AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: Barbados’ LPG prices rose at midnight June 21, with the 100 lb cylinder up from $160.39 to $166.39 and smaller sizes also climbing (about 3.3%–3.7%), as government aligns retail rates with global energy movements. Finance & Consumer Protection: Government plans to table deposit insurance legislation for credit unions within days, aiming to strengthen safeguards for members’ savings. Electricity Regulation: Intervenor Tricia Watson is challenging BL&P’s nearly $79m FTC filing tied to grid modernisation, arguing the costs and process for synchronous condensers aren’t properly justified for consumers. Energy Security Funding: The IDB approved a US$150m policy-based loan to bolster Barbados’ energy security, modernise the electricity sector, and reduce exposure to international price swings. Health & Legal Risk: A woman has sued the Government of Barbados over alleged severe complications after AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination in 2021, with the case at Supreme Court case management. TVET & Workforce Links: TVET Council says it’s working to strengthen networking and coordinated professional development in the health and wellness industry. Tourism Connectivity: American Airlines begins daily nonstop service from New York to Barbados, landing as the island reports its strongest tourism year on record. Culture & Local Industry: NCF is selecting six new large masquerade costumes for Crop Over production, reviving the tradition with fresh design teams. Regional Capital for Growth: IFC will invest up to US$15m in a Caribbean debt fund sub-vehicle to expand SME financing across multiple countries, including Barbados.

Deposit Insurance Push: Barbados’ credit union sector is set for a major safeguard upgrade, with deposit insurance legislation expected to be tabled in parliament within days, after years of advocacy and with the sector now managing over US$1.7bn in assets. Energy Regulation Clash: Intervenor Tricia Watson is challenging the Barbados Light & Power Company’s nearly $79m request to recover costs tied to grid modernisation, arguing the process and pricing need stronger justification before the Fair Trading Commission. Energy Security Funding: The Inter-American Development Bank approved a US$150m policy-based loan to strengthen Barbados’ energy security, aiming for a more resilient, competitive electricity market and reduced exposure to imported energy price swings. TVET & Health Skills: The TVET Council is working to close networking and professional development gaps in the health and wellness industry, using conference open-day activities to connect practitioners and address ageing-related health issues. Tourism & Culture: The National Cultural Foundation has selected six new large masquerade costumes for Crop Over, reviving the tradition with fresh production across themed areas. Legal & Consumer Impact: A woman has filed what’s described as a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against the Government of Barbados over alleged severe health complications after AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination in 2021. Air Connectivity: Air Peace secured approval for scheduled Nigeria–Brazil flights, with further route plans including Canada, the US, and China.

Food & Agri Investment: St Vincent and the Grenadines is pushing eight agriculture and food-system projects into a “deal room” after a Barbados forum on mobilising equity capital for resilient food systems, with proposals including a US$5.5m national abattoir, US$4m VincyFresh recapitalisation, US$12.8m arrowroot revitalisation, US$6m youth agri investors, US$5.3m market expansion for mechanised depots, a US$5m poultry facility, and two irrigation projects (Rabacca US$8.28m; Richmond Valley US$2.58m). Regional Finance: At the Caribbean Economic Forum in Barbados, Finance Executive Gregory Hill said the region’s real challenge is capital moving fast enough for opportunities, while T&T’s Central Bank Governor Larry Howai urged investors to diversify beyond energy. Energy & Capital Markets: Barbados is set for a boost after an IDB-approved US$150m policy loan to strengthen energy security. Tourism & Hospitality: Barbados tourism posted strong 2025 growth (higher occupancy, ADR and RevPAR), and a new Hotel Indigo opened on the south coast. Infrastructure & Water: Drainage works began at Trents, St James, to ease flooding and support the Holetown Civic Centre relocation. Governance & Crime: Barbados is treating gun violence as a public health crisis, with penal-system changes planned.

