AGP Executive Report

Barbados Gun Court Push: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Barbados Police Service will get what it needs to move firearms cases through the courts fast, with a target of three months at most and preferably four to six weeks, as Government introduces the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill to create a Firearms Division and speed up gun-related trials. Medical Regulation Overhaul: The Senate passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new Barbados Medical Products Authority, while senators also pressed for science-based regulation and transparency on authority fees. Public Health Taxes: PAHO is urging higher taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas, saying current levels are too low to curb consumption and non-communicable diseases, with Caribbean and Latin America highlighted for high intake. Regional Disaster Readiness: CDEMA renewed calls for preparedness, pointing to lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, including the need for better emergency communications and information sharing. Trade Finance Boost: IDB Invest and CDB signed a US$25 million guarantee deal to expand trade financing access for Caribbean markets. Heritage Month & School Nutrition: Barbadians are encouraged to embrace Heritage Month, and advocates are calling for legislation to back Barbados’ National School Nutrition Policy so it has enforcement teeth.

Public Service Digital Push: Barbados is set to launch Pearly App, letting citizens report potholes, water outages, waste issues and more with photos, videos and location data, plus tracking and emergency reporting. CARICOM Free Movement Clarification: Barbados’ Ambassador David Comissiong says fewer than 800 people have remained in Barbados under the CARICOM free movement regime, after claims of a “flood” were raised; he says stakeholders will be brought together for a full review. Drought Update: The Barbados Meteorological Services says drought conditions persist despite the wet season start, with rainfall still below normal and El Niño expected to keep showers limited into the coming months. Business & Finance: Barita Investments’ Barita Merchant Bank gets approval to roll out a digital-first platform in Jamaica, starting with a digital wallet and Visa card. Local Economy & Jobs: C.O. Williams Construction is expected to begin redundancies as early as June 12, citing declining competitiveness, while the Barbados Workers’ Union demands proof. Sports Calendar: BABA Premier League finals are delayed again so the senior men’s team can focus on FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers in Guyana. Crime Alert: Police seek Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”) for questioning in serious criminal matters.

Women’s Cricket: The Women’s Caribbean Premier League is expanding to four teams in 2026, with Jamaica Empress joining Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders. The tournament runs September 5–17 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, with a new format where the top team goes straight to the final and second and third meet in a playoff. CARICOM Free Movement: Barbados Ambassador David Comissiong pushed back on misinformation, saying fewer than 800 people have remained in Barbados since the CARICOM free movement regime began last October, with those staying required to register for residence and work. Public Services: Government is set to launch Pearly App, letting residents report issues like potholes, water outages and waste problems with photos, videos and location data for follow-up. Justice & Crime Prevention: Minister Michael Lashley says reforms must do more for victims, not just prosecute offenders, while probation staffing is being strengthened to ease report backlogs. Local Safety: Police are seeking Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”) for questioning in serious matters. Sports Admin: BABA Premier League finals are postponed again as the national men’s team prepares for FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers. Weather: A tropical wave is affecting Barbados with mixed sun and cloud and a few light showers.

Women’s Cricket: The WCPL is expanding to four teams for 2026 with Jamaica Empress joining Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders. The re-engineered “festival” runs Sept 5–17 at Kensington Oval, with each team playing the others once and a playoff deciding the second finalist. Justice for Victims: Barbados plans stronger protection orders for victims, alongside proposed changes to the judicial system to improve support and the experience of those affected. Digital Payments: Cash use is falling as electronic transfers surge, with Barbados preparing to go live with BiMPay this week after 2025 data showed electronic fund transfers far outpacing banknotes. Public Services Tech: Government is set to launch the Pearly App for residents to report issues like potholes and outages, including photo and location details. Probation Pressure: Barbados Probation Service marks 80 years as officials warn violent and threatening offences make up a large share of cases under supervision. Tourism & Ports: Barbados pushes digitalisation in ports and backs regional tourism initiatives, while energy minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest major oil and gas potential.

