AGP Executive Report

BiMPay Launch: Barbados has rolled out BiMPay, a 24/7 instant payments system run by the Central Bank, with the first transaction made by PM Mia Amor Mottley—aimed at speeding up transfers and modernising the financial sector. Credit Union Protection: Deposit insurance legislation for credit union members is expected to be tabled soon, after years of advocacy; the sector says it now manages over US$1.7bn in assets. Cost of Living: LPG prices rise from midnight June 21, with increases of about 3.3% to 3.7% across cylinder sizes, pushing up household and business fuel costs. Education Results: Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination allocations show 97.3% placed into public secondary schools, with St Gabriel’s Primary topping the results. Legal Action: A Barbadian woman has filed suit against the government over alleged health complications following AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021. Parenting Call: Sports Minister Charles Griffith urges fathers to be active mentors, warning of a wider parenting crisis. Regional Trade & Tourism: IDB reports Latin America and the Caribbean exports up 15.7% in Q1 2026; meanwhile, Barbados tourism is getting a boost with new nonstop air access from New York. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders in Ghana approved a 19-point reparatory justice framework, including calls for formal apologies. Inter-Island Shipping Risk: Caribbean shipping operators are reassessing routes as war-risk premiums rise following the Venezuela upheaval.

Deposit Insurance Push: Barbados is set to table deposit insurance legislation for credit union members within days, with the sector managing over US$1.7 billion in assets and calling it a long-awaited safety net. Energy Costs: LPG prices rise from midnight June 21, with the 100 lb cylinder up from $160.39 to $166.39 and other sizes increasing by about 3.3% to 3.7%, pushing household and business budgets higher. Electricity Regulation Fight: BL&P’s nearly $79m grid modernisation recovery bid is being challenged at the Fair Trading Commission by intervenor Tricia Watson, who argues costs and process weren’t properly justified. Energy Security Funding: The IDB approved a US$150m programme to strengthen Barbados’ energy security, aiming to modernise the electricity sector, cut exposure to global price swings, and support private investment. Regional Ocean Cooperation: Jamaica and Barbados signed on to the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism, expanding collaboration to protect marine ecosystems and boost sustainable development. Reparations Momentum: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations framework in Ghana, calling for compensation, debt relief, a global reparations fund, and formal apologies. Local Culture in Schools: The NCF partners with author Shakirah Bourne to bring Bajan Anansi tales into school libraries, with live readings starting June 23. Weather & Sea Safety: A small craft advisory remains in effect as strong winds and hazardous marine conditions persist, with updates expected by noon June 22.

Reparatory Justice in the Spotlight: Ghana’s Next Steps Conference in Accra ended with a Juneteenth ceremony at Christiansborg Castle, where students staged a slave-trade reenactment before African and Caribbean leaders, tying emotion to a new reparatory justice framework. Local Culture in Schools: The National Cultural Foundation partnered with Barbadian author Shakirah Bourne to bring Bajan Anansi tales into classrooms, with school readings starting June 23. Energy Security Boost: The IDB approved a US$150m policy loan to strengthen Barbados’ energy security, aiming for a more resilient, competitive electricity market and reduced import exposure. Credit Union Protection: Deposit insurance legislation for credit unions is set to be tabled in parliament within days, a major safeguard push for members’ savings. Electricity Costs Under Scrutiny: Intervenor Tricia Watson challenged BL&P’s nearly $79m FTC filing tied to grid modernisation, arguing costs and process weren’t properly justified. Health and Legal Action: A woman has sued the Government over alleged AstraZeneca vaccine injuries, with the case at Supreme Court case management. Payments Watch: The Central Bank says next week’s payrolls will be treated as a priority after earlier BiMPay-related delays. Weather Alert: A flash flood watch is in effect as a tropical wave brings heavy rain and possible flooding. Maritime Safety: A small craft advisory remains due to strong winds and hazardous sea conditions. Air Peace Clarifies Birth Tourism Claims: The airline denies involvement in online promotions encouraging pregnant travel to Barbados for citizenship benefits.

Central Bank & BiMPay Payroll Fix: The Central Bank of Barbados says next week’s salaries will be a priority after delays linked to incorrectly formatted payroll account information under BiMPay, with twice-daily oversight and instructions to banks/credit unions to correct details directly with employers—without charging affected workers fees. National Health Focus: Health and Wellness Minister Davidson Ishmael says September will be officially recognised as National Health and Wellness Month, with the aim of making it an annual event and encouraging more men to speak openly about mental health and get screenings. Weather Watch: Barbados Meteorological Services issued a flash flood watch as a tropical wave brings heavy showers and possible flooding in low-lying areas, with the watch set to end early tomorrow. Reparations Push: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is in the spotlight as African and Caribbean leaders in Ghana adopt a reparations framework calling for compensation, debt relief, formal apologies, and restitution of cultural property and remains, with new working panels announced. Regional Economy: The 2026 Caribbean Economic Forum in Barbados heard calls for more sustainable capital to unlock growth beyond tourism and energy.

