AGP Executive Report

Barbados Anti-Corruption Case: Ingrid Rosemary Innes, a former senior executive at the Insurance Corporation of Barbados, was sentenced in New York for conspiracy to launder money to bribe a then Industry Minister, receiving time served and a $7,000 fine; a third defendant, Alex Tasker, remains in extradition proceedings. Digital Payments Policy: Caribbean central banks are moving away from CBDCs after low uptake, with Barbados highlighted for its BiMPay fast-payment push as the region seeks faster, more resilient financial integration. Food Systems & Farmers’ Share: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, ministers pressed for better intra-regional trade, logistics, cold-chain and financing to turn higher production into real food security; meanwhile a food industry voice urged that festival and carnival spending should benefit local farmers and producers. Climate Risk for Industry: Senator Elizabeth Thompson says Barbadians are already feeling Super El Niño impacts, with knock-on effects for water, agriculture, tourism and vulnerable groups, while government prepares for worst-case scenarios. Innovation from Sargassum: Barbados is working to secure intellectual property after UWI researchers identified microbial strains in sargassum that could support new biotech and manufacturing products. Housing & Infrastructure: Lower Burney residents demand drainage and utility fixes before new rehousing builds, as the NHC upgrades electrical systems and modernises older estates after a public housing fire. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into development, aiming for service entry by end-2029, while Trans Anguilla Airways opened a St. Kitts airport office to strengthen regional travel support. Maritime Sustainability: Caribbean port leaders returned from Europe with practical lessons on shore power, electrification, resilience and emissions cuts to guide next steps.

Climate & Water Security: Senator Elizabeth Thompson says Barbados is already feeling the impacts of a predicted record-strong Super El Niño, with hotter conditions affecting water, agriculture, livestock, tourism, schools and vulnerable groups, as Cabinet awaits a national plan paper. Food Systems & Trade: Caribbean agriculture ministers at Caribbean Week of Agriculture pushed for a new financing model and deeper regional integration, warning that more production won’t fix food security without better transport, logistics, cold-chain and border processes. Housing Safety & Infrastructure: After a Maynards, St Peter public housing fire injured a nine-year-old, Housing Minister Chris Gibbs says NHC is upgrading electrical systems in older estates and moving toward climate-resilient homes to reduce storm vulnerability and overcrowding. Connectivity & Shipping: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029, while port leaders studied European shore power, electrification and investment lessons to improve cleaner, resilient operations. Telecom Leadership: Liberty Caribbean named Simone Martin-Šulgan as VP, Country Manager for Barbados and Head of Brand/Media/Comms, and Jason Julien as VP, Country Manager for Trinidad and Tobago. Local Development: Temple Yard redevelopment phase one is set to be ready before Independence Day, prioritising returning artisans and tradespeople. Tourism & Retail: Haymans Market reopens Oct 1 with upgraded amenities, a Sugar and Rum Tour and more events.

Telecom & Infrastructure: EllaLink has launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Housing & Safety: Barbados’ NHC is upgrading electrical systems across older estates and plans climate-resilient replacements after a Maynards St Peter fire left a nine-year-old in hospital; the minister says the affected block was already upgraded and certified. Finance & Consumer Protection: Barbados’ largest credit union welcomed the Protection of Depositors Act, extending state-backed deposit insurance to credit unions to level the playing field with commercial banks. Disaster Readiness: CCRIF says fast parametric payouts are key to disaster recovery, citing US$483m paid since 2007 and Jamaica’s US$91.9m payout after Hurricane Melissa reaching government within 14 days. Food Security & Trade: Caribbean agriculture ministers at Caribbean Week of Agriculture called for deeper regional integration, better logistics/cold-chain and a new financing model—production alone won’t ensure food security. Local Development: Temple Yard redevelopment phase one is pledged to be ready before Independence Day, prioritising displaced artisans. Public Space vs Tourism: Holetown residents urged the civic centre beachfront site stay public as officials deny any hotel application is before them. Regional Health: PAHO reports CARICOM ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031). Energy Outlook: Government is preparing for potential record-strong Super El Niño impacts on water, agriculture and tourism.

