AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments: Barbados launched BiMPay, with the Central Bank calling it key financial infrastructure for faster transfers and access; NISSS says it will join in the second phase so pensioners and contributors can use the system for digital lodgements. Food & Agriculture: Barbados’ food import bill has climbed to $13.76 billion, up from about $6 billion three years ago, as the agriculture ministry points to investment opportunities across farming, fisheries, processing and logistics. Tax Compliance: The Barbados Revenue Authority issued guidance notes on top-up tax ahead of the June 30 deadline, warning of penalties and interest for late payment. Social Protection: Government reaffirmed its push to protect vulnerable Barbadians, including staffing upgrades for the new Social Empowerment Agency and strict enforcement of the Older Persons Care and Protection Act. Fisheries Loss: Barbados mourns Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, with ministers and industry leaders praising her leadership and impact on the blue economy. Water Security: The Met Office and Barbados Meteorological Services issued drought warnings into late July, with groundwater and agriculture concerns despite the wet season start. Tourism Momentum: Tourism is on track for a record year, with 2025 arrivals hitting new highs and “Tourism 3.0” aiming to boost visitor spend and local participation. Public Safety: Housing and fire-safety warnings continue, as officials urge landlords to follow protocols and reduce dangerous overcrowding. Regional Tech & STEM: Barbados is set to host the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge, selecting 16 ventures for a major pitch event later this month.

Digital Payments: Barbados launched BiMPay, its national instant payment system, with the first transaction made by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; the Central Bank says it will enable real-time payments 24/7 and support a faster, more digital economy, with NISSS set to join in the next phase. Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says Barbados is on track to match or beat last year’s record season, sharing visitor figures and rolling out “Tourism 3.0” to grow spend and local participation. Water Security: The Met Office issued drought warnings despite the wet season start, citing below-normal rainfall risk and pressure on groundwater and agriculture through July, with watches extending to October. Fire Safety & Housing: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs urged landlords to follow fire safety protocols after fatal incidents linked to overcrowding and blocked exits, warning that urban density can worsen blaze spread. Fisheries Loss: Barbados mourns Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, with senior officials praising her leadership and impact on the sector. Regional Opportunities: The EU opened a funding call for biodiversity and natural capital projects across Caribbean OCTs, with an online info session June 23 and a deadline of August 28, 2026.

Tourism Boost: Barbados is on track to match or beat last year’s record tourism season, with Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill citing 727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals, plus a “Tourism 3.0” push to grow visitor spend and local ownership. Digital Payments: BiMPay officially went live, letting people and businesses send and receive money instantly 24/7, with NISSS set to join in a second phase to speed up pension and contributor payments. Fisheries Loss: Barbados mourns Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, who died after collapsing while preparing to present awards at the Weston Fish Market; tributes from the PM and Deputy PM highlight her impact on fisherfolk and fisheries modernisation. Public Health: Health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, with the CMO urging no public alarm. Housing Pressure: DLP housing spokesman Ian Griffith says thousands still seek solutions as he points to delays and stalled projects under HOPE, calling for accountability and fixes. Transport Safety: A warning is issued to “pirate” drivers and passengers about using privately insured vehicles for hire, stressing insurers won’t cover fee-paying transport. Regional Tourism: Barbados has been named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, a major B2B tourism event. Energy/Health Services: Barbados Fire Service mourns Divisional Officer Wayne David Vaughan after 36 years of service.

Fisheries Loss: Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley paid tribute to late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, who died suddenly at 37 after collapsing during an open day at the Weston Fish Market. Digital Economy: Barbados made history with BiMPay, the national instant payments platform launched by the Central Bank, with the PM completing the first live transaction; credit unions also welcomed it while urging reforms to remove barriers to wider use. Labour & Policy: Barbados helped shape a landmark ILO convention for gig and platform workers, and government is moving ahead with beneficial ownership legislation to boost corporate transparency. Public Health: Health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, while the Cancer Society says more men are seeking prostate cancer screening. Transport & Tourism: Uber defended its Barbados model amid taxi concerns, and Barbados was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace; police also backed proposals for more comfortable Crop Over uniforms ahead of expected extreme heat.

