AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments Leap: Barbados officially launched BiMPay, its national instant payment system, with the first transaction made by PM Mia Amor Mottley—aimed at faster, 24/7 transfers for people and businesses and a push toward a more digital economy. Launch Hiccups: The Central Bank says strong demand triggered delays in BiMPay e-wallet registration emails (not the payment rail), with an interim fix delivering 1,500 Gmail codes and more work underway. Next Phase Integration: NISSS will move into BiMPay’s second phase to speed digital access for pensioners and contributors, including cost-of-living cash credit. Credit Union Push: A credit union CEO welcomed BiMPay but urged policy fixes to boost credit union growth, including getting more employers to deposit salaries directly. Tourism Momentum: Barbados reported record visitor arrivals at the BHTA awards and rolled out “Tourism 3.0,” targeting higher visitor spend and greater local ownership. Transport Tensions: Uber defended its Barbados model amid taxi-operator concerns, saying it works only with licensed drivers and follows official fare rates. Local Governance & Housing: DLP’s Ian Griffith criticised delays and accountability issues in housing projects, citing stalled HOPE developments. Public Health: Advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage reformulations and renewed school nutrition pressure. Community Loss: Prime Minister Mottley paid tribute to late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, who died after collapsing at an event. Regional Business Watch: EU funding opened for biodiversity and natural capital projects across Caribbean OCTs, with a June 23 info session and an Aug 28 deadline.

Digital Payments: Barbados’ national instant payment system, BiMPay, went live with the first transaction by PM Mia Amor Mottley, aiming to speed up payments 24/7 and support a more digital economy; early demand hit registration, with the Central Bank reporting about 11,000 downloads and delays delivering email registration codes to some Gmail users, while the payment rail itself remains operational. Financial Inclusion: The NISSS is set to be incorporated into BiMPay in a second phase, giving pensioners and contributors faster access to funds, with sign-up drives underway. Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says Barbados closed 2025 with record arrivals—727,310 long-stay and 817,950 cruise—and is pushing “Tourism 3.0” to lift visitor spend and local participation. Labour & Work: Barbados helped shape a landmark ILO convention setting protections for gig and platform workers, including fair pay and social protection benchmarks. Transport & Regulation: Uber moved to reassure Barbados taxi operators, saying it works only with licensed drivers and follows official fare rates. Public Sector & Business: Barbados’ credit unions welcomed BiMPay but urged policymakers to tackle barriers limiting credit union growth, including salary deposits. Regional Business: Global Ports Holding is in exclusive talks to manage and develop St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ cruise port under a concession, with potential phased investment up to EC$250m. Community & Industry: The fishing sector mourns the sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, who collapsed during an event at the Weston Fish Market.

Digital Payments: Barbados made history with the launch of BiMPay, the national instant payment system, with PM Mia Mottley completing the first transaction after the Central Bank’s go-live event. Fintech Operations: Strong public demand drove more than 11,000 app downloads within minutes, causing temporary registration-code email delays for some Gmail users, while the payment rail stayed operational. Labour & Inclusion: Barbados also backed a landmark ILO convention for gig and platform workers, aiming to set global benchmarks on pay, protections, safety and how automated systems are used. Tourism Business: Barbados was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, a major B2B tourism event, as industry leaders tout the island’s continued leadership. Transport Economy: Uber defended its Barbados model amid taxi-operator concerns, saying it works with licensed drivers and follows official fare structures. Public Health & Food Policy: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage reformulations and a renewed push to curb junk food marketing around schools. Governance & Compliance: Government moved ahead on beneficial ownership legislation, with a plan for a private central register to boost corporate transparency. Local Leadership: PM Mottley paid tribute to late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, who died after collapsing at a fisheries event.

