AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Upgrade Watch: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion is set to add a new lab, dedicated burn unit, more beds and expanded cancer services, after officials flagged current lab limits, overcrowding and overseas referrals for burn patients. Education & Skills: Four schools will relocate for the 2026–27 school year as major infrastructure upgrades run from September 2026 to August 2027, while Barbados Community College also awarded an agriculture scholarship to three students to support registration for their associate degrees. Local Transport Pressure: PSV operators and school transport advocates are pushing for dedicated school buses, but talks remain stalled ahead of the new term. Coastal Safety Alert: A marine biologist renewed warnings about the “Hot Pot” inlet at Brighton, St Michael, after another drowning tragedy, stressing the area’s unstable conditions and shifting depths. Retail Redevelopment: Massy Supermarket Worthing’s $46m redevelopment moves into Phase Two, starting with controlled demolition of the former Big B site to make way for a new car park and upgrades. Energy/Trade Context: Regional reporting also highlights how fuel flows and energy deals are reshaping Caribbean and wider markets, including new oil arrangements involving Venezuela and major operators.

Healthcare Infrastructure: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) expansion is set to tackle chronic lab limits, bed shortages, overcrowding and gaps in cancer care, with a dedicated burn unit flagged as a key missing capability after past burn patients were sent overseas. Education & Agriculture: Three Barbados Community College students received the Lion Roy Ward Scholarship to cover registration for agriculture programmes, backing renewed focus on food security and farming careers. Public Transport: PSV operators are still pushing for dedicated school buses, but talks with education and transport authorities remain stalled ahead of the new term. Retail & Construction: Massy Supermarket Worthing’s $46m redevelopment moves into Phase Two, starting with controlled demolition of the former Big B site to make way for a new car park and upgrades. Coastal Safety: A marine biologist renewed warnings about the “Hot Pot” inlet after a recent drowning, citing unstable conditions linked to industrial runoff and shifting sand. Regional Aviation: Barbados and CARICOM are urged to cut airport fees and passenger taxes to boost intra-regional air travel and competitiveness. Energy Transition: Barbados’ shift toward more renewables may raise interim electricity costs, with grid modernisation and battery storage planned to reach 50% renewable penetration by end-2027.

Caribbean Tourism Policy: Guyana President Irfaan Ali will keynote the CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), with a focus on smart, sustainable, inclusive tourism and how destinations can use innovation, technology, and resilience to keep tourism competitive. Public Transport & School Safety: PSV operators and transport leaders say plans for dedicated school buses are still stalled ahead of the new term, leaving parents and schools without a clear rollout date. Energy Transition Costs: Barbados energy stakeholders warn electricity costs may rise in the interim as the island pushes for 50% renewable penetration by end-2027, alongside battery storage and grid upgrades. Food Security & Farming: “Project CARE” is being relaunched as a long-term food security drive, alongside a new push to bring farming to Deacons Farm and support 600 families. Coastal & Marine Risk: A new global coral reef assessment flags worsening reef decline as Barbados continues coastline protection efforts. Local Retail & Construction: Massy Supermarket Worthing redevelopment moves into Phase Two, with controlled demolition of the former Big B site to make way for a new car park and upgrades. Regional Aviation: Aviation experts urge CARICOM governments to treat regional air as essential infrastructure, including lowering airport fees and passenger taxes to boost intra-regional travel. Spirits & Craft Industry: A feature on Barbados rum distillation spotlights how craft spirits expertise and innovation are shaping the local industry’s creative edge.

