoid jet ski rentals in the Bahamas after a string of dangerous incidents, injuries and alleged assaults—prompting renewed debate over watersports regulation. Environment & Biosecurity: DENR says a northern curly-tailed lizard was captured after hitching a ride via a shipping container, highlighting ongoing border vigilance to protect local species. Regional Finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15m into a Caribbean climate resilience debt fund that includes the Bahamas, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises and resilience projects. Health & Social Services: The Public Hospitals Authority marked a major milestone for the Child and Adolescent Robert Smith Complex, a therapeutic space for young people with neurodevelopmental disorders and severe behavioral challenges. Local Economy Pressure: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis says government is monitoring rising fuel prices as Bahamians feel the pinch at the pump. Sports: Bermuda’s cricket qualifier opener has been rearranged, with the Bahamas now the first opponent after travel delays. Culture & Governance: A government warning urges the public to ignore a fraudulent “PLP Empowerment” WhatsApp message using the Prime Minister’s name.