AGP Executive Report

Power and outages: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis says Bahamas Power and Light is heading into summer with upgrades, but residents should expect “some service interruptions” as parts of New Providence shift loads during construction. Mental health push: The Royal Bahamas Police Force is urging people to seek help after a run of suspected suicides, with a therapist outlining signs of depression and warning against staying silent. Cruise legal fallout: A woman is suing Carnival Cruise Lines after losing both legs during a Bahamas excursion, alleging she was directed into the water and sucked into a propeller. Local justice: A teen whose testimony helped acquit a RBDF marine is now facing a perjury charge, while a separate case involves a man facing an incest charge over alleged abuse of his 5-year-old daughter. Community giving: Cable Bahamas relaunches its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1 million pledge and a blood-donor drive is also set for Grand Bahama. Cruise industry buzz: Royal Caribbean marks major shipbuilding progress on its next Oasis-class vessel, while a Paradise Island brawl involving cruise guests is drawing fresh calls for stronger bans.

Air Travel Boost: Breeze Airways launched its first nonstop international flight from Tampa (TPA) to Nassau (NAS), with twice-weekly service through June and four days a week starting in July—marking the first TPA–Nassau nonstop in 20 years. Cruise Tensions: A Paradise Island brawl involving Royal Caribbean guests has reignited calls for tougher bans after reports of a fight at Royal Beach Club. Local Emergency Response: A fire at ZNS’ South NP transmitting station left 1540 AM off the air; officials say repairs could take up to three months and cost about $200,000–$300,000. Community Giving: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1 million pledge over three years and a $40,000 cheque to Happy Humans Bahamas for Women and Girls in STEM. Court News: A 42-year-old man faces an incest charge over alleged sexual assault of his five-year-old daughter, while a teen who helped acquit a RBDF marine is now charged with perjury.

Drought & Storm Readiness: Nassau residents are being reminded to stay prepared as drought conditions linger and the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season continues, with emergency officials urging vigilance even if forecasts point to a below-average season. Cruise Safety & Order: A Royal Caribbean brawl at Paradise Island has sparked calls for tougher bans, while five American cruise passengers were arrested in Nassau after a violent port fight that spilled into police custody. Legal Fallout From Nassau Excursions: A lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. after a woman was allegedly injured during a Carnival-branded Nassau excursion, alleging drink tampering and drug-facilitated assault. Local Health & Infrastructure Pressure: A Central Grand Bahama MP raised concerns about conditions at Rand Memorial Hospital and questioned progress on long-promised upgrades, including the morgue project, as power outages remain a major worry. Community Giving: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1 million pledge and announced support for women and girls in STEM. Sports Spotlight: Javonya Valcourt advanced in the NCAA women’s 400m, and Keyshawn Strachan earned a notable place in the NCAA javelin story.

Cruise & Port Security: Five U.S. cruise passengers were arrested in Nassau after a brawl at the cruise port escalated into a “violent struggle” at a police station, leaving four officers injured, including one with a serious shoulder injury. Air Access: Breeze Airways launched the first nonstop Nassau–Tampa service, with twice-weekly flights starting now and more frequency planned for July. Airport Development: Nassau’s airport operator says it’s close to selecting a developer for a long-discussed on-airport hotel, while also pushing terminal and airside expansion plans. Local Governance & Housing: The government says it plans to build more than 900 homes across the Bahamas, with new developments in multiple islands. Health Infrastructure: Construction is set to begin “shortly” on a new $285 million specialty hospital in western New Providence, funded by a China EXIM Bank loan. Energy Pressure: A fresh debate continues over ongoing power outages and electricity costs, with critics saying “growing pains” aren’t enough for residents. Tourism Numbers: Foreign arrivals rose 17.5% in the first quarter to 3.8 million, driven by stronger sea traffic and gains in higher-spending air arrivals. Environment Enforcement: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay reportedly paid about $840,000 for Covid-era environmental violations, after a complaint prompted a ministry investigation. Culture & Community: The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival returns to Baha Mar with new talent and a deeper Caribbean focus.

