AGP Executive Report

Climate & AI Forecasting: Scientists say Atlantic hurricanes are getting nastier as climate change ramps up risk, and AI is being tested to speed up pattern recognition in forecasts—though experts still warn it can’t replace human judgment. Ocean & Public Health Tech: Divers Alert Network named its 2026 interns, including Bahamian-linked coral and shark research experience, while CARPHA trained 18 people across the region to safely transport infectious lab specimens—supporting faster detection and better lab systems. STEM for Youth: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1M pledge and backed Women and Girls in STEM with a $40,000 cheque to Happy Humans Bahamas. Coastal Resilience: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by putting about 4,000 mangroves into the ground in two hours at Dover Sound. Local Skills & Workforce: BTVI updated Deputy PM Chester Cooper on progress in technical workforce development, as the government pushes to find more competent local technical professionals. Disaster Planning Gap: An IMF assessment says The Bahamas lacks a standardized way to measure hurricane economic impacts in forecasting and debt planning, limiting how disaster shocks are built into policy tools. Bahamas Science & Heritage: Researchers reported early results from the first permitted underwater archaeology expedition in Nassau Harbour, identifying multiple shipwrecks tied to the “golden age of piracy.” Sports Tech Spotlight: Javonya Valcourt advanced to the NCAA women’s 400m final, keeping Bahamas representation in the spotlight.

Women’s Track & Field: Javonya Valcourt booked her spot in the NCAA women’s 400m final after running 50.75 in the semifinals at Hayward Field, while fellow Bahamians Quincy Penn, Lacarthea Cooper and Collinique Farrington all competed in the same event. STEM Philanthropy: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1M pledge over three years, including a $40,000 cheque to Happy Humans Bahamas for its Women and Girls in STEM initiative. Education & Engineering Pathways: Lyford Cay Foundations’ alumni reception highlighted how scholarships can lead from physics and mathematics to electrical engineering and leadership roles. Public Health Lab Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 countries in safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop, strengthening regional lab and pandemic readiness. Climate & Resilience Planning: An IMF assessment says The Bahamas lacks a standardized framework to measure disaster impacts in macro forecasting and debt planning, despite frequent hurricane shocks. Energy Reliability: Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told lawmakers power cuts are part of “growing pains” during energy reforms, including LNG/solar deals and grid-asset changes. Coastal Restoration: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its mangrove planting season by putting 4,000 mangroves into the ground in two hours at Dover Sound. Food Security Training: BAMSI is scaling training for future farmers and marine/agriculture specialists, from cadets to career changers. Maritime Archaeology: Nassau Harbour’s first permitted underwater expedition identified six shipwrecks tied to the “golden age of piracy,” recovering items like cannons and tobacco pipes. Tech & Payments in Sport: WSOP will accept Solana payments for tournament buy-ins via MoonPay, with stablecoin payout options planned for WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas this December.

NCAA Track (Bahamas): Javonya Valcourt advanced to the women’s 400m final at the NCAA Outdoor Championships after running 50.75 in her semifinal, while Quincy Penn narrowly missed the final and other Bahamian women fell just short. STEM Philanthropy: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1M pledge over three years, including a $40,000 cheque to Happy Humans Bahamas to support its Women and Girls in STEM initiative. Regional Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 countries on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab systems and pandemic readiness across the Caribbean. Energy & Reliability: Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told lawmakers that frequent power cuts are part of “growing pains” during energy reform, as the government works to improve affordability and reliability. Disaster Economics: An IMF report says The Bahamas lacks a standardized framework to measure hurricane impacts in macro forecasts and debt planning, and is pushing capacity-building around a disaster-focused model. Mangrove Restoration: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its 2025-2026 season by planting about 4,000 mangroves in two hours at Dover Sound to boost coastal resilience. Maritime Archaeology (Bahamas): A first-ever underwater expedition in Nassau Harbour identified six shipwrecks, including piracy-era vessels, and recovered items like cannons and musket balls. WSOP + Crypto (Bahamas): WSOP will accept Solana payments for tournament buy-ins via MoonPay with zero processing fees, and Bahamas-based WSOP Paradise winners can opt for stablecoin payouts on Solana.

