AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance: ORG and Novio Group signed an MOU to build Map4Good Bahamas, a public directory and interactive database to connect people with non-profit and faith-based organizations; a demo is set for July 7. Public Health Tech: BahamasEMR+ (BEMR) marks one year of progress, expanding the localized OpenEMR system across public clinics after a pilot in Gambier and Adelaide. Healthcare Workforce Policy: The Bahamas says talks with the U.S. about Cuban healthcare workers’ visa status are “near completion,” with only three Cuban doctors currently practising locally. STEM & Marine Science: The MSC Foundation welcomed its first BAMSI interns at Ocean Cay, giving students hands-on marine conservation experience. Early Childhood & Literacy: BTC deepened support for Eleuthera with a $10,000 Red Cross contribution plus tablets and reading resources for preschool and primary students. Road Safety Advocacy: A public health call urges stronger, measurable action to reduce traffic deaths beyond driver reminders. Disaster Resilience: A regional webinar pushed businesses to overhaul hurricane business continuity plans, treating resilience as a leadership issue. Medical Capacity Boost: The U.S. Northern Command donated nearly $400,000 in generators, vehicles, and digital ECG equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Research Pipeline: UWI announced its fourth OneUWI postgraduate student conference (Nov 18–21, 2026) focused on research, innovation, and impact.

Health IT in the spotlight: BahamasEMR+ (BEMR) is showing early wins after a year-long pilot of the localized OpenEMR system, with clinics reporting better operations and patient care as the digitization rollout expands beyond the Gambier and Adelaide sites. Marine science & conservation: MSC Foundation and BAMSI are placing students at Ocean Cay for hands-on marine conservation internships, while FAU’s Queen Conch mobile lab reports its first successful hatch—an important step for restoration of seagrass ecosystems. Public health readiness: The Ministry of Health and Wellness received about $400,000 in equipment and vehicles from the US Northern Command, including generators and digital ECG gear, to strengthen clinic continuity and biomedical support. Electricity reliability: URCA fined Bahamas Power and Light nearly $30,000 for late major-outage reporting on Abaco and Crooked Island, stressing that timely alerts are key for oversight and consumer protection. Skills & workforce: The Bahamas Chamber flags “cautious optimism” on unemployment but warns of a persistent skills mismatch between job seekers and employer needs. Education pipeline: BTC deepened its Eleuthera support with Red Cross funding plus tablets and reading resources aimed at early literacy and preschool learning.

AI for local politics: Illinois governor candidate Darren Bailey’s campaign is using AI-generated images and videos to boost social media engagement, while the opposing campaign says it has a policy against AI in public-facing content. Connectivity upgrade: Cable Bahamas begins FY2026/27 work to migrate customers from its REV hybrid network to ALIV Fibr, targeting faster speeds and better smart-home performance first on Abaco and New Providence. Queen conch conservation: Florida Atlantic University’s solar-powered mobile lab on Eleuthera has produced its first queen conch, with hundreds of juveniles progressing after successful hatch milestones. Coral resilience research: A new AI-based study estimates about 64,000 square miles of coral reefs worldwide could resist climate change by 2050, with the Bahamas included among key resilient regions. Health system upgrades: Princess Margaret Hospital operating theatre renovations are temporarily disrupting elective surgeries, though emergency services remain operating. Energy regulation: URCA fined Bahamas Power & Light nearly $30,000 for late major outage reporting on Abaco and Crooked Island, with enforcement suspended for 12 months. Workforce & skills: The Bahamas Chamber flags “cautious optimism” in labour data but warns of a persistent skills mismatch; meanwhile, education budget plans include expanded breakfast programs and pilots for laptops/tablets. AI skills push: A one-day AI Vibathon in Nassau (July 9) aims to help Bahamians build their own AI solutions, aligned with the government’s push for AI literacy and a national AI committee.