Airlift Boost: Breeze Airways launched the first nonstop Tampa-to-Nassau flight in more than 20 years, bringing 120 passengers to Lynden Pindling International Airport and promising more tourism and business ties. Cruise Port Trouble: Five U.S. nationals were arrested in Nassau after a fight involving cruise passengers escalated into a “violent struggle” with police; four officers were injured, including one seriously hurt. Crime Update: Christopher Newbold, accused of gunning down a young father on Labour Day, remains behind bars facing a murder charge; he returns to court in October. Politics at Home: A heated House exchange between Speaker Patricia Deveaux and Long Island MP Dr. Andre Rollins flared over remarks tied to money in politics. Community & Environment: Grand Bahama marked World Oceans Day with a major cleanup, while Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by restoring coastal habitat with thousands of new mangroves. Sports: Keyshawn Strachan won NCAA javelin silver, and Bahamian Kaiden Cartwright also competed.

Cruise Port Violence: Bahamas police say five U.S. cruise passengers were arrested in Nassau after a brawl that escalated into a “violent struggle” at a police station, injuring four officers, including one with a serious shoulder injury; suspects face charges including assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and malicious damage, with the investigation ongoing. Energy & Outages: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told the House of Assembly that frequent power cuts are “growing pains” tied to major grid upgrades, as officials defend the reform plan and prepare for peak summer demand. Politics in the House: A heated exchange in the House of Assembly saw Speaker Patricia Deveaux and MP Dr. Andre Rollins clash over remarks involving Mohammed Horajchi and allegations about money’s influence in politics, with the dispute spilling into democracy-related accusations. Local Governance & Accountability: FNM leader Michael Pintard tried again to table a U.S. criminal complaint in Parliament, but House Speaker Deveaux blocked it, citing rules and legal concerns. Workforce Development: The Deputy Prime Minister met with Bahamas Vocational and Technical Institute leadership, pressing for more reliable, quality technical training to meet investor needs. Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop in Trinidad, aiming to strengthen regional lab and preparedness capacity. Environment: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by planting about 4,000 mangroves in two hours at Dover Sound, boosting coastal protection in Grand Bahama. Sports: UK assistant coach Mikhail McLean was named head coach of Team Bahamas’ senior men’s basketball program, ahead of upcoming World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

Energy & Utilities: Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis defended the Davis administration’s fuel hedging plan in Parliament, saying it has already generated $21.7 million in savings for Bahamian consumers since it became effective in February 2026, sparking a sharp exchange with Opposition Leader Michael Pintard over the wider energy reform push. Local Crime & Safety: Police arrested five U.S. cruise passengers after a violent brawl at Nassau’s cruise port, and the fight allegedly continued at the police station where four officers were injured and police property was damaged. Politics & Accountability: The House of Assembly saw chaos as the Speaker ruled on what business can return to the new Public Accounts Committee, while Opposition Leader Michael Pintard pushed for documents and scrutiny of taxpayer spending. Public Procurement: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis addressed budget commentary on procurement, saying reforms are ongoing and stressing capacity-building and training for public servants. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean announced its cards can now be added to Google Wallet in The Bahamas and other markets, with Google Pay support starting June 9. Culture & Community: RBC Young Leaders 2026 winners were announced, with St James Secondary School taking the top prize for a climate-and-waste project. Health: Health officials activated precautionary Ebola measures and advised enhanced screening for travellers linked to Ebola-affected countries.

Power Bills Cut in Grand Bahama: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis says electricity rates are being lowered for more than 17,000 households and 1,500 small businesses, with new bills reflecting changes from Thursday, June 11. Outage Blame Explained: Coleby-Davis also told the House that New Providence power outages are tied to Bahamas Power and Light’s Summer Readiness infrastructure upgrades, with some outages lasting up to eight hours. Tourism Travel Options: Atlantis Paradise Island is partnering with Tradewind Aviation for private and semi-private flights between Stuart, Florida and Nassau, with an Atlantis + Flight package offering savings. Local Governance Tension: Comments by East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson about Finance Minister Michael Halkitis were referred to the Committee of Privilege. Digital Payments Boost: CIBC Caribbean says customers in The Bahamas and other markets can now add cards to Google Wallet for contactless payments. Sports: Serena Brown set a new Bahamian women’s discus national record with a 61.26m throw. Crime Update: Police arrested five U.S. cruise passengers after an alleged brawl at Nassau’s port left four officers injured.

