AGP Executive Report

Bahamian Music: Nassau-born singer Travis Clarke has earned Grammy consideration for Best Pop Vocal Album for Breathe Again, a milestone for Bahamian music. Live Entertainment: Sands Beerfest wrapped its Grand Bahama finale with performances by Johny Cake and the Deep South Island Boys Band, DJs and a $10,000 grand-prize winner. Fashion for a Cause: Bahari Bahamas and Androsia have teamed up on a batik collection, with support going to five women receiving breast cancer treatment. Arts: Bahamian artist Anina Major is bringing the country’s weaving traditions to a new exhibition at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. Nassau Nightlife: The inaugural RU5H queer cruise called in Nassau after a weekend of DJ sets, parties and inclusive social spaces.

Bahamian Fashion: Bahari Bahamas and Androsia have teamed up on a breast cancer awareness collection, with Bahari providing financial support to five women receiving treatment. Live Entertainment: Pollination Events is bringing The Ultimate Lime to Solemar, with performances by Dion Da Butcher, DJ Ignite and Essence Band. Music: Freeport’s Starr Trilli joins Jamaican artist Max Wayne on the dancehall remix “What A Gwan,” while Malie Donn’s The Golden Child has reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s reggae chart in the Bahamas. Cruise News: Disney Believe opens general bookings October 19 for its 2027 debut, with four- and five-night trips from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas and Caribbean, plus new Encanto and Frozen experiences. Island Spotlight: Bonds Cay, once tied to a celebrity-backed retreat vision involving Shakira and Roger Waters, is back on the market for $30 million. Arts and Culture: Bahamian artist Anina Major is bringing traditional weaving into a new exhibition at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. Halloween: Atlantis is rolling out October festivities, from its adults-only Auraween party to family activities and a Cave of Horrors.

Celebrity Island Sale: Bonds Cay, the 650-acre Bahamian island once tied to Shakira and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, is back on the market for $30 million after plans for an artists’ retreat fell through. Bahamian Music: Malie Donn’s debut album, The Golden Child, reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s reggae charts in The Bahamas, while Freeport’s Starr Trilli teamed up with Jamaican artist Max Wayne on the dancehall remix “What A Gwan.” Halloween at Atlantis: Paradise Island’s resort is bringing back its Auraween costume party, plus family events including pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and the Cave of Horrors. Local Entertainment: Goombay Kids has drawn more than two million views online, and 100 Jamz is marking 33 years on air with an anniversary concert and Octoberfest celebration.

Halloween at Atlantis: The resort is filling October with spooky décor, Auraween for adults, and family activities including pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. Bahamian Dancehall: Freeport’s Starr Trilli teams up with Jamaican artist Max Wayne on the “What A Gwan” remix, her first dancehall release. Local Spotlight: Malie Donn’s The Golden Child reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s reggae albums chart in The Bahamas. Live Music: Culture Shock Concert brings Anthony B, Sizzla and Capleton to Nassau Cruise Port on November 7. Arts & Attractions: Baha Bay was named the Caribbean’s Leading Water Park at the World Travel Awards, while Bahamian artist Anina Major brings local weaving traditions to a new exhibition at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum.

Live Music: Atlantis’ R&B brunch returns with Ginuwine, Essence Band and JMAC, alongside food from local chef Deja. Bahamian Arts: Anina Major’s “The Sacred Mangrove” brings Bahamian weaving traditions to Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. Regional Charts: Dancehall artist Malie Donn’s debut album, The Golden Child, reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s albums chart in The Bahamas. Coming Up: Culture Shock Concert, set for November 7 at Nassau Cruise Port, will feature reggae headliners Anthony B, Sizzla and Capleton. Online Buzz: Bahamian children’s group Goombay Kids has drawn more than two million views, giving local talent a viral moment.

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 drawn buyers as far away as London. R&B Brunch: Atlantis brings Ginuwine back on October 11 for its third R&B brunch, with Essence Band, JMAC and food from local chef Deja also on the bill. Family Entertainment: Atlantis will host the holiday production POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEcumstance, blending circus acts, music, magic and animated visuals in a family-friendly show. Bahamian Culture: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says the country should make Bahamian music, art, food and festivals easier for cruise visitors to experience, helping local culture reach more audiences. Youth Arts: The Young Innovators Club’s national pilot includes arts and heritage among its focus areas, alongside technology, environment, entrepreneurship and maritime innovation.

