AGP Executive Report

Central Banking & Payments: The Central Bank of Barbados moved to quash a viral WhatsApp voice note, saying claims about BiMPay forcing adoption, slowing domestic transfers, or affecting PayPal/overseas remittances are false. Public Safety Tech: Barbados’ Pearly app drew “many thousands” of users during Crop Over, boosted by a live band tracker used by emergency services. Tourism & Business Access: Lower Bay Street merchants say the Chamberlain “Swing Bridge” pedestrian closures and fixed opening schedules are cutting lunchtime foot traffic. Labour Law: The Senate was told the Protection of Wages Bill must be read alongside existing labour and workplace laws as it modernises protections for public and private employers. Finance Snapshot: The Central Bank reported households and institutions borrowed more in the first half of 2026, with credit up modestly and non-performing loans continuing to fall. Crime Scene Training: UWI Global Campus and the Barbados Police Service celebrated the first graduates of a crime scene investigation programme with UNODC support. Regional Energy/Resources: Grenada cancelled arrangements with a Russian-backed oil firm over long inactivity. CARIFESTA Planning: CARICOM Secretariat met Guyana ministers on CARIFESTA 2027, including funding, logistics, marketing and youth development. Sports Broadcasting: Republic Bank CPL confirmed broadcast partners and a wider seven-team format, with match coverage expanding across regional TV and digital platforms.

Rooftop Solar Pressure: Belco’s August rate changes are set to raise fixed charges for solar users, weakening the rooftop solar business case as costs for grid backup get shifted onto consumers. Crop Over Industry Debate: Barbados Agricultural Society head James Paul says Crop Over is drifting from its harvest roots, urging a stronger link to agricultural achievement and food security goals. Festival Economy vs Logistics: Entertainment Association of Barbados president Rudy Maloney credits a strong visitor and safe-season boost, but warns venue shortages and overlapping events could cap future growth. Food Production Data Gap: The agriculture ministry says it can’t set reliable production targets because it lacks timely farm data on planting and harvest schedules. Port City Access Hit: Businesses along Lower Bay Street report income losses after Chamberlain Bridge lift schedules restrict pedestrian crossings. Blue Economy Education: Barbados’ Ministry of Education is developing a globally recognised high school certificate via its ocean and climate schools, with UN-linked certification plans. China Water Investment: China is funding a US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation upgrade to modernise wastewater treatment and expand reuse. CPL Matchday Tech: Republic Bank CPL confirms drone shows at Arnos Vale ahead of fixtures, adding a new entertainment layer for fans. AI Policy Watch: A World Bank report flags higher AI job displacement risk in high-income countries, while regional debate continues on how to regulate AI responsibly. Culture Spotlight: Rihanna’s return to Grand Kadooment Day, designed by Lauren Austin, keeps Barbados’ creative talent in the global spotlight.

Crop Over & Tourism Pulse: Crop Over’s Grand Kadooment wrapped with praise for a smooth, peaceful finale and strong visitor turnout, even as industry voices warned that venue shortages and overlapping events could cap future growth. Local Food Security: Barbados’ food import reduction push is being slowed by a farm data gap, with the agriculture ministry saying it can’t set reliable production targets without better information on what’s planted, when, and when harvests are expected. Energy & Renewables Policy: Barbados is moving on renewable readiness and climate resilience, with China highlighting a US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation Project, while regional reporting also underscores how outdated rules and tariff structures can squeeze solar economics. Blue Economy Skills: Barbados’ Ministry of Education is developing globally recognised ocean and climate school certification plans via UN-linked partnerships. Climate Resilience Finance: IRENA has opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Barbados. Maritime Transition: An IDB-commissioned study flags medium-term infrastructure needs for shore-side power and green fuel bunkering, while noting Barbados’ relatively advanced policy footing. Creative Industries & Talent: The NCF is urging the public to rely on official sources, warning that AI-made Grand Kadooment videos are misleading; meanwhile, bandleaders are training local youth in costume-making to build long-term masquerade capacity. Regional Culture Planning: CARICOM talks with Guyana are advancing preparations for CARIFESTA 2027, with Barbados’ 2025 edition noted as the most recent stop.

