AGP Executive Report

Military Health Readiness: NMLPDC hosted the “Snakes Alive!” symposium to boost clinical readiness for military tropical medicine, with training on venomous reptiles and envenomation risks. Courts & Public Safety: Former Barbados Defence Force soldier Anthony Sylvester Mayers was ordered to pay $24,000 after pleading guilty to illegal firearm and ammunition possession. Education & Literacy: A commentary argues literacy support must be immediate and tailored, warning against treating struggling readers as experiments. Energy & Food Security: Barbados is stepping up African swine fever surveillance and response planning, with a three-day workshop focused on rapid protocols and import-system vulnerabilities. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Barbados construction activity is rising, but officials say the sector needs thousands more skilled workers to keep major projects moving. Consumer Watch: Barbados is bracing for possible price pressure after Panama Canal shipping restrictions and surcharges, urging businesses to avoid passing shocks to consumers. Regional Policy: CARICOM launched a youth advisory committee to help shape crime-prevention efforts across member states. International Links: Ghana’s High Commissioner met Barbados’ envoy to discuss cooperation on aviation, tourism, trade, migration, security, and reparations. Sports (Barbados relevance): Barbados Tridents’ CPL campaign continues to draw attention as regional cricket coverage highlights player development and match outcomes.

Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley met Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, pitching cooperation on energy, food security, tourism, trade, education and youth exchanges—aimed at “open[ing] doors” for Barbadians. Public Administration: Barbados’ Value for Money Office got a new Acting Director-General, Dr. Abdul-Baasit Aziz-Bamba, via presidential appointment. Bilateral/Connectivity: Ghana–Barbados ties got a boost after Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq, met Barbados’ High Commissioner to Ghana, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, discussing aviation, migration, reparations and security. Governance & Services: The Government Service Centre in Bartica (Guyana) featured a pushback against misinformation on e-ID cards, with officials saying the ID is for access to services, not control. Economy & Labour: UWI Cave Hill warned productivity is slipping as the workforce shrinks, urging stronger human-resource planning. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight stressed surveillance and rapid response planning to protect Barbados’ pig industry from African swine fever. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings began at District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court to cut backlogs and reduce prisoner transport. Sports & Culture: Cricket West Indies appointed batting consultant Bob Carter; Barbados also marked tennis CAC Games silver with BTA recognition for Kaipo Marshall and Stephen Slocombe.

Diplomacy & Reparations: Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq, met Barbados’ High Commissioner Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland in Abuja, agreeing to deepen cooperation on aviation, connectivity, tourism, trade, education, culture, migration, security and reparations. Cost of Living Watch: Barbados officials and consumer advocates warned that Panama Canal vessel restrictions and surcharges could push up import costs and prices, with possible Christmas delays. Public Safety & Policing: The Regional Security System marked International Day of Police Cooperation, calling for people-centred policing built on trust and legitimacy. Animal Health Preparedness: Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight said Barbados is ramping up surveillance, testing and rapid response planning to protect the pig industry from African swine fever. Youth & Crime Prevention: CARICOM launched a Youth Advisory Committee on Prevention of Crime and Violence to put 18–29-year-olds at the centre of regional crime-fighting efforts. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings began at District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court to cut backlogs and reduce remand transport burdens. Education Policy: Education Transformation Minister Chad Blackman urged students to embrace bilingualism, highlighting Spanish language culture at Daryll Jordan Secondary School. Labour & Productivity: UWI Cave Hill and HRMAB flagged productivity slowdown tied to a shrinking workforce. Sports Governance: Barbados Olympic Association moves to update by-laws at its AGM, including proposed director age limits.

