AGP Executive Report

Barbados Premier League Finals: The Co-operators General Insurance BABA Premier League best-of-five series between City United Celtics and Clapham Bulls is again delayed after an unexpected technical lighting issue at the Barbados Community College; organisers hope game one finally tips off tomorrow. Health & Schools: The Barbados Union of Teachers says authorities should not dismiss ongoing health concerns at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School, citing reports of rashes, fever, dengue exposure and Group A Streptococcus alongside official assurances there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Protective Services Pay & Conditions: CTUSAB warns protective services workers are being short-changed by delayed payments, inadequate insurance coverage and unresolved allowances—hurting morale and recruitment. Climate Data & Policy: CIMH’s Dr David Farrell says data-sharing gaps across Barbados and the wider Caribbean are constraining climate research and weakening decision-making. Environment & Coasts: Coastal Zone Management Unit director Dr Leo Brewster links out-of-season coastal erosion to unusual “green water” freshwater surges from South America’s rivers. Fisheries Preparedness: Fisheries officials tested hurricane readiness with a boat relocation drill to protect the fleet after Hurricane Beryl’s damage. Food & Livestock: A severe feed and forage crisis is pushing livestock farmers into scramble mode as pasture fires burn grazing lands and hay prices spike. Government & Research: Government launched an initiative to put national and regional scientific research at the centre of policymaking, aiming to connect research with public policy and community action. Independence-Era Payments Push: As Barbados moves toward 60 years of Independence, the Central Bank’s BiMPay rollout is being aligned with a WhatsApp-based payments service (“MyGovPay”) using digital ID and voice-note payments. Energy & Offshore Oil: Government opened a 2026 offshore licensing drive offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks, stressing stronger climate and environmental standards and methane management.

Offshore Energy Push: Barbados has formally opened offshore petroleum direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks and citing seismic findings that could mean up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas—while requiring stronger climate and methane standards. Energy Transition Debate: Acting PM Kerrie Symmonds says the renewable shift will cost Barbados more than $2bn, with natural gas framed as a “bridge” fuel; BCEN meanwhile warns against treating rented diesel generation as real transformation, urging grid modernization. Regional Courts & Rights: A CCJ judge says most CARICOM states still haven’t accepted the court as their final appeal, pointing to trust and political will; separately, a lawyer warns Caricom membership could “drive a coach and horses” through Bermuda’s immigration rules via treaty commitments. Caricom Mobility Signal: Barbados and Guyana’s deal allowing travel with official ID cards (from July) is framed as a positive step that also reopens the wider question of full Caricom free movement. CDB Reform Pressure: CDB president Daniel Best says the bank is entering a “CDB Forward” reform phase after approving and disbursing over US$400m, as leaders urge faster delivery amid debt and climate strain. Local Governance & Safety: Barbados Defence Force personnel begin a five-week powers-of-arrest training programme following amendments to the Police (Amendment) Act, emphasizing constitutional limits and public trust. Insurance Costs: Barbados insurers say motor claims are paying out more than premiums, warning premiums may rise unless driving behaviour and uninsured collisions improve. Disaster Readiness: Home Affairs officials launch a push to broaden disaster preparedness participation, including youth and people with disabilities, and tighten shelter communication. Tourism & Culture: Caribbean Week in New York brings tourism ministers together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” while Barbados’ Royalton Vessence opens with a culture-led guest experience and Party Monarch returns with strong performer sign-ups.

