AGP Executive Report

Medical Tech & Women’s Health: Interventional radiologist Dr. Mikhail Higgins is spotlighted for less invasive fibroids care, drawing patients from Florida and now expanding access at home during Fibroids Awareness Month. Digital Policy & Connectivity: Nassau hosts WTPF-26 (2–4 Sept) to shape global telecom/ICT policy on an inclusive, resilient digital future. Energy Grid Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light secures a critical $1M+ Egyptian transformer to stabilize New Providence’s grid, as public debate continues over power failures and maintenance priorities. Healthcare Funding Reform: The National Health Insurance Authority says rapid growth means the government-only funding model isn’t sustainable and is moving toward diversified financing. Medical Cannabis Rollout: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the government has signed Metrc for the seed-to-sale licensing and tracking platform, enabling medical e-prescriptions and Cannabis Authority operations. Planning & Government IT: A Bahamas delegation meets Cayman officials on planning automation and digital transformation for development approvals and regulatory workflows. STEM in the Classroom: King’s College School’s Love Beach Marine Science Summer Camp turns the reef into a living lab for conservation and marine biology. Accessibility to Employment: Urban Renewal’s first job fair for persons with disabilities builds on home accessibility upgrades by creating a pathway to work. Marine Conservation & Risk: A Bahamas snorkeling trip features a rare orca encounter, with guides urging caution around wild animals. Tourism & Tech Payments: Scotiabank credit cards in The Bahamas now work with Apple Pay, signaling a push toward modern payments.

Tourism Strategy: A new look at The Bahamas’ 2025 visitor boom says Europe is under-targeted, and the real opportunity is selling the archipelago as a multi-island journey (Eleuthera, Exuma, Andros, Abaco, and more), not just Nassau. Energy & Grid Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light is moving to stabilize New Providence with a critical $1M+ 70-ton transformer from Egypt, while critics argue outages point to deeper maintenance and infrastructure issues. Digital Regulation for Cannabis: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the government has secured the Metrc digital platform to manage medical cannabis licensing and “seed-to-sale” tracking, with medical e-prescriptions next. Tech in Daily Life: Scotiabank credit cards in The Bahamas now work with Apple Pay, a practical upgrade for contactless payments. STEM & Skills Pipeline: King’s College School’s Love Beach Marine Science Summer Camp is turning reef and beachfront learning into hands-on conservation and biology training. Policy & Connectivity: Nassau hosts WTPF-26 (Sept 2–4) to shape global digital policy on connectivity and inclusion. LNG Infrastructure: New Providence Gas’ Clifton Pier LNG import terminal is adopting a jettyless transfer system to cut build time and cost.

Accessibility & Jobs: The Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations’ Home Accessibility initiative has grown into a first-of-its-kind Job Fair for Persons with Disabilities, linking ramps and accessible bathroom upgrades to a pathway into meaningful work. Culture + STEM Skills: Hundreds of students showcased hands-on learning from the Department of Culture’s 2026 Summer Culture Programme, spanning everything from animation and film-making to auto mechanics and set design. Digital Health Regulation: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the medical cannabis rollout is moving after signing with Metrc for a seed-to-sale licensing and tracking platform plus medical e-prescriptions, while recreational cannabis remains prohibited. Energy Grid Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light continues preparing for rising summer demand, while critics argue maintenance and grid management need deeper fixes. Power Infrastructure Upgrade: BPL secured a critical $1M transformer from Egypt to strengthen New Providence’s electricity grid amid recent outages. Marine Learning: King’s College School turned Love Beach into a living classroom through a Marine Science Summer Camp focused on reef-based conservation and biology. Wildlife at Sea: A Bahamas snorkeling trip reportedly featured two orcas, a rare but cautionary reminder of how unpredictable marine encounters can be. Tech Policy in Nassau: WTPF-26 will bring global digital policy discussions to Nassau (Sept 2–4) on connectivity and inclusive, resilient tech. Banking Payments: Scotiabank in The Bahamas has finally enabled Apple Pay for credit cards, a practical push toward modern mobile payments. Medical Tourism Impact: A Grand Bahama man’s long-running knee pain was resolved after total bilateral knee replacement abroad, highlighting access gaps and the role of overseas care.