Labour & Courts: A construction firm employee, Allanna Hazell, won $6,576 after the Employment Rights Tribunal ruled she was unfairly dismissed, while rejecting claims the firing was linked to her pregnancy. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings began at District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court to cut delays, reduce remand transport and clear routine matters faster. Public Service & IDs: Government officials pushed back hard on misinformation about e-ID cards, saying the system is meant to improve access to services, not to control private information. Economy & Work: UWI Cave Hill warned productivity is slipping as the workforce shrinks, with labour force down 2,700 in the first half of the year. Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Shantal Munro-Knight said protecting Barbados’ pig industry from African swine fever is a top priority. Education & Youth: UWI and HRMAB signed an MOU to better prepare students for the world of work; climate-friendly uniforms are being rolled out for first-formers. Prime Minister’s Cup Football: Paradise and Technique kicked off the Prime Minister’s Cup with wins, with a women’s component added. Sports (CPL): Sir Vivian Richards praised emerging CPL talent and highlighted Barbados batsman Zachary Carter’s promise; Tridents also bounced back in recent CPL action.

Court Watch: Michael Alphonsa Harris, charged over an incident involving Health Minister Lisa Cummins, pleaded guilty to assault and threatening language, apologised in District ‘A’ Criminal Court, and was remanded to Dodds Prison for sentencing on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Education & Health Policy: Education Transformation Minister Chad Blackman rolled out universal early childhood access and a new primary school breakfast programme, while warning food firms to keep ultra-processed marketing out of schools; the Barbados Union of Teachers also flagged last-minute maintenance and handover delays affecting readiness. School Climate Measures: First Form Academy students at Princess Margaret Secondary School are among the first to receive climate-friendly uniforms as heat concerns run into October. CARICOM-Africa & Reparations: Prime Minister Mia Mottley used CARICOM-Africa Day to push stronger travel, trade and education links, and to keep reparatory justice moving, with attention turning to Barbados hosting the CARICOM Reparations Commission’s third regional conference Sept. 17–19. Regional Disaster Resilience: CDEMA marked 35 years of disaster coordination, pledging continued strengthening of Caribbean resilience. Sports (Local Interest): Barbados Tridents snapped a four-match CPL losing streak with an eight-wicket win over the St Lucia Kings at Kensington Oval, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman starring.

Education Policy: Minister Chad Blackman issued a firm warning to food companies: schools are “hands off” for firms marketing ultra-processed foods to students, even via donations or giveaways. School Meals Rollout: The national school breakfast programme began across Barbados, feeding about 17,000 nursery and primary students, aimed at easing pressure on parents and ensuring children start class with food in their stomachs. Early Childhood Access: Officials also launched universal early childhood education, guaranteeing pre-primary access at no cost to families. First Form Academy: Blackman opened the First Form Academy at Princess Margaret Secondary School, pairing core subjects with emotional intelligence, financial literacy, career awareness, mental health, citizenship and leadership. Local Justice: A St Michael contractor, Michael Alphonsa Harris, pleaded guilty to assaulting Health Minister Lisa Cummins and using threatening language, and was remanded overnight for sentencing research. Caregiving Advocacy: BARP president Marilyn Rice-Bowen urged NOW to spotlight older women caregivers facing rising burdens that can drain retirement incomes and affect wellbeing. CARICOM-Africa Day: PM Mia Mottley called for stronger Africa-Caribbean ties, pushing for freer movement of people, trade, education and opportunities, while noting progress on connectivity and reparatory justice. CPL Cricket: Barbados Tridents snapped a four-game losing streak with an eight-wicket win over the Saint Lucia Kings at Kensington Oval, keeping playoff hopes alive. CPL Hall of Fame: The CPL announced the Hall of Fame trophy will be named the Sir Garry Sobers Award, with the first presentation set for Sept 15 at the Hilton Barbados.