BiMPay Launch: Barbados made history with the first Caribbean national instant payment system, with PM Mia Mottley completing the maiden transaction after the Central Bank’s BiMPay go-live ceremony—positioned as a major step toward a fully digital economy. Digital Economy & Trust: Credit unions and public voices welcomed BiMPay’s promise of faster, real-time payments, while also calling for reforms and public trust to keep the system working for everyone. Tourism Business Boost: Barbados was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, a key CHTA event expected to bring major regional and international tourism buyers. Public Health Watch: Health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, with the CMO stressing there’s no cause for public alarm. Child Nutrition Push: Health advocates praised beverage makers for reducing sugar, linking the shift to childhood obesity prevention and school nutrition policy progress. Cancer Screening: The Barbados Cancer Society says more men are coming forward for prostate cancer screening, urging continued uptake for early detection. Elder Abuse Call: BARP is urging police training and stronger vigilance from professionals as it marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Work & Rights: Barbados helped shape a landmark ILO convention for gig and platform workers, setting global benchmarks on pay, protections, safety and automated work management. Transport Heat Prep: Police officers back plans to introduce lighter uniforms for Crop Over to help manage extreme heat on duty. Commonwealth Spotlight: The British High Commissioner highlighted the Caribbean’s influence within the Commonwealth during King Charles III’s 78th birthday celebrations. Regional Solidarity on Cuba: A Barbados-Cuba Friendship Association activist urged CARICOM to explore Cuba’s inclusion as a member state and to provide supplies to ease hardships.

Health Watch: Barbados moved to contain a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, with the Chief Medical Officer stressing there’s no public alarm. Public Health & Food: Government says savings from a proposed $1.2b debt buyback will help fund health and nutrition programmes, including behavioural change and regional food security, as childhood obesity remains a major concern. Finance & Payments: The Central Bank hosted a “BiMPay Go-Live” event ahead of the platform’s launch, with the PM set to complete the first transaction live. Local Governance: Police are considering lighter, more comfortable uniforms for Crop Over to help officers cope with extreme heat. Education: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible three- and four-year-olds is set to begin in September. Housing Pressure: More than 4,000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance as officials verify figures and push multiple solutions to close the supply gap. Tourism & Business: Barbados will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and Royalton opened Royalton Vessence Barbados, an adult-oriented all-inclusive resort. Sports: Deacons climbed to second in BFA Division One after a 3-0 win over Notre Dame.

BiMPay Launch: The Central Bank hosted a “pyjama vibe” event ahead of BimPay going live, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley set to complete the first transaction just before midnight—aimed at making bank-to-bank and bank-to-person transfers faster. Corporate Transparency: Government is moving ahead with beneficial ownership legislation, including a private central register, to boost disclosure and strengthen Barbados’ fight against financial crime. Public Health & Food: The Heart & Stroke Foundation launched a campaign targeting junk food marketing around schools, while Government says savings from a proposed debt buyback will help fund health and nutrition programmes. Education Access: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible three- and four-year-olds is set to begin in September. Elder Protection: BARP is calling for better training and stronger vigilance to tackle elder abuse. Safety & Services: Police are considering lighter, more comfortable uniforms for Crop Over due to extreme heat forecasts. Housing Pressure: Over 4,000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance as demand continues to outstrip supply. Tourism & Business: Barbados has been named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and Royalton Vessence Barbados opened as a new adult-oriented all-inclusive resort.

WTO Relevance for the Caribbean: A new op-ed argues the WTO still matters for small states even after MC14 failures, as tariff shocks and energy-driven trade disruptions keep the region exposed. Housing Pressure: Housing and Lands Minister Chris Gibbs says over 4,000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance, with demand still outstripping supply while data is verified and multiple solutions are pursued. Digital Payments Go Live: Barbados prepares for BiMPay’s June 12 launch, promising instant transfers and real-time settlement, while the DLP calls for transparency and safeguards around personal data. Tourism Deal for Barbados: CHTA names Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, a major B2B tourism event returning after a successful 2026 run. Public Health Focus: Barbados reports rising syphilis cases and urges testing, while CARPHA trains regional staff to safely transport infectious specimens. Elder Abuse Alert: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse and calls for stronger enforcement beyond new laws. Renewables and Resilience: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ renewable push and Dominica’s geothermal grid milestone highlight the region’s drive to cut fuel dependence.