Queen Conch Conservation: A solar-powered mobile lab on Eleuthera has produced its first queen conch hatch, with ~200 juveniles already metamorphosed and more on the way—aimed at restoring seagrass habitats and rebuilding stocks. Health Tech & Readiness: The US Northern Command handed the Ministry of Health and Wellness nearly $400,000 in generators, trucks, golf carts, cardiac monitors and digital ECG machines to strengthen clinic continuity and biomedical support. Education Upgrades: The government says school repairs are underway, 2,000+ teachers are in professional development, and pilots will expand literacy/numeracy and technology access (laptops/tablets). Medical Training Push: Officials say meetings with UWI are progressing toward establishing a full medical school in The Bahamas. Digital Connectivity: Cable Bahamas begins FY2026/27 upgrades, transitioning customers from REV to ALIV Fibr with faster speeds, starting with Abaco and New Providence. Coral Climate Resilience: A new AI-based study estimates about 64,000 square miles of coral reefs could resist climate change by 2050, including areas mapped in the Bahamas. Energy Reliability: URCA fined Bahamas Power & Light about $29,662 for late major outage reporting on Abaco and Crooked Island. AI Skills for Locals: Bahama Vibes: the AI Vibathon (July 9) will help participants build their own AI solutions, tied to national AI literacy plans.

Environmental Governance: BREEF and other advocates say proposed Environmental Impact Assessment reforms must keep a science-based, risk-focused approach without sacrificing transparency and meaningful public participation. Hurricane Readiness: A regional webinar urged Caribbean businesses to treat disaster resilience as a leadership issue, not just an IT or facilities problem, as storms intensify. Public Utilities Accountability: URCA fined Bahamas Power & Light nearly $30,000 for late major outage reporting, while suspending enforcement for 12 months to test sustained compliance. Labour Market & Skills: The unemployment rate held around 8.7%, but the Chamber warns of a persistent skills mismatch that could slow growth. AI for Local Builders: Bahama Vibes’ AI Vibathon (July 9) will bring a global AI expert to help people create their own AI solutions. Education & Tech: Budget plans include expanding school breakfast programmes and piloting laptop/tablet access, alongside more teacher training and a renewed focus on literacy and numeracy. Medical Training: Government and UWI renewed and expanded medical education partnerships, with plans for a full medical school. Queen Conch Conservation: A solar-powered mobile lab reached key hatch milestones, raising juvenile conch for restoration. Private Security Reform: The government is modernizing the private security regulatory framework, aiming to professionalize licensing and oversight.

Medical Education Boost: The Bahamas and UWI are renewing and expanding medical training, with Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville saying a feasibility study is underway toward a full standalone medical school. School Upgrades & Teacher Training: Education Minister Chester Cooper says repairs are underway nationwide, with 2,000+ teachers in professional development and new emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and curriculum areas including technology and science. Queen Conch Conservation: FAU’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab reached a key milestone, producing the first successful hatch and raising juvenile conch for release into local seagrass habitats. NHIA Reassurance: The National Health Insurance Authority says its provider network remains stable (140 providers, 17 labs) and that no withdrawal requests were received due to payment issues. Food Security Push: Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell highlights progress on the Golden Yolk egg initiative and broader plans to grow more of what the Bahamas eats and protect marine resources. Digital Learning Pilot: Cooper also flagged a September pilot aimed at providing laptops or tablets to students and teachers. Private Security Crackdown: National Security Minister Myles LaRoda says unlicensed operators are being removed and amendments to the Security Guards Act are planned to tighten training and penalties. AI in Politics (Global): Darren Bailey’s campaign is using AI-generated images and videos to drive social engagement—an example of how election tech is evolving.

Medical Education Boost: The Bahamas and UWI are moving toward a full standalone medical school, with Minister Dr. Michael Darville saying a feasibility study is underway to attract both Bahamian and international students. Education Upgrades: Deputy PM/Minister Chester Cooper says school repairs are underway nationwide, with 2,000+ teachers in professional development and curriculum expansion into literacy, numeracy, technology, entrepreneurship, and science. Queen Conch Conservation: FAU Harbor Branch and The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute launched a solar-powered mobile hatchery, reporting the first successful queen conch hatch and juvenile growth for later release into seagrass habitats. Coral Disease Response: Regional experts met in Miami to tackle Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, pointing to MSC’s Ocean Cay marine conservation center and its bio lab and nurseries as key support for resilient coral work. Health Insurance Update: NHIA says its provider network remains stable for 160,000+ beneficiaries, with 140 providers and 17 labs, pushing back on concerns about payment delays. Private Security Reform: National Security Minister Myles LaRoda says enforcement is tightening on unlicensed operators, with amendments to the Security Guards Act expected by end-2026 and a new licensing approach using added anti-fraud features. STEM Pathways for Youth: JA Bahamas launched a paid summer internship program to bridge school-to-work, while BMCC graduated 166 maritime cadets across six islands.

