AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments Push: Former Central Bank Governor Dr Delisle Worrell says bank-directed payments should be preferred over cash, citing lower loss and fraud risk and better transaction security. Local Business & Agriculture: Farmers and vendors welcomed PM Mia Mottley’s call for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in, with government pledging $2m per quarter to support the shift toward agro-processing and more reliable markets. Manufacturing & Trade: The Barbados Private Sector Association backed stronger support for local manufacturers, warning that imported construction materials are eroding domestic capacity and calling for a formal local content policy. Court & Governance: The CCJ’s internal email leak fallout continues to raise questions about integrity and legitimacy across the region, with commentary urging calm but firm protection of the court. Homelessness Pressure: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness president Kemar Saffrey says evictions—sometimes at night and involving families with children—are driving more people onto the streets. Energy & Jobs Risk: Solar Dynamics Limited’s charged assets are being put up for sale after a receiver was appointed, leaving the long-running solar water heating firm’s future uncertain. Road Disruption: Bournes Village main road in St George is impassable after a collision, with diversions and utility repairs expected to reopen around 4 p.m. Sports & Brand Momentum: Kingsmen chased a record CPL chase to secure their first win, while Barbados’ digital and tourism buzz continues with new travel and promotion items.

Agribusiness & Retail: Massy Supermarkets’ $46m Worthing redevelopment comes with a push for formal contract buy-in for farmers, with government pledging $2m per quarter to help BADMC and Export Barbados accelerate agro-processing and give producers market certainty. Manufacturing & Trade: The Barbados Private Sector Association backs calls for a formal local content policy, warning that construction imports are eroding domestic capacity during the building boom. Finance & Payments: Former Central Bank governor Dr Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce risk versus cash by cutting fraud and loss concerns, while noting the need for trust in banks and transaction security. Legal & Governance: The fallout from leaked internal CCJ correspondence keeps regional attention on judicial integrity, with jurists and officials urging the public to understand the court’s role and protect rule-of-law confidence. Social Policy: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says evictions—sometimes at night—are driving homelessness, calling for better protections for families. Tourism & Business: One Caribbean Business Network launches a Barbados chapter aimed at connecting entrepreneurs and business leaders across the region. Travel Market Signals: A solo-travel ranking puts Barbados among the top destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026. Public Health & Safety: Barbados is set to recognise 120 citizens for outstanding service under the Diamond Anniversary Honour Act 2026.

CCJ Explained Amid Leadership Tensions: A fresh commentary tries to set the record straight on the Caribbean Court of Justice, stressing it is a CARICOM institution and urging calm, informed debate as internal judge disagreements and public headlines swirl. Homelessness Pressure in Bridgetown: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness president Kemar Saffrey says evictions are increasingly driving homelessness, with families reportedly being pushed out late at night and ending up at limited shelters. Farm-to-Supermarket Contracts: Farmers and vendors welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in, backed by $2m per quarter, to give producers more certainty and boost agro-processing. Gun Crime Response Debate: The DLP and Friends of Democracy back action on violent crime but warn the Domestic Terrorism Bill must not replace prevention, youth intervention and social services with harsher penalties alone. Digital Payments Push: Former Central Bank governor Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce fraud and loss risks versus cash, while noting the need for trust in banks and transactions. Manufacturing Local Content Call: The private sector backs stronger support for manufacturers, warning imported construction materials are eroding local capacity and calling for a formal local content policy. Homelessness Complaints Rise: The same homelessness issue is also linked to growing complaints about people causing problems in public spaces, prompting another consultation with key stakeholders. Paraquat Review: Agricultural authorities are reviewing whether to tighten or ban paraquat, as more countries move to phase it out over health concerns. Caribbean Investment Forum Launch: Barbados hosted the official breakfast launch of CIF 2026, pitching investment-ready projects across digital transformation, logistics, agribusiness and the green economy.

