AGP Executive Report

Skills and Jobs: Barbados is planning a major overhaul of its apprenticeship system to better match training with the needs of today’s workforce. Tourism: The Barbados Revenue Authority has designated approved rental-car firms as tourism service providers, with possible tax concessions for qualifying low-emission vehicles. The new daily British Airways service from Gatwick begins October 25, as the airline plans a sharp increase in seats to the island. Investment: Construction is under way near Speightstown on Pendry Barbados, the luxury brand’s first Caribbean resort, with 80 oceanfront rooms, a marina and a planned 2027 opening. Food Security: Barbados is stepping up water management, mulching and drip irrigation to support local production, while more householders are exploring small-scale food growing. Regional Climate Finance: Barbados joined five countries backing a proposed US$500-million fund to help climate-vulnerable economies respond to shocks. Sport: The Americas Netball World Cup qualifiers begin at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on Monday, with eight nations competing for two places at the 2027 tournament.

Agriculture: Women farmers are helping shape Barbados’ food future, while officials are promoting better water management, drip irrigation and mulching. More householders are also seeking advice on growing food at home. Bridgetown Renewal: The city’s regeneration plan will combine major investment with smaller community projects, with Finance Minister Ryan Straughn urging residents to help shape the effort. Tourism Links: British Airways plans to add a daily Gatwick service from October 25, lifting winter seat capacity to Barbados by 70% and adding more than 120,000 seats a year. Justice System: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says shortages of criminal defence lawyers and legislative drafters are adding pressure to the courts and government’s lawmaking programme. Regional Culture: Prime Minister Mia Mottley joined tributes to Mighty Sparrow in Trinidad, where the Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand will be renamed in his honour.

Diplomacy: Sandra Gittens has presented her credentials as Barbados’ new ambassador to Cuba, pledging to build ties in education, health, sport, culture and the environment. Technology: Government is exploring a “smart city” platform to bring data from systems such as traffic, transport and energy into one place. Tourism: British Airways plans a new Gatwick service from October 25, adding capacity to Barbados and extending the route into summer 2027. Consumer Affairs: The Fair Trading Commission is seeking details from Flow about planned broadband and bundle price increases of up to $10, including how customers were notified. Sport: Saint Lucia’s netball team is back in the running for next year’s World Cup qualifiers in Barbados after financial support helped secure its place. Regional Culture: Prime Minister Mia Mottley joined tributes in Trinidad to calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, whose music was remembered as both entertainment and a voice for Caribbean people. Economy: The IMF says tourism and other tailwinds are supporting regional growth, but high debt and rising food and energy costs remain concerns; it projects Barbados’ growth at 2.2% in 2027.

Economic Outlook: The IMF says Caribbean growth remains resilient, but high debt, limited policy room and rising food and energy costs threaten the outlook. Barbados is forecast to grow 2.2% in 2027. Regional Investment: The US announced $340.3 million for connectivity, health and security across the Caribbean and Central America, with Barbados among 15 participating countries. Tourism: More than 50 speakers are set for CHIEF 2026, taking place November 16–18 at Sam Lord’s Castle in Barbados, with a focus on strengthening regional hospitality businesses. Consumer Affairs: The Fair Trading Commission is questioning Flow Barbados over planned broadband and bundle price increases of up to $10, including how customers were notified and the contractual basis for the changes. Agriculture: Dry conditions are challenging local farmers, while inadequate crop rotation is raising concerns about fungal disease in pumpkins, squash and watermelons. Public Safety: A woman died in a house fire in Crab Hill, St Lucy; the Barbados Fire Service received the call at about 6:45 a.m.

Consumer Affairs: The Fair Trading Commission is seeking details from Flow on proposed broadband and bundle increases of up to $10, including how customers were notified. GraceKennedy has expanded its Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch recall to affected batches sold in Barbados; the company says it is a quality issue, not a food-safety concern. Agriculture: Farmers face dry conditions and water shortages, while officials warn that poor crop rotation may be worsening fungal disease in pumpkins, squash and watermelons. Public Safety: A woman died in a house fire in Crab Hill, St Lucy, on Thursday morning. Politics: The Barbados Labour Party promises frank discussions on national priorities and service delivery at its October 23–25 conference. Culture: Senators debated leasing a Garrison building for a National Art Gallery, with Minister Shane Archer defending the plan as support for artists and cultural development. Sport: Bajan Gems captain Shonette Azore-Bruce is urging fans to back the team as Barbados hosts the Netball World Cup qualifiers, starting Monday.

