AGP Executive Report

Non-financial cooperatives: Barbados has launched consultations to modernise the non-financial cooperative sector, with the Registrar of Co-operatives Brent Gittens saying the new national policy must be shaped by stakeholders and tackle outdated rules, governance gaps, and access to affordable capital. Energy & industry: Solar Dynamics Limited’s assets are up for sale after the company was placed under a receiver, raising questions for the long-running solar water heating manufacturer. Agri-food supply chain: Farmers and vendors welcomed PM Mia Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in, backed by $2m per quarter, aiming to give producers market certainty and boost agro-processing. Manufacturing & construction local content: The Barbados Private Sector Association backed calls for stronger support for manufacturers, warning that imported construction materials are eroding local capacity and urging a local content policy. Shipping & retail: Abed’s says back-to-school deliveries are delayed by international shipping disruptions, with Christmas stock also potentially affected. Poultry risk: Poultry producers warn chicken shortages could return within 6–12 months unless long-standing sector issues are addressed. Digital payments: Former Central Bank governor Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce risk versus carrying cash, while noting both payment types will coexist. Legal & governance: Commentary on CCJ leaks and the court’s role in CARICOM is drawing attention to regional legitimacy and public trust. Accessibility: Disability advocates say building codes exist but aren’t enforced, calling for urgent action to make public buildings—including courts—accessible. Energy security update: A refinery test in Cuba using national crude produced naphtha and fuel oil, with Barbados citing it as progress toward energy self-sufficiency.

Agro-Contracts: Farmers and vendors welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in, with government pledging $2m per quarter to help BADMC and Export Barbados accelerate agro-processing and give producers market certainty. Local Manufacturing: The Barbados Private Sector Association backed calls to strengthen manufacturing as imported construction materials erode local capacity, urging a local content policy and first right of refusal for Barbadian makers. Food & Retail Supply: Abed’s says shipping disruptions have delayed back-to-school supplies, warning the same pressures could hit Christmas stock. Poultry & Training: FundAccess and UWI CAGRI wrapped broiler and layer management workshops for 22 participants, while regional poultry voices warn shortages can return without long-term sector fixes. Energy/Industry Watch: Hermanos Díaz refinery in Cuba completed a third test with national crude, producing naphtha and fuel oil—another step toward energy self-sufficiency. Payments Security: Former Central Bank governor Delisle Worrell urged wider use of digital payments over cash to reduce loss and fraud risk. Environment & Health: Barbados is reviewing tighter controls or a possible ban on paraquat amid growing international phase-out moves. Accessibility: Disability advocates renewed calls for enforced building codes so public courts and other facilities become accessible under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Homelessness Pressure: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness reports rising complaints about homeless people in key Bridgetown public spaces. Investment Pipeline: Caribbean Export launched CIF 2026, targeting investment for 30 bankable deals worth about US$172m, with Barbados hosting the launch. Tourism Research: CTO announced a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum tied to SOTIC 2026 to connect research with tourism policy and industry innovation.