Digital Payments: Barbados made history with the launch of BiMPay, the island’s first national instant payment system, with PM Mia Mottley completing the maiden transaction via QR code; the Central Bank says the payment rail is operating normally, but a surge in downloads caused temporary delays in e-wallet registration emails for some users (notably Gmail), with fixes underway. Policy & Governance: Opposition and credit union leaders broadly welcomed BiMPay while urging stronger public trust and reforms, and Government also moved ahead with beneficial ownership legislation and a private central register to boost corporate transparency. Labour & Inclusion: Barbados helped shape a landmark ILO convention for gig and platform workers, setting global benchmarks on fair pay, social protection and workplace safety. Transport & Competition: Uber defended its Barbados ride-hailing model amid concerns from taxi operators, saying it works only with licensed drivers and follows official fare structures. Tourism & Business Events: Barbados was named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, while CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a partnership to expand Caribbean tourism storytelling. Public Health & Food: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage moves and a new campaign targeting junk food marketing in schools, as Government plans to redirect savings from a proposed debt buyback toward health and nutrition initiatives. Other Local News: PM Mottley paid tribute to Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox after her sudden death; and a defence attorney questioned whether Barbados needs a dedicated firearms court amid legal backlogs.

Payments & Regulation: Barbados’ Central Bank hosted a BiMPay go-live “pyjama party” ahead of the platform’s official launch, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley set to complete the first transaction live; opposition figures are urging more public discussion on how BiMPay works, how data is protected, and how the system will be governed. Corporate Transparency: Government is moving ahead with beneficial ownership legislation and a private central register, requiring companies to disclose the natural persons who ultimately own or control them to strengthen compliance and fight financial crime. Tourism & Business Events: Barbados has been named host destination for the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (45th edition), a major B2B tourism gathering bringing global buyers to regional suppliers. Health & Food Policy: The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados launched a campaign targeting junk food marketing around schools, while Barbados’ broader public health push is also set to be funded partly through savings from a proposed $1.2bn debt buyback aimed at health and nutrition initiatives. Innovation & Industry: Harris Paints unveiled “Quantum Dry” dry tinting for single-base systems, positioning Barbados as a launch point for a more sustainable approach to paint colour matching. Housing Pressure: Minister Chris Gibbs said more than 4,000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance, with demand still outstripping supply as the Government pursues multiple delivery strategies. Elder Protection: BARP is calling for police training to treat elder abuse as a serious crime, alongside vigilance from legal and financial professionals.

Payments Modernisation: The Central Bank hosted a “pyjama party” ahead of BiMPay’s go-live, with PM Mia Amor Mottley set to complete the first live transaction just before midnight—aimed at instant bank-to-bank and bank-to-person transfers. Governance & Risk: The DLP welcomed BiMPay but pressed for transparency, public oversight, and clear safeguards around how personal data is collected, protected, and retained. Corporate Transparency: Government is moving ahead with beneficial ownership legislation, including a private central register, after a workshop drew 112 licensed corporate and trust service providers. Public Health & Food Policy: The Heart & Stroke Foundation launched a four-week campaign targeting junk food marketing around schools, while Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says savings from a proposed $1.2bn debt buyback will fund health and nutrition initiatives. Elder Protection: BARP renewed calls for stronger police training and vigilance from lawyers and financial professionals as it warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse and financial exploitation. Tourism & Business: Barbados was named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, and Royalton opened Royalton Vessence Barbados, an adult-oriented all-inclusive on the Platinum Coast. Housing Pressure: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs said over 4,000 seek assistance as demand outstrips supply, with multiple strategies including new builds, social mortgages, and NHC restructuring. Regional Development: IADB said it will support St Vincent and the Grenadines despite not being a borrowing member, highlighting partnership models for small economies. Culture & Youth: Legacy Foundation and Notes of Praise launched “Music and Money” to pair musical training with financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Community Support: Lions Club of Barbados North donated to the Daryll Jordan Secondary Steel Orchestra. International Spotlight: Barbados rum producer Foursquare Distillery won five Gold Outstanding medals at the 2026 IWSC.

