AGP Executive Report

Human Tissue Transplant Bill: Barbados’ Human Tissue Transplant legislation is moving forward with AG Wilfred Abrahams calling it a “watershed moment,” while senators back the bill as a life-saving, modernising step—though Senator Kenneth Connell warns it will only work if Barbados tackles religious and cultural resistance through sustained public education. Organ donation & kidney care: The new framework would legalise deceased donation (Barbados currently relies on living kidney donors), aiming to ease pressure on dialysis and expand options for patients facing kidney failure. Labour & migrant welfare: Government officials visited construction sites after concerns raised by the Barbados Workers’ Union, with Labour Minister Colin Jordan ordering urgent improvements and requiring full lists of migrant workers and their welfare details. Police leadership: The Democratic League of Women welcomed Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce’s appointment as Commissioner of Police, framing it as a chance to strengthen public trust and focus on women’s safety, including domestic violence. Constitution & cost relief: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says independence and republic celebrations will be scaled back to prioritise cost-of-living relief, while constitutional reform continues. CARICOM Rastafarian committee: CARICOM is setting up a regional committee on issues affecting Rastafarians, with Prime Minister Terrance Drew appointed to chair discussions across member states. Health prevention push: BARP has launched free annual medical assessments for insured members via Urgent Care Barbados and Beacon Insurance, shifting the focus toward early screening for chronic disease. Emancipation Walk: Organisers expect record crowds of up to 10,000 for this year’s Emancipation Walk and concert, with a route from Ilaro Court to the Bussa Emancipation Statue.

Constitution & Cost-of-Living: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados will scale back independence and republic celebrations to prioritise fuel cost relief, while pushing ahead with public dialogue on a new constitution and legislation to strengthen healthcare and local pharmaceutical production. Health Law Reform: Parliament has advanced the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill 2026, moving Barbados closer to a modern legal framework for organ and tissue donation and improved kidney care access. Medical Regulation Upgrade: Barbados also approved the Barbados Medical Products Authority (BMPA) Bill, creating a dedicated regulator for medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other health technologies with PAHO support. Police Leadership & Women’s Safety: The Democratic League of Women welcomed Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce’s appointment as the next Commissioner of Police, framing it as a chance to build public trust and better address women’s issues, including domestic violence. Regional Integration: Guyana and Barbados begin passport-free travel using digital ID cards, with officials calling it a fast, practical step toward CARICOM integration. CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting and committee work to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with Barbados among the named member states. Trade & Diplomacy: Barbados met with UAE State Minister Noura Al Kaabi to advance cooperation on trade, digital transformation, sustainable development and investment. Public Youth Programme: National Summer Camps 2026 expands to up to 51 sites, with stipends for camp leaders and strengthened safety measures, as the government urges more youth volunteerism.

Police Leadership & Women’s Safety: Barbados’ Democratic League of Women hailed the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce as the next Commissioner of Police, calling it a historic chance to rebuild public trust and strengthen focus on women’s issues, including domestic violence. Youth & Community Service: The National Summer Camps programme is expanding to as many as 51 sites, targeting about 3,500 campers, with safety upgrades and stipends for camp directors and assistant directors as the minister warns volunteerism is declining. Constitution Update: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says Barbados has moved another step toward adopting a new Constitution, sharing the latest progress at the St. George Ideas Forum. Regional Rights Agenda (CARICOM): CARICOM will convene a meeting to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, including setting up a committee with representatives from Barbados and other member states. Public Finance & Governance: Central Bank reporting indicates outstanding pension payments are still being processed, while other updates point to ongoing administrative transformation. Justice System Scrutiny: The Purkess family’s long-running case over a fatal port crash continues to draw criticism after an inquest heard the prosecution was dismissed due to a legal technicality about whether the area was treated as a “road.” Local Economy & Tourism: Barbados’ hotel sector sees major movement with veteran Dennis Tull preparing to sell Golden Sands Hotel, while new resort openings and promotions keep the tourism calendar busy.

Constitution Update: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says Barbados has moved one step closer to adopting a new Constitution, sharing the latest progress at the St. George Ideas Forum. Police Leadership: Friends of Democracy congratulates Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce ahead of her July 3 appointment as Barbados’ first female Commissioner of Police. Justice System Pressure: More than 150 inmates at Dodds Prison are stuck in legal limbo as appeals drag on, raising fresh constitutional-rights concerns. Public Finance & Pensions: The Central Bank reports some public and National Insurance pension payments still outstanding due to account validation and processing issues. Crime & Drugs: Two Jamaican women face cannabis charges in Barbados; one case ended in fines after guilty pleas. Agriculture Security: Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight outlines Agriculture 2030 reforms, including an interagency pilot to tackle praedial larceny and monkeys damaging crops. Infrastructure & Transport: Work is advancing on widening Highway 2A to four lanes, with bridge redesigns underway. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting to examine discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, with a committee including Barbados.