CPL Playoffs Push: Barbados Tridents snapped a four-match losing streak with an eight-wicket win over the Saint Lucia Kings at Kensington Oval, restricting St Lucia to 138/6 before Quinton de Kock (47), Rivaldo Clarke (36) and a disciplined bowling effort—led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3/22)—set up a chase with 13 balls to spare. Water Disruption: Barbados faces planned supply interruptions at the Ionics Desalination Plant, with some St Michael, St George and Christ Church areas expected to see no water or low pressure. Education & Teachers: The Barbados Union of Teachers urged collaboration as students return, while Antigua and Barbuda announced “universal free education” from early childhood to university for the new term. CARICOM-Africa Day: Regional leaders marked the fifth Africa-CARICOM Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, including trade, connectivity, health and reparatory justice—echoed by PM Mia Amor Mottley’s push for freer travel and opportunity flows. Health System Digital Plan: Barbados’ health digital transformation is being pressed forward after a 2022 assessment flagged fragmented systems and governance gaps. Reparations Momentum: Jamaica’s delegation is set to petition King Charles III for legal guidance on slavery reparations via the Privy Council. Community Loss: Hope Foundation president Shelley Weir has died, ending a decades-long patient advocacy legacy for lupus and other chronic illnesses.

Reparations Push: Jamaica has formally moved to petition King Charles III, asking the Privy Council to clarify whether transatlantic chattel slavery was unlawful and whether Britain owes restitution—part of a wider CARICOM drive for reparatory justice. Health System Digital Upgrade: Barbados is pressing ahead with health-sector digital transformation after a 2022 assessment flagged fragmented, poorly connected systems; officials say governance, data protection, and access for elderly, rural and disabled patients must be protected as records go online. Education & Heat Readiness: The Ministry of Education is rolling out heat-safety measures for schools, including climate-appropriate uniforms and stronger water guidance, while the Barbados Union of Teachers urges teamwork among teachers, parents and officials as students return. Public Health Advocacy Loss: Hope Foundation marks the death of founder Shelley Weir, whose decades of patient advocacy helped shape lupus and other chronic-illness support across Barbados and the region. CPL at Kensington Oval: Barbados Tridents beat St Lucia Kings by eight wickets in the 29th match, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s key wickets turning the game. Transport & School Access: A dedicated school bus service is planned for next year to ease traffic congestion, alongside a push for student discipline on buses. Justice Training: The Regional Police Training Centre says it’s working to improve collaboration between investigators and prosecutors to strengthen the justice pipeline. Community Reintegration: Rotary Club of Barbados West launches a men and boys empowerment initiative to support people transitioning back into society after incarceration.

CPL Playoffs Push: Sunil Narine’s 4/12 helped Trinbago Knight Riders beat Barbados Tridents by 35 runs at Kensington Oval, bowling the Tridents out for 112 and leaving them rooted at the bottom with just four points. Women’s CPL Build-Up: Barbados Tridents begin their title defence at home against Trinbago Knight Riders, with coach Ryan Hinds saying the squad is ready for a tougher chase of a fourth straight crown. Tourism Diplomacy: Venezuela’s tourism minister met Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill to advance air links, multi-destination packages and sector training after Mia Mottley’s visit. Traffic & School Readiness: Cabinet has been briefed on a traffic management plan for the new school term, with extra police deployment and road works expected to ease congestion. Heat Safety: Education officials are moving to protect students in extreme temperatures, including climate-friendly uniform changes and stronger hydration guidance. Justice System Training: The Regional Police Training Centre is pushing closer police-prosecutor collaboration through integrated training aimed at improving the investigation-to-prosecution handoff. Youth Pathways: Seventeen young people join the King’s Trust International Team programme in St George, with organisers hoping the 12-week course steers them toward school, work or entrepreneurship. Reparations Spotlight: Jamaica’s reparations petition is set to be handed to King Charles, seeking legal clarification on slavery’s treatment and Britain’s obligations—an issue Barbados is set to keep in focus through CARICOM reparations discussions later this month.