Grid Reliability & Power Tech: Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) secured a critical $1M, 70-ton transformer from Egypt (Elsewedy Electric) to stabilize New Providence’s electricity supply for about a third of the island, as outages and infrastructure strain continue. Energy Policy & Funding: National Health Insurance (NHI) says it must diversify funding because rapid beneficiary growth has outpaced resources, with government-only funding flagged as unsustainable. Digital Government: The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure hosted a Bahamas delegation for planning automation and digital transformation talks, including integrated permitting and regulatory workflows. Medical Cannabis Rollout: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the government has signed with Metrc for a seed-to-sale licensing and medical e-prescription platform, setting up the Cannabis Authority’s operational backbone. Marine Science Education: King’s College School’s Marine Science Summer Camp turns Love Beach into a living classroom with reef and beachfront learning, snorkelling/scuba, and conservation activities. Wildlife & Public Safety: A Bahamas snorkeling trip reportedly featured two orcas swimming with guests, a reminder that wild encounters can be rare but still require caution. Infrastructure Disruption: Andros’ Fresh Creek Bridge was condemned after structural support failure, disrupting transport and complicating electricity restoration logistics. LNG Import Tech: New Providence Gas’s Clifton Pier LNG project selected a “jettyless” LNG transfer system (ECOnnect’s IQuay) to cut construction time and cost, targeting operations in Q1 2027.

Medical Cannabis Rollout: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the Bahamas has secured and signed a contract with Metrc for the digital platform that will run medical cannabis licensing, “seed-to-sale” tracking, and medical e-prescriptions—while recreational cannabis remains prohibited. Grid Reliability Fight: Former BPL CEO Whitney Heastie and ex-minister Desmond Bannister dispute BPL’s explanations for outages, pointing to maintenance and equipment being pushed beyond design limits as New Providence faces repeated power failures. Bridge Collapse in Andros: The Fresh Creek Bridge in Central Andros has been condemned after a pile cap sank and shifted, closing it to vehicles; officials are moving toward a temporary ferry/bridge solution while a replacement is planned. Cleaner Fuel Infrastructure: New Providence Gas’s LNG import terminal at Clifton Pier is advancing with a “jettyless” LNG transfer system from ECOnnect Energy, aiming to cut construction time and support a shift from heavy fuel oil to natural gas by early 2027. Cyber Safety for Seniors: REV’s Shakera Johnson warns that AI is making scams more convincing on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, urging people—especially seniors—to watch for deepfakes and impersonation. STEM & Skills Pipeline: The Division of Youth’s Apprentice Camp Trade Show highlighted hands-on training ranging from robotics and introductory drone piloting to agriculture and animal husbandry.

Grid Reliability Debate: PLP chairman Fred Mitchell and former BPL/energy figures trade sharp rebuttals over New Providence power outages, with critics arguing maintenance and equipment are being pushed beyond design limits while BPL/BGC point to heat, faults, and demand spikes. Medical Cannabis Rollout: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the government is moving ahead with medical marijuana licensing and “seed-to-sale” tracking after signing Metrc for the digital platform, plus e-prescription changes and guidance support. LNG Infrastructure Upgrade: New Providence Gas selects ECOnnect’s “jettyless” floating LNG transfer system for Clifton Pier, aiming to cut construction time and marine disruption as operations target Q1 2027. Cyber Safety Warning: REV security director highlights rising AI-driven scams on social platforms, urging seniors and families to watch for deepfake-style voice/video tricks. Digital Assets Watch: Benchmark Bahamas announces Bahamas Ovryde Exchange, saying it’s awaiting regulator approval and designed to avoid past failures like FTX. STEM Workforce Pipeline: Coralisle Group wraps a cross-border 2026 summer internship programme drawing students from the Bahamas and the wider region, with work across tech and business teams. Infrastructure Disruption in Andros: Fresh Creek Bridge is condemned after structural failure, with temporary ferry plans while a replacement is pursued. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA and CSU forecasts point to well-below-normal Atlantic activity for 2026, with fewer storms and lower major landfall odds.

