AGP Executive Report

Regional MSME Digital Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to boost digital maturity and competitiveness. Illicit Finance Watch: Barbados has joined the FATF Guest Initiative, taking part in FATF plenary and working group meetings from October 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Transport Board Cashless Row: Public transport operators say the cashless fare system was rolled out without proper consultation, leaving them unsure how they’ll be paid; talks with Transport Board officials followed and industrial action was ruled out. Domestic Law Scrutiny: In the Senate, Independent Senator Karina Goodridge warned the Domestic Terrorism Bill could be unclear and overlapping, calling for clearer drafting before public scrutiny. Public Health & Misinformation: Medical practitioners report rising requests for exemptions from routine childhood immunisations, blaming overseas anti-vaccine messaging spreading via social media. Border Security Bill: Barbados passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill to strengthen air and sea border security through information sharing with regional and international partners. Cricket Governance & Recognition: The BCA defended its complaints rulings on club cricket eligibility and points, while also celebrating Barbadian ICC Player of the Month winners Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews.

Domestic Security Law: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams backed the Senate passage of Barbados’ Domestic Terrorism Bill, arguing firearms have become “too common” in public violence and that the law must fit today’s realities. Legislation Clarity Push: Independent Senator Karina Goodridge warned the Domestic Terrorism Bill is too vague and overlapping with existing statutes, urging Government to make laws “certain and clear” before they go to the public. Border Data Framework: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls said the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill passed in the Senate to strengthen border security by collecting and sharing air and sea traveller data with regional and international partners. Public Health & Misinformation: The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners says requests to exempt children from routine immunisations are rising, driven by anti-vaccine misinformation spreading via social media and foreign media. Transport Board Pilot: PSV owners agreed to avoid industrial action after talks with the Transport Board over a controversial cashless card fare pilot, with operators saying they now better understand how payments work. Housing Update: The National Housing Corporation says nearly 500 families have received homes through the first two phases, while thousands of long-term tenants await legal transfers. Regional Digital Trade: Minister Kerrie Symmonds warned Caribbean digital commerce lags North America, calling for policy support to help businesses adopt digital transactions. CPL & Community: The Republic Bank CPL Schoolyard programme kicked off with coaching sessions in Saint Lucia and Jamaica, putting young children on the pitch with franchise players. Sports Development: Barbados plans to revive water polo after a three-year hiatus, starting with school-based programmes for ages 5–14. Cricket Governance: The Barbados Cricket Association published reasoning for disputed club cricket rulings after public criticism of its complaints process. Regional Finance Watch: Economist Jeremy Stephen warned dilution at ICBL’s stake in a Canadian firm could have implications for policyholders and shareholders.

Domestic Security Lawmaking: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams told the Senate Barbados needs a stronger legal response to brazen public violence as lawmakers moved the Domestic Terrorism Bill, arguing firearms have become the weapon of choice and the bill is meant to penalise acts—not fix social causes. Public Finance Watch: The Inter-American Development Bank warned “important risks” remain for Barbados even after fiscal gains, stressing authorities must keep primary surpluses above 4% of GDP through 2032 to hit the debt target, while cost-of-living pressure could force higher transfers. Housing Delivery: The National Housing Corporation says nearly 500 families have received homes in the first two batches, while thousands of long-term tenants still await legal transfers under the State (Acquisition and Vesting of Property) Act. Regional Crime Cooperation: A Barbados-based RSS training course urged law enforcement across the Caribbean to share information and coordinate against cross-border drug, gang, and money-laundering networks. Education Reform: CXC officially launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), calling it a “game changer” after a successful mathematics pilot. Accessibility in Transport: Barbados Council for the Disabled received a new accessible school bus, with wheelchair users noting real gains but still flagging high taxi costs and infrastructure gaps. CPL Community & Cricket: CPL Schoolyard kicked off with coaching sessions in Saint Lucia and Jamaica, while Barbados’ Tridents sit atop early CPL standings and CPL confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as inaugural Hall of Fame inductees in September.

Regional Finance Watch: The IDB warns Barbados must keep primary surpluses above 4% of GDP through 2032 to hit its debt target, even as cost-of-living pressure and external shocks could make that harder. Education Reform: CXC officially launches the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), after a math pilot delivered an 88% pass rate, with the modular approach now set to roll out across the region. Public Safety & Cooperation: RSS policing chief Kerry Waterman urges Caribbean law enforcement to work as one against cross-border drug, firearms and gang networks, pushing for better information-sharing. Disability Access: Barbados Council for the Disabled receives a fully accessible school bus, while wheelchair users still flag taxi costs and transport infrastructure gaps. Labour & Aviation: The NUPW calls for urgent pay rises and recognition for air traffic controllers to prevent skilled staff leaving overseas. Crime Notice: Police ask the public to help locate Jason Andre Leacock (“J”) wanted for questioning in serious criminal matters. Co-op Energy Talks: Mediation between CoopEnergy Barbados and BAMC has broken down, leaving members to decide next steps. CPL Spotlight: Barbados Tridents stay unbeaten, moving to the top of the CPL table after a nine-run win over the Saint Lucia Kings.