Venezuela Oil & Energy Deals: Trump’s U.S.-Venezuela oil arrangement is drawing heavy pushback as Chevron prepares to expand in the Orinoco Belt and analysts question how quickly production can be revived under the new 100-year field concessions tied to NABEP, a Barbados-registered operator linked to Alejandro Betancourt. Local Energy Transition: Barbados’ energy consultation is weighing renewable targets against near-term electricity cost pressure, with battery storage, grid upgrades and regulatory reform in focus. Agriculture & Food Security: Government has relaunched Project CARE as a long-term household food and income programme, with Deacons Farm support for about 600 families and training in climate-smart farming and small livestock. Fisheries Modernisation: Barbados moves toward mandatory circle hooks for horizontal longline vessels to improve tuna catch and survival of released species. Retail & Construction: Massy Supermarket Worthing redevelopment enters Phase Two, while construction crews near the top of the Pendry Tampa & Residences project—both signals of continued investment momentum. Transport & Aviation: LIAT Air is cautious about adding Tobago-Barbados capacity after Caribbean Airlines ends direct service, while regional aviation experts argue lower taxes and fees could cut intra-Caribbean travel costs. Business Funding: Economist Winston Moore urges more equity financing conversations as businesses seek returns amid cost-of-capital concerns. Coastal Safety & Environment: A marine biologist reiterates the Hot Pot warning after a recent drowning, and a new global coral report flags worsening reef decline as Barbados acts to protect its coastline. Workforce Development: Goddard Enterprises’ internship programme is placing students into real workplace exposure, including pathways like marine diesel engineering.

Venezuela Oil Deal Watch: Trump’s US-Venezuela pact is set to reshape regional energy flows, with Barbados-headquartered North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) winning 100-year concessions for 17 fields tied to about 65 billion barrels, while Chevron moves to expand in Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt. Local Energy & Cost Pressure: Barbados energy leaders warn the shift to renewables and battery storage could raise electricity costs in the interim, even as the country targets 50% renewable penetration by 2027. Agriculture & Food Security: Government has relaunched Project CARE as a long-term household food and income programme, including livestock and crop support for 600 families at Deacons Farm, plus plans to expand agricultural training at HATI and land pathways for graduates. Fisheries Reform: Barbados fisheries authorities are moving to make circle hooks mandatory for horizontal longline vessels to improve tuna catch and reduce harm to non-target species. Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines ends the Tobago–Barbados direct service, leaving LIAT and interCaribbean cautious about adding capacity amid demand and route-overlap concerns. Business & Skills: BNECL awarded scholarships and transition grants, while the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues pushing for lower cost-of-living through easier doing-business conditions. Hospitality & Tourism: CTO will launch its Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026, and AWC and Universal Destinations & Experiences announced a DreamWorks-themed hotel plan in Thailand.

Agriculture & Food Security: Barbados Community College awarded the first Roy Ward agricultural scholarships to three students, as the island pushes harder on food security and careers in farming. Project CARE (Household Farming): Government has relaunched Project CARE as a long-term food security and resilience drive, shifting from emergency backyard inputs to technical training, climate-smart farming, aquaponics and small livestock support; Deacons Farm will back about 600 families with livestock, crop materials and mobile pest-control support. Energy Costs & Transition: Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry council member Stephen Worme says the energy transition may raise electricity costs in the interim, while Government targets 50% renewables by end-2027 via batteries, grid upgrades and regulatory reform. Fishing Reform: Fisheries Division moves toward mandatory circle hooks for horizontal longline vessels, replacing J-hooks to improve tuna catch and survival of released non-target species. Aviation Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines ends its direct Tobago–Barbados service, leaving LIAT Air and interCaribbean cautious about adding capacity without clear demand. Oil & Legal/Investment Links: Barbados-headquartered NABEP is central to the US–Venezuela oil deal, with Chevron planning expansion in Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt and NABEP hiring UK Serious Fraud Office legal leadership as it scales operations. Business & Training: BNECL awarded scholarships and transition grants, while Hope Agricultural Training Institute opens its full academic term to build modern ag skills for a tech-evolving workforce. Retail Pressure: Back-to-school shopping peaks as retailers report mixed demand and some delayed stock finally arriving. Sports & Industry: Government explores a pickleball partnership to grow the sport regionally and boost local racket production, alongside road tennis expansion.

