AGP Executive Report

Marine Conservation & Tourism: Barbados Dive Fest 2026 is underway under the theme “Hidden Gems,” mixing marine education, scuba and freediving with conservation activities, and runs through Aug. 22. Water Protection & Public Health: A water resources expert says the Suarez Brothers Circus relocation to Garrison Savannah should be judged by the activities involved, warning of wastewater and pollution risks near a Zone A water protection area and the Belle abstraction zone. Climate Science (Local Link): Researchers used a balloon-kite probe to study how warm clouds form raindrops near Barbados, aiming to improve rainfall predictions. Digital Security: UWI says it received ransomware claims and activated its incident response plan, but reports no confirmed breach or leaked information, urging staff and students to avoid suspicious links. Youth Mental Health: DLP health spokesperson Felicia Dujon calls for urgent investment in child and teen mental health after a 14-year-old death and rising demand for psychiatric assessment. Education & Skills: Barbados posted a 93.8% overall CAPE pass rate in 2026, while CXC officially launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) to tackle underperformance in subjects like mathematics. Local Economy & Resilience: IDB warns “important risks” remain for Barbados, including the need to sustain primary surpluses and the threat of natural disasters. Regional Growth Outlook: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana, highlighting widening regional gaps. Border Modernisation: Barbados’ Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill passed in the Senate, aiming to strengthen border security using passenger data.

Cyber & Safety: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, but reports no confirmed breach of its IT systems or leaked information; students and staff are urged to avoid suspicious links and report unusual activity. Youth Mental Health: Barbados DLP health spokesperson Felicia Dujon is calling for urgent, bigger investment in child and teen mental health after a 14-year-old’s death in St Michael and new figures showing 295 young people (6–17) assessed at the Psychiatric Hospital’s 24-hour unit between June–December. Climate Science (Local Link): Researchers used a helium-filled CloudKite flight near Barbados to study hidden cloud structures that help warm clouds produce rain—work aimed at improving rainfall forecasts. Marine Conservation: Barbados Dive Fest 2026 is underway, running through Aug 22, with marine education, scuba and freediving focused on protecting the island’s underwater environment. Water Protection Concern: A water resources expert warns the Suarez Brothers Circus relocation was needed due to potential public health risks and wastewater pollution concerns near a Zone A water protection area. Digital Economy: Barbados is urged to catch up as Caribbean digital commerce lags North America, with calls for faster digital transformation for businesses. Border Data Law: Barbados passed the Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record Bill to strengthen border security using passenger data sharing with regional and international partners. Education & Transparency: Advocates are pushing for more detailed reporting after CXC results, questioning whether broad “acceptable” grade bands reflect real-world readiness. Tourism & Sustainability: CHTA opens nominations for the 2026 CHIEF Awards, including an Environmental Sustainability category.

Warm-Cloud Rain Mystery: Scientists used a helium balloon-kite (CloudKite) to probe warm clouds near Barbados, revealing hidden structures that help raindrops form—an advance that could improve rainfall and climate forecasts. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Barbados Dive Fest 2026 is underway, pairing diving and freediving with marine education and conservation activities under the “Hidden Gems” theme, running through Aug. 22. Water Protection & Public Health: A water resources expert says the Suarez Brothers Circus relocation from the Belle was linked to approvals and potential wastewater/pollution risks near a Zone A groundwater protection area. Border Data Modernisation: Barbados passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, with calls for faster real-time passenger dashboards to strengthen security and tourism planning. Digital Push for MSMEs: The CDB and Barbados Small Business Association launched a regional project to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital tools, with inclusion for women-led and underserved businesses. Education Results & Scrutiny: Barbados reported a 93.8% CAPE pass rate, while education advocates urged more detailed reporting after CXC results.

CDB Digital Push for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a CDB-backed initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines boost digital skills, competitiveness and market reach, with extra focus on women-led and underserved businesses. Border Security Law: Barbados passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, setting a framework to collect and share air and sea traveller data with regional and international partners to strengthen border and immigration security. Water Protection Clash: A water resources expert says the Suarez Brothers Circus relocation from the Belle was driven by public health and pollution concerns tied to activities in a Zone A water protection area near a key abstraction zone. Tourism Sustainability Spotlight: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association opened nominations for the 2026 CHIEF Awards, including a new Guest Experience Excellence category and an Environmental Sustainability track covering energy, water, waste, sourcing, biodiversity and climate action. Education Reform Watch: Education officials say curriculum changes are being prepared for the new school year, while advocates are pressing for more transparency and deeper scrutiny after CXC results. Caribbean Digital Gap: A minister warned Caribbean digital commerce lags North America, urging faster policy support for more mobile and online transactions.

Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a CDB-backed push to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados and the wider OECS boost digital skills, adopt practical tools, and expand into regional and global markets—especially supporting women-led and underserved businesses. Border Security Data Law: Barbados passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2026, giving a legal framework to collect and share air and sea traveller data with regional and international partners to strengthen border and immigration security. Water Protection vs Public Health: The Suarez Brothers Circus was moved from the Belle after concerns about operating in Zone A, a sensitive water protection area near a major pumping station—raising questions about approvals and how wastewater and pollutants could be managed. Coastal Jobs & Conservation Interest: Barbados’ Coastal Zone Management Unit wrapped up a highly competitive environmental internship programme, with 280 applicants chasing 29 spots, signalling strong youth interest in conservation careers. Education Reform Pressure: Education advocates are urging more transparency after CXC results and the launch of the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), arguing for clearer breakdowns of performance and student well-being. Climate & Water Resilience Lesson: A Puerto Rico drought story highlights how rainwater harvesting could ease household water stress—while ageing infrastructure and major leak losses keep supplies vulnerable.

Coastal Resilience Funding: Barbados is set to start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year to tackle worsening erosion, with work planned for Clinketts, Sand Street, and the Mullins to St Peter’s Bay stretch first, then Oistins Bay and the Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap coastline. Water Protection & Public Health: The Suarez Brothers Circus controversy is tied to Barbados’ Zone A water protection area near the Belle Pumping Station, with a water resources expert warning that approvals for operating—not just locating—weren’t properly handled, and the circus now plans to reopen at Garrison Savannah after a week of meetings. Environmental Careers Boom: The Coastal Zone Management Unit’s 2026 environmental internship programme drew 280 applicants for 29 spots, feeding a pipeline for conservation and natural heritage work. Climate Strategy & Culture: Economist Mariana Mazzucato argues the green transition must be shaped by culture and community participation, not just technocratic plans. Tourism Skills Push: At Guyana’s SOTIC, the Caribbean Tourism Organization will host a cruise master class focused on building sustainable destination value and local opportunities. Education Accountability: Barbados education advocates are calling for more transparency after CXC results, while the Ministry delays using continuous assessment for secondary placement.

Coastal Resilience Funding: Barbados is set to start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year to tackle worsening erosion, with phases planned for Clinketts, Sand Street, Mullins to St Peter’s Bay, Oistins Bay, and Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap. Water & Land Protection: The Suarez Brothers Circus controversy is still in the spotlight as officials link the Belle shutdown to environmental and regulatory concerns near a major water table, while the circus plans to reopen at Garrison Savannah. Environment Jobs Pipeline: The Coastal Zone Management Unit’s environmental internship programme drew 280 applicants for 29 spots, with 29 students placed across heritage, fisheries, and coastal zone teams. Fiscal Risk Watch: The IDB warns “important risks” remain for Barbados even as debt reduction and fiscal consolidation progress continues, citing cost-of-living pressure, global instability, and natural disasters. Education Reform: Barbados teachers and parents welcomed a delay to continuous assessment for secondary placement, while the DLP says reform is needed but not rushed without consultation and resources. Finance Stability: Regulators say Barbados’ financial system is stable overall, but global risks are intensifying, including climate risk and cyber/AI threats. Local Governance & Safety: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting school pedestrian crossings and fixing potholes ahead of the new term.

Coastal Resilience Funding: Barbados is set to start a major $105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year, largely financed by the IDB, targeting erosion hotspots including Clinketts (St Lucy), Sand Street (St Peter), Mullins to St Peter’s Bay, Oistins Bay, and the Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap stretch. Environmental Careers Boom: The Coastal Zone Management Unit’s 2026 Environmental Summer Internship drew 280 applicants for 29 spots, with 29 students completing placements across heritage, fisheries, and coastal zone teams. Water Protection vs Development: The Suarez Brothers Circus is moving again after controversy over approvals near the Belle pumping station and protected water zone; the DLP is demanding clarity on health, worker welfare, and regulatory transparency as the circus plans to reopen at Garrison Savannah. Tropical Weather Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring a new tropical wave expected to bring showers to Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, with localized rain and elevated seas but a weakening trend. Local Finance Risk Signals: Regulators say Barbados’ financial system is stable overall, but global risks are rising, with climate risk and cyber/AI threats flagged in the 2025 Financial Stability Report. Education Policy Shift: Barbados’ secondary school placement rules are under debate as the use of continuous assessment for placement is delayed, drawing support from teachers and parents while the DLP urges careful, consultative implementation.

Coastal Resilience Funding: Barbados is set to start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year, largely backed by the Inter-American Development Bank, targeting erosion hotspots including Clinketts (St Lucy), Sand Street (St Peter), Mullins to St Peter’s Bay, then Oistins Bay and the Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap stretch. Coastal Jobs Push: The Coastal Zone Management Unit’s environmental internship programme drew 280 applicants for 29 places, with 29 students completing placements across heritage, fisheries and coastal management. Water Protection Clash: The Suarez Brothers Circus was shut down after operating without full approvals near the Belle pumping station, a key drinking-water zone; it’s now planning to reopen at Garrison Savannah, while politicians question regulatory transparency and health/environment standards. Tropical Wave Watch: Meteorologists are tracking a new tropical wave expected to bring showers to Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, with seas elevated and the system likely to weaken as it approaches. Education Policy: Teachers’ union and parents welcomed a delay to using continuous assessment for secondary school placement, while the framework is still set to roll out for primary learning this year.

Coastal Resilience Funding: Barbados is set to start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year to tackle worsening erosion, with phases covering Clinketts, Sand Street, Mullins to St Peter’s Bay, Oistins Bay, and the Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap stretch. Coastal Jobs & Conservation Interest: The Coastal Zone Management Unit’s 2026 Environmental Summer Internship drew 280 applicants for 29 spots, with 29 students placed across heritage, fisheries, and coastal teams. Education Policy Shift: Teachers’ union and parents welcomed a delay to using continuous assessment for secondary school placement, while the framework moves into primary teaching this year. Energy Co-op Mediation Ends: Mediation between CoopEnergy Barbados and BAMC has broken down, leaving members to decide next steps after talks closed by BAMC and Government. Health Workforce Planning: PAHO/WHO praised St Kitts and Nevis for starting data entry into its Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), built on DHIS2. Coastal Zone Dispute: Tent Bay fishers say development works destroyed their working beach and they’re still waiting on a replacement slipway and clear responsibility. Tropical Weather Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring a new tropical wave expected to bring showers to Barbados and nearby islands, with seas elevated and the system likely to weaken. Road Safety Upgrade: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting school crossings and fixing potholes ahead of the new term.

Coastal Resilience: Barbados is set to start a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme later this year to tackle worsening erosion, with early phases targeting Clinketts (St Lucy), Sand Street (St Peter), and the Mullins to St Peter’s Bay stretch, followed by Oistins Bay and the Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap coastline. Environmental Careers: The Coastal Zone Management Unit says interest is surging, with 280 young people applying for 29 places in its 2026 environmental internship programme. Water Security Lesson: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing is being linked to missed opportunities for rainwater harvesting, as aging infrastructure and low catchment uptake leave households exposed. Tropical Weather Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring a new tropical wave expected to bring showers across parts of the eastern Caribbean, including Barbados, with seas potentially elevated. Local Governance & Safety: A road-safety push is repainting pedestrian crossings near schools and addressing potholes ahead of the new term. Regulation & Environment: Barbados’ High Court injunction moves to protect Three Houses Spring in St Philip by stopping alleged pollution and diversion of the spring’s natural flow. Youth & Sports: CWI has named 22 Under-19 women for a high-performance camp in Antigua, including five Barbadians. Tourism Leadership: CMEx has completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, adding honorees spanning sustainability and destination leadership.

Tropical Weather Watch: Barbados is bracing for a new tropical wave expected to bring showers and gusty conditions into Tuesday, with localized rain totals of 50–75mm and elevated seas, while development is unlikely but impacts can still be significant. Coastal & Marine Safety: A Small Craft and High Surf Warning remains in effect as winds strengthen and swells rise, with haze and rough seas expected. Financial Stability & Climate Risk: Barbados’ regulators say the financial system is sound overall, but global risks are intensifying—climate risk is named alongside cyber and AI threats—shrinking the “margin for error.” Education Reform Debate: The DLP backs delaying continuous assessment, arguing the Ministry must explain how placement changes will work and avoid rushed, untested reforms. Road Safety Upgrade: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting school-area crossings and tackling potholes ahead of the new term. Environment & Health in Focus: A court injunction targets alleged pollution and stream diversion at Three Houses Spring, while local authorities are also reviewing whether to tighten controls on paraquat weedkiller. Local Governance & Sustainability: Government consultations begin to modernise Barbados’ non-financial cooperative sector, aiming for better governance, capital access, and long-term sustainability.