Caribbean Food Security Push: Agriculture ministers meeting at Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica say food security won’t come from more production alone—Caribbean countries need better regional integration, transport and logistics, harmonised trade standards, cold-chain capacity, and a new financing model to move goods across borders. Health & Climate Framework: CARICOM, with PAHO support, has endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) to protect health systems from hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, drought and shifting disease patterns. Port Decarbonisation Lessons: Caribbean port leaders are drawing on a Europe study visit to prioritise cleaner, more resilient port operations—focusing on turning sustainability plans into practical projects, including energy and financing approaches. Barbados Tourism & Retail Updates: Haymans Market in St Peter is set to reopen Oct 1 with upgraded facilities and new experiences, including a Sugar and Rum Tour. Digital Connectivity for the Region: EllaLink has launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029 for routes linking French Guiana to Martinique/Guadeloupe and branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. UN Multilateralism Debate: Commentary from UNGA coverage highlights a split among Caribbean leaders on how relevant and effective multilateralism is for small states. Barbados Legal/Business Notes: Barbados’ deposit insurance move is welcomed by the island’s largest credit union as a way to level the playing field with commercial banks, while emergency measures are underway to clear Barbados’ burial backlog.

Funeral & Health Services: Government and funeral directors agreed emergency measures to clear Barbados’ burial backlog, including a designated processing hub to bypass recent Coroner’s Office network failures. Finance Policy: Barbados’ largest credit union welcomed state-backed deposit insurance under the Protection of Depositors Act, saying it levels the playing field with commercial banks and supports more lending to first-time borrowers. Trade & Tourism Links: Senior Minister Christopher Sinckler said Barbados wants to turn goodwill with Panama into practical opportunities across trade, investment, culture, climate resilience and people-to-people ties. Regional Security Balancing Act: St Vincent officials signalled possible localized curfews and requests for Regional Security System support if gun violence persists—while warning that harsh measures could hurt investor confidence and tourism. Agriculture Innovation: IICA announced a regional agricultural innovation centre in Jamaica and a Barbados agricultural health and food safety hub as Caribbean food systems face rising costs and climate shocks. Caribbean Business & Tourism: CARICOM private sector group CPSO backed the Royal Caribbean–Sandals partnership, calling it a defining moment for scaling Caribbean hospitality. Public Safety: A nine-year-old was hospitalized after a Maynards, St Peter apartment fire; officials urged safer use of household electrical equipment.

Barbados–Panama Trade & Tourism: Senior Minister Christopher Sinckler says Barbados wants to turn goodwill with Panama into practical opportunities for Barbadians, with cooperation flagged across trade, investment, culture, climate resilience and people-to-people links, ahead of a November “Come ’long home” pilgrimage for Panamanians of Barbadian descent. AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Barbados will host the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI in November, pushing for globally agreed rules that protect human dignity and keep oversight meaningful as safeguards struggle to keep up with fast-moving systems. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA says a regional agricultural innovation centre will be set up in Jamaica, and it also announced an agricultural health and food safety hub in Barbados, as Caribbean farming faces higher costs, climate shocks and new pests. Regional Biosecurity: Seventeen Caribbean countries met in Barbados to update rapid response plans for African swine fever, strengthening veterinary services and protecting pork producers. Energy Sector: BNECL’s new CEO Michael Sargeant says efficient, diverse energy solutions are key to growth and a more reliable, affordable energy future. Tourism Jobs & Formality: An ILO study warns informality and weak labour protections are limiting sustainable growth in Eastern Caribbean tourism, despite tourism’s large share of GDP and employment. Cruise Industry: The FCCA backs the Royal Caribbean–Sandals partnership as a “vacation ecosystem” shift that could deepen Caribbean tourism collaboration and create new opportunities. Finance Restructuring (Regional): ANSA Merchant Bank plans to reorganise into a financial holding structure, centralising banking under ANSA Bank and creating a group-wide holding company for governance and innovation. Business & Culture: Barbados also marked the loss of calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with tributes highlighting his role in exporting Caribbean music worldwide.

AI & Governance: Barbados will host the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI in November, as PM Mia Mottley warns safeguards can’t lag behind fast-moving systems and calls for globally agreed rules. Energy & Utilities: BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, while BWA prepares to start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project in October to boost reclaimed irrigation water and ease pressure on potable supplies. Housing Procurement: Bermuda’s housing procurement controversy deepens after questions over no-bid contracts and whether value-for-money and fair, transparent methods were followed. Tourism & Hospitality: Royal Caribbean and Sandals/Beaches announce a landmark $3bn, 50% partnership aimed at accelerating global growth; CARICOM’s private sector group hails it as a Caribbean scaling moment. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Barbados, urge the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund its deployment. Business & Finance: Scotiabank Guyana wins top digital banking awards, and Binance Wallet adds USDT gas-fee payments across BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Solana and TRON. Careers & Youth: 3E’s Fair in Barbados connects students with education, entrepreneurship and employment pathways.

