AGP Executive Report

Search & Safety: U.S. Coast Guard divers and Florida K-9 teams have renewed the search for missing Michigan sailor Lynette Hooker near Hope Town/Elbow Cay, with investigators also looking at the couple’s “Soulmate” sailboat and reviewing GPS/device inconsistencies that have raised new questions. Tourism Leadership: Bahamas Minister of Tourism Glenys Hanna Martin is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, pushing regional tourism collaboration on connectivity, workforce readiness, and sustainable destination growth. Cruise Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line canceled seven months of Norwegian Viva sailings from San Juan in 2028 due to port availability, with some itineraries shifting to Miami—an important heads-up for Caribbean cruise planning. Health Policy: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is urging the Government to spell out its Ebola preparedness plan as more countries tighten travel screening and entry rules. Culture Spotlight: Cat Island’s Rake & Scrape Festival runs June 4–6, celebrating the island’s signature Bahamian music and dance traditions. Community Fundraiser: The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis returns with an 80-mile paddle from Bimini to Lake Worth Beach starting June 13.

Cruise Disruption: Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled seven months of Norwegian Viva sailings from San Juan for 2028 due to port availability, offering full refunds and future cruise credits while rerouting one ship to Miami. Tourism Leadership: Bahamas Minister of Tourism Glenys Hanna Martin is representing The Bahamas at Caribbean Week in New York (June 1–5), pushing talks on connectivity, workforce readiness, innovation, and boosting tourism’s economic impact. Culture & Travel: Cat Island’s Rake & Scrape Festival runs June 4–6 in Arthur’s Town, spotlighting Bahamian music, dance, local crafts, and the Battle of the Rake & Scrape Bands. Safety & Search: U.S. Coast Guard divers have arrived to renew the search for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker near Abaco after new concerns about location data and statements. Local Tourism Ops: A major Bimini resort warns of a weak summer, citing reduced boating traffic and hotel occupancy lagging last year, with concerns over guest perceptions of boating fees. Infrastructure & Power: Bahamas Power & Light says New Providence outages stem from equipment and underground cable faults plus heat-driven demand, while grid upgrades remain on schedule. Policy Watch: The Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority’s new chair Jamahl Strachan pledges transparency and accountability amid scrutiny over past spending and park conditions. Development Spotlight: Rosewood’s Exumas project at Sampson Cay is positioned as ultra-low-density, context-led luxury with a focus on responsible island development. Ebola Travel Rules: The Bahamas has imposed a 30-day entry ban on travellers who have visited Ebola high-risk African nations.

Luxury Real Estate: A rare five-bedroom beach villa at The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences on Paradise Island has hit the market for nearly $23.3 million ahead of its 2027 debut. Cruise & Private Island Upgrades: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes, advance booking, cabanas, and a major slide-and-dining lineup. Cruise Destination Boost: Carnival has completed major upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, including a new pier that lets Carnival’s largest ships dock directly, plus expanded beach amenities and new food and drink spots. Tourism Leadership: Bahamas Minister of Tourism Glenys Hanna Martin is leading The Bahamas’ participation in Caribbean Week in New York 2026, with talks on connectivity, workforce readiness, innovation, and tourism’s economic impact. Local Culture: Cat Island’s Rake & Scrape Festival returns June 4-6 in Arthur’s Town with live music, crafts, quadrille dancing, and the Battle of the Rake & Scrape Bands. Tourism Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports tourism maintained growth momentum through April, supported by cruise arrivals and gains in high-value stopover visitors. Public Spaces Accountability: The new executive chairman of the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority pledges transparency and oversight as scrutiny continues over spending and park conditions. Safety & Ongoing Investigation: U.S. Coast Guard divers have arrived to renew the search for missing Michigan mom Lynette Hooker, with the case now treated as a federal criminal investigation.

