AGP Executive Report

Basketball: The BABA Premier League Finals are hit again as game one is postponed due to a portable backboard problem at Wildey Gymnasium, with officials hoping it’s fixed for Tuesday night. Cricket: Kensington Oval is set to host international cricket in 2026, with Barbados reportedly in talks to stage two ODIs during New Zealand’s tour on July 18 and 21. Crime & justice: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP have launched a regional plan to tackle crime and violence through a public-health lens, while Barbados is also moving to reconstitute its Citizen Security council after it hasn’t met since the February election. Labour rights: The ICJ advisory opinion backs the right to strike, a boost unions say they’ve been waiting for. Health & safety: Coconut vendors are publicly stressing hygiene and safe handling as concerns resurface. Sports & community: Cave Hill’s Blackbirds head to the UWI Intercampus Games in Trinidad this weekend, aiming to end a 15-year overall title drought. Local governance: After 100 days, St Michael residents say road resurfacing is improving daily life, but they want more action for youth and safety. Culture: Republic Bank renews sponsorship for Pan Yard Lime and Pandemonium as Crop Over builds momentum.

ICJ Strike Rights: Trade unions across the region are hailing an International Court of Justice advisory opinion that protects the right to strike. Crime & Public Health: CARICOM, the UN and UNDP have launched a shared framework to treat crime and violence as a public health emergency, pushing prevention across health, education, justice and community systems. Anti-Gang Debate: Barbados’ DLP backs the Government’s anti-gang legislation but says it’s too focused on punishment and frontline offenders, urging stronger moves against the money and networks behind violence. Local Governance & Safety: The National Advisory Council on Citizen Security is set to be reconstituted after not meeting since the February election, as gun-related killings rise. Court & Community: An arsonist awaits sentencing next week after pleading guilty over a 2018 fire that damaged a St Michael apartment complex. Sports & Youth: UWI Cave Hill Blackbirds depart for the Intercampus Games in Trinidad and Tobago, aiming to end a 15-year Intercampus title drought. US Policy Shock: The Trump administration says Caribbean green card applicants must return home to apply, tightening pathways for permanent residency. Business & Culture: Barbados will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027, with tourism leaders calling it a vote of confidence in the island. Drought Watch: Barbados issues an agricultural drought warning as below-average rainfall is forecast through September.

Caskets Mystery: Police are reviewing CCTV after five adult caskets were stolen from Shar-lan’s Funeral Services in Bush Hall, St. Michael, on May 21—an unusual case that has sparked a $500 BBD reward for tips leading to recovery. Crime & Policy: The DLP backs the Government’s anti-gang bill but says it must go further, calling for account freezes, stronger financial investigations, and more prevention for young people as murders stay high. Digital & Finance: ZeeMoney says it’s working with the Central Bank to resume services after a suspension, while Minister Kerrie Symmonds pushes faster growth in cybersecurity and digital services. Regional Moves: Caribbean Airlines cuts several intra-Caribbean routes from June 1, and Barbados prepares to host the Caribbean’s biggest tourism trade event again in 2027. Water Stress: The World Bank approved a $54.7m programme to cut water losses and expand sanitation as drought pressure builds.

Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will start June 1 by dropping three routes (Dominica–Suriname; St Kitts–Suriname; Ogle, Guyana–Suriname) and trimming Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly service, squeezing key links for business and diaspora travel. Tourism Push: Barbados has been chosen to host the Caribbean’s biggest tourism trade event again—Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027—bringing global hotel and airline decision-makers back to the island. Water Security Funding: The World Bank approved US$54.7m for Barbados’ water plan, targeting leak losses, better metering and sanitation upgrades. Regional Recognition: Dominica’s DOMLEC picked up energy-transition honours at the CARILEC CEO conference in Barbados. Local Watch: Barbados’ Fiscal Council gets a new chairman as the island also faces fresh debate over Carlisle Bay’s “brown/green water” and ongoing crime worries for tourism. Business & Culture: R.O.A.D. won major digital awards, while Judith Chalmers—host of Wish You Were Here…?—dies at 90.