Independence & national messaging: Some Barbadians say the new weekly “Barbados Day” observance is not landing, with low turnout blamed on people not knowing about it or not feeling it matters. Heat & schools: Education officials are rolling out climate-friendly uniforms and pushing water intake as temperatures stay dangerously high, while students from four schools will be relocated during major upgrades. Transport & congestion: Cabinet has been briefed on a traffic management plan for school reopening, with extra police and transport staff at key points and more road works/closures expected. Justice system coordination: The Regional Police Training Centre is training investigators and prosecutors together to reduce handover problems and improve case outcomes. Youth reintegration: The Rotary Club of Barbados West launches a Men and Boys Empowerment initiative to support adolescent boys and men transitioning back into society after incarceration. Health records digitisation: A public consultation says Barbados must modernise health systems without excluding elderly, rural and disabled patients, with governance and cybersecurity front and centre. Tourism diplomacy: Venezuela’s tourism minister met Barbados’ counterpart to advance air links, multi-destination packages, and sector training exchanges. Regional security cooperation: St Vincent and the Grenadines says the FBI will assist local efforts against gun violence and organised crime. CPL build-up: Barbados Tridents’ home CPL double-header is set, with Tridents leadership and preparations highlighted ahead of the next matches.

Health Records Protection: Barbados’ digital health push is under a public consultation, with officials stressing safeguards so elderly, rural and disabled patients aren’t shut out and governance plus cybersecurity roles are clearly defined. GIS Response: The Government Industrial School rejects a parent’s “torture” claims, saying the allegations are misleading and that release requests would require court processes, while describing safeguarding referrals as standard. Youth Development: Seventeen young people (16–24) begin a 12-week Barbados Police Service and King’s Trust programme aimed at education, jobs and entrepreneurship, with organisers linking the initiative to steering youth away from crime. QEH Expansion Priorities: QEH’s US$175m expansion consultation highlights needs for more beds, labs, cancer resources and a dedicated burn unit to prevent patients being airlifted overseas. Transport & School Traffic: Cabinet has received a traffic management plan for school reopening, with extra police deployment and road works; separately, a major road repair and pothole patching drive starts in northern parishes. CARICOM Reparations: Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations (Sept 17–19) to map next steps for reparatory justice. CPL Spotlight (Local): At State House, President Jeffrey Bostic welcomed the Barbados Tridents ahead of the 2026 CPL double-header at Kensington Oval.

Roads & Traffic Relief: Transport and Works Minister Kirk Humphrey announced a major road repair and pothole patching drive starting in northern parishes, while a traffic management plan has been presented to Cabinet ahead of school reopening, with extra police and transport staff at key points to ease congestion. Education Infrastructure Moves: Students from four schools will be relocated for upgrades from September 2026 to August 2027, with the Ministry of Education mapping assignments and temporary sites. QEH Expansion Focus: A QEH/Enmore consultation highlighted lab, bed, and cancer-care gaps, including the push for a dedicated burn unit as the 42-month expansion ramps up with US$175m in financing. Reparations Agenda: Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations (Sept 17–19) to advance the Ten-Point Plan and next steps for reparatory justice. Appointments & Governance: The CDB is offering two fully funded public procurement scholarships in Italy for 2026/27, aimed at strengthening procurement systems across borrowing member countries. Legal Challenge Update: Rastafarian advocate Paul Ras Simba Rock says he will appeal a High Court ruling upholding Barbados’ cannabis laws. Youth & Community: PM Mia Amor Mottley urged more adults to mentor young people, and Rotary launched a men-and-boys empowerment initiative.

CARICOM Reparations: Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations, Sept. 17–19 at Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle, with the theme “Reparatory Justice as the Coming Enlightenment,” mapping next steps under CARICOM’s Ten-Point Plan. Royal Tour: King Charles and Queen Camilla announce an Autumn Tour Oct. 27–Nov. 4, including visits to the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana, plus attendance at CHOGM 2026. Labour & Work: Barbados Workers’ Union president general Shawn Knight says the country needs enforcement, not more labour laws, while pointing to the Portable Social Security Benefits Resolution. Youth & Community: PM Mia Amor Mottley urges adults to mentor young people and rebuild community support beyond government programmes. Public Procurement Skills: CDB invites applications for two fully funded public procurement scholarships in Italy (U. Rome Tor Vergata), closing Oct. 3. Customs Update: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says new Customs regulations and standard operating procedures will come into effect by October. Legal Challenge (Cannabis): Paul “Ras Simba” Rock confirms an appeal of a High Court ruling upholding Barbados’ sacramental cannabis restrictions. Transport (School Buses): Dedicated school bus plans remain stalled ahead of the new term, despite earlier talks. Urban Redevelopment: Contractor Troy Williams urges faster Bridgetown redevelopment after a Chapman Lane fire highlighted risks in older, densely built areas. Sports (CPL): Dasun Shanaka’s record 121* powers St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to a 137-run win over St Lucia Kings.