CPL & WCPL Fixtures: CPL and WCPL confirmed start-time changes for two Guyana Amazon Warriors matches on Sept. 6, while the Barbados Tridents vs Saint Lucia Kings game at Kensington Oval stays at 7:00 pm. CPL Hall of Fame: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were named the inaugural inductees for the new CPL Hall of Fame, with the gala dinner set for Sept. 15 in Barbados and proceeds going to the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation for prostate cancer support. CPL Standings & Form: Barbados Tridents remain unbeaten and sit top of the CPL table after a rain-affected nine-run win over the Saint Lucia Kings, with Sherfane Rutherford starring. Public Safety: Police are seeking Jason Andre Leacock (“J”) for questioning in serious criminal matters, asking the public to contact CID or Crime Stoppers. Disability Access: Barbados Council for the Disabled received a fully accessible school bus, and wheelchair users say it helps, but high taxi costs and gaps in infrastructure still limit independence. Education Reform: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) modular framework after a successful math pilot, aiming to improve step-by-step learning outcomes. Cost-of-Living Policy Debate: Economist Jeremy Stephen warned the Price Compact is unlikely to return in its original form, citing changed fiscal and market conditions. Labour & Aviation: The NUPW urged higher pay and recognition for air traffic controllers to prevent skilled workers leaving overseas.

Education Reform: CXC has launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) after a math pilot delivered an 88% pass rate, with the new modular framework designed to certify learning in steps toward full qualifications. Public Sector Pay: The NUPW is urging government to raise air traffic controllers’ pay and recognise specialist skills to stop skilled staff being lost overseas. Crime & Policing: Regional law enforcement officers are being pushed to work more closely to dismantle interconnected drug, firearms and gang networks, while Barbados police ask the public to help locate Jason Andre Leacock wanted for questioning. Cost of Living Policy: Economist Jeremy Stephen says the Price Compact is unlikely to return in its original form, warning that such deals only work under specific economic conditions. Co-op Sector: Mediation between CoopEnergy Barbados and BAMC has collapsed, putting the next step in members’ hands. Environment & Resilience: Barbados is set to start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year, and an environmental internship saw 280 applications for 29 places. Sports: Barbados Tridents moved to the top of the CPL table with a nine-run win over St Lucia Kings, powered by Sherfane Rutherford’s 61.

Education Policy: Barbados’ Ministry of Education has delayed the use of continuous assessment for secondary school placement, while saying the framework will still be introduced in primary teaching this year—teachers’ union leaders welcomed the pause but reiterated support for continuous assessment as a better alternative to one-off exams. Youth & Environment: Coastal Zone Management Unit’s 2026 environmental internship drew 280 applications for 29 spots, and a new coastal resilience programme worth about $105.8m (mostly IDB-financed) is set to begin construction later this year to tackle erosion at priority sites. Governance & Business: Butterfield Bank is seeking shareholder approval to issue nearly 12 million new shares tied to its $1.8bn purchase of CIBC Caribbean, a major step in reshaping the regional banking group. Local Economy & Fisheries: Tent Bay fishers say development works have destroyed their working beach and left them without a replacement slipway, raising questions about responsibility and coordination. Sports & National Pride: Barbados Tridents extended their CPL momentum with a nine-run win over the St Lucia Kings in a rain-shortened match, with Sherfane Rutherford starring as the team moved to the top of the table. Culture: Senator Shane Archer is pushing for an earlier Crop Over launch to better capture tourists and the diaspora’s summer travel plans.

CPL Standings Shake-Up: Barbados Tridents stayed unbeaten, beating the St Lucia Kings by nine runs in a rain-shortened 18-over match at Gros Islet. Sherfane Rutherford top-scored with 61 off 31, while spinners Gudakesh Motie and Mujeeb Ur Rahman helped restrict the Kings to 168/7. CPL Hall of Fame: The CPL confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as the inaugural inductees into the new CPL Hall of Fame, with a gala in Barbados on September 15 and proceeds going to the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation. Local Governance & Environment: Barbados is set to start a $105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year to tackle erosion, and the Coastal Zone Management Unit says 280 young people applied for 29 environmental internship spots. Education Reform Debate: The DLP says it’s not against education reform, but opposes “rushed” changes to secondary school placement and wants clearer implementation details. Public Safety: Barbados issued a severe-thunderstorm watch due to a tropical wave, warning of lightning and possible power outages. Health Watch: Barbados is urging parents to keep children vaccinated as measles spreads across the Americas. Business & Finance: Butterfield Bank seeks shareholder approval to issue nearly 11.58m new shares tied to its $1.8bn purchase of CIBC Caribbean. Sports Beyond Cricket: The Caribbean Youth Challenge wrapped up with NSC Tridents winning the Under-14 title and GMC United taking the Under-17 crown.

