AGP Executive Report

Youth Innovation: The government launched the Young Innovators Club’s national pilot, bringing more than 100 students together to develop practical solutions in technology, environmental innovation, entrepreneurship, arts and maritime fields. The programme is set to expand beyond Grand Bahama and New Providence. Marine Science: A proposed service dock near East Sampson Cay has put a juvenile queen-conch nursery in the spotlight. Researchers found high densities of young conch nearby; a Supreme Court challenge disputes the project’s environmental approvals, with a ruling expected within weeks. Environmental Health: University of The Bahamas researchers found cadmium in East Grand Bahama mangrove sediment at levels far above their reference point. They urged precautions and further checks at the most contaminated sites. Research Capacity: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences says research on water, food and energy remains underdeveloped and too reliant on foreign institutions. It is urging a national research council, or a stronger Academy, to set priorities and coordinate a five-year research agenda.

Conch Conservation: A proposed service dock at Rosewood Exuma would dredge part of a bay near a nursery where researchers found high juvenile queen conch densities. A Supreme Court challenge questions whether the project was lawfully approved; the court is not being asked to rule on its impact on conch. Youth Innovation: The government launched a national Young Innovators Club pilot for students aged 15 to 25, focused on practical solutions in technology, the environment, entrepreneurship and other fields. Environmental Health: University of The Bahamas researchers found cadmium in East Grand Bahama mangrove sediment at an average 442.58 milligrams per kilogram, far above the 0.6 mg/kg reference level, and urged precautions at the most contaminated sites. Research Capacity: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences is urging a national research agenda and stronger coordination, citing gaps in local research on water, food and energy and continued reliance on foreign institutions.

Youth Innovation: The government launched a Young Innovators Club pilot in New Providence for students aged 15–25, focused on practical projects in technology, the environment, entrepreneurship, arts and maritime innovation. The programme is set to expand beyond Grand Bahama and New Providence. Research Priorities: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences is urging the government to establish a National Research Council and set a five-year agenda focused on needs such as water, food and energy. It says fragmented data and reliance on foreign institutions hamper local research and environmental monitoring. Environmental Health: University of The Bahamas researchers found cadmium levels in East Grand Bahama mangrove sediment far above their reference level, prompting calls for further assessment and possible public health precautions at the most contaminated sites. Medical Technology: Dr. Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first GreenLight laser procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

Youth Innovation: The government launched a national Young Innovators Club pilot, bringing together more than 100 students to develop practical ideas in technology, environmental innovation, entrepreneurship and other fields. The programme is set to expand to Abaco and Exuma. Research Capacity: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences is urging the government to establish a National Research Council and set a five-year research agenda focused on needs such as fresh water, food and energy. It says reliance on foreign labs has left local monitoring and data management fragmented. Environmental Science: University of The Bahamas researchers found cadmium levels in East Grand Bahama mangrove sediment averaging more than 700 times their reference level. They recommend further exposure assessments and precautionary steps at the most contaminated sites. Climate Technology: The Bahamas is seeking a place in a UN disaster-resilience AI programme, as the country looks to apply technology to climate preparedness.

Youth Innovation: The Young Innovators Club launched its national pilot, bringing together more than 100 students to build practical solutions in technology, environmental innovation, entrepreneurship, arts and maritime fields. Research Capacity: The Bahamas Academy of Sciences is urging the government to establish a National Research Council and set a five-year research agenda, arguing that local priorities such as freshwater, food and energy remain too reliant on foreign institutions. Environmental Health: University of The Bahamas researchers found cadmium in East Grand Bahama mangrove sediment at more than 700 times the reference level and called for precautions at the most contaminated sites. Medical Technology: Dr. Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first GreenLight prostate procedure, using laser technology to treat an enlarged prostate. Disaster Technology: The Bahamas is seeking a place in a UN programme using artificial intelligence for disaster resilience.

Youth Innovation: The national pilot of the Young Innovators Club brought together more than 100 students to develop practical solutions, with projects spanning technology, the environment, entrepreneurship, arts and heritage, and maritime innovation. Digital Technology: Innovation Minister Sebastian Bastian argues that data, computing, cybersecurity and digital skills are vital national infrastructure as AI reshapes the economy. The Bahamas is also seeking a place in a UN disaster-resilience AI programme. Medical Technology: Dr. Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first GreenLight prostate procedure, using laser technology to treat an enlarged prostate. Research & Aquaculture: BAMSI is exploring medicinal plants’ potential for skincare, while aquaculture scientist Dr. Megan Davis is co-leading a mobile queen conch hatchery in The Bahamas.