Tropical Weather Watch: Meteorologists say a new tropical wave is expected to bring showers to Barbados and nearby islands late Monday into Tuesday, with localized rain totals of 50–75mm and elevated seas, even as the system is forecast to weaken. Coastal Safety: Barbados remains under a Small Craft and High Surf Warning as strong winds and rough seas build ahead of the wave. Road Safety for School Term: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting zebra crossings near several schools and tackling potholes along Highway 7 to improve safety for students and pedestrians. Co-op Sector Modernisation: Government has launched consultations to create a national policy for Barbados’ non-financial cooperative sector, aiming to modernise outdated rules and improve governance and access to capital. Circus Returns, Questions Raised: Suarez Brothers Circus plans to resume at Garrison Savannah on Aug. 21, but the DLP is urging caution, asking for clarity on the public health and regulatory steps behind the earlier shutdown. Environment & Health Policy: Barbados is reviewing whether to tighten controls or ban paraquat, as more countries move to phase out the toxic weedkiller. Disaster Preparedness: Community emergency managers warn against complacency and urge residents to review personal hurricane plans and attend local training.

Tropical Weather Watch: Barbados Meteorological Services is tracking a disorganised tropical wave east of the island, with no tropical cyclone development expected, but strong winds, rough seas, and increasing showers/thunderstorms are forecast from Friday night into Saturday; a Small Craft and High Surf Warning remains in effect. Next Wave Timing: A separate tropical wave is expected to reach the eastern Caribbean late Monday night into Tuesday morning, bringing broken rainfall (some islands wetter than others) and elevated seas, with localized totals around 50–75mm. Coastal & Marine Impacts: Forecasts point to worsening marine conditions and higher swells, so beach and sea activity should be treated cautiously. Water & Food Security: Barbados’ BADMC secured a High Court injunction over alleged pollution and diversion at Three Houses Spring in St Philip, while farmers and vendors welcomed a push for Massy contract buy-in to give growers more reliable markets. Environment Policy: Barbados TODAY reports authorities are reviewing whether to tighten controls or ban paraquat amid global health concerns. Community Preparedness: A community emergency manager urged residents to reduce complacency and update personal hurricane plans, using local emergency training to be ready.

UWI & Reparatory Justice: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama praised The UWI’s Centre for Reparation Research for driving scholarship and policy on reparatory justice, underscoring growing Africa–Caribbean ties. Heat & Weather Alerts: A yellow alert couldn’t stop the heatwave from disrupting plans, while Barbados Met updates keep focus on rough seas and worsening conditions tied to a tropical wave. Tropical Wave Watch: Barbados remains under small-craft and high-surf warnings as a disorganised wave approaches, with strong winds, showers and possible flash-flood risk; regional neighbours also face flood alerts from the same system. Water Security Lesson: Puerto Rico’s drought and rationing highlight how islands can reduce crisis impacts by harvesting rainwater and improving catchment systems. Agro-Environment & Food Security: Farmers and vendors welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s push for Massy contract buy-in to give producers steadier markets, while BADMC secured an injunction over alleged pollution and diversion at Three Houses Spring. Toxic Chemicals: Barbados authorities are reviewing whether to tighten controls or ban paraquat, as more countries phase it out over health risks. Accessibility: Disability advocates urged enforcement of building codes and faster court accessibility under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Community Preparedness: Emergency managers warned against complacency and urged residents to refresh hurricane plans and stock essentials.

Local Food Security: Farmers and vendors welcomed PM Mia Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in with producers, backed by $2m per quarter to help BADMC and Export Barbados accelerate agro-processing and give growers market certainty. Extreme Weather Watch: A tropical wave and “big blob” of moisture are still expected to bring gusty winds, heavy showers and rough seas across the Lesser Antilles, with Barbados under flash-flood risk and a Small Craft/High Surf Warning as conditions worsen into Saturday. Water Resilience Lesson: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven rationing is spotlighting rainwater harvesting as an underused fix, with roofs acting as a ready “reservoir” as climate change raises drought odds. Pollution & Land Protection: BADMC has obtained a High Court injunction over alleged pollution and diversion at Three Houses Spring in St Philip, ordering defendants to stop discharging contaminants and restore natural flow. Health & Environment Policy: Barbados authorities are reviewing whether to tighten controls or ban paraquat, as more countries move to phase out the toxic weedkiller amid growing health concerns.