AGP Executive Report

UK Heatwave Response: London’s “Cool Spaces” map is being pushed as Britain braces for a Bank Holiday scorcher, with temperatures forecast to reach 33C and the UK Health Security Agency upgrading to an amber alert—warning of a “rise in deaths” and extra pressure on health and care services. Pet Safety: Vets are also warning cat owners not to spray cats with water, urging hydration, ventilation and cool resting spots instead. Spain–Gibraltar Tax Shift: Spain says it will remove Gibraltar from its tax haven blacklist after 35 years, while also taking Barbados off the same blacklist—signalling smoother future cross-border business and administration. Barbados Water Security: The World Bank has approved US$54.7m for Barbados’ water security push, targeting big losses in the system, sanitation upgrades and stronger governance. Tourism & Finance: Abaxx has launched Silver