AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Reparations: Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations this week at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, focused on “Reparatory justice as the coming enlightenment” and practical steps to implement the revised CARICOM Ten-Point Plan. Co-op Policy Consultation: The Ministry of Energy, Business Development and Consumer Affairs has launched a consultation on a national policy for non-financial co-operatives, aiming to modernise regulation, improve capital access, and tackle long-standing sector challenges. Tourism Update: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association reports solid first-half performance, with growth in key markets like the US, Canada and Europe, despite some occupancy dips tied to global pressures. Small Business Week: The Barbados Small Business Association is urging more unity among small businesses, arguing collaboration can reduce isolation and strengthen the sector’s role in the economy. Sports (WCPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Barbados Tridents in the Limacol WCPL league finale, setting up a playoff rematch at Kensington Oval. Health (Regional): St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he is out of hospital after a stroke and is progressing well in rehabilitation. Culture/Community: A new 16-minute film, “Call Me Raven,” premieres in Barbados, tackling addiction, compassion and recovery, with support from the National Cultural Foundation and Cinemagic.

Tourism Watch: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association says the first half of 2026 stayed resilient despite a 3% dip in occupancy, with higher average daily rates and revenue per available room, plus new hotel openings including Royalton Vessence and the Marriott Collection. Public Finance: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says Government is keeping options open on borrowing again, including possible return to the international capital market, while watching rising global interest rates and pushing for progress on the V2V Compact. Business & Tech: Liberty Business launched an AWS cloud partnership in Jamaica (with a similar Barbados launch earlier), giving customers access to cloud and AI services through Liberty’s network and local billing. Regional Trade & Materials: Barbados is exploring Suriname for silica sand and aggregate as local supplies dwindle, to support faster infrastructure investment. Waste & Entrepreneurship: Barbados still lacks a clear lithium battery disposal method, but Megapower says the gap could be an opportunity for new collection, recycling and repurposing solutions. Sports: Barbados Tridents women are set to face Guyana Amazon Warriors women in WCPL 2026, while local sports governance saw Oba out as Obadele Thompson was removed from the BOA board after the AGM. Culture & Community: A new 16-minute film, Call Me Raven, premieres in Barbados to spark conversation on addiction, recovery and second chances. Education Values: Education Minister Chad Blackman says “God will remain in schools” while he is minister, as Family Fest Barbados rolls out.

Tourism Watch: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association says visitor numbers rose in the first half of 2026, with the US still the top source market (123,282 visitors), Canada up 13.7%, and Europe growing fastest, even as UK arrivals fell. Water Security: A look at desalination argues it’s becoming a mainstream option for climate-stressed Caribbean water systems, though it raises environmental and cost questions. Business & Jobs: The Barbados Manufacturers Association warns that if operating costs keep climbing faster than sales, layoffs could become unavoidable, while pushing for more exports and foreign exchange. Infrastructure Materials: Barbados is exploring deeper ties with Suriname to secure silica sand and aggregate as local supplies tighten and infrastructure investment ramps up. Innovation & IP: Export Barbados backs a plan to patent promising “microbe” discoveries from UWI Cave Hill, after pharma interest, framing it as a potential multi-billion-dollar industrialisation boost. Public Service Payments: The Social Empowerment Agency is moving from cheque payments to direct deposits under the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs. Culture & Community: A new 16-minute film, “Call Me Raven,” premieres in Barbados, using a recovery story to spark conversations on addiction and second chances. Sports Governance: The Barbados Olympic Association elects new directors after Obadele Thompson was ousted at its AGM.

Tourism Update: Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association chair Kelly-Ann Payne says the first half of 2026 brought a lift in arrivals, with the US still the top source market (123,282 visitors), Canada up 13.7%, and Europe growing fastest, while UK arrivals fell. Water Security Debate: A new look at desalination argues it’s moving from “emergency” to mainstream water planning as CARICOM faces intensifying climate-driven water stress. Local Governance & Payments: The Social Empowerment Agency is shifting from cheque payments to direct deposits under the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs. Business & Industry: Barbados Manufacturers Association warns that rising operating costs could force layoffs if sales don’t improve, even as firms push exports and foreign exchange gains. Infrastructure Materials: Barbados is exploring deeper ties with Suriname to source silica sand and aggregate as local supplies dwindle. Environment & Waste: Megapower Barbados says there’s no clear lithium battery disposal method yet, but sees room for entrepreneurs to build collection and recycling solutions. Sports & Community: Barbados Olympic Association elects Ryan Brathwaite and Dominic Hill as new directors, replacing Obadele Thompson; and Green Nation’s island clean-up is set for Sept. 19.