Venezuela Energy Deal: Barbados-based North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) is at the centre of a major US-Venezuela oil accord, with the US seeking access to about 65 billion barrels and planning a long-term push that includes a Pentagon-linked stake and board controls. Chevron Expansion: Chevron says it plans to expand in Venezuela, with officials expected to visit as the deal faces skepticism over legal authority and timelines to revive production. NABEP Appointments: NABEP has named Sara Chouraqui as General Counsel, bringing experience from the UK Serious Fraud Office as the company prepares for wider regional growth. Agriculture & Food Security: Barbados has relaunched Project CARE as a long-term food security drive, targeting household resilience with training and livestock/crop support; Deacons Farm will back about 600 families. Skills Pipeline: Minister Sandra Husbands says Barbados must rethink technical and vocational education as the Hope Agricultural Training Institute ramps up for 2026-2027. Fishing Reform: Barbados is moving toward mandatory circle hooks for the longline fleet to improve tuna catch and survival of released species. Hospitality & Tourism: CTO will launch a Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026, while CHIEF returns to Barbados in November to connect hotel operators and suppliers. Local Business Growth: Chefette is set to open its 14th Barbados outlet in Newton, creating 50 jobs. Trade & Shipping Risk: Turkish shipping firms have suspended services to Russian ports citing increased dangers, adding pressure and risk surcharges for regional cargo routes.

Black Sea Shipping Risk: Turkish lines Akkon Lines and Arka have suspended calls to Russian ports after the drone strike that left the containership RMS Teams a total constructive loss, with shippers facing added risk and container surcharges. Venezuela Energy Deal Watch: Chevron is set to expand in Venezuela as the Trump-backed framework with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) takes shape around 65 billion barrels; analysts question timelines and legal authority, while NABEP’s CEO Alejandro Betancourt López remains at the centre of scrutiny. Barbados Agriculture & Skills: Minister Sandra Husbands says Barbados must shift how it views technical and vocational training as HATI’s 2026-27 term opens, with a new push for modern, tech-enabled farming. Land for Graduates: Government says HATI graduates could receive 1–2 acres, alongside a planned tissue culture lab and backyard growing programmes to boost food production. NABEP Legal Appointments: NABEP names Sara Chouraqui as newly created general counsel, bringing experience from the UK Serious Fraud Office to support governance and cross-border expansion. Hospitality & Tourism Pipeline: Chefette announces its 14th Barbados outlet in Newton (Christ Church) with construction underway and jobs planned; CTO launches a Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC; and CHIEF returns to Barbados in November for hotel and supplier networking. Labour Enforcement: BWU warns labour shortages can’t justify importing cheap labour, calling for tighter work-permit scrutiny after migrant worker conditions at a construction site triggered intervention and investigations. Sports & Industry Links: Government explores a pickleball partnership to grow the sport regionally and mass-produce road tennis rackets, while Barbadian driver Zane Maloney switches to Nissan for Formula E 2026/27.

Barbados Agriculture Upskilling: Hope Agricultural Training Institute (HATI) opened its new school year with the first cohort of 181 students, pushing a tech-forward approach to farming as Barbados imports over 90% of its food. Sports & Manufacturing Push: Government is exploring a partnership with the Ultimate Pickleball League to grow pickleball in Barbados and mass-produce road tennis rackets for international sales, with retrofits planned for local hardcourts and a coaching clinic next month. Tourism Industry Networking: The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) returns to Barbados Nov. 16–18, 2026 at Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle, bringing hotel executives, suppliers and an Exchange Hub for practical growth strategies. Labour Watchdog: The Barbados Workers’ Union warned against using “labour shortages” to justify importing cheap labour, calling for tighter work-permit scrutiny after concerns over migrant worker conditions in the construction sector. Renewables Financing Call: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Barbados among eligible countries seeking support via its Climate Investment Platform and financing accelerator. Aviation/Travel Demand: JetBlue’s weekly nonstop from Boston to Barbados is spotlighted as a way to experience the island’s west, south and east coasts with different hotel bases. Energy & Trade Ties: Barbados’ energy and trade cooperation with Venezuela is in focus as a new US-backed oil arrangement involving a Barbados-based operator targets long-term field development. Global Business Moves: Afreximbank named new regional operations leadership, including Kudakwashe Matereke for Anglophone West Africa, as the bank aims to deepen intra-African trade and industrialisation.