Police Leadership: Friends of Democracy is backing Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce ahead of her July 3 swearing-in as Barbados’ first female Commissioner of Police, framing it as a historic step for crime reduction. Justice System Scrutiny: A British inquest heard that a lorry driver who crushed cruise passenger Janet Purkess at Bridgetown Port avoided prosecution after the case was dismissed because the incident wasn’t treated as occurring on a public road—renewing questions about accountability. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Transport Minister Kirk Humphrey says Highway 2A is moving toward a four-lane upgrade, with bridge redesign work underway. Disaster Preparedness: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says hurricane shelters have been strengthened for the 2026 season, with upgrades and backup systems in place. Government Services Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service is adding another electric vehicle and rolling out greener logistics as part of a broader transformation push. Regional Humanitarian Response: CARICOM states are preparing to send earthquake aid to Venezuela, coordinating a vessel expected to arrive within days. Agriculture Policy: Agriculture Minister Shantal Munro-Knight unveiled a $272m “Agriculture 2030” roadmap aimed at restructuring farming and boosting food security.

Police Leadership: Deputy Commissioner Sonia Erene Boyce is set to become Barbados’ first female Commissioner of Police on July 3, following the retirement of Richard Boyce and a Protective Services Commission selection process. Public Safety & Justice: The Barbados Police Narcotics Unit charged two Jamaican women with cannabis offences, including possession with intent to supply, trafficking and importation, with both pleading guilty and receiving fines or prison default. Digital Payments: Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge reassured users that BimPay safeguards protect financial information, while noting work continues to address payment-related issues. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM, with Barbados’ Christopher Sinckler co-chairing, endorsed a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action and regional security. Human Rights & Inclusion: Human Rights Commissioner Kerry Ann Ifill urged Scouts to move beyond “managing limitations” toward everyday social inclusion. International Cooperation on Disaster Response: CARICOM nations are preparing a coordinated aid push for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Guyana coordinating a relief vessel expected to sail July 3. Barbados in Reparations Push: Minister Trevor Prescod says Barbados will take its slavery reparations fight to the UN in a joint effort with the African Union. Health Warning: A UK-based Barbadian urologist says men are presenting with later-stage prostate cancer, stressing the value of earlier screening.

Police Leadership: Deputy Commissioner Sonia Erene Boyce is set to become Barbados’ first female Commissioner of Police on July 3, following the retirement of Richard Boyce, after a Protective Services Commission process and constitutional approvals. Central Banking & Payments: Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge reassures users that BimPay’s safeguards protect data privacy as the app continues to roll out and payment issues are addressed. Regional Security Diplomacy: Foreign Ministers from Canada and CARICOM, co-chaired by Barbados’ Christopher Sinckler, endorsed a renewed action plan on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security after talks in Panama. Disaster Response Links: Barbados search-and-rescue teams are deployed to earthquake-stricken Venezuela via a Regional Security System aircraft, joining wider international relief efforts. Health Watch: A UK-based Barbadian urologist warns of later-stage prostate cancer diagnoses in Barbados despite easier, less invasive testing options. Inclusion & Youth Culture: Human Rights Commissioner Kerry Ann Ifill pushes Scouts toward genuine social inclusion, while Youth and Culture Minister Shane Archer highlights heritage programmes as pathways for young people. Local Culture & Heritage: Trevor Prescod says Barbados will take its slavery reparations fight to the UN in partnership with the African Union after talks in Ghana. Sports & Community: Barbados Pride is among the teams in the wider regional cricket and basketball news flow, including SVG’s FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers campaign in Guyana.

Police Leadership Change: Deputy Commissioner Sonia Erene Boyce is set to become Barbados’ first female Commissioner of Police on July 3, following the retirement of Richard Boyce, after a Protective Services Commission process and constitutional consultations. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Barbados’ foreign minister Christopher Sinckler co-chaired talks with Canada’s Anita Anand, with both sides backing a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security amid gangs, organised crime, irregular migration and Haiti. Human Rights & Inclusion: Human Rights Commissioner Kerry Ann Ifill urged Scouts leaders to move beyond “managing limitations” toward real social inclusion, using practical exercises to challenge attitudes. Disaster Response: Barbados search-and-rescue teams are deploying to earthquake-struck Venezuela, with Barbados also reported to be sending doctors, rescuers and support personnel. Reparations Push: Minister Trevor Prescod says Barbados will take its slavery reparations fight to the UN in a joint effort with the African Union after high-level discussions in Ghana with Prime Minister Mottley. Culture & Youth Policy: Shane Archer highlighted heritage and culture as pathways for youth opportunity through the Landship Teachers’ Certification and Heritage Games Programme. Finance Sector Reform: The Protection of Depositors Bill passed, bringing sovereign-backed deposit insurance protection for credit union members. Health Sector Partnership: Health Minister Lisa Cummins is calling corporate Barbados and service clubs into a targeted planning session to help meet health service needs.