Manufacturing & Jobs: The Barbados Manufacturers Association warns that rising operating costs could force layoffs if sales don’t improve, even as firms push harder on exports and foreign exchange. Infrastructure Materials: Barbados is looking to Suriname for silica sand and aggregate as local supplies dwindle, with talks aimed at turning agreements into workable commercial supply. Public Service Payments: The Social Empowerment Agency is moving from cheque payments to direct deposits under the People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Ministry. Health & Environment: Barbados is stepping up African Swine Fever surveillance and response planning after warnings about possible border breaches. Innovation & Industry: Export Barbados says government moves to patent UWI Cave Hill microbe discoveries could unlock multi-billion-dollar opportunities. Regional Aid: Barbados joined a CARICOM-Mexico aid shipment to Cuba, delivering powdered milk and other food supplies amid shortages. Governance & Sports Admin: The Barbados Olympic Association elects new board directors, while the ECCB hosts a regional central bank communications conference. Security: A wanted man was shot and killed by police in Morris Gap, St Michael. Community & Cleanliness: Green Nation’s island-wide clean-up is set for Sept. 19, targeting dumping hotspots.

Animal Health & Food Security: Barbados is stepping up African swine fever (ASF) defences with a three-day surveillance and response workshop, warning that gaps in the island’s import system could still leave the pig industry vulnerable. Agriculture Exports: Export Barbados says a new packhouse is being readied for overseas fresh-produce markets, with about 20 farmers lined up and targeted crops like hot peppers and passion fruit. Innovation & Patents: UWI scientist Prof. Bidyut Mohapatra says the Government will seek patent protection for three microorganisms found in sargassum after pharmaceutical interest, aiming to keep commercial value in Barbados. Health Leadership: PAHO and UWI celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems programme, training professionals across the Caribbean to strengthen health leadership. Public Service & Labour: The Barbados Union of Teachers says it will challenge efforts to engage Alma Parris Academy teachers as independent contractors, arguing they should remain public servants under existing laws. Culture & Creators: Government is developing a third-party aggregator proposal to help content creators collect earnings affected by geo-blocking. Mental Health: Mental health professionals mark World Suicide Prevention Month with awareness on warning signs and where to get help. Local Community & Youth: Bim Got Talent’s “Up Next Youth Showcase” is gaining momentum, including a New York team delivering 200+ backpacks to students for back-to-school support. Sports (Barbados): Barbados Tridents’ women’s CPL campaign continues after a win over the Saint Lucia Kings, while the wider CPL scene remains in focus.

Regional Business Expansion: Omni Industries is in talks to supply Trinidad and Tobago with baking trays, building on recent Caribbean distributor deals and shipments across the region. Tourism & Hospitality: Tamarind, Barbados (Autograph Collection) has reopened after major renovations, adding new dining, refreshed rooms, and programming for families. Government & Innovation: The government is developing a third-party aggregator to help content creators collect earnings affected by geo-blocking on international platforms. Agriculture & Exports: Export Barbados says about 20 farmers will be lined up for a new export packhouse focused on overseas markets, with targeted crops including hot peppers and passion fruit. Public Health & Safety: Mental health professionals marked Suicide Prevention Month/Day with awareness on warning signs and where to get help; meanwhile, a road-rage incident followed a collision near Bussa Roundabout, with road safety advocates urging calm after crashes. Animal Health: Barbados is stepping up African swine fever surveillance and response planning amid warnings about possible breaches. Sports (CPL): Barbados Tridents’ recent CPL win over the Saint Lucia Kings keeps their season momentum going.

Health & Safety for Travellers: Barbados’ Ministry warns travellers to buy comprehensive travel insurance with solid medical coverage after reports of Barbadians facing huge overseas bills. Agriculture Biosecurity: Barbados is stepping up African swine fever (ASF) defence with a three-day surveillance and response workshop, as officials warn import-system gaps could still leave the island vulnerable. Tourism & Hospitality: Tamarind, Barbados (Autograph Collection) has reopened after a major renovation, adding refreshed rooms, new dining, and a CAMP Club for kids. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq, met Barbados’ envoy to discuss deeper cooperation on trade, tourism, aviation, education, security and reparations. Energy & Cost of Living: A former central bank governor argues Barbados’ distributed solar-and-wind approach may not lower power prices, urging a hydroelectric option instead. Education & Skills: Education Minister Chad Blackman urged students to learn languages beyond English, highlighting a push toward bilingualism with Spanish. Sports (Barbados focus): Cricket West Indies named Bob Carter as batting consultant, with his first tour including Barbados. Business & Trade: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, strengthening its regional presence across the Eastern Caribbean cluster.