Renewables & Power Costs: Barbados consumers are set to pay less after new LPG rates took effect Aug 2, with four cylinder sizes reduced by 53 cents to $2.68, easing household and business fuel bills. Solar Policy Pressure: In the wider region, St Vincent’s Vinlec CEO says outdated law and an old rate structure are squeezing solar integration, warning that the cost of “netting off” can’t keep being absorbed by the utility. Energy Transition Funding: IRENA has opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Barbados, prioritizing proposals before Sept 1 and covering solar, wind, clean transport, green hydrogen and even sargassum-linked energy. Maritime Decarbonisation: An IDB-commissioned study says no Caribbean port is yet offering full shore-side power or green fuel bunkering, but flags Barbados and the Bahamas as relatively advanced on policy readiness. Insurance Talent Pipeline: Coralisle Group (CG) wrapped its 2026 summer internship programme, bringing students from Bermuda, Cayman, the Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica into eight-week placements across insurance, tech, operations and more. Crop Over Integrity: The National Cultural Foundation warned the public not to trust AI-generated Grand Kadooment videos circulating online, urging people to use official platforms for accurate festival coverage. Festival Momentum: Grand Kadooment Day is underway with heritage and party bands on the road, while bandleaders also push youth training to keep costume-making skills local. Regional Climate Stress: A new study says Caribbean nations suffered $53.2bn in damage from climate-fuelled disasters from 2000 to 2024, with slow-onset impacts like Saharan dust and sargassum also hitting health and agriculture. Shipping Tensions: Iran is seeking control and visibility over inbound and outbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under talks with Oman, as the waterway remains central to global oil and goods flows.

Crop Over & Culture: Rihanna stole the show at Grand Kadooment Day, dancing through the streets in a jewel-encrusted costume with her brother Rorrey Fenty’s band, Aura, as thousands of masqueraders kept the Flow 5G+ finale moving. Local Mas Craft & Youth Skills: Bandleaders say the industry is getting tougher, but they’re responding by training teenagers in costume making—feathering and demming—so the craft stays in Barbados. Festival Integrity: The National Cultural Foundation warned the public not to treat AI-generated Grand Kadooment videos as official footage, urging people to use its verified platforms. Energy & Household Costs: Barbados cut LPG cylinder prices effective Aug. 2, with reductions ranging from 53 cents to $2.68 depending on size. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including solar, wind, clean transport and even sargassum-linked energy. Maritime Transition: An IDB study says no Caribbean port yet offers full shore-side power or green fuel bunkering, but flags Barbados as among the more advanced on policy readiness. Climate Pressure: A new report puts climate-fuelled disaster damage to Caribbean nations at $53.2bn (2000–2024), while dust and sargassum are hitting health and livelihoods now. Payments & Finance: GraceKennedy’s Trinidad unit was registered as a Payment Service Provider, expanding regulated payment services including bill payment. Agriculture Education: Barbados is expanding school greenhouse programmes by involving students in building and design, alongside a summer camp focused on soil, animal care and agribusiness.

Renewables Push: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy, green hydrogen, clean transport and even sargassum-linked energy. Maritime Decarbonisation: An IDB-commissioned study says no Caribbean port is yet fully operational for shore-side power or green fuel bunkering, but it flags Barbados and the Bahamas as relatively advanced on policy and regulation—while infrastructure and planning still lag. Energy Costs in Barbados: Barbados cut LPG cylinder prices effective Aug. 2, with reductions ranging from 53 cents to $2.68 depending on size. Local Talent Pipeline: Coralisle Group (CG) wrapped its 2026 Summer Internship Programme, placing students from six jurisdictions into insurance, legal, finance, tech and customer service work plus cross-border intern projects. Digital Sovereignty: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are teaming up to deliver sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean organisations, focusing on security, compliance and disaster recovery. Crop Over/Grand Kadooment Watch: The NCF warned the public about AI-generated Grand Kadooment videos being shared as if they were official footage, urging people to use its verified platforms. Agriculture Skills: Barbados is expanding school greenhouse learning through a hands-on approach, with students involved in building and design as part of a broader push for youth farming and backyard food production.

Energy & Cost of Living: Barbados cut LPG cylinder prices effective Aug 2, with reductions ranging from 53 cents to $2.68 depending on size, easing costs for households and businesses. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture is expanding school greenhouse work by adding 13 structures next school year, with students involved in building and learning greenhouse design, weather impacts and practical ag skills; separately, the Hearts and Minds summer camp trained students in soil, animal care, food production and agribusiness, while a new One Family Programme will support 600 households with backyard farming inputs and technical help. Farm Safety & Production: Agriculture officials say they’re intensifying the fight against praedial larceny (crop and livestock theft) to protect output targets under the crop escalation programme, with a special committee including police, defence force and farmers. Insurance & Youth Skills: Coralisle Group (CG) wrapped its 2026 summer internship programme after eight weeks for students from six jurisdictions, building hands-on experience across insurance, legal, finance, tech and customer service. Digital Infrastructure: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib announced a partnership to deliver sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean governments and regulated industries, combining data centre capacity with cybersecurity and disaster recovery services. Tourism & Culture: Crop Over 2026’s Grand Kadooment is underway with thousands of revellers and 22 bands on the road, while organisers say security planning includes drones, CCTV, checkpoints and rapid response teams. Sports & Industry Spotlight: Barbados-China ties got a boost as China-backed rebuilding of the National Stadium was highlighted, with a new 10,000-seat venue planned.

