AGP Executive Report

Party Politics: The Barbados Labour Party will hold its annual conference at St George Secondary School from October 23 to 25. Prime Minister Mia Mottley is scheduled to address the public on October 24. Financial Services: The Protection of Depositors Act 2026 marks a milestone for credit unions, while senators debate a bill to regulate virtual asset providers and protect consumers. Infrastructure: Transport Minister Kirk Humphrey says potholes on recently paved roads are unacceptable and is pushing for better drainage and more durable construction. Food Security: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soya to Barbados, while the island remains on alert for bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams are assessing whether Caribbean producers can reliably supply paint, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, a review that could shape future import duties.

Financial Regulation: The Senate is debating Barbados’ Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2026, which aims to protect consumers and meet international standards. Opposition Senator Ryan Walters warns compliance costs could drive some platforms away. Roads and Construction: Minister Kirk Humphrey says potholes on recently paved roads are unacceptable and is calling for stronger construction standards, better drainage and tighter cost controls ahead of a building boom. Food Security: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soya to Barbados, opening a new regional supply source for crops used in food and livestock feed. Public Health: With Barbados on alert after bird flu was reported in Suriname, officials warn travellers not to bring poultry, birds or meat into the country without permits. Business: Regional firm PBS has bought a 70 per cent stake in Barbados IT company TSL, which will retain its name and local leadership. Global Policy: Barbados has joined a push for a UN panel on inequality, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley saying climate change and AI make action more urgent.

Food Security: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soya to Barbados, while officials warn travellers not to bring in poultry, live birds or meat without permits as the island stays on alert for bird flu. Global Affairs: Prime Minister Mia Mottley has joined an international push for a UN panel on inequality, warning that climate change and AI could widen the gap between rich and poor. Business: Jamaica-based PBS Group has acquired a 70 per cent stake in Barbados technology firm TSL, which will keep its name and local operations. A CDB-backed programme will also help small businesses in Barbados and four other Caribbean countries adopt digital tools. Justice: Barbados’ first gun court has opened, hearing its first arraignments as authorities seek to speed up firearms cases and tackle delays. Tourism: Barbados student Jahneil McKenzie placed third in the CTO’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.

Global Inequality: Barbados has joined a push for a UN-backed international panel to address inequality. At IMF and World Bank meetings, Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned that climate change and AI could widen the gap between rich and poor nations. Supporters aim to secure a UN resolution before next summer. Justice: Barbados’ first dedicated gun court has begun hearing cases, with one of 10 accused pleading guilty at the opening session. A second court is planned, but has no start date. Regional Affairs: The Barbados embassy in Panama remains closed for safety inspections after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. All staff and their families are safe. Cricket: Barbadian batter Kevin Wickham has earned his first Test call-up for the West Indies’ two-match series in Bangladesh, starting October 28. Tourism: Barbados Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urged regional leaders to plan boldly for tourism’s future as his two-year term chairing the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s ministerial council ended. Barbadian student Jahneil McKenzie placed third in the regional youth tourism congress.

Public Services: Barbados is preparing an online platform to speed up concession applications and digitise stamp-duty processing, Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says. Animal Health: The island is on high alert for bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname, with restrictions on poultry products from Suriname and Guyana and a warning against smuggling them in. Climate Finance: Ghana says Barbados is leading calls to reform climate financing so vulnerable countries can still access support after debt restructuring. West Indies Cricket: Former CWI president Dave Cameron says the region should consider withdrawing from international cricket if financial pressures persist; players face a proposed 25 per cent cut to retainer fees. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles Fernandez has succeeded Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as chair of the CTO Council of Ministers, as the organisation pursues regional tourism development. Health: Doctors at a Barbados forum called for earlier diagnosis and coordinated care for multiple sclerosis, which can cause more severe illness in Black patients.

Animal Health: Barbados is on high alert for bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname. The Agriculture Ministry is restricting poultry products from Suriname and Guyana and warning against smuggling them onto the island. Barbados–Ghana Ties: Labour Minister Colin Jordan says a twinning agreement with Cape Coast is close, building on shared history and cultural links. He made the announcement at the opening of Barbados’ first registered African restaurant and bar. Cost of Living: Former MP Donville Inniss says rising fuel, healthcare and education costs are pushing some middle-class Barbadians into “working poor” conditions. Economic Outlook: Afreximbank forecasts growth of 1.9 per cent this year and 2.3 per cent in 2027, citing tourism and investment. Public debt fell to 96 per cent of GDP by March 2026, down from 104.1 per cent two years earlier. Food and Tourism: The new Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hotels and restaurants, boosting local produce sales and reducing reliance on imports.