Tourism & Politics: Bahamas Speaker Patricia Deveaux urged “Politician-1” allegations be reported to police, not Parliament, after Opposition Leader Michael Pintard pushed for the government to address a US complaint tied to a Bahamian linked to a fatal plane crash. Environment Enforcement: The Ministry of Environment says a crackdown on derelict vehicles and illegal dumping will intensify, including relocating scrap yards and using spot fines. Public Safety: Police say five American tourists were taken into custody after incidents that began at the Nassau Cruise Port and escalated inside a police station, leaving four officers injured. Energy & Economy: FOCOL Holdings marked major progress on The Bahamas’ LNG infrastructure with a financing signing and US$325M syndicated loan support backed by US EXIM and regional banks. Culture & Community: Junkanoo tradition continues to grow in Miami with Bahamian families passing moko jumbie and street-festival roots to the next generation. Sports: Both Bahamas teams advanced to the PONY 14U medal round, with Bahamas Champs reaching the championship game after a dramatic win over Venezuela. Tourism Leadership: Glenys Hanna-Martin was appointed the Bahamas’ first female Minister of Tourism.

Coast Guard Wraps Lynette Hooker Probe: U.S. Coast Guard says it has ended its Bahamas mission tied to missing Michigan sailor Lynette Hooker, using divers, underwater vehicles, drones and a cadaver dog, and transferring custody of the Hookers’ dinghy to the U.S. for further forensics as the CGIS investigation continues. Public Works Under Fire: In Parliament, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis defended procurement and VAT cuts on food amid criticism over no-bid contracts and calls for his resignation, while PM Philip Davis backed him, saying nothing “immoral, unethical or illegal” occurred. Parks and Beaches Push: Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority chair Jamahl Strachan pledged a “21st century” overhaul, with an audit underway after spending concerns during the Davis era. Corrections Upgrade Plans: BDOCS Commissioner Doan Cleare says the new prison facility and courthouse plans are still in the works after years of delays. Energy Deal: FOCOL signed a $379.2M financing package for its LNG terminal at Clifton Pier with Bahamian banks and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Tourism Access: Atlantis announced a private flight partnership with Tradewind Aviation from Stuart, Florida to Nassau, aimed at cutting travel hassle.

Lynette Hooker Search Update: The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded its latest Bahamas search for missing Michigan sailor Lynette Hooker, saying divers and other specialized teams examined newly identified areas around Sea of Abaco, and the case remains under investigation. Courtroom: A manslaughter trial for three officers accused in the fatal shooting of Azario Major has been set to begin in September. Public Accountability: Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority’s new chairman Jamahl Strachan says transparency and accountability will guide reforms after past overspending concerns. Education Milestone: Prime Minister Philip Davis and DPM Chester Cooper marked the National School Breakfast Programme reaching two million breakfasts served to primary students. Corrections Hiring: Bahamas Correctional Training Institute welcomed 81 new recruits as the government pushes to fill correctional officer vacancies. Travel Advisory: Bahamas urges citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Cuba due to electricity, fuel, transport and goods shortages. Business & Tourism: Atlantis Paradise Island announced a partnership with Tradewind Aviation for private/semi-private flights between Stuart, Florida and Nassau.

Coast Guard Search Update: U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service released new video from its Bahamas hunt for missing Michigan woman Lynette Hooker, returning to Florida with the dinghy recovered in the Sea of Abaco as investigators continue land-and-sea efforts. Education Milestone: Prime Minister Philip Davis and DPM Chester Cooper marked the National School Breakfast Programme reaching two million breakfasts served across primary schools. Immigration Clarification: The Bahamas Immigration Department says the proposed Nationality (Amendment) Bill doesn’t create a new citizenship route or loophole, but raises the processing fee from $50 to $500 while eligibility for permanent residency stays the same. Regional Leadership: Bermuda’s Samuel Brangman Jr. was re-elected secretary-general of the Caribbean Postal Union at a Nassau conference. Local Economy & Jobs: DPM Cooper told workers at Labor Day events that Grand Bahama’s growth and new cruise projects like Celebration Key will bring jobs and opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Sports: Bahamas 14U teams won at the PONY Caribbean and Latin American Baseball Championships, with the Champs set to face Venezuela. Public Safety: A former senior police officer accused in the killing of Pike worker Cody Costillo was freed on $30,000 bail with conditions including an ankle bracelet and regular sign-ins.