Air Access & Tourism Demand: New nonstop flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale are boosting Nassau and Paradise Island, with tourism officials pointing to beach getaways, upscale stays, and growing dining plus culture-led itineraries. Cruise Growth in the Bahamas: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with advance day passes and cabanas; Carnival also completed major upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, including a new pier that lets larger ships dock and adds more beach space, dining, and transport. Local Tourism Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports tourism maintained growth momentum in April, supported by cruise arrivals and gains in high-value stopover visitors (though capacity constraints remain). Public Spaces & Accountability: The new chair of the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority pledges transparency and community engagement amid scrutiny over past spending and park conditions. Hurricane Season Prep: Coastal homes may face higher insurance premiums this hurricane season as coastline risk, erosion, storm surge, and flooding concerns rise. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings Bahamas and other regional leaders together to strengthen connectivity and tourism resilience. Travel Safety Signals: Updated U.S. travel advisories keep the Bahamas listed at Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”), reflecting ongoing regional risk monitoring.

Cruise Upgrades in The Bahamas: Carnival has officially finished a major makeover of its private island stop, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, with a bigger beach, new cabanas and daybeds, five upgraded beachside food and drink spots, a tram service, and—most importantly—a new pier that lets Carnival’s largest ships dock instead of tendering. Tourism Tech Push: The Bahamas is piloting a new Bahamas Digital Arrival Card, letting international visitors complete immigration and customs online before arrival to speed up the airport experience. Ebola Watch at the Border: Two British Airways passengers isolated at Princess Margaret Hospital after travel to the DRC tested negative and were released; the ministry says the public risk remains low. Hurricane Season Starts: June 1 kicked off the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with NOAA forecasting a slightly below-average year; forecasters highlight El Niño’s likely role. Caribbean Marketing Momentum: Bahamas tourism leaders are set to join Caribbean Week in New York, with regional ministers and commissioners focused on strengthening tourism strategy and air connectivity. Local Numbers: Bahamas inflation stayed elevated in February, rising 2.7% year-on-year, with housing and utilities driving the increase.

Tourism Tech Upgrade: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has started a pilot of the Bahamas Digital Arrival Card, letting international visitors complete immigration and customs online before arrival to cut down on paper forms and speed up the airport experience. Cruise Growth & Island Investment: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 as the grand opening for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabanas available to pre-book. Air Access for Summer Fun: Tradewind Aviation launched its first-ever “Christmas in July” flights to Virgin Gorda (July 19–26), extending demand beyond the winter peak with a week of island events. Regional Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Week in New York returns June 1 with strong Bahamas participation, bringing ministers and marketing leaders together to push airlift, sustainability, and brand strategy. Local Economy Watch: Bahamas inflation stayed elevated at 2.7% year-on-year in February 2026, with housing, utilities and transport driving costs higher. Government Spending: The Davis administration increased travel budgets for multiple agencies and boosted subventions to state-owned enterprises by $103.7m. Safety & Search: Investigators expanded the Bahamas search for missing American tourist Lynette Hooker, including forensic review plans for the “Soulmate” sailboat and renewed dives in the Sea of Abaco. Community Spotlight: BAMSI graduated 71 students, including co-valedictorians in agriculture and marine science.

Tourism & Safety Watch: U.S. Coast Guard investigators are expanding the search for missing American mom Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas, including a forensic review of the seized sailboat “Soulmate” and new underwater dives in the Sea of Abaco after GPS data raised questions about the husband’s account. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean has added a $100 booking fee to some “free cruise” loyalty offers, while Carnival faces fresh fallout after a Bahamas shore excursion lawsuit alleging a passenger lost both legs. Resort & Island Development: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 as the grand opening for its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabanas now available. Local Infrastructure: Nevis is moving ahead with a new 500,000-gallon potable water storage tank in Stoney Hill to boost redundancy and supply. Bahamas Spotlight: Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin led Bahamas participation at UN Tourism meetings in Paraguay, focusing on sustainability, innovation, resilience, and women’s leadership. Bahamas Culture/Community: Bahamas National Bowling Champion Glenroy “Flo” Saunders, 83, was found dead at his Sunlight Cottage home.