Offshore Energy Policy: Barbados has launched its 2026 offshore petroleum direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks and setting a three-month proposal window, with pre-qualification running to Sept. 1 and bidders expected to meet tougher climate and environmental standards. Energy Transition Costs: Acting PM Kerrie Symmonds says the renewable transition is expected to cost more than US$2bn, while natural gas is framed as a “bridge” fuel during the shift. CDB Push for Action: CDB president Daniel Best urged faster, bolder reforms at the bank’s governors’ meeting, warning the region faces intensified climate volatility, shrinking development finance, and debt pressure. Defence and Policing Powers: Barbados Defence Force personnel began a five-week training programme on exercising powers of arrest under the 2025 Police (Amendment) Act, with emphasis on constitutional limits and public trust. Disaster Readiness Inclusion: Home Affairs officials called for wider youth and disability participation in disaster planning and shelter communication ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. TVET Digital Upgrade: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three Level Two courses under a CARICOM TVET pilot, expanding access through a shared learning platform. Tourism Investment Spotlight: Royalton Vessence Barbados opened in St James with a pitch that culture and Bajan heritage will be central to the guest experience. Sports Governance Note: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season schedule, including co-hosting of the final two New Zealand ODI matches by Barbados. Political Movement Watch: Sociologist Patricia White urged the Friends of Democracy to convert its Senate breakthrough into sustained public confidence through integrity and engagement.

Offshore Energy Push: Acting PM Kerrie Symmonds says Barbados is moving into direct negotiations for offshore oil and gas, citing seismic survey estimates of “perhaps” 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with 19 offshore blocks set for exploration. Payments Modernisation: Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge touts BiMPay as the “payment rail” to make digital transfers faster, safer and more accessible for banked and unbanked users, with a public launch slated for June 12. Citizenship & Immigration Scrutiny: In Parliament’s Joint Select Committee hearings on the Immigration Bill 2026 and Citizenship Bill 2026, opposition and business concerns focus on labour/skills deficits, passport value, and how to speed up due diligence without undermining sovereignty. Regional Cricket Hosting: Cricket West Indies confirms the 2026 home season (June 3–Aug 6); Barbados will co-host the final two ODIs of the New Zealand series after talks between Guyana and Barbados. CARICOM TVET Digital Upgrade: HEART/NSTA Trust digitises three Level Two courses for the CARICOM TVET pilot, expanding access via the HEART/NSTA Moodle platform. Democracy Organising: Friends of Democracy urged to convert its Senate breakthrough into lasting public trust through integrity, discipline and real engagement.

Offshore Energy Push: Acting PM Kerrie Symmonds says Barbados could begin drilling for oil and gas as early as next year, launching a 2026 Offshore Direct Negotiations Programme covering 19 offshore blocks to boost revenue and energy security. Digital Payments Upgrade: Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge pitches BiMPay as the “payment rail” to make transactions faster, safer, and more accessible for banked and unbanked users. Labour Market Transparency: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters urges Government to publish where Barbados faces labour and skills deficits, as Parliament’s Joint Select Committee reviews the Immigration Bill 2026 and Citizenship Bill 2026. Water Watch: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says Barbados is not yet considering water restrictions, but is monitoring rainfall and reservoir levels amid ongoing supply complaints. Tourism & Cricket: Cricket West Indies confirms Barbados will host New Zealand ODIs in the 2026 home season, while Caribbean Week in New York opens with CTO optimism for steady growth. Governance & Justice: A judge warns against illegal firearm fascination, urging young people to join lawful security forces instead. Heritage & Community: Heritage Month 2026 is launched with awards and a call for unity and cultural grounding. Sports Spotlight: Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood win BCIC Rally Barbados 2026 after a tense final-day battle. Business/Travel: Royalton opens Royalton Vessence Barbados, its first island resort, with an adult-oriented all-inclusive concept.

Caribbean Week in New York: Barbados tourism officials are in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026, with ministers and industry leaders meeting under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” to push connectivity, resilience, and a unified regional tourism voice. Hurricane preparedness (local governance): Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says Barbados is not yet considering water restrictions, while urging residents to prepare early for the 2026 hurricane season as government reviews emergency protocols and shelter readiness. Gang prevention (law & order): Barbados is moving to criminalise gang membership under new legislation, as officials frame the push as targeting recruitment of vulnerable young people. Justice leadership (regional courts): The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, a key governance milestone for the sub-region. Tourism & culture: The C.O. Williams House of Soca outlined Crop Over 2026 plans, while Royalton Vessence Barbados opened its doors on the Platinum Coast. Transport coordination: Government says it will directly engage private transport operators on hurricane planning after complaints of exclusion from earlier discussions. Education & credentials: GTEC warned the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, including several with operations in Ghana and at least one listed with links to Barbados.

