AGP Executive Report

Barbados Medical Products Act: Senators weighed in as the Government pushes the Barbados Medical Products Bill, creating a new autonomous Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines, medical devices and health products, improve access to safe treatments, and align local oversight with international standards. Gun courts push: Prime Minister Mia Mottley backed amendments to speed up firearm cases, including a dedicated Firearms Division and “gun courts” aimed at getting matters before judges within weeks. Construction layoffs dispute: The BWU says it is in talks with C.O. Williams Construction after reports of about 30 redundancies, demanding evidence and fair selection as the union warns of wider sector fallout. Digital payments upgrade: CIBC Caribbean expanded mobile wallet options, letting customers add Visa and Mastercard cards to Google Wallet (starting June 9 in Barbados and other markets), reinforcing the shift toward contactless banking. Trade finance boost for the region: IDB Invest and CDB signed a US$25 million guarantee arrangement to expand access to trade financing for Caribbean businesses. Tourism and investment access pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief reportedly faced a US visa renewal denial, raising concerns for Caribbean investors and travel-dependent operators. Regional preparedness: CDEMA urged stronger emergency communications and information sharing ahead of the hurricane season, citing lessons from 2025. Business and innovation spotlight: Harris Paints launched a world-first single-base dry tinting system in Barbados, while Harbourvale Foods highlighted how Caribbean ingredients are being turned into modern pantry products.

Barbados Medical Products Act: Senators weighed in as government tables the Barbados Medical Products Bill to create a new Barbados Medical Products Authority, aimed at tighter regulation of medicines and devices, better access, and support for local life-sciences and pharma manufacturing. Gun courts push: PM Mia Mottley backed a Supreme Court of Judicature amendment to set up dedicated firearms “gun courts” and expand the High Court bench so firearm cases move quickly—targeting weeks, not months. Workforce retention pressure: HRMAB says employers are struggling to attract and keep staff as workers increasingly prioritise culture, flexibility, and development—not just pay. Digital payments upgrade: CIBC Caribbean says its Visa and Mastercard cards can now be added to Google Wallet in Barbados, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Trinidad, with Google Pay rolling out from June 9. Labour dispute watch: CTUSAB called for urgent national talks after reports CO Williams plans layoffs, highlighting a growing mismatch between job-seekers and sector labour shortages. Regional trade finance: CDB and IDB Invest launched a US$25m trade finance facility to expand access to guarantees for Caribbean trade transactions. Hurricane readiness: CDEMA urged preparedness and pointed to 2025 lessons, including the need for more reliable, harmonised emergency communications and better information sharing. Climate-tech in schools: St James Secondary won RBC Young Leaders 2026’s top prize with WORM, a waste-optimisation project aligned to climate and community resilience. Paint innovation: Harris Paints introduced a world-first single-base dry tinting system now available in Barbados.

Digital Payments Push: CIBC Caribbean is rolling out Google Wallet support across Barbados, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago, letting customers add Visa debit/credit and Mastercard credit cards for contactless payments—another step in the region’s shift toward mobile-first banking. Banking Leadership Change: ANSA Merchant Bank in Trinidad has named Sean Achong as Acting Head of Treasury & Foreign Exchange after Reaaz Shah’s resignation took effect June 1, as the lender flags regional expansion including Barbados. Tourism & Travel Demand: Barbados-linked regional business chatter includes cruise pressure in Jamaica, where opposition MP Andrea Purkiss says passenger arrivals are down sharply since 2019, and highlights the need to win back market share. Governance & Trust: The Bahamas ranks fourth least corrupt in the Americas in Transparency International’s CPI 2025, with analysts pointing to institutional trust as the key story behind the score. Security & Development: A UNDP report warns Caribbean democracies face structural pressures—crime, misinformation, climate shocks and organized crime—undermining development and institutional trust. Local Business & Jobs: Barbados’ construction sector faces labour strain as C.O. Williams is expected to cut jobs, while the Barbados Probation Service adds officers to reduce report backlogs and improve reintegration support.

Digital Payments Shift: Barbados’ Central Bank says electronic fund transfers surged to $20.8bn in 2025, as BiMPay prepares to go live—cash still matters, but the trend is clearly toward faster, digital rails. Cross-Border Payments Disruption: Interbank transfers were disrupted on Friday as BiMPay moved into operation, highlighting how new payment systems can affect everyday business. Tourism & Travel Policy Risk: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warns that tighter US visa rules could hit Caribbean tourism and business travel, after his own renewals were denied. Barbados Energy Outlook: Energy minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest potential oil of 13bn barrels and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with government now seeking international firms to test commercial viability. Labour & Construction: C.O. Williams is expected to cut jobs amid declining competitiveness, while the BWU demands evidence to justify redundancies. Healthy Food in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches “Make it Make Sense” to push back against junk food marketing in schools across 11 territories, including Barbados. Regional Resilience Planning: UN’s Springett urges St Vincent and the Grenadines partners to move from isolated projects to connected, multi-risk resilience support. Women’s Cricket Boost: WCPL 2026 is set as a Barbados-based “festival” with an expanded four-team format and a new Jamaica Empress franchise.