AI Governance Push: Barbados will host a UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI meeting in November, as PM Mia Mottley warns that AI rules can’t be left to companies or a few advanced economies. Energy Leadership: BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, saying efficient energy solutions are key to a more secure, reliable and affordable future. Water & Agriculture Resilience: The Barbados Water Authority will start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project in October, aiming to add 3 million cubic metres of reclaimed water and support up to 260 farmers. Tourism Deal With Regional Impact: CPSO congratulates Sandals and Royal Caribbean on a landmark partnership—Royal Caribbean to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches for about US$3bn, expected to close in early 2027. Local Industry Governance: The Barbados Agricultural Society insists CEO James Paul retired effective Sept 1, despite his denials, escalating a leadership dispute. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Barbados, call for renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and for sustained funding and support.

Caribbean Tourism Deal: Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a transaction valued at about US$3 billion, expected to close in early 2027—an eye-catching boost for Caribbean hospitality and a push to expand the brands beyond the region. Barbados Energy & Water: Barbados National Energy Company Limited (BNECL) appointed Michael Sargeant as CEO, while the Barbados Water Authority says the US$220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project starts in October to boost reclaimed water for farmers. AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Barbados will host an in-person UN AI panel meeting in November, as global safeguards struggle to keep up with fast-moving AI. Public Service & Agriculture: Mia Mottley paid tribute to former senior public servant Erskine Griffith, and the Barbados Agricultural Society insisted CEO James Paul retired effective Sept. 1 amid a dispute over his status. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Barbados, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back full deployment.

UN AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados will host the UN’s second in-person Independent International Scientific Panel on AI meeting in November, pushing for globally agreed rules that protect human dignity and oversight as safeguards struggle to keep up. Energy & Water Infrastructure: BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, as the utility looks to run a more efficient, mixed energy future; meanwhile the Barbados Water Authority will start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project in October to boost reclaimed water for irrigation and relieve farmers. Agriculture & Jobs: The 3E’s Fair at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre helped students explore education, entrepreneurship and employment pathways. Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean’s $3bn move to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches signals a new growth push for Caribbean all-inclusives, while a 1712 Oliver Messel-designed Fustic Estate is listed for $17.5m. Governance & Legal Watch: The Barbados Agricultural Society insists former CEO James Paul retired on Sept 1, despite his denials, as a separate court ruling warns developers to respect community road access rights.

UN AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados will host the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI in November, pushing for globally agreed rules that protect human dignity and oversight as safeguards struggle to keep up with faster AI systems. Energy Leadership: BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, stressing efficient energy solutions and a more secure, affordable future as the company expands its role. Water & Agriculture: The Barbados Water Authority will start the $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project in October, aiming to add 3 million cubic metres of reclaimed water for irrigation and support up to 260 farmers. Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Royal Caribbean and Sandals Resorts/Beaches Resorts move ahead with a $3bn deal for a 50% stake, with Adam Stewart framing it as a new growth era for the Caribbean brand. Local Industry & Jobs: 3E’s Fair at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre drew 120 students to explore education, entrepreneurship and employment pathways. Agriculture Governance: The Barbados Agricultural Society insists CEO James Paul retired effective Sept 1, despite his denials, as the board discusses next steps.

Tourism & Hospitality Dealmaking: Royal Caribbean Group will buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a roughly US$3 billion transaction, with closing expected early 2027—an expansion push that Sandals’ Adam Stewart says will help the Caribbean brands scale globally while keeping their identity. Water & Agriculture Infrastructure: The Barbados Water Authority says the US$220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project starts in October, aiming to add 3 million cubic metres of reclaimed water for irrigation and support up to 260 farmers, funded via IDB loans, Green Climate Fund support, and other financing. Energy Sector Leadership: Barbados National Energy Company Limited (BNECL) appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO effective Sept. 15, bringing decades of experience across oil, renewables, trading, storage and distribution. Agribusiness Governance: The Barbados Agricultural Society insists CEO James Paul retired effective Sept. 1, despite Paul’s denials, as the board discusses the transition. Real Estate & Development Watch: A High Court ruling in the Kings Beach road dispute warns developers to respect community historical rights when planning luxury projects. Global Shipping & Sanctions: A report says Russia is adding vessels to its flag registry to sustain its shadow fleet, while Barbados and Palau removed sanctioned Russian tankers from their registers. Regional Health & Climate: CARICOM health ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO/WHO support.