CARICOM Resilience Push: Caribbean leaders say wars, fuel prices, and supply shocks are beyond control, so they’re doubling down on systems they can influence—food and energy security, transport, healthcare, AI, and regional trade. Visa Rules Watch: Finland updated its visa-free list, confirming only Mauritius and Seychelles among African nations for short stays under set conditions. Barbados Agriculture Drive: The Ministry of Agriculture is expanding school greenhouse learning with students helping build and design, while a Hearts and Minds summer camp is training youth in soil, animals, food production, and agribusiness. Food Security at Home: Barbados will roll out backyard farming support for 600 households via the One Family Programme, including seedlings, grow boxes, and technical help. Praedial Larceny Crackdown: Officials say farm thieves are forcing producers to scale back, with a special committee now coordinating policy and enforcement with police and defence. Sports & Culture: China-funded work is underway to rebuild Barbados National Stadium, and Crop Over’s Kadooment climax is set with a major security plan. Digital Sovereignty: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are partnering to deliver sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean governments and regulated industries. Energy Finance: JMMB’s DR arm placed about US$11m into solar and wind through its Sustainable Energy Fund.

US-Iran Shipping & Finance: A drone strike hit U.S.-managed LNG unit ENERGOS WINTER near Damietta, with OFAC also targeting Iran’s Hormuz “extortion” insurance network and shadow tankers—raising pressure on regional maritime trade. Emancipation & Heritage: Minister Trevor Prescod blamed low Emancipation Day turnout on weak historical consciousness and announced new reparations/Black studies education; a rare 300-pound plantation bell was unveiled during the celebrations. Agriculture Push: Government is expanding school greenhouse work by involving students in construction and design, while Hearts and Minds camp trains young people in soil, animals, food production and agribusiness. Food Security at Home: One Family Programme will fund backyard farming for 600 households, starting with demonstration farms and supplying seedlings, grow systems and chicken coops. Farm Theft Crackdown: Agriculture says it’s stepping up action against praedial larceny, convening a multi-agency committee as farmers report scaling back due to losses. Economy Watch: Central Bank data shows Barbados growth slowed to 1.4% in the first half of 2026, with tourism and domestic services supporting output as global uncertainty bites. Business Transparency: Barbados is moving to tighten beneficial ownership disclosure via a new register bill aimed at identifying the real owners behind companies. Disaster Readiness: New emergency equipment will strengthen St George North’s district emergency organisation under a CDEMA/EU-funded resilience programme. Tourism Trade: Connect Barbados drew 92 global buyers and 111 local partners, including new Gulf and Africa representation. Energy Investment: JMMB’s Dominican Republic arm placed about US$11m into solar and wind through its Sustainable Energy Fund. Cloud for the Region: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are building sovereign cloud infrastructure for Caribbean governments and regulated industries. Counterfeit Alert: Police warn of counterfeit U.S. currency in circulation and urge cash handlers to check notes closely during Crop Over and beyond.

Caribbean Rum Spotlight: The Caribbean Rum Awards returns as the only rum competition in the region that brings top Caribbean bottles together for blind judging on St Barth—an industry moment for distillers and buyers. Agri-Education Push: Barbados is expanding school greenhouse farming, with students moving from “beneficiaries” to builders and learners on design, weather impacts, and practical ag skills. Next-Gen Farming: A Hearts and Minds summer camp is training young people in soil, animal care, food production and agribusiness, while officials also plan to grow backyard farming support for 600 households. Praedial Larceny Crackdown: The Ministry of Agriculture says it’s stepping up the fight against farm thieves, convening a special committee with police and defence to protect crop escalation targets. Food Security Infrastructure: Barbados and China highlight partnership progress, including the US$66m south coast water reclamation project and rice cooperation aimed at boosting domestic grain. Business Transparency: Government is advancing a beneficial ownership register bill to identify the real owners behind companies and strengthen accountability. Tourism Trade & Skills: Connect Barbados reported record buyer participation, and the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) is coming to Barbados in November with AI, revenue growth and workforce development on the agenda. Economy Watch: The Central Bank says growth slowed in the first half of 2026 amid global uncertainty, with tourism value added steady but risks rising. Climate Risk Alerts: Barbados faces intense heat and uneven rainfall, with flooding and flash-flood risk flagged for the late wet season.

