AGP Executive Report

CPL Cricket: Sunil Narine struck 55 and took two wickets as Trinbago Knight Riders beat Barbados Tridents by seven wickets at Queen’s Park Oval, ending a three-match losing streak with a smooth chase of 128. Heritage & Culture: Minister Trevor Prescod urged a national revival of spouge, praising Jackie Opel for shaping Barbadian identity, while the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre at the GPO is set to be revitalised as a regular cultural venue. Tourism Preparedness: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. ran Critical Incident Awareness & Response training for tourism professionals, with police and emergency management support to strengthen visitor safety. Tourism Infrastructure: The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. also backed a plan to revive the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre as a living space for youth and community performances. Local Sports & Community: Atlas and Blackspurs secured promotion after Division Two playoffs; youth netballer Naija Ferdinand was selected for a regional development camp in Trinidad & Tobago. Business & Costs: Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry leaders pushed for a price compact and exploring alternative supply sources to help cut everyday costs. Customs Modernisation: Government is working on a digital link for the $500 annual duty-free allowance to a traveller’s passport, as Customs upgrades continue.

CPL Shock for TKR: Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders copped a 36-run loss to St Lucia Kings at the Queen’s Park Oval, condemning them to their second-worst CPL start since 2013, with captain Nicholas Pooran now pushing for a quick turnaround. Women’s Cricket in Barbados: Barbados Tridents have named Indian overseas signings Pooja Vastrakar and Kiran Navgire for the 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League at Kensington Oval from September 5–17. Customs Modernisation: Government is working on a digital link for Barbados’ $500 annual duty-free allowance to a traveller’s passport, alongside new baggage-tagging tech at Grantley Adams. Cost of Living Push: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pressing Government on import-related taxes, duties and charges, including calls to revisit the 2% foreign exchange fee and VAT impacts. Waterford Health Expansion: Barbados’ new Geriatric Hospital and National Rehabilitation Centre at Waterford is set to add 570 beds overall, with Phase I expected to open in late 2026. Faith Grants for Youth: Ten faith-based organisations have received the first funding under the $5m special grant programme to deliver youth development projects across the island. Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly is forming in the Atlantic and could bring heavy rain to parts of the Caribbean over the weekend.

Electricity Costs & Energy Transition: Former BL&P CEO Stephen Worme warns Barbados’ renewable push could raise short-term power bills as extra investment is needed to keep the grid stable. Cost of Living & Trade: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) says it’s pitching government on tax and duty calculation changes to lower prices, and is also seeking alternative overseas supply routes for fruits and vegetables to cut costs. Health Infrastructure: Barbados is moving ahead with a new Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, eventually adding 570 beds, plus a National Rehabilitation Centre for stroke, spinal injuries, amputations, burns and more. Faith-Based Youth Grants: Ten faith organisations have received the first awards under a $5m special grant fund to run youth development programmes nationwide. Transport & Governance: A new 12-member board has been appointed for the Transport Authority, tasked with easing congestion and improving public transport safety. Aviation Updates: Caribbean Airlines has finalised a direct Toronto–Tobago plan, while also discontinuing certain direct Barbados–Tobago services from September 2. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly is being monitored; no watches or warnings are in effect, but warm conditions and possible showers are expected.

Parliament & Health: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock told Parliament he had to rush overseas for urgent eye treatment after his vision worsened, despite a long-standing retinal condition. Aviation & Travel: Caribbean Airlines will end direct Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados services from September 2, with passengers rebooked on same-day alternatives. Energy & Cost Concerns: Barbados’ $350m Harrow hybrid energy project is awaiting a tariff ruling expected by September 15, a key step before construction can start. Water Safety & Environment: Authorities are investigating illegal oil dumping in The Belle water zone, triggering the National Oil Spill Protocol. Farming & Markets: Agriculture Minister Shantal Munro-Knight says purchase agreements with major retailers will be expanded to boost local production and exports. Sports (CPL): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat Barbados Tridents by 30 runs, while Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” links CPL sixes to community support in Barbados and across the region. Regional Youth Sport: Guyana has begun preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games in Leonora. Tropical Weather: Barbados Meteorological Services is monitoring a tropical wave expected Sunday, with no watches or warnings currently in effect.