Surfing: Seventeen-year-old Barbadian Tommaso Layson won both the Under-18 and Open Men’s titles at a Puerto Rico surf event, qualifying for the 2027 Pan American Games. Roads and Construction: Transport Minister Kirk Humphrey says potholes on recently paved roads are unacceptable, and is urging better drainage, modern methods and tighter cost control ahead of a building boom. Financial Regulation: Senators are debating a bill to regulate virtual asset providers, with the Government citing consumer protection and international standards, while an Opposition senator warns compliance costs could drive platforms away. Food Security: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soya to Barbados, as it expands production and works towards self-sufficiency in the crops. Bird Flu Alert: Barbados is on high alert after an outbreak in Suriname; the Chief Veterinary Officer warns travellers that bringing poultry, live birds or meat into the island without a permit is illegal. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams are assessing whether local producers can supply paint, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, a review that could shape future import duties.

Financial Regulation: The Senate is debating the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2026. Government says it would protect consumers and keep Barbados aligned with international standards, while Opposition Senator Ryan Walters warns compliance costs could drive platforms away. Roads and Construction: Minister Kirk Humphrey says potholes on recently paved roads are unacceptable and is urging better drainage, modern building methods and stronger cost control ahead of a construction boom. Public Service: Government consultants have agreed to review union concerns about job evaluations, including inconsistent scoring and posts marked for red-circling. Agriculture and Health: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soya to Barbados. Meanwhile, officials warn travellers not to bring in poultry or meat without permits as the island remains alert to bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname. Disaster Readiness: The Barbados Defence Force and British Armed Forces are sharing expertise and technology to strengthen emergency response. Football: Barbados made the biggest gain in the latest CONCACAF rankings, rising seven places to 28th after an unbeaten Nations League campaign; the team also climbed five spots in FIFA’s rankings to 174th.

Global Inequality: Barbados has joined a group seeking a UN-backed international panel to address inequality. Prime Minister Mia Mottley said climate change and artificial intelligence make action more urgent. Public Health: Travellers are warned not to bring poultry, live birds or meat into Barbados without a permit as the island remains on high alert for bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname. Basketball: Barbados will face Cuba, Ecuador and Venezuela in Group B of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, set for November 26–28 in Venezuela. Business: PBS Group has bought a 70 per cent stake in Barbados technology firm TSL, which will retain its name and local management. Justice: Barbados’ first gun court has begun hearing cases to help tackle a backlog; no opening date has been set for a second court. Panama Earthquake: Barbados’ embassy in Panama City remains closed for safety inspections after a major earthquake. All staff and their families are safe.

Justice: Barbados’ new Gun Court has begun hearing cases, with Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley saying the specialist court should help authorities tackle illegal firearms. Tourism: Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urged Caribbean leaders to plan boldly for the industry’s future at the regional tourism conference in Guyana. Barbadian student Jahneil McKenzie placed third in the CTO’s youth congress. Business: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn has announced an online platform intended to speed up concessions and improve transparency. Agriculture: Republic Bank Barbados CEO Carlene Seudat says farming is ripe for investment, while the Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect local farmers with tourism businesses. Climate Finance: Ghana credited Barbados with leading calls to reform climate finance, as vulnerable countries seek access to affordable funding after debt restructuring.

Agriculture: Republic Bank Barbados CEO Carlene Seudat says agriculture is ripe for investment, pointing to the bank’s US$100 million pledge to support the regional agribusiness sector and reduce food imports. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister has succeeded Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers; William “Billy” Griffith returns as chair of its Allied Board. Animal Health: Barbados is on high alert for bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname, with restrictions on poultry products from Suriname and Guyana and tighter checks at ports. Public Services: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says a new online platform will speed up concession processing and improve transparency, with stamp-duty services also being digitised. Climate Finance: The Caribbean Growth and Resilience Bond was announced at the Caribbean Investment Forum in Barbados, while Ghana credited Barbados’ advocacy for better climate-finance access for vulnerable countries facing debt restructuring. Economic Outlook: Afreximbank forecasts Barbados’ economy to grow 1.9% this year and 2.3% in 2027, supported by tourism, investment and government assistance.