CPL Standings Shake-Up: Barbados Tridents beat Saint Lucia Kings by nine runs in a rain-shortened 18-over match at Gros Islet, with Sherfane Rutherford smashing 61 off 31 and spinners Gudakesh Motie and Mujeeb Ur Rahman tightening the chase as the Kings finished on 168/7. Education Reform Fight: The DLP says it’s not against education reform, but opposes “rushed” changes to secondary placement, backing the BSSEE and calling for clear implementation plans and proper consultation. CCJ Crisis Pressure: Chartered accountant Christopher Ram argues the CCJ President Winston Anderson’s response to leaked internal judge allegations “cannot be the final word,” as the judicial crisis continues to raise questions about impartiality. Youth & Community: President Jeffrey Bostic’s Chapman Challenge is set for a September 23 launch, aiming to build youth leadership through mentorship and voluntary service. Public Safety Alerts: Police warn of rising thefts targeting construction equipment and gold jewellery, while Barbados remains under a severe-thunderstorm watch due to lightning risk. Health & Policy: Barbados is urged to tighten measles defenses amid a regional outbreak, and the government has begun consultations to modernise the non-financial cooperative sector. Sports Off-Field: CPL confirms Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, with a Hall of Fame gala in Barbados on September 15.

CCJ Fallout: Barbados’ CARICOM envoy David Comissiong defended the Caribbean Court of Justice amid “panel fixing” claims, arguing the institution’s mandate and independence deserve a clearer public understanding. Youth & Leadership: President Jeffrey Bostic’s Chapman Challenge is set for a September 23 launch, offering mentorship and service pathways for ages 10–24, with awards on International Youth Day. Health System Boost: AUB’s School of Medicine donated 100 digital stethoscopes to strengthen telemedicine and mobile clinic monitoring. Defence Force Recruitment: BDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Carlos Lovell renewed calls for youth to join as the force modernises for cyber, gun violence and disaster threats. Co-op Modernisation: Government launched consultations to craft a national policy for the non-financial cooperative sector, aiming to update outdated regulation and improve access to capital. Road Safety: Trident Insurance and the Transport Ministry are repainting school-area crossings and addressing potholes ahead of the new term. Public Order Debate: The DLP backed action on gun crime but warned the Domestic Terrorism Bill must not replace prevention, youth intervention and social services. Sports (CPL): Barbados Tridents beat St Lucia Kings by nine runs in a rain-hit match, moving them up the CPL table.

CCJ Crisis: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson rejects “panel fixing” and says allegations of improper influence are “wholly untrue,” while condemning the unauthorized leak of confidential CCJ emails as “wholly unacceptable.” Education Policy: Education Minister Chad Blackman postpones the proposed secondary school continuous assessment framework for placement, keeping the Common Entrance Exam for current Class 3/4 cohorts and pushing the new model to 2029-30. Youth Leadership: The Chapman Challenge—under President Jeffrey Bostic’s patronage—will launch Sept. 23, offering a three-tier mentorship and service pathway for youth ages 10-24. Caregiving & Family Law: People Empowerment Minister Adrian Forde urges a broader view of caregiving beyond money, linking the message to the Family Leave Act’s shift toward fathers as nurturers. Digital Payments: Former Central Bank Governor Dr. DeLisle Worrell argues digital/bank payments should replace cash due to lower loss and fraud risk. Homelessness: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says evictions, including at night, are driving homelessness and overwhelming limited shelter options. Local Economy & Security: NCSA warns precursor drug trafficking remains a national security threat; Barbados Private Sector backs stronger local manufacturing support amid import pressure. Business/Industry: Solar Dynamics Limited’s charged assets are up for sale after a receiver took control.

CCJ Crisis: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson rejects “panel fixing” and says allegations of improper influence are “wholly untrue,” while condemning the unauthorised leak of confidential internal emails. Education Policy: Education Minister Chad Blackman postpones the secondary school continuous assessment placement framework, keeping the Common Entrance Exam for current Class 3 and 4 cohorts and pushing the new model to 2029-30. Youth & Leadership: The Chapman Challenge—President Jeffrey Bostic’s mentorship and leadership pathway for ages 10 to 24—will launch September 23 with tiered progression and service awards. Local Governance & Housing: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says evictions, including late-night removals of families with children, are driving homelessness. Public Safety: Barbados remains under high-wind and flash-flood watch advisories tied to a tropical wave. Crime & Justice: A wanted man from 2021, Nicholas Andre McIntosh, has turned himself in and is now in police custody. Political Tributes: PM Mia Mottley mourns BLP stalwart Clyde “Cannon” Holder, praising his long service to party and community.