ICJ Climate Push: The UN General Assembly has voted to operationalize the ICJ’s 2025 climate advisory opinion, backing a legal framework on states’ duties to act on climate change (141 in favour, 8 against, 28 abstentions), with Vanuatu leading the push. Regional Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is positioning Caribbean Week of Agriculture as a launchpad for faster, shared implementation of climate-smart farming and food security systems. Barbados Food Security: Barbados opened a new onion drying facility to cut the food import bill, and launched a pollination services pilot to boost yields. Crime vs Tourism: The DLP warns rising violence could start damaging Barbados’ tourism image after an attack on a visitor near Savvy on the Bay. Ebola Readiness: Barbados has tightened screening and surveillance at airports and seaports as the WHO flags the outbreak risk as “low, but not zero.” Health Cooperation: Barbados and Ethiopia signed a health-sector MoU focused on ethical recruitment and workforce mobility. Road Tennis Shake-up: Fresh controversy hits the Road Tennis Association after the removal of its secretary.

Climate Justice Push: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark ICJ climate resolution, urging legal duties on all states to cut emissions and warning of consequences for failing to protect people—adopted 141-8 with the US and several others voting against. Barbados Social Security Reform: Barbados is moving to extend NIS coverage to workers in non-standard jobs through a National Portable Benefits Framework, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley calling for a digital platform to track gig workers’ hours so benefits can follow the worker. Aviation Money & Congestion: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says Barbados must upgrade equipment and enforcement to capture revenue from aircraft using its upper airspace, while airport officials begin adding three more parking gates at GAIA to ease tarmac crowding. Tourism & Sports Momentum: Barbados-linked regional activity stays hot—CPL ticket sales gear up, and St Lucia’s Masters Football Invitational kicked off with early goals and growing participation. Regional Security Training: Investigators across the Caribbean are in Barbados for Joint Investigation Teams training to better tackle cross-border crime and illicit financial flows.

NIS Portable Benefits Push: In the House of Assembly, Minister Kirk Humphrey said Barbados must “right a wrong” for people juggling multiple jobs, arguing the current National Insurance setup leaves many with little or no protection, as PM Mia Mottley backs a digital platform to track gig workers’ hours so benefits can follow the person. Airport Capacity Boost: With airlift rising, Government is adding three more aircraft parking gates at Grantley Adams International Airport, taking the apron from 23 to 26, with works due to start next month. Tourism Trade Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, while Barbados tourism leaders renewed focus on Africa links, including resuming Nigeria charters and operating a Kenya office. Regional Crime-Fighting: A five-day Joint Investigation Teams workshop in Bridgetown is training prosecutors and investigators to strengthen cross-border probes and asset recovery. Global Watch: WHO says Ebola suspected cases have reached 600 in DR Congo, with deaths expected to climb.

Hurricane Response: The World Food Programme is stepping in to help the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian, sending experts to assess damage, airlifting generators and prefab offices, and moving ready-to-eat meals to the hardest-hit communities. Tourism Fight: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a new Booking.com rule that could charge commissions on taxes too, warning it may quietly raise costs across the region. Social Security Reform: In Parliament, Minister Kirk Humphrey says the National Insurance system is failing multi-job workers and backs a portable benefits framework so benefits follow the person, not the job. Airlift & Airport: With more flights coming, Barbados is adding three aircraft parking aprons at Grantley Adams, taking capacity from 23 to 26. Health & Crime: WHO reports Ebola cases are rising in the DRC, while Caribbean security officials train on Joint Investigation Teams to strengthen cross-border crime fighting. Local Business: PM Mia Mottley urged manufacturers to expand exports and innovate as imports keep outpacing exports.