CPL Update: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat the Barbados Tridents by 30 runs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with Moeen Ali striking an unbeaten 56 and Joshua James taking three wickets to end the Tridents’ unbeaten run. Local Sports & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns CPL moments into support for cricket gear, back-to-school efforts, connectivity and inclusion across multiple Caribbean markets, including Barbados. Education Watch: The Barbados Union of Teachers is seeking clarity on school assistants’ hours for the breakfast programme, while saying it has no concerns about the programme itself ahead of the September 7 start. Water & Environment: Authorities are investigating illegal oil dumping in The Belle water zone, with the National Oil Spill Protocol activated. Energy & Costs: A $350m Harrow hybrid energy project is awaiting a tariff ruling by September 15, a decision that could affect future electricity bills. Agriculture & Markets: Agriculture Minister Shantal Munro-Knight says purchase agreements with major retailers will be expanded to help farmers boost production and exports. Aviation: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados flights from September 2, with passengers re-accommodated on same-day options. Cycling: Teen Ryan Thompson won Caribbean gold in the junior time trial in Belize, adding a bronze in the road race.

Health Services Resilience Programme: Barbados is set to redesign the old Roseville Halfway House in St Peter into a community-based mental health bridge for people moving from institutional care to independent living, with the facility expected to be ready by 2029 under a wider US$175m health system upgrade. St Lucy Water Update: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says basic water rate relief for St Lucy residents will continue beyond September until an advanced filtration system is properly installed, after delays tied to production and supply logistics; the BWA also insists discoloured water is safe to drink and is meeting WHO standards. Customs Crackdown: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn and new Comptroller of Customs Lynette Padmore warn of rising fraud at the border, including under-invoicing and mislabelling, while Customs highlights efforts to stop guns and drugs and modernise operations on its 121st anniversary. Oil Spill Protocol Triggered: Authorities launched an investigation after barrels of oil were dumped in the Belle area, prompting the national oil spill protocol due to risks to the water supply. Barbados–Venezuela Ties: Barbados and Venezuela signed and ratified a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture and tourism, following high-level talks in Caracas. CPL Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons moved to the top of the CPL points table after beating the Barbados Tridents by 30 runs, with Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 56 and a late collapse sealing the result. Business & Finance: Massy says it’s still profiting in Barbados despite challenges, while JMMB Group reports $2.1b net profits for the quarter ended June 30, with Barbados contributing nine per cent of operating revenues. Regional Mobility: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados services from September 2, though other options remain available.

CTEC Standards Debate: CXC responds to calls to “tread carefully” over the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate, arguing the goal is to boost learning without lowering rigour. Water Safety & Infrastructure: Authorities launched an investigation after barrels of oil were dumped in Belle, raising fears for drinking water; meanwhile St Lucy’s discoloured-water fixes continue with mains replacements and an advanced treatment plant at Allendale, with basic water rate payments extended. Border Security: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says Customs is stepping up training and technology to stop guns and drugs, marking 121 years with modernisation. Justice: A repeat offender was sentenced to nine months for stealing from a tourist and assaulting the victim, plus cocaine-related possession. Regional Cooperation: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, signing and ratifying a joint declaration to deepen energy, food security, trade, tourism and education, including a field hospital update of 2,700 patients treated. Travel & Business: Caribbean Airlines will end direct Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados service from Sept. 2; British Airways expands winter routes including Melbourne and adds more flights to Bridgetown. Sport & Culture: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop are set for the first CPL Hall of Fame inductions in Barbados on Sept. 15; and Massy Finance Remittances signs a three-year CPL partnership.

Barbados–Venezuela Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley wrapped high-level talks in Caracas with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, agreeing to deepen cooperation across energy, food security, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture and tourism, with expanded trade and transport links and a joint declaration signed to take effect immediately. Earthquake Solidarity: Rodríguez and Mottley also inspected Barbados’ type 2 mobile field hospital in Guarenas, which has treated 2,700+ patients since July, as Venezuela publicly thanked Barbados for rescue support and medical aid. Energy Transition: Barbados is pushing to reach 70% renewables by 2029, while also moving ahead with battery storage to stabilise the grid and unlock constrained solar. Health Watch: With respiratory illnesses rising, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners urges parents to keep sick children home and recommends influenza vaccines for vulnerable groups. Economy & Bills: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says an administrative glitch led to overcalculated land tax bills for 25,807 residential properties, with corrected bands and refunds underway. Border Security: Customs reported seizing guns, drugs and plant material in a major haul, warning smugglers are using evolving routes. Sports & CPL: Barbados Tridents face Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in a key CPL clash, while a medical issue has ruled Saint Lucia Kings batter Ackeem Auguste out of the squad.