STEM Philanthropy: Cable Bahamas relaunched its Cable Cares Foundation with a $1 million, three-year pledge to community initiatives nationwide, including a $40,000 boost to Happy Humans Bahamas’ Women and Girls in STEM program. Education & Skills: Lyford Cay Foundations’ alumni reception highlighted how scholarships can open doors in physics, mathematics, and electrical engineering—showcasing local pathways into technical careers. Public Health Lab Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 Caribbean states to safely transport infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening regional lab systems and faster outbreak response. Workforce Development: Bahamas Vocational and Technical Institute updated the Deputy Prime Minister on progress in producing skilled technical professionals to support investment and local jobs. Climate & Resilience: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped up mangrove planting with a community push that planted about 4,000 mangroves in two hours at Dover Sound to protect shorelines and boost climate resilience. Energy Reliability: Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told lawmakers power cuts are part of “growing pains” during energy reforms, including LNG/solar deals and the Bahamas Grid Company’s role in grid operations. Sports Science Spotlight: Javonya Valcourt advanced to the NCAA women’s 400m final, while Bahamian athletes also competed in NCAA relays and men’s javelin, underscoring the country’s growing track-and-field pipeline. Research & Heritage: Nassau Harbour’s first-ever permitted underwater archaeology expedition identified six shipwrecks tied to the “golden age of piracy,” recovering artifacts like cannons and musket balls.

Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 Caribbean member states to safely transport infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, using an IATA train-the-trainer workshop in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen regional lab systems and pandemic readiness. Climate & Resilience: The IMF says The Bahamas lacks a standardized framework to measure how hurricanes and other climate shocks hit growth, debt, and fiscal planning, noting disaster models like DIGNAD aren’t yet operational for policy use. Energy Reliability: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told lawmakers that frequent power cuts are part of “growing pains” during energy reform, including LNG/solar deals and the transfer of grid assets to the Bahamas Grid Company. Coastal Restoration: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped up its 2025-2026 mangrove planting season by putting about 4,000 mangroves in the ground in two hours at Dover Sound, boosting shoreline protection and climate resilience. Workforce & Tech Policy: The DPM met with BTVI leadership on skills gaps for technical jobs and investor needs, while Minister Pia Glover-Rolle outlined The Bahamas’ AI-and-work approach at the ILO, citing updated data protection and plans for AI-specific legislation. Archaeology in Nassau: A first-ever underwater expedition in Nassau Harbour identified six shipwrecks, including pirate-era vessels, with artifacts like clay tobacco pipes and iron cannons recovered. STEM in Sports: Bahamian athletes made NCAA headlines—Javonya Valcourt reached the women’s 400m final, and Keyshawn Strachan won silver in the men’s javelin. Tech in Gaming Payments: WSOP will use Solana payments for tournament buy-ins via MoonPay, with WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas offering stablecoin payouts on Solana.

Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 Caribbean member states on safe transport of infectious substances, boosting regional lab readiness and faster outbreak response. Coastal Restoration: Waterkeepers Bahamas wrapped its 2025-2026 mangrove season by planting about 4,000 mangroves at Dover Sound in Grand Bahama, with students and community partners helping strengthen shorelines and climate resilience. Workforce & Tech Skills: The DPM met with BTVI leadership to press on the need for competent technical professionals and to address investor complaints about skilled labor gaps. Disaster Finance Planning: An IMF assessment says The Bahamas lacks a standardized framework to measure how hurricanes and climate shocks hit growth, debt, and fiscal planning—work is underway using the DIGNAD model. Energy Reliability: Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told lawmakers power cuts are part of “growing pains” during energy reform, including LNG/solar deals and the Bahamas Grid Company’s role in grid operations. AI & Work: Minister Pia Glover-Rolle outlined The Bahamas’ AI approach at the ILO, stressing responsibility, data protection updates, and plans for AI-specific legislation. Tourism Leadership: Glenys Hanna-Martin became the Bahamas’ first female Minister of Tourism, with aviation experience expected to support airlift and connectivity. Crypto Payments for Sports: WSOP announced Solana-based, zero-fee crypto ticketing, with WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas set to expand stablecoin payouts. Archaeology in Nassau Harbour: A first-ever underwater expedition in Nassau Harbour documented six shipwrecks, including three tied to the “golden age of piracy,” with recovered pirate-era artifacts.

Sports & STEM Pathways: Bahamian javelin national record holder Keyshawn Strachan won silver at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon—his first-ever NCAA medal in the men’s javelin for The Bahamas—throwing 80.65m. Disaster Economics: An IMF assessment says The Bahamas lacks a standardized framework to measure how hurricanes and climate shocks hit growth, debt, and fiscal planning, noting disaster models aren’t yet operational for policy use. Energy Reliability: Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told the House that frequent power cuts are part of “growing pains” during energy reforms, including LNG/solar deals and the Bahamas Grid Company’s role in transmission and distribution. AI & Work: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle outlined The Bahamas’ AI approach at the ILO, stressing responsibility, updated data protection, and plans for AI-specific legislation. Maritime Science & History: A first-ever underwater archaeology expedition in Nassau Harbour documented six shipwrecks, including three tied to the “golden age of piracy,” with recovered artefacts like cannons and musket balls. Food Security Training: BAMSI highlighted training for farmers and marine/aquaculture specialists as a push toward food security and sustainability. Tech in Finance (Bahamas-linked): WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas this December will expand Solana crypto payments for tournament buy-ins and stablecoin payouts. Climate Signals: Global data shows May 2026 was the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years.

AI & Workforce Policy: Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle told the ILO that The Bahamas is preparing for an “intelligent age” with updated data protection, workforce training, and plans for AI-specific legislation under its Blueprint for Progress. Food Security & Training: The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is expanding hands-on training for future farmers, soil chemists, fishermen and aquaculturists, aiming to strengthen national food security and sustainability. Energy Infrastructure: FOCOL unveiled a $379.2m financing package for its LNG-to-Power project, with the first major equipment shipment expected to arrive in The Bahamas next week at Clifton Pier. Marine Science & Heritage: An underwater archaeological expedition in Nassau Harbour documented six shipwrecks tied to the “golden age of piracy,” including artefacts like clay tobacco pipes, iron cannons and musket balls. STEM in Health: Bahamian cancer researcher Colton Jones presented ASCO findings linking GLP-1 therapy with reduced risk of several aggressive cancers, boosting the region’s research profile. Tourism Leadership: Glenys Hanna-Martin became The Bahamas’ first female Minister of Tourism, with aviation experience expected to support airlift and connectivity. Climate Watch: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years.

Energy Infrastructure: FOCOL Holdings says its $379.2m LNG-to-Power financing has officially closed, with the first major equipment shipment due to arrive in The Bahamas next week as work ramps up at Clifton Pier. Public Health & Research: Bahamian cancer physician Colton Jones presented new findings at ASCO, linking GLP-1 therapy with reduced risk across several aggressive cancers—an international research milestone for the islands. Education & Nutrition: Prime Minister Davis and DPM Cooper marked two million breakfasts served under the National School Breakfast Programme, aimed at getting kids fed and ready to learn. Tourism Leadership: Glenys Hanna-Martin was appointed the Bahamas’ first female Minister of Tourism, with aviation experience expected to boost air connectivity and airlift. Marine Conservation: Atlantis marked World Ocean Day with blue-zone touch tanks and conservation education focused on endangered species and stronger marine protection. STEM in the Region: PAHO says it’s intensifying Ebola preparedness across the Americas, including lab diagnostics and infection control readiness. Archaeology (Bahamas-linked): Researchers documented six pirate-era shipwreck sites around Nassau Harbor, including a possible Henry Avery connection, adding real-world clues to the “Golden Age of Piracy” story. Climate Science: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years.

STEM Education: An all-girl New Providence team is heading to the International Greenwich Olympiad in London with “SmartSteps,” a sensor-and-vibration mobility cane designed to help people with visual impairments detect obstacles and move more safely. Public Health: Turks and Caicos became the first in the Americas to be validated for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B, and also secured certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Marine Science & Climate Resilience: A new study highlights that many of the Caribbean’s most important reef “coastal defenders” are still unprotected, even as warming seas and pollution threaten reef-building corals that reduce storm damage. Archaeology (Bahamas): Researchers say they’ve documented multiple shipwreck sites tied to the Golden Age of Piracy around Nassau Harbor, including finds like cannons and musket balls. Health Research (Bahamas): Bahamian cancer physician Colton Jones presented groundbreaking work at ASCO, linking GLP-1 therapy with reduced risk across several aggressive cancers. Local Tech/Maritime: The Bahamas Maritime Authority launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system. Government & Tech in Schools: Prime Minister Davis and DPM Cooper marked two million breakfasts served under the National School Breakfast Programme.

Cancer Research Spotlight: Bahamian hematology/oncology fellow Colton Jones presented at ASCO, reporting early links between GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and reduced risk of several aggressive cancers—putting The Bahamas on a global preventative oncology map. Marine Conservation & Education: Atlantis’ Coral marked World Ocean Day with “blue zone” touch tanks featuring sea stars, green sea turtles, and nurse shark pups, plus reminders about protecting oceans from household runoff. STEM for Girls: A New Providence all-girl team heads to the International Greenwich Olympiad in London with SmartSteps, a sensor-based mobility cane using vibration alerts to help people with visual impairments navigate obstacles. Ebola Preparedness: WHO says travel restrictions on Uganda over Ebola are unnecessary and harmful to economies, while PAHO is ramping up regional readiness across the Americas with stronger surveillance, lab diagnostics, and infection control. Maritime Tech: The Bahamas Maritime Authority launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system to improve secure documentation. Public Health in Schools: Prime Minister Davis and DPM Cooper marked two million breakfasts served under the National School Breakfast Programme, supporting kids’ readiness to learn. Weather Watch: Hurricane trackers are monitoring a Gulf/Caribbean low-pressure system that could bring heavy rain and flooding risk later this month.

STEM in Schools: Prime Minister Philip Davis and DPM Chester Cooper marked a milestone in The Bahamas’ National School Breakfast Programme—two million breakfasts served to primary students—aimed at helping kids start the day fed and ready to learn. Public Accountability & Tech Modernization: The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority’s new chairman, Jamahl Strachan, promised transparency and modernization, including replacing outdated systems with new technology. Ebola Preparedness: PAHO says it’s intensifying Ebola readiness across the Americas, boosting surveillance, lab diagnostics, and infection control even as risk remains low. Bahamas STEM Showcase: An all-girl New Providence team is heading to the International Greenwich Olympiad in London with SmartSteps, a sensor-based mobility cane for people with visual impairments. Hurricane Monitoring: Weather teams are tracking a potential tropical development in the Gulf of America, with heavy rain and flooding the main concern. Maritime Digital Records: The Bahamas Maritime Authority launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system. Water Sector Growth: Consolidated Water appointed Sachin Chawla as senior VP for strategy and growth, citing progress including Cat Island desalination in The Bahamas.

STEM Olympiad Spotlight: New Providence students will represent The Bahamas at the International Greenwich Olympiad in London with “SmartSteps,” a sensor-based mobility cane using vibration alerts to help people with visual impairments navigate obstacles. University STEM Momentum: University of The Bahamas valedictorian Zoe O.J. Turner urged graduates to think critically and persevere, while electrical engineering technology graduate Leyhanessa L.C. Rolle earned top honours—signals of strong STEM talent in the islands. Water & Climate Resilience: Consolidated Water appointed water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla to drive strategy and growth, and GWP-C highlighted regional work in Nassau on climate services, early warning systems, and water security. Maritime Tech & Heritage: The Bahamas Maritime Authority launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system, while researchers reported six Nassau harbor shipwrecks tied to the real “Pirates of the Caribbean,” blending tech with archaeology. Public Health Focus: Caribbean leaders pushed evidence-based healthy food policy to tackle the region’s noncommunicable disease crisis, linking science, policy, and implementation gaps. Hurricane Science Basics: Local coverage explained how hurricanes form, why warmer oceans intensify storms, and what that means for preparedness.

Maritime Tech & Security: The Bahamas Maritime Authority has launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system, aiming to modernize and protect documentation for sailors. Climate & Water Resilience: Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) took part in Nassau meetings focused on climate services, early warning systems, and stronger water security across the region. Public Health & Food Policy: Caribbean health leaders and partners pushed for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to tackle the region’s noncommunicable disease crisis. Marine Science & Heritage: Researchers report six shipwrecks in Nassau Harbor tied to the real “Pirates of the Caribbean,” including a charred hull possibly linked to Henry Avery’s Fancy—new finds that deepen Bahamas maritime history. Hurricanes & Risk: Coverage continues on what climate change may be doing to hurricanes, with scientists stressing oceans’ heat as a key driver of storm intensification. Health Awareness: National Cancer Survivors Day highlights ongoing cancer research progress and the daily challenges faced by survivors and caregivers.

Aviation Policy: Bahamas Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis urged modern legal frameworks and resilient institutions at the CALAF/4 forum, stressing aviation’s role in tourism, emergency response, and island connectivity. Maritime Tech: The Bahamas Maritime Authority launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system, aiming to strengthen documentation for seafarers. Archaeology & Heritage: An international expedition reported six shipwrecks in Nassau Harbor tied to the real “Pirates of the Caribbean,” including a charred hull possibly linked to Henry Avery’s Fancy—new clues for Bahamas maritime history. Public Health & Food Systems: Caribbean leaders and health experts called for faster, evidence-based healthy food policy to tackle the region’s noncommunicable disease crisis, highlighting implementation gaps and the role of ultra-processed foods. Climate Resilience: Global Water Partnership-Caribbean joined regional meetings in Nassau to boost climate services, early warning systems, and water security planning across the Caribbean. Transport & Development: A CDB briefing framed traffic congestion as a development, public health, and climate issue, citing major productivity losses across the region. Tourism Media: The Caribbean Tourism Organization honored digital and storytelling excellence at the Caribbean Media Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, with Bahamas Ministry of Tourism support.

Maritime Tech & Heritage: The Bahamas Maritime Authority has launched a blockchain-secured digital seafarer record book system, aiming to modernize documentation for safer, more reliable crew records. Marine Science & Archaeology: An international expedition has found six shipwrecks in Nassau’s harbor tied to the real “Pirates of the Caribbean,” including a charred hull that may match Henry Avery’s lost frigate “Fancy,” giving researchers new clues about 17th–18th century pirate tactics. Public Safety & Search Tech: Federal investigators have resumed the search for Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas after new location data reportedly contradicted earlier statements, with renewed focus on the Sea of Abaco. Climate Resilience (Water): Global Water Partnership-Caribbean took part in Nassau meetings to strengthen climate services, early warning systems, and water security across the region. Health Policy: Caribbean leaders and public health experts pushed for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to tackle the region’s noncommunicable disease crisis.