CCJ Crisis: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson has rejected “panel fixing” and claims of improper influence, while calling the Sunday Express publication of confidential CCJ emails the most troubling part of the dispute. Domestic Security Law: The DLP says the Domestic Terrorism Bill must not become “window dressing” that toughens penalties without tackling the drivers of gun crime, youth recruitment and social services gaps. Housing & Homelessness: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness president Kemar Saffrey says evictions—sometimes at night—are increasingly pushing families, including women and children, into homelessness. Education Reform: Education Minister Chad Blackman named the 2026-27 school year “Year of Purpose” and postponed continuous assessment for secondary placement; the Barbados Union of Teachers wants slower, better-prepared rollout. Agriculture & Contracts: Farmers and vendors welcomed PM Mia Mottley’s push for Massy contract buy-in, with government support of $2m per quarter. Digital Payments: Former Central Bank governor Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce fraud and loss risk compared with cash. Weather Alerts: High-wind and flash-flood watches remain in effect as a tropical wave brings gusts and heavy showers. Sport (CPL): Saint Lucia Kings moved to the top after a rain-hit win over Falcons, with Matthew Forde and Joshua Bishop starring. Cricket Administration: Clement Depeiza and Shaka O’Neal were elected to the Barbados Cricket Association board.

CCJ Integrity Row: CCJ President Winston Anderson flatly rejects claims of “panel fixing” and improper influence, saying reports have caused “concern, anxiety and profound sadness” while insisting the court’s independence is being protected. Judicial Leaders Push Back: Regional heads of judiciary and bar associations call for urgent scrutiny of leaked CCJ emails and allegations, urging technical security checks and responsible action. Education Policy: Barbados delays the BSSEE continuous assessment/placement overhaul, keeping the Common Entrance Exam in its current format for now, with the new model targeted for 2029-30. Flood & Sea Alerts: A flash-flood watch is in effect as a tropical wave brings moderate to heavy showers, while a small craft and high surf warning warns of choppy seas, possible beach erosion, and rip currents. Social Policy: The Bureau of Gender Affairs’ “Sharing Care” campaign presses for greater equality in unpaid caregiving. Sports & Governance: Shaka O’Neal surprises on the Barbados Cricket Association board; Barbados also prepares to recognise 120 citizens in Diamond Anniversary honours. Community & Safety: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness reports rising complaints about homelessness in central Bridgetown areas.

CCJ Crisis: Caribbean bar associations and judiciary leaders are calling for urgent probes into leaked CCJ judge emails and alleged internal misconduct, while reaffirming confidence in the court’s role in regional justice. Regional Governance: Barbados is also in the middle of the fallout, with PNP and Senate figures trading sharp positions over Jamaica’s potential accession to the CCJ. Public Safety & Justice: Dominica’s court charged a former police officer with the murder of a 16-year-old girl, with the case tied to a body found after a disappearance reported in late July. Cost of Living & Finance: The IDB warns Barbados may struggle to keep debt reduction on track if energy prices stay volatile and interest rates remain high. Youth & Community: Youth Minister Shane Archer urged young Barbadians to lead now, not wait for titles, while emergency managers pushed residents to prepare personally for hurricane season. National Honours: Barbados plans to recognise 120 citizens under the new Diamond Anniversary Honour Act 2026. Sports (CPL): At Sabina Park, Barbados Tridents beat Jamaica Kingsmen by five runs as the CPL returns to Jamaica under new development promises.

CCJ Crisis: Caribbean bar associations are demanding an immediate probe into leaked CCJ judges’ emails and allegations, urging urgent security fixes and action by the RJLSC. Homelessness Pressure in Bridgetown: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says complaints are rising over homeless people causing problems in key public spaces, noting some refuse the 24-hour shelter. National Honours: Barbados will recognise 120 citizens under the Barbados Diamond Anniversary Honour Act 2026, including 60 uniformed service members and 60 civilians. Youth Support: A National Youth Discounts Day launched with plans for a permanent digital youth discount card for ages 16–35. Domestic Terrorism Bill: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says the new bill could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment when domestic terrorism results in death. Economic Watch: The IDB warns Barbados may face tougher fiscal targets amid high energy prices and stubborn interest rates. Sports & Culture: Crop Over coverage spotlights heritage; meanwhile, CPL fallout continues with Kingsmen’s struggles and Tridents’ wins.