Live Music: Atlantis brings Ginuwine back for its R&B brunch on Oct. 11, with Essence Band, JMAC and a featured dish from Kitchen Culture’s Deja. The resort says strong crowds could make this the final brunch of its 2026 series. Bahamas on Screen: Former FTX executive Constance Wang says Netflix’s upcoming series The Altruists turns the exchange’s collapse into a love story and misrepresents life at the company’s Bahamas base. The drama premieres Nov. 19. Bahamian Creativity: Goombay Kids has topped two million views online, while artist Anina Major is showcasing Bahamian weaving traditions in “The Sacred Mangrove” at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. Community Culture: 100 Jamz marks 33 years with an anniversary concert and Octoberfest celebration.

R&B Brunch: Atlantis brings Ginuwine back to Nassau on Oct. 11, with Essence Band, JMAC and a featured dish from chef Deja also on the bill. The resort says the popular brunch may be its final edition of 2026. Young Creators: The Young Innovators Club is expanding its pilot, giving Bahamians aged 15–25 a chance to develop ideas across technology, entrepreneurship, environment, maritime innovation, arts and heritage. Bahamian Stories on Screen: Former FTX executive Constance Wang says Netflix’s upcoming series “The Altruists” distorts life in the Bahamas, portraying a party scene instead of the long workdays and losses she recalls. Culture & Tourism: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says Bahamian music, art, food and festivals could help cruise visitors spend more during short stays, including through a proposed cultural district along Bay Street. Holiday Stage: Atlantis will host “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEcumstance,” an immersive family show blending circus acts, magic and music. A Bahamian Gospel Celebration: Vanderson A. Barnett marks 50 years with “Let God Arise,” featuring local gospel performers at Trinity Global Cathedral on Oct. 11.

Live Music: Tarrus Riley launched a three-night residency at Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar, with a third show added after the first two sold out. Stage: Atlantis will host an exclusive holiday residency for POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEcumstance, combining circus acts, music and magic in a family show. Youth and Arts: The Young Innovators Club pilot is underway, with arts and heritage among its five focus areas. Bahamian Culture: Economist Therese Turner-Jones says the country can boost visitor spending by making Bahamian music, art, food and festivals easier for cruise passengers to experience. On the Calendar: The Bahamas will host the 2026 CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time, welcoming athletes from eight Caribbean nations. At Sea: Disney’s new Believe ship is set to sail from Florida to the Bahamas and Caribbean in 2027, featuring a stage adaptation of Encanto and a Frozen-themed dining experience.

Cruise Entertainment: Disney’s new Believe ship will sail from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Caribbean from December 2027, featuring the first “Encanto” stage show and a Frozen-inspired dinner experience. Bookings open October 19. Live Music: Jamaican star Tarrus Riley added a third night to his Baha Mar jazz-club residency after the first two shows sold out quickly; he performed with saxophonist Dean Fraser. Bahamian TV: Goombay Kids has passed two million views on a viral clip, with its creator reporting a 9,200% surge in channel views since Season 4 launched. The locally made series is also joining Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines’ in-flight kids’ entertainment. Gospel: Vanderson A. Barnett will mark 50 years of life and ministry with “Let God Arise,” a concert at Trinity Global Cathedral on October 11. Arts and Heritage: Bahamian artist Anina Major is bringing the country’s weaving traditions to a new exhibition at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. Broadcasting: 100 Jamz is celebrating 33 years on air with an anniversary concert and Octoberfest event.

Bahamian Screen Success: Goombay Kids has topped two million views on a viral YouTube clip, with its creator reporting a 9,200% surge in views since Season 4’s release. The award-winning Bahamian series is also heading to Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines’ in-flight entertainment. Music Without Borders: The University of The Bahamas Concert Choir joined Middle Tennessee State University’s choir for a cultural residency, performing a special arrangement of “March On, Bahamaland.” A recording will be added to a major archive of vernacular music. Island Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with 19 waterslides and family attractions. Cruise-Ship Shows: Disney’s new Believe ship will sail to the Bahamas from Florida starting in December 2027, featuring the first stage adaptation of “Encanto.” Art and Heritage: Bahamian artist Anina Major is bringing traditional weaving into a new exhibition at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. Community Celebrations: The Bain and Grants Town Homecoming & Music Festival will celebrate community heritage, while 100 Jamz marks 33 years on air with an anniversary concert and Octoberfest.

Cruise Entertainment: Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Believe will sail from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and the Caribbean starting Dec. 18, 2027. Its lineup includes the first stage musical based on Encanto and a new Frozen-themed family dining experience, with stops at Disney’s Bahamian island destinations. Bahamian Art: Anina Major’s The Sacred Mangrove is on view at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum through August 2027. The Bahamian-born artist hand-weaves clay into forms inspired by palm-leaf plaiting, a tradition she learned from her grandmother. Community Music: Bain and Grants Town’s Homecoming & Music Festival returns Oct. 30–31 on Market Street, celebrating local heritage and honouring eight community figures with Cotton Tree Awards. Radio Milestone: 100 Jamz marks 33 years on air with an anniversary concert and Octoberfest celebration.