Power & Labour: Barbados Light & Power marked its 115th anniversary with staff awards and said union negotiations were successfully concluded on its birthday, framing the win as “dialogue, partnership, and respect.” Regional Finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to widen financing for medium-sized enterprises and climate-resilience projects across 13 countries. Flood Control & Infrastructure: Drainage works began at Trents, St James, to cut persistent flooding and prepare the site for the Holetown Civic Centre relocation, with dust controls added after school concerns. Energy & Cost Relief: Government is set to back a fuel-cost electricity subsidy after securing a US$150m IDB loan for energy security, with reforms aimed at a more resilient, competitive energy market. Tourism Numbers & Strategy: BHTA reported strong 2025 performance (higher occupancy, ADR and RevPAR) and continues pushing premium experiences over discounting. Caribbean Trade Finance Plan: Afreximbank is advancing a CARICOM EXIM Bank proposal to improve access to long-term trade and development financing. Entertainment Calendar: Early bird tickets for the Live & Louder Mega Concert (Sept 19) go on sale June 19, with Chris Martin, Estelle and Mr Vegas confirmed. Legal & Public Health: Acting Attorney General said gun violence is being treated as a public health crisis, with penal system changes planned before year-end. Climate & Food Prices: Barbados Agricultural Society warned drought risk could push up local produce prices if rainfall stays below average. Culture Loss: Sir Charles Emile Straker, co-founder and lead voice of The Merrymen, has died, prompting tributes from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

Legal & Consumer Protection: A woman is suing the Government of Barbados, alleging serious health complications after receiving two AstraZeneca COVID-19 doses in 2021, claiming the vaccine was “defective” and that the Ministry of Health and Wellness failed to provide a product as safe as expected under the Consumer Protection Act. Infrastructure & Resilience: Drainage works have started at Trents, St James, to tackle persistent flooding and prepare the Trents site for the Holetown Civic Centre relocation, with dust controls added after concerns from Frederick Smith Secondary School. Tourism Links: Barbadians are responding positively to Grenada’s latest tourism push, with early signs of increased travel between the islands after promotional events in Bridgetown; a consumer pop-up is planned at Worthing Square. Regional Finance & Trade: Afreximbank is advancing a CARICOM EXIM Bank proposal, with a feasibility study completed and now under review for possible approval by regional heads. Energy & Cost Relief: Government secured a US$150m IDB loan to strengthen Barbados’ energy security, and officials say it supports reforms and helps protect electricity customers from international fuel price swings. Tourism Performance: BHTA reports strong 2025 results—higher occupancy and rates—while industry leaders stress Barbados is competing on quality, not discounting. Public Safety: Barbados is treating gun violence as a public health crisis, with plans to expand the penal system and create a firearms division within the High Court. Culture: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley leads tributes to Sir Charles Emile Straker, co-founder and lead voice of The Merrymen, who died early today.

Agriculture & Exports: Barbados-linked regional push for better farm returns: St. Vincent’s Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says a new dasheen export MOU signed in California will lift the minimum price to EC$100 per sack, with financing and market access aimed at stabilising farmer income. Tourism Leadership: Newly appointed BHTA Chairman Kelly-Ann Payne told the industry that tourism success depends on shared responsibility across hoteliers, operators, Government and communities—not just policy. Energy & Cost Relief: Barbados secured a US$150m IDB loan to strengthen energy security, with officials pointing to grid upgrades, regulation capacity and reduced import exposure; a related electricity subsidy may be extended to cushion households and businesses. Regional Finance: Afreximbank is advancing a CARICOM EXIM Bank proposal, with a feasibility study already completed and now under review by regional policymakers. Food Systems Investment: A UN-backed forum in Barbados focused on mobilising equity capital for resilient Caribbean food systems, aiming to close the long-term financing gap. Security & Justice: Government is treating gun violence as a public health crisis and plans penal system changes, including a firearms division in the High Court, alongside increased police support. Tourism Performance: BHTA reports strong 2025 results—higher occupancy and room rates—while industry leaders stress premium positioning over discounting. Culture: Prime Minister Mottley led tributes to Sir Charles Emile Straker, co-founder and lead voice of The Merrymen, calling his passing a national loss. Entertainment Calendar: Early bird tickets for Barbados’ Live & Louder Mega Concert (Sept 19, ahead of the CPL final) go on sale June 19, with Chris Martin, Estelle and Mr Vegas confirmed. Climate & Farming Risk: Barbados Agricultural Society warns drought could push up local produce prices if rainfall stays below average and water resources tighten.