Tourism Leadership & Talent Pipeline: The Caribbean Tourism Organization is set to launch its inaugural Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, using an interactive town hall on Oct. 5 to let students and emerging professionals shape the region’s tourism future around climate, AI, entrepreneurship, biodiversity, community tourism, destination management and workforce development. Hospitality Deal-Making in Barbados: The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) returns to Barbados Nov. 16–18 at Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle, with three days of sessions, an Exchange Hub marketplace for suppliers, and a strong focus on practical strategies for hotel operators. Labour Rights Push: Barbados Workers’ Union leaders are calling for tighter work-permit scrutiny and stronger enforcement of labour standards, after concerns about migrant workers’ “subpar conditions” in the construction sector and warnings that labour shortages shouldn’t be used to justify importing cheap labour. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Barbados included, for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Retail Cost Pressure: Bridgetown retailers say rising freight, customs clearance and operating costs are forcing price increases as back-to-school demand grows. Energy & Grid Costs Watch: Barbados’ water system is expected to feel El Niño impacts during next year’s dry season, while broader signals point to looming electricity price pressure tied to the power grid transition.

Tourism Market Push: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. has appointed Michèle Rauzon as Business Development Representative for Québec, aiming to deepen travel-trade partnerships, deliver destination training, and grow visitor momentum from the province. Food & Agriculture Opportunity: CARICOM is targeting a 25% cut in the region’s $6bn food import bill, opening a potential $1.5bn annual opportunity for Caribbean agribusinesses—though supply consistency and price competitiveness remain key hurdles. Labour Rights Pressure: The Barbados Workers’ Union is urging stricter scrutiny of work permits and tighter enforcement of labour standards, citing subpar conditions found during an intervention involving migrant workers in the construction sector. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Barbados, with support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Cost of Living & Imports: Retailers say higher freight, customs clearance and operating costs are forcing price increases, while the BCCI is pushing a “price compact” and exploring alternative supply routes to reduce import costs. Energy & Water Watch: Barbados’ water system is expected to feel El Niño impacts during next year’s dry season, and climate experts are calling for policy updates to boost renewable energy adoption. Industry Skills & Jobs: A TVET-backed fashion and beauty workshop is building local capability, while an IICA youth farm programme is training young people in poultry and livestock production.

Labour Watch: The Barbados Workers’ Union is pushing for tighter scrutiny of work permits, warning that “labour shortages” can’t be used to justify importing cheap labour after concerns over subpar conditions for migrant workers in the construction sector, including ordered alternative accommodation, passport returns, and possible prosecutions. Food & Retail Costs: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging a “price compact” push to cut consumer prices, including proposals to change how taxes and duties are calculated on imports and to source fruits/vegetables from alternative overseas markets to reduce costs by at least 25%. Energy Transition: Business leaders warn renewable rollout could raise electricity bills in the short term as the grid needs extra investment to keep reliability, while climate experts back policy updates to boost renewable adoption. Tourism Readiness: Tourism operators are strengthening training for critical incident response for visitors. Water & Climate: The Barbados Water Authority says El Niño impacts won’t hit immediately, but may be felt during next year’s dry season. Industry & Skills: TVET training is building sustainable fashion and beauty skills, while youth farmers are gaining poultry and livestock production experience. Heritage & Infrastructure: Work continues on restoring the Barbados Archives after a 2024 fire, and the Newton Slave Burial Ground is set for a November opening.

Caribbean trade & retail pressure: Bridgetown retailers say escalating freight, customs clearance and operating costs are forcing price hikes as back-to-school demand rises, while the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry pushes a “price compact” and is exploring alternative supply routes (including Latin America and South America) to cut imported food costs by at least 25%. Energy transition watch: Business leaders warn renewable build-out may raise electricity bills in the short term as the grid needs extra investment to keep reliability during the shift. Renewables financing push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Barbados, with support aimed at de-risking and accelerating solar, wind, hydropower and green industrialization projects. Labour enforcement: The Barbados Workers’ Union calls for stricter enforcement of labour standards and a fully staffed Labour Department, citing ongoing violations in sectors including construction. Fashion & skills: A Barbados TVET workshop is sharpening fashion and beauty skills, while Sonia Noel’s 30-year fashion milestone highlights practical AI use in design and business discovery. Community & heritage: Residents in St Andrew renew calls to better protect Long Pond beach and wetland, and Barbados’ Archives Department continues repairs after a 2024 fire. Sports & sponsorship: Zane Maloney switches to Nissan for Formula E 2026/27, and 1xBet signs on as sponsor of the Barbados Tridents for CPL 2026.

Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Barbados, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing—covering power generation, green industrialisation and supply-chain projects. Cost of Living & Trade: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pressing Government on a “price compact” and tax-duty calculation changes, while also exploring direct supply routes (including Latin America and South America) to cut imported food costs by at least 25%. Electricity Transition Watch: A former BL&P chief warns renewable grid upgrades could raise electricity costs in the short term as Barbados maintains reliability during the shift. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Bridgetown retailers say freight, customs clearance and operating costs are forcing higher back-to-school prices. Energy Projects Scrutiny: Concerns are growing over the $270m Basseterre High School project in St Kitts and Nevis, with questions about overseas manufacturing and the level of local work, calling for transparency. Heritage & Records: Repairs and protective measures continue at Barbados’ Archives Department after a 2024 fire damaged historic records. Youth & Skills: TVET training is boosting sustainable fashion and beauty skills, while an IICA youth farm programme is building poultry and livestock capability. Community Environment: St Andrew residents and advocates are renewing calls to better protect Long Pond, citing off-road damage, litter and weak visitor controls.

Retail & Cost Pressures: Bridgetown retailers say escalating freight, customs clearance and operating costs are forcing back-to-school price hikes, as shoppers seek more help from charities. Business Advocacy: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing a “price compact” and tax-duty calculation changes, plus alternative supply routes (including Latin and South America) to cut imported food costs by at least 25%. Energy Transition Watch: A warning that renewable build-out could raise electricity bills in the short term as the grid needs extra investment for stability; consumer groups also stress the transition must be fair and transparent. Power Project Update: Government expects a tariff ruling by Sept. 15 for the $350m Harrow hybrid energy plant, a key step before construction. Agriculture & Jobs: Agriculture Minister Israel R Bruce calls for PPPs to unlock investment in farming; Munro-Knight says retailer purchase agreements will be expanded to boost production and exports. Tourism Preparedness: Tourism operators are being trained for critical incident response for visitors. Water & Climate: Barbados’ water system is expected to feel El Niño effects during next year’s dry season, not immediately. Health Infrastructure: The new Geriatric Hospital is set to open Phase I (300 beds) in late 2026, with Phase II adding 270 beds. Local Heritage: Newton Slave Burial Ground is on track for a November opening tied to independence celebrations. Sports & Industry Links: Active Capital Re joins BIBA; and Barbados Tridents land a 1xBet sponsorship for CPL 2026.

Renewables & Power Costs: Barbados’ push to add more renewable energy is coming with warnings of short-term electricity bill pressure as the grid needs extra equipment to stay stable, while the Fair Trading Commission has approved synchronous condensers for Barbados Light & Power (no immediate rise yet, but future rate reviews could shift costs). Food & Cost of Living: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pressing Government on a new price compact and import-related charges, including proposals to change how duties and taxes are calculated, and it says alternative supply routes could cut some fruits, vegetables and foods by at least 25%. Agriculture Investment: Agriculture Minister Israel R Bruce is calling for stronger Public Private Partnerships to unlock agriculture investment, urging agencies like FAO to help bridge gaps for SIDS where investors are hard to find. Water & Climate Risk: The Barbados Water Authority says El Niño impacts won’t hit the system immediately, but effects may show up during next year’s dry season. Energy Project Update: A $350m hybrid energy power plant at Harrow Plantation is awaiting a tariff ruling expected by September 15, a key step before construction can begin. Border Security: Customs seized firearms, ammunition, drugs and plant material in a major haul, warning smugglers are adapting routes and pushing for tighter coordination. Health Infrastructure: Barbados’ new Geriatric Hospital is set to open in phases, with Phase I targeting 300 beds by late 2026 and Phase II adding 270 more. Trade & Compliance: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn and Customs Comptroller Lynette Padmore warned of fraudulent import documents like under-invoicing and mis-labelling, saying it can reduce revenue and raise prices.