Iran Sanctions Escalate: The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC has launched fresh “Economic Fury” measures targeting an Iran-linked currency exchange network, Amin Exchange (Ebrahimi and Associates), and front companies across China, Hong Kong, the UAE and Türkiye, while also blocking 19 tankers tied to Iranian oil and petrochemical shipments—ships flagged in places including Panama, Palau, Hong Kong, Cameroon, Vanuatu and even Barbados. Caribbean Justice Push: Caribbean states, after a two-day Barbados legal forum, have committed to advancing a regional framework for Joint Investigation Teams to speed up cross-border financial probes and asset recovery, with a pilot involving at least two jurisdictions planned soon. CPL Ticketing: Republic Bank CPL 2026 match tickets for Antigua, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia go on sale Friday, May 22, but Visa cardholders get a 48-hour priority purchase window from May 20. Barbados Economy & Health: PM Mia Amor Mottley urged manufacturers to export more and innovate to cut the import gap, while President Jeffrey Bostic warned chronic-disease efforts won’t work without deeper community engagement. Local Watch: Gas prices are rising, and some Bajans are turning to alternatives like e-bikes as costs bite.

CPL Ticket Rush: Republic Bank CPL tickets for Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia go on sale Friday, May 22, with a Visa-only priority window on May 20–21—while Barbados Tridents home season passes are already live at Kensington Oval. CPL Team News: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots have retained Alick Athanaze for CPL 2026 and locked in a strong batting core, including Johnson Charles and Jason Holder. High Court Update: A dispute between Aer Lingus and suspended pilot Ian Blair has been resolved, with the case struck out after talks between the sides. Regional Security Push: Caribbean countries are moving toward a regional framework for Joint Investigation Teams after a Barbados legal forum, including plans for a pilot JIT. Tourism Watch: Barbados is trending toward a strong 2026 season, with BTMI reporting about 214,000 visitors in the first quarter and pointing to airlift as the growth cornerstone. Health Alert: Stroke cases in Barbados keep rising, with registry data showing a sharp jump over the past decade. Business & Energy: Fortress Fund Managers says the outlook is “fairly positive” but warns investors to expect a noisy market after geopolitical shocks rattled portfolios.

Cuba-US Tensions: A fresh warning from Havana says the Cuban people will resist any push for “regime change,” as the U.S. tightens sanctions and signals tougher action. Barbados Crime: In St Michael’s Jackmans, police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured, with Crime Stoppers urging witnesses to come forward. Tourism & Travel: Barbados is set to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027, while JetBlue and United are rolling out reciprocal elite-style perks for Caribbean-bound travellers. Health Watch: Stroke cases in Barbados keep climbing, and the island is also moving toward a more wellness-focused healthcare system. Business & Finance: Regulators are monitoring suspicious transactions tied to Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal, and ANSA McAL reports a drop in Barbados revenue as it streamlines operations. Sports & Culture: Barbados-based Mount Gay unveils a Devereux capsule for golfers, and the Roger Boyce Classic continues to spotlight regional bodybuilding talent.

Commonwealth Sports Boost: Ideagen has been named Official AI Technology Principal Partner of Glasgow 2026 and Presenting Partner for Netball, putting the brand in front of huge Commonwealth crowds from 23 July to 2 August. Wellness Push in Health: Barbados is moving from treating illness to promoting wellness, with Minister of State Davidson Ishmael making the case at Republic Bank’s Blue Wellness Conference. HIV Support Spotlight: Minister Adrian Forde praised the National HIV and AIDS Commission as it marks 25 years of health, social and community support. Tourism Talent Pipeline: CTO is rolling out a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism during Caribbean Week 2026, while Barbados also lands the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027. Rising Stroke Burden: Stroke cases are climbing, with Barbados registry data showing 624 strokes in 2023 and rates about 60% higher than a decade ago. Electricity Costs Managed: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds says fuel hedging and subsidy steps helped soften the latest BL&P fuel clause jump. Crime and Safety: A shooting in Jackmans, St Michael left one dead and another injured, as regulators also monitor 1MDB-linked transactions. Weather/Sea Alert: A small craft advisory is in effect for rougher seas and winds through Tuesday.