Special Education Capacity: The Bahamas Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says it has expanded support for students with autism and other exceptionalities, adding specialized classrooms, individualized education planning, therapy services, and 120+ trained special education teachers (plus 40 more recruited over three years). Power Grid Pressure: Bahamas Power and Light says it’s “summer ready” for rising demand into late August and September, but recent outages and grid strain are still driving debate over what’s failing and why. Infrastructure Disruption in Andros: The Fresh Creek Bridge in Central Andros has been condemned after a structural support sank and shifted, cutting the main transport link and affecting electricity restoration; officials are arranging temporary ferrying of vehicles while a temporary bridge is sought. Cybersecurity & AI Scams: REV and police warn that AI is making scams more convincing, including deepfake-style voice and video tricks that can target seniors—so residents are urged to watch for red flags and protect personal info. Digital Assets Watch: Benchmark Bahamas announced Bahamas Ovryde, a regulated digital asset exchange platform pending approval, aiming to avoid the failures seen after FTX. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, with support routed through its climate and energy transition finance programs. STEM Skills Pipeline: A Youth & Sports trade show highlighted apprentices’ hands-on skills, including robotics and introductory drone piloting, alongside trades like carpentry, agriculture, and sewing. Maritime Safety: A seaplane crash near North Bimini (Cessna 208B) reportedly resulted in everyone being pulled to safety after the aircraft sank near a dock.

Digital Assets & Regulation: Benchmark Bahamas says its new crypto exchange, Bahamas Ovryde, will use Ovryde’s licensed Box Core tech and is awaiting Securities Commission approval—aiming to avoid the “monkey business” blamed on FTX. Cybersecurity & AI Scams: REV warns that AI can make fake videos and voice calls more convincing, with seniors often targeted; police report cybercrime is about 12% of reported crimes. Infrastructure Safety: Central Andros’ Fresh Creek Bridge has been condemned after a sunk pile cap shifted loads; vehicular traffic is halted and ferrying is planned while a temporary bridge is sought. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, with support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Finance Accelerator. STEM Talent Pipeline: Coralisle Group wrapped its 2026 summer internship programme, bringing students from six jurisdictions including The Bahamas into roles spanning technology and other business functions. Science in the Region: VMI biology professor Lt. Col. Molly Kent spoke at an international neuroscience meeting in South Africa on how lab conditions affect fish brain and behavior.

STEM Careers & Youth Training: Coralisle Group (CG) wrapped its 2026 summer internship programme, taking students from Bermuda, Cayman, the Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica through eight-week placements spanning insurance, legal, finance, marketing, HR, operations, technology and customer service, plus mentorship and a cross-border intern project. Digital Assets & Regulation: Bahamas Benchmark Group says it’s partnering with Ovryde to launch “Bahamas Ovryde,” a regulated digital asset marketplace pending approval from The Bahamas Securities Commission—aimed at avoiding the failures seen in FTX. Infrastructure Engineering: Central Andros’ Fresh Creek Bridge was shut to vehicles after engineers found a pile cap sank and shifted; a temporary bridge is planned within two months while a permanent replacement is built. Cybersecurity & AI Scams: REV’s information security director warns that AI-powered deepfakes are making fraud more believable, urging residents—especially seniors—to watch for red flags on common platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Hands-on Skills: Youth & Sports Apprentice Camp trade show highlights include carpentry, robotics, introductory drone piloting, photography, agriculture and animal husbandry, and other practical trades. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1.

Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, with support routed through its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Finance Accelerator. Digital Justice: The Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference adopted the Jaipur Declaration and highlighted “Nyayayan – The Digital Way of Justice,” a Rajasthan High Court push toward paperless court operations. Local Youth & Sports Tech: Disney Cruise Line partnered with NBA star Buddy Hield to upgrade Woodcock Primary School’s sports complex in Nassau, part of its Play Project expanding play access across Bahamian schools. Power Grid Relief Pressure: Prime Minister Philip Davis asked Bahamas Power & Light to examine further financial relief for customers after repeated New Providence outages, as BPL works to rebuild grid “institutional knowledge.” Insurance Careers Pipeline: Coralisle Group (CG) wrapped its 2026 Summer Internship Programme, taking students from six jurisdictions including The Bahamas and placing them across insurance, legal, finance, technology, and more. Crypto Exchange Watch: Benchmark Bahamas CEO said the Bahamas Ovryde Exchange will avoid FTX-style failures, stressing a licensing structure and regulator oversight after Securities Commission approval. Health & Neuro Care: Doctors Hospital is partnering with an Indian institute to launch a specialist neurological wellness centre in The Bahamas focused on autism treatment, with plans for 75 local jobs. STEM in the Classroom: Colina Holdings Bahamas hosted BYLD students with sessions spanning IT, investments, accounting, communications, and graphic design, plus a $10,000 donation to the programme. Maritime Discovery: Newly released images show the wreck of Shackleton’s final ship, Quest, resting in the Labrador Sea at about 1,280 feet deep, with marine life reported around the site.