Energy & Industry: Hermanos Díaz refinery in Santiago de Cuba completed its third run on national crude, producing 2,000 tons of naphtha and 10,000 tons of fuel oil, with Barbados framing it as progress toward energy self-sufficiency while noting ongoing process tweaks for heavy, acidic, high-sulfur crude. Agri-Food & Local Supply: Farmers and vendors welcomed PM Mia Mottley’s push for Massy to formalise contract buy-in, backed by $2m per quarter, as a way to give producers market certainty and strengthen agro-processing. Retail & Logistics: Abed’s says shipping disruptions have delayed back-to-school supplies, with possible knock-on effects for Christmas stock. Trade & Manufacturing: Barbados Private Sector Association backs calls to strengthen local manufacturing via a formal local content policy and first right of refusal for Barbadian producers on construction projects. Courts & Environment: BADMC secured an injunction over alleged pollution and diversion at Three Houses Spring in St Philip, ordering defendants to stop interfering with the spring’s natural flow and prevent further contamination. Payments & Security: Former Central Bank governor Dr Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce loss and fraud risk compared with cash. Retail Operations: Kooyman Megastore in Kendal Hill closed temporarily for industrial cleaning and remediation, with reopening timing not yet confirmed. Public Health & Chemicals: Barbados is reviewing whether to tighten controls or ban paraquat (Gramoxone) amid growing international phase-out moves. Infrastructure & Inclusion: Disability advocates renewed calls for enforced building codes and faster accessibility upgrades to public buildings, including courts. Shipping & Consumer Impact: Shipping delays are also raising concerns about back-to-school deliveries and potential Christmas shortages. Tourism & Investment Pipeline: Caribbean Export launched CIF 2026 in Barbados, positioning the region to secure investment-ready projects across logistics, agribusiness, green transition and digital transformation.

Court Action on Water Pollution: BADMC has won a High Court injunction against a father-and-son farming business over alleged pollution and diversion at St Philip’s Three Houses Spring, ordering them to stop interfering with the spring’s flow and to restore it. Manufacturing Push: The Barbados Private Sector Association backs calls to strengthen local manufacturing, warning that imported construction materials are eroding domestic capacity and urging a formal local content policy and first right of refusal for local firms. Supply Chain Pressure: Abed’s says shipping disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz have delayed back-to-school supplies, with knock-on risks for Christmas stock. Digital Payments Confidence: Former Central Bank governor Dr Delisle Worrell argues digital payments reduce fraud and loss risk versus cash, while noting the need for secure, trusted transaction details. Agriculture Policy Watch: Barbados is reviewing whether to tighten controls or ban paraquat, as more countries move to phase out the weedkiller amid health concerns. Accessibility Demands: Disability advocates are calling for enforced building codes and faster accessibility upgrades to public buildings, including courts, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Poultry Security Training: FundAccess and UWI CAGRI completed broiler and layer management workshops for 22 participants, aiming to strengthen poultry enterprise skills. Homelessness Complaints: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness reports rising complaints about people in public spaces around Bridgetown and says some refuse shelter options. Investment Pipeline: Caribbean Export has launched CIF 2026 in Bridgetown, pitching investment-ready projects across tech, logistics, agribusiness and the green economy. AI Buildathon Momentum: Future Caribbean says 450-plus builders from 39 countries are developing production-ready agentic AI solutions for real-world Caribbean use cases. Housing Repairs Accountability: MP Neil Rowe seeks an audit into NHC home repair funding after constituents report long delays in promised rebuilds. Circus Relocation Uncertainty: The Suarez Brothers Circus remains in limbo after a government shutdown tied to water issues, with relocation to the Garrison Savannah still unclear and raising concerns for race days.

Agriculture Policy: Barbados is reviewing whether to ban or tighten controls on paraquat (Gramoxone), as more countries move to phase out the toxic weedkiller amid health concerns. Poultry Supply: Farmers’ warnings in the wider region echo Barbados’ food-security stakes: chicken and egg shortages can return without long-term sector fixes, including reliable inputs and local capacity. Accessibility & Compliance: Disability advocates say Barbados’ building codes exist but aren’t enforced, calling for urgent action so courts and public buildings meet accessibility requirements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Investment & Trade: The Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 is set to launch in Bridgetown with a focus on investment-ready projects across technology, logistics, agribusiness and the green economy—positioning Barbados as a regional deal hub. Housing & Accountability: A St Michael MP is pushing for an audit into National Housing Corporation repairs after families say promised rebuilds are still not delivered. Skills & Entrepreneurship: FundAccess and UWI CAGRI wrapped broiler and layer management workshops, while SBA’s EmpowerHer programme certified 41 women entrepreneurs. Fisheries Recovery: Barbados continues vessel replacement support after Hurricane Beryl, with loans and grants aimed at getting damaged fishing boats back in service. Tourism Research: CTO will host a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 to connect research with tourism policy and industry innovation.

