AGP Executive Report

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.

Poultry Supply Watch: Barbados says more than 90% of the 8.4 million kg of poultry eaten in the first half of 2026 was produced locally, with officials pointing to an overall reduction in imports and an upward production trend. Local Food Industry Pressure: The Barbados Agricultural Society disputes that, warning state-linked imports of poultry and pork are undercutting farmers and worsening storage and selling problems, while agriculture officials push back. Water & Infrastructure: Barbados has launched the US$66m South Coast Water Reclamation Project, with China Railway Shanghai Engineering Group upgrading wastewater treatment and building a new facility to reuse reclaimed water for irrigation and groundwater recharge. Port & Cost of Living: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging an efficient Bridgetown Port cargo pre-clearance system, saying it could cut costs by about $19m and help ease the cost chain for consumers. Business Transparency: Government tabled the Beneficial Ownership, Transparency and Register Bill to require companies to disclose ultimate human owners, aiming to strengthen anti-money laundering and keep Barbados aligned with international standards. Regional Connectivity Debate: Dr Dennis McCall argues intraregional travel is declining due to high costs, taxes, and weak connectivity, calling for structural fixes to boost regional movement and spending. Environment & Tourism Risk: Scientists warn sargassum may be entering a self-sustaining cycle, repeatedly disrupting Caribbean beaches and marine activity. Global Shipping Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned Iranian maritime “insurance” firms and tanker-linked entities tied to alleged Strait of Hormuz extortion and sanctions-busting oil trade, with Barbados flagged among affected locations. Training & Skills Link: China’s ambassador says 1,000 Barbadians will be sent to China annually for professional training across sectors. Construction Update: The new National Stadium is on track for a 2027 handover, with the Chinese contractor reporting progress on concrete and steel works. Conservation Note: Seven juvenile American alligators have been relocated to Barbados’ Paradise Nature Park as part of an international conservation effort.

Beneficial Ownership Push: Barbados tabled the Beneficial Ownership, Transparency and Register Bill, requiring every registered company to disclose its ultimate human owners or face penalties—aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering compliance and closing loopholes that hide behind nominees. Agriculture Tension: Poultry officials rejected claims that state-linked imports are undercutting local producers, as BAS says storage limits and near-capacity cold storage are squeezing small farmers and raising fears of fee hikes. Energy & Industry Outlook: Seismic surveys suggest Barbados may have oil “in place” of upwards of 13 billion barrels and potentially 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, adding momentum to attract major offshore explorers. Regional Trade & Shipping: A proposed CARICOM ferry move is framed as trade infrastructure to cut intra-regional shipping costs and boost non-energy exports. Climate Damage Lens: New research estimates Caribbean nations faced $53.2bn in climate-fuelled disaster damage from 2000–2024, feeding calls for climate justice. Tourism & Infrastructure: The National Stadium rebuild is on track for a 2027 handover, while a Barbados-China training programme will send 1,000 Barbadians to China annually.

Barbados Business Transparency: Barbados is moving to strengthen beneficial ownership rules, with the Beneficial Ownership Bill requiring companies to disclose who ultimately owns or controls them—aimed at tackling money laundering and terrorist financing while covering both large and local firms. Caribbean Energy & Shipping: A new regional study flags Trinidad and Tobago as a potential green-fuel bunker hub, while Barbados and the Bahamas are set to lead shore-power pilots—pushing maritime decarbonisation through commercial demand. Barbados Oil Potential: Seismic surveys suggest Barbados may have more than 13 billion barrels of oil in place and over 40 trillion cubic feet of gas, adding momentum to efforts to attract major offshore explorers. Tourism & Training: China’s ambassador says 1,000 Barbadians will be sent to China annually for professional training, and the National Nutrition Centre wrapped up a summer camp focused on preventing non-communicable diseases. Infrastructure Update: The new National Stadium at Waterford is on track for a 2027 handover, with steel works targeted for completion by December this year. Regional Policy Watch: Colombia’s president-elect plans to close 14 embassies (including Barbados) and cut consulates, citing cost savings and a reshaped foreign service. Local Industry Pressure: Barbados Agricultural Society warns poultry and pork imports are squeezing domestic producers and small farmers, even as storage capacity expands.