Digital Payments & Accountability: The Central Bank’s BiMPay instant payment system is set to go live June 12, but the DLP is calling for transparency and safeguards around how personal data is handled as the platform modernises money movement. Public Service Tech: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Pearly app will let citizens report concerns and track responses, aiming for a more responsive government. Health Policy Reform: A Senate-passed bill will establish a Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices, improve access, and align with international standards. Public Health Alert: Barbados is seeing rising syphilis cases, with officials urging adults to get tested and practise safer sex. Workforce & Jobs: The BWU is engaging C.O. Williams Construction after reports of possible layoffs, while CTUSAB is pushing for urgent talks over the cuts. Elder Abuse Watch: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse and calls for stronger enforcement beyond new laws. Education & Literacy: Education officials highlight progress from the National Letter Writing Competition and push age-appropriate reading levels by year-end. Tourism & Business: Barbados will host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and CARPHA trained regional staff in safe infectious specimen transport. Culture: Junior Monarch drew 47 entrants, and the Caribbean Music Awards returns with public voting opening June 10.

Barbados Health Reform: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Bill, paving the way for a new Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices to international standards, improve access, and strengthen public health protection. Syphilis Alert: The Ministry of Health says syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 (up from 107 in 2024) and higher testing activity—adults are urged to get tested and practise safer sex. Gun Courts Push: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Police Service will be resourced to bring firearm cases before court quickly, with a new Firearms Division and dedicated gun courts aimed at clearing both new cases and backlog. Labour Tension: The BWU is in talks with C.O. Williams Construction after reports of about 30 potential layoffs, demanding evidence and fair consultation. Workplace Reality: HRMAB warns employers that retention and recruitment are now driven by culture, flexibility and development—not just pay. Tourism & Travel: MSC Opera has begun its Europe summer season before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean, including year-round Barbados departures. Regional Readiness: CDEMA highlights lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, stressing better emergency communications and information sharing.

Gun Courts & Faster Justice: Barbados moved to establish dedicated gun courts by creating a Firearms Division in the High Court and increasing judges, aiming to get firearm cases before a judge within weeks as Government tackles backlog and rising gun violence. Medical Regulation Reform: The Senate passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up the Barbados Medical Products Authority to modernise oversight of medicines and health devices and improve access to safe, effective products. Syphilis Alert: Health officials say syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 (up from 107 in 2024) and higher testing/positivity—adults are urged to get tested and practise safer sex. Public Health Taxes: PAHO says alcohol and sugary drink taxes across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption, renewing pressure for stronger fiscal measures. Work & Jobs Tension: CTUSAB called for urgent talks after reports CO Williams plans layoffs, highlighting the contradiction of job seekers struggling while some sectors report labour shortages. Regional Preparedness: CDEMA urged continued hurricane readiness, citing lessons from 2025 including better emergency communications and information sharing. Education & Rights: Officials praised a national letter-writing competition for boosting literacy and creativity, while another campaign encouraged primary students to learn children’s rights.

Barbados Justice: Barbados has introduced a Gun Court by creating a Firearms Division of the High Court, aiming to speed up firearm-related cases and reduce the criminal justice backlog, with accused persons able to choose judge-only or jury trials. Public Safety & Health: Kidney specialists say Queen Elizabeth Hospital is short on dialysis capacity and are urging organ donor legislation to enable more transplants. Crime & Community: Police are asking the public to help locate wanted man Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”) for questioning in serious matters. Regional Security & Governance: A UNDP report warns Caribbean violence is driven by structural pressures and a gap between security policy and root causes, including concerns about violence against women. Caribbean Business & Finance: Seprod-owned A.S. Bryden & Sons spent US$3.6m to buy two Barbados firms, expanding its regional distribution footprint. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean Bank in Jamaica has launched Google Pay (credit cards only at first). Healthier Schools Campaign: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition is pushing “Make it Make Sense” to curb unhealthy food and drink marketing in schools across 11 territories. Ports & Resilience: St Kitts and Nevis’ ports CEO spoke in Bridgetown on using new technologies and AI for disaster-risk management and more resilient ports. Culture & Entrepreneurship: St Kitts and Nevis will host FRO Fest 2026 on June 20, spotlighting natural beauty, fashion, and Caribbean-owned small businesses.

