NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas has successfully retained its Tier 1 ranking in the U.S. State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, a testament to its ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. However, the report highlights significant concerns regarding the country’s labour agreement with Cuba, which has raised alarms about potential forced labour practices. Under the deal, up to 92 percent of Cuban workers’ wages were reportedly withheld by the Cuban government, prompting immediate action from Bahamian authorities. In response, the government has begun terminating contractor-based agreements and will now directly hire Cuban health professionals. Additionally, the recruitment of new Cuban workers has been temporarily suspended following discussions with the United States. Beyond labour reforms, the Bahamas has intensified trafficking prosecutions, increased funding for victim support services, and introduced a new rapid screening tool to enhance victim identification. Despite these efforts, no traffickers were convicted for the second consecutive year, and a new national action plan to replace the one that expired in 2023 remains incomplete. While the report commends the Bahamas for its sustained commitment, it calls for stronger measures to address official complicity, expand victim housing, and ensure equitable labour practices for foreign workers.