Tourism & Travel Diplomacy: Bahamas Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin led a delegation to UN Tourism meetings in Paraguay, focusing on sustainability, innovation, investment, resilience, and women’s leadership. Cruise & Island Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line set the grand opening of its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay for Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available to book ahead. Safety & Search at Sea: U.S. Coast Guard investigators are expanding the search for missing American Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas, including forensic checks of the seized sailboat “Soulmate” and new underwater search areas in the Sea of Abaco. Local Infrastructure: Nevis is moving ahead with a new 500,000-gallon potable water storage tank in Stoney Hill to boost redundancy and supply reliability. Travel Risk Watch: Carnival faces fallout after a Bahamas shore excursion lawsuit alleging a passenger lost both legs, while a separate Carnival data breach is reported to have affected some cruise guests’ personal information.

Bahamas Tourism Leadership: Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin led The Bahamas delegation to UN Tourism meetings in Paraguay, focusing on sustainability, innovation, investment, resilience and women’s leadership. Branding & Media: COLORS of the Islands won a 2026 Emmy for Travel & Lifestyle Programming, with The Bahamas recognized as an early partner and set for a new six-part Bahamas-focused season. Air & Safety Watch: The Bahamas strengthened Ebola-related health protocols and imposed a 30-day entry ban for travellers from Ebola high-risk African nations as countries tighten screening and entry rules. Search & Rescue Update: Investigators relaunched the search for missing American sailor Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas after newly obtained GPS data prompted plans to dive in new Sea of Abaco areas. Tourism Economy & Jobs: Grand Bahama Shipyard expanded its Apprenticeship Programme to build Bahamian trade skills, while the government outlined a 2026/27 budget projecting a US$223.1m surplus. Events: The 2026 PONY Baseball Caribbean & Latin America 14U Championships will be hosted in The Bahamas June 4–9, bringing regional youth teams to Nassau and Grand Bahama.

Search & Rescue Update: The U.S. Coast Guard has been authorized to reopen the search for missing Michigan sailor Lynette Hooker in the Sea of Abaco after newly obtained GPS data reportedly contradicts her husband Brian Hooker’s account, with investigators seeking permission to send divers to previously unsearched areas. Legal & Safety: Carnival is facing a lawsuit tied to a Nassau shore excursion accident that allegedly sucked 22-year-old Hannah Smith into ferry propellers, leading to more than 25 surgeries and the loss of both legs. Tourism Spotlight: COLORS of the Islands has won a 2026 Emmy for travel and lifestyle programming, with The Bahamas recognized as an early partner and a new six-part Bahamas focus planned. Cruise & Family Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens 4 September, with day passes and cabanas available. Local Development: Grand Bahama Shipyard expands its Apprenticeship Programme, sending new cohorts to the UK for trade training. Public Health Watch: The Bahamas continues Ebola-related screening and quarantine steps for arriving travellers, including awaiting international test results for two foreign nationals isolated at Princess Margaret Hospital. Budget & Housing: The government unveiled a 2026/27 budget projecting a US$223.1m surplus, with expanded VAT relief for first-time homeowners and new revenue measures. Sports Tourism: The Bahamas will host the 2026 PONY Baseball Caribbean & Latin America 14U Championships June 4–9 at Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

Ebola Travel Rules: The Bahamas has announced a 30-day entry ban for people who have recently visited DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside enhanced screening and possible quarantine for some travellers, as global restrictions tighten. Search & Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard has been granted permission to send divers to new Sea of Abaco areas in the Lynette Hooker case after GPS data reportedly contradicted her husband’s account. Tourism Media Spotlight: COLORS won a 2026 Emmy and is planning a new six-part Bahamas-focused season, traveling by boat to spotlight islands, culture, food and hospitality. Sports Tourism: The Bahamas will host the 2026 PONY Baseball Caribbean & Latin America 14U Championships June 4–9 at Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium. Budget & Homeownership: The 2026/27 Bahamas budget projects a US$223.1M surplus and expands VAT exemptions for first-time homeowners, including duplexes through fourplexes. Cruise Add-On: Norwegian Cruise Line sets Great Tides Waterpark opening for Sept. 4, 2026 at Great Stirrup Cay with day passes and cabanas. Local Governance: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis says public works must get inspection/sign-off before payment as concerns rise over Parks and Beaches Authority spending. Aviation Update: Bahamas aviation leaders met new Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis to discuss the sector’s next steps. Coastal Conservation: Coastal Awareness School Poster Competition winners were recognized in Grand Bahama, with winning art displayed locally and at partner sites.