Police Leadership: Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce is set to become Barbados’ first female Commissioner of Police on July 3, following the retirement of Richard Boyce and a Protective Services Commission process. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met UK PM Sir Keir Starmer in London to press security cooperation (including RSS coordination) and climate action, including methane cuts. CARICOM-Canada Action Plan: Canada and CARICOM, co-chaired by Barbados’ foreign minister Christopher Sinckler, agreed a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action and regional security. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Barbados search-and-rescue teams are deploying to earthquake-stricken Venezuela as the death toll and aid operations continue to scale up. Education Transition: Parents got details on Barbados’ new primary-to-secondary assessment model—continuous classroom assessment plus standardised tests over two years. Credit Union Protection: The Protection of Depositors Bill passed, moving Barbados toward sovereign-backed deposit insurance for credit union members. Public Health Support: Health Minister Lisa Cummins called on corporate Barbados and service clubs to help fund and equip health services, including a new sensory room grant. Birth Tourism Debate: Government says monitoring of birth-tourism ads shows no alarming trend, while a lawyer urges stronger screening and diligence by agencies. Climate Recognition: International praise continues for King Charles’ climate “super pollutants” push, with Barbados’ PM also attending.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Barbados search-and-rescue teams (Fire Service plus Defence Force) have been deployed to earthquake-stricken Venezuela, with officials reporting incoming international medical and security support including personnel from Barbados. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM, co-chaired by Barbados’ foreign minister Christopher Sinckler, agreed a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security—highlighting threats like gangs, irregular migration, and Haiti. Youth, Culture & Skills: Minister Shane Archer says Barbados’ heritage can create real opportunities for young people, pointing to the Landship Teachers’ Certification and Heritage Games Programme as a start. Public Finance & Payroll: The Central Bank says almost all delayed public wages linked to BiMPay have now been paid, with about 160 payments still outstanding while account details are corrected. Education Transition: Parents got more detail on the new primary-to-secondary assessment model: continuous classroom assessment plus standardised tests over two years, replacing the one-day entrance exam. Credit Unions: Barbados’ Protection of Depositors Bill has passed, moving deposit insurance protection for credit union members forward. Climate Recognition: Prime Minister Mia Mottley received an international lifetime achievement award in Florida for climate justice and global advocacy. Heritage & Tourism: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, with tourism leaders urged to push early engagement and marketing.

Local Governance & Public Finance: The Central Bank says it has now paid 27,206 of about 27,366 delayed salary payments after BiMPay rollout issues, with about 160 still outstanding, blaming payroll account formatting/validation and promising completion as a priority. Education Policy: Barbados’ Ministry of Education outlines a new two-year transition from primary to secondary school—50% continuous classroom assessment plus national standardised tests—replacing the one-day Secondary School Entrance Examination. Immigration & Citizenship Debate: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls dismisses birth-tourism ad concerns, saying the Immigration Department has monitored such promotions for years and data don’t justify policy changes. Development & Innovation: Future Caribbean launches a global agentic AI buildathon to connect Caribbean builders, investors and deployment partners to real-economy systems. Regional Disaster Response: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes have triggered regional solidarity, with Barbados named among expected rescue delegations as La Guaira is militarised and casualty figures climb. Tourism & Business: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill announces Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, aiming to boost global travel partnerships and marketing.

Central Bank Payroll Fix: The Central Bank says it has paid 27,206 of about 27,366 outstanding salary payments and is still working through formatting and validation issues under BiMPay to complete the rest. Disaster Readiness: Barbados is being urged to stay alert for earthquake and tsunami risks after twin 7.2 and 7.5 quakes hit Venezuela, with regional partners and CARICOM extending condolences and assistance. Regional Finance & Climate: Barbados-linked OPEC Fund talks in Vienna highlighted the Vulnerability to Viability Compact and a wider financing gap for climate-vulnerable states. Youth & Work: BYAC trainees wrapped a World of Work career showcase, while Sagicor Inspire welcomed its biggest-ever internship cohort of 75 in Barbados. Tourism & Trade: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, and Prime Minister Mottley met UK PM Starmer on security cooperation, climate, clean air, and research. Credit Unions: New deposit insurance safeguards are moving forward as lawmakers and credit union leaders push for stronger member protection.