Fuel Prices & Boating Plans: Higher gas costs are reshaping summer outings for boaters, with regular fuel still averaging about 34% more than last year and diesel up 53%, pushing many to buy only what they need. Hurricane Preparedness: As the Atlantic season ramps up, Bahamian officials and meteorologists are urging residents not to get complacent, stressing home checks, shutters, supplies, and insurance planning. Local Crime Update: Police are investigating a Constitution Drive shooting on Big Sunday that killed one man and left two others injured, with another nearby body-shop killing last week raising questions for investigators. Labour & Youth Voices: The Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union is weighing amendments to the Industrial and Employment Act, while Rotaract clubs are spotlighting youth-led service across the islands. Community Care: A Police Legends Retired Group is providing welfare support, including health checks and meals, for sick and shut-in former officers. CDB & Resilience: Caribbean Development Bank leaders say the region must move from promises to action on resilience and climate risk, including insurance tools for recovery. Sports & Culture: Nassau and the wider Bahamas continue to celebrate with events like Labour Day activities and masquerader road marches.

Bahamas Governance & Power: The Progressive Liberal Party says it’s reforming The Bahamas’ power grid to stop outages, but critics say communication has been uneven and families are still dealing with power going off during the summer build-up. Prime Minister & Regional Development: Prime Minister Friday returned to The Bahamas and used the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting to push economic diversification and faster delivery on development priorities. Tourism & Nature: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ PM Godwin Friday cited the Bahamas as a tourism example, while Prime Minister Edi Rama argued that flamingos—like those at Baha Mar—are a tourism “privilege,” not a problem. Public Safety: Police in Nassau are investigating a stabbing that left a 61-year-old woman in serious condition after an attack near Lake Cunningham. Caribbean Corruption Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the region, with the Bahamas among stronger performers. Missing Sailor Update: U.S. Coast Guard investigators have resumed a search for Lynette Hooker in the Abacos, including work tied to new location data.

Missing Person Probe: The U.S. Coast Guard has resumed searching for Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas, now focusing on a new area of the Sea of Abaco after GPS location data reportedly didn’t match what her husband, Brian Hooker, told investigators. Local Crime: Police in Nassau are investigating a stabbing that left a 61-year-old woman hospitalised with very serious injuries after she was attacked near Lake Cunningham. Labour Day & Community: Nassau and Grand Bahama held the annual Labour Day March without incident, while organisers and participants also marked the day’s deeper meaning for families affected by past tragedy. Education Negotiations: The latest budget presentation includes a five-year salary agreement for teachers starting July 1, but BECAWU’s deal is raising fresh questions for the Bahamas Union of Teachers (B.U.T.) amid stalled talks. Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean hosted a community day for its Royal Beach Club project, highlighting local partners as the attraction heads into the summer season. Sports: Bahamas U-14 baseball opened with a loss to Venezuela before rebounding with a win over Ecuador; women’s knockout cup semifinals are also set in Nassau.

Crime & Safety: Police in Nassau are investigating a stabbing that left a 61-year-old woman hospitalised with very serious injuries after she was attacked by two men near Lake Cunningham. Search Update: The U.S. Coast Guard has resumed a renewed search in the Bahamas for missing American Lynette Hooker, with investigators focusing on a new location as questions linger about the circumstances of her disappearance. Maritime & Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard and partners intercepted an overcrowded boat carrying 240 Haitian migrants near the Turks and Caicos, warning that unlawful sea journeys are extremely dangerous. Local Culture: Bahamas Masqueraders is set to bring its “Enchanted” theme to today’s carnival road march, with plans to showcase Labour Day Junkanoo and more. Shipping & Economy: Transport Minister Leon Lundy led a Bahamas delegation to Posidonia 2026 in Greece to strengthen ties for the Bahamas Ship Registry. Regional Policy: The U.S. is considering a proposed 12.5% tariff on exports from The Bahamas under a forced-labour enforcement review. Labour Day: Thousands marched across the Bahamas for Labour Day, honouring Sir Randol Fawkes and highlighting workers’ rights.