AGP Executive Report

Digital Government & Payments: The Central Bank’s BiMPay instant payment system goes live June 12, promising real-time transfers across banks and credit unions, while the DLP urges transparency and safeguards around personal data as the platform modernises how money moves. Public Service Responsiveness: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Pearly app will let citizens report concerns and track government responses, aiming to make service delivery more accountable. Health Policy Reform: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act to create a new Barbados Medical Products Authority, shifting the drug service to a modern autonomous regulator to improve access and ensure international quality and safety. Labour & Employment Pressure: The BWU and CTUSAB are pushing for evidence and fair process as C.O. Williams Construction signals possible layoffs around June 12, raising wider questions about the labour market. Elder Protection: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse, calling for enforcement and community vigilance beyond new legislation. Education & Literacy: Education officials target age-appropriate reading levels by year-end, while students are praised for literacy gains through the Barbados Postal Service letter-writing push. Regional Tourism Business: Barbados will host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, positioning the island as a regional tourism hub. Culture & Youth: Scotiabank Junior Monarch has 47 entrants and a drawn semifinal lineup, with the first public performances set for the weekend.

Gun Courts Push: Prime Minister Mia Mottley backed a Supreme Court amendment to create dedicated “gun courts” and a Firearms Division in the High Court, aiming to get firearm cases before judges within weeks, with the Police Service to be resourced to meet the target. Health Regulation Reform: Senator Jerome Walcott says the Barbados Medical Products Bill passed in the Senate will overhaul the drug regulatory system by setting up a modern autonomous Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices to international standards. Construction Layoff Tensions: The BWU says it is in talks with C.O. Williams Construction after reports of about 30 redundancies, demanding evidence and fair selection as CTUSAB calls for urgent national talks. Workplace Reality Check: HRMAB warns employers that retention now hinges on culture, flexibility, and development—not just pay—while employers struggle to attract and keep staff. Child Rights & Literacy: Government extended a campaign on children’s rights to northern primary schools ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, while education officials praised students in a national letter-writing competition for boosting literacy and creativity. Regional Preparedness: CDEMA urged better emergency communications and information-sharing after lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, including faster coordination and resilient systems. PAHO Health Taxes: PAHO says taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption, including in the Caribbean. Maritime Security Note: Russia’s drones attacked cargo ships under Barbados and Panama flags in the Black Sea corridor; no casualties reported.

Gun Courts Push: Barbados moved to establish dedicated “gun courts” via the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, creating a Firearms Division in the High Court and adding judges to clear both new and backlog firearm cases faster, with PM Mia Mottley stressing cases should reach court within weeks. Health Regulation Reform: The Senate passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up the Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and medical devices to international standards and strengthen access and local life-sciences capacity. Public Health Taxes: PAHO renewed calls for higher taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas, saying current levels are too low to curb consumption and NCDs. Workforce Pressure: CTUSAB urged urgent talks after reports CO Williams plans layoffs, highlighting a labour-market contradiction as employers also struggle to retain staff amid demands for flexibility and better workplace culture. Child Protection & Literacy: Officials promoted a national letter-writing competition to boost literacy and creativity, while another campaign taught children about their rights ahead of World Day Against Child Labour. Regional Preparedness: CDEMA reiterated lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, warning that emergency communications and information-sharing gaps still need fixing. Security & Justice Context: Barbados-linked shipping was reportedly hit in the Black Sea as Russia used drones against cargo vessels under Barbados and Panama flags.

Gun Court Push: Barbados has moved to establish a dedicated Gun Court, creating a Firearms Division of the High Court to speed up firearm-related cases and reduce backlog, with accused persons able to choose judge-only or jury trials. Victim Support Reform: Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley says reforms must go beyond prosecuting offenders, calling for stronger protection orders and a more coordinated national mechanism to guide and support victims. Crime Prevention Focus: A youth counsellor backs early intervention as the real start of crime prevention, warning too many young people “fall through the cracks” before they reach the courts. Public Service Digitisation: Government is set to launch the Pearly App, letting citizens report issues like potholes, water outages and waste problems with photos, videos and location data for follow-up. Probation Capacity: Barbados’ Probation Service says new officers will help cut delays in report preparation and ease pressure across the system. Regional Governance & Violence: UNDP reports warn Caribbean democracies face structural pressures, with crime and violence tied to organized crime and drug trafficking, and a disconnect between security policy and root causes. Migration as Development: Caribbean leaders are pushing migration governance toward concrete pledges and follow-up, linking it to labour markets, climate vulnerability and development planning.