Victim Support Reform: Barbados is moving to strengthen protection orders and shift the focus from only prosecuting offenders to better supporting victims, with Minister Michael Lashley calling for a coordinated national framework. Probation Service Boost: New probation officers are expected to ease report-writing backlogs and help restructure how the service operates, as Barbados grapples with violent and threatening offences among youth under supervision. Ports & Digitalisation: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill says ports must modernise with digitalisation and AI, while St Kitts and Nevis highlights port resilience planning at a regional meeting in Bridgetown. Health Policy Push: A Healthy Caribbean Coalition campaign targets junk food and drink marketing in schools, urging parents and the public to back removing ultra-processed food promotions from classrooms. Kidney Care Urgency: A QEH transplant specialist says dialysis demand is outpacing treatment and calls for organ donor legislation to enable more transplants. Transport & Insurance Pressure: CTUSAB links rising insurance premiums to road misuse, expired licences and stunting, while transport unions urge discipline among operators. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies’ Republic Bank “Five for Fun” launches in Barbados, and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League adds Jamaica Empress, with Barbados Royals set to open the 2026 season. Police Appeal: Barbados Police ask the public to help locate wanted man Dwayne Marlon Drakes.

Wanted Man: Police are asking the public to help locate Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”), wanted for questioning over serious criminal matters, with last known addresses in St James and St Michael. Victim Support Reform: Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley says Barbados must move beyond prosecuting offenders and strengthen protection orders and a coordinated national victim support framework. Digital Payments: Central Bank data shows cash is being overtaken by electronic payments, as BiMPay prepares to go live this week. Public Service App: Government is set to launch Pearly App for residents to report issues like potholes and water outages with photos and location details. Ports & Tech: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill says port digitalisation is key for efficiency and safety, with AI playing a growing role. Probation Service: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says violent or threatening offences made up more than half of probation cases last year. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College rolls out online maritime courses, including Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea and Blue Economy. Tourism & Cricket: WCPL 2026 fixtures are set for a ten-day women’s cricket festival at Kensington Oval, Barbados, featuring the new Jamaica Empress franchise.

Public Safety: Firefighters responded to a blaze in Upper Weston, St James, threatening nearby homes after it started on an unoccupied plot. Justice & Youth Crime: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls said 295 young Barbadians were under probation supervision in 2025, with 138 placed for violent or threatening offences, stressing the need to focus on what happens next. Courts: Police issued court attendance notices for five individuals to appear at Supreme Court No. 3 on Tuesday, 9 June at 9:00 a.m. Digital Government: Barbados will launch the Pearly App to let residents report issues like potholes, water outages and waste problems with photos, videos and location details. Transport & Compliance: A transport union urged operators to crack down on indiscipline and pirate services on some routes. Energy & Economy: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest Barbados could have up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with government moving to identify international partners. Road Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes and is also rehabilitating bridges along the corridor. Health Policy: PAHO-led talks in Barbados pushed sodium reduction and trans fat elimination plans across eight Caribbean countries. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College launched new online maritime courses, including Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea and Blue Economy. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank’s Five for Fun programme officially launched in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools. Women’s Cricket: WCPL fixtures for 2026 are live, with matches set to be played in Barbados at Kensington Oval.

Tourism Awards: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Andrea Franklin was named Director of Tourism of the Year at the CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York, alongside Virgin Islands minister Luce Hodge-Smith. Youth & Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-backed regional survey says young people in Barbados and other islands aren’t linking climate action and green economy plans to real opportunities. Public Health Policy: PAHO brought nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters to Barbados to map sodium cuts and trans fat elimination steps across the region. Security & Justice: The Barbados Probation Service marked its 80th anniversary; Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls said nearly half of probation cases in 2025 involved violent or threatening offences. Defence Force Leadership: President Jeffrey Bostic urged BDF members to uphold standards and said he will no longer use the Lieutenant Colonel title. Infrastructure & Roads: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while also rehabilitating bridges along the corridor. Energy Costs: BLPC says fuel prices drive most of electricity bills and FCA-related generator costs could add about $1.25 monthly for the average household. Heritage Month: Barbadians were urged to protect heritage and pass values on, with plans to preserve cricket legends’ childhood homes. Local Business Support: Endeavour Credit Union launched a partnership programme for micro, small and medium businesses, with 11 partners signing on.