Barbados-China Skills Push: China’s ambassador to Barbados says a new programme will send 1,000 Barbadians to China each year for professional training across sectors, as both countries gear up for 50 years of ties in 2027. Food & Farming Pressure: The Barbados Agricultural Society is warning that poultry and pork imports are undercutting expanding local production, with small farmers struggling to sell as cold storage capacity tightens. Stadium Delivery Watch: The rebuild of the National Stadium at Waterford is on course, with concrete works progressing and the steel structure targeted for completion by December 2026, followed by handover in Q3 2027. Energy Prospecting: Barbados officials say seismic surveys point to potentially 13 billion barrels of oil in place and 40 trillion cubic feet of gas, boosting efforts to attract major offshore explorers. Consumer Protection for Cars: Barbados National Standards Institution and the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Department are moving toward a vehicle inspection and pre-certification programme to curb hidden defects and improve import oversight. Regional Travel Business: Antigua’s PM renews calls for an OECS-owned airline, arguing current delays and cancellations are hurting regional connectivity and tourism. Tourism Recognition: A Voice reporter was honoured by the Barbados Tourism Industry for work spotlighting Barbados beyond the beaches. US Visa Risk for Artists: An opposition senator flags reports of US visa revocations affecting music entertainers, warning it could hit international performance revenue.

Offshore Energy Watch: Barbados’ latest seismic survey is pointing to major potential offshore oil and gas—officials cite estimates of upwards of 13 billion barrels of oil in place and more than 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, while stressing these are not proven reserves and will need drilling to confirm commercial viability. Tourism & Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched a new nonstop Barbados–Antigua route, positioning the service as part of a wider “One Caribbean” push to boost regional travel for both tourism and business. Local Media Recognition: Voice reporter Damian Hall was honoured by the Barbados Tourism Industry for his feature “Barbados Beyond the Beaches,” spotlighting culture and heritage beyond the shoreline. Transport Consumer Protection: Barbados National Standards Institution is preparing a national vehicle inspection scheme with Japan’s EAA Company Limited to pre-check imported cars before they leave exporting countries, aiming to reduce hidden defects and improve road safety. Bilateral Training Push: China’s ambassador says 1,000 Barbadians will be sent to China annually for professional training across sectors as the two countries move toward 50 years of diplomatic ties. Business & Risk: USA Risk Group promoted Scott Stollmeyer to head of its Barbados office, tasking him with leading operations and client service growth. Sports Development: Patrick Husbands plans to establish a riding school in Barbados to train aspiring jockeys for international competition. Construction Update: The new National Stadium at Waterford is on track for a third-quarter 2027 handover, with steel structure work targeted for completion by December this year.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Sunrise Airways launched a new nonstop Barbados–Antigua route, operating twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays), with officials and tourism leaders hailing it as part of a wider “One Caribbean” push to grow travel, business links and regional cultural exchange. US Visa Pressure on Entertainment: Opposition senator Jonathan Wehner warned that reports of US visa revocations for local musicians could hit international bookings and revenue for the entertainment industry. Skills & Capacity Building: China’s ambassador announced a programme to send 1,000 Barbadians to China each year for professional training across sectors, as both countries mark 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2027. Consumer Protection for Imports: Barbados National Standards Institution is preparing a national vehicle inspection scheme with pre-certification abroad to reduce hidden defects like accident or flood damage and odometer tampering. Regional Creative Funding: Kingston Creative became the first Caribbean NGO to win a UNESCO-Aschberg grant, backing a Caribbean Artist Resilience & Empowerment programme that will expand to Trinidad and Barbados. Hospitality Training Push (Tobago): THTI is urging hospitality certification ahead of a tourism surge tied to the new ANR Robinson airport terminal. Business & Logistics: Bryden pi plans to relocate warehouse operations to The Brydens Group’s new Chaguanas distribution hub to support a 3PL model and regional pharmaceutical distribution. Insurance Leadership: USA Risk Group promoted Scott Stollmeyer to head its Barbados office, citing his role in client service and office growth.