Economic Outlook: Afreximbank says Barbados’ post-pandemic growth averaged 5.6% from 2021 to 2026, but forecasts slower growth of 1.9% this year and 2.3% in 2027. Public debt fell to 96% of GDP by March, while tourism and investment are expected to support the economy. Tourism: The Atlantis Historic Inn on the East Coast is entering a new chapter under local ownership, with renovated facilities and a new restaurant set to open in November. Antigua’s tourism minister has been elected CTO chair, succeeding Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill. Regional Markets: Barbados is pursuing closer tourism ties with Kenya, including a proposed cooperation agreement, to attract more African visitors. Local Business: The Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hotels and restaurants, helping grow local sales and reduce reliance on imported produce. Financial Regulation: New legislation targeting virtual assets aims to curb the use of cryptocurrency to hide criminal proceeds and protect Barbados’ standing in the global financial system.

Tourism: Barbados is pursuing a tourism partnership with Kenya to attract more African visitors, including a possible formal agreement. Local Business: The new Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hotels and restaurants, boost local produce and reduce import reliance. Youth: Government has committed $800,000 to the Chapman Challenge, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley promising further support as it grows. Justice: The Barbados Prison Service plans to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration under a new national strategy. Finance: A proposed Virtual Asset Service Providers law targets the use of cryptocurrency to hide criminal proceeds. Health: Caribbean specialists meeting in Barbados urged earlier diagnosis and treatment for multiple sclerosis; the National Mental Health Commission has also launched its “This Is Me” campaign. Regional Investment: A bond of up to US$250 million launched in Barbados aims to fund climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure across the Caribbean.

Financial Regulation: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says Barbados’ proposed Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill would help authorities track criminal proceeds moved through cryptocurrency and other digital platforms, while protecting the country’s standing in the global financial system. Mental Health: The National Mental Health Commission launched “This Is Me,” a campaign inviting Barbadians to share their experiences and tackle stigma, with a focus on youth, suicide prevention, substance use and dementia. Public Transport: The Alliance of Owners of Public Transport is threatening to take the Transport Authority to the Ombudsman over board representation and permit suspensions; Transport Minister Kirk Humphrey disputes the claims and urged operators to address indiscipline. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can meet demand for paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen before trade ministers consider future tariffs. Connectivity: InterCaribbean has begun daily flights between Barbados and Guyana’s Ogle airport. Climate Finance: A regional bond of up to US$250 million, launched in Barbados, aims to fund climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Education: Teachers’ unions welcomed the long-awaited Teaching Service Commission, but say it must move quickly on recruitment, promotions and disciplinary matters.

AI and Education: Minister Chad Blackman says AI literacy is essential as Barbados moves towards a knowledge-based economy, and argues the country must prepare for major changes across sectors. Postal Service: Government plans a four-to-five-year transformation of the Barbados Postal Service to keep it relevant in a changing world. Mental Health: A new national campaign is inviting Barbadians to share their experiences and seek support, with a focus on youth wellbeing, suicide prevention and reducing stigma. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can meet demand for paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, helping guide future tariff decisions. Healthcare: QEH has ordered $82 million in equipment and is commissioning its first MRI system; separately, Barbados plans a $1.2 billion debt-for-social swap to fund healthcare and tackle childhood obesity. Youth Opportunity: The Chapman Challenge has launched with government funding and a pledge of further support to help young people build skills and confidence.

Mental Health: Barbados’ National Mental Health Commission has launched “This Is Me,” urging people to speak up, seek help and check in on loved ones. Climate Investment: A regional bond launched in Barbados aims to raise up to US$250 million for climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and water projects. Development: Fort Carlisle Residences has opened, with developers describing the project as an almost entirely Barbadian effort involving local businesses and residents. Youth: Prime Minister Mia Mottley has pledged more funding for the Chapman Challenge, a new programme supporting young people through mentorship, leadership, community service and wellness. Healthcare: Barbados plans a $1.2 billion debt swap to unlock more than $320 million for health and social programmes, including efforts to tackle childhood obesity. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has also ordered $82 million in equipment and is commissioning its first MRI system as part of a wider modernisation drive.