Search & Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard is asking the Bahamas for permission to send divers to new Sea of Abaco areas in the search for missing Michigan sailor Lynette Hooker, after newly obtained GPS data reportedly contradicts her husband Brian Hooker’s account of where she went missing. Public Health & Travel: The Bahamas has imposed a 30-day entry ban on travellers who have recently visited Ebola-hit DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside enhanced screening and isolation protocols as the outbreak spreads. Budget & Economy: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis unveiled a 2026/27 budget projecting a US$223.1 million surplus, with targeted tax relief for first-time homeowners and new revenue measures aimed at larger businesses and foreign property owners. Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and private cabanas available from May 28 for eligible sailings. Tourism Diplomacy: Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin leads The Bahamas delegation to UN Tourism engagements in Paraguay, focusing on leadership, sustainability and regional coordination.

Ebola Travel Alerts: The WHO’s Ebola emergency in DR Congo is driving fresh border actions. The U.S. and Canada have tightened entry rules for people with recent travel to DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, while The Bahamas has announced a 30-day travel ban for recent visitors to those countries and says two foreign nationals are in isolation with testing underway. Bahamas Health Budget: In the 2026/27 Budget Communication, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis flagged healthcare as a priority, including $11.6m for clinic construction and upgrades across the Family Islands and initial funding toward a new hospital in New Providence. Cruise & Family Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available ahead of the launch. Tourism Weather Planning: Nassau hosts the 2026 Wet & Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum, with climate guidance aimed at sectors including tourism and public health. Parks Funding Watch: The Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority has already exceeded its 2025/26 budget spending in the first nine months, raising fresh questions about park conditions and spending. Search Update: The U.S. Coast Guard plans to resume the search for missing Michigan woman Lynette Hooker in new Sea of Abaco areas after GPS data reportedly conflicted with her husband’s account.

Search & Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard is asking Bahamian authorities for permission to resume divers’ searches for missing Michigan sailor Lynette Hooker in new Sea of Abaco areas after newly obtained GPS data reportedly contradicted her husband Brian Hooker’s account of where he was the night she vanished. Public Health: The Bahamas has announced a 30-day travel ban for visitors who recently were in Ebola-affected Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, while confirming no Ebola cases in-country and placing two recent arrivals in isolation for testing. Cruise & Family Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 as the official opening date for its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabana reservations going on sale May 28. Regional Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 returns June 1 with a week of meetings and events for tourism leaders across the region.

Ebola Border Shock: Canada and The Bahamas moved to tighten entry rules tied to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan—Canada bars residents for 90 days and requires a 21-day quarantine for asymptomatic travellers, while The Bahamas announced an immediate 30-day ban plus enhanced screening and possible quarantine. WHO Warning: The WHO says the situation in eastern DRC is a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict,” with the Bundibugyo strain lacking an approved vaccine or treatment, and warns the risk is rising fast. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 returns June 1 with a high-level delegation of tourism ministers and leaders meeting under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Cruise Disruption: Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas cut a stop—Falmouth, Jamaica was dropped due to a propulsion issue, with extra time added in Nassau. Local Sports Spotlight: Grand Bahama’s Fidelity/Central Gas Lady Panthers captured a third straight “Battle of the Islands” volleyball title.

Ebola Watch: Canada moved fast with a 90-day entry ban for residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while The Bahamas is ramping up screening and isolation for travellers with recent travel links—officials say the public risk remains low as monitoring continues. Tourism & Travel Deals: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism launched a 2026 summer campaign with tiered savings and partner offers, plus a planning tool to match visitors with beach days and local bites. Economy & Jobs: New BNSI figures put 2025 growth at 3.8% in real terms, driven by finance, transport, accommodation/food and construction—though critics warn many households still aren’t feeling it. Cruise Momentum: Carnival Magic returned from a 35-day dry dock in Freeport with refreshed onboard venues and a new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest. Culture Spotlight: Freeport’s Players’ Guild opened “Body Count,” a bold new Bahamian dark comedy, to near-capacity crowds at the Regency Theatre. On-Island Buzz: The Trump Jr.–Bettina Anderson wedding weekend kept drawing attention online, with family posts and plenty of Bahamas scenery.