Poultry Supply Watch: Barbados-linked regional reports say chicken and egg shortages could return within 6–12 months unless long-running poultry issues are tackled, with farmers pointing to rising medication costs and heavy reliance on imported eggs and birds. Agri Skills Push: FundAccess and UWI CAGRI wrapped broiler and layer management workshops, training 22 participants on housing, feeding, animal health and production planning—aimed at strengthening local poultry enterprise capacity. Investment Drive for Barbados: Caribbean Export Development Agency launched CIF 2026 in Bridgetown, pitching “Invest. Innovate. Accelerate” and targeting investment-ready projects across technology, logistics, agribusiness and the green economy. Homelessness in Bridgetown: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says complaints are rising about homeless people causing issues in key public spaces, noting some refuse shelter and that access rules are a concern. Housing Accountability: MP Neil Rowe seeks an audit into National Housing Corporation repair funding after constituents say promised rebuilds are still not delivered. Youth Leadership: Youth minister Shane Archer urged young Barbadians to lead now, not wait for titles. Food Systems Innovation: A regional push is testing black soldier fly larvae to turn food and farm waste into animal feed, cutting reliance on imported inputs.

Homelessness Pressure in Bridgetown: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says complaints about homeless people causing issues in public spaces are rising, naming Independence Square, Heroes Square, Jubilee Gardens and Golden Square, and noting some refuse the Spry Street 24-hour shelter. Investment Push: Caribbean Export Development Agency officially launched CIF 2026 in Bridgetown, pitching “Invest. Innovate. Accelerate.” across tech & digital, logistics, agribusiness/food security and the green economy, with a goal of moving from dialogue to bankable deals. Fiscal Watch: The IDB lauded Barbados’ debt and fiscal progress but warned risks remain from volatile energy prices, high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures. Caribbean Deal Pipeline: CIF 2026 is set to target 30 investment deals worth about US$172m, while Guyana reported $1.06tn in private investment over six years, spanning mining, tourism, energy, ICT and agriculture. Tourism Research Upgrade: CTO will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 to connect research with tourism policy and industry innovation. Housing & Land: Government moved to compulsorily acquire Ebenezer Methodist Church land in St Philip for a housing push, while MP Neil Rowe seeks an audit into NHC repair funding delays. Retail & Local Agriculture: Massy Stores reopened in Worthing after a BDS$46m redevelopment, expanding reduced-price essentials and using the “Ask Dealia” app; PM Mottley also called for contract buying to support farmers. Fisheries Cost Crunch: Fishermen warned a proposed mandatory boat insurance plan could push small operators out, citing high premiums for small boats. AI Buildathon Momentum: Future Caribbean says 450-plus builders from 39 countries are in the build phase of its Agentic AI Buildathon, aiming for production-ready solutions across disaster management, healthcare, logistics and food systems.

Currency & Payments: Barbados is among the countries using polymer banknotes (moved in 2022), with the latest coverage comparing global adoption from Australia and Canada to the UK and New Zealand—useful context as the island’s cash system evolves. Tourism Research & Policy: The CTO will launch the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana (Oct 6), aiming to connect tourism research with practical destination strategy and industry innovation. Agriculture & Food Systems: IICA and a specialized jury selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica (Sept 7–10), including Barbados’ Red Diamond Compost—another push toward smarter, locally grounded agrifood production. Retail & Cost of Living: Massy Stores reopened its Worthing branch after a BDS$46M redevelopment and expanded its reduced-price essentials range to 300 items, with pricing transparency via the “Ask Dealia” app. Housing Delivery: St Philip church land acquisition for housing is moving ahead, while MP Neil Rowe also seeks an audit into NHC repair funding delays affecting storm-damaged homes. Fisheries & Small Operators: Fishermen are warning that a proposed mandatory insurance plan could “sink” small boat owners, raising concerns about affordability and coverage costs. Tourism Operations & Access: Some beachgoers are upset over changes to Heywoods access during Beaches Barbados construction, with Sandals citing public safety. Regional Investment Pitch: Chris Sinckler urged investors to see the Caribbean as a stable, connected investment hub across renewable energy, digital tech and logistics.