Payroll Fix: The Central Bank of Barbados says next week’s salaries for private and government workers will be treated as a priority after some delays linked to BiMPay payroll file formatting; banks have been told to correct issues with employers and not charge affected employees fees. Regional Finance: At the 2026 Caribbean Economic Forum in Barbados, finance executive Gregory Hill warned the region’s main hurdle is capital moving fast enough to match opportunities. Weather Alert: A flash flood watch was issued as a tropical wave brings heavy rain, with conditions expected to ease by tomorrow morning. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders in Ghana adopted a global framework for reparatory justice, including compensation, restitution of cultural property, debt relief, and new working panels—while Barbados PM Mia Mottley unveiled an updated reparations manifesto. Tourism & Access: A debate is reignited over whether beachfront development is restricting real access to Caribbean beaches, echoing Barbados’ own history of public access battles. Infrastructure & Jobs: Drainage works begin at Trents, St James, to tackle flooding and support the Holetown Civic Centre relocation; meanwhile, the government moves toward Advance Passenger Information rules.

Reparatory Justice in Focus: A three-day Next Steps Conference in Accra ended with a 19-point declaration and three new working panels on reparations, restitution and legal pathways, as African and Caribbean leaders pushed to move beyond symbolism after the UN’s March vote. Barbados Tourism Surge: Barbados reported record momentum with 727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals in 2025, plus a “Tourism 3.0” push to deepen local benefits. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Drainage works are underway at Trents, St James, to ease flooding and support the Holetown Civic Centre relocation plan. Education Funding Worry: The Barbados Union of Teachers says proposed primary assessment changes could strain already under-resourced schools. Health & Legal Action: A woman has sued the Government of Barbados over alleged health complications after AstraZeneca COVID-19 jabs. Public Safety Reform: Acting Attorney General Gregory Nicholls says gun violence is being treated as a public health issue, with penal system changes planned. Regional Sports & Culture: Volleyballers from Bermuda head to the Dominican Republic, while Barbados mourns Sir Charles Emile Straker, and CBC launches daily World Cup analysis show “World Cup Glory.”

Tourism Boom: Barbados closed 2025 with record visitor numbers, hitting 727,310 long-stay arrivals and 817,950 cruise passengers, with Tourism 3.0 now pushing deeper local benefits and spend. Hotel & Tourism Leadership: Newly appointed BHTA chairman Kelly-Ann Payne says tourism success depends on shared responsibility across Government, industry and communities. Digital Payments: Barbados has launched BiMPay, with credit unions and partners praising the move toward faster, more modern payments. Energy Funding: Government secured a US$150m IDB loan to strengthen energy security, with priorities expected to include grid resilience and diversification. Regional Finance Push: Afreximbank is advancing a CARICOM EXIM Bank proposal, with a feasibility study completed and financing support for the region increased to US$5bn. Reparatory Justice: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley backed a united Africa-Caribbean front as Ghana hosts next-steps talks after the UN slavery resolution, including new global panels for reparatory justice. Local Culture Loss: Barbados mourns Sir Charles Emile Straker, co-founder and lead voice of The Merrymen, with tributes from the Prime Minister and the NCF. Education & Safety: The Barbados Union of Teachers supports early closure of 13 primary schools for refurbishment, provided works finish before the new school year. Public Health & Crime: Acting Attorney General Gregory Nicholls says gun violence is being treated as a public health crisis, with penal-system changes planned before year-end. Health Access: Deputy PM Santia Bradshaw urged access to brand-name cancer drugs under the Medical Products Bill.

