AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Climate Resilience: Barbados hit record tourism numbers, closing last year with its highest-ever visitor arrivals—727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals—while the new “Tourism 3.0” push aims to grow visitor spend and boost local ownership alongside more sustainable development. Marine & Fisheries: The island’s fishing community is mourning the sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, who collapsed while preparing awards at the Weston Fish Market; leaders including PM Mia Mottley and Deputy PM Santia Bradshaw praised her work on sustainable fisheries and resilience after Hurricane Beryl. Weather & Public Health: Barbados Meteorological Services reports cloudy-to-sunny conditions with isolated light showers, plus increasing easterly winds and rising swells; meanwhile, health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school, with two confirmed streptococcal infections in one household and no cause for public alarm. Heat Adaptation: Police officers back a proposal for lighter Crop Over uniforms to help staff cope with forecast extreme heat. Food Environment: Health advocates welcomed moves by beverage makers to cut sugar, and a new campaign targets junk food advertising around schools as childhood obesity concerns rise.

Fisheries & Environment: Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley led tributes to late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, who died suddenly on Saturday after collapsing at an open day at Weston Fish Market—her leadership is remembered for steady guidance during Hurricane Beryl and for pushing fisheries modernisation that protected fisherfolk’s livelihoods. Weather & Coastal Impacts: Barbados Meteorological Services reports cloudy spells with sunny periods and a few light showers, plus freshening easterly winds and marine swells rising to 1.5–2.5m and increasing—conditions that can affect sea travel and coastal activity. Public Health & Food Policy: Health advocates welcomed beverage makers’ reduced-sugar moves, while Barbados also continues scarlet fever monitoring at a St Michael primary school with officials stressing there’s no cause for public alarm. Heat Adaptation: Police officers back a proposal to introduce lighter, more comfortable uniforms for Crop Over as extreme heat forecasts loom. Urban Resilience: A veteran engineer warns Barbados’ drainage failures worsen road deterioration and flooding, calling for a drainage network overhaul. Blue Economy & Waste: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical help to turn sargassum into marketable products, tackling disposal and foul-odor emissions. Sustainability in Industry: Harris Paints unveiled its “Quantum Dry” tinting system, claiming lower additives and reduced environmental impact, with rollout beginning in Barbados.

Fisheries Loss: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley mourned the sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, who died after collapsing at the Weston Fish Market open day, calling it a profound loss for Barbados’ fisherfolk. Climate & Health: Barbados Meteorological Services says Saharan dust is easing after a major early-June event that left residents with breathing and eye irritation, with no major new plumes expected soon. Flood Risk & Infrastructure: A veteran engineer warned Barbados’ weak drainage is driving road deterioration and flooding, pointing to past road works that removed drains and left water to pool and jump curbs. Public Health Nutrition: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar and no-added-sugar beverage shifts, linking them to the goal of cutting childhood obesity risks and strengthening school nutrition standards. Heat Adaptation: Police officers back a proposal to make Crop Over uniforms lighter and more comfortable ahead of extreme heat forecasts. Food Marketing Push: Healthy Caribbean Coalition partners are running a regional campaign to protect children from unhealthy food and beverage marketing around schools, with Barbados included. Renewables & Resilience (Region): St Vincent and the Grenadines’ PM reaffirmed renewable energy expansion, including solar, as part of climate resilience planning. Tourism Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a long-term partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital and broadcast coverage. Tech for Climate & Oceans (Region): Future Caribbean launched a global AI buildathon with tracks including Climate Risk & Disaster Coordination and Ocean Systems/Blue Economy.

Transport & Livelihoods: Uber says its Barbados model connects riders only to licensed taxi drivers and follows Transport Authority fare rates, pushing back on claims it’s undercutting earnings and disrupting the local transport economy. Climate-Linked Infrastructure: A veteran engineer warns Barbados’ drainage is a major driver of road deterioration and flood risk, pointing to past road works that replaced proper drainage with curbs and slipper drains. Public Health: Health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, while the CMO says there’s no need for public alarm. Food Policy & Health: Health advocates applaud reduced-sugar and no-added-sugar beverage reformulations, linking them to the higher sugar tax and tighter school nutrition standards. Heat Adaptation: Police officers back a proposal for lighter, more comfortable Crop Over uniforms ahead of extreme heat forecasts. Early Childhood Education: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible three- and four-year-olds is set to start in September. Saharan Dust Relief: Barbados Meteorological Services reports dust levels are easing after a significant early-June event, with no major plumes expected through Sunday. Health System Reform: A Senate-passed bill sets up the Barbados Medical Products Authority to modernise medicine and device regulation. Built Heritage: A prominent architecture expert calls preservation of Barbados’ historic buildings an “unprecedented crisis,” accusing governments of long-running inaction. Youth & Food Marketing: A new campaign targets junk food advertising around schools as childhood obesity rises. Renewables Commitment (Regional): St Vincent and the Grenadines’ PM reaffirms renewable energy expansion as part of climate resilience planning. Tourism Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks announce a long-term partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital and broadcast collaboration.

School Food & Health: Barbados’ Heart & Stroke Foundation launches a four-week push to curb junk food advertising around schools, warning that marketing is slipping past school nutrition rules and feeding an obesogenic environment. Heat & Public Safety: Police back a plan to introduce lighter, more comfortable uniforms for Crop Over as extreme heat forecasts raise concerns for officers on duty. Early Childhood Education: Universal free pre-primary for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds is set to begin in September, with officials stressing structured learning (not daycare) ahead of the transition to primary school. Air Quality Relief: Barbados Meteorological Services says Saharan dust is easing after a thick early-June plume, with no major new plumes expected soon. Health System Reform: Barbados’ Senate passes legislation to establish a Barbados Medical Products Authority to modernise drug regulation, improve access to safe medicines, and strengthen public health protection. Climate & Resilience Policy: UN officials urge St Vincent and the Grenadines to shift from isolated projects to connected systems and from response to prevention, while PM Friday reaffirms renewable energy as a climate resilience strategy. Built Heritage Under Threat: A leading Barbadian architecture expert calls preservation of historic buildings an “unprecedented crisis,” accusing governments of failing to protect the island’s built legacy.

School Health & Policy: Barbados’ Heart & Stroke Foundation launched a four-week campaign, “Enough. If it harms our children’s health, it must be regulated,” targeting junk food advertising around schools after a school nutrition policy left a marketing loophole. Public Health & Food Marketing (Region): A parallel regional push by Hope for the Future and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition is engaging children and parents on unhealthy food promotion in and around classrooms across several islands. Air Quality Relief: Barbados Meteorological Services says Saharan dust is easing after a thick early-June event, with only a slight dust haze expected into next week. Housing Pressure: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs says over 4,000 people are seeking housing assistance, with demand still outstripping supply as government pursues construction, social mortgages, land regularisation and NHC restructuring. Health System Reform: Barbados’ Senate passed the Barbados Medical Products Bill to create a modern Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and devices to international standards. Energy & Climate Resilience (SVG): UN and SVG discussions stress shifting from response to prevention and expanding renewable energy to strengthen climate resilience. Innovation for Climate & Blue Economy: Future Caribbean launched a global agentic AI buildathon with tracks including climate risk, disaster coordination and ocean systems, aiming to connect Caribbean tech teams to global markets.

Barbados Health Reform: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, paving the way for a new Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices, strengthen public health protection, and support local life-sciences work. Climate & Energy Costs: A regional discussion highlighted how the global energy crisis hits Barbados hard, with the island relying heavily on imported fossil fuels and facing major swings in electricity and cost-of-living pressures. Sargassum Solutions (Regional): Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical support to turn sargassum into marketable products, tackling disposal challenges that create foul odours and environmental strain. Food & Health in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a campaign urging schools to reduce ultra-processed food and drink marketing, pushing for healthier learning environments across multiple Caribbean territories. Youth & Community Climate Action: RBC Young Leaders in the region backed climate-focused projects, with St James Secondary School winning for a waste-optimisation initiative aimed at building resilience through practical design. Built Heritage Under Fire: A prominent Barbadian architecture expert says preservation of historic buildings is in “total disaster,” calling out long-running political inaction. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is affecting Barbados, with mixed sunshine and clouds and isolated light showers, plus moderate east-northeasterly winds.

Barbados Health Reform: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices, improve access to safe treatments, and strengthen public health protection. Workforce & Culture: A local HR group says employers are struggling to attract and keep staff as workers increasingly prioritise workplace culture, flexibility, and development—not just pay. Child Rights Push: The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector is taking children’s rights education to northern primary schools ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, reinforcing Barbados’ zero child labour record. Regional Climate Finance: IDB Invest and the Caribbean Development Bank have launched a US$25 million trade finance facility to help Caribbean businesses access funding for international transactions. Public Health & Food Marketing: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition is urging schools to limit ultra-processed food and beverage marketing, launching a regional campaign with a petition drive. Security & Courts: Barbados is moving to establish dedicated gun courts to speed up firearm case hearings and reduce backlog amid rising gun violence. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is affecting Barbados, with mixed sunshine and clouds, isolated light showers, and moderate easterly breezes.

Barbados Medical Products Authority: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act to create a new autonomous regulator (BMPA) to oversee medicines and medical devices, improve access to safe products, and align local oversight with international standards. Gun courts for faster firearm cases: Government is moving to establish dedicated “gun courts” by creating a Firearms Division in the High Court and increasing judges to clear both new cases and a backlog. Climate-linked youth action: St James Secondary School won the RBC Young Leaders 2026 prize for “WORM,” a waste-reduction project aimed at building climate and community resilience. Regional resilience and aid delivery: UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett urged St Vincent and the Grenadines’ partners to shift from isolated projects to connected systems, with stronger alignment on climate, financing, and crime prevention. Health and food policy push: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a campaign urging schools to cut ultra-processed food and drink marketing, backing healthier environments for children. Caribbean security and governance: A UNDP report warns violence and democratic strain are tied to structural pressures, including organized crime and climate-linked vulnerabilities. Barbados weather: Tropical wave conditions bring mixed sunshine and clouds with isolated light showers, plus slight dust haze, and moderate easterly winds.

Weather & marine conditions: Barbados Meteorological Services reports a tropical wave bringing a mix of sunshine and clouds with a few isolated light showers, plus a slight dust haze outlook; winds are mainly easterly at 30–35 km/h and seas are moderate with swells around 1.5–2.0m. Climate & youth awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds many Barbadian young people still don’t connect climate-smart and green economy initiatives to real opportunities, with Barbados showing the lowest awareness among surveyed islands. Green economy & jobs: The same week highlights youth lagging on green economy readiness, alongside calls for stronger climate finance and more youth involvement in climate decisions. Health & resilience in the region: The Fleming Fund’s lab and training push is boosting antimicrobial resistance monitoring across nine countries, including capacity building in Barbados. Food marketing in schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches “Make it Make Sense” to challenge ultra-processed food and drink ads in schools, urging families to back a petition. Local governance & safety: Barbados Probation Service figures show nearly 300 young people under supervision in 2025, with 138 cases tied to violent or threatening offences—prompting a focus on what comes next. Energy & environment debate: Barbados’ energy minister says offshore surveys suggest major potential oil and gas reserves, even as the island continues investing in renewables. Ports & disaster readiness: St. Kitts and Nevis shares progress toward 100% renewable power, while Barbados Port leaders stress digitalisation for safer, more resilient ports.

Port Resilience & AI: Barbados Port Inc. is chairing the Inter-American Committee on Ports meeting in Bridgetown, with St Kitts and Nevis’ Adeola Moore joining discussions on disaster risk management and “sustainable and secure ports,” including how AI can reshape planning, cargo movement, safety and recovery. School Food Marketing: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition has launched “Make it Make Sense,” urging Caribbean governments to curb ultra-processed food and drink ads in schools, with a petition running across 11 territories. Climate Finance Delivery: UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett says St Vincent and the Grenadines needs partners to move from isolated projects to connected systems, with better alignment on resilience, financing and coherence. Youth & the Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds many young people in Barbados (and other surveyed islands) don’t yet link climate-smart investments to real green-economy opportunities. Barbados Energy Potential: Energy minister Kerrie Symmonds says seismic surveys suggest up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas offshore, as the government moves to identify companies for assessment. Local Weather: Barbados faces a tropical wave with partly sunny conditions and light showers, plus moderate easterly breezes and seas with swells around 1.5–2.0m.

Energy Transition in the Region: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched a major EU-backed plan to map a path to 100% renewable electricity by building an energy roadmap with UNDP and the Greening the Islands Foundation, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 61% by 2030. Local Climate Resilience: Barbados Light & Power is warning solar and backup-generator owners to properly isolate systems before storms and not switch back on after damage, stressing safety for crews and neighbours during hurricane season. Youth & the Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds many young people in Barbados (and other Eastern Caribbean islands) still don’t connect climate-smart projects to real green-economy opportunities, pointing to gaps in information, training and access. Barbados Energy Debate: Barbados’ energy minister says offshore seismic surveys suggest potential reserves of up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of natural gas, as the government moves to identify international partners for assessment. Governance Under Pressure: A UNDP report warns Caribbean democracies face mounting strain from climate crisis, misinformation and inequality—highlighting the need to better integrate climate adaptation and social cohesion into institutions. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing mixed sunshine and clouds with occasional light showers, with moderate easterly breezes and building swells.

Climate Finance Delivery Gap: Barbados’ environment minister Santia Bradshaw says small island states face delays and slow approval processes that mean climate money arrives too late to protect coastlines and restore ecosystems, calling for simpler access and faster disbursement. Youth & Green Jobs Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young Barbadians lag behind peers in understanding green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to a communications and access problem rather than lack of interest. Renewables Safety in Storms: Barbados Light & Power warns solar owners to ensure proper isolation, avoid switching systems back on after damage, keep insurance current, and trim trees ahead of hurricane season to protect both households and utility crews. Oil & Gas Potential: Energy minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest up to 13 billion barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with government moving to identify international firms for next steps. Green Economy Skills Push: UNICEF also reports Eastern Caribbean youth want green careers but face barriers like limited information, training, and reachable job opportunities. Local Governance & Youth Risk: Home Affairs minister Gregory Nicholls says nearly 300 young people were on probation in 2025, with over half tied to violent or threatening offences—prompting calls to focus on what comes next. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies’ “Five for Fun” programme launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and building basic cricket skills through fun, inclusion, and teamwork.

Climate Finance for SIDS: Barbados’ environment minister Santia Bradshaw told the Global Environment Facility assembly that small islands face delays and red tape that make climate funding arrive too late to protect coasts, ecosystems and food security. Green Jobs Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study says Barbadian youth lag behind peers in understanding green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to a communication and access gap rather than lack of interest. Renewables Safety in Storms: Barbados Light & Power warned solar owners to ensure proper isolation, avoid switching systems back on after damage, keep insurance current, and trim trees ahead of severe weather. Education Overhaul: Barbados’ Education Transformation Agenda is accelerating, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and new quality assurance plans to modernise standards across schools. Youth & Crime Focus: Probation Service figures show nearly half of 295 probation cases in 2025 involved violent or threatening offences, with the minister stressing the need for credible “off-ramps” beyond punishment. Tourism Recognition: CTO awards during Caribbean Week in New York named Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin as Director of Tourism of the Year, while Luce Hodge-Smith also received a top tourism leadership honour. World Environment Day: Coverage highlights the push for “Climate Action – Now for Climate,” urging practical steps from households to governments. Weather: Barbados Meteorological Services forecasts partly sunny conditions with isolated light showers, plus moderate easterly breezes and swells around 1.5–2.0m.

Climate Finance for SIDS: Barbados Minister Santia Bradshaw urged faster, simpler climate funding for small island states, saying delays mean projects miss the moment they’re needed. Renewables Safety in Storm Season: Light & Power warned solar owners to properly isolate systems and not restart after damage, stressing risks to crews and neighbours during outages. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean want green opportunities, but lack clear information, training, and accessible pathways. Food Policy & NCDs: Regional health leaders pushed for stronger healthy food policies to curb obesity and diet-related illness, citing the rise of ultra-processed foods. Illegal Dumping: Environmental officials called for behaviour change and community action to protect the Chancery Lane Swamp and Wetlands ahead of World Environment Day. Barbados Education Overhaul: The Education Transformation Agenda is moving toward a revised Education Act by year-end, alongside a new quality assurance framework. Probation Focus: Barbados’ Probation Service reported nearly half of 2025 cases involved violent or threatening offences, with diversion and support framed as the “last credible off-ramp.” Local Business Support: Endeavour Credit Union signed 11 small-business partners to expand micro, small and medium enterprise growth. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Andrea Franklin won CTO Director of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York.

Climate Finance for SIDS: Barbados’ environment minister Santia Bradshaw says climate money is arriving too late for small island states, calling for simpler access and faster disbursement so coastlines, ecosystems and food security can be protected in time. Hurricane Safety for Solar Homes: Barbados Light & Power warns solar owners to ensure proper isolation switches and to avoid switching systems back on after storms, stressing safety for linemen and neighbours. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds Barbadian youth lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to gaps in how information, training and jobs are communicated. World Environment Day Push: Barbados and the region marked World Environment Day with a focus on “Climate Action – Now for Climate,” alongside calls for practical action to cut waste and protect habitats. Illegal Dumping Crackdown: Environmental officials urge behaviour change after a tour of Chancery Lane Swamp and Wetlands, with signs planned and communities asked to take shared responsibility. Food Policy for NCDs: Regional health leaders renewed calls for stronger healthy food policies to curb ultra-processed food consumption driving obesity and diet-related disease. Saharan Dust Alert: Scientists warn more dust could reach Barbados after a recent plume, noting concentrations may be lower but the risk remains. Energy Costs & Reliability: BLPC says it’s paying high monthly rental costs for temporary generation and expects added capacity later this year to maintain reserves as demand rises.