Digital Payments Shift: Barbados’ Central Bank says electronic fund transfers surged to $20.8bn in 2025, outpacing cash in circulation, as BiMPay moves toward go-live and real-time processing boosts payments efficiency. Banking & Payments Disruption: Interbank transfers were disrupted on Friday as BiMPay goes into operation, highlighting the transition pressure on the payments system. Tourism & Sports Boost: The WCPL is re-engineered for 2026 with an expanded four-team festival of women’s cricket at Kensington Oval in Barbados, including a new Jamaica Empress franchise. Local Cricket Development: Republic Bank’s Five for Fun programme officially launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and rolling out cricket skills for ages 7–12. Energy & Jobs Watch: Barbados’ energy minister says seismic surveys suggest potential offshore resources of up to 13bn barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with government now moving to identify international partners for commercial assessment. Public Sector Modernisation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is progressing, with digitised records and efficiency gains already underway. Transport Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, alongside bridge rehabilitation work. Reintegration Funding Debate: UWI professor Dwayne Devonish calls for Barbados’ reintegration programme to be strongly resourced and monitored to reduce stigma and recidivism.

Digital Payments Shift: Barbados’ Central Bank says electronic fund transfers surged to $20.8bn in 2025, overtaking cash use as BiMPay prepares to go live, though cash remains “important.” Transport & Regulation: A trade union is calling for tighter discipline among transport operators amid complaints about pirate routes, while PSV interests push back, insisting illegal operators must enter the regulated system. Energy & Cost Pressures: Barbados Light & Power warns fuel-driven costs are squeezing bills, with the fuel clause adjustment set to add about $1.25 monthly for added temporary generation. Local Business Growth: Endeavour Credit Union is rolling out a partner programme for micro, small and medium enterprises, signing 11 businesses to start. Oil Potential: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest up to 13bn barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with next steps to identify international partners. Tourism & Skills: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launches a Tourism Supply Side Initiative focused on local capacity and longer-term value; Barbados Community College also unveils new online maritime courses. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s Five for Fun cricket programme launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools, while the WCPL confirms 2026 fixtures with all matches in Barbados. Governance & Risk: A regional analysis flags the Caribbean’s growing role in transatlantic cocaine trafficking as criminal networks adapt routes.

Climate & Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned survey says Barbadian youth are lagging in linking the island’s climate action investments to real opportunities in the green economy, with Barbados showing the lowest awareness among surveyed OECS peers. Power Costs & Resilience: Barbados Light & Power says fuel remains the biggest driver of bills, but it has approval to recover costs tied to extra temporary generation—adding about $1.25 to the average household monthly bill—while also warning solar owners to properly isolate systems and not restart damaged panels during/after storms. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin was named Director of Tourism of the Year at the CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Regional Transport & Business: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, and a new partnership programme at Endeavour Credit Union is signing up micro and small businesses to deepen local lending. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean, while Barbados remains among the region’s stronger performers. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme officially lands in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools for its first season.

Road & Infrastructure: Government is considering widening Highway 2A from two to four lanes, with Transport and Works Minister Kirk Humphrey inspecting seven bridges along the corridor and bridge consultant Jose Lockhart outlining islandwide rehabilitation work. Energy Costs & Resilience: Barbados Light & Power says fuel remains the biggest driver of bills, while it has FCA permission for temporary generation and warns customers with solar systems to ensure proper isolation and safe restart practices ahead of hurricane season. Healthcare Digital Push: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s shift to a fully digital operation is gaining momentum, with digitisation of records and efficiency gains highlighted during the Abergower Group’s QEH-related update. Local Business Finance: Endeavour Credit Union is expanding into micro, small and medium enterprises, with 11 small businesses signing on as partners. Transport Regulation: Alliance Owners of Public Transport urges illegal “pirate” operators to enter the regulated PSV system, arguing service gaps don’t justify breaking the law. Tourism & Aviation: New airline interline partnerships aim to reduce Caribbean travel friction and improve regional airlift connectivity. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and building grassroots skills. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados and other islands rank among the stronger performers. Crime Policy: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters backs the Criminal Gangs Bill but stresses enforcement must target the financing networks behind gang violence. Entrepreneurship & Culture: A $30,000 Marcus Garvey Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition opens, calling for more participation in the cultural industries.