Tourism Research & Policy: CTO will launch the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana on Oct. 6, aiming to connect researchers with tourism policymakers and industry leaders for smarter, more sustainable decisions. Housing & Land Use: Barbados moves to compulsorily acquire about 2.21 acres of Ebenezer Methodist Church land in St Philip to support a higher-density housing push, targeting up to 30 units. Public Accountability in Housing Repairs: St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe seeks a special audit into National Housing Corporation repair funding after constituents say promised rebuilds are still not delivered. Retail & Cost of Living: Massy Stores reopens its Worthing branch after a BDS$46m redevelopment and expands its affordability range from 200 to 300 essentials, with pricing transparency via the “Ask Dealia” app. Labour Rights: CTUSAB backs the Protection of Wages Bill but warns it will only work with strong enforcement and equal legal consequences for government and private employers. Fisheries Costs & Insurance: Fishermen raise concerns over rising costs and a proposed mandatory insurance plan that could push small operators out of business. Tourism Operations & Access: Some beachgoers complain about changes to Heywoods access during Beaches Barbados construction, while Sandals says safety is the priority. Cruise Waste Scrutiny (Region): Curaçao lawmakers press for answers on Malpais’ capacity and safeguards for cruise ship waste disposal. Agriculture & Food Security: A Barbados-linked column argues CARICOM must finally implement market-led local food production to cut the import bill and strengthen resilience. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Cristobal fades as attention shifts to Invest 92L, with high odds it could develop into Dolly as the peak season begins. Regional Self-Reliance: A UWI professor renews the warning that “no one is coming to save us,” urging Caribbean self-reliance and deeper regional unity.

Tourism & Connectivity: Marriott has reopened Turtle Beach, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort in Barbados, adding 165 suites and new dining plus family programming, as the all-inclusive push stays hot. Policy & Research: The CTO will launch an inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana on Oct. 6, aiming to link research with tourism policy and industry decisions. Retail & Cost of Living: Massy Stores reopened its Worthing branch after a BDS$46M redevelopment and expanded its affordability range to 300 essentials, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley backing contract buying to support local farmers. Labour & Wages: CTUSAB supports Barbados’ Protection of Wages Bill but warns it will only work with real enforcement and equal consequences for state and private employers. Fishing Industry Pressure: Fishermen warn mandatory insurance could price out small boat owners, while others flag limited ice capacity and rising costs (ice, bait, diesel, insurance). Housing Supply: Government moves to acquire about 2.21 acres of church land in Ebenezer, St Philip, to support a higher-density housing push. Regional Self-Reliance: UWI’s Justin Robinson and Barbados PM Mia Mottley both stress the need for Caribbean self-reliance and regional cooperation as global shocks bite.

Tourism Research & Policy: The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum on Oct. 6 during SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, aiming to connect researchers, policymakers and industry leaders through practical research showcases. Local Agriculture Supply Chains: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley called for contract buying to support Barbados farmers, announcing a $2 million fund to kick-start the initiative. Funeral Industry Regulation: The Barbados Association of Funeral Directors urged full modernisation of funeral laws, saying the sector is held back by an outdated regulatory framework after court action involving Two Sons Funeral Home. Fisheries Recovery & Costs: Fishermen raised concerns about limited ice capacity ahead of the new season, while officials approved the first 10 Hurricane Beryl vessel loans under a $2.8m recovery programme. Trade & Border Modernisation: Central Bank seminar speakers pushed for faster border and customs upgrades plus better real-time data sharing to reduce trade fragmentation impacts. Tourism Connectivity: interCaribbean Airways was named official airline partner for SOTIC 2026, offering delegates and CTO members a 25% flight discount to Georgetown. Construction & Jobs Linkages: A St. Kitts and Nevis high school build is already driving Barbados-linked precast concrete shipments, with talks underway on a local precast facility to support future projects.