Bahamian Art Abroad: Anina Major’s The Sacred Mangrove, now on view at Miami’s Pérez Art Museum through August 2027, transforms hand-woven clay into a tribute to Bahamian craft and her grandmother. Community Festival: Bain and Grants Town’s Homecoming & Music Festival returns October 30–31, celebrating local heritage and honouring eight community figures. Live Events: Team MAISON won the EV Open mixed-doubles tournament at Baha Mar, which drew nearly 2,000 spectators for tennis, music and an automotive showcase. Bahamian Media: Veteran journalist and broadcaster Steve McKinney has died at 64; his career spanned The Tribune, ZNS and his talk show, Hard Copy. Music: 100 Jamz marked 33 years on air with a concert featuring Yung Miami, Malie Donn and Bahamian performers. Junkanoo Dispute: Organizers say they may take legal action after the Saxons withdrew from the Junkanoo Music Festival final over the performance order.

Junkanoo Drama: The chairman of the Bahamas Junkanoo Music Festival says Shell Saxon Superstars pulled out of the final after a dispute over performance order, and he’s threatening legal action. Arts & Culture: Black Pony Gallery and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art announce “Atlantic Voices,” an inter-island group exhibition opening Oct. 9 in Bermuda and running to Dec. 5. Local Entertainment & Community: 100 JAMZ marks 33 years with a massive Anniversary Concert and Octoberfest Celebration at the National Stadium Grounds, headlined by Yung Miami and Malie Donn. Music & Philanthropy: Pretty In Pink returns for its 11th annual fundraiser for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, featuring live art, raffles, and John Bull’s exclusive event setup. Sports Spotlight: Bahamian Willisa “Phoenix” Armstrong returns from Panama as a triple crown NPC champion. Media Loss: Veteran broadcaster Steve McKinney, longtime host of “Hard Copy,” dies at 64, prompting tributes from across the country. Tourism Youth: Junior Minister Raia Cargill will represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Food Security: PM Davis visits the Golden Yolk Project as local egg production ramps up toward more consistent supply.

Bahamas Tourism & Youth: Junior Minister of Tourism Raia Cargill will represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana on Oct. 8, highlighting tourism as culture, creativity, hospitality, history, environment and people. Media & Community Loss: The Bahamas Press Club mourns the passing of veteran journalist Steve McKinney, a founding Press Club member and longtime broadcaster behind “Hard Copy.” Food Security & Local Industry: PM Philip Davis visited the Golden Yolk Project, citing 200,000 eggs produced, 10,000 laying hens and 8,000 pullets to boost local egg supply and reduce imports. Space-Inspired Entertainment: “You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife!” shares Anita Mitchell’s Apollo-era stories and looks ahead to Artemis. Cruise & Family Fun: Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas will debut the SpongeBob Musical at sea in Aug. 2027. Health & Awareness Event: The 11th annual Pretty In Pink returns to raise funds for breast cancer screening through the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. Tech for Disaster Resilience: The Bahamas submitted an expression of interest to join a UN AI program for disaster preparedness and recovery, seeking training and local control over data-sharing. Sports Spotlight: Bahamas Chess Federation celebrates a silver medal at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, with 15-year-old Chika Pride making waves.

Media Loss: Veteran Bahamian broadcaster Steve McKinney Sr. has died, remembered for decades of national and sports reporting, including his Peace 107.5 FM shows “Hard Copy” and “The Last Word.” Youth Focus: As National Youth Month kicks off, Minister Mario Bowleg urged Bahamians to turn “Voice to Vision, Youth: Impacted, Amplified, and Empowered” into real access and opportunity, while Grand Bahama’s Ginger Moxey highlighted the Young Innovators Club and youth-led progress. Local Arts & Inspiration: A Bahamian pianist’s story of perseverance—from homelessness and faith to performing at Carnegie Hall and teaching at the University of The Bahamas—spotlights how dreams can survive and grow. Science for Skincare: BAMSI research is drawing attention to medicinal plant extracts that may help target enzymes tied to skin aging and pigmentation. Entertainment Film Spotlight: Local producers behind “This Is My Home” say the film aims to raise awareness about children in group homes as they chase their first Junkanoo parade. Sports & Regional Pride: Grenada announced its team for the 8th CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Team Relay Championships in Bermuda.