Payments Modernisation: Barbados’ Central Bank is set to launch BiMPay on June 12, promising instant, real-time transfers across banks and credit unions, with a livestream marking the first live transaction. Local Governance & Accountability: The DLP welcomed BiMPay but pressed for transparency and safeguards around how personal data is handled as the payments system modernises. Housing Pressure: Housing Minister Chris Gibbs says more than 4,000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance, with demand still outstripping supply while the government pursues construction, social mortgages, land regularisation and NHC restructuring. Tourism Deal-Making: CHTA has named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, a major B2B tourism event bringing global buyers and regional suppliers together. SME Export Push (Regional): TTMA in Trinidad and Tobago is rolling out a new Export Action Programme cohort for SMEs, building on earlier cohorts that reported new foreign sales. Energy Transition (Regional): Dominica becomes the first Caribbean nation to put geothermal power on its national grid, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel after commissioning issues. Public Health & Environment: Barbados expects Saharan dust relief as conditions improve, while Antigua and Barbuda explores Japanese technical support to turn sargassum into marketable products.

Digital Payments Upgrade: Barbados moves to real-time transfers with BiMPay launching June 12, promising instant settlement across banks and credit unions, with e-wallet features via phone numbers, email and QR codes. Financial Oversight: The DLP backs BiMPay’s modernisation but demands transparency and safeguards around how personal data is handled. Health Regulation Reform: Senators advanced the Barbados Medical Products Bill to create a new autonomous Barbados Medical Products Authority, aiming to strengthen medicine and device oversight and improve access. Workforce & Jobs: The BWU is in talks with C.O. Williams Construction after reports of potential redundancies, while CTUSAB calls for urgent evidence-based labour talks as skills shortages persist. Elder Protection: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse, urging enforcement and community vigilance ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Tourism Business: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, a major B2B tourism event bringing global buyers to local suppliers. Tourism & Culture: The Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend continues to draw high-value visitors, while the Caribbean Music Awards opens public voting with 250+ nominees. Crime & Courts: Government is pushing for dedicated gun courts to speed up firearm case handling and reduce backlog.

Barbados Medical Products Act: Senators weighed in as the Government pushes the Barbados Medical Products Bill, creating a new autonomous Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines, medical devices and health products, improve access to safe treatments, and align local oversight with international standards. Gun courts push: Prime Minister Mia Mottley backed amendments to speed up firearm cases, including a dedicated Firearms Division and “gun courts” aimed at getting matters before judges within weeks. Construction layoffs dispute: The BWU says it is in talks with C.O. Williams Construction after reports of about 30 redundancies, demanding evidence and fair selection as the union warns of wider sector fallout. Digital payments upgrade: CIBC Caribbean expanded mobile wallet options, letting customers add Visa and Mastercard cards to Google Wallet (starting June 9 in Barbados and other markets), reinforcing the shift toward contactless banking. Trade finance boost for the region: IDB Invest and CDB signed a US$25 million guarantee arrangement to expand access to trade financing for Caribbean businesses. Tourism and investment access pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief reportedly faced a US visa renewal denial, raising concerns for Caribbean investors and travel-dependent operators. Regional preparedness: CDEMA urged stronger emergency communications and information sharing ahead of the hurricane season, citing lessons from 2025. Business and innovation spotlight: Harris Paints launched a world-first single-base dry tinting system in Barbados, while Harbourvale Foods highlighted how Caribbean ingredients are being turned into modern pantry products.

Barbados Medical Products Act: Senators weighed in as government tables the Barbados Medical Products Bill to create a new Barbados Medical Products Authority, aimed at tighter regulation of medicines and devices, better access, and support for local life-sciences and pharma manufacturing. Gun courts push: PM Mia Mottley backed a Supreme Court of Judicature amendment to set up dedicated firearms “gun courts” and expand the High Court bench so firearm cases move quickly—targeting weeks, not months. Workforce retention pressure: HRMAB says employers are struggling to attract and keep staff as workers increasingly prioritise culture, flexibility, and development—not just pay. Digital payments upgrade: CIBC Caribbean says its Visa and Mastercard cards can now be added to Google Wallet in Barbados, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Trinidad, with Google Pay rolling out from June 9. Labour dispute watch: CTUSAB called for urgent national talks after reports CO Williams plans layoffs, highlighting a growing mismatch between job-seekers and sector labour shortages. Regional trade finance: CDB and IDB Invest launched a US$25m trade finance facility to expand access to guarantees for Caribbean trade transactions. Hurricane readiness: CDEMA urged preparedness and pointed to 2025 lessons, including the need for more reliable, harmonised emergency communications and better information sharing. Climate-tech in schools: St James Secondary won RBC Young Leaders 2026’s top prize with WORM, a waste-optimisation project aligned to climate and community resilience. Paint innovation: Harris Paints introduced a world-first single-base dry tinting system now available in Barbados.

Digital Payments Push: CIBC Caribbean is rolling out Google Wallet support across Barbados, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago, letting customers add Visa debit/credit and Mastercard credit cards for contactless payments—another step in the region’s shift toward mobile-first banking. Banking Leadership Change: ANSA Merchant Bank in Trinidad has named Sean Achong as Acting Head of Treasury & Foreign Exchange after Reaaz Shah’s resignation took effect June 1, as the lender flags regional expansion including Barbados. Tourism & Travel Demand: Barbados-linked regional business chatter includes cruise pressure in Jamaica, where opposition MP Andrea Purkiss says passenger arrivals are down sharply since 2019, and highlights the need to win back market share. Governance & Trust: The Bahamas ranks fourth least corrupt in the Americas in Transparency International’s CPI 2025, with analysts pointing to institutional trust as the key story behind the score. Security & Development: A UNDP report warns Caribbean democracies face structural pressures—crime, misinformation, climate shocks and organized crime—undermining development and institutional trust. Local Business & Jobs: Barbados’ construction sector faces labour strain as C.O. Williams is expected to cut jobs, while the Barbados Probation Service adds officers to reduce report backlogs and improve reintegration support.

Digital Payments Shift: Barbados’ Central Bank says electronic fund transfers surged to $20.8bn in 2025, as BiMPay prepares to go live—cash still matters, but the trend is clearly toward faster, digital rails. Cross-Border Payments Disruption: Interbank transfers were disrupted on Friday as BiMPay moved into operation, highlighting how new payment systems can affect everyday business. Tourism & Travel Policy Risk: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warns that tighter US visa rules could hit Caribbean tourism and business travel, after his own renewals were denied. Barbados Energy Outlook: Energy minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest potential oil of 13bn barrels and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with government now seeking international firms to test commercial viability. Labour & Construction: C.O. Williams is expected to cut jobs amid declining competitiveness, while the BWU demands evidence to justify redundancies. Healthy Food in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches “Make it Make Sense” to push back against junk food marketing in schools across 11 territories, including Barbados. Regional Resilience Planning: UN’s Springett urges St Vincent and the Grenadines partners to move from isolated projects to connected, multi-risk resilience support. Women’s Cricket Boost: WCPL 2026 is set as a Barbados-based “festival” with an expanded four-team format and a new Jamaica Empress franchise.

Digital Payments Shift: Barbados’ Central Bank says electronic fund transfers surged to $20.8bn in 2025, outpacing cash in circulation, as BiMPay moves toward go-live and real-time processing boosts payments efficiency. Banking & Payments Disruption: Interbank transfers were disrupted on Friday as BiMPay goes into operation, highlighting the transition pressure on the payments system. Tourism & Sports Boost: The WCPL is re-engineered for 2026 with an expanded four-team festival of women’s cricket at Kensington Oval in Barbados, including a new Jamaica Empress franchise. Local Cricket Development: Republic Bank’s Five for Fun programme officially launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and rolling out cricket skills for ages 7–12. Energy & Jobs Watch: Barbados’ energy minister says seismic surveys suggest potential offshore resources of up to 13bn barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with government now moving to identify international partners for commercial assessment. Public Sector Modernisation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is progressing, with digitised records and efficiency gains already underway. Transport Infrastructure: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, alongside bridge rehabilitation work. Reintegration Funding Debate: UWI professor Dwayne Devonish calls for Barbados’ reintegration programme to be strongly resourced and monitored to reduce stigma and recidivism.

