AGP Executive Report

UN Multilateralism Push: European Council President António Costa used the UN General Assembly to argue that multilateralism is the only realistic way to tackle conflicts, climate change, AI, and fragile supply chains, while backing UN Security Council reform and stronger AI governance. Barbados UN Role: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said she didn’t seek the UN top job because she has “a country to run and a region to take care of,” and she threw Barbados’ full support behind Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett amid reports of a possible US veto. Reparations Momentum: CARICOM reparations work kept moving, with Barbados hosting a conference that elevated Bonairean voices and renewed calls for “recognition, accountability, and transformation.” Local Governance & Justice: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says he’s investigating concerns raised by funeral directors, including delays in burial/cremation warrants. Public Service Loss: Mottley paid tribute to former senior public servant Erskine Griffith, announcing an official funeral. Sports: Barbados beat St Lucia 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League League B, and the CPL announced a Hall of Fame to honour tournament legends. Tourism & Jobs: Sandals plans 7,000 new jobs as it expands beyond the Caribbean following its landmark partnership with Royal Caribbean.

UN & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says she’s not running for UN Secretary-General, citing “a country to run and a region to take care of,” and instead backs Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, while also pushing UN Security Council reform and stronger climate financing. AI Governance: Barbados will host the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI in November, as Mottley argues rules must not be left to companies or a few advanced economies. Local Justice: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says he’s investigating concerns raised by funeral directors, including delays around burial or cremation warrants, with a meeting set for Sept. 28. Public Safety: A 26-year-old man, Jevon O’Brien Richardson, has been remanded over the murder of Eric Joseph Butcher. Sports: Barbados beat St Lucia 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League League B, and the Tridents top their group ahead of Monday’s clash with Guadeloupe. Youth & Community: Acting PM St Clair Leacock urged discipline after four young people were gunned down in Green Hill, as police continue the investigation. Sports Development: The BFA launched a grassroots “D” Diploma course, with 28 teachers and coaches trained to improve youth coaching. Finance & Compliance: Barbados’ Anti-Money Laundering Authority held an open day, warning non-compliant businesses could face penalties after warning letters.

UN Reform & Climate Finance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley used the 81st UN General Assembly to push a “crisis of responsibility” agenda—calling for UN Security Council reform, stronger multilateral action, and climate financing that actually closes the gap, warning the “math simply ain’t mathing” for climate-vulnerable states. UN AI Governance: Barbados will host a November in-person meeting of the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, with Mottley arguing AI rules can’t be left to companies or a few advanced economies. Debt for Development: Mottley also outlined plans to turn debt relief into development financing through debt-swap arrangements, including an upcoming first “debt-for-social” swap. Anti-Money Laundering Focus: Barbados’ Anti-Money Laundering Authority held an open day, saying most businesses are improving record-keeping, with penalties possible for non-responsive firms. Local Resilience & Jobs: The Barbados Fire Academy is set for international accreditation, and the Fire Service welcomed 20 new firefighters after Cohort 42. Water Security: The Barbados Water Authority will begin a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project in October to boost reclaimed water for irrigation and resilience. Youth Voice: Young leaders at the Youth Parade were urged to challenge the status quo and demand a real say in national decision-making.

UN & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley backed a push to curb UN Security Council vetoes in mass atrocity cases, calling for Security Council reform and stronger representation for Africa and small island states. Regional Politics: Mottley also urged the Caribbean to stay a “zone of peace,” warning against force and escalation, while pointing to Haiti’s security crisis. Reparatory Justice: Belize joined the CARICOM push for reparatory justice as CARICOM relaunches its Ten-Point Plan, with Jamaica’s petition to King Charles now referred to the UK Privy Council. Barbados Governance: The Barbados Agricultural Society says CEO James Paul retired effective Sept. 1, despite his denials. Water & Food Security: The BWA will begin a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project in October to boost reclaimed irrigation water for farmers. Sports: Barbados launches its CONCACAF Nations League B campaign tonight against Saint Lucia. Business & Energy: BNECL appointed Michael Sargeant as its new CEO, and Royal Caribbean’s $3bn partnership with Sandals signals a major expansion push for the all-inclusive brands. Traffic: Bridgetown Youth Parade road changes start from 9 a.m.

UN Diplomacy: Barbados PM Mia Mottley told the UN General Assembly that “every human being has equal value,” pushing back on racial hierarchy and urging leaders to turn knowledge into action, while also calling for the Caribbean to stay a “zone of peace” and rejecting unilateral coercion against Cuba. UNGA Protest: During Netanyahu’s UN speech, delegations from 77 countries reportedly left the hall, including Barbados and other CARICOM states listed among those absent. Water & Agriculture: Barbados Water Authority says a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project will start next month, reclaiming wastewater for irrigation with IDB and Green Climate Fund financing. Road Safety: Stunt-driving videos have prompted Quality Tyre Plus to add more surveillance and signage after months of complaints from residents. Tourism & Travel: British Airways announced a major Barbados airlift boost—70% more seats this winter and over 100% in summer 2027—adding a year-round Gatwick service. Regional Business: CARICOM private sector leaders hailed the Royal Caribbean–Sandals partnership as a defining moment for Caribbean tourism investment. Sports: West Indies Women opened their ODI series with a record 182 from Hayley Matthews, while Barbados chess teams continued strong showings at the FIDE Olympiad.

High Court Update: The High Court ruled the termination of former BADMC CEO Shawn Tudor unlawful, citing breaches including natural justice; submissions on damages and costs are next, with the matter adjourned to Feb. 3, 2027. Tourism & Hospitality: Marriott’s Tamarind (Autograph Collection) has reopened after a major transformation, adding refreshed rooms, new dining and more local experiences. Business & Investment: Barbados is pursuing new tax and investment treaties, including talks with a European country on a double taxation agreement and bilateral investment treaty. Finance & Compliance: The Barbados Police Service clarified “misinformation” over late allowance payments, saying June duties were paid and July/August payments are being corrected due to electronic pay-sheet upload issues. Energy & Infrastructure: Plans are in place to upgrade the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex to improve working conditions. Sports & Community: The National Senior Games track and field competition is set for Saturday at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex, with 225 registered athletes and a wider push for people over 65 to join in. Regional Spotlight: Royal Caribbean is acquiring a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts for about US$3bn, with Barbados staff told day-to-day operations will continue as usual.

CARICOM Reparations Push: Belize joined the Third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations in Barbados, where the Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice was relaunched and delegates shifted focus from proving harm to defining meaningful repair for future generations. Barbados Anti-Money Laundering: Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams told the Senate Barbados’ money-laundering and terrorist-financing safeguards go beyond banking, as new amendments aim to prove effectiveness ahead of the June 2027 mutual evaluation. Fisheries Fixes: Deputy PM and Fisheries Minister Santia Bradshaw says one of the ageing ice machines at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex is back in operation, with full access for fisherfolk expected within days. School Safety Warning: UWI behavioural scientist Prof Dwayne Devonish urged schools to pair zero-tolerance with prevention, confidential reporting and psychological support as staged, filmed school fights spread online. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called for stronger cooperation between mountainous nations and SIDS at the Climate Vulnerable Forum, warning that glacier melt and extreme weather hit frontline communities across the Caribbean and beyond. Sports & Youth: Minister Adrian Forde invited the public to the free National Senior Games athletics final at the Usain Bolt Complex on Sept. 26, while Barbados’ junior triathletes head to Spain for the Junior World Championships. Big Tourism Deal: Royal Caribbean confirmed a US$3bn move to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, expanding land-based all-inclusive holidays across the Caribbean.

Caribbean Tourism Deal: Royal Caribbean Group confirmed it will invest about US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, valuing the homegrown brand at roughly US$6 billion and aiming to close in early 2027—a major boost for land-based all-inclusive travel across the region, including Barbados. Reparations Push: Jamaica’s reparations case against Britain has been referred to the Privy Council, with Prof. Verene Shepherd saying it’s a serious, history-grounded step—not a “frivolous” move—while regional leaders keep pressing for action at the UN. Disaster-Resilient Housing: CAF approved a US$200,000 grant for CDEMA to strengthen resilient residential construction and reconstruction skills across the Caribbean. Local Governance: Barbados Police clarified that allowances for extra-duty and flexible responsibility work in June have been paid, after social media misinformation. Barbados Environment: Authorities report removing about 3.6 million pounds of sargassum from beaches this year, with options like pump harvesters being considered. Regional Security: UWI and the RSS will host a Caribbean Security Futures Symposium in Barbados from Oct 7–9.

CPL & Bridgetown: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados proved it can host the CPL final at Kensington Oval, with plans for a new high-performance centre and a push for more regional investment in cricket. Cricket (region): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won their maiden CPL title with an eight-wicket victory over Jamaica Kingsmen, while Guyana Amazon Warriors kept rolling with a seven-wicket rout of Antigua & Barbuda. Hospitality (Barbados): Marriott’s Tamarind reopened after a multi-million refurbishment, adding updated rooms and family-focused CAMP Club activities. Health (Barbados): The Ministry of Health is exploring partnerships to expand public dental services as concerns grow over illegal social-media dental offers; Alzheimer’s and dementia are also flagged as a rising public health issue. Weather (Barbados): Barbados faces unusually hot nights with below-normal rainfall risks extending drought warnings into 2027. Business & travel (Caribbean): Royal Caribbean is reported to be in talks to buy a majority stake in Sandals, a potential $6B-plus deal that would deepen its all-inclusive footprint. Justice & courts (Barbados region): Government is scanning station diaries and medical journals to speed criminal case preparation through digital disclosure.

CPL & Sports: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are CPL 2026 champions after an eight-wicket win over Jamaica Kingsmen at Kensington Oval, with Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten half-century helping seal the chase; Jamaica’s Maaz Sadaqat still made history with a 114 in the final. Local Sports (Barbados): Barbados women swept all four boards in the Chess Olympiad, while the men fell 3-1 to Egypt; Barbados also hosts the 2027 Netball World Cup Americas Qualifier in October. Regional Diplomacy: Barbados is part of the UN’s Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) push, with India and others backing stronger multilateral cooperation. UN & Climate: UNICEF launched a child-centred spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, including Barbados. Public Safety: Two men were charged over a September 4 robbery, with court appearance set for today. Business/Travel (Global): Royal Caribbean is reportedly nearing a $6B deal for majority control of Sandals Resorts, with Barbados among the Sandals footprint. Culture: NCF released the 2026 Banja magazine for Barbados’ 60th independence anniversary.

CPL Glory: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won their maiden Caribbean Premier League title in Bridgetown, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by 8 wickets after Sufyan Moqim’s 4-14 and a chase powered by Amir Jangoo (57) and Hasan Nawaz (47), with Maaz Sadaqat’s 114 for the Kingsmen falling short. Cricket Investment: Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Barbados must keep investing in cricket, pointing to a high-performance centre as the sport’s growth delivers wider economic benefits. Local Crime Watch: Barbados Police launched a Neighbourhood Watch in Vespera Gardens, urging residents to report suspicious activity and stressing police can’t be everywhere. Housing Push: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs says Government is preparing a plan to bring derelict houses and vacant lots back into the housing stock, including possible legal tools like compulsory acquisition or an abandonment clause. Regional Reparations: CARICOM’s Third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations in Barbados shifted the campaign toward action, unveiling a revised Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice and discussing legal/diplomatic strategies. Energy Security: Economist Marla Dukharan warned Caribbean energy insecurity persists, calling energy sovereignty the best defence against oil-market shocks.

CPL Glory in Bridgetown: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons won their maiden CPL title, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at Kensington Oval. Sufyan Moqim’s 4-14 restricted the Kingsmen to 170-9 after Maaz Sadaqat blasted 114, but Amir Jangoo (57) and Hasan Nawaz (47) steered the Falcons home with 20 balls to spare. Reparatory Justice Push: Antigua and Barbuda joined CARICOM’s Third Regional Conference on Reparations in Barbados, with officials backing efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional case for reparatory justice. Hurricane Season Reminder: Barbados’ Department of Emergency Management says preparations are underway and urges people not to wait for a storm before acting, while also stressing heat-health safety. Local Milestone: Barbados welcomed its newest centenarian, Germaine Clarke, celebrated at Holy Innocents Centre with a visit from President Jeffrey Bostic. Sports Spotlight: Barbados Rally2 Championship leader Josh Read took the latest round, while footballer Thierry Gale kept scoring for Bolton and is set to link up with the national team.

CPL Final at Kensington Oval: The stage is set for a first-time champion as Jamaica Kingsmen take on Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday, with the Kingsmen booking their spot after Rovman Powell’s five-wicket Qualifier-2 win over Guyana and the Falcons reaching the decider on dominant form and composure. Reparations Push in Barbados: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Caribbean must move from advocacy to a concrete, evidence-based case, including plans to train the next generation of activists and overhaul school curricula to keep slavery and reparatory justice at the centre. Legal Strategy Against the UK: Caribbean states are exploring legal routes tied to UN racial discrimination treaties, with reports pointing to possible action at international courts to force the UK onto the negotiation table. Barbados Health Focus: Health Minister Lisa Cummins urged everyday movement and healthier choices as Barbados rolls out national wellness initiatives aimed at reducing non-communicable disease pressure. Dementia Data Gap: Advocates say Barbados needs more definitive local figures on dementia to improve care planning, emergency support, and caregiver rights. Local Sports & Talent: Barbadian winger Thierry Gale keeps scoring for Bolton and is set to link up with the senior national team for upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. Autonomous Atlantic Sail: A crewless solar-and-wind autonomous sailboat completed the Microtransat Challenge, arriving in Barbados after a 5,721 km Atlantic crossing.

CPL Final Set: Rovman Powell’s Jamaica Kingsmen booked their place in the Republic Bank CPL final with a five-wicket Qualifier-2 win over Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval, chasing 207 with Powell unbeaten on 40 off 17 as Shimron Hetmyer made 102* for Guyana. Local Sports Spotlight: The final is now set for tonight at 6 p.m. Jamaica time, with Antigua & Barbuda Falcons facing the Kingsmen after Moeen Ali’s side secured their spot by beating the Warriors. Reparations Push: Caribbean leaders, including Barbados PM Mia Mottley, are moving from advocacy to legal action, with plans to haul Britain before international courts under racial discrimination treaties to force slavery reparations. Health & Care: Barbados Alzheimer’s Association says the island needs better dementia figures to improve support and emergency care. Public Health Drive: Health Minister Lisa Cummins urged Barbadians to make movement and healthier choices daily, aiming to keep people out of hospitals except in emergencies. Trade & Business: Barbados’ Electronic Single Window is now used by 300 enterprises to speed up licences and permits for imports and exports. Crime Update: Six juveniles were charged over a robbery spree and firearm-related offences, with court dates set for October 15. Labour Leadership: Dennis De Peiza has demitted office as General Secretary of CTUSAB after 24 years.

CPL Final Set: Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 40 off 17 powered Jamaica Kingsmen to a five-wicket Qualifier 2 win over Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval, chasing 207 with three balls to spare and booking a Sunday final against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. Local Sports Spotlight: Barbados has named a 24-man squad for the CONCACAF Nations League, opening against Saint Lucia on Sept 25, with matches also against Bermuda on Sept 28. CARIFTA Gymnastics: Barbados will send 31 gymnasts to CARIFTA in The Bahamas (Nov 13–15), up from 20 last year. Reparations Push: CARICOM leaders, with Barbados hosting, are moving from advocacy to a “case,” including plans for legal action against the UK and pushing the agenda at CHOGM in Antigua. Labour Update: CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis De Peiza has demitted office after 40 years in the labour movement. Youth & Safety: Police arrested six juveniles over a robbery spree and other offences across several districts, with charges including firearm use and wounding with intent. Independence Build-Up: Barbadians are being urged to join “Let Me Paint Barbados” ahead of the 60th anniversary of Independence and five years as a Republic.

CPL Playoffs (Bridgetown): Jamaica Kingsmen booked the CPL 2026 final with a 5-wicket Qualifier 2 win over Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval, chasing 207 with Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 40 off 17 and sharing Player of the Match with Shimron Hetmyer, who struck 102*; Sports & Local Interest: The win sets up a final against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, who earlier thrashed Warriors to reach the decider; Reparations (CARICOM): Barbados PM Mia Mottley says a technical committee of historians and economists will quantify Barbados’ slavery reparations case, as CARICOM leaders push for reparatory justice to move from advocacy to action; Justice Reform: Barbados attorneys warn that making judge-alone trials compulsory in some cases could weaken safeguards for accused people, following Chief Justice Leslie Haynes’ comments; Education & Health: Barbados’ National School Breakfast Programme is expanding to tackle hunger as a barrier to learning; Public Safety: Police report a slight rise in non-consensual intimate image sharing, reminding victims there is recourse.