Youth Development: President Jeffrey Bostic’s Chapman Challenge has launched with 3,200 young people signed up. Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Government has allocated $800,000 and will provide more funding as participation grows. Healthcare Funding: Barbados plans to begin a $1.2-billion debt-for-health swap by January 1, aiming to unlock more than $320 million for healthcare and other social programmes, including efforts to tackle childhood obesity. Workers’ Rights: The Barbados Workers’ Union says it is monitoring migrant labour at West Coast hotel projects and insists local workers must have a fair chance at jobs. Regional Economy: The World Bank forecasts Barbados growth of 2 per cent in 2026, as tourism-dependent economies face a slower recovery. QEH Modernisation: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has ordered $82 million in equipment and is commissioning its first MRI system. Climate Finance: A Caribbean bond launched in Barbados aims to raise up to US$250 million for resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and water projects.

Public Service: Police Commissioner Sonia Boyce has received the Order of the Republic, recognising her leadership and work on public safety. She dedicated the honour to Barbados Police Service staff and pledged to maintain public trust. Airport Upgrade: An $80 million revamp of Grantley Adams International Airport is expected to start in November, with four jet bridges and a redesigned terminal targeted for completion within a year. The government has paused a proposed airport management deal while it focuses on the upgrade. Health: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s A&E chief says people over 65 account for 65 per cent of emergency patients, with doctors seeing more strokes and complications linked to chronic illnesses. Regional Mobility: Barbados processed 918 applications under CARICOM’s free-movement arrangement from October 2025 to July 2026, the largest share among the four participating countries. Scholarship: NYU has named UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles a distinguished scholar for 2026–27, recognising his research on slavery and reparations.

UWI: NYU has named Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles a distinguished scholar for 2026–27. He will deliver an Oct. 13 lecture on the economic role of enslaved Black women. Ancestral Memorial: Liberia’s heritage envoy has been invited to the Nov. 28 opening of Barbados’ Newton memorial to 570 enslaved people. Regional Mobility: In the first year of CARICOM’s enhanced free-movement scheme, Barbados processed 918 applications; 939 people were processed across the four participating countries. Tourism: Barbados is courting Kenya as a tourism market, but the lack of direct year-round flights remains a barrier. Climate Finance: At Pre-COP31 in Fiji, Minister Marsha Caddle urged financing that links climate resilience with development and local ownership, without adding to island states’ debt. Investment: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn said Barbados’ improved credit ratings are helping attract investment, as the $60-million Fort Carlisle Residences opened.

UN and Climate Action: Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged world leaders to turn knowledge into action and reform global institutions. Economic Affairs Minister Marsha Caddle called for climate finance that supports island states’ development, as Barbados’ Green Climate Fund portfolio reached US$245 million. Investment: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn said improved credit ratings are helping attract investors, as the $60 million Fort Carlisle Residences opened. Tourism: Barbados is pursuing closer tourism ties with Kenya and wider African markets. Visa-free entry is available to Kenyan visitors, but limited air links remain a hurdle. Crime: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says a new asset recovery unit will target unexplained wealth linked to crime and use seized proceeds to fund enforcement work. Regional Mobility: Barbados processed 918 applications under CARICOM’s four-country free movement scheme in its first year—most of the 939 reported across participating states. Remembrance: Barbados marked 50 years since the Cubana Flight 455 bombing, honouring the 73 victims and reaffirming its opposition to terrorism.

UN Address: Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged world leaders to turn knowledge into action and reform global institutions, warning of a “crisis of responsibility” and calling for fairer representation for small states. Cubana 455 Remembrance: Barbados marked 50 years since the bombing that killed 73 people, reaffirming its opposition to terrorism and injustice. Free Movement: CARICOM says 939 nationals were processed in the first year of the four-country scheme; Barbados accounted for 918 applications through July. Regional Investment: A Caribbean sustainability bond seeking up to US$250 million was launched in Barbados to finance climate resilience, renewable energy and other development projects. Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles Fernandez has replaced Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as Caribbean Tourism Organization chair, as regional leaders press for stronger investment and links with local industries. Student Privacy: Education Minister Chad Blackman reminded schools they must protect students’ personal data under Barbados’ laws.