Public Service Digital Push: Barbados is set to launch “Pearly App,” letting citizens report potholes, water outages, waste issues and emergencies with photos, videos and location data, with tracking and routing to the right agencies. Justice System Reform: Minister Michael Lashley says Barbados will strengthen protection orders and improve victim support through a more coordinated national framework, while probation leaders flag staffing pressure and the need for better reintegration. Crime Prevention Focus: A youth counsellor backs early intervention as the real start of crime prevention, arguing many young people show warning signs long before courts. Probation Service Capacity: Barbados’ Probation Service marks its 80th anniversary as officials cite 2025 caseloads heavy with violent or threatening offences, and say new probation officers should help cut report backlogs. Regional Governance & Resilience: UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett urges development partners to move from isolated projects to connected systems for resilience, financing and coherence in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Ports Modernisation: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill says digitalisation and AI are key to safer, more efficient ports, but must be people-centred. Sports & Community: Barbados Amateur Basketball Premier League finals are delayed again to let the national men’s team prepare for FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers in Guyana. Wanted Notice: Police seek Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”) for questioning in serious criminal matters.

Wanted Update: Police are asking the public to help locate Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”), wanted for questioning over serious criminal matters, with tips directed to Black Rock CID, Crime Stoppers, or the nearest station. Digital Government: The Mia Mottley administration is set to launch “Pearly App” for residents to report public service problems like potholes, water outages and waste issues, with photo/video/location submissions and tracking. Justice Reform: Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley says Barbados must strengthen victim support alongside offender prosecution, while UWI’s Dwayne Devonish urges a well-resourced, monitored reintegration approach for people leaving prison. Probation Under Pressure: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls reports 295 people were under probation supervision in 2025, with 138 cases involving violent or threatening offences—prompting calls to focus on what happens next. Public Works & Infrastructure: Transport and Works Minister Kirk Humphrey says Highway 2A expansion is being considered, potentially moving from two to four lanes, alongside bridge rehabilitation work. Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened Caribbean nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters in Barbados to push sodium reduction and trans-fat elimination roadmaps. Energy Watch: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds says seismic surveys suggest Barbados could have up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with next steps to identify companies for commercial assessment. Tourism & Regional Governance: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill highlights port digitalisation and AI readiness at a ports meeting, while Barbados also features in regional tourism leadership honours.

CHOGM 2026 Momentum: Antigua’s Commonwealth summit build-up is getting a public push via a community mural inviting residents to add bottle caps and build excitement ahead of CHOGM 2026. Probation and Youth Crime: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says nearly 300 young Barbadians were under probation supervision in 2025, with 138 placed for violent or threatening offences—framing probation as a “last off-ramp” and not just punishment. Public Service Digital Push: Government is set to launch Pearly App, letting citizens report issues like potholes, water outages and waste problems with photos, videos and location tracking. Education Overhaul: The Education Transformation Agenda is accelerating, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and work on an Education Quality Assurance Framework. Transport Infrastructure: MTW Minister Kirk Humphrey says Highway 2A expansion is under consideration, including moving from two to four lanes, alongside bridge rehabilitation. Energy and Cost Pressures: BLPC says fuel costs drive bills and has received Fair Trading Commission permission to recover costs tied to temporary generation. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s latest CPI again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados remains among the stronger performers.

Barbados Defence Force & Presidency: President Jeffrey Bostic used the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade to urge BDF personnel to uphold standards, and he also dropped the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official designation, now to be known simply as “The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.” Education Overhaul: The Ministry of Education Transformation is pushing ahead with a revised Education Act expected by year-end, alongside an Education Quality Assurance Framework and more technology in schools. Justice & Youth Risk: At the Probation Service’s 80th anniversary, Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls said 295 people were under probation supervision in 2025, with nearly half tied to violent or threatening offences, stressing probation as an “off-ramp” before things worsen. Public Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters in Barbados to plan sodium reduction and trans fat elimination roadmaps for the region. Transport Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while also rehabilitating bridges along the corridor. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Andrea Franklin was named CTO Director of Tourism of the Year, and Virgin Islands junior minister Luce Hodge-Smith won Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. Local Economy & Culture: Endeavour Credit Union signed 11 micro and small business partners to expand support, while Big Show marked its 20th Crop Over season with a full roster of artistes.

Barbados Defence Force: President Jeffrey Bostic urged BDF personnel to uphold the institution’s standards during the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade, and he also announced he will drop the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official designation. Education Transformation: The Ministry of Education Transformation says momentum is building on modernisation, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and work on an Education Quality Assurance Framework. Probation & Violence: Probation Service 80th anniversary remarks highlighted that in 2025, nearly half of probation cases involved violent or threatening offences, with the minister stressing probation as a “last credible off-ramp” before things worsen. Roads & Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, alongside bridge rehabilitation plans. Energy Costs: BLPC says fuel remains the biggest driver of bills, but it has received Fair Trading Commission permission to recover costs tied to temporary generation capacity. Heritage & Values: Heritage Month messaging urged Barbadians to actively preserve national heritage and pass core values forward, with residents reacting positively to plans to protect the childhood homes of cricket legends Sobers and Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Public Transport: Alliance Owners of Public Transport pushed back on claims that transport gaps fuel illegal operators, calling for illegal route “pirates” to join the regulated system. Crime Policy Debate: Opposition senators backed the Criminal Gangs Bill but pressed for broader public education and stronger focus on dismantling the networks that finance gangs. Business & Credit: Endeavour Credit Union launched a partnership programme to support micro, small and medium businesses, with 11 firms signing on. Tourism & Diaspora: BTMI’s Oistins Comes to Brooklyn drew an estimated 15,000 people for a major diaspora celebration of Bajan culture.

Heritage Preservation: Residents in St Michael’s Bay Land and Bank Hall are celebrating the government’s plan to turn the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell into permanent heritage sites, with the Ministry of Pan-African Affairs and Heritage saying it will move beyond temporary tributes. National Leadership & Defence: President Jeffrey Bostic has dropped the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official designation, now using “The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic” as he marks a new chapter at the Commander-in-Chief Parade. Health Policy Push: The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners is urging doctors to help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, citing heavy adult disease burdens and major costs to the health system and productivity. Crime & Gangs Debate: Opposition senators backed the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill but pressed for a wider public education campaign and stronger focus on dismantling the financing networks behind gang violence. Climate Finance & Delivery: Barbados’ environment minister says SIDS face a gap between climate commitments and delivery, calling for simplified access and faster disbursement so funds arrive in time to protect coastlines and food security. Diaspora Tourism: BTMI’s “Oistins Comes to Brooklyn” drew an estimated 15,000 people for a second straight year, underscoring Barbados’ push to deepen diaspora tourism ties. Local Community Impact: A St James house fire left four people homeless; the Barbados Fire Service responded and MP/Minister Chad Blackman said no injuries or loss of life were reported. Education & Skills: CARICOM TVET work continues as HEART/NSTA Trust digitises three level-two courses for delivery across member states.

Commander-in-Chief Parade: President Jeffrey Bostic has dropped the military title “Lieutenant Colonel” from his official designation, now to be known as “The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.” Public Health & Policy: Doctors are being urged to help shape national policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with medical practitioners citing the scale of chronic illness and the cost to productivity. Climate Finance Push: Barbados’ environment minister says small island states face a delivery gap between climate commitments and funding, calling for simpler access and faster disbursement. Anti-Gang Bill Debate: In Senate discussions on the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill, opposition senators backed the measure but pressed for public education, stronger focus on financing networks (“cut gang funding at the head”), and early social intervention. Justice Tools: Government says offender monitoring will be introduced for people on bail to reduce reoffending, and a gun court is set for debate next Tuesday. Central Bank Action: Fintech Zeemoney has shut down after a Central Bank suspension and enforcement order over regulatory and governance concerns. Tourism & Diaspora: BTMI’s “Oistins Comes to Brooklyn” drew an estimated 15,000 for a second straight year, reinforcing Barbados’ diaspora tourism push. Youth & Skills: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three CARICOM TVET courses for wider access, while UNICEF research flags youth awareness gaps in green and circular economy opportunities. Local Life: Four people are left homeless after a St. James house fire; and a new auto spa venture opens at Sugar Cane Mall in Bridgetown.

Criminal Justice Overhaul: Barbados’ Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill heads toward final passage as Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says the state is “finished playing games with violent crime,” while Minister Michael Lashley outlines offender monitoring for people reoffending on bail and flags a gun court debate next Tuesday. Gang Funding Focus: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters backs the bill but warns legislation won’t work unless police and prosecutors target the “heads” who finance and direct gangs, not just street-level shooters. Prime Minister’s Prevention Push: Mia Mottley adds community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline, arguing gang culture is also a parenting and support gap. Financial Sector Clampdown: Central Bank action has forced Zeemoney to shut down after a licence suspension, raising questions about fintech governance and compliance. Energy Costs: BLPC says monthly rental costs for temporary generation are set to rise, with small but real impacts on electricity bills as demand grows. Tourism Policy in Motion: CTO launches a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at keeping more value in the region, while Petra Roach is inducted into the CTO Hall of Fame. Climate & Health: UNICEF-linked research finds Barbados youth lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities; regional health groups press for faster healthy food policy to tackle NCDs. Regional Banking Warning: Barbados FIU director Kirk Harrison Taitt urges Caribbean banks to avoid derisking by fully meeting FATF standards.

Criminal Justice Overhaul: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams defended the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill in the Senate, signalling “no more games” on violent crime and outlining mandatory minimum sentences. Bail and Firearms Courts: Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley said offender monitoring will be introduced for people on bail, and legislators will debate a gun court next Tuesday. Gang Prevention Focus: Prime Minister Mia Mottley pushed community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline as part of the anti-gang strategy, alongside a $5m grant fund for faith-based youth programmes. Central Bank Crackdown: Zeemoney shut down after a Central Bank suspension order over governance, compliance and operational continuity concerns. Climate and Health Policy: Barbados youth lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, while regional leaders renewed calls for stronger healthy food policy to tackle the NCD crisis. Energy Costs: BLPC says rental generation units will drive higher electricity costs, with reserve levels needing improvement as demand rises. Tourism Strategy: CTO launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at stronger local value and resilience, with Barbados tourism leader Petra Roach inducted into the CTO Hall of Fame. Public Services Pressure: CTUSAB raised alarms about unresolved protective services conditions and ongoing public transport challenges.

Canada-Barbados Climate Finance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met Mark Carney in Toronto as Canada pledged about US$97m via the GAIA Climate Loan Fund, with links to the Caribbean Development Bank’s first-loss guarantee. Energy Costs & Reliability: BLPC says monthly rental costs for temporary generation are set to jump from about $700,000 to $900,000, with a small but real rise in electricity rates as demand grows. AI at Work: The Barbados Workers’ Union warns AI and platform-based hiring could leave workers exposed unless stronger protections are built in. Public Health & Schools: Doctors are reminded they must report child neglect; meanwhile the Barbados Union of Teachers urges vigilance at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary despite claims there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Climate & Environment: Scientists warn more Saharan dust may reach the island; coastal experts also flag out-of-season erosion tied to unusual freshwater surges from South America. Tourism Policy Push: The CTO launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at keeping more value in the region, while CTUSAB complains public transport challenges still hamper visitors and locals. Governance & Courts: A CCJ judge lamented most CARICOM states’ failure to accept it as final appellate court.

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.