AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Free Movement Clarification: Barbados’ Ambassador David Comissiong says misinformation has inflated the number of Caribbean nationals staying in Barbados since the CARICOM Free Movement regime began last October; he puts the figure at just under 800 and says stakeholders will be brought together for a full review. Public Safety: Police are investigating a stabbing in Bridgetown that sent a woman to the QEH with multiple stab wounds; a suspect is in custody. Labour Tensions: C.O. Williams Construction is expected to issue redundancies soon, and the Barbados Workers’ Union is demanding evidence before job cuts proceed. Local Crime Watch: Police seek Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”) for questioning in serious criminal matters, listing last known addresses in St James and St Michael. Sports (Barbados vs Guyana): Barbados men’s XVs beat Guyana 21-3 at the Garrison Savannah. Youth & Community: A record number of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awardees were honoured at Government House. Regional Ports & Tech: St Kitts and Nevis’ Adeola Moore represented SCASPA at a CIP meeting in Bridgetown focused on AI and port resilience. Health Campaign: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches a regional push to curb junk food and drink marketing in schools.

Public Safety: Police are investigating a Bridgetown stabbing at Nelson Street and Fairchild Street, St Michael; a woman is in hospital and a suspect is in custody. Wanted Notices: The Barbados Police Service is also asking the public to help locate Dwayne Marlon Drakes (“Oily”), wanted for questioning in serious criminal matters. Justice & Crime Prevention: Government is pushing stronger victim support, with plans for protection order upgrades and a more coordinated national response, while a youth counsellor says early intervention must sit at the centre of crime prevention. Corrections & Probation: New probation officers are set to ease report backlogs, and officials cite 2025 probation figures showing many cases involve violent or threatening offences. Digital Government: Barbados will launch Pearly App for residents to report public service issues like potholes and outages, with tracking and emergency reporting. Sports: Barbados men’s XVs beat Guyana 21-3; BABA Premier League finals are postponed again as the national team prepares for AmeriCup pre-qualifiers. Women’s Cricket: Jamaica Empress joins the WCPL as the fourth team for September’s expanded tournament in Barbados.

Women’s Cricket: Jamaica Empress is set to join the WCPL for 2026, expanding the league to four teams and moving the whole tournament to Barbados from Sept 5–17, with fixtures now released and Barbados Tridents aiming for a fourth straight title. Local Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” programme has launched in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and giving kids a fun, skills-focused introduction to cricket. Public Safety: Barbados Police warn the public about a fake “Barbados Cyber Crime Security Authority” notice circulating online, urging people not to respond to it. Justice System: Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls says probation cases last year involved heavy numbers of violent or threatening offences, calling for what comes next after supervision. Energy & Economy: Barbados’ energy minister says seismic surveys suggest potential offshore oil and gas reserves of up to 13 billion barrels and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas. Digital Services: Government is preparing to launch Pearly App for residents to report issues like potholes and outages with photos and location details. Fire Update: A blaze in Upper Weston, St James, threatened nearby homes, with firefighters called in.

Cricket (Barbados connection): England coach Brendon McCullum says he’s “hopeful” Jofra Archer will be available for the second Test against New Zealand, after Archer rested at home in Barbados following IPL duties; England’s seam attack impressed at Lord’s, but Archer’s return could still force a tricky selection call. Tourism (regional push): Prime Minister Terrance Drew backed the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s new Tourism Supply Side Initiative, aiming to shift the region from just growth to resilience, inclusion, and stronger local capacity. Youth & climate jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned survey finds many young people in Barbados aren’t linking climate action and green economy efforts to real opportunities, despite the island’s climate investments. Public health (food policy): Nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters met in Barbados to plan sodium reduction and trans fat elimination policies across the region. Local governance & services: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while the Probation Service marks 80 years and reports nearly half of 2025 probation cases involved violent or threatening offences. Weather: Partly sunny with isolated light showers; easterly breezes 30–35 km/h; swells 1.5–2.0m.

Education Overhaul: Barbados’ Education Transformation is accelerating, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and new quality assurance standards to modernise schools and strengthen regulation. Public Safety & Justice: The Probation Service marks its 80th anniversary as officials report nearly half of 2025 probation cases involved violent or threatening offences, with the minister stressing “off-ramp” support after court. Defence & Governance: President Jeffrey Bostic urged Barbados Defence Force members to uphold standards and announced he will retire the “Lieutenant Colonel” title from his official rank. Transport Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, while bridge rehabilitation work is also underway. Electricity Costs: BLPC says fuel makes up more than half of bills and FCA-related temporary generation could add about $1.25 monthly for the average household. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith were honoured at CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York. Heritage & Values: Barbadians are being urged to protect heritage and pass on core values, with plans to preserve cricket legends’ childhood homes gaining local pride. Business Support: Endeavour Credit Union signs 11 small-business partners to expand micro, small and medium enterprise lending. Travel Deals: P&O Cruises launches Caribbean fly-cruise promos with up to £500 onboard spending and low deposits.

Barbados Defence Force: President Jeffrey Bostic used the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade to tell BDF members they’re “inheritors” of the institution—and announced he will drop the military rank “Lieutenant Colonel” from his official title. Heritage & Community: Bay Land and Bank Hall residents in St Michael are celebrating government plans to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Public Health: Doctors are being urged to help shape policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with calls to move the fight beyond clinics. Hurricane Readiness: Barbados Light and Power says it’s ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including specific warnings for solar owners. Transport: Alliance Owners of Public Transport is pushing illegal operators to stop “pirating” routes and join the regulated system. Tourism & Diaspora: BTMI’s Oistins Comes to Brooklyn drew thousands again in New York, boosting Bajan culture for the diaspora. Sports: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” programme has launched in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools.

Hurricane Readiness: Barbados Light & Power says it’s fully prepared for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but warns solar customers to properly isolate systems and not rush to switch them back on after storms. Climate Finance Push: Deputy PM Santia Bradshaw called for a climate finance overhaul for small island states, saying money often arrives too late and processes are too slow. Health Policy Call: Doctors are being urged to help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with local figures showing heavy adult burden. Local Governance & Safety: BL&P also urged homeowners to trim trees and secure homes ahead of storms, while a St. James house fire left four people homeless. Youth & Crime Prevention: Opposition senators backed the Criminal Gangs Bill but called for wider public education and stronger focus on dismantling the people who finance gangs. Business & Community: Young entrepreneur Tyrique Wilson opened Outlet Auto Spas in Bridgetown, and ministers highlighted youth success stories. Culture & Sports: A charity gospel concert unites three choirs at St Mary’s Anglican Church, while Weymouth Wales learned their CFU Club Shield draw and President Jeffrey Bostic dropped “Lieutenant Colonel” from his official title.

Crime & Justice: Opposition senator Ryan Walters backed Barbados’ Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill but warned the fight must go after the people financing and directing gangs—“cut off the head,” not just street-level offenders. Public Safety Policy: Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley said early social intervention should be a core pillar of crime prevention, while the bill also points to offender monitoring and a planned gun court debate. Senate Debate: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams defended the bill’s tougher sentencing and said the state is “finished playing games with violent crime.” Energy & Storm Readiness: Barbados Light & Power warned customers to properly isolate renewable systems and generators ahead of storms to protect crews during restoration. Youth, Climate & Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean want green careers, but lack access to information, training, and opportunities. Culture & Heritage: Heritage minister Trevor Prescod urged more Barbadian writers to protect cultural identity and build sustainable businesses, as a Season of Emancipation writing contest opened with a $30,000 prize. Tourism & Recognition: CTO honoured Barbadian tourism leader Petra Roach with an inaugural Hall of Fame induction during Caribbean Week in New York.

Crime & Justice: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams defended the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill in the Senate, saying the state is “finished playing games with violent crime,” while Minister Michael Lashley added that offender monitoring will soon be used for people reoffending while on bail and that lawmakers will debate a gun court next Tuesday. Local Governance & Safety: Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline to tackle gang culture, alongside faith-based youth programmes. Finance & Regulation: Zeemoney (Barbados) Limited shut down after a Central Bank suspension order over concerns including governance, compliance and operational continuity. Tourism & Recognition: Barbadian tourism leader Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week in New York, and BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin plus BTMI Canada director Eusi Skeete also received CTO awards. Sports: Barbados was placed in CONCACAF Nations League League B, targeting a push for promotion to League A. Environment & Youth: A UNICEF-commissioned study found Barbados youth lag behind peers in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, despite strong climate resilience efforts. Business & Community: Business and Bites: MSMEs Unite 2026 is set for 26 June, aiming to connect and empower micro, small and medium enterprises.

Community Safety: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados needs urgent, community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline as gang culture drives organised crime, calling on lawmakers and citizens to coordinate youth programmes and faith-based support. Workplace Rights: CTUSAB backs a “gun court” as a way to tackle firearms trafficking and use, while the BWU warns AI and app-managed work could leave workers vulnerable without stronger protections. Health & Schools: Doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect, and the Barbados Union of Teachers urges continued vigilance at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary despite assurances there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Environment: Environmental officials are pushing behavioural change to curb illegal dumping after a tour of Chancery Lane Swamp and Wetlands, and scientists warn more Saharan dust may reach the island. Economy & Energy: BLPC says monthly costs for backup generators will rise, as temporary generation capacity is added to meet growing demand. Sports & Culture: Barbados targets promotion in the CONCACAF Nations League, and local masters athletes return with 24 medals from Trinidad.

OECS Cycling: St Vincent’s Sage Williams won the Cadet top spot at the ABWU OECS Championships in Antigua, with Desron Bynoe second in the Masters and Barbados-based riders Zefal Bailey and Lucky Antrobus placing in the Elite field. Sports Delays: The Co-operators General Insurance BABA Premier League finals series again hit snags, with a lighting issue postponing game one between City United Celtics and Clapham Bulls. Workers & AI: The Barbados Workers’ Union is urging safeguards as AI reshapes work, warning that systems are already moving into algorithmic management. Child Protection: Doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect, while the Barbados Union of Teachers says concerns at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary should not be dismissed despite assurances. Hurricane Readiness & Fisheries: Fisheries officials tested hurricane preparedness with a boat relocation drill to protect the fleet after Beryl’s damage. Climate & Coasts: Unseasonal coastal erosion is worsening as unusual freshwater surges from South America raise sea levels around Barbados. Tourism Push: Caribbean tourism leaders unveiled new initiatives during Caribbean Week in New York, including a new digital platform, CTO TV. International Links: PM Mia Mottley strengthened Barbados-Canada ties in Toronto, including talks with Mark Carney on logistics, maritime research, insurance and energy security. Police Appeal: Police are seeking a person of interest for questioning in a serious matter.

Caricom & Mobility: A new Barbados–Guyana arrangement lets citizens travel using official ID cards from July, putting a spotlight back on the wider Caricom free movement debate. Netball: Barbados’ senior women’s team, the Bajan Gems, slipped to 19th in the latest world netball rankings. Energy & Climate: Barbados opened offshore petroleum direct negotiations for 19 ultra-deepwater blocks, with stronger climate and methane standards for bidders. Finance & Governance: The Caribbean Court of Justice judge criticised most CARICOM states for not using the CCJ as their final appeal court. Insurance Costs: Barbados insurers say motor claims are outpacing premiums, warning of further premium pressure if road safety doesn’t improve. Regional Development: The Caribbean Development Bank rolled out its “CDB Forward” reform push as it seeks a stronger, greener, more resilient regional role. Sports (Local/Regional): Rally Barbados saw a juvenile charged after wounding/violent conduct, while cricket continues to draw youth crowds across the region. Weather: Expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with scattered light showers and fresh easterly winds.

Offshore Energy Push: Barbados has launched its 2026 offshore petroleum direct negotiations, offering 19 ultra-deepwater blocks and requiring stronger climate and environmental standards as the island seeks oil and gas while aligning with renewable and methane goals. Regional Finance Focus: CDB president Daniel Best urged Caribbean leaders to move toward a stronger, greener, more resilient region as debt, climate shocks and shrinking development finance strain governments. Crime & Safety: A juvenile charged with wounding and violent conduct after the Barbados Rally was granted bail, while police warned of a WhatsApp video-call scam impersonating officers to steal IDs and banking details. Cricket & Local Ties: England captain Ben Stokes says limiting IPL commitments could drive players like Barbados-born Jofra Archer away from Test cricket, with Archer missing the first Test vs New Zealand at Lord’s. Youth & Community: President Jeffrey Bostic urged students to use kindness for change, and St. Michael School and Harrison College advanced to the Under-17 basketball final. Sports Calendar: Cricket West Indies confirmed its 2026 home series schedule, including Barbados co-hosting the final two ODIs vs New Zealand.

Offshore Energy Push: Acting PM Kerrie Symmonds says Barbados has potential offshore resources of “perhaps as many as 13 or more billion barrels” of oil and “40plus trillion cubic feet” of natural gas, as government begins direct negotiations to identify international firms for exploration. Tourism & Jobs: Royalton Vessence Barbados opens on the Platinum Coast, pitching Bajan art, heritage and talent as the core of its luxury guest experience. Cricket (Local Host): Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season, with Barbados co-hosting the final two New Zealand ODIs (July 19 and 21) as part of the WI OUTSIDE! schedule. Sports Governance: Ben Stokes warns England could face messy player availability if IPL hardlines continue, after Jofra Archer’s Test absence. Consumer Safety: Police warn of WhatsApp video-call scams impersonating officers to steal IDs and banking details. Agriculture Support: Christ Church farmers get a push for new water mains to boost irrigation, tackle pests and reduce crop theft. Community Resilience: Disaster planning is expanding youth and disability inclusion, with training and better shelter communication ahead of hurricane season. Payments Update: Barbados’ BimPay instant payment system is set to go live soon, with sensitisation for staff underway.

Payments & Finance: Barbados’ instant payment system, BiMPay, is set to go live on June 12, with the Central Bank stressing it’s a payment “rail” that will connect banks and credit unions so money moves faster for both banked and unbanked users. Energy: Barbados is moving toward offshore oil and gas exploration, launching a 2026 programme to license 19 offshore blocks and potentially boost revenue while improving energy security. Regional Banking Deal: Antigua says it will approve Butterfield Bank’s acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne hinting local banks could seek involvement. Legal & Justice Access: The OHADAC–CARO arbitration training programme is set for June 10 with OECS collaboration, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes sign an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier with single-ticket journeys and through-checked luggage. Local Sports & Culture: Rally Barbados crowns Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood again; and Heritage Month launches with awards, while 16 women are ordained in the Anglican Diocese. Entertainment: Barbadian student Mica Harris joins Love Island UK 2026—and her Instagram handle is now a hot topic.

Caribbean Tourism in Focus: Caribbean Week 2026 opened in New York with ministers and industry leaders pushing for stronger connectivity and a unified regional voice, while Nevis Tourism Strategy: Premier Mark Brantley flagged seasonality as the key hurdle and said cultural events and a bigger regional market are central to smoothing demand. Banking & Education: UWI’s National Distinguished Lecture will tackle the future of Caribbean banking, with Barbados Spotlight: the Barbados Financial Intelligence Unit’s Kirk Harrison Taitt set to deliver the talk. New Resort Opens: Royalton Vessence Barbados welcomed its first guests on the Platinum Coast, adding an adult-oriented all-inclusive concept. Health & Safety: At Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School, officials reported scarlet fever concerns but lab results found only one positive case. Weather & Preparedness: Barbados Meteorological Services forecast partly sunny skies with light showers and dust haze, while emergency officials urged residents not to relax despite a quieter hurricane outlook.