AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments: Barbados launched BiMPay, the island’s first national instant payment system, with PM Mia Mottley making the first live transaction; the Central Bank says it’s a major step toward a fully digital economy, but Registration Glitches: strong demand caused delays in e-wallet setup emails for some users (not the payment rail), with fixes underway. Local Economy & Transport: Uber defended its Barbados model, saying it works only with licensed taxi drivers and follows official fare rates as taxi operators raise concerns. Tourism & Industry: Barbados was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, and CTO/TEMPO Networks announced a partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling. Health: Barbados Cancer Society reports more men are coming forward for prostate screening; officials also moved to investigate a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school, stressing no public alarm. Public Safety & Justice: A jury acquitted a man of causing deaths in a 2011 crash but convicted him of dangerous driving; a drug trial heads to closing arguments in a cannabis case at Bridgetown Port. Sports: Barbados beat Guyana 21-3 in rugby fifteens, while cyclists shone at the Inferno Clash in St Philip.

BimPay Update: Barbados’ Central Bank says the rush to download BimPay (11,000+ in minutes) triggered registration-code delays for some Gmail users, while non-Gmail users are getting codes and completing setup; the payment rail is working normally and users must still get a token from their bank/credit union to link the e-wallet. Public Health: Health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection; the Chief Medical Officer says there’s no cause for public alarm. Education Access: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds begins in September, with officials stressing it’s structured learning, not daycare. Crime & Safety: Police are seeking wanted man Tonio Thelstone Garnes for questioning in serious criminal matters. Business & Governance: Government is moving ahead with beneficial ownership legislation and a private central register to boost corporate transparency. Tourism & Industry: Barbados has been named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and CTO/TEMPO Networks are partnering to expand Caribbean tourism storytelling. Sports: Barbados beat Guyana 21-3 in rugby fifteens; West Indies’ Jason Holder starred in a T20 win over Sri Lanka.

BiMPay Launch: The Central Bank hosted a “pyjama party” ahead of BiMPay going live, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley set to complete the first transaction just before midnight. Business & Governance: Opposition figures are calling for more transparency on how BiMPay works, including data protection and long-term governance. Education: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible three- and four-year-olds is set to begin in September, with officials stressing it’s structured learning, not daycare. Public Health & Food: The Heart & Stroke Foundation launched a campaign to curb junk food marketing around schools, while drought concerns are raising alarms for local food crop farmers. Social Protection: Government says more than 4,000 people are seeking housing assistance, with demand still outstripping supply. Crime & Safety: Police are seeking wanted man Tonio Thelstone Garnes, and a Guyanese man has pleaded guilty in a drug trafficking case tied to a maritime bust. Sports: Windies’ Chinelle Henry is day-to-day ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup opener vs New Zealand. Tourism: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened as an adult-oriented all-inclusive resort.

Tourism & Business: Barbados has been named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, with CHTA announcing the 45th edition will return to the island after Antigua’s successful hosting—an event built around pre-scheduled B2B meetings to drive deals across hotels, attractions and transport. Public Health: The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados launched a four-week campaign targeting junk food advertising around schools, warning that marketing is bypassing school nutrition rules and shaping children’s long-term taste and purchase habits. Housing: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs says more than 4,000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance, with demand still outstripping supply as Government pursues construction, social mortgages, land regularisation and NHC restructuring. Payments & Governance: The DLP is backing BiMPay’s rollout but calls for transparency and safeguards for personal data as the instant payments platform goes live. Regional Climate & Resilience: St Vincent and the Grenadines is pushing from response to prevention, while PM Friday reaffirms renewable energy expansion as part of climate resilience efforts. Sports & Culture: Scotiabank Junior Monarch draws 47 entrants after the semifinal draw, setting performance positions for calypso and soca.

Visa Shock for Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa was denied, raising questions about how tighter US rules could ripple through Caribbean tourism leadership. Digital Payments Rollout: Barbados is set to launch BiMPay on June 12, promising instant transfers—while the DLP is pushing for transparency and stronger safeguards around personal data. Citizen Engagement App: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Pearly app will make government more responsive by letting citizens report concerns and track responses. Public Health & Elder Safety: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse and urges tougher enforcement beyond new laws; CARPHA also trained regional staff to safely transport infectious samples. Education & Youth: Home Affairs is exploring workforce upskilling with Coursera; schools are spotlighting literacy gains and financial literacy at open days. Culture & Tourism: Barbados will host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and the Scotiabank Junior Monarch has 47 entrants as semi-final positions are drawn.

Health Reform: Barbados has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new autonomous Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines, devices and other health products to international standards. Public Health Alert: The Ministry of Health says syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 (up from 107 in 2024), and is urging adults to get tested and practice safer sex. Youth & Prevention: A psychotherapist says vaping is widespread among adolescents in Barbados, but Teen Intervene has already educated more than 2,000 students across six secondary schools. Labour & Jobs: The BWU is pushing C.O. Williams Construction for evidence and fair process after the company signalled possible redundancies. Justice: Government moves to establish dedicated gun courts to speed up firearm cases and clear backlogs. Sports: West Indies begin a T20 series vs Sri Lanka at Sabina Park tomorrow. Tourism/Business: CIBC Caribbean expands digital payments, adding its cards to Google Wallets.

Gun Courts Push: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says Barbados will speed up firearm cases with dedicated “gun courts,” backed by a Firearms Division and more High Court judges to get matters before the courts in weeks, not months. Health Alert: The Ministry of Health and Wellness reports syphilis cases rising—156 new cases in 2025 versus 107 in 2024—and urges adults to test and seek prompt treatment. Medical Reform: Senators passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices to international standards. Public Health Policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption, urging stronger tax levels. Labour Tension: CTUSAB calls for urgent talks after CO Williams reportedly plans layoffs, while employers also face retention pressure as workers prioritise flexibility and culture. Regional Security: Russian drones attacked two cargo ships in the Black Sea flying Barbados and Panama flags; no casualties reported. Sports: West Indies begin a T20 series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, with first ball at 8:30 p.m. Barbados time.

Gun Courts & Faster Justice: Barbados has moved to establish a dedicated Gun Court, creating a Firearms Division of the High Court to speed up firearm-related cases and tackle a growing backlog. Local Crime & Public Safety: The push comes as officials aim to strengthen public safety while giving accused people a choice between judge-only or jury trials. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean is rolling out Google Wallet support across Barbados, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago, letting customers use contactless payments from Android phones and WearOS. Caribbean Governance & Migration: A new round of migration talks across the region is framing migration as a development issue, with CARICOM pushing for action beyond commitments. Health & Capacity Building: PAHO highlights Fleming Fund progress across nine countries, including stronger antimicrobial resistance lab data and more trained professionals. Weather Watch: Barbados faces a tropical wave with mixed sun and clouds and isolated light showers, plus a slight dust haze outlook.

CARICOM Free Movement Clarification: Barbados’ Ambassador David Comissiong says misinformation has inflated the number of Caribbean nationals staying in Barbados since the CARICOM Free Movement regime began last October; he puts the figure at just under 800 and says stakeholders will be brought together for a full review. Public Safety: Police are investigating a stabbing in Bridgetown that sent a woman to the QEH with multiple stab wounds; a suspect is in custody. Labour Tensions: C.O. Williams Construction is expected to issue redundancies soon, and the Barbados Workers’ Union is demanding evidence before job cuts proceed. Local Crime Watch: Police seek Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”) for questioning in serious criminal matters, listing last known addresses in St James and St Michael. Sports (Barbados vs Guyana): Barbados men’s XVs beat Guyana 21-3 at the Garrison Savannah. Youth & Community: A record number of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awardees were honoured at Government House. Regional Ports & Tech: St Kitts and Nevis’ Adeola Moore represented SCASPA at a CIP meeting in Bridgetown focused on AI and port resilience. Health Campaign: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches a regional push to curb junk food and drink marketing in schools.

Public Safety: Police are investigating a Bridgetown stabbing at Nelson Street and Fairchild Street, St Michael; a woman is in hospital and a suspect is in custody. Wanted Notices: The Barbados Police Service is also asking the public to help locate Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”), wanted for questioning in serious criminal matters. Justice & Crime Prevention: Government is pushing stronger victim support, with plans for protection order upgrades and a more coordinated national response, while a youth counsellor says early intervention must sit at the centre of crime prevention. Corrections & Probation: New probation officers are set to ease report backlogs, and officials cite 2025 probation figures showing many cases involve violent or threatening offences. Digital Government: Barbados will launch Pearly App for residents to report public service issues like potholes and outages, with tracking and emergency reporting. Sports: Barbados men’s XVs beat Guyana 21-3; BABA Premier League finals are postponed again as the national team prepares for AmeriCup pre-qualifiers. Women’s Cricket: Jamaica Empress joins the WCPL as the fourth team for September’s expanded tournament in Barbados.

Women’s Cricket: Jamaica Empress is set to join the WCPL for 2026, expanding the league to four teams and moving the whole tournament to Barbados from Sept 5–17, with fixtures now released and Barbados Tridents aiming for a fourth straight title. Local Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” programme has launched in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and giving kids a fun, skills-focused introduction to cricket. Public Safety: Barbados Police warn the public about a fake “Barbados Cyber Crime Security Authority” notice circulating online, urging people not to respond to it. Justice System: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says probation cases last year involved heavy numbers of violent or threatening offences, calling for what comes next after supervision. Energy & Economy: Barbados’ energy minister says seismic surveys suggest potential offshore oil and gas reserves of up to 13 billion barrels and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas. Digital Services: Government is preparing to launch Pearly App for residents to report issues like potholes and outages with photos and location details. Fire Update: A blaze in Upper Weston, St James, threatened nearby homes, with firefighters called in.

Cricket (Barbados connection): England coach Brendon McCullum says he’s “hopeful” Jofra Archer will be available for the second Test against New Zealand, after Archer rested at home in Barbados following IPL duties; England’s seam attack impressed at Lord’s, but Archer’s return could still force a tricky selection call. Tourism (regional push): Prime Minister Terrance Drew backed the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s new Tourism Supply Side Initiative, aiming to shift the region from just growth to resilience, inclusion, and stronger local capacity. Youth & climate jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned survey finds many young people in Barbados aren’t linking climate action and green economy efforts to real opportunities, despite the island’s climate investments. Public health (food policy): Nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters met in Barbados to plan sodium reduction and trans fat elimination policies across the region. Local governance & services: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while the Probation Service marks 80 years and reports nearly half of 2025 probation cases involved violent or threatening offences. Weather: Partly sunny with isolated light showers; easterly breezes 30–35 km/h; swells 1.5–2.0m.

Education Overhaul: Barbados’ Education Transformation is accelerating, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and new quality assurance standards to modernise schools and strengthen regulation. Public Safety & Justice: The Probation Service marks its 80th anniversary as officials report nearly half of 2025 probation cases involved violent or threatening offences, with the minister stressing “off-ramp” support after court. Defence & Governance: President Jeffrey Bostic urged Barbados Defence Force members to uphold standards and announced he will retire the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official rank. Transport Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while bridge rehabilitation work is also underway. Electricity Costs: BLPC says fuel makes up more than half of bills and FCA-related temporary generation could add about $1.25 monthly for the average household. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith were honoured at CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York. Heritage & Values: Barbadians are being urged to protect heritage and pass on core values, with plans to preserve cricket legends’ childhood homes gaining local pride. Business Support: Endeavour Credit Union signs 11 small-business partners to expand micro, small and medium enterprise lending. Travel Deals: P&O Cruises launches Caribbean fly-cruise promos with up to £500 onboard spending and low deposits.

Barbados Defence Force: President Jeffrey Bostic used the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade to tell BDF members they’re “inheritors” of the institution—and announced he will drop the military rank “Lieutenant Colonel” from his official title. Heritage & Community: Bay Land and Bank Hall residents in St Michael are celebrating government plans to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Public Health: Doctors are being urged to help shape policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with calls to move the fight beyond clinics. Hurricane Readiness: Barbados Light and Power says it’s ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including specific warnings for solar owners. Transport: Alliance Owners of Public Transport is pushing illegal operators to stop “pirating” routes and join the regulated system. Tourism & Diaspora: BTMI’s Oistins Comes to Brooklyn drew thousands again in New York, boosting Bajan culture for the diaspora. Sports: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” programme has launched in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools.

Hurricane Readiness: Barbados Light & Power says it’s fully prepared for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but warns solar customers to properly isolate systems and not rush to switch them back on after storms. Climate Finance Push: Deputy PM Santia Bradshaw called for a climate finance overhaul for small island states, saying money often arrives too late and processes are too slow. Health Policy Call: Doctors are being urged to help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with local figures showing heavy adult burden. Local Governance & Safety: BL&P also urged homeowners to trim trees and secure homes ahead of storms, while a St. James house fire left four people homeless. Youth & Crime Prevention: Opposition senators backed the Criminal Gangs Bill but called for wider public education and stronger focus on dismantling the people who finance gangs. Business & Community: Young entrepreneur Tyrique Wilson opened Outlet Auto Spas in Bridgetown, and ministers highlighted youth success stories. Culture & Sports: A charity gospel concert unites three choirs at St Mary’s Anglican Church, while Weymouth Wales learned their CFU Club Shield draw and President Jeffrey Bostic dropped “Lieutenant Colonel” from his official title.

Crime & Justice: Opposition senator Ryan Walters backed Barbados’ Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill but warned the fight must go after the people financing and directing gangs—“cut off the head,” not just street-level offenders. Public Safety Policy: Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley said early social intervention should be a core pillar of crime prevention, while the bill also points to offender monitoring and a planned gun court debate. Senate Debate: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams defended the bill’s tougher sentencing and said the state is “finished playing games with violent crime.” Energy & Storm Readiness: Barbados Light & Power warned customers to properly isolate renewable systems and generators ahead of storms to protect crews during restoration. Youth, Climate & Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean want green careers, but lack access to information, training, and opportunities. Culture & Heritage: Heritage minister Trevor Prescod urged more Barbadian writers to protect cultural identity and build sustainable businesses, as a Season of Emancipation writing contest opened with a $30,000 prize. Tourism & Recognition: CTO honoured Barbadian tourism leader Petra Roach with an inaugural Hall of Fame induction during Caribbean Week in New York.