AGP Executive Report

Fashion for a Cause: Bahari Bahamas and Androsia have teamed up on a breast cancer awareness collection blending Androsia batik with Bahari’s blue. The partnership also provides financial help to five women receiving treatment. National Honours: Hundreds of Bahamians were recognized on National Heroes Day for service to the country, from public service and infrastructure work to acts of bravery. Youth Achievement: Bahamian student Raia Cargill placed second at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress and will serve as junior CTO secretary-general. Bahamian Music: Malie Donn’s The Golden Child reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s reggae album chart in The Bahamas, according to reported chart positions.

History & Heritage: On the anniversary of Columbus’s 1492 landing in the Bahamas, renewed debate over Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day has highlighted the Lucayan people and the history that existed here before European arrival. Bahamian Music: Freeport’s Starr Trilli makes her dancehall debut alongside Jamaican artist Max Wayne on “What A Gwan,” a collaboration gaining radio play in the New York area. Tourism: Baha Bay was named the Caribbean’s Leading Water Park at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Youth & Culture: Bahamian student Raia Cargill placed second at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress, earning a regional junior role and mentorship. Community: John Bull’s 11th annual Pretty in Pink fundraiser drew more than 200 guests and raised money to help Family Island women access breast cancer screenings and treatment.

Bahamian Music: Freeport artist Starr Trilli joins Jamaica’s Max Wayne on dancehall remix “What A Gwan”—her first release in the genre. Community: John Bull’s 11th Pretty in Pink fundraiser drew more than 200 people and raised money for Cancer Society of The Bahamas programmes helping women access screenings and treatment. Tourism & Leisure: Baha Bay was named the Caribbean’s Leading Water Park 2026 at the World Travel Awards. Arts & Events: Nassau’s Nov. 7 Culture Shock concert will feature reggae icons Anthony B, Sizzla and Capleton. National Pride: NBA rookie V.J. Edgecombe says representing The Bahamas means more to him than winning an NBA title. Bahamian Heritage: Artist Anina Major is bringing Bahamian weaving traditions to Miami’s Pérez Art Museum in “The Sacred Mangrove.”

Music & Nightlife: Atlantis’ R&B brunch returns October 11 with Ginuwine, Essence Band and a featured dish from local chef Deja; organizers say it may be the final brunch of the year. Reggae: Culture Shock is set for November 7 at Nassau Cruise Port, with Anthony B, Sizzla and Capleton headlining a concert promoting reggae’s message of social change. Youth & Innovation: The Young Innovators Club has launched a Grand Bahama pilot for ages 15–25, with projects spanning technology, the environment, entrepreneurship, arts and heritage, and maritime innovation. Cultural Exchange: University of The Bahamas and Middle Tennessee State University choirs joined for a cultural residency, while Bahamian artist Anina Major is bringing local weaving traditions to a Miami exhibition. Environmental Education: More than 80 educators and environmental coordinators gathered in New Providence to encourage students to help protect the environment. Bahamian Culture Online: Goombay Kids’ videos have topped two million views, taking local children’s entertainment to a wider audience.

Live Music: Culture Shock is promising a major reggae night at Nassau Cruise Port on November 7, with Anthony B, Sizzla and Capleton headlining. Organizers say tickets have sold as far away as London. Bahamian Pride: NBA rookie V.J. Edgecombe says winning with The Bahamas would mean more to him than an NBA title, reflecting his deep ties to home. Marine Education: More than 80 educators and environmental coordinators gathered in New Providence to encourage students to protect the environment. Arts and Heritage: The Young Innovators Club is giving 15-to-25-year-olds a chance to develop community solutions, with arts and heritage among its five focus areas. Culture and Tourism: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says The Bahamas should make local music, art, food and festivals easier for cruise visitors to experience—and spend on. On the Calendar: Atlantis hosts its R&B brunch on October 11, featuring Ginuwine, Essence Band and local food. The Bahamas will also host CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics for the first time in 2026.

National Pride: NBA rookie V.J. Edgecombe says winning with The Bahamas would mean more to him than an NBA title, underscoring the pull of representing home. Environment: BREEF has brought more than 80 educators and environmental coordinators together in New Providence to encourage students to protect the environment. Arts & Innovation: The Young Innovators Club’s national pilot is giving students aged 15 to 25 a chance to develop practical ideas across technology, entrepreneurship, the environment, arts and heritage. The University of The Bahamas and Middle Tennessee State University choirs are also collaborating on a cultural residency. Food & Music: Atlantis’s R&B brunch returns Sunday with Ginuwine, Essence Band and a featured dish by local chef Deja of Kitchen Culture. Sport: The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time, welcoming athletes from eight Caribbean nations. Culture & Tourism: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says more Bahamian music, art, food and festivals could help visitors find authentic experiences and encourage greater spending.