Heritage Preservation: Barbados residents in St Michael celebrated government plans to turn the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell into permanent heritage sites, with the state stepping in to protect the properties as living national icons. Renewables & Storm Safety: Barbados Light & Power warned solar owners to properly isolate and manage renewable systems before, during and after hurricanes, stressing safety for crews and neighbours and urging customers to keep insurance current. Crime & Gangs Law: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters backed the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill but argued enforcement must “cut off the head” by targeting those financing and leading gangs, not just street-level offenders. Climate Finance Push: Barbados’ environment minister called for a climate finance overhaul for small island states, saying slow approvals and delayed disbursements mean money arrives after the damage is done. Green Jobs Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in Barbados lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to information and access gaps rather than lack of interest. Local Business Spotlight: Young entrepreneur Tyrique Wilson opened Outlet Auto Spas at Sugar Cane Mall, expanding his local business portfolio beyond Carrington’s Rum Cream. Regional Banking Watch: Barbados’ FIU director urged Caribbean banks to stay aligned with international anti-money laundering norms to reduce the risk of derisking. Tourism Media & Content: The Caribbean Tourism Organization honoured regional storytellers at Caribbean Week in New York and launched CTO TV to boost tourism storytelling beyond beaches.

Hurricane Readiness: Barbados Light & Power says it’s fully prepared for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but warns solar owners to properly isolate systems, avoid switching back on after storm damage, keep insurance current, and trim trees to protect crews and neighbours. Climate Finance Push: Barbados’ environment minister, Santia Bradshaw, urged world leaders to overhaul climate funding for small island states, calling for simpler access and faster disbursement so money arrives before it’s too late. Anti-Crime Financing Focus: In Senate debate on the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill, opposition senator Ryan Walters backed the law but argued enforcement must “cut off the head” by targeting those financing gangs, not just street-level offenders. Youth & Green Jobs Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities. Local Entrepreneurship: Barbadian entrepreneur Tyrique Wilson opened Outlet Auto Spas at Sugar Cane Mall, expanding from his Carrington’s Rum Cream success into vehicle detailing and valet services. Tourism Market Moves: St Kitts and Nevis’ tourism authority says it plans to target Latin America more aggressively, starting with airline connectivity and B2B matchmaking. Fintech Shock: Central Bank enforcement has shut down Zeemoney (Barbados) after a licence suspension, raising questions for digital remittance users. Tourism Leadership: Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week in New York, spotlighting Barbados’ tourism leadership on the regional stage.

Criminal Justice: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters backed Barbados’ Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill but warned it won’t curb violence unless police go after the “heads” that finance and direct gangs, not just street-level shooters. Financial Regulation: Fintech Zeemoney (Barbados) shut down after a Central Bank suspension and enforcement action, with the regulator citing concerns over financial condition, governance, compliance and continuity. Energy Costs: Barbados Light & Power says monthly rental costs for temporary generation are set to climb as extra megawatts are added, with a small but direct impact on electricity rates. Tourism & Business: Turtle Beach Barbados opened on the South Coast with 161 rooms, adding new all-inclusive capacity as Marriott expands its Tribute Portfolio brand locally. Regional Tourism Policy: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at boosting local economic retention and resilience, unveiled during Caribbean Week in New York. 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. Caribbean Banking Risk: Barbados Financial Intelligence Unit director Kirk Harrison Taitt urged regional banks to stay aligned with international norms to avoid derisking. Women & Wealth: Egi Women and JMMB International hosted a Women & Wealth Masterclass focused on financial wellness and long-term investing.

Central Banking & Fintech: Zeemoney (Barbados) Limited has shut down after a Central Bank suspension order, with the regulator citing concerns over financial condition, governance, compliance and operational continuity. Energy Costs: Barbados Light & Power says monthly rental costs for temporary generation are set to rise from about $700,000 to $900,000, with an added fuel recovery mechanism approved by the Fair Trading Commission and a small expected electricity rate impact. Tourism Strategy: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at boosting economic retention and resilience, with Barbados’ tourism minister Ian Gooding-Edghill and regional counterparts backing the new policy push. Crime & Justice: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams defended the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill in Senate, saying the state is “finished playing games” with violent crime as mandatory minimum sentences are proposed. Labour & Work: CTUSAB raised concerns about public transport reliability and also warned that AI and platform-based work could leave workers exposed without stronger protections. Climate & Health: Youth in Barbados lag peers in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, while regional health leaders urged faster healthy food policy action to tackle the NCD crisis. Business & Investment: Caribbean Strategic Advisors and PROVEN Wealth formed a regional investment partnership to improve access to capital for projects across Barbados and the wider Caribbean. Sports Sponsorship: BYD was named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, rolling out fan activations across key markets including Barbados.

Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar flagged slow progress on non-communicable diseases, noting only Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada were on track for 2025 targets, as trade and climate vulnerability keep diet-related risks rising. AI at Work: The Barbados Workers’ Union warned that AI and app-based employment are already reshaping jobs, urging stronger protections as services dominate the local economy. Power Costs: BLPC says monthly rental costs for backup generation are set to climb from about $700,000 to $900,000, with customers seeing a small per-kilowatt-hour increase as demand grows. Tourism Value: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at keeping more tourism value in the region, building local capacity and boosting resilience. Climate Finance & Data: Canada will put about US$97m into the GAIA Climate Loan Fund for SIDS and LDCs, while CIMH warned that weak data-sharing across the Caribbean is hampering climate research and decision-making. Public Transport Pressure: CTUSAB renewed calls for urgent action on unresolved national bus service problems affecting reliability and morale. Barbados-Canada Links: PM Mia Mottley’s Toronto meetings focused on logistics, maritime research, insurance and energy security, including quantum computing cooperation.

Offshore Oil Push: Barbados has opened a new offshore licensing drive, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks for oil and gas exploration while requiring stronger climate and environmental standards, including methane management. Central Bank Payments Rollout: As Barbados gears up for its 60th anniversary, the Central Bank’s BiMPay is set for a June 12 launch, with a WhatsApp-aligned payments service pitched as “MyGovPay” using digital ID and voice-based payments. Climate Data Bottleneck: The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology says data-sharing gaps across Barbados and the wider region are limiting climate research and decision-making, calling for urgent policy action to unlock datasets. Research at the Core: Government has launched an initiative to put national and regional scientific research at the centre of policymaking, aiming to break academic silos and link research to community and environmental action. Labour & Public Safety Concerns: CTUSAB says protective services workers are being short-changed through delayed payments, inadequate insurance and unresolved allowances—issues it says are damaging morale and productivity. Agriculture Under Pressure: A severe feed and forage crisis is hitting livestock farmers as pasture fires burn grazing lands, driving up hay prices and threatening to set the sheep industry back for decades. Regional Finance Reform: The Caribbean Development Bank is rolling out “CDB Forward” to sharpen its purpose and impact amid climate volatility, geopolitical shocks and tighter development finance.

Offshore Energy Push: Barbados has opened 2026 offshore direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks after seismic surveys pointed to potential reserves of up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with stronger climate and methane stewardship requirements for bidders. Regional Finance Reform: Caribbean Development Bank president Daniel Best says the institution is entering a “CDB Forward” reform phase after disbursing over US$400m, aiming for stronger purpose and impact amid debt, climate shocks and tighter development finance. Tourism in Focus: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing CTO-backed tourism leaders and ministers together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” as the region targets deeper, culture-led travel beyond sun-and-sand. Caricom Free Movement Debate: A lawyer warns that any move toward full Caricom membership could “drive a coach and horses” through Bermuda’s immigration rules via treaty provisions on free movement. Insurance Pressure on Drivers: Barbados insurers say motor claims are outpacing premiums, with payouts exceeding what’s collected, raising the risk of further premium hikes unless driving behaviour and uninsured risks improve. Public Safety Alerts: Police warn of WhatsApp video-call scams impersonating officers to steal IDs and banking details. Food Security Advocacy: Youth and civil society groups are calling for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing around schools across several Caribbean states. Local Business & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened on the Platinum Coast, pitching Barbadian culture and heritage as a core guest experience.

Offshore Energy Push: Barbados has opened its 2026 offshore petroleum direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks and requiring stronger climate and environmental standards, with officials citing potential reserves of up to 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas. Regional Finance Pressure: CDB president Daniel Best urged faster, bolder action for a stronger, greener, more resilient Caribbean as debt, climate shocks and shrinking development finance strain borrowing members. Payment Modernisation: Barbados’ BimPay instant payment system is set to go live soon, with the Central Bank running sensitisation for staff ahead of rollout. Energy Transition Debate: BCEN is pushing government and regulators to look beyond short-term electricity stabilisation and focus on real grid and energy transformation. Police Scam Alert: Barbados Police warned of WhatsApp video-call impersonation scams that claim bank accounts were hacked and ask victims to share IDs and banking details. Food & Health Advocacy: Youth and civil society across the region are calling for a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods around schools, launching “Hope for the Future 3.0.” Agriculture Support: In Christ Church, farmers are set to benefit from new water mains plus help targeting pests and farm theft. Tourism Product Shift: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened, pitching Bajan culture and talent as the core of its luxury guest experience.