Tourism & Hospitality: Hotel Indigo Bridgetown opens on the South Coast with 132 design-led rooms, sea-facing balconies, and a rooftop art gallery—another sign of the island’s premium, experience-first push. Events & Entertainment: Early bird tickets for the Live & Louder Mega Concert go on sale June 19 for the Sept 19 show at the National Botanical Gardens, featuring Chris Martin, Estelle and Mr Vegas, the night before the CPL Final. Regional Investment & Food Systems: Barbados hosts the inaugural Caribbean Economic Forum, with Finance Minister Ryan Straughn pitching investment pillars across energy transition, water/ports, food & agriculture modernization, and the blue economy. Agriculture Funding: The UN-backed Food Systems Investment Forum in Barbados spotlights a US$320m pipeline to mobilize equity and close the region’s food financing gap. Climate Finance: Barbados is Climate-Smart Country of the Year, while Straughn says the island needs about US$23bn by 2035 to deliver its climate agenda. Energy Costs: BL&P says fuel volatility has been cushioned via hedging and a Government subsidy, even as regional price pressure continues. Agribusiness: Agriculture Ministry is pursuing US$136m in priority projects, including a new sugar factory, an abattoir, and Sea Island cotton support. Security & Justice: Government will boost support for the Barbados Police Service to intensify gun-crime reduction, including a Firearms Division within the High Court. Caribbean Blue Economy: Jamaica signs onto the Ocean Coordination Mechanism with Barbados, strengthening Wider Caribbean ocean governance.

Food Systems Funding: UN and partners convened a high-level Food Systems Investment Forum in Barbados, pushing a “capital-first” approach to unlock equity for resilient Caribbean food systems and narrow the region’s financing gap. Local Agriculture Investment: Barbados’ Agriculture Ministry says it is pursuing US$136 million in priority projects, including a new fit-for-purpose sugar factory, capacity building for the sector, a US$24 million abattoir, and US$8 million for Sea Island cotton. Sugar Industry Pressure: BSIL chairman Mark Sealy told CBC the 2026 sugar harvest was exceptionally difficult, with production down, and urged an earlier start for the crop by mid-February. Tourism Industry Development: CHTA announced CHIEF 2026 (Nov 16–18) at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle, aiming to prepare the hospitality sector for Caribbean Tourism 2030. Energy & Bills: BL&P managing director Roger Blackman said fuel hedging and a Government subsidy helped cushion customers from global price spikes tied to geopolitical tensions. Health & Pharma Policy: Barbados Medical Products Bill debates included calls to tackle long pharmacy waits at QEH while also regulating the pharmaceutical industry. Climate Finance: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn said Barbados needs about $23 billion by 2035 to meet its climate agenda, with new financing mechanisms to remove barriers to implementation. Regional Trade Link: Dominican Republic will host the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting for the first time, with leaders pointing to shifting supply chains and export diversification. Fisheries Loss: FAO Barbados and the region mourned the passing of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, crediting her with major fisheries policy progress and youth-focused leadership.

Roaming Costs: A new survey says the US is the costliest place for mobile data roaming, with Brits warned that app notifications and map/search use can quickly drive bills up. Indigenous Food Traditions: In Beausejour, a community dirt-oven bakery is keeping heritage baking alive with fresh, affordable loaves and bakes. Public Health Pressure: Barbados is seeing NCD deaths at 83% of adult fatalities, and the government is urging wider business and community action to curb preventable chronic illness. Climate Financing Gap: Barbados needs about $23bn by 2035 to meet climate goals, with the finance minister pushing new ways to unlock investment before disasters hit. Local Food & Industry: The Barbados Agricultural Society calls for stronger support and better storage for local chicken production, while UN partners in Barbados push a capital-first approach to food systems investment. Medicines Reform: The Barbados Medical Products Bill targets counterfeit drugs and supply weaknesses, but MPs also flag long pharmacy waits and propose returning nationals contribute to polyclinic drug costs. Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals and Beaches launch a rebranded loyalty program, and Barbados is set to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027. Tech & Skills: Sixteen tech ventures are selected for the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge in late June, alongside a school-based hydroponics co-op helping at-risk boys become young farmers. Agriculture Imports: Barbados’ food import bill has risen to $13.76bn, underscoring the push to grow local agriculture and reduce reliance on imports.