Live & Local: Atlantis brings Ginuwine back for its R&B brunch on October 11, with Essence Band and a featured dish by Kitchen Culture’s Deja. Organizers say the event has drawn strong local interest. Youth & Opportunity: The Young Innovators Club has launched its New Providence pilot for ages 15 to 25, with projects spanning technology, entrepreneurship, the environment, arts and heritage, and maritime innovation. The Bahamas National Breakfast Programme is also expanding into junior high schools. Culture & Tourism: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says Bahamian music, art, food and festivals could help cruise visitors find more authentic experiences and spend more ashore. At the Caribbean tourism youth congress, Bahamian Raia Cargill placed second. Arts & Heritage: Bahamian artist Anina Major is bringing local weaving traditions to Miami’s Pérez Art Museum, while the University of The Bahamas and Middle Tennessee State University choirs are collaborating in a cultural residency. Community & Sport: Parliament is advancing the Older Persons Bill, aimed at protecting seniors from neglect and exploitation. The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time.

Youth Opportunity: The Young Innovators Club has launched a national pilot, bringing more than 100 students together to develop solutions in technology, entrepreneurship, the environment, arts and heritage, and maritime innovation. Student Support: The Bahamas National Breakfast Program is expanding into junior high schools after serving more than 2.1 million breakfasts across 118 schools on 17 islands. Gymnastics: The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time, welcoming athletes from eight Caribbean nations. Tourism & Culture: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says more accessible Bahamian music, art, food and festivals could help turn cruise visitors into higher-spending guests. Bahamian Stories: Children’s series Goombay Kids has topped two million views on a viral video and is now available on Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines flights. Music: The University of The Bahamas Concert Choir’s collaboration with Middle Tennessee State University included a new recording of “March On, Bahamaland” for a major music archive. Elder Care: Parliament is considering a bill aimed at protecting older Bahamians from neglect, abuse and exploitation.

School Conditions: Impetigo concerns, power outages and water problems prompted early dismissals at several New Providence schools, adding to a week of disruptions for students and families. Bahamian Children’s TV: Goombay Kids has passed two million YouTube views, with its episodes also set to reach Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines’ in-flight entertainment. Music & Heritage: The University of The Bahamas Concert Choir joined Middle Tennessee State University’s choir for a cultural residency and recorded “March On, Bahamaland” for a major music archive. Queen Conch: Aquaculture specialist Dr. Megan Davis is co-leading a mobile hatchery in The Bahamas, supporting efforts to cultivate the country’s iconic seafood sustainably. Bahamian Stories: Dame Cynthia “Mother” Pratt launched her autobiography, reflecting on her journey from poverty to becoming governor-general. Elder Care: Parliament is debating a bill to set care standards and protect older Bahamians from abuse and neglect.

Family Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with 19 slides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Bahamian Children’s TV: Goombay Kids has topped two million views on YouTube, and its locally made series is now available on Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines flights. Music & Heritage: The University of The Bahamas Concert Choir joined Middle Tennessee State University’s choir for a cultural residency, recording “March On, Bahamaland” for a major research archive. Elder Care: Parliament is debating a bill to protect older Bahamians, addressing neglect, abuse and abandonment while setting care standards. Maternal Health: A Bahamian therapist is urging more awareness and screening for postpartum depression, saying stigma may leave mothers undiagnosed.

Island Travel: Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Believe will sail from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and the Caribbean starting Dec. 18, 2027. The ship will feature the first stage musical based on Encanto and visits to Disney’s Bahamian islands. Education: The Catholic community is mourning Sister Mary Benedict Pratt, who died at 89 after decades as a teacher and school leader, including 18 years as superintendent of Catholic schools. Older Bahamians: A proposed bill would strengthen elders’ rights and access to healthcare, dementia support and palliative care amid concerns about neglect and abuse. Bahamian Art: Anina Major’s The Sacred Mangrove, which reimagines palm-leaf weaving in clay, is on view at Pérez Art Museum Miami through August 2027. Community Heritage: Bain and Grants Town will hold its Homecoming & Music Festival on Oct. 30–31, celebrating local history and honouring eight community members. Family Health: Fertility Empowerment International will host a virtual Oct. 22 webinar to support people affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

Older Persons: Minister of State Bacchus Rolle urged Parliament to back a bill protecting seniors, citing cases of neglect, abandonment and pension exploitation. Bahamian Craft: Artist Anina Major’s The Sacred Mangrove exhibition at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum reimagines palm-leaf weaving in clay, drawing on traditions shared with her grandmother; it remains on view through August 2027. Community Heritage: Bain and Grants Town will hold its Homecoming and Music Festival on October 30–31, celebrating local history and honouring eight community figures. Music: 100 Jamz marked 33 years on air with an anniversary concert and OctoberFest at the National Stadium Grounds, drawing thousands. Youth and Tourism: Junior Minister of Tourism Raia Cargill will represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana, where she plans to champion young people’s role in shaping the industry.