Caribbean Week in New York: Barbados tourism leaders and ministers kick off Caribbean Week in New York 2026 today under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with CTO events running through the week and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill among key voices. Tourism leadership: BTMI has named Peter Harris as its new chairman, pledging to make Barbados “a Standard” and work closely with the tourism ministry to deliver strong returns. Resilience prep: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls urged Barbadians not to wait on hurricane readiness as the 2026 Atlantic season begins, stressing individual action alongside government coordination. Anti-gang law push: Parliament moves to criminalise gang membership under a new law, with the PM linking the strategy to stronger community engagement and parenting clubs. Heritage recognition: Five Barbadians received the Fielding Babb Heritage Recognition Award as Heritage Month 2026 begins, including plans to preserve the homes of Sir Gary Sobers and Sir Frank Walcott. Regional justice: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9. Education warning: While not Barbados-specific, a major regional caution echoed in coverage: Ghana’s regulator flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence on credentials.

Youth Vaping Alarm: A Caribbean youth advocate warns that teens can buy vapes easily via shops and social media, with flavours masking nicotine addiction risks—even “0% nicotine” products may still normalise vaping. Community-Police Engagement: PM Mia Mottley backed stronger community interaction through a Family Fun Day hosted by the Barbados Police Service at the National Botanical Gardens. Heritage Recognition: Five Barbadians were honoured in Heritage Month 2026, including Sir Paul Altman and Celia Toppin, with plans also flagged to preserve the homes of cricket legends Sir Gary Sobers and Sir Frank Walcott. Tourism Leadership Push: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. named Peter Harris as chairman, pledging to make Barbados “a Standard,” as Caribbean Week in New York opens with major regional ministerial participation. Regional Aviation Reality Check: Commentary argues Caribbean aviation is being rebuilt around Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten, as route cuts and new interline links reshape connectivity. Business & Finance: Carey Olsen says it advised Butterfield on its $1.8b acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, a deal expected to expand banking and digital services across the region. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in Barbados and no immediate damage reported.

Policing & Community: PM Mia Amor Mottley urged deeper community engagement by the Barbados Police Service during a Family Fun Day at the National Botanical Gardens, stressing officers must connect beyond enforcement. Heritage Preservation: Heritage Month 2026 opened with the Fielding Babb Heritage Recognition Award for Sir Paul Altman, Celia Toppin and others, while plans were also flagged to preserve the homes of cricket legends Sir Gary Sobers and Sir Frank Walcott. Anti-Gang Law: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams backed the Criminal Gangs Prevention and Control Bill, 2026, saying gangs exist in Barbados and warning of 10–25 year jail terms for participation and harbouring. Anti-Gang Parenting Push: Mottley called for community parenting clubs and a national support hotline as part of the anti-gang strategy, arguing families and communities must act. Utilities Costs: The Fair Trading Commission approved BLPC’s request to recover rental generator costs via the Fuel Clause Adjustment, likely lifting electricity bills. Regional Aviation Politics: St Kitts and Nevis tourism minister Marsha Henderson said Caribbean Airlines withdrew from the route without consulting government, while talks are underway to replace the service. Regional Shock & Resilience: Mottley used the Possibility Summit to press for faster resilience-building against international economic shocks and geopolitical tensions. Earthquake: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in Barbados and no immediate damage reported. Business & Investment: Barbados Stock Exchange listing progress continued with Roberts Manufacturing, and Butterfield’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean was reported as a major regional banking deal.