Air Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched a new twice-weekly nonstop Barbados–Antigua & Barbuda route, with officials hailing it as a boost for tourism, business travel and regional trade links. Tourism & Awards: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill credited frontline workers as Barbados topped a 2026 “Ultimate Winter Escape” list, reinforcing the destination’s brand beyond hotels and airlift. Labour & Business Climate: The Barbados Employers’ Confederation marked 70 years shaping employment relations, training and modern labour law advocacy. Consumer Protection (Vehicles): Barbados National Standards Institution is preparing a national vehicle inspection scheme to pre-certify imported cars and reduce hidden defects for buyers. Housing Oversight: A crackdown at a National Housing Corporation project in Brighton, St George, ordered the removal of migrant workers found packed into unfinished homes. Agriculture & Imports: The Barbados Agricultural Society renewed calls to curb meat imports, warning cold stores are full and local pork/poultry producers are under severe pressure. Regional Industry Finance: IDB Invest announced a major strategic partnership with Trinidad’s ANSA McAL Group to expand manufacturing, logistics and supply chains across the Caribbean. STEM Talent: Antigua selected two students for the SPISE programme, with the residential component taking place in Barbados. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service is set for a five-year overhaul aimed at moving from mail delivery to broader “national connectivity.”

Regional Air Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched a new twice-weekly nonstop Barbados–Antigua and Barbuda route, with officials calling it a boost for tourism, business travel, and regional trade links. Consumer Protection & Standards: Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) is preparing a national vehicle inspection scheme with Japan’s EAA Company Limited to pre-check imported cars before they leave exporting countries, targeting hidden damage and odometer tampering. Labour & Business Climate: The Barbados Employers’ Confederation marks 70 years of shaping industrial relations, pushing fair labour laws, and supporting employer training and workplace resilience. Tourism Industry Recognition: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill credited tourism workers after Barbados topped a winter escape destinations list, reinforcing that awards are tied to service and brand strength. Agriculture Under Pressure: The Barbados Agricultural Society renewed calls to curb meat imports, saying cold stores are full and cheap foreign pork and poultry are squeezing local producers. Regional Investment Push: IDB Invest announced a strategic partnership with Trinidad’s ANSA McAL Group, approving up to US$500m to expand manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and supply chains across the region. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service is set for a major five-year overhaul aimed at moving from mail delivery toward broader national connectivity.

Regional Air Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched a new twice-weekly nonstop Barbados–Antigua route, with inaugural flights and ribbon-cuttings at GAIA and Grantley Adams—boosting tourism, business travel, and island-to-island trade links. Tourism Industry: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill credited frontline tourism workers as Barbados celebrated top destination recognition, tying brand strength to daily service. Consumer Protection & Imports: Barbados National Standards Institution is preparing a national vehicle inspection scheme with Japan’s EAA Company to pre-certify imported used cars before they leave the exporting country, targeting hidden damage and odometer tampering. Agriculture & Food Supply: Barbados Agricultural Society renewed calls to curb meat imports, warning cold stores are full and local pork and poultry producers are squeezed by cheaper foreign competition. Logistics & Distribution: Bryden pi plans to relocate warehouse operations to The Brydens Group’s new 250,000 sq ft Chaguanas distribution hub, positioning Trinidad as a regional pharmaceutical logistics centre. STEM Talent Pipeline: Antigua and Barbuda selected two students for SPISE 2026, sending them to Barbados for a residential STEM programme with regional peers. Regional Development Finance: IDB Invest announced a strategic partnership with Trinidad’s ANSA McAL Group, approving up to US$500m to expand manufacturing, logistics, and supply chains across the Caribbean. Energy & Policy Debate: A Caribbean-wide energy commentary argues fossil fuels still dominate and highlights the need for practical, consistent energy planning beyond past renewable targets.