CCJ Integrity Row: Regional jurists and unions are pressing for action after leaked internal CCJ emails sparked claims of authoritarian leadership and interference, with the court’s credibility now under intense scrutiny. Digital Economy & Investment: Barbados is positioning itself for investment with the Caribbean Investment Forum launch in Bridgetown, while IDB economists warn fiscal targets may get harder amid energy and interest-rate pressures. Tourism & Air Access: United Airlines will add daily nonstop service to Barbados from Newark and Washington D.C. for the festive season, boosting one of the island’s busiest luxury travel periods. Retail Expansion: Massy Stores opened a $46m Worthing redevelopment, promising more convenience for customers in later phases. Agriculture & Food Security: Poultry farmers are urging action to secure fertilised eggs and chicks, and authorities are also reviewing paraquat controls amid growing health concerns. Youth & Skills: WorldSkills Juniors Future Skills Camp added mobile app development, and a Youth Discount Day initiative drew positive feedback from participating businesses. Local Governance & Recognition: Barbados will recognise 120 citizens under the Diamond Anniversary Honour Act 2026, while homelessness complaints in Bridgetown are rising and prompting consultations. Culture & Business Events: Crop Over’s Jam Tunes returns with a joint win, and the Suarez Brothers Circus remains in limbo after a government-ordered shutdown.

Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines will add daily nonstop service to Barbados from Newark and Washington D.C. for the Christmas and New Year peak (Dec. 17–Jan. 4), a major boost for the island’s busiest travel weeks. Investment & Business Climate: The Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 kicks off in Bridgetown with a push to turn deals into action, spotlighting opportunities across tech, logistics, agribusiness and the green economy. Retail Expansion: Massy Stores opened its $46m Worthing redevelopment, promising more convenience for customers as phase one rolls out. Agribusiness & Skills: FundAccess and UWI CAGRI wrapped broiler and layer management workshops for 22 participants, aiming to strengthen poultry enterprise know-how. Public Finance Watch: The IDB says Barbados’ fiscal progress is real, but warns that energy shocks and high interest rates could make debt-reduction targets harder to hit. Youth & Entrepreneurship: Barbados launched its first National Youth Discounts Day and plans a permanent digital youth discount card, with 100+ businesses taking part. National Honours: Barbados will recognise 120 citizens under the Barbados Diamond Anniversary Honour Act 2026, including 60 from uniformed services and 60 civilians. Tech & Training: WorldSkills Juniors Future Skills Camp added mobile app development for the first time, alongside future-focused disciplines. Housing & Social Issues: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says complaints about homelessness-related issues in Bridgetown are rising, citing concerns about shelter access.

Poultry Supply Crunch: Barbados poultry farmers are warning that egg and chick shortages will keep biting unless Government moves faster on a reliable local hatchery and access to quality fertilised eggs. Homelessness Pressure in Bridgetown: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says complaints about homeless people causing issues in key public spaces are rising, with some refusing shelter and concerns over who is allowed into the 24-hour facility. Investment Push: The Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 gets underway in Bridgetown with a focus on investment-ready projects across tech, logistics, agribusiness and the green economy, while Barbados officials say the island is “investment-ready.” Retail Upgrade for Shoppers: Massy’s $46m Worthing redevelopment is set to bring more convenience for customers, with future phases tied to customer feedback. Youth Discounts Go Digital: Barbados’ first National Youth Discounts Day drew strong uptake, alongside plans for a permanent digital youth discount card. Public Sector Accountability: The Ombudsman is calling for a human resource audit and stronger complaint systems after widespread public service complaints in 2025. Diamond Anniversary Honours: Barbados will recognise 120 citizens—60 from uniformed services and 60 civilians—under the Barbados Diamond Anniversary Honour Act 2026. CPL Business & Sport: CPL match-day activations and local cricket coverage continue to drive regional attention, including Barbados Tridents’ early campaign win.

Youth Discounts & Digital Card: Barbados launched its first National Youth Discounts Day, with 34 young people getting support and more than 100 businesses offering deals for ages 16–35, alongside plans for a permanent digital youth discount card. Skills for the Digital Economy: WorldSkills Juniors Future Skills Camp added mobile app development for the first time, letting participants design and build apps as the programme expands into future-focused tech. Fiscal Outlook: The IDB says Barbados has made “tremendous progress” on fiscal consolidation and debt reduction, but warns risks remain from volatile energy prices and stubbornly high interest rates. Investment Pipeline: Caribbean Export’s Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 is set to launch in Bridgetown in October, targeting 30 bankable deals worth about US$172m. Health Access Partnership: Bayview Urgent Care partnered with Rubis to offer discounted preventative screening packages to corporate and retail customers, aiming to tackle rising NCDs. Regional Court Fallout: GTUC is calling for an internal probe into a Caribbean Court of Justice leadership crisis after leaked correspondence sparked wider regional concern. Education Scholarships: The Errol and Nita Barrow Educational Trust awarded eight scholarships for 2026, including postgraduate study in the UK and at Oxford.

Domestic Security Law: Barbados has passed the Domestic Terrorism Act, 2026, creating a new offence for violent acts in public spaces intended to spread fear or driven by bias, with penalties that can reach life imprisonment or death where murder is involved. Public Service Accountability: The Ombudsman is urging a human resource audit and clearer promotion rules after complaints in 2025 hit a wide share of public service agencies, including the Barbados Revenue Authority and NISSS. Investment & Growth Messaging: Foreign Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler says the Caribbean is “investment-ready” and should be seen as a stable, connected hub for renewable energy, digital tech and logistics. Regional Finance: The CDB has approved a USD 1 million contribution to CAF’s Venezuela recovery fund after the June 24 earthquakes. Tourism Research Push: The CTO will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 to link research with tourism policy and industry innovation. Health Access Partnership: Bayview Urgent Care is partnering with Rubis to offer discounted preventative screening packages to customers, targeting non-communicable disease prevention. Climate Resilience Funding: CDB and the GCF are financing a USD 27.1 million early warning and hydrometeorological services upgrade for Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Entrepreneurship for Women: SBA’s EmpowerHer programme has certified 41 women, focusing on business planning, finance, marketing and compliance. Labour & Youth: CTUSAB’s young workers committee chair says young employees must be treated as central partners in shaping workplaces, amid high youth unemployment and cost-of-living pressures. Sports & Business Spotlight: Barbados Tridents kick off the CPL with a five-run win over Jamaica Kingsmen, with Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford leading the chase.

Domestic Security & Law: Barbados has passed the Domestic Terrorism Act, 2026, creating a new offence for violent acts in public spaces meant to instil fear or driven by bias, with severe penalties including life imprisonment and aggravating sentencing. Border Tech & Privacy: The Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill moves forward to give immigration authorities pre-arrival screening powers for air and sea travellers, with data protection and anti-profiling safeguards. Housing Accountability: St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe is pushing for an Auditor General audit into National Housing Corporation repair funding after residents say storm-damaged homes remain unrepaired years later. Labour Rights: CTUSAB backs the Protection of Wages Bill but warns it will only work with strict enforcement and equal consequences for government and private employers. Climate Resilience Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank, with the Green Climate Fund, is financing a US$27.1m push to expand early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Tourism & Business: Massy Stores reopens its Worthing branch after a BDS$46m redevelopment and expands its affordability range, while Barbados’ economy outlook stays “in a position of strength” per the Central Bank. Regional Governance: Caribbean heads of judiciary reaffirm commitment to CCJ independence amid leaked-email controversy.

CCJ Integrity Row: Veteran attorney Bert Samuels says allegations and leaked emails about the Caribbean Court of Justice are “fodder” for critics and have no bearing on judgments or judicial credibility, as regional heads of judiciary reaffirm commitment to independence and public trust. Cost of Living Pressure: Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged regional conglomerates to cut profit margins on essentials, pointing to Massy’s Worthing store relaunch and its affordability push. Retail & Corporate Performance: Massy Stores reopened after a BDS$46m redevelopment and expanded reduced-price essentials from 200 to 300 items, while Massy Holdings reported 7% revenue growth but a 35.6% profit drop. Border Security & Public Safety: Barbados advanced laws for advance passenger data to strengthen national security, and a Domestic Terrorism Bill targeting reckless public shootings. Housing Supply: Government will acquire church land in St Philip to support a housing push aimed at higher-density development. Labour Rights: CTUSAB backs the Protection of Wages Bill but warns it will only work with strict enforcement and equal accountability for state and private employers. Tourism Strategy: CTO will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 to connect research with policy and destination decisions, as stakeholders call for better tourism data collection. Climate & Risk: CDB is financing a US$27.1m initiative to scale hydrometeorological services and early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Small Business & Youth: Youth Discount Day on Aug. 12 will offer discounts at 100+ businesses, and fishing groups warn mandatory boat insurance could sink small operators. Security Modernisation: Barbados Defence Force begins major transformation to tackle maritime trafficking, cyber threats and disaster response. Sports & Business Spotlight: Barbados Tridents kick off CPL play in Kingston, while Tridents Trust Day is set for Sept. 10 with health screenings and youth/community support.

CDB Climate Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank is financing a US$27.1m push to scale up hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad & Tobago, funded mainly by a US$24.1m Green Climate Fund grant, with CDB and local government co-financing and delivery through the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation. Youth & Small Business: Barbados’ BYDC and SBA have launched a three-year “Supporting We Own” partnership, with Youth Discount Day on Aug. 12 giving 16–35-year-olds discounts at 100+ participating businesses. Tourism Data Push: Central Bank seminar panellists say Barbados needs better, real-time visitor and origin data to market smarter and strengthen local business links. Local Economy & Health Costs: The DLP is calling for a National Catastrophic Illness Fund for children after the death of 14-year-old Trashaun Atwell, arguing families shouldn’t rely on online fundraising for life-saving treatment. Security Modernisation: Barbados Defence Force begins a major modernisation to tackle maritime trafficking, cyber threats and climate-driven emergencies. CPL Business & Community: Barbados Tridents open their CPL campaign at Sabina Park tonight, while CPL SchoolYard back-to-school activities run Aug. 17 and a player-to-school push lands Sept. 10 in Barbados and Guyana.

CBB Economic Outlook: Barbados’ economy is estimated to have grown 1.4% in the first half of 2026, with the Central Bank pointing to domestic services and trade as key drivers, while tourism, construction and transportation lagged amid higher freight and energy costs and weaker U.S. demand. Tourism Data Push: Hotel and tourism stakeholders say Barbados needs better, more timely visitor data—especially travellers’ true point of origin—to sharpen marketing and strengthen local business links. Regional Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank and CAF are contributing US$1 million to Venezuela’s earthquake recovery and reconstruction fund, underscoring multilateral support for rebuilding. Capital Markets Plan: CDB approved a US$100,000 feasibility study into a single regional stock exchange to boost cross-border investment and help businesses access capital across CARICOM. Business Recognition: Haymans Market won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026, its second straight year, highlighting continued tourism-linked enterprise momentum. Community & Youth: CPL SchoolYard rolls out back-to-school activities in St Lucia and Jamaica (17 August) and a “take a player to school” visit in Guyana and Barbados (10 September), with a digital literacy focus. Local Business Disruption: A fire at an Eagle Hall eatery affected three businesses, with the Barbados Fire Service responding and parts of the road closed. Sports Funding: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is raising at least $50,000 for its Adopt-A-School futsal tournament, targeting school upgrades and youth development ahead of the new term.

Banking Results: ANSA Merchant Bank reported a 32% jump in half-year profit before tax to $123.6m, citing recovery in operating performance after fair-value swings in its TATIL Life portfolio. Regional Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank approved a US$100,000 feasibility study into a single CARICOM regional stock exchange, aiming to reduce market fragmentation and widen access to capital. Tourism & Aviation: interCaribbean Airways was named Official Airline Partner for CTO’s SOTIC 2026, offering a 25% delegate flight discount to boost regional participation. Local Business & Jobs: Barbados’ Central Bank warned about fraudulent bonds, emails and websites, while a new partnership between the Small Business Association and the Barbados Youth Development Council targets support for next-gen entrepreneurs. Community & Education: BHTA launched an Adopt-A-School futsal tournament to raise at least $50,000 for school needs, from IT and nutrition to sports and water storage. Public Safety: A fire at Eagle Hall affected three businesses, with Barbados Fire Service responding after community efforts contained the blaze. Governance & Law: A sitting CCJ judge alleged the court’s president tried to influence rulings in a Guyana extradition matter, as the CCJ responded about the need for context.

Corporate Tax Windfall: Barbados’ corporate tax collections linked to Pillar Two have jumped by more than $150m, but business leaders warn the island must modernise public services fast or risk losing companies to more efficient jurisdictions. Housing & Finance: St James’ Deanstown Heights housing development will add 34 affordable homes, with prices from about $362,500 to $571,000, led by COB Credit Union and COBFSIA. Tourism & Community: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is running an Adopt-A-School Futsal Tournament to raise at least $50,000 for school upgrades and youth support. Local Business & Safety: A fire at Eagle Hall in St Michael has closed the road near President Kennedy Drive while the Barbados Fire Service manages the scene. Sports Development: Republic Bank CPL SchoolYard is set to bring back-to-school and school-visit activities across the region, including a Barbados stop on 10 September. Regulation & Youth Protection: The National Council on Substance Abuse says underage drinking checks were weak at some Crop Over events, calling for stronger ID enforcement. Regional Capital Markets: The CDB has funded a feasibility study into a single CARICOM regional stock exchange to improve cross-border investment and business financing.

Corporate Tax Windfall: Barbados says new global minimum tax rules have already pulled in $150m+ in additional corporate taxes, but business leaders warn the island must modernise public services fast to stay competitive. Central Banking & Payments Fraud: The Central Bank reiterates that viral claims and fraudulent bonds/emails/websites tied to BiMPay are false, urging customers to verify official channels. Housing & Credit: COB Credit Union and COBFSIA are breaking ground on Deanstown Heights in St James, a development of 34 affordable homes priced roughly $362,500–$571,000. Work Permits Debate: Opposition senator Ryan Walters calls for a full overhaul of Barbados’ work permit regime, arguing permits are being sought for roles locals could fill. Tourism & Education: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is running an Adopt-A-School futsal tournament aiming to raise at least $50,000 for school upgrades and student support. Sports & Community: Republic Bank CPL SchoolYard rolls out back-to-school activities across the region, including Barbados on 10 September. Festival Safety: The National Council on Substance Abuse flags underage drinking risks at Crop Over events where ID checks appear weak. Regional Finance: CDB backs a US$100,000 feasibility study into a single CARICOM regional stock exchange to boost cross-border capital access.

UN Leadership Bid: Nigerian law professor Akasoba Duke-Abiola has accepted her nomination for UN Secretary-General, saying the endorsement signals African women can lead globally and is a call to serve vulnerable women and children. Regional Air Travel: LIAT issued an updated Aug. 9 schedule via its Antigua hub as operational disruptions continue, urging passengers to check official channels. Tourism & Connectivity: CTO named interCaribbean Airways Official Airline Partner for SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, offering a 25% delegate/member flight discount. Caribbean Business Climate: Barbados’ corporate tax windfall under OECD Pillar Two has topped $150m, but business leaders warn higher taxes could push firms toward more efficient jurisdictions unless services improve. Local Policy & Compliance: Barbados’ new beneficial ownership law aims to centralise and streamline data already held by regulators, strengthening Barbados’ reputation as a transparent financial centre. Work Permits Debate: Opposition senator Ryan Walters called for a revamp of Barbados’ work permit regime, arguing permits are being sought for jobs locals could fill. Youth & Community: CPL SchoolYard rolls out back-to-school and “take a player to school” initiatives across the region, including Barbados. Public Health & Safety: Barbados’ NCSA raised concerns about underage drinking at Crop Over events where ID checks appear weak. Housing: Deanstown Heights in St James is set to add 34 affordable homes, with early buyer interest ahead of construction.