Women’s Cricket: WCPL fixtures for 2026 are now out, with the league expanding to four teams as Jamaica Empress joins Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders. All matches will be played in Barbados at Kensington Oval from Sept 5–17, with eight games in a festival format and the top team going straight to the final. Digital Payments: Barbados is seeing a clear shift toward electronic payments, with 2025 electronic fund transfers hitting $20.8 billion, as the island prepares to go live with BiMPay. Public Services Tech: Government will launch the Pearly App for residents to report issues like potholes, water outages and waste problems, including photos, videos and location details. Transport & Safety: A transport union is calling for more discipline among operators and says some commuters are still using pirate services. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College rolls out new online maritime courses, including Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea and Blue Economy. 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. Health Policy: PAHO-led meeting in Barbados pushes sodium reduction and trans fat elimination roadmaps across eight Caribbean countries. Sports Business: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, rolling out fan activations across eight countries including Barbados.

BDF Leadership: President Jeffrey Bostic urged Barbados Defence Force members to uphold the institution’s standards during the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade, and he also moved to retire the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official designation. Transport & Roads: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while MTW teams also inspect and plan bridge rehabilitation along the corridor. Education Overhaul: The Ministry of Education Transformation is accelerating modernisation, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and an Education Quality Assurance Framework to set system-wide standards. Justice & Youth: Probation Service marks its 80th anniversary, with 2025 figures showing nearly half of probation cases tied to violent or threatening offences, prompting calls for stronger “off-ramp” support. Energy Costs: Barbados Light & Power says temporary generation approvals could add about $1.25 to the average household bill via the fuel clause adjustment. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Petra Roach and other regional leaders were honoured at CTO awards in New York, spotlighting Barbados’ tourism leadership. Heritage Month: Barbadians are being urged to protect heritage and pass on values, including plans to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sobers and Worrell as permanent heritage sites.

Barbados Defence Force & Presidency: President Jeffrey Bostic says he will drop the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official designation, ending the practice as he addressed the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade at St Ann’s Fort. Energy & Hurricanes: Barbados Light & Power says it’s ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and is warning solar customers to isolate systems properly and not restart damaged panels after storms. Public Health: Doctors are being urged to help shape policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with local figures showing heavy adult burden and major costs. Local Business Support: Endeavour Credit Union signed 11 small-business partners in a push to help micro, small and medium enterprises grow. Tourism & Diaspora: Barbados’ BTMI brought “Oistins Comes to Brooklyn” back for a second year, drawing thousands in New York’s diaspora community. Heritage & Cricket Legends: Bay Land and Bank Hall residents in St Michael are celebrating plans to preserve the childhood homes of Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Transport Regulation: Alliance Owners of Public Transport is calling on illegal passenger operators to stop “pirating” routes and join the regulated system. Hospital Digital Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, with digitisation of records and efficiency gains highlighted.

Caribbean Media & Tourism: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) honoured top storytellers and digital creators at the Caribbean Media Awards in New York and launched CTO TV, with a library of 700+ videos aimed at boosting Caribbean voices beyond beaches and resorts. Cricket & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme officially landed in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and teaching teamwork and basic skills through a fun format. Local Governance & Defence: President Jeffrey Bostic announced he will drop the “Lieutenant Colonel” title, to be known officially as “The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.” Hurricane Readiness: Barbados Light & Power says solar owners must properly isolate and manage systems before, during and after storms to protect crews and the public. Health & Food Policy: Doctors are urged to help shape policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, while youth advocates warn ultra-processed food marketing is driving childhood obesity. Crime & Gangs: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters backed the Criminal Gangs Bill but stressed enforcement must target the financiers and leaders, not just street-level offenders. Culture & Fundraising: Three Barbados choirs unite for a Sunday charity concert at St Mary’s Anglican Church, with proceeds for the Barbados Cancer Society and the church roof restoration. Sports: Weymouth Wales will enter the CFU Club Shield in Trinidad and Tobago after Friday’s draw, facing SV Britannia in the round of 16.