Tourism & Appointments: The Caribbean Tourism Organization named Barbadian tourism and communications professional Courtney-Diana Walker as program officer for sustainable tourism, starting Sept. 1, to strengthen the CTO’s Reimagine Plan pillar on sustainable and regenerative tourism. CPL Playoffs Pressure: With the CPL group stage tightening, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and Guyana Amazon Warriors are positioned for the top-two finish, while the race for the remaining playoff spots stays fierce—Barbados Tridents sit in the mix as the next matches loom. Hospitality Upgrade: Tamarind, Barbados (Autograph Collection) reopened after a multi-million, two-year renovation across the Barbados Collection, adding refreshed rooms, new dining experiences and enhanced public spaces. Water Woes Update: Some St Lucy residents report clearer tap water after long-standing discolouration, though many still buy bottled water and say the brown tint hasn’t fully vanished. Health & Research: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is partnering with medical universities (including UWI, AUB and Era University) to boost research, training and digital health services. Business & Trade Costs: Barbados is watching Panama Canal shipping restrictions and surcharges closely, with fears they could push up import costs and consumer prices. Regional Security: The Regional Security System marked International Day of Police Cooperation, stressing people-centred policing and building trust and legitimacy. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies appointed veteran English coach Bob Carter as batting consultant, with his first regional tour including Barbados.

Africa–Caribbean Diplomacy: Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq, met Barbados’ High Commissioner to Ghana, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, in Abuja to push cooperation on aviation, tourism, trade, education, migration, security and reparations. Public Health & Research: Queen Elizabeth Hospital signed an MoU with UWI and two universities (AUB and Era University) to boost digital health, research and training. Food & Animal Health: Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight says Barbados is ramping up surveillance and rapid response planning to protect the pig industry from African swine fever. Crime Prevention: CARICOM launched a Youth Advisory Committee on Prevention of Crime and Violence to put young people (18–29) at the centre of regional safety efforts. Workplace & Productivity: UWI Cave Hill and HRMAB tackled workplace challenges as productivity drops with a shrinking labour force. Local Governance & Courts: Virtual hearings began at District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court to cut backlogs and reduce prisoner transport. Sports (Barbados): Barbados Tridents made a squad change, calling up Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar as they chase results in the CPL. Business & Cost of Living: Barbados officials warned that Panama Canal shipping restrictions and surcharges could raise import costs and consumer prices.

CPL Cricket: Barbados Tridents have called up Afghanistan spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar to replace Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the rest of the season, ahead of a must-win home game at Kensington Oval. Local Sports: Che Simmons, a Barbadian fast bowler, has switched from Warwickshire to Gloucestershire for the remainder of the 2026 County Championship, with a two-year deal expected. Health: Queen Elizabeth Hospital physiotherapy staff say stroke cases are alarmingly frequent in Barbados and are urging people to know their blood pressure numbers and focus on prevention. Agriculture & Food Security: Government is stepping up protection of the pig industry from African swine fever, warning the threat remains ever-present across the region. Justice System: District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court has begun virtual hearings to cut delays and reduce prisoner transport, with the first session running smoothly. Economy & Work: UWI Cave Hill and HRMAB warn productivity is slipping as the workforce shrinks, urging stronger human resource strategies. Prime Minister’s Cup Football: Paradise and Technique kicked off the tournament with wins as the competition adds a women’s component and chases a $100,000 first prize. Public Health Watch: Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Trotman says Barbados must keep strong surveillance and biosecurity against animal and foodborne diseases. Water: Low water pressure or outages continue for some residents in St George, St John and St Philip due to technical issues at a BWA station.

US-Venezuela Oil Deal: A major agreement links the US and Venezuela to develop 17 Orinoco fields, with Barbados-based NABEP at the centre and claims of huge investment and output. Education & Health: Barbados is rolling out universal early childhood access and a primary school breakfast programme for about 17,000 students, while the Education Minister warns schools are “hands off” for firms marketing ultra-processed foods. School Readiness: The Barbados Union of Teachers flags last-minute maintenance and handover delays that leave some schools not ready for students. CARICOM-Africa Ties: Prime Minister Mia Mottley calls for stronger Africa–Caribbean movement on travel, trade and education, pointing to new links and reparations progress. Sports (CPL): Barbados Tridents snap a losing streak with an eight-wicket win over the St Lucia Kings, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s key spell and a composed chase. Community Support: YWCA plans to expand youth and community empowerment programmes with new focus areas. Public Safety: A contractor accused of accosting Health Minister Lisa Cummins pleads guilty and faces sentencing today.