Animal Health: Barbados is on high alert for bird flu after an outbreak in Suriname, and has restricted poultry products from Suriname and Guyana. Officials are urging the public not to smuggle poultry into the island. 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. A new Caribbean Growth and Resilience Bond is also aimed at mobilising investment for the region. Culture and Heritage: Barbados’ first registered African restaurant has opened in St Michael, as Government prepares a twinning agreement with Ghana’s Cape Coast to deepen cultural ties and recognise shared history. West Indies Cricket: Former CWI president Dave Cameron says the region should consider withdrawing from international cricket if financial pressures persist. The governing body is cutting players’ retainer fees by 25 per cent amid concerns over an ICC revenue-sharing system he calls unfair.

Tourism: The Atlantis Historic Inn in Bathsheba has joined Hidden Gem Collection, with its first renovation phase due in November. Upgrades include a redesigned restaurant, bar and pool, plus Lime, a new restaurant led by a former Fat Duck chef. Tourism Links: Barbados is seeking closer ties with Kenya, including a possible tourism agreement, as it courts African visitors through its Nairobi-based regional office. Farming: The Bajan Harvest Hub will link local farmers with hotels and restaurants, aiming to expand use of Barbadian produce and reduce imports. Prison Reform: Government plans a National Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Strategy to help former inmates rebuild their lives and support safer communities. Youth: Government has committed $800,000 to the Chapman Challenge, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley promising further support as the programme grows. Financial Oversight: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill would help authorities tackle the use of cryptocurrency and digital platforms to hide criminal proceeds. Food Festival: This year’s Food and Rum Festival is putting local farmers, fishers and ingredients at the centre of its menus.

Tourism: Barbados is seeking a formal partnership with Kenya to attract more African visitors, building on its Nairobi regional office. Daily interCaribbean flights to Guyana’s Ogle airport are also strengthening regional links. Rehabilitation: Government plans a national strategy to improve offender rehabilitation and reintegration, aiming to build safer communities. Youth: Government has committed $800,000 to the Chapman Challenge, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley promising further support as it grows. Food and farming: The new Bajan Harvest Hub will connect farmers with hotels and restaurants, while the Food and Rum Festival puts local produce, fishers and culinary talent in the spotlight. Financial crime: A proposed virtual-asset law targets the use of cryptocurrency and other digital platforms to conceal criminal proceeds. Remembering CU455: Fifty years after the bombing of Cubana Flight 455, families and communities continue to mourn the 73 victims, including 11 Guyanese.

Weather: A trough is bringing cloudy skies, moderate to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms to Barbados this morning; scattered light showers are forecast tonight. Air Links: interCaribbean Airways now flies daily between Barbados and Guyana’s Ogle airport, adding options for business and family travel. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, informing future tariff decisions. Tourism Careers: The Barbados Food and Rum Festival is being promoted as a route into hospitality, with young people encouraged to explore culinary careers, business and exports. Climate Finance: A regional bond targeting up to US$250 million for climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure was launched at the Caribbean Investment Forum in Barbados. Culture: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in Barbados and six other Caribbean territories on October 29, in Caribbean Cinemas’ first regional distribution of a Jamaican film.

Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, informing future tariff decisions. Tourism & Jobs: The Food and Rum Festival is spotlighting local food while opening hospitality career pathways for young Barbadians. Youth Development: The Chapman Challenge has launched for 3,200 young people, with Government pledging more funding beyond the initial $800,000. Health Financing: Barbados plans a $1.2 billion debt-for-social swap by January, expected to unlock more than $320 million for health programmes, including action on childhood obesity. Climate Investment: A regional bond launched in Barbados aims to raise up to US$250 million for climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and other projects. Public Services: Government plans a four-to-five-year transformation of the Postal Service, while teachers’ unions say the new Teaching Service Commission must speed up employment decisions. Football: Barbados climbed seven places to 28th in the latest Concacaf rankings after going unbeaten to win its Nations League group.

Development: Fort Carlisle Residences has opened on the Bay, built through what its developer described as a nearly 100 per cent Barbadian effort involving local businesses and residents. Regional Finance: A Caribbean bond launched in Barbados aims to raise up to US$250 million for climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and water projects. Youth: The Chapman Challenge launched with 3,200 young people, including 70 with special needs; Prime Minister Mia Mottley pledged $800,000 and promised further funding as participation grows. Health and Debt: Barbados plans to begin a $1.2 billion debt-for-health swap by January 1, unlocking more than $320 million for social programmes, including efforts to address childhood obesity. Public Service: Police Commissioner Sonia Boyce received the Order of the Republic for her leadership and public-safety work. Weather: Expect cloudy to overcast conditions tonight, with occasional moderate to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms.