AGP Executive Report

Regional Mobility & Travel Tech: Guyana and Barbados kicked off passport-free travel using Digital ID cards, with Caribbean Airlines integrating the system for smoother CARICOM movement. Diplomacy & Travel Policy: Prime Minister Drew says government is in talks with Ireland after visa-free entry was ended for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals, a move that could ripple into regional travel planning. Bilateral Trade & Innovation: UAE State Minister Noura Al Kaabi visited Barbados to push cooperation on trade, digital transformation, sustainable development, and investment. Energy & Labour: Barbados Workers’ Union deputy general secretary Dwaine Paul warned of possible further industrial action at BNECL over unresolved health and safety issues. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Shantal Munro-Knight outlined “Agriculture 2030” reforms and about $272m in priority investments, including tackling crop theft and monkey damage. SME Support: CDB launched CDB Propel (CTCS rebrand) to help MSMEs become more competitive, resilient, and investment-ready. Logistics Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service added an electric utility cart for airport operations as part of a broader shift toward greener, digital logistics. Tourism & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados opened on the Platinum Coast as an adult-oriented all-inclusive concept. Finance & Risk: AM Best affirmed Barbados-domiciled Helvetica Re’s A- (Excellent) ratings with a stable outlook.

Tourism Infrastructure: Saint Kitts and Nevis has broken ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aiming to shift from port-of-call stops to full home-porting operations by November 2027. Energy & Labour: Barbados Workers’ Union deputy general secretary Dwaine Paul warned of possible further industrial action at BNECL after workers withdrew labour over unresolved health and safety issues, with talks and assessments planned. Food Systems & Resilience: A CARICOM-wide push to tackle the region’s US$6 billion food import challenge is framed as a broader development agenda covering health, climate resilience, and financing gaps. Maritime Security: Ukraine and Russia escalated their dispute at the IMO over attacks on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” with Kyiv arguing the tankers directly fund the war effort. Agriculture & Crop Protection: Barbados agriculture minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight outlined an Agriculture 2030 roadmap, including an interagency pilot to address praedial larceny and monkey damage to crops. SME Support: The Caribbean Development Bank rebranded its CTCS technical support network as CDB Propel to help MSMEs become more competitive and investment-ready. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service added an electric utility cart for airport operations as part of a wider logistics and digital services overhaul. Hotel Industry: Veteran hotelier Dennis Tull is preparing to sell Golden Sands, marking a major shift for a long-running Barbadian property. Youth & Community: National summer camps expand to up to 51 sites with stronger safety measures and stipends for camp leaders. Finance & Co-ops: AffinityPlus Credit Union reported a strong 2025/26 year with a net surplus of $2.7 million and growth in assets, loans, and deposits.

Barbados Agriculture: Minister Shantal Munro-Knight laid out an Agriculture 2030 roadmap, targeting about $272m in priority investments and pushing reforms to tackle systemic issues like praedial larceny and monkeys through an interagency pilot with police. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service added an electric postal cart for airport airmail operations as part of a broader shift toward a logistics and digital services hub ahead of the 2030 carbon-neutral goal. Nuclear Cooperation: Barbados signed a five-year IAEA framework (2026–2031) covering peaceful nuclear applications in health, agriculture, water management, energy, and radiation safety. Tourism & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados officially opened on the Platinum Coast, bringing a new adult-oriented all-inclusive concept to the island. Regional Trade & Security: Canada and CARICOM reaffirmed a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, with Barbados’ foreign affairs minister co-chairing. Maritime Safety Legacy: A feature revisited the 1970 MV Christena inquiry, highlighting how reforms shaped Caribbean maritime safety. Fisheries Community: Fisherfolk closed the year’s Fisherfolk Festival with community give-back at Oistins, including reflection on the late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox.

Aviation Expansion: Air Peace took delivery of its first factory-new Embraer E175, aiming to boost West and Central Africa connectivity with more flexible regional flying. Insurance & Risk: A new look at captive insurance management finds 228 domiciles and highlights how manager data is tracked across regulators, trade bodies and public records. Barbados Agriculture Push: Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight outlined an “Agriculture 2030” roadmap to reposition farming as national resilience, with about $272m in priority investments. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service added an electric cart for airport airmail operations as part of a wider shift toward greener, digital logistics. Regional Disaster Response: CARICOM nations prepare a coordinated aid shipment to Venezuela after major earthquakes, with a vessel expected to arrive within days. Nuclear Cooperation: Barbados signed a five-year IAEA framework covering health, agriculture, water management, energy and radiation safety. Tourism & Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados officially opened on the Platinum Coast as a new adult-oriented all-inclusive concept. Tech in Loyalty: Sun Group launched Sun Signature, powered by Amadeus Loyalty, to unify rewards across its ecosystem. Youth & Media: A local film initiative, “Once Upon A Frame,” uses youth-written stories to tackle youth violence and honour a life lost.

Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service adds another electric vehicle as part of a broader push to turn mail into modern logistics and digital services. Youth & Media: Local filmmaker Kerri Birch launches “Once Upon A Frame” to tackle youth violence through youth-written films, including an AI-made story, with screenings planned for state television and international festivals. Digital Skills: OECS and UWI Global Campus recognise 172 scholarship recipients from the CARDTP digital skills programme, highlighting industry-ready certifications and workforce readiness. Food & Agriculture Innovation: A Trinidad-based group pitches “sargassum-to-wealth” processing to convert harvested seaweed into organic fertiliser and compost alternatives, aiming to strengthen food security. Fraud Alert: The UWI warns the public about an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data. Energy & Industry: Barbados signs a five-year nuclear cooperation framework with the IAEA covering health, agriculture, water management, energy and radiation safety. Finance Stability: Credit union deposit insurance legislation advances after years of advocacy, a major confidence boost for more than 200,000 members. Tourism Pipeline: Barbados confirms Marketplace 2027 will be hosted on the island, signalling a push to grow travel partnerships and visitor demand. Regional Security: Canada and CARICOM renew cooperation with a renewed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action and regional security.

Regional Security & Climate: Canada and CARICOM ministers, co-chaired by Barbados’ Christopher Sinckler, backed a renewed action plan focused on competitive economies, climate action and stronger regional security after talks in Panama alongside the OAS General Assembly. Nuclear for Development: Barbados signed a five-year cooperation framework with the IAEA covering health, agriculture, water management, energy and radiation safety, using peaceful nuclear technology. Finance Sector Protection: Barbados’ credit union movement welcomed passage of the Protection of Depositors Bill, moving the island toward sovereign-backed deposit insurance for member savings. Tourism & Hospitality: Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club opened in Paynes Bay, joining Leading Hotels of the World with 28 boutique suites and a private beach club. Industry & Innovation Push: Future Barbados released a draft $65m five-year R&D and Innovation roadmap to boost science, technology and commercial research. Youth & Media: A local film initiative, “Once Upon A Frame,” is using youth-written stories to tackle youth violence and honour a life lost in Christ Church. Fraud Alert: The UWI warned of an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data without permission.

Luxury Hospitality: Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club has opened in Paynes Bay, St. James with 28 suites and an oceanfront Beach Club, and it’s now part of Leading Hotels of the World. Security & Climate Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM, with Barbados’ Christopher Sinckler co-chairing, backed a renewed action plan focused on competitive economies, climate action and regional security after talks in Panama. Nuclear Cooperation: Barbados signed a five-year framework with the IAEA to support peaceful nuclear applications across health, agriculture, water management, energy and radiation safety. Finance Sector Reform: Barbados’ Protection of Depositors Bill has passed, moving toward sovereign-backed deposit insurance for credit union members. Tourism Industry Push: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, with the tourism ministry pointing to early engagement and marketing to draw partners and visitors. Tech & Innovation: Future Caribbean is launching a global agentic AI buildathon to connect Caribbean builders with investors and deployment partners. Energy & Risk: A report highlights how forex issues are hampering export growth for an ophthalmic firm—another reminder of the trade frictions businesses face.

Nuclear Cooperation: Barbados has signed a five-year framework with the IAEA (2026–2031) to use nuclear technology for peaceful work in health, agriculture, water management, energy and radiation safety—aiming to strengthen local radiation safety and security systems. Security & Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met UK PM Sir Keir Starmer in London to push continued security cooperation (including organised crime focus with RSS) and to accelerate action on methane and other super pollutants, building on the Bridgetown Initiative. CARICOM-Canada Action Plan: Canada and CARICOM backed a renewed, results-focused action plan for competitive economies, climate action and regional security, with ministers also discussing Haiti and wider migration and crime pressures. Credit Union Confidence: Barbados passed deposit insurance legislation (Protection of Depositors Bill), a major step for the credit union sector protecting member savings—after years of advocacy. Tourism Trade Push: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, with tourism minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urging early engagement and strategic marketing to attract visitors and partners. Insurance Preparedness: Barbados is rolling out anticipatory action financing for fisherfolk, designed to release funds up to three days before hurricanes to help protect boats and livelihoods. Export Headwind: Forex shortages are hampering export growth for an ophthalmic firm, highlighting ongoing trade-finance friction. Research & Innovation Funding: Future Barbados released a draft $65m, five-year R&D and Innovation roadmap to shift the island toward longer-term resilience through science, tech and commercial innovation. Climate Risk Alert: GIAB warns many homes still lack insurance going into hurricane season, stressing coverage review before disasters hit.

Deposit Insurance for Credit Unions: Barbados’ Protection of Depositors Bill has passed in the House, moving the island toward sovereign-backed deposit protection for credit union savers—covering about 200,000 members with roughly $3bn in deposits, with Senate support expected. Tourism Trade Push: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, with Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urging early engagement and strategic marketing to pull in visitors and partners. Energy & Climate Cooperation: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership with a new action plan focused on competitive economies, climate action, and regional security, while Barbados also signed a five-year nuclear cooperation framework. Innovation & R&D Funding: Future Barbados released a draft five-year RDI Roadmap proposing a $65m investment push to strengthen science, tech and research for longer-term resilience. AI for Regional Markets: Future Caribbean launched a global agentic AI buildathon aimed at building systems that help fragmented Caribbean economies operate more smoothly together. Insurance Gaps Warning: Barbados faces ongoing climate and disaster exposure due to uninsured homes, with the General Insurance Association urging property owners to review coverage ahead of hurricane season. Food & Beverage Spotlight: Barbados’ food awards highlighted new local products and beverage launches, reinforcing momentum in local manufacturing and branded consumer goods.

Deposit Insurance Milestone: Barbados’ credit union movement celebrates the passage of the Protection of Depositors Bill, moving toward sovereign-backed deposit insurance for about 200,000 members holding roughly $3bn in savings, with Senate support expected next. Tourism & Trade: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, with Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urging stakeholders to push the island’s investment boom and global appeal. AI for Regional Growth: Future Caribbean launches a global agentic AI buildathon to connect Caribbean builders, investors and deployment partners to real-economy systems. Innovation Funding Push: Future Barbados’ draft five-year RDI Roadmap proposes US$32.5m ($65m) to accelerate science, tech and research and development. Energy & Resilience: Barbados signs a five-year nuclear cooperation framework and also explores energy security support via IDB funding, while a new anticipatory action scheme would release hurricane funds to fisherfolk up to three days before landfall. Workforce Planning: TVET Minister Sandra Husbands warns Barbados must rethink workforce development as the island moves deeper into an ageing society.

Digital & Innovation: Cleaqes Sports launched as a tech ecosystem to spot and connect grassroots sporting talent across Africa and the Caribbean to global opportunities, adding to Cleaqes’ tourism, events and media pillars. R&D Push: Future Barbados’ draft Barbados Research and Development and Innovation roadmap proposes US$65m over five years, backed with IDB technical support, to move the island toward longer-term science and commercial innovation. Tourism Trade: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, announced during Connect Barbados 2026, as the tourism ministry urges stakeholders to market the island’s investment and visitor growth. Education for Creative Industries: Government plans fully equipped music production studios in secondary schools and a national student festival to build clear career pathways into the global entertainment industry. Energy & Risk: Barbados faces insurance gaps as tens of thousands of homes remain uninsured, while a new anticipatory action scheme is set to release hurricane funds to fisherfolk up to three days early. Workforce Planning: TVET minister Sandra Husbands warns Barbados must rethink workforce development as the country shifts toward a fully-aged society. Regional Context: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met UK PM Keir Starmer on security, climate and research cooperation, including clean energy and water security. Caribbean Shockwaves: Venezuela’s major earthquakes left hundreds dead and thousands injured, renewing focus on disaster preparedness and risk financing.

Tourism & Trade: Barbados will host Marketplace 2027, announced by Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill at Connect Barbados 2026, with early engagement and strategic marketing flagged as key to pulling in visitors and partners. Climate & Risk Finance: Barbados is also rolling out anticipatory action for fisherfolk, using forecast-based payouts to release funds up to three days before hurricanes hit—aimed at protecting boats and livelihoods. Insurance Pressure: A new warning says tens of thousands of homes remain uninsured, leaving Barbados exposed to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes, with the General Insurance Association pointing to self-insuring and underwriting barriers. Energy & Policy: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met UK PM Keir Starmer in London to deepen security cooperation and discuss climate, clean energy, water security and sustainable tourism. Food Industry & Health: Barbados’ health ministry is urging the food industry to help tackle noncommunicable diseases through healthier food environments, arguing reform can also make business sense. Workforce Planning: TVET Minister Sandra Husbands says Barbados must rethink workforce development as the island shifts toward a fully-aged society, calling for life-long learning and reskilling. Regional Context: Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes are again spotlighting insurance and protection gaps across the region.

Oil & Gas Watch: Barbados is again “eyeing up” offshore energy, with the Labour government saying it wants to test an estimated 13+ billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, sending bids to global firms to assess commercial potential. Disaster Finance: A new anticipatory insurance scheme will release money to fisherfolk up to three days before hurricanes, helping them secure boats and livelihoods instead of waiting for damage. Climate Risk & Insurance: Barbados faces a major resilience gap as tens of thousands of homes remain uninsured, leaving households and the wider economy exposed to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill urged international tour operators to spread the word as more than US$2 billion in tourism investment is expected to flow in. Healthier Food Drive: Barbados’ food industry is being called on to help tackle the NCD crisis by reformulating products and supporting workplace wellness. Skills & Work Planning: TVET Minister Sandra Husbands warned workforce planning must shift for an ageing population, with more reskilling and lifelong learning. Regional Blue Economy: CRFM, FAO and CAF launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning. Banking Customer Service: A consumer advocate says banking procedures are frustrating customers and undermining common-sense decision-making. EU Sanctions for Bunkering: Operators are being told to prepare for the EU’s 21st Russia sanctions package, which expands compliance exposure to service providers like bunkering. Energy Security Context: Barbados and the OPEC Fund unveiled the V2V Compact to improve access to affordable long-term climate and development finance for vulnerable economies.

Workforce & TVET Planning: Minister Sandra Husbands urged Barbadians to rethink workforce development as the island shifts from an ageing society to a fully-aged one, warning only two workers currently support each senior and calling for life-long learning, reskilling and flexible training. Food Industry & NCDs: Davidson Ishmael told food industry leaders Barbados can solve its non-communicable disease crisis, urging healthier reformulations and workplace wellness as a business and export opportunity. Tourism Industry Data: Barbados will measure tourism’s direct economic impact through an experimental Tourism Satellite Account, announced as global tour operators gathered for Connect Barbados 2026. Tourism Networking: Connect Barbados 2026 at Hilton Barbados Resort brought hotels, attractions and travel professionals together for culture-led business meetings and partnerships. Creative Arts in Schools: Government will install music production studios in secondary schools and launch a national student festival to build clear career pathways into the entertainment industry, backed by Alison Hinds and Education Minister Chad Blackman. Climate Finance Push: Barbados and the OPEC Fund launched the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Compact to expand affordable long-term development finance for climate-vulnerable economies, alongside a major digital transformation plan. Insurance Gaps: Economic Affairs Minister Marsha Caddle warned Barbados needs wider insurance coverage beyond credit unions—especially for housing and agriculture—to reduce the state’s burden after disasters. Credit Union Deposit Insurance: Credit union leaders welcomed the Protection of Depositors Bill as a confidence boost that brings member savings closer to parity with commercial banks. Blue Economy Knowledge Hub: CRFM, FAO and CAF launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning, with Barbados among participating countries.

Tourism & Business: Barbados hosted Connect Barbados 2026 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, bringing tourism leaders and global tour operators together for culture-led networking and pre-arranged one-on-one meetings. Education & Creative Industries: Government will install fully equipped music production studios in secondary schools and launch a national student festival to map clear career pathways into the entertainment industry. Health & Food Industry: Health Minister Davidson Ishmael urged the food industry to help tackle Barbados’ non-communicable diseases through healthier food environments, arguing reform can also make business and export sense. Climate Finance: Barbados and the OPEC Fund launched the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Compact to expand affordable long-term development finance for climate-vulnerable economies, alongside a US$1.5bn digital transformation plan. Blue Economy Knowledge: CRFM, FAO and CAF launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning, covering Barbados and other regional states. Energy Security: A new report asks why the Caribbean still imports energy despite major renewable potential, as fuel costs keep squeezing households and businesses. Insurance & Risk: Minister Marsha Caddle warned Barbados needs wider insurance coverage beyond credit unions to better handle climate and economic shocks. Credit Unions: Deposit insurance legislation is moving forward, with credit union leaders calling it a long-awaited step toward parity and stronger confidence. Rum & Exports: Mount Gay unveiled its first age-statement rums—Exceptionally Aged 15 and 25—matured in ex-bourbon casks.

Climate Finance & Energy Security: Barbados and the OPEC Fund launched the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Compact to unlock more affordable, long-term financing for climate-vulnerable states, while a separate report highlights why the Caribbean still imports energy despite major renewable potential. Blue Economy Data Platform: The CRFM, FAO and CAF rolled out an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning, giving countries a shared multilingual home for tools and best practices. Local Financial Resilience: Barbados moved deposit insurance forward for credit unions, with lawmakers and sector leaders calling it a confidence boost; Economic Affairs Minister Marsha Caddle also warned insurance coverage must expand beyond credit unions into areas like housing and agriculture. Tourism Industry Push: Barbados will measure tourism’s direct economic impact via an experimental Tourism Satellite Account, and the country is set to host the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Caribbean Business Environment: A new look at regional labor rules flags how employers can get tripped up when operating across CARICOM, since labor law remains national. Health & Food Systems: Government is engaging the food industry to help curb non-communicable diseases through healthier food environments. Consumer Protection: A Fair Trading Commission workshop told students to put consumer rights at the centre of business. Regional Integration Funding: CAF announced a US$10B plan through 2031 to strengthen Latin America and the Caribbean integration across energy, logistics, tourism and more.