Commonwealth spotlight: Charlotte Henrich powered a Michael Jackson-inspired warm-up to a fourth-place finish in the 400m at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, missing a medal by 0.16 seconds. Agri push in schools: The Ministry of Agriculture and Education are expanding the school greenhouse programme, adding 13 new structures and shifting students from “beneficiaries” to builders through hands-on training. Next-gen farming: Hearts and Minds summer camp wrapped after a month-long push on soil, animal care, food production and agribusiness, with officials urging backyard gardening to strengthen food security. Food security at home: A One Family Programme initiative will start next month with three demonstration farms, then roll out backyard farming support to 600 households (grow boxes, seedlings, coops and technical help). Farm theft crackdown: Agriculture says it has intensified action against praedial larceny, convening a committee with police, defence force and farmers as crop escalation targets face losses. Economic watch: The Central Bank reports Barbados’ growth slowed to 1.4% in the first half of 2026, warning global uncertainty and higher costs could keep pressure on the outlook. Business transparency: Government is moving to tighten beneficial ownership rules via a central register, aiming to identify the real owners behind companies and strengthen compliance. Infrastructure and resilience: China-backed redevelopment is progressing for the National Stadium, while emergency response capacity in St George North is set to improve with new disaster equipment. Tourism trade: Connect Barbados returned with record buyer participation (92 global buyers), and CHIEF 2026 is set for Nov 16–18 in Barbados with a focus on AI, revenue growth and workforce development.

Sovereign Cloud Push: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are partnering to deliver a secure, compliant “sovereign cloud” for Caribbean governments and regulated firms, combining Curaçao Tier IV data-centre infrastructure with Cloud Carib’s cybersecurity and disaster recovery services. Stadium Rebuild: China is funding the National Stadium redevelopment in Barbados, with a new 10,000-seat complex on the original site and steady progress toward a 2027 handover. Economic Caution: A UWI economist says Barbados’ modest growth could mask deeper vulnerabilities as tourism reliance, temporary tax gains and foreign borrowing leave the island exposed to global shocks. Farm Security Crackdown: The Ministry of Agriculture says it has intensified action against praedial larceny, convening a committee with police, defence force and farmers, as crop and livestock theft forces producers to scale back. Backyard Farming Boost: Government will roll out the One Family Programme to support 600 households with demonstration farms, modern tech exposure, and starter inputs like grow bags, seedlings and chicken coops. Tourism Deal-Making: Connect Barbados returned with record buyer participation—92 global buyers from 83 companies—highlighting new feeder markets including the Gulf. Hospitality Industry Forum: The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2026) heads to Barbados in November, with sessions on AI, revenue growth, workforce development and sustainability. Beneficial Ownership Law: Barbados is moving to create a central beneficial ownership register to identify real owners and strengthen corporate transparency and global compliance. Counterfeit Alert: Police warn of counterfeit US currency in circulation, urging cash handlers to check security features and report suspicious notes immediately. Climate Readiness: CDEMA-backed equipment is being handed to St George North’s district emergency organisation to improve disaster response coordination.

Tourism Trade: Connect Barbados returned with its strongest buyer turnout yet, drawing 92 global buyers from 83 companies plus 111 local tourism partners and suppliers, including new interest from the Gulf region. Hospitality & Skills: The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2026) is coming to Barbados in November, with sessions on AI, revenue growth, workforce development and sustainability. Energy & Water Infrastructure: Barbados launched the US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation Project to upgrade wastewater treatment and enable safe reuse, while BLPC’s internship programme is giving young Barbadians hands-on energy industry experience. Business Transparency: Government is pushing a Beneficial Ownership Transparency Register to identify the real owners behind companies and strengthen compliance with global anti-financing standards. Economy Watch: The Central Bank says Barbados’ growth slowed in the first half of 2026 amid global uncertainty, with real GDP up 1.4% and a 2026 outlook around 2%. Food & Agriculture: BADMC says poultry imports are down, and officials report over 90% of poultry consumed in the first six months was produced locally. Health Regulation: Barbados is moving toward a Barbados Medical Products Authority with PAHO support after the Medical Products Act passed. Security Alert: Police warn of counterfeit US currency in circulation ahead of peak spending periods. Regional Climate Risk: A Lloyd’s study flags insurance protection gaps for hurricane-exposed Caribbean livelihoods, including in Barbados. International Shipping: US sanctions target Iran-linked maritime insurance and shadow fleet activity tied to Strait of Hormuz extortion schemes. Regional Business Network: CARICHAM elected a new chair and vice-chairs, aiming to turn trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction into concrete business opportunities.