Reparations Push: President John Dramani Mahama opened Ghana’s Next Steps Consultative Conference, setting up three global panels to drive reparatory justice, restitution of cultural artefacts and legal pathways— with Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley among key leaders. Caribbean Finance: Afreximbank is advancing a Caricom EXIM bank plan to widen access to long-term trade and development financing, presented for regional review after discussions in Bridgetown. Barbados Tourism & Economy: Barbados’ tourism sector posted strong 2025 results, with higher occupancy and room rates, while industry leaders say the island is prioritising quality over discounting to stay competitive. Digital Payments: Barbados’ BiMPay instant payments platform is live, and CIBC Caribbean says its cards can now be added to Google Wallet for faster contactless payments. Fuel Relief: Government signals a possible extension of fuel support as households feel pressure from global costs. Public Safety: A flash-flood watch is in effect for Barbados due to heavy rainfall, with residents urged to monitor updates. Entertainment & Sport: Early bird tickets go on sale for Barbados’ Live & Louder Mega Concert ahead of CPL Finals Week, and West Indies’ Aliyah Alleyne starred as they beat Scotland in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Tourism Strategy: Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association leaders say the island is choosing quality over discounting to win repeat visitors, not price wars. National Wellness Policy: Government is pushing a National Wellness Policy to tackle non-communicable diseases and urges NGOs to run wellness programmes. Reparatory Justice: PM Mia Amor Mottley calls for a united global stance declaring slavery a crime and says Barbados will present CARICOM’s Ten-Point Plan in Ghana. Regional Finance: Afreximbank is advancing a proposal for a CARICOM EXIM bank to improve access to development financing. Food Systems Funding: A UN forum in Barbados unveiled a US$320 million pipeline of food-system investments aimed at building resilient Caribbean agriculture. Public Accountability: Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge apologised after remarks on BiMPay costs sparked criticism over the public’s “right to know.” Crime Reduction: Government says police support will increase after 51 illegal firearms were removed since January, with a Firearms Division planned. Weather: A flash-flood watch was issued for heavy rain but later discontinued as conditions eased. Ocean Cooperation: Jamaica signed onto the Ocean Coordination Mechanism with Barbados to strengthen Wider Caribbean blue-economy governance.

Digital Payments & Accountability: Barbados’ BiMPay instant payments launch is already moving nearly $8m in 20,000 transactions, but Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge has apologised after earlier dismissing a reporter’s question on the system’s cost—now put at about $6.7m for phase one against a $10m budget. Public Health: Government says NCDs drive 83% of adult deaths in Barbados, urging businesses and community groups to help tackle preventable chronic illness. Climate Finance: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says Barbados needs about US$23bn by 2035 to meet its climate agenda, pushing climate investment plans and proactive disaster clauses in financing. Regional Health Security: Barbados’ Best dos Santos Public Health Laboratory is designated a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre to strengthen early detection of drug-resistant infections and boost AMR capacity. Food & Farming: The Barbados Agricultural Society calls for better support for local chicken sales, citing storage constraints and concerns about imports beyond agreed wings. Local Governance & Safety: A small craft advisory remains for hazardous seas as strong winds approach. Sports & Community: Primary schools chess championships run June 18–19 at Wildey Gym, while the Women’s CPL in Barbados (Sept 5–15) features St Kitts’ Jahzara Claxton drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders.

Gun Courts & Crime: Minister Michael Lashley says two gun courts will cut Barbados’ firearm case backlog, with nearly 700 cases awaiting prosecution and 23 of 27 murders this year involving guns. Medical Products Bill: MPs debated the Barbados Medical Products Bill, aimed at regulating medicines, tackling counterfeits, and curbing dangerous “lean” mixes of over-the-counter drugs and illicit substances. Health Costs Debate: St Philip North MP Dr Sonia Browne argues returning nationals should contribute to drug costs, pointing to heavy use of free polyclinic medication by people who haven’t paid into the system. Education Upgrades: Thirty-five schools are set for major summer structural works, with 13 closing early to speed contractors’ start. Public Right to Know: Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge faces criticism over refusing to disclose BiMPay development costs. Food Systems Investment: UN and partners held a high-level forum in Barbados to mobilize equity capital for resilient Caribbean food systems. Weather & Sea Safety: A small craft advisory remains for June 18-19 as strong winds bring hazardous marine conditions; tropical wave showers continue. Tourism & Business: Government urges private sector to boost exports under BERT 3.0, while CHTA names Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027.

Medical Safety Push: Barbados’ Medical Products Bill 2026 is moving through Parliament to tighten control of medicines and medical products, with ministers warning that 47% of supplies are imported and that counterfeit drugs and “pharmaco vigilance” are urgent risks. Youth Drug Warning: People Empowerment Minister Adrian Forde says youth “polydrug” use is rising, including illegal drugs sold as vitamins, and warns of dangerous, largely unregulated mixing via phones and online sources. Digital Payments Accountability: Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge again declined to say how much Barbados’ BiMPay cost, despite public questions on spending and oversight. Tourism Business Boost: Barbados has been named host destination for the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, bringing regional tourism leaders to the island in May 2027. Regional Integration: Barbados and Guyana’s e-ID travel acceptance is being operationalised with airlines and immigration officials ahead of 1 July 2026. Sports & Community: Netball season starts June 17 with a new five-division structure; meanwhile, a hydroponics-based learning co-op helped re-engage 15 at-risk boys at Frederick Smith Secondary.

BiMPay Accountability: Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge again refused to say how much Barbados’ BiMPay instant payments system cost, despite public questions—sparking renewed pushback on transparency. Food Security & Farming: Agriculture Minister Shantal Munro-Knight says Barbados is working with Guyana to cut food imports under the CARICOM 25 by 25 Plus Five push, as the island’s food import bill rose to $13.76 billion. Tech & Investment: Barbados is partnering on the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge, with 16 ventures selected for pitches in Accra later this month. Regional Travel Integration: Stakeholders met on implementing e-ID travel between Barbados and Guyana from 1 July 2026, focusing on check-in and passenger verification. Sports & Community: Women’s CPL squads are confirmed for a four-team 2026 season, including the Jamaica Empress, while Barbados Tridents’ local players are set. Public Service & Protection: Government reaffirmed its commitment to social services and tougher enforcement of the Older Persons Care and Protection Act. Fisheries Loss: Barbados mourns the sudden passing of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, praised for leadership across the Caribbean blue economy.

Digital Payments & Inclusion: Barbados’ instant payment push got a boost as the CTU praised BimPay’s successful launch, with NISSS set to join in the second phase to speed up pension and contributor payments. Food & Cost Pressures: The food import bill has climbed from $6 billion to $13.76 billion over three years, now flagged as a growing strain on the economy. Water Security: Barbados remains under drought warnings into late July, with the wet season starting “at a deficit” and groundwater recharge concerns raising risks for freshwater and agriculture. Social Protection: Government says it’s doubling down on protecting vulnerable Barbadians, including staffing for the Social Empowerment Agency and strict enforcement of the Older Persons Care and Protection Act. Sports & Community: Women’s CPL squads are confirmed, with the Jamaica Empress joining for 2026 and overseas players eligible for the playing XI. Business & Compliance: The Barbados Revenue Authority issued guidance on top-up tax rules ahead of the June 30 deadline, warning of penalties and interest for late payment. Tourism Watch: Tourism is on pace for a record year, with 727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals reported for last year. Public Safety: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs urged landlords to follow fire safety protocols as overcrowding and blocked exits continue to put lives at risk. Regional News: A missing light aircraft en route to Tobago was found with no loss of life, while a US travel alert in the Bahamas warned of jet ski rental safety and sexual assault reports.

BiMPay Launch: Barbados went live with BiMPay, the national instant payment system, enabling real-time transfers 24/7 after Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made the first transaction to a local vendor. Digital Finance Expansion: The Central Bank says the platform will be rolled out in phases, with NISSS set to join in the second phase so pensioners and contributors can access funds faster. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says Barbados is on track to match or beat last year’s record season, citing 727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals, plus a “Tourism 3.0” plan focused on higher visitor spend and more local ownership. Water Warnings: Barbados remains under drought warnings into late July, with below-normal wet season rainfall risking strain on groundwater and agriculture. Fire Safety Call: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs urged landlords to follow fire safety protocols after cases linked to overcrowding and blocked exits. Regional Blue Economy: Grenada’s $300,000 US sustainable ocean governance framework was launched, highlighting the ocean’s role in livelihoods and fish exports. EU Funding Opportunity: The EU opened a call for biodiversity and natural capital projects across Caribbean OCTs, with applications due Aug. 28. Fisheries Loss: Barbados mourns Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, with tributes from senior officials after her sudden death.

Digital Payments: Barbados officially launched BiMPay, the island’s national instant payment system, with the Prime Minister making the first transaction to a local vendor; the Central Bank says it will run 24/7 and speed up transfers for people, businesses and vendors, while NISSS is set to move into the platform in a second phase. Tourism Boost: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says Barbados is on pace to match or beat last year’s record season, citing 727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals, plus a “Tourism 3.0” push to grow visitor spend and local participation. Fisheries Loss: The sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox has sparked tributes from senior officials and shock across the fishing industry after she collapsed during an event at the Weston Fish Market. Regional Shipping: St Vincent and the Grenadines is moving toward a cruise port concession, with Global Ports Holding seeking exclusive talks to manage and develop the Kingstown cruise terminal under a long-term deal. Road Safety Warning: Insurers warn that private vehicles used to carry paying passengers may leave drivers and passengers exposed after reports of illegal operators on key routes.