Marine Science: Aquaculture scientist Dr. Megan Davis is co-leading a mobile queen conch hatchery in The Bahamas, building on four decades of research and hatchery work aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries. Health Technology: Bahamian urologist Dr. Greggory Pinto has performed the country’s first GreenLight laser procedures for enlarged prostates, bringing treatment home for patients who might otherwise travel abroad. Digital Future: Innovation Minister Sebastian Bastian argues The Bahamas needs local capacity in AI, data, cybersecurity and digital services so the country can create more value from Bahamian data. Climate Science: Record global heat and warmer oceans raise particular concerns for The Bahamas, where higher sea temperatures threaten coral reefs and can fuel stronger hurricanes.

Digital Capacity: Innovation Minister Sebastian Bastian says The Bahamas needs stronger data, computing, cybersecurity and digital skills infrastructure so it can create more value from Bahamian data in the AI era. Health Technology: Urologist Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first five GreenLight laser procedures for enlarged prostates at Doctors Hospital, bringing treatment previously sought abroad closer to home. Disaster Resilience: The Bahamas is seeking a place in a UN programme on AI for disaster resilience, connecting emerging technology with the country’s climate risks. Local Research: BAMSI researchers are exploring the potential of medicinal plants for skincare, while its community gardening training brings practical growing skills to residents.

AI Capacity: Bahamian commentary is urging the country to build local skills and infrastructure for AI, protect control of its data and ensure the technology benefits ordinary people. Disaster Resilience: The Bahamas has expressed interest in a UN program using AI to improve storm warnings, damage assessments and emergency response, while seeking local technical training and control over data-sharing. Health Technology: Urologist Dr. Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first GreenLight laser procedures for enlarged prostates, completing five surgeries at Doctors Hospital. Standards and Research: The Bahamas won another term on the International Organization for Standardization’s Council for 2027–29; separately, BAMSI is exploring medicinal plants’ potential for skincare and expanding practical gardening training.

Inclusive Tech: A call to make artificial intelligence accessible to all Bahamians argues that the country’s technology sector must create opportunities for young people and small businesses, not just established players. Disaster Preparedness: The Bahamas has expressed interest in a UN program using AI to improve storm warnings, damage assessments and disaster response, while seeking local technical training and control over data-sharing. Youth Innovation: Grand Bahama’s new Young Innovators Club will challenge students to research problems and pitch solutions, with $50,000 in prizes for top teams. Health Technology: Urologist Dr. Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first five GreenLight laser procedures for enlarged prostates, bringing a treatment previously sought abroad to Doctors Hospital. Bahamian Research: BAMSI scientist Waseem Ahmed’s study found that extracts from two medicinal plants may inhibit enzymes linked to skin aging and pigmentation; further research is needed to assess safe, effective use. Global Standards: The Bahamas won another term on the International Organization for Standardization Council, representing small island states from 2027 to 2029.

AI for Disaster Resilience: The Bahamas has submitted an expression of interest to join a new UN AI program for disaster preparedness and recovery, aiming for earlier storm warnings, faster damage assessments, and better aid delivery while keeping local control over data-sharing. Education & Safety: Deputy PM Chester Cooper says school power outages can be used as a “learning opportunity” for resilience, after an electrical fault at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School injured three students and led to early dismissal while Bahamas Grid crews repaired the issue. Health Tech at Home: Urologist Dr. Greggory Pinto performed The Bahamas’ first GreenLight photovaporization surgeries for obstructive benign prostate at Doctors Hospital, bringing modern urological options to patients locally. Youth, Tech & Mental Health: Experts warn that social media use can affect young people’s mental health, with Australia’s move to ban under-16s from social platforms adding pressure for similar protections. STEM & Community Innovation: BAMSI expands backyard gardening training to boost household food production, while Grand Bahama launches a Young Innovators Club with a $50,000 prize purse to push student problem-solving and research. Standards & Research Capacity: The Bahamas secured another term on the ISO Council for 2027–2029, strengthening its role in international standards that support quality and innovation.

Healthcare Tech in the Bahamas: Urologist Dr. Greggory Pinto performed the Bahamas’ first GreenLight photovaporization for obstructive benign prostate, completing five successful surgeries at Doctors Hospital and bringing modern options home. School Safety & Power Reliability: After a faulty electrical wire at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School caused minor burns to three students, classes were dismissed early while Bahamas Grid and partners addressed the issue affecting nearby areas too. Disaster Resilience AI: The Bahamas submitted an expression of interest to join a UN AI program for disaster preparedness and recovery, aiming for earlier warnings and faster damage assessments with Bahamian control over data-sharing. Education Tech & Learning: DPM/Minister Chester Cooper told parents that stronger home-school partnership and better use of technology are key to improving literacy, numeracy, and pathways to success. Youth Innovation & STEM Funding: Grand Bahama launched a Young Innovators Club with an $50,000 prize purse, challenging students to research problems, build solutions, and pitch them. Marine Education Tech: RF Bank & Trust backed BREEF with underwater communication equipment to make snorkeling and marine learning more interactive and safer. Space & Science Outreach: Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival returns with telescope tours, night-sky photography, and talks tied to Artemis.