Barbados Defence Force Modernisation: The BDF has begun a major transformation to modernise operations and strengthen protection against illicit maritime trafficking, cyber threats and climate-driven emergencies. Tourism Leadership & Connectivity: Shafia London was named CEO of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, with a push for brand transformation and stronger local and regional alliances; meanwhile, the Caribbean Tourism Organization named interCaribbean Airways official airline partner for SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, offering delegates a 25% flight discount. Fishing Industry Pressure Points: Fishermen raised concerns about limited ice-making capacity ahead of the November season, alongside rising costs for ice, bait, insurance and diesel. Beryl Recovery Loans: First 10 vessel loans under the Hurricane Beryl recovery programme were approved, committing $2.8m to restart the fishing fleet. Trade & Border Reform: Central Bank of Barbados speakers urged modern border systems, lower port/travel costs and better real-time data sharing to protect intra-Caribbean trade from fragmentation. Barbados Economy Snapshot: The Central Bank estimates 1.4% growth in H1 2026, driven mainly by domestic sectors, with tourism and construction underperforming projections. Corporate Tax Windfall Debate: Barbados has collected $150m+ in additional corporate taxes under global rules, but business leaders warn higher costs could push firms to more efficient jurisdictions. Local Business Recognition: Haymans Market won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for a second straight year, highlighting its growing cluster of local businesses and visitor experiences. Fintech in the Region: Finovate Global Caribbean spotlights digital banking moves, including Belize Bank’s partnership with Backbase to modernise retail and business banking.

Tourism & Connectivity: interCaribbean Airways has been named the official airline partner for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), with delegates and CTO members getting 25% off flights, aiming to boost regional access for tourism leaders. Retail & Visitor Economy: Haymans Market in Barbados received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026, its second straight year, highlighting growth since opening in Dec 2023 and its mix of 85+ local businesses. Construction & Public Works: Antigua’s PM says C.O. Williams must redo defective sections of recently resurfaced roads at its own expense, pointing to quality and pace concerns in road rehabilitation. Labour & Work Permits: Barbados opposition senator Ryan Walters is pushing a full overhaul of the work permit regime, citing permit requests for jobs he says Barbadians can fill, alongside support for the Protection of Wages Bill. Housing Finance: COB Credit Union and COBFSIA are launching Deanstown Heights in St. James with 34 affordable homes priced roughly $362,500–$571,000, moving from financing to direct development. Corporate Tax & Competitiveness: Barbados reports over $150m in extra corporate taxes under global Pillar Two rules, but business leaders warn higher costs could drive firms to more efficient jurisdictions. Fintech: Finovate Global flags Belize Bank’s six-year digital modernization with Backbase, a sign of continued Caribbean momentum in AI-enabled banking. Agri-Food Systems: Agri-Business Day in Barbados focused on future food production, training young farmers in sustainable, innovative agribusiness practices. Energy/Commerce Policy: Barbados’ commerce minister rejects proposals to increase bottle refund amounts, warning it would raise costs across the economy.