Education & Youth Sports: Disney Cruise Line teamed up with NBA star Buddy Hield and local partners to unveil a renovated sports complex at Woodcock Primary School in Nassau, part of its Play Project that has delivered 60,000+ hours of play to 800+ children and plans to expand to Abaco. Energy Reliability: Bahamas Power & Light faced another round of outages after an island-wide blackout tied to a Blue Hills power station cable fault, with the Central Bank saying it found no measurable economic impact so far while officials push longer-term grid reforms and possible customer relief. Healthcare Innovation: Doctors Hospital is partnering with India’s NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute to launch a specialist neurological wellness centre for autism, with 75 local jobs planned. STEM & Career Pathways: Colina Holdings Bahamas hosted BYLD students and offered a $10,000 donation, with sessions spanning IT, finance, insurance, and design. Marine Science & Safety: A Bahamas snorkel video highlights orcas joining divers, underscoring the need to watch for the whole pod. Digital Finance: Benchmark Bahamas signed a Swiss joint venture to build a blockchain-based digital asset trading platform, pending Securities Commission licences under the DARE Act. Wildlife Research: A tagged great white shark’s northward migration is being tracked as ocean warming shifts shark movement patterns.

Power & Grid Reliability: Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) faced another wave of outages after an early-morning island-wide blackout tied to a suspected underground cable fault at Blue Hills, leaving thousands without electricity and sparking frustration over restoration timing; Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he’s asked BPL to examine further customer relief, while the Central Bank reported no measurable economic impact from the disruptions so far. Health Tech & Jobs: Doctors Hospital is partnering with India’s NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute to launch a “first of its kind” specialist neurological wellness centre in The Bahamas focused on autism, with a multi-million-dollar plan aimed at creating 75 local jobs. Digital Finance & Regulation: Benchmark Bahamas (via Benchmark Advisors) signed a joint venture with Swiss firm Ovryde to create the Bahamas Ovryde Exchange (BOX), a blockchain-based digital asset trading platform pending Securities Commission licensing under the DARE Act 2024. STEM Education Pipeline: Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited hosted students from the Bahamas Youth Leadership Development program, showcasing careers across insurance, IT, investments, accounting, communications and graphic design, plus a $10,000 donation to support the programme. Marine Life & Climate Lens: A new study review highlights how hurricanes can both help and harm wildlife—spreading invasive species, driving migration, and sometimes causing mass die-offs—as tropical cyclones intensify in a warming world. Local Science & Culture: Bahamian jazz trumpeter Giveton Gelin joined the Recording Academy as a voting member, boosting international visibility for island music creators.

Energy Reliability in Focus: Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) faced fresh backlash after another round of outages left thousands in New Providence without power, following an earlier island-wide blackout tied to a suspected underground cable fault and transformer failure at Blue Hills; Prime Minister Philip Davis said he’s asked BPL to examine further financial relief for affected customers, while the Central Bank reported no measurable economic impact from the outages so far. Health & Innovation: Doctors Hospital is partnering with India’s NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute to launch a specialist neurological wellness centre in The Bahamas aimed at treating autism, with plans for 75 local jobs. Digital Finance & Regulation: Benchmark Bahamas subsidiary Benchmark Advisors signed a joint venture with Swiss tech firm Ovryde to create a blockchain-based digital asset trading platform, pending Securities Commission approval under the DARE Act 2024. STEM Education & Capacity: Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited hosted students from the Bahamas Youth Leadership Development program, covering careers from IT to investments, and donated $10,000 to support the programme. Marine & Climate Science: A University of Florida review highlights how hurricanes can reshape wildlife survival, spread invasive species, and alter animal movement patterns as tropical storms intensify. Local Science Spotlight: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences unveiled a large new study record, adding to the country’s growing research footprint.