OTEC Energy & Water Security: The Bahamas is exploring ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) after Global OTEC was named lead technical partner for a feasibility study, looking at power plus seawater reverse osmosis and cooling uses—aimed at cutting heavy-fuel dependence and easing electricity and water pressures. Barbados Water Infrastructure: Barbados Water Authority says a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project will start next month, reclaiming wastewater for irrigation using tertiary treatment, renewable energy and environmental safeguards, with financing from IDB, Green Climate Fund and EIB support. UN Diplomacy & Peace: Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged the Caribbean to stay a zone of peace at UNGA, backing renewed UN-authorised gang suppression support for Haiti while calling for stronger responsibility and UN reform. Caribbean Tourism Tech Push: CHTA marks World Tourism Day with practical AI adoption for hospitality, rolling out AI guidebooks and workforce-focused programming. Business Compliance Watch: Barbados is urging every registered company to file beneficial ownership details ahead of the November deadline under the new transparency law. Legal/Agri Sector: Barbados High Court quashed the unlawful termination of former BADMC CEO Shawn Tudor, with damages and costs submissions next. Regional Investment Signal: CPSO hailed Royal Caribbean’s landmark 50% investment in Sandals/Beaches (about US$3bn), calling it a defining moment for scaling Caribbean enterprise.

High Court Ruling: Barbados’ High Court declared the termination of former BADMC CEO Shawn Tudor unlawful, citing breaches including natural justice; the case now moves to submissions on damages and costs. Governance & Compliance: Government is urging every Barbados-registered company to check, update and file beneficial ownership details before the November deadline, warning filings won’t be complete until verified and penalties may follow. Agriculture Leadership: James Paul has retired as CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society, ending a long tenure focused on food security, agricultural land protection and advocacy including Agrofest. Energy & Water Innovation: A Bahamas OTEC feasibility study (EU-backed) is set to assess ocean thermal energy conversion integration with desalination and cooling—aimed at cutting diesel dependence and improving resilience. Tourism Tech Push: CHTA marks World Tourism Day with practical AI adoption guidance for Caribbean hospitality, including workforce transformation resources. Investment Pitching: Caribbean businesses are being urged to prepare for the Oct 5–7 Caribbean Investment Forum at the Hilton Barbados Resort to attract funding for digital, green, logistics and food security projects. Regional Business Climate: Barbados was described as a trusted investment jurisdiction during Global Business Week 2026. Hospitality & Events: Dominica’s Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams will curate a VIP/VVIP WCMF 2026 experience with upgraded hospitality and wellness add-ons. Cruise/Resorts Deal: Royal Caribbean confirmed a major joint venture with Sandals, taking a 50% stake for about US$3bn, deepening land-and-sea vacation integration across the Caribbean. Local Industry Disruption: Fisherfolk at Bridgetown Fisheries Complex may see an ice machine restored within days as maintenance continues on ageing equipment.

Caribbean Energy Transition: A Bahamas-led study will assess ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) feasibility, including links to desalination and cooling systems, aiming for a go/no-go decision on cutting diesel-dependent power. Hospitality & Tourism Investment: Royal Caribbean confirmed a $3bn deal for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, expanding land-based all-inclusive offerings across the Caribbean, including Barbados. Barbados Fisheries Operations: The Bridgetown Fisheries Complex is working to restore a long-troubled ice machine “within days,” a key fix for fisherfolk facing higher costs and cold-chain disruption. Disaster-Resilient Housing: CAF approved US$200,000 for CDEMA to train builders and TVET institutions and push resilient residential construction standards across the region. Agribusiness Leadership: Barbados Agricultural Society names James Paul’s retirement as BAS CEO effective Sept. 1, citing his push for food production and land protection. Climate & Water Stress: Barbados Met Office warns unusually hot nights will likely persist and drought conditions could extend into 2027.

Disaster-Resilient Housing: CAF approved a US$200,000 grant to CDEMA for an 18-month project to strengthen residential construction across the Caribbean, training builders and TVET institutions and pushing adoption of resilient building standards. Hospitality Investment: Royal Caribbean confirmed a US$3bn deal for a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts, a move that deepens its land-based vacation push across the Caribbean and is expected to close in early 2027. Barbados Tourism Upgrade: Marriott’s Tamarind in Barbados reopened after a multi-million refurbishment, adding 111 updated rooms and family-focused CAMP Club activities as part of the wider Barbados Collection renovation. Dry-Season Pressure on Farms: Barbados livestock farmers are being urged to monitor animals closely as the dry season approaches, with guidance on warning signs and farm-visitor care. Skills & Quality Assurance: Barbados’ Ministry of Technological and Vocational Training says 237 technical schools are seeking registration or accreditation with the Barbados Accreditation Council to boost confidence in training quality. Regional Trade Focus: CARICOM’s Wayne McCook says deeper regional integration is key for navigating tariffs, supply-chain shifts and weakening multilateral trade rules. Caribbean Startup Spotlight: Four social startups won a EU-LAC pitch competition for CIF 2026, including Barbados’ Byde Mill, aiming to turn tourism and local value chains into measurable social impact.