CPL Draft Fallout: Gudakesh Motie has been snapped up by the Barbados Tridents, ending his five-year run with Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Barbados also re-signed a key local core including Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford returns for 2026—setting up a fresh Tridents look ahead of the August 7 start. Safety Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda is ranked 4th safest in the Caribbean in the 2026 Honeymoon Always Caribbean Safety Index, with Barbados close behind at 8.21, reinforcing the region’s tourism appeal. Crime Watch: Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Jackmans, St Michael, with one dead and another injured, as residents vent frustration over gun violence. Finance Scrutiny: Barbados regulators are monitoring suspicious transactions tied to the 1MDB scandal, including a reported US$1.7m freeze linked to Malaysian court action. Weather & Sea: A small craft advisory is in effect for Barbados with rougher seas and gusty winds expected to ease mid-week.

Marine Safety: A small craft advisory is in effect for Barbados as swell peaks near 3.0m in open water and winds of 20–25 knots push choppy seas, with conditions expected to ease from mid-week and the advisory set to end Tuesday May 19 at 6 p.m. Violence in St Michael: Police are investigating an early Sunday shooting in Jackmans, St Michael, where one man was killed and another taken to hospital after the incident on Skeetes Road around 2:10 a.m., with Crime Stoppers and police urging witnesses to come forward. Digital Government Push: GovTech Barbados says it’s rolling out citizen-focused online services to cut frustrations—aiming to reduce repeat trips to departments and improve access to tools like pension and severance calculators. Regional Shocks: A strong earthquake rattled Antigua and Barbuda and nearby islands, with residents reporting strong shaking but no immediate reports of major damage. Sports & Community: The week also brought more local momentum—from junior bodybuilding standouts to Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme celebrating its fourth year.

CPL Draft Shock: Barbados Tridents have landed Guyana spinner Gudakesh Motie, ending his five-year run with the Amazon Warriors, while also keeping Sherfane Rutherford and re-signing a strong local core as the 2026 Republic Bank CPL kicks off Aug 7. Sports Diplomacy: Motie’s move comes as Guyana’s Harpy Eagles chase a fourth straight West Indies Championship title, with Sunday’s decider set to decide the crown. Legal Shield: Barbados’ Attorney General Garth Wilkin joined a regional meeting in Barbados on joint investigation teams to tackle transnational organised crime and asset recovery. Energy Pressure: A UN panel warns global energy and trade disruptions are pushing millions closer to poverty, with higher fuel and food costs hitting hardest. Local Milestones: Pine Hill Dairy marks 60 years, and Fasons Food opens a major purchasing opportunity for small poultry farmers in Barbados. Earthquake Alert: A 6.5 quake rattled Antigua and nearby islands, with Barbados monitoring the situation.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: The Barbados Tridents have landed Gudakesh Motie from Guyana, ending his five-year Warriors stint, and also re-drafted Sherfane Rutherford after his 2025 Barbados run. Local Roster Lock-In: Using right-to-match options, Barbados kept Brandon King, Kadeem Alleyne, Rivaldo Clarke, Johann Layne and Kofi James, with Zishan Motara set to return as overseas signings are still expected. Knight Riders Stability: Defending champions TKR retained Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein, while Andre Russell heads to the new Jamaica Kingsmen with Rovman Powell. Public Protection: The Barbados Bar Association is warning the public to use only properly admitted attorneys with valid practising certificates, after complaints about people holding themselves out as legal professionals. Global Pressure on Health: The UN says blackouts and shortages are disrupting healthcare in Cuba, with surgeries suspended and thousands waiting for treatment. Weather: Partly sunny with scattered light showers today; breezy easterlies and moderate seas.