Crime & Justice: Opposition senator Ryan Walters backed the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill but warned legislation won’t work unless authorities “cut off the head” by targeting those financing and leading gangs, not just street-level offenders. Bail Monitoring: Minister Michael Lashley says offender monitoring will soon be used to curb reoffending while people are out on bail, and legislators will debate a gun court next Tuesday. Energy Safety: Barbados Light & Power warned solar owners to ensure proper isolation and inspections before, during and after storms, stressing that switching systems back on after damage can endanger people and crews. Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean want green careers but lack accessible information, training and opportunities. Culture & Business: The Marcus Garvey Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition opens with $30,000 in prizes, aiming to grow creative-sector businesses. Tourism Recognition: Petra Roach was inducted into the CTO Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week in New York, while BTMI leaders Andrea Franklin and Eusi Skeete also received CTO awards. Sports: Weymouth Wales will enter the CFU Club Shield at the round of 16, drawn against SV Britannia of Aruba. Finance Watch: Central Bank action led fintech Zeemoney to shut down after a licence suspension and enforcement order.

Crime & Justice: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams defended Barbados’ Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill in Senate, saying the state is “finished playing games with violent crime,” while Minister Michael Lashley added that offender monitoring will soon be used for people reoffending while on bail and that lawmakers will debate a gun court next Tuesday. Local Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline to tackle rising gang culture, alongside youth-focused support through faith-based organisations. Finance & Regulation: Zeemoney (Barbados) Limited shut down after a Central Bank suspension order, with the regulator citing concerns over financial condition, governance, compliance and operational continuity. Tourism & Recognition: Barbadian tourism executive Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week in New York, while BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin and director Eusi Skeete also received CTO awards. Climate & Youth: A UNICEF-commissioned study found Barbados youth lag behind peers in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to a communications gap rather than lack of interest. Sports: Barbados was placed in CONCACAF Nations League League B, targeting promotion to League A.

Public Safety & Justice: Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Michael Lashley says Barbados is moving toward offender monitoring for people on bail, as lawmakers debate the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2026, and he also flagged a gun court for next Tuesday. Gang Prevention: Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline as part of the anti-gang push, alongside a $5m grant fund for faith-based youth programmes. Tourism & Business: BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin and BTMI Canada director Eusi Skeete were honoured by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation during Caribbean Week in New York, while the CTO launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at making tourism deliver more value for locals. Connectivity & Transport: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across their combined networks, and CTUSAB raised concerns about public transport challenges. Energy Costs: BLPC says monthly rental costs for backup generation are set to rise, with customer impact expected after additional temporary capacity is approved. Climate & Health: World Environment Day is marked with a “Climate Action – Now for Climate” theme, and scientists warn more Saharan dust could reach the island.

World Cup Build-Up: Caribbean Premier Sports Limited (Rush Sports) says it’s gearing up a region-wide 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast, holding rights for 13 Caribbean markets and carrying all 104 matches in 12 territories, with Jamaica split between Rush Sports and TVJ. Tourism Push: Caribbean Tourism Organisation and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association unveiled new initiatives, including a digital platform called CTO TV, as tourism leaders meet in New York for Caribbean Week. Local Rugby: Barbados’ national men’s rugby team is set for a tough run—hosting Guyana Green Machines on Saturday, then travelling to face the Cayman Islands on June 13 with a win targeting a South American play-off. Public Transport Pressure: CTUSAB says bus scheduling and reliability issues remain unresolved and wants the Government to treat transport as a national priority. Health & Schools: Doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect, while the Barbados Union of Teachers urges continued vigilance at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary despite assurances there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Fisheries Readiness: Fisheries officials tested hurricane preparedness by relocating boats, aiming to avoid losses like Hurricane Beryl. Coastal Warning: Unseasonal erosion is worsening as unusual freshwater outflows from South America raise sea levels around Barbados. Business & Payments: Government is rolling out new services ahead of Independence, including BiMPay’s WhatsApp-linked payments push on June 12.