Digital Payments Shift: Barbados’ Central Bank says electronic fund transfers surged to $20.8bn in 2025, overtaking cash use as BiMPay prepares to go live, though cash remains “important.” Transport & Regulation: A trade union is calling for tighter discipline among transport operators amid complaints about pirate routes, while PSV interests push back, insisting illegal operators must enter the regulated system. Energy & Cost Pressures: Barbados Light & Power warns fuel-driven costs are squeezing bills, with the fuel clause adjustment set to add about $1.25 monthly for added temporary generation. Local Business Growth: Endeavour Credit Union is rolling out a partner programme for micro, small and medium enterprises, signing 11 businesses to start. Oil Potential: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds says offshore surveys suggest up to 13bn barrels of oil and 40+ trillion cubic feet of gas, with next steps to identify international partners. Tourism & Skills: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launches a Tourism Supply Side Initiative focused on local capacity and longer-term value; Barbados Community College also unveils new online maritime courses. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s Five for Fun cricket programme launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools, while the WCPL confirms 2026 fixtures with all matches in Barbados. Governance & Risk: A regional analysis flags the Caribbean’s growing role in transatlantic cocaine trafficking as criminal networks adapt routes.

Climate & Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned survey says Barbadian youth are lagging in linking the island’s climate action investments to real opportunities in the green economy, with Barbados showing the lowest awareness among surveyed OECS peers. Power Costs & Resilience: Barbados Light & Power says fuel remains the biggest driver of bills, but it has approval to recover costs tied to extra temporary generation—adding about $1.25 to the average household monthly bill—while also warning solar owners to properly isolate systems and not restart damaged panels during/after storms. Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin was named Director of Tourism of the Year at the CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Regional Transport & Business: Government is considering expanding Highway 2A from two to four lanes, and a new partnership programme at Endeavour Credit Union is signing up micro and small businesses to deepen local lending. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean, while Barbados remains among the region’s stronger performers. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme officially lands in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools for its first season.

Road & Infrastructure: Government is considering widening Highway 2A from two to four lanes, with Transport and Works Minister Kirk Humphrey inspecting seven bridges along the corridor and bridge consultant Jose Lockhart outlining islandwide rehabilitation work. Energy Costs & Resilience: Barbados Light & Power says fuel remains the biggest driver of bills, while it has FCA permission for temporary generation and warns customers with solar systems to ensure proper isolation and safe restart practices ahead of hurricane season. Healthcare Digital Push: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s shift to a fully digital operation is gaining momentum, with digitisation of records and efficiency gains highlighted during the Abergower Group’s QEH-related update. Local Business Finance: Endeavour Credit Union is expanding into micro, small and medium enterprises, with 11 small businesses signing on as partners. Transport Regulation: Alliance Owners of Public Transport urges illegal “pirate” operators to enter the regulated PSV system, arguing service gaps don’t justify breaking the law. Tourism & Aviation: New airline interline partnerships aim to reduce Caribbean travel friction and improve regional airlift connectivity. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and building grassroots skills. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index flags Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados and other islands rank among the stronger performers. Crime Policy: Opposition Senator Ryan Walters backs the Criminal Gangs Bill but stresses enforcement must target the financing networks behind gang violence. Entrepreneurship & Culture: A $30,000 Marcus Garvey Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition opens, calling for more participation in the cultural industries.