Medical Education Partnership: The Bahamas renewed its long-running medical education deal with the University of the West Indies, keeping Bahamian clinical training and postgraduate specialty development in-country. Healthcare Access Watch: NHIA says its provider network is stable—140 providers and 17 labs serving 160,000+ beneficiaries—and warns that unverified claims about withdrawals are causing unnecessary worry. Coral Protection: Regional scientists met in Miami to tackle Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, with The Bahamas highlighted for ongoing research and underwater nursery work at Ocean Cay. STEM Pipeline: Beta Camp returns in Freeport with hands-on engineering and data science for 100 students (ages 11–16). Maritime Skills: BMCC graduated 166 maritime cadets across six islands, with more students now aiming for tertiary maritime study. Private Security Reform: National Security is moving to modernize the Security Guards Act, tightening training, oversight, and penalties for unlicensed operations. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Environment Ministry plans stronger enforcement against illegal coal mining in southern New Providence, including a digital reporting and detection unit. Space/Tech Aid: Starlink will be free in Venezuela after earthquakes, though new users still need a receiver kit.

Space Tech & Disaster Response: Starlink is offering free satellite internet to people in Venezuela recovering from twin earthquakes, but new customers still must buy a Starlink receiver kit to get online. Public Health & Local Access: The National Health Insurance Authority says its provider network remains stable for more than 160,000 beneficiaries, pushing back on claims of doctor withdrawals and stressing patient access hasn’t been interrupted. Medical Education: The Bahamas and UWI are working on a feasibility study toward establishing a full medical school in-country to expand the healthcare workforce. STEM-to-Workforce Pathways: Junior Achievement Bahamas launched a paid summer internship programme to bridge classroom learning and job readiness across multiple islands. Maritime Training: The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps graduated 166 cadets across six islands, with many aiming for tertiary maritime study. Coral Disease Watch: Regional scientists met to strengthen coordination against stony coral tissue loss disease, highlighting the need for shared data and cross-border action. Queen Conch Conservation Tech: FAU’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab is now fully operational, producing juvenile conch for restoration efforts in Eleuthera. 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 and a digital reporting approach. Private Security Reform: Government is updating outdated private security legislation, gathering input from guards and using modern tools like drones and surveillance to shape reforms.

Coral Disease Response: Bahamian and regional scientists met in Miami to coordinate action against stony coral tissue loss disease, with DEPP warning the outbreak is spreading fast and threatening reefs vital to fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. Reef Funding Gap: The Bahamas National Trust says it faces a $150m annual shortfall to properly manage marine protected areas and national parks, even as new conservation financing is coming online. Queen Conch Lab Milestone: FAU’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab is now fully operational in The Bahamas after first egg masses and the first hatch, producing juvenile conch for conservation and restoration on Eleuthera. STEM for Youth: Beta Camp returns to Freeport for a hands-on week of engineering and data science for ages 11–16, aiming to make learning feel like an adventure. Environment Enforcement: The Ministry of the Environment is stepping up efforts against illegal coal mining in Southern New Providence, including planning a new detection and enforcement unit and exploring longer-term solutions. Maritime Training Upgrade: The Bahamas Maritime Authority expanded pathways for IGF (Advanced) certificate training, including shore-based LNG bunkering experience via an approved provider. Local Policy Update: A seminar in Nassau focused on updating outdated private security laws, gathering guard input to shape reforms for today’s risks. Trade & Travel Policy: The Bahamas Chamber backs the “Trusted Traveller” programme, supporting a bill that could ease short business visits for approved foreign visitors.