Power Crisis in Nassau: Bahamas Power & Light restored about 75% of New Providence by late morning after an early-morning blackout tied to a Blue Hills cable fault and transformer explosion, but residents still reported widespread outages and no clear schedules; PM Philip Davis says BPL should examine further customer relief while noting grid “institutional knowledge” gaps. Public Health & Jobs: Doctors Hospital is partnering with India’s NeuroGen to launch a “first of its kind” Bahamas NeuroGen neurological wellness centre for autism and other conditions, with plans for 75 local jobs and a phased opening. STEM Education Push: Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited hosted students from the Bahamas Youth Leadership Development program, covering careers from IT and investments to graphic design, and donated $10,000. Energy Policy Watch: Central Bank governor John Rolle says there’s no measurable economic impact from this year’s rolling outages so far, but stresses long-term growth depends on lowering electricity costs. Digital Finance Move: Benchmark Bahamas subsidiary signed a Swiss tech joint venture to create a blockchain-based digital asset trading platform, pending Securities Commission licences under the DARE Act. Marine Science & Climate: A UF review finds hurricanes can both help and harm wildlife—shifting movement, spreading invasives, and sometimes driving adaptation or extinction—highlighting growing risks as storms intensify. Local Environment Debate: Residents challenged Bahama Rock’s Freeport Harbour expansion and former Bahamas Cement site acquisition, questioning the environmental impact assessment amid concerns over blasting, dust, and flooding.

Power Crisis in The Bahamas: Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) faced another wave of outages after an early-morning blackout tied to a Blue Hills power plant cable fault and transformer explosion, with restoration delayed and residents left frustrated; Energy Policy Response: Prime Minister Philip Davis said he’s asked BPL to examine further financial relief for affected customers, while the Central Bank reported no measurable economic impact from the outages so far; Healthcare & Jobs: Doctors Hospital is partnering with India’s NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute to launch a specialist neurological wellness centre for autism, with plans for 75 local jobs and new diagnostic/lab services; AI for Government: A Bahamas-focused op-ed argues AI could modernize public services and help diversify the economy and workforce; Digital Finance Push: Benchmark Bahamas subsidiary signed a Swiss joint venture to create a regulated digital asset trading platform (awaiting Securities Commission approval under the DARE Act); STEM Education Pipeline: UB is launching an environmental and aerospace satellite engineering program, while Colina Holdings Bahamas hosted BYLD students with career talks across IT, finance, and design; Environment & Research: A study review finds hurricanes can reshape wildlife survival, movement, and invasive species spread—relevant as storms intensify.

Power & Grid Reliability: Bahamas Power & Light’s latest outages left thousands in New Providence in the dark after a Blue Hills power fire tied to a suspected underground cable fault and transformer explosion, with restoration uneven and Prime Minister Philip Davis pressing for further consumer relief. Energy Costs & Policy: The Central Bank says it found no measurable economic hit from recent rolling outages, while stressing long-term growth depends on lowering electricity costs through energy sector reforms. Public Health Expansion: The Public Hospitals Authority bought Doctors Hospital’s Harborside facility for $29m to expand urgent care, diagnostics and lab services, with renovations and equipment upgrades planned. Workforce & Safety: The Bahamas Contractors Association urged workplace safety standards tailored to local conditions instead of copying US OSHA rules wholesale. STEM & Youth Pipeline: Colina Holdings Bahamas hosted students in the Bahamas Youth Leadership Development program, covering careers from IT to investments, and donated $10,000. Tech & Finance: Benchmark Bahamas signed a Swiss joint venture to create a digital asset trading platform (BOX), pending Securities Commission licensing under the DARE Act. AI in Government: A local commentary argues AI can modernize Bahamas government services and help diversify the economy. Education & Research: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences is highlighted for mapping 50 years of research on the country.