School Safety & Power: Three students suffered minor burns after a faulty electrical wire disrupted the day at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School; the Ministry of Education says Bahamas Grid crews are on-site and the school (and the Centre for the Deaf) was dismissed early while repairs address impacts to surrounding areas. Youth Innovation: Acting PM/Education Minister Chester Cooper launched the Young Innovators Club in Grand Bahama, challenging students to research local problems, build solutions, and compete for a $50,000 prize purse. Food Security Training: BAMSI is taking backyard gardening know-how into communities to boost household food production and reduce reliance on imported food, with hands-on sessions on soil, crops, planting, and maintenance. Medicinal Plant Research: BAMSI researchers published findings on extracts from Adhatoda vasica and Calotropis procera showing enzyme-inhibiting activity tied to skin pigmentation and collagen/elastin breakdown—pointing to potential natural skincare leads. Marine Education Tech: RF Bank & Trust is funding BREEF’s underwater communication equipment to make snorkeling and marine learning more interactive and safer. Marine Science Spotlight: A long-running dolphinfish tagging program marks 25 years and 40,500 tags, underscoring how citizen science can expand knowledge of Atlantic and Caribbean fish behavior.

Climate Action Debate: UN leaders at High-level Week General Debate split over how fast to cut fossil fuels, who pays for the transition, and how to protect vulnerable island states. Innovation in Education: Bahamas Acting PM Chester Cooper launched the Young Innovators Club at St. Georges High, challenging students to research solutions for eight weeks with a $50,000 prize purse. Marine Tech for Learning: RF Bank & Trust is backing BREEF with underwater communication equipment to make snorkeling and marine education more interactive and safer. Maritime Governance: The Bahamas Maritime Authority stressed “policy to practice” as new Merchant Shipping Regulations and decarbonisation push shipowners toward clearer, earlier guidance. Aviation Safety: North Eleuthera runway repairs are moving toward a full resurfacing/overlay after inspections found potholes and an undulating surface that officials call a safety hazard. Healthcare Leadership: The Public Hospitals Authority announced its 2026–2027 board as major hospital and facility upgrades continue. Royal & Regional Spotlight: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Caribbean tour includes The Bahamas and Guyana ahead of CHOGM, with Buckingham Palace saying he won’t issue a formal slavery apology or commit to reparations. Identity & Security Tech: ID Tech Digest highlighted biometric anti-tampering results and new FIDO2 certification for fingerprint security keys.

Maritime Regulation in Action: The Bahamas Maritime Authority is pushing “policy to practice” for its Merchant Shipping Regulations, stressing early industry engagement and clear guidance as shipping shifts toward lower-carbon fuels, digital tools, and new seafarer skills. Healthcare Governance: The Public Hospitals Authority named its 2026–2027 board, with a mandate focused on execution and operational excellence during major projects like the new Bahamas Hospital and the Freeport Health Campus. Runway Safety Fix for North Eleuthera: Western Air suspended flights after runway deterioration; the Ministry of Works says potholes and an undulating surface require a full resurfacing plan (mill and asphalt overlay) rather than patching. AI & History Access: Nearly 4 million enslavement records from former British colonies—including the Bahamas—are now searchable online for free via Ancestry. Space Tech Buzz: SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit again, with plans framed around paving the way for future Mars missions. Local Tech/Business: Baha Mar hosted the EV Motors Open, mixing mixed doubles tennis with an automotive showcase and tech prizes.

Royal Visit & Slavery Legacy: Buckingham Palace says King Charles will address Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade during his Caribbean tour, including a Bahamas stop, but will not issue a formal apology or commit to reparations—leaving the policy call to the UK government. Public Health Governance: The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) announced its 2026–2027 board, with a mandate focused on execution and operational excellence as major healthcare projects progress. Aviation Infrastructure: North Eleuthera Airport runway repairs are moving toward a full resurfacing after Western Air suspended flights, citing potholes and an undulating surface; work is expected to start after scope/tender steps. Water & Energy Policy (Regional): A Jamaica desalination proposal is debated as specialists weigh feasibility against high energy costs. Tech & Mobility (Bahamas): EV Motors Open returns at Baha Mar with mixed doubles tennis and an automotive showcase, highlighting local tech and innovation culture. Space/Defense Tech (Global): Regent Craft’s Seaglider manufacturing facility opens in Rhode Island, backed by a U.S. Marine Corps contract.