AGP Executive Report

Barbados–Venezuela Deal: Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s talks in Caracas with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez produced a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture and tourism, with a technical working group to track delivery. St Lucy Water Crisis: Government extended basic water rate relief for St Lucy residents beyond September while an advanced filtration system is installed; officials also say tap water remains safe despite discolouration. Customs Crackdown: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn and new Comptroller of Customs Lynette Padmore warned of fraudulent imports, citing under-invoicing and mislabelling, as Customs marks 121 years with a push for training and modernisation. Health & Housing Support: Roseville Halfway House in St Peter is being redesigned under a health resilience programme to help people move from institutional care to independent community living, with a target opening by 2029. Regional Climate Warning: CIMH and UWI are urging Barbados and the wider region to prepare for hotter, drier conditions as El Niño strengthens. CPL Update: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons surged to the top after beating the Barbados Tridents by 30 runs, ending the Tridents’ unbeaten run at two. Aviation Note: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from September 2, though it says connectivity will continue via other services.

Barbados–Venezuela Diplomacy: PM Mia Mottley met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas and the two sides signed/ratified a joint declaration covering energy security, food security, education and tourism, with plans for training, technical assistance and even a maritime cargo route. Water Crisis Response: In St Lucy, government and the Barbados Water Authority are pushing an advanced treatment plant at Allendale plus 43km of mains replacements; basic water rate payments for St Lucy residents have been set to end but will now be extended. Customs & Border Security: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn marked Customs’ 121st anniversary by stressing modernisation, training and technology as the department targets drugs and firearms smuggling. Public Health & Social Policy: Officials unveiled a redesigned Roseville Halfway House mental health programme aimed at moving people from institutional care to community living. Climate Warning: CIMH and UWI Mona urged Barbados and the region to prepare for hotter, drier conditions as El Niño strengthens into 2027. Energy Transition: Minister Kerrie Symmonds reiterated the push to reach 70% renewable energy penetration by 2029. Immigration Legal Win: Caribbean advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down Trump’s visa ban affecting nationals of 75 countries, including Barbados. Sports & Community: The St Peter Roseville mental health project and regional cooperation sit alongside local CPL headlines as Barbados Tridents prepare for a key match after Falcons’ big win.

Barbados–Venezuela Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas and the two signed and ratified a joint declaration to deepen cooperation across energy, food security, education, culture, tourism, and transport—with follow-through on training, scholarships, and connectivity. Humanitarian Delivery: Rodríguez and Mottley also toured Barbados’ type 2 mobile field hospital in Guarenas, which has treated 2,700+ patients since July. Energy Transition: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds says Barbados is pushing to reach 70% renewables by 2029, backed by grid upgrades and 125MW battery storage plans, while warning fossil-fuel import dependence leaves the island exposed to global oil shocks. Climate Preparedness: CIMH and UWI are urging Barbados and the region to prepare for hotter, drier El Niño conditions through the heat season. Health Alerts: BAMP is warning of a rise in respiratory illnesses and recommends flu/COVID precautions, including testing and staying home when sick. Agriculture Policy: Government is surveying farmers on an agricultural insurance framework using parametric triggers. Finance & Governance: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says an administrative glitch caused overcalculated land tax bills for 25,807 residential properties, with corrected bands and refunds. Border Security: Customs reports a major haul—12 firearms, ammunition, and plant material worth about $8m—as it calls for tighter inter-agency coordination. Sport & Local Interest: The Barbados Tridents face Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in CPL action, while Qiana Joseph warms up for the WCPL with a standout US performance; Ackeem Auguste is ruled out for medical reasons.

Venezuela–Barbados Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley arrived in Caracas for talks with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, with both sides signing and ratifying a joint declaration to deepen cooperation across energy, food security, education, tourism, and maritime/air connectivity—highlighting the humanitarian link after Venezuela’s June earthquakes and the Barbadian field hospital in Guarenas that has treated 2,700+ patients. Debt & Health Policy: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn unveiled a $1.2bn debt-for-social swap aimed at tackling Barbados’ NCD crisis, including childhood obesity, with expected savings of about US$150m for public health programmes. Land Tax Fix: A land tax “administrative glitch” left some residential owners over $450,000 facing higher 2026–2027 bills; updated bills are being issued and refunds/credits are available. Border Security: Barbados Customs reported major seizures—12 firearms, ~900 rounds, and nearly 1,000kg of cannabis worth about $8m—urging tighter, coordinated border agency action. Illicit Finance Watch: FATF welcomed Barbados, Namibia and Thailand into its FATF-style regional body guest initiative to strengthen the fight against illicit finance. Regional Courts: A New York judge struck down Trump’s nationality-based visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Barbados, restoring case-by-case processing. Public Health: The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners urged influenza vaccination for vulnerable groups amid rising respiratory illness. Energy Planning: Government is advancing battery energy storage procurement to support the 50% renewable target by Dec 2027. CCJ Trust Concerns: A political scientist warned the Caribbean Court of Justice must resolve its internal conflict to restore public confidence in its judgments.

Diplomacy Watch: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s President (E) Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, signing a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on energy, science, food, tourism and education. Public Health: Barbados medical practitioners are urging respiratory-illness precautions as COVID-19 and influenza cases rise, including self-testing and masking when unwell. Disaster Management: CDEMA’s Regional Response Mechanism validation workshop wrapped up, with Barbados’ Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nichols helping shape a more agile regional disaster response roadmap. Justice & Immigration: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s plan to indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Barbados, restoring case-by-case processing. Cost of Living / Energy Regulation: Attorney Tricia Watson says she will challenge the Fair Trading Commission’s approval of BLPC cost recovery tied to synchronous condensers, warning it sets a “dangerous precedent” for ratepayers. Education Standards: CXC defended the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) against claims it lowers standards, stressing shared syllabus and quality assurance. Security & Revenue: Barbados Customs reported major drug and contraband seizures and highlighted revenue collection pressures from waivers and undervaluation.

Opposition Health Push: The DLP is calling for an urgent overhaul of Barbados’ child and adolescent mental health services after another reported child death, citing staffing shortages and demand pressures on the Psychiatric Hospital’s 24-hour assessment unit. Utility Regulation Clash: Attorney Tricia Watson says she will challenge the Fair Trading Commission’s approval of BLPC’s cost-recovery move tied to synchronous condensers, warning it sets a “dangerous precedent” for ratepayers and regulator fairness. Mental Health Media Training: PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health ran practical training for journalists and content creators on responsible suicide reporting, aiming to reduce stigma and harmful coverage patterns. Regional Immigration Shockwave: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Barbados, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond Rubio’s authority—an immediate relief for families awaiting reunification. Education & Community Support: The One Family Programme’s 2026 back-to-school drive is mobilising $400,000+ in supplies for about 2,000 children. Sports Development: Barbados is set to revive water polo after a three-year hiatus, starting with school-based development before expanding into communities. CPL & Cricket: Olivia Grange says the CPL’s return to Jamaica should rebuild local cricket and grow women’s participation. Governance Watch: The Barbados Olympic Association board elections are set for September 9, with director seats contested.

US Immigration Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down Trump’s plan to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—an outcome that also affects applicants from Barbados and other Caribbean states. Opposition Health Push: The DLP is demanding an urgent overhaul of child and adolescent mental health care after another reported child death, citing staffing shortages and high demand at the Psychiatric Hospital’s assessment unit. Electricity Costs Fight: Attorney Tricia Watson says she will challenge the Fair Trading Commission’s approval allowing Barbados Light & Power to recover costs from customers, arguing the regulator overstepped and set a risky precedent for ratepayers. Youth & Crime Prevention: Government is moving ahead with a “grandfather mentorship programme” to connect older male role models with young men, aiming to curb delinquency and violence. Education & Justice Updates: Virtual hearings are set to begin at the Magistrates’ Court as part of criminal justice modernisation, while the Ministry of Education is piloting a “model of excellence” at Princess Margaret Secondary School. Sports (Local Interest): Barbados Tridents remain unbeaten in CPL play, and Team Barbados riders won medals at the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships in Belize.

US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including Barbados, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—an immediate win for affected families and visa applicants. Local Youth & Education: In St Michael South, MP Kirk Humphrey told 11-Plus students to focus on character and determination over school labels, while the One Family Programme’s back-to-school push mobilised over $400,000 in supplies for about 2,000 children. Justice System Modernisation: The Ministry of Legal Affairs says virtual hearings will begin at the Magistrates’ Court next month as Barbados moves to modernise its criminal justice process. Mentorship for Young Men: Government also announced a “grandfather” mentorship programme pairing older male role models with youth to curb delinquency and violence. Sports Governance: The Barbados Olympic Association sets board elections for September 9, with director seats contested. Regional/Global Finance: Barbados joined a FATF Guest Initiative to strengthen the global fight against illicit finance.

CCJ Integrity Under Scrutiny: A leaked “deep divide” story is drawing calls for careful, sensitive handling as Barbadians react to alleged private judge–President emails and the risk of damaging public trust in the Caribbean Court of Justice. Child Abduction Case: Grenada’s High Court, in a custody dispute involving a U.S.-born mother accused of abducting a child to Grenada, issued a full judgment after cross-border warrants and legal representation from senior counsel. Justice Modernisation: Barbados moves toward virtual hearings at the Magistrates’ Court, with Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley linking the shift to broader criminal justice reform and stronger deterrence. Youth Mentorship Push: Government is set to launch a grandfather mentorship programme to curb delinquency and violence by pairing older male role models with young men. Education Support: The One Family Programme’s 2026 back-to-school drive is mobilising $400,000+ in supplies for about 2,000 children. Regional Heritage & Culture: PM Mia Mottley and Dr Julius Garvey rededicated the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre, while Garvey’s legacy conversation revisits self-determination and mental emancipation. Transport Board Cashless Backlash: TAP operators complain the cashless fare system was rolled out without their input, leaving them unsure how they’ll be paid. Local Construction Jobs Questioned: A PLP deputy leader challenges whether a $270m school project in St Kitts is delivering local labour benefits. Regional Economy Watch: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—highlighting widening regional gaps. FATF Guest Initiative: Barbados joins FATF’s guest initiative with Namibia and Thailand to strengthen the fight against illicit finance. US Visa Ruling With Caribbean Names: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including Barbados and several Caribbean states.

Youth & Community Safety: Government is set to launch a “grandfather mentorship programme,” pairing older male role models with young men to curb delinquency and violence, with rollout expected in the coming weeks. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings are scheduled to begin at the Magistrates’ Court as Barbados moves to modernise the criminal justice system, alongside renewed debate on whether current laws deter public violence. Border & Security Law: The Senate has passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, with officials saying it strengthens border security without criminalising travellers, while calls continue for faster implementation of real-time passenger data. Legislation Clarity: Independent Senator Karina Goodridge is pressing Government to ensure new laws are written clearly, warning the Domestic Terrorism Bill raises uncertainty and overlap concerns. Public Health & Misinformation: Medical professionals warn that rising requests to exempt children from routine immunisations could weaken Barbados’ vaccine protection as anti-vaccine messaging spreads online. Regional Finance Watch: Barbados joins the FATF Guest Initiative, positioning the island for a one-year FATF cycle starting October 2026. Local Governance & Economy: A CDB-backed digital transformation push will support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados and the wider Eastern Caribbean, targeting women-led and underserved businesses. Sports & Culture: Barbados’ Tridents and local football clubs keep fans buzzing, while Marcus Garvey’s legacy is revisited in a fireside discussion with PM Mia Amor Mottley.

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.