Roadworks Accountability: Antigua’s PM says Barbados-based C.O. Williams must redo defective resurfaced road sections at its own expense after complaints of rutting and deterioration, with CDB-funded work tied to EC$63.09m for about 27.8km. Tourism & Aviation: interCaribbean Airways is named official airline partner for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown, offering a 25% flight discount for delegates and CTO members. Local Health Push: QEH midwife Shermena Kirton says more young mothers are reluctant to breastfeed due to lifestyle and work pressures, calling for tailored education. Back-to-School Support: Barbados and Friends Mental Health Awareness Association and Cuava Foundation back “Every child should have a backpack,” easing stress for families ahead of school. Work Permits Debate: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters urges a full revamp of Barbados’ work permit regime, citing permits sought for roles he says Barbadians can fill. Corporate Tax Impact: Barbados collected $150m+ in corporate taxes under OECD Pillar Two, but business leaders warn higher costs could push firms to more efficient jurisdictions. Housing Supply: Deanstown Heights in St James will add 34 affordable homes via COB Credit Union/COBFSIA, with prices from about $362,500 to $571,000. Fintech in the Region: Finovate Global spotlights Belize Bank’s digital modernization partnership with Backbase, reflecting wider Caribbean moves toward AI-enabled banking.

Corporate Tax & Competitiveness: Barbados says new global corporate tax rules have already pulled in $150m+ in additional collections, but business leaders warn higher taxes could push firms toward more efficient jurisdictions unless public services modernise fast. Housing & Finance: City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union and COBFSIA are breaking ground on Deanstown Heights, a St James development of 34 affordable homes priced roughly $362,500–$571,000. Work Permits Debate: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters is urging a full revamp of Barbados’ work permit regime, citing permits sought for jobs he says Barbadians can fill, alongside support for the Protection of Wages Bill. Back-to-School Support: Barbados and Friends Mental Health Awareness Association and the Cuava Foundation are backing a “Every child should have a backpack” push to ease school-start pressure on families. Public Transport & Events: Crop Over traffic arrangements are drawing praise from PSV and minibus operators for reducing congestion, though some roads still kept vehicles farther from key areas. Digital Civic Tools: The Pearly app is seeing heavy use for pothole reporting and bus tracking, with thousands of downloads and agencies being onboarded to handle the surge. Tourism Industry Linkages: interCaribbean Airways named Official Airline Partner for CTO’s SOTIC 2026, offering a 25% delegate discount for the Oct 5–9 conference in Guyana. Regional Business Pulse: ANSA McAL reports strong first-half 2026 results, with Guyana delivering 19.7% growth and group revenue up 3%. Health & Parenting: QEH midwife Shermena Kirton says more young mothers are reluctant to breastfeed due to lifestyle and work pressures, making tailored education key. Sports & Youth Sailing: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ i420 sailors Scarlett Hadley and Kai Marks Dasent finished 6th at the CAC Games, showing rapid progress in their first double-handed campaign.

Tourism & Culture: Panazz’s “The Story” is being celebrated in Washington, DC, for World Steelpan Day, tracing how a Harvard school assignment turned into an internationally acclaimed documentary, with a screening and Q&A featuring former Panazz leader Barry Bartholomew and pannist Dane Gulston. Crop Over Logistics: Public transport operators say this year’s Crop Over traffic arrangements cut congestion and improved movement, though they want earlier coordination so PSVs, minibuses and taxis can get closer to key events. Festival Spotlight: Grand Kadooment Day 2026 drew 22 registered costumed bands, an estimated 15,000–20,000 revelers and nearly 80,000 spectators, with the parade framed as the peak of Crop Over and rooted in Barbados’ sugar-harvest history. Local Business & Housing: Deanstown Heights, a St James affordable housing project of 34 homes, is being developed by the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union via COB Financial Services, with prices targeting low- and middle-income buyers. Finance & Payments: The Central Bank of Barbados warns that viral WhatsApp claims about BiMPay are false, stressing BiMPay is domestic instant payments infrastructure and does not affect PayPal or overseas remittances. Workforce Policy: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters is pushing for a revamp of Barbados’ work permit regime, citing permit requests for jobs he says could be filled locally. Regional Industry Signals: ANSA McAL reports strong first-half 2026 performance, with Guyana driving 19.7% growth, while Barbados’ corporate tax windfall under global rules is sparking debate over long-term competitiveness.