National Standards & Consumer Protection: Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) is preparing a National Vehicle Import Conformity Assessment and Pre-Certification Programme, with inspections planned before cars leave exporting countries to curb hidden issues like flood damage, corrosion, odometer tampering and mechanical defects. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched a new direct Barbados–Antigua route, with a twice-weekly service aimed at boosting tourism, business travel and regional ties. Heat-Driven Retail Demand: With August expected to bring the year’s most intense heat, retailers report rising sales of fans and air conditioning, including inverter units, as households and businesses prepare early. Tourism Industry Recognition: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill credited frontline tourism workers after Barbados topped a 2026 “Ultimate Winter Escape” destinations list. Labour Policy Simplification: Gooding-Edghill told Parliament Barbados needs a single consolidated labour-law framework to make compliance easier and reduce workplace disputes. Regional Finance & Industry: IDB Invest announced a strategic partnership with ANSA McAL Group, approving up to US$500m to support manufacturing, logistics, distribution and supply chains across the region. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service is set for a major five-year overhaul to move from mail delivery toward “national connectivity.” Agriculture Under Pressure: The Barbados Agricultural Society again urged action on meat imports, warning cold stores are full and local pork and poultry producers are being squeezed by cheaper imports. Sports Talent Pipeline: Patrick Husbands plans a riding school in Barbados to train aspiring jockeys, with international interest and support from the Ministry of Sports. International Spotlight on Barbados: Ocean science news notes a Rutgers-led Atlantic expedition departing from Bridgetown, with two early-career oceanographers co-leading a 25-day research trip.

Aviation & Tourism: Sunrise Airways launched a new twice-weekly direct Barbados–Antigua service, with officials calling it a boost for tourism, trade and family travel. Retail & Climate Resilience: With August heat expected to be the year’s most intense, Barbados retailers report rising demand for air conditioners and fans, including inverter models and new fan ranges. Tourism Workforce: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill praised tourism workers after Barbados topped a regional “Ultimate Winter Escape” list, stressing that awards reflect people, not just hotels and airlift. Insurance & Risk Services: USA Risk Group promoted Scott Stollmeyer to head of its Barbados office, tasking him with leading operations and client service. Housing Procurement Scrutiny: A crackdown in the region highlights concerns over no-bid housing contracts and oversight gaps, with calls for tighter procurement rules. Agriculture & Imports: The Barbados Agricultural Society warned that meat imports are overwhelming cold stores and squeezing local pork and poultry producers. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service is set for a major five-year overhaul aimed at moving from mail delivery to broader “national connectivity.” Regional Finance: IDB Invest announced a strategic partnership with Trinidad’s ANSA McAL Group, backing manufacturing and logistics with up to US$500m.

Regional Air Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched its twice-weekly nonstop Antigua–Barbados service, with officials calling it a boost for tourism, business travel, and trade under a “One Caribbean” vision. Logistics & Pharma Supply Chains: Bryden pi will relocate warehouse operations to The Brydens Group’s new 250,000 sq ft Chaguanas distribution hub, supporting a shift to an integrated 3PL model for medicines across the Caribbean. Maritime Safety: After the MV St Vincent VII sank off French Guiana, a rescued Trinidadian fisherman later died aboard the vessel that saved the crew; authorities say the group was en route to Barbados before changing course. Local Labour & Construction Oversight: Barbados officials cracked down on a National Housing Corporation contracted project in Brighton, ordering the immediate removal of migrant workers found packed into unfinished homes. Agriculture Under Pressure: The Barbados Agricultural Society warned that meat imports are overwhelming cold stores and squeezing pork and poultry producers, urging tighter trade controls. Postal Modernisation: Barbados Postal Service is set for a major five-year overhaul aimed at moving from mail delivery to broader national connectivity. Energy Transition Funding: CDB approved US$232,000 to strengthen Caribbean development finance institutions, including SME lending, renewable energy, and climate resilience. Telecoms & Digital Skills: CANTO’s 41st annual conference will run Aug 9–12 in Punta Cana, while CARICOM’s TVET digitalisation push highlights regionally tailored training for instructors and delivery.