Renewables Finance: JMMB’s Dominican Republic fund management arm has deployed US$11.07m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund, with DR collective investment schemes funds under management up 18% to $39.9bn. Insurance & Climate Risk: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study says farmers, fishers and tourism workers in Barbados, Jamaica and Grenada often go uninsured and must replace boats, crops and livestock themselves, calling for faster government support and better co-op pooling. Macro Outlook: Barbados’ Central Bank reports growth slowed in the first half of 2026, with real GDP up 1.4% (Jan–Jun), as global shocks and higher rates weigh on inflation and demand. Water & Infrastructure: Barbados and China spotlight a US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation Project to modernise wastewater treatment and enable safe reuse, alongside other cooperation such as rice production support. Business Transparency: Government is moving to tighten beneficial ownership disclosure through a central register bill, aiming to identify the real owners behind companies and strengthen anti-money laundering compliance. Local Trade & Food Supply: BADMC says poultry imports are down, while local output covers over 90% of chicken consumed in the first half of the year; separately, Barbados Police warn of counterfeit US currency during Crop Over and beyond. Hospitality & Skills: The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2026) lands in Barbados in November, with AI, revenue growth, workforce development and sustainability on the agenda. Energy Careers: BLPC’s summer internship program is giving young Barbadians hands-on experience across generation stations and renewable initiatives. Maritime Sanctions: US Treasury sanctions target Iran-linked shipping and “insurance” firms tied to Strait of Hormuz extortion schemes, with one Barbados-flagged vessel cited in the wider enforcement push.

Barbados–China Partnership: Officials highlighted the US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation Project and the Upland Rice Cooperation Programme as 50 years of ties approach, aiming to boost water security and cut import reliance. Corporate Transparency Push: Government tabled the Beneficial Ownership Transparency and Register Bill to identify the real people behind companies, extending anti-money-laundering safeguards across virtually all businesses. Medicines Regulation Upgrade: Barbados moved closer to a Barbados Medical Products Authority with PAHO support, focusing on staffing, legal setup and systems to regulate medicines and health technologies. Business & Consumer Alerts: Police warned the public about counterfeit US currency in circulation ahead of peak spending periods, urging careful cash checks and reporting. Poultry Market Signals: BADMC said chicken wing imports are down, while agriculture officials rejected claims that state-linked imports are undercutting local producers. Hospitality Industry Outlook: The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2026) is coming to Barbados in November, with AI, revenue growth, workforce and sustainability on the agenda. Trade & Shipping Headline: US sanctions targeted Iranian shipping and maritime insurance schemes tied to Strait of Hormuz “extortion,” with at least one vessel flagged as flying the Barbados flag. Energy Skills Pipeline: BLPC’s internship programme gave 35 young Barbadians hands-on experience across generation and clean energy initiatives.

Corporate Earnings & Deals: Gildan posted strong Q2 results (net sales $1.58bn, up 72.3%) and is updating 2026 guidance, while also announcing the sale of HanesBrands Australia—signals of continued momentum and restructuring in apparel supply chains. Local Water Infrastructure: Barbados launched the US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation Project, led by China Railway Shanghai Engineering Group, to upgrade wastewater treatment and build a facility for safe non-potable reuse as climate pressure grows. Energy Skills Pipeline: BLPC’s summer internship is giving 35 young Barbadians hands-on experience across generation stations and renewables, including solar and clean energy initiatives. Food & Agriculture Tensions: Barbados’ poultry sector is in a standoff: officials say local production is strong (over 90% of poultry consumed Jan–Jun produced locally) while agriculture leaders reject claims that imports are undercutting farmers. Business Transparency Push: Government tabled the Beneficial Ownership, Transparency and Register Bill to require companies to disclose ultimate owners, aiming to strengthen anti-money laundering compliance. Port & Cost of Living: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging an efficient Bridgetown Port pre-clearance system, saying it could cut costs by about $19m and ease price pressures. Maritime & Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned Iranian maritime “insurance” and tanker networks tied to Strait of Hormuz extortion—an indirect reminder of how shipping rules can ripple into regional logistics. Environment & Tourism Risk: Sargassum continues to be framed as a self-sustaining beach and harbor problem, with public health and marine impacts driving calls for better solutions. Culture & Heritage: Crop Over 2026 coverage highlights the island’s festival identity and builds toward Grand Kadooment.