Independence Countdown: Prime Minister Mia Mottley has kicked off Barbados’ 60th anniversary celebrations, declaring every Friday “Barbados Day” through November 30, with a packed programme including clean-ups, orations, a national concert, and the reopening of the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre. Youth & Community: Mottley also urged adults to take a more active role in mentoring young people, saying programmes alone can’t solve youth challenges. Labour & Enforcement: Barbados Workers’ Union President General Shawn Knight says the country needs stronger law enforcement, not more labour laws, and highlighted the new Portable Social Security Benefits Resolution. Customs Reform: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says new Customs regulations will roll out by October, tied to updated procedures and technology following a new Customs Act passed in 2021. Public Procurement Skills: The Caribbean Development Bank is offering two fully funded public procurement scholarships in Italy for 2026/27, aimed at strengthening accountability and value for money. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Sean Sobers’ meeting with Venezuela’s Félix Plasencia signals possible thawing ties, with calls for measured public messaging from T&T’s prime minister. Health Update (Region): St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew’s stroke treatment in Martinique is reported as stabilised, with further checks underway in Miami.

Customs Modernisation: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says new Customs regulations and standard operating procedures will come into effect by October, updating how the department uses technology and communicates with the public. Independence Countdown: PM Mia Amor Mottley kicks off Barbados’ 60th anniversary celebrations, declaring every Friday “Barbados Day” through November 30, with clean-ups, student orations, concerts, and major Independence events including the Newton Slave Memorial reopening. Reparations Agenda: Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations, Sept 17–19 at Sam Lord’s Castle, focused on implementing the revised Ten-Point Plan and advancing reparatory justice discussions regionally and globally. Local Governance & Transport: A cashless bus pilot for public service vehicles is set to begin in 2–3 weeks, starting with eight vehicles and automated fare tech on key routes. Business Financing: Economist Winston Moore urges more use of equity financing for entrepreneurs, arguing Barbados needs a stronger conversation on cost of capital beyond loans. Regional Health Politics: Reports from St Kitts and Nevis say PM Terrance Drew suffered a stroke, treated in Martinique and now in Miami for further checks. Sports (CPL): St Kitts and Nevis Patriots beat Barbados Tridents by six wickets after Quinton de Kock’s 106, keeping playoff pressure on the Tridents.

CPL Cricket: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots beat Barbados Tridents by 6 wickets in Basseterre, with Johnson Charles striking 78 and Quinton de Kock replying with 106 in a losing cause—Tridents now sit bottom after a third straight defeat. Public Transport Modernisation: A digital, cashless fare pilot for public service vehicles is set to start in the next 2–3 weeks, aiming to cut paper tickets and fare fraud on key routes. Reparations Agenda: Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations (Sept 17–19) at Sam Lord’s Castle, focused on “Reparatory Justice as the Coming Enlightenment” and practical steps for the revised Ten-Point Plan. Judicial Reform: Attorneys welcome virtual hearings in two Magistrates’ Courts but want safeguards and continued in-person access for accused persons. Energy Costs Watch: Barbados’ energy transition may raise electricity costs in the interim as the country pushes for 50% renewables by end-2027, alongside battery storage and grid upgrades. Regional Development: CDB launches CEvalSpace in Barbados to help Caribbean countries build monitoring and evaluation systems that fit small-island realities. Party Politics: The DLP’s newly elected general secretary, Corey Greenidge, says the party is reaching out to former members to unify after the 2024 “locked out” incident and recent election losses. Appointments: World Bank names Judith Green as Country Manager for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, effective Sept 1.