Food & Investment: The UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean held a high-level Food Systems Investment Forum in Bridgetown, pushing a “capital-first” push to close the financing gap and attract more private equity into agriculture, fisheries, processing and logistics—especially as Barbados’ food import bill has climbed to $13.76bn. Health & Regulation: MPs debated the Barbados Medical Products Bill, aimed at strengthening medical products sovereignty, tightening controls to curb counterfeit drugs, and improving drug safety and supply; one MP also floated proposals for returning nationals to contribute to drug costs. Medicines & Youth Risk: A separate House warning flagged rising “polydrug” use among young people, mixing over-the-counter medicines with illicit substances and bypassing pharmacists. Agriculture Skills: A seven-week hydroponics-based learning co-op at Frederick Smith Secondary School re-engaged 15 at-risk boys, boosting attendance and producing saleable food items. Business Finance: Barbados opened direct access for private firms to CAF development financing after full membership, shifting more growth focus to exports and competitiveness. Climate & Industry: Barbados-based Rum and Sargassum Incorporated won top prize at the Climate Smart Summit pitch for turning sargassum and rum wastewater into renewable natural gas. Tourism Trade: Barbados was named host destination for the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, bringing major B2B tourism buyers to the island. Tech Pipeline: Sixteen ventures were selected for the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge in late June, with Barbados hosting the pitch event.

Medical Products Bill: Barbados moved to tighten control of medicine quality and supply, aiming to curb counterfeit drugs and reduce reliance on external sources, with ministers framing it as a jobs and youth opportunity driver. Drug safety and enforcement: Officials also flagged rising “polydrug” use among young people, mixing over-the-counter medicines with illicit substances, and warned of expanding illegal supply routes. Digital finance: BiMPay went live as a national instant payments platform, letting consumers and businesses send and receive money in real time 24/7, with the Central Bank and Prime Minister leading the first transaction. Tourism business growth: Barbados was named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (CHTA), bringing a major B2B tourism meet to the island in May 2027. Agriculture and food security: Government highlighted a steep rise in Barbados’ food import bill to $13.76bn, while also pushing agricultural strengthening and regional investment to cut imports. Water stress: Meteorological warnings remain in place as Barbados enters the wet season “at a deficit,” with drought watches extending into later months. Skills and youth farming: A hydroponics-based learning co-op at Frederick Smith Secondary School re-engaged at-risk boys and produced saleable food items. SME and export financing: CAF membership unlocks direct regional development financing for private borrowing and export market entry. Tech pipeline: Sixteen ventures were selected for the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge, set to pitch in late June. Industry innovation: Harris Paints unveiled a world-first single-base dry tinting system, building on its Quantum i12 colour platform. Aviation training: New aeronautical information services graduates were urged to bring fresh ideas to strengthen Barbados’ civil aviation sector. Fisheries loss: Barbados mourned Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, with tributes highlighting her leadership and impact on the blue economy.

Culinary & Tourism Talent Pipeline: The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association launched Taste of Barbados 2026 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, with top chefs from four categories set to qualify for training and a shot at representing the island at Taste of the Caribbean in November. Food & Agriculture Push: Agriculture Minister Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight says Barbados is strengthening its agricultural sector with Guyana as part of a UN Food Systems Investment Forum push to cut regional food imports, while noting the island’s food import bill has climbed from $6bn to $13.76bn over three years. Digital Payments Upgrade: BiMPay went live as Barbados’ national instant payments platform, enabling real-time transfers 24/7 and positioning the country to grow fintech. Tech Investment & Startups: Barbados is set to host the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge (June 25–27) after selecting 16 ventures from 28 applicants, aiming to move the region from tech consumers to producers. Water & Infrastructure Risk: A veteran engineer warns poor stormwater drainage is worsening road deterioration and flood risk, urging drainage upgrades. Public Health & Industry Reform: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage moves, linking reformulation to childhood obesity prevention efforts. Fisheries Leadership Loss: Barbados mourns Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, with government and industry leaders praising her impact on the sector. Transport Sector Debate: Uber says it partners only with licensed taxi drivers and follows official fare rates as it responds to claims it is disrupting the local transport economy.