Barbados–Canada Ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney met Mia Mottley in Canada, with both leaders pledging deeper cooperation on development, climate and security as they renew the Canada–CARICOM Strategic Partnership. Local Governance & Justice: A Caribbean Court of Justice judge lamented that most CARICOM states still don’t accept the CCJ as final appeal court, citing trust concerns. Economy & Energy: Barbados opened offshore oil and gas direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks and requiring stronger climate and methane standards. Regional Mobility: A Barbados–Guyana deal will let citizens travel using official IDs from July, adding fresh momentum to wider Caricom free-movement talks. Sports: Barbados’ senior women’s netball team fell to 19th worldwide in the latest World Netball rankings. Business & Risk: Barbados insurers say motor claims are rising faster than premiums, warning of further premium pressure if driving habits don’t improve. Caricom & Finance: CDB president Daniel Best urged a “CDB Forward” reform push as the bank targets stronger, greener, more resilient impact across the region. Community & Culture: PickUp Barbados and PwC teamed up to expand blood donation efforts. Public Safety: A Barbados court case saw an American hotel guest plead guilty to cocaine possession and trafficking after a housekeeper found drugs in his room.

Offshore Energy Push: Barbados has officially launched its 2026 offshore petroleum direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks and requiring stronger climate and environmental standards, with acting PM Kerrie Symmonds citing potential reserves of up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas. Energy Transition Costs: Symmonds also said the full renewable transition could cost Barbados more than US$2 billion, while natural gas is framed as a “bridge” fuel during the shift. Regional Finance Pressure: CDB president Daniel Best urged faster, bolder action for a stronger, greener Caribbean as debt, climate shocks and shrinking development finance squeeze borrowing countries. Local Business & Tourism: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened on the Platinum Coast, pitching Bajan culture and talent as the core of its guest experience, while Elite Island Resorts named Melissa Alexander director of group sales. Agriculture Support: In Christ Church, farmers are set to benefit from new water mains for irrigation, plus help targeting pests and farm theft. Community & Safety: Barbados is also moving to broaden disaster preparedness participation, including training for people with disabilities ahead of emergencies. Sports: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season schedule, with Barbados co-hosting the final two ODIs of the New Zealand series. Public Health Watch: PAHO warned of a sharp rise in measles cases across the Americas ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Offshore Energy Push: Barbados has formally started direct negotiations for offshore oil and natural gas exploration, with acting PM Kerrie Symmonds saying seismic work suggests potential of up to 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, as the island aims to strengthen energy security while keeping renewables on track. Payments Upgrade: The Central Bank says BimPay will go live on June 12, enabling instant payments for people and businesses. Tourism & Jobs: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened on the Platinum Coast, pitching Bajan culture and talent as the core of its luxury all-inclusive experience. Cricket Calendar: Cricket West Indies released its 2026 home season schedule, with Barbados co-hosting the final two New Zealand ODIs and hosting the concluding matches in the New Zealand and Pakistan series legs. Health Watch: PAHO warns measles cases are rising across the Americas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, urging vaccination and vigilance. Consumer & Energy Debate: BCEN is urging Barbados to look beyond short-term electricity stabilisation and focus on real energy transformation. Agriculture Support: In Christ Church, farmers are set to benefit from new water mains to tackle irrigation, pests and farm theft. Regional Youth Advocacy: Caribbean youth and civil society are calling for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools. Sports/Local Loss: Former CBC programme manager Keith Foster has died.

Payments Upgrade: Barbados’ BimPay is set to go live on June 12, with the Central Bank describing it as the “payment rail” that will connect banks and payment providers so money moves faster and more safely for banked and unbanked users. Energy Push: Acting Prime Minister Kerrie Symmonds says Barbados is moving toward offshore oil and gas exploration, launching a 2026 Offshore Direct Negotiations Programme covering 19 offshore blocks and aiming to boost energy security and revenue. Electricity Costs: BL&P says a Fair Trading Commission approval will mean a modest $1.25 rise in the average monthly bill, with the change not expected before September, and stresses temporary generators already in use won’t add sudden new costs. Regional Banking Deal: Antigua and Barbuda says it will approve Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while hinting local banks may be invited to participate. Tourism & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados officially opens on the Platinum Coast as an adult-oriented all-inclusive with 220 suites and a new wellness-and-culture focused concept. Cricket: Cricket West Indies confirms the 2026 men’s home season schedule, with Barbados hosting the final two ODIs vs New Zealand on July 19 and 21. Local Politics: Friends of Democracy is urged to build trust through integrity and meaningful engagement as it seeks to turn its Senate breakthrough into lasting public confidence.