Coral Disease Response: Scientists and conservation leaders met in Miami to coordinate action against stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), with The Bahamas’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection warning the outbreak is spreading fast and threatening reef-building corals that support fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. Reef Resilience Research: New modeling suggests about one-third of coral reefs worldwide could remain healthy through 2050 under high emissions, with The Bahamas among the countries holding more resilient reef areas. Queen Conch Conservation: Florida Atlantic University’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab is now fully operational in The Bahamas, producing juvenile conch for restoration on Eleuthera after first egg masses hatched and thousands of young conchs are targeted annually. STEM for Youth: Beta Camp returns in Grand Bahama, offering 11–16-year-olds hands-on engineering and data science learning at Sunland Baptist Academy. 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 and a digital reporting approach. Maritime Low-Fuel Training: The Bahamas Maritime Authority expanded a pathway for seafarers to earn the IGF (Advanced) certificate, including shore-based LNG bunkering training via its approved provider CSMART. Road Safety Note: A new analysis highlights how larger SUVs and pickup trucks worsen pedestrian safety—relevant for Bahamas road safety planning.

Coral Disease Response: Scientists and conservation leaders met in Miami to coordinate action against stony coral tissue loss disease, with Bahamian agencies calling for shared data and cross-border best practices as the threat spreads across the archipelago. Reef Reality Check: New estimates say at least 80% of Bahamian reefs have been affected, with some sites seeing mortality above 90%—a major hit to fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. Queen Conch Lab Milestone: FAU’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab is now fully operational in The Bahamas, producing juvenile conch for restoration after first egg masses hatched and thousands of young conchs are targeted annually. Illegal Mining Crackdown: The Environment Ministry says it’s stepping up enforcement against illegal coal mining in Southern New Providence, including planning a detection and enforcement unit and a digital reporting platform. STEM for Youth: Beta Camp returns in Freeport, bringing hands-on engineering and data science to 100 students and aiming to build local talent for a fast-changing tech economy. AI Skills Push: An AI expert is set to run a one-day “AI Vibathon” in Nassau to help participants build working AI-powered apps. Biodiversity Watch: Researchers report a Bahamas-native lizard is expanding in Central Florida, highlighting how species introductions can reshape ecosystems. Shark Safety Update: Police report a 12-year-old injured in a shark attack near Staniel Cay, Exuma, underscoring ongoing ocean safety awareness.

AI & Robotics Diplomacy: Bahamas envoy Paul Antonio Clare Jr. joined nearly 40 international delegations in Hubei, China, where humanoid robots and “electronic skin” sensing tech showcased how AI and robotics are moving into real-world industry. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers say the Bahamas-native northern curly-tailed lizard is spreading through Central Florida, likely via pet trade or zoo releases—an alert for biosecurity. Reef Science Under Pressure: Bahamian marine leaders report stony coral tissue loss disease has hit at least 80% of reefs, while other research suggests about one-third of reefs worldwide may stay resilient by 2050—both key for conservation planning. Coral Disease Response: A Miami workshop backed stronger regional coordination and data-sharing to fight SCTLD across borders. Maritime Low-Fuel Training: The Bahamas Maritime Authority expanded IGF (Advanced) certificate pathways, allowing shore-based LNG bunkering training via CSMART, supporting safer adoption of low-flashpoint fuels. Local 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 using a digital reporting platform. AI Skills for Bahamians: An AI expert (former Amazon Alexa developer Noelle Russell) is set to run a one-day “AI Vibathon” in July to help participants build working AI apps. Conservation Milestone: FAU’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab reached operational milestones with first hatch results, producing juvenile conch for Eleuthera restoration. Archaeology & Heritage: Researchers report six pirate-linked shipwrecks near Nassau, including Golden Age of Piracy-era finds. Health System Funding: NHI warns providers to expect continued delayed payments as budget increases largely cover the National Drug Plan. Shark Safety Update: Police report a 12-year-old boy injured in a shark attack near Staniel Cay, Exuma, with medical treatment and stable condition.