FATF & Illicit Finance: Barbados has joined the FATF-Style Regional Body Guest Initiative alongside Namibia and Thailand, with participation under their own flags starting with the October 2026 FATF Plenary cycle. Venezuela–Barbados Solidarity: Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez toured Barbados’ Type 2 field hospital in Guarenas, which has treated more than 2,700 patients since the June 24 earthquakes; both leaders also signed and ratified a joint declaration to deepen cooperation across energy, food security, education and culture, tourism, and maritime/air connectivity. Border Security: Barbados Customs seized 12 firearms, about 900 rounds of ammunition, nearly 1,000kg of plant material (about $8m), plus drugs and tactical items, warning smugglers are using all routes. Cost of Living & Revenue: The land tax bills issue is being corrected after an administrative glitch left some residential owners over $450,000 facing unexpected increases; refunds or credits are available. Health: The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners urges influenza vaccination for vulnerable groups as respiratory illnesses rise. Energy Transition: Government is advancing battery energy storage plans, targeting an additional 65MW beyond the 60MW already being procured. Sport: CPL action continues as Guyana Amazon Warriors stay unbeaten after a seven-wicket win over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, while Barbados Tridents prepare next.

Customs Crackdown: Barbados Customs seized just under 1,000kg of cannabis worth about $8m, plus firearms, ammunition and drugs including cocaine and methamphetamines, while collecting roughly $5.46bn in revenue from 2023 to July 2026—despite losses from concessions, waivers and suspected undervaluation. Tourism & Travel Deals: A new airfare study says “shoulder season” flights in September and October can be up to 52% cheaper than peak summer, with Barbados flagged for a 34% drop; separately, JetBlue is advertising a New York–Barbados roundtrip for $428 (Sept. 14–20). Regional Food Security: Caribbean states spend about $6bn a year on imported food, but CARIFORUM groups say cutting that by 25% could unlock a $1.5bn market for regional producers. Immigration Watch: Canada is tightening document accuracy and identity checks for several Caribbean nationals, while a US court ruling blocked a Trump policy that would have indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Barbados. Sport & Culture: A Taste of Barbados returns on P&O Cruises; and in cricket, Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by seven wickets in the CPL.

Customs & Revenue: Barbados Customs says it collected about $5.46 billion from 2023 to July 2026, but more than $3 billion was lost through concessions, waivers and suspected under-invoicing and undervaluation, alongside major border seizures. Local Governance & Education: Vincentian national scholars heading to UWI Cave Hill face delays and mounting debt fears as bureaucratic gridlock at the Treasury leaves funding disbursements unresolved. Mental Health Care: The DLP is calling for an urgent overhaul of child and adolescent mental health services after another reported child death, citing staffing shortages and rising demand. Energy & Power Bills: The Fair Trading Commission approved BLPC cost recovery for three synchronous condensers, with no immediate billing impact—while attorney Tricia Watson signals she’ll challenge the decision. Tourism & Hotels: Barbados welcomes two new stays—Hotel Indigo Bridgetown Barbados and Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club—adding 160 rooms and new vacation vibes. CPL & Cricket: Barbados-linked CPL action continues, with Matthew Forde’s five-wicket haul and Olivia Grange upbeat about CPL’s return strengthening Jamaica’s cricket pipeline. Cyber Safety: A cybersecurity warning urges young people to avoid risky links and protect devices and home networks from malware. US Visa Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Barbados—an immediate relief for many families.

US Immigration Update: A Manhattan federal judge struck down President Donald Trump’s plan to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the authority of the US Secretary of State—an outcome that also affects applicants from Barbados and other Caribbean states. Electricity Costs Watch: Barbados Light & Power’s cost-recovery bid for synchronous condensers was approved by the Fair Trading Commission, but the regulator says there’s no immediate billing impact; any costs will be recovered later through base rates or the clean energy transition rider. Sports—CPL: Matthew Forde produced a standout five-wicket haul as Saint Lucia Kings beat Jamaica Kingsmen, while the Barbados Tridents remain unbeaten and climb the CPL table. Local Community: The One Family Programme says it has mobilised over $400,000 in back-to-school supplies for about 2,000 children. Education: Barbados celebrates 34 national academic award winners, with Queen’s College and Barbados Community College leading the scholarships and exhibitions. Cycling: Barbados riders won medals at the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships in Belize, including time-trial silver and bronze. Travel Deal: JetBlue is advertising a $428 roundtrip New York–Barbados fare for mid-September travel.