Tourism & Transport: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, announced by Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill at Connect Barbados, with an emphasis on early engagement and strategic marketing to pull in visitors and partners. Regional Security: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met UK PM Sir Keir Starmer in London to press for continued security cooperation, alongside talks on climate, clean air, tourism, investment and research. Disaster Preparedness: After Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, Barbados officials renewed warnings on earthquake and tsunami readiness; the Barbados Meteorological Services said there was no tsunami threat locally. Climate & Finance: Barbados is entering another hurricane season with tens of thousands of homes still uninsured, while a new anticipatory action insurance scheme is set to release funds to fisherfolk before storms hit. Credit Unions & Banking Policy: Barbados is moving to protect credit union deposits with deposit insurance legislation, alongside calls to streamline account-opening processes. Ocean Governance: Jamaica and Barbados signed on to a Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism, adding momentum to regional ocean commitments and financing. Caribbean Reparations: Barbados continues to push reparatory justice, with new focus on the moral and legal case for slavery reparations following a major Ghana conference.

Energy & Business: Barbados is again “eyeing up” offshore oil and gas, with the government saying bids are out to assess an estimated 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas—framed as a way to cut imported fuel reliance and spur investment. Regional Resilience: A CDB session warns the Caribbean’s biggest problem is structural vulnerability, with overlapping shocks from trade shifts and geopolitics to climate impacts and shrinking development support. Security & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met UK PM Keir Starmer in London to press continued security cooperation, alongside climate, clean air, tourism, and research links. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urged international operators to market Barbados’ investment surge as Connect Barbados 2026 wraps. Ocean Governance: Jamaica and Barbados signed on to a Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism, adding momentum to regional blue economy and marine protection financing. EU Crime Cooperation: An EU official says the Caribbean is a major transit point for illicit goods into Europe, calling for stronger legal and judicial collaboration. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Twin quakes have killed at least 164 and injured hundreds; Barbados says it stands ready to help, as regional and international aid mobilises. Workforce Planning: A TVET minister warns Barbados must rethink workforce development for an ageing society, pushing lifelong learning and reskilling. Credit Union Regulation: Credit union leaders and delegates continue pushing governance, tech, and member protection reforms, including deposit insurance safeguards.

Disaster Solidarity: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the island stands ready to help Venezuela after twin earthquakes triggered a national state of emergency, with Delcy Rodríguez thanking Barbados and other partners for immediate support. Reparations Push: In Ghana, Mottley unveiled an expanded Caribbean reparations framework, adding stronger legal arguments, a focus on women and girls, Indigenous genocide, and climate justice—while EU and other governments signal moves toward reparatory justice. CARICOM Reparations Debate: New historical claims tied to Britain’s royal archives are reigniting questions about the monarchy’s role in slavery and whether the case is entering a new phase. Blue Economy & Ocean Governance: Caribbean states signed on to a Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism at Our Ocean Conference, while a Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub was launched to share fisheries and marine planning tools. Maritime Law Support: Saudi Arabia and the IMO launched a two-year project to strengthen Caribbean maritime legislation across 14 states, including Barbados. Local Policy & Services: Barbados education reform will add music production studios in secondary schools and a national student festival to build entertainment-industry career pathways. Health & Finance: QEH’s linear accelerator is credited with major savings and improved cancer care, as credit union deposit insurance legislation advances and lawmakers press for faster bank account opening. Security & Crime: EU officials warn the Caribbean is a key cocaine corridor into Europe, urging deeper judicial cooperation.

Credit Union Depositor Protection: Barbados lawmakers backed the Protection of Depositors Insurance Bill after it passed in the House, with MPs saying it ends a “two-tier” system that left credit union savers exposed. Banking Access Friction: Backbencher Dr William Duguid complained bank account openings take too long, urging a finance/central bank/banks “colloquium” to fix delays in the know-your-customer process. Climate Finance Push: Barbados and the OPEC Fund launched the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Compact to unlock cheaper, longer-term development finance for climate-vulnerable states, with a major digital transformation plan also unveiled. Blue Economy & Fisheries Data: The Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub went live, giving open-access tools and data for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning across Barbados and other participating countries. Reef Alarm: A warning from UNESCO’s ocean science network says 90% of Barbados coral polyps are ill, destroyed or stressed, with less than 5% viable reef projected by 2030 if action stalls. Health & Food Reform: Health Minister Davidson Ishmael urged the food industry to help tackle Barbados’ NCD crisis through healthier food environments and workplace wellness. Tourism Business Networking: Connect Barbados 2026 brought tourism leaders together for culture-led dealmaking with hotels and partners.