Coral Crisis in Focus: A Miami workshop led by The Bahamas’ DEPP director Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy says stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) remains a major threat, with scientists estimating at least 80% of Bahamian reefs affected and some sites seeing mortality above 90%. Reef Resilience Research: A new study presented at the Our Ocean Conference suggests about one-third of global coral reefs could stay healthy through 2050 even under high emissions, offering a potential roadmap for conservation. Conservation Tech in Action: FAU’s Queen Conch Mobile Lab is now fully operational in Eleuthera after first egg masses and the first hatch, with the system designed to raise up to 2,000 juvenile queen conch annually for restoration. Environment Enforcement: The Ministry of the Environment says it’s stepping up action against illegal coal mining in Southern New Providence, including planning an enforcement unit and a digital reporting approach. AI for Local Builders: An AI expert (former Amazon Alexa developer Noelle Russell) is set to run a one-day “AI Vibathon” in The Bahamas on July 9 to help participants build working AI apps. Maritime Skills for Low-Flashpoint Fuels: The Bahamas Maritime Authority expands IGF (Advanced) Certificate training pathways, including approved LNG bunkering experience via CSMART. Biosecurity Watch: Researchers report a Bahamas-native lizard is expanding across Central Florida, raising concerns about further spread of invasive species. Maritime Safety & Wildlife: Police report a shark attack injuring a 12-year-old boy in Staniel Cay, Exuma, with officials urging caution around ocean activities. STEM & Learning Pipeline: The NTA’s Cohort 27 graduates were celebrated for workforce-prep and practical skills training, reinforcing skills development as a tech-and-employment pathway.

Coral Disease Watch: DEPP director Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy says stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is still a major threat to Bahamian reefs, with scientists calling for stronger cross-border coordination and faster science-based decisions. Reef Impact Numbers: A separate update estimates at least 80% of Bahamian reefs have been affected, with some sites seeing mortality above 90% in monitored periods. Conservation Funding Gap: The Bahamas National Trust warns it faces a $150m annual shortfall to fully manage marine protected areas and national parks, even as new financing initiatives are discussed. AI for Builders: An AI expert and former Amazon Alexa developer, Noelle Russell, is set to run a one-day “AI Vibathon” in The Bahamas on July 9 to help people build working apps. Tech & Transport Links: Chinese aviation specialists met Bahamian transport officials to discuss civil aviation cooperation and drone technology capacity building. Maritime History Finds: Researchers report the first shipwrecks tied to Nassau’s pirate era, including Golden Age of Piracy-era wrecks near the city. Shark Safety: Police say a 12-year-old American boy was injured in a shark attack near Staniel Cay, Exuma, and was treated in stable condition.

Coral Health Response: MSC hosted a stakeholder summit in Miami to tackle Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, which has already spread across The Bahamas and threatens tourism, fisheries, and shoreline protection. Environment vs. Growth: Minister Zane Lightbourne used his 2026/27 budget contribution to stress that economic development must align with environmental protection, citing national growth alongside the value of natural assets. Reef Resilience Research: A new study suggests about one-third of the world’s coral reefs could withstand climate impacts by 2050, with The Bahamas among the key locations. Shark Safety Update: Police reported a 12-year-old American boy injured in a shark attack near Staniel Cay, Exuma, with officials urging safer ocean practices. AI Skills for Locals: An AI expert (former Amazon Alexa developer Noelle Russell) is set to run a one-day Vibathon in The Bahamas on July 9 to help participants build working AI apps. Blue Economy Support: SBDC and The Nature Conservancy launched a Blue Economy Accelerator to help small businesses expand beyond fisheries into areas like marine biotechnology, renewable/ocean energy, and conch farming. Transport Tech & Drones: Chinese aviation specialists met Bahamas transport officials to discuss drone technologies and civil aviation cooperation. Workforce Training: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle lauded NTA Cohort 27 graduates for investing in practical skills that match job-market needs. Health System Assurance: NHIA says provider payments are ongoing (not stopped) despite physician concerns about NHI payment delays. Youth Innovation Wins: Bahamian students returned from the International Greenwich Olympiad with Gold (STEM presentation) and Silver (environment), including a sensor-based mobility cane project.