Education & Safety: C.C. Sweeting Senior High School dismissed early after an electrical fault left three students with minor burns; Bahamas Power and Light says a blown fuse and localized outage followed work on added air-conditioning, while Bahamas Grid Company crews stayed on site. Youth & Mental Health: Experts warn that social media use can harm young people’s mental health, pointing to how constant scrolling and notifications can affect brain chemistry and fuel anxiety and isolation. Sports & Community: Inter Miami CF Foundation and Royal Caribbean held the first International Youth Fútbol Clinic in The Bahamas, training up to 120 local players and connecting youth through sport. Culture & Arts: Atlantic Voices opens in Bermuda, bringing together contemporary artists across the Caribbean and Mid-Atlantic, including Bahamian creators Jason A. Bennett and Sue Katz. Health & Giving: Pretty In Pink returns for its 11th year to raise funds for breast cancer screening for Family Island women, with live art and raffle prizes. Local Leadership: Deputy PM and Education Minister Chester Cooper stressed stronger home-school partnership during a virtual parents meeting.

Education & Safety: Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper says three students suffered minor burns after a faulty electrical wire incident at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School; Bahamas Grid and BPL crews responded, and the school (plus the Centre for the Deaf) was dismissed early while repairs were made. Parent-School Partnership: Cooper also told parents in a virtual meeting that better literacy, attendance, safety, and student well-being depend on stronger home-and-school alignment. Youth & Opportunity: Junior Tourism Minister Raia Cargill will represent The Bahamas at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana, while Grand Bahama’s Young Innovators Club launches with a $50,000 prize purse to back youth-led problem solving. Sports & Community: Inter Miami CF Foundation and Royal Caribbean held the first International Youth Fútbol Clinic in Nassau, and Bahamas chess players celebrated a silver medal at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, highlighted by 15-year-old Chika Pride’s standout performance. Health & Awareness: Pretty In Pink returns for its 11th year to support breast cancer screening, and the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association’s Umbrellathon promoted breastfeeding awareness in Carmichael. Culture & Faith: A Bahamian pianist’s journey from hardship to teaching at the University of The Bahamas highlights resilience through music.

School Safety & Health: At C.C. Sweeting Senior High School, a faulty electrical wire caused minor burns to three students; the Ministry of Education says crews from Bahamas Grid were on campus and the Centre for the Deaf was also dismissed early as the issue affected surrounding areas. Youth & Innovation: Grand Bahama’s National Youth Month push included an Ecumenical youth service and the pilot launch of the Young Innovators Club, with a $50,000 prize purse and an eight-week challenge to research solutions and pitch ideas. Food Security at Home: BAMSI is taking backyard gardening training into communities, partnering with the Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church to teach soil prep, crop selection, and home garden maintenance to reduce reliance on imported food. Marine Education: RF Bank & Trust backs BREEF with underwater communication equipment to make snorkeling and marine learning more interactive and safer for young participants. Breastfeeding Culture: The Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association’s Annual Umbrellathon in Carmichael raised awareness for maternal and child health, honoring Nurse Carlotta Klass. Arts & Film (Local): A Bahamian-produced film, “This Is My Home,” aims to spotlight the challenges children in a group home face as they prepare for their first Junkanoo parade.

Youth Innovation & Education: Acting PM Chester Cooper launched the Young Innovators Club at St. Georges High, challenging students to research problems, pitch solutions, and compete for a $50,000 prize purse. Marine Learning: RF Bank & Trust backed BREEF with underwater communication equipment to make snorkeling and marine education more interactive and safer. Health & Community Support: Arame Ford shared her breast cancer journey and renewed empathy, while Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group highlighted faith-based guidance from diagnosis through survivorship. Sports & National Pride: Team Bahamas wrapped up women’s bowling at the Pan American championships in Bogotá, finishing 10th in the team event. Employment Snapshot: Bahamas unemployment fell to 8.1% in early 2026, with hotel and restaurant work driving job gains. Royal & Commonwealth Spotlight: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Bahamas visit (Oct. 27–29) will feature youth and sports, nature and sustainability, defense and maritime safety, and community culture. Culture on Screen: Local producer Leonardo Newman and entertainer Jaquay “Das Quay” Adderley are raising awareness through a Bahamian film about children in a group home attending their first Junkanoo parade. Environment & Cleanliness: Keep Grand Bahama Clean marks 20 years, pushing school and community action to curb litter and illegal dumping.