Food & Trade: Barbados’ food import bill has jumped from about $6 billion annually to $13.76 billion over three years, with Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight linking the pressure to a wider regional opportunity across farming, fisheries, processing and logistics. Blue Economy & Fisheries: The sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox has shaken the fishing industry, with Prime Minister Mottley and senior officials paying tribute to her leadership and work with fisherfolk, including the DigiFish push. Payments & Fintech: BiMPay has officially gone live, letting people and businesses send and receive money instantly 24/7, after months of testing and a first transaction by the Prime Minister. Aviation Skills: New professionals graduating from an Aeronautical Information Services course were urged to bring fresh ideas as Barbados’ civil aviation sector continues to evolve. Manufacturing Innovation: Harris Paints unveiled a world-first single-base dry tinting system, expanding its Quantum i12 platform and rolling out the new Quantum Dry approach in Barbados first. Water & Agriculture Risk: Barbados remains under drought warnings into late July, with below-normal wet-season rainfall threatening groundwater recharge and local crop output. Tourism Industry: Barbados reported record tourism performance at the BHTA awards, and was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, reinforcing the sector’s push toward “Tourism 3.0.” Transport Debate: Uber moved to reassure taxi drivers amid claims of competition and earnings pressure, saying it works only with licensed taxi operators.

Digital Payments Launch: Barbados has gone live with BiMPay, the national instant payment system, after a Central Bank ceremony where Prime Minister Mia Mottley completed the first transaction to a local food vendor—payments now run 24/7, replacing delays that could take hours or days. Tourism Growth & Strategy: At the BHTA Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill said Barbados closed 2025 with record visitor numbers (727,310 long-stay and 817,950 cruise arrivals) and unveiled “Tourism 3.0” aimed at boosting visitor spend and local ownership. Water & Food Security: The Met Office says Barbados remains under drought warnings into late July, with below-normal wet-season rainfall risking strain on groundwater and agricultural output. Regional Finance for SMEs: The IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund, targeting SME lending across 13 countries. Fisheries Loss: Barbados’ fishing industry is mourning Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, who died after collapsing at an event at the Weston Fish Market; leaders across government and the sector paid tribute. Transport & Infrastructure: A veteran engineer is calling for a drainage overhaul, warning poor stormwater systems are worsening road deterioration and flood risk. Public Health Push: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage reformulations and renewed attention on junk food marketing around schools. Industry Innovation: Harris Paints says it has introduced Quantum Dry, a world-first single-base dry tinting system, starting with its Barbados retail rollout. Tourism Trade Spotlight: Barbados was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace (45th edition), reinforcing its role as a regional tourism hub.

Digital Payments Launch: Barbados officially went live with BiMPay, the national instant payment system, letting people and businesses send and receive money in real time 24/7, with PM Mia Mottley making the first transaction to a local vendor. Public Trust & Governance: The launch also sparked calls for deeper public discussion on how BiMPay works, how data is protected, and how the platform will be governed long-term. Tourism Momentum: Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill reported record visitor numbers and unveiled “Tourism 3.0,” aiming to lift visitor spend and local participation, while Barbados was also named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Fisheries Loss: Barbados’ fisheries community mourned Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, with senior officials paying tribute after her sudden death during an event at the Weston Fish Market. Housing Pressure: With over 4,000 seeking housing help, opposition figures say government housing projects face delays and accountability gaps, as officials push multiple strategies to close the supply shortfall. Infrastructure & Food: A veteran engineer warned drainage failures are worsening road deterioration and flood risk, while drought concerns threaten local food crop farmers and health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage moves.

BiMPay Launch: Barbados has gone live with BiMPay, its national instant payments platform, letting people and businesses send and receive money in real time 24/7 after PM Mia Mottley completed the first transaction to a local food vendor. Housing Pressure: With more than 4,000 Barbadians reportedly seeking housing help, DLP housing spokesman Ian Griffith says Government must tackle delays and accountability gaps behind stalled HOPE projects, while Housing Minister Chris Gibbs says demand still outstrips supply. Fisheries Loss: Deputy PM Santia Bradshaw and PM Mottley paid tribute to late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, who died after collapsing at an event at the Weston Fish Market. Finance & Compliance: Barbados is moving ahead with beneficial ownership legislation and a private central register to boost corporate transparency and fight financial crime. Public Health & Food Industry: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage reformulations, while a new campaign targets junk food marketing around schools. Infrastructure & Agriculture: A veteran engineer renewed calls for drainage network overhaul as poor stormwater systems worsen road damage and flooding, and drought warnings raise alarm for local crop farmers. Tourism & Tech: Barbados will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and CTO/TEMPO Networks announced a partnership to expand Caribbean tourism storytelling.