Anti-Gang Push: Barbados moved to criminalise gang membership with the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill, with Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams warning of 10–25 year jail terms for those who join, assist, harbour or even associate with gangs, and stressing that gang signs posted online could be treated as affiliation. Community Prevention: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley backed a wider anti-gang strategy, calling for community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline to tackle the roots of recruitment. Economic Resilience: At the Possibility Summit, Mottley urged Barbados to shed “small-island” limits and build faster resilience against global shocks, while also pressing for inclusive growth of 3–5% led by the private sector. Utilities Cost Pressure: The Fair Trading Commission approved BLPC’s request to recover temporary generator rental costs via the Fuel Clause Adjustment, likely raising electricity bills. Regional Context: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, including tremors felt in Barbados. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean Week returns to New York June 1–7, with Barbados Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill leading the regional delegation and a focus on airlift and marketing. Aviation Commentary: A regional aviation analysis argues Caribbean connectivity is being rebuilt around emerging hubs including Barbados, amid route cuts and new interline arrangements. Banking Deal: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.8b transaction, setting up a larger regional banking group.

Anti-Gang Push: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says gangs exist in Barbados and warns the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill will make gang membership and association a criminal offence, with jail terms of 10–25 years. Community Safety: Prime Minister Mia Mottley backs the anti-gang drive with calls for community parenting clubs and a national support hotline to stop young people being pulled into gang culture. Economic Direction: Mottley, marking eight years in office, urged corporate Barbados to help drive inclusive growth of 3–5% and push the country beyond “comfort zone,” pointing to major projects including branded hotels. Banking Deal: Butterfield has agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.8b deal, creating a larger regional banking group, with closing expected in 1H 2027. Disaster Readiness: CDEMA warns of severe flash-flood risks despite a below-average hurricane outlook, urging whole-of-society preparation. Housing Delivery: Minister Zane DeSilva says $114.75m will fund 229 residential units, with construction expected to start in August. Tourism Connectivity: Barbados says it will work to build demand for Air Peace’s new Lagos route. Marine Awareness: A “moving classroom” bus was launched to boost public engagement on the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan. Health Training: AUB med students begin clinical rotations at QEH after a 13-year wait.

Criminal Justice Push: Minister Michael Lashley says Government is moving to put the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2026, on the law books as gun violence and retaliatory crimes rise, warning gangs threaten governance across the region. Community Safety & Parenting: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley urges Barbados to reject “freedom to terrorise,” calling for parenting clubs in every community to curb harm and protect the majority. Housing Delivery: Zane DeSilva says Barbados is advancing an affordable housing phase delivering 229 residential units, with 18-month timelines and $114.75m investment. Cost of Living Support: NISSS confirms the second Cost of Living Cash Credit disbursement on May 20, paying 56,259 beneficiaries $5.6m. Regional Finance & Climate: CDB president Daniel Best warns Caribbean debt and climate shocks need bolder, long-term financing, citing $65.2b gross needs over a decade and under 10% of required resilience funding secured. Demographic Warning: Officials flag falling birth rates and ageing as a looming labour shortage risk, as Barbados drafts an implementation plan for its 2023-2040 population policy. Agriculture Under Strain: Dairy farmers warn drought and heat are already cutting milk output, while calls grow to modernise rebates and improve farm resilience. Digital Identity Integration: Barbados and Guyana agree national ID travel from July 1, aiming to make cross-border movement more practical. Regional Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank confirms it will acquire CIBC Caribbean in a landmark $1.8b transaction, with no immediate operational changes promised.

Barbados–Guyana Integration: From July 1, Barbadians and Guyanese with valid national ID cards will travel passport-free between the two countries, a people-centred step announced by PM Mia Amor Mottley and President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Regional Finance: Butterfield Bank has agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a landmark US$1.8bn deal, keeping CIBC Caribbean’s Barbados HQ while expanding cross-border payments and digital banking across 10 Caribbean markets. Insurance & Climate Policy: Mottley used IDB Invest Sustainability Week to warn of a looming insurance crisis for small island states, urging reforms and regional risk-pooling as climate shocks make coverage harder and costlier. Disaster Readiness: CDEMA is urging no complacency ahead of the June 1 hurricane season start, even with forecasts for fewer storms. Health Security: Barbados’ Chief Medical Officer says every precaution is in place against Ebola amid the DRC outbreak. Faith-Based Funding: Government approved a $5m special grant fund facility for registered faith-based organisations, administered by a seven-member committee. Tourism Innovation: PadsPass CEO Lauren Anders Brown will speak at Caribbean Week NYC on pet-friendly travel compliance. Research on Slavery: A PASSAGE initiative launched in Kingston with UK funding to expand Caribbean and West Africa scholarship on transatlantic slavery.

Regional Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank has signed a definitive agreement to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a US$1.8 billion transaction, creating a roughly US$29 billion banking and wealth-management platform across the Caribbean, with CIBC initially retaining about 22% and the right to appoint two directors; completion is expected in the first half of 2027. Insurance & Climate Pressure: Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned at IDB Invest Sustainability Week that a looming insurance crisis could choke Caribbean economies within a decade, urging reforms and risk-pooling so islands aren’t trapped by global reinsurance constraints. Faith-Based Funding: Government will launch a US$5 million special grant fund facility for faith-based organisations next month, with a seven-member committee to administer it and eligibility limited to registered charities or not-for-profit entities. Disaster Readiness: CDEMA urged vigilance ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, noting forecasts may be less active but risks from hurricanes, flooding, drought and extreme heat remain. Public Health Watch: Barbados’ Chief Medical Officer said every precaution is being taken to protect the island from Ebola amid the DRC outbreak. Regional Mobility & Trade: Barbados and Guyana moved toward easier travel using national e-ID cards from July 1, while CARICOM data presented at a border summit said free movement is not triggering mass migration fears. Sports & Hosting: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 men’s home season, with Barbados added as co-host for the New Zealand ODI series.

Insurance & Climate Risk: Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned at IDB Sustainable Week that a looming Caribbean insurance crisis could hit tourism and business lending within 5–10 years unless regional risk-pooling and reforms are pursued. Digital Borders & Regional Integration: Barbados and Guyana launched passport-free travel using national e-ID cards, with rollout from July 1; Mottley became the first to use the system, and leaders also flagged a new shared investment fund. Banking Deal: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean Bank’s 91.7% stake in a roughly US$1.8b transaction, keeping CIBC’s Barbados HQ while expanding cross-border payments and wealth services. Tax Administration: A workshop by ICAB and the Barbados International Business Association briefed firms on corporation top-up tax filing requirements, with the first deadline at end of June. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture launched the Barbados Agricultural Statistics Platform to curb over-importation and improve data on what’s planted, where, and when; the minister also renewed the fight against praedial larceny. Cricket & Hosting: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with Barbados co-hosting the final two NZ ODIs after logistical changes with Guyana. CARICOM Free Movement Data: A CARICOM border summit reported no “mass migration” from the free-movement regime, with very low numbers recorded.

Digital Borders: Guyana and Barbados officially launched passport-free travel using national e-ID cards, with July 1, 2026 set for eligible citizens to clear immigration via biometric eGates—Mia Mottley was the first to use the system in Guyana. Regional Finance & Integration: Leaders also pushed a diaspora bond and plans for a new regional investment fund, tying easier travel to infrastructure and modernization goals. Labour Policy: Barbados will launch the Survey of Employment, Earnings and Hours (SEEH) on June 1 to feed the Minimum Wage Board with employer-sourced wage, hours and earnings data. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture rolled out a Barbados Agricultural Statistics Platform to curb over-importation and improve planning, while Shantal Munro-Knight said praedial larceny enforcement is being stepped up with closer police collaboration. Governance & Crime: Police say wanted man Shane Anthony Greene is now in custody after presenting himself with counsel. Economy & Business Climate: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn told IDB Invest Sustainable Week that sustainable growth hinges on meaningful private-sector engagement. Sports & Policy Spillover: Cricket West Indies confirmed Barbados will host the final two New Zealand ODIs in July, after logistical changes with Guyana.