Local Education & Youth Support: The One Family Programme’s 2026 back-to-school drive is mobilising over $400,000 in books and supplies for about 2,000 children across Barbados, while St Peter MP Colin Jordan treated former Class Four students to an educational tour and fun day. Mentorship & Crime Prevention: Government is set to launch a grandfather mentorship programme pairing older male role models with young men, and the justice system is moving toward virtual hearings at the Magistrates’ Court as part of broader reforms. Sports Spotlight: Barbados’ Matthew Forde produced a match-winning five-for in CPL action, and water polo is set for a comeback after a three-year hiatus with plans starting in schools by late September. Regional Governance & Economy: Barbados is among countries urged to “safeguard” the Caribbean Court of Justice amid calls for unity, while ECLAC forecasts Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026—dropping sharply without Guyana. International Legal News: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries, including Barbados and other Caribbean states. Culture & Heritage: Marcus Garvey’s legacy was revisited as Dr Julius Garvey joined PM Mia Mottley for the rededication of the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre.

Back-to-School Relief: Barbados’ One Family Programme has mobilised more than $400,000 in school supplies for about 2,000 children, including books and stationery for vulnerable families. Cyber Safety: UWI is investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, stressing there’s no confirmed breach and urging staff and students to avoid suspicious links. Mentorship for Youth: Government will launch a grandfather mentorship programme to pair older male role models with young men, aiming to curb delinquency and violence. Education Wins: Barbados recorded a 93.8% overall CAPE pass rate and named 34 scholarship and exhibition awardees, with Queen’s College and BCC leading the numbers. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings are set to begin at the Magistrates’ Court as part of wider criminal justice reforms. Pan-African Legacy: PM Mia Mottley and Dr Julius Garvey rededicated the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre at Queen’s Park, revisiting Garvey’s 1937 visit. Sport—Squash: Barbados women reached the Pan-Am squash quarter-finals after beating Guyana 2-0. Sport—CPL: Matthew Forde’s five-wicket haul powered a big Kings win, while Barbados cricket celebrates ICC Player of the Month honours for Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews. Local Debate: Concerns are rising over whether a $270m St Kitts school project is delivering enough local construction jobs. Regional Economy: ECLAC forecasts Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but warns the outlook drops sharply without Guyana.

Youth Mentorship Push: Barbados will launch a grandfather mentorship programme in September, pairing older men with young males to curb delinquency and violence, with the initiative announced by Minister Adrian Forde alongside school-supply support under the One Family Programme. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings are set to begin at the Magistrates’ Court next month as Government moves to modernise the criminal justice system, with Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley also calling for a wider, tougher approach to public-space violence. Education Standouts: Thirty-four students won Barbados’ top national academic awards for 2026, as the island posted a 93.8% overall CAPE pass rate. Local Sports: Christ Church club Parish Land sealed back-to-back promotion to the Premier League after just one season in Division One. Business & Skills: The CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional digital transformation initiative to help MSMEs across five islands strengthen competitiveness. Cricket Pride: Barbados’ Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews were hailed after winning ICC Player of the Month honours. Governance & Security: Barbados joined a FATF guest initiative to boost the fight against illicit finance. Transport Concern: Operators in the Transport Augmentation Programme are furious over a cashless rollout they say was launched without their input. Regional Tourism: WestJet Vacations added Royalton Vessence Barbados to its growing Caribbean portfolio.

Transport Cashless Clash: Transport Augmentation Programme operators say the cashless fare system was rolled out “stealth” without proper consultation, leaving them unsure how they’ll be paid or buy diesel, after prepaid cards appeared for passengers. Public Health Watch: Barbados’ Health Ministry and QEH are monitoring a rise in respiratory illnesses (including flu, RSV and COVID-19), urging hygiene and cough etiquette. Workplace Disengagement Cost: A new study presented at the Central Bank seminar estimates Barbados could be losing $1.6bn a year from disengagement and “cultural misalignment” affecting productivity. Household Debt Pressure: The Central Bank’s Financial Stability Report warns household debt rose to $6.64bn in 2025 and that families owe more than they earn, raising vulnerability if borrowing costs climb. Immunisation Opt-Out Concern: Medical practitioners warn that requests to exempt children from routine vaccines are rising, linked to misinformation spreading via social media and foreign media. Tourism & Media Momentum: Barbados leads the region at the CBU Media Awards with 15 wins, and has nine World Travel Awards nominations with public voting open. Border Security Law: Barbados passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill to strengthen air and sea border checks and data sharing with regional and international partners.