School nutrition and access: Education Minister Chad Blackman says about 17,000 primary students are now getting breakfast islandwide, while universal early childhood education rolls out at no cost to families; he also warned food firms to keep ultra-processed marketing out of schools. Local education upgrades: The Barbados Union of Teachers welcomed summer repairs but complained some work ran into Planning Week and raised dust and safety concerns as classes reopen. CARICOM–Africa push: PM Mia Mottley marked CARICOM-Africa Day calling for more movement of people, trade, education and opportunities, citing new air links and the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Barbados. Reparations spotlight: Jamaica’s delegation is in the UK to file a slavery and reparations petition to King Charles, seeking legal guidance via the Privy Council. Health and justice: A St Michael man has been charged with assaulting Health Minister Lisa Cummins and using threatening words; he later pleaded guilty. Water disruption: Ionics desalination plant work will cause no water or low pressure in parts of St Michael, St George and Christ Church. Sport (CPL): Barbados Tridents beat Saint Lucia Kings by eight wickets; Mujeeb Ur-Rahman has left for Afghanistan and Allah Ghanzafar is called up.

Education Policy: Antigua and Barbuda has launched “universal free education” from early childhood to university for the new term, with government covering tuition including CXC-linked exams and UWI Five Islands fees. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM marked Africa-CARICOM Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, trade and connectivity, plus a fresh push to advance reparatory justice. Barbados Education & Skills: A second cohort completes the Motion Picture Arts Certificate (MPAC) filmmaking programme via the Ministry of Youth and Culture and UWI, aimed at growing Barbados’ creative economy and jobs. Health & Services: Barbados’ Ministry of Health says its health system digital upgrade needs fixing after gaps were found in data systems, governance and connectivity; meanwhile, fogging resumes in St John and Christ Church with a detailed community schedule. Water Disruption: Barbados Water Authority warns of no water or low pressure in parts of St Michael, St George and Christ Church due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant. Community & Advocacy: Hope Foundation founder and lupus advocate Shelley Weir has died at 63, after decades of patient advocacy across the Caribbean. Sports (CPL): Barbados Tridents beat Saint Lucia Kings by eight wickets at Kensington Oval, setting up a must-win for Saint Lucia against Guyana. Teachers: Barbados Union of Teachers president Rudy Lovell urges collaboration as students return, stressing safe, supported learning.

Reparations Push: Jamaica is set to hand King Charles a slavery-reparations petition asking the Privy Council for legal answers on whether transatlantic chattel slavery was unlawful and whether Britain owes restitution—part of a wider CARICOM push for reparatory justice. Back-to-School Focus: Barbados Union of Teachers president Rudy Lovell urged teachers, parents and education officials to work together as the new academic year starts, stressing safe, supported learning for every child. Health Sector Upgrade: Barbados’ health digital transformation is being pressed forward after a 2022 review found fragmented systems and gaps in governance, data quality, infrastructure and data protection. Mosquito Control: The Ministry of Health resumes fogging in St John and Christ Church this week, with daily spraying from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Water Woes in St Thomas: Barbados Water Authority is treating prolonged low pressure and outages in parts of St Thomas as a “crisis situation” while engineers investigate Melrose, Edgehill Heights and Edgehill Terrace. CPL at Kensington Oval: Trinbago Knight Riders beat Barbados Tridents by 35 runs (Pooran 59, Narine 4/12) in a low-scoring CPL clash, keeping qualification hopes alive. Education & Community Support: A Rotary initiative launches pathways for adolescent boys and men transitioning back into society after incarceration. Loss of a Patient Advocate: Hope Foundation founder Shelley Weir has died at 63, remembered for decades of patient advocacy for lupus, sickle cell and arthritis. Connectivity Boost for GCC Travellers: Barbados expands air links with new British Airways London Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic Manchester services from late October into 2027.

Mosquito Control: The Ministry of Health and Wellness resumes fogging in St John and Christ Church, with daily sprays running 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sept 7–11 across listed communities, urging residents to open doors and windows for the treatment. Water Supply Crisis: Barbados Water Authority flags prolonged low pressure and outages in St Thomas (Melrose, Edgehill Heights, Edgehill Terrace) as a “crisis situation,” using monitoring, field checks and repairs to restore reliable service. Heat Safety: With temperatures pushing 32–33°C and apparent heat near 45°C, older Barbadians are urged to hydrate, avoid peak sun, and take precautions against heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke. Health Records Digitisation: Barbados is rolling out digital health records and hospital systems, with officials stressing access protections for elderly, rural and disabled patients and stronger governance and cybersecurity. Tourism & Connectivity: Barbados expands air links for GCC travellers, adding British Airways Gatwick–Barbados (from Oct 25) and resuming Virgin Atlantic Manchester–Barbados (from Oct 26 to Mar 19). CPL at Kensington Oval: Trinbago Knight Riders beat Barbados Tridents in the men’s opener, while Shikha Pandey and Yastika Bhatia starred in the women’s WCPL opener; Barbados Tridents also received a State House welcome ahead of the home leg. Road Repairs: Transport and Works Minister Kirk Humphrey announces a major pothole and road repair drive starting with northern parishes, with work paced by utility upgrades and local readiness. Community Support: Rotary Club of Barbados West launches a Men and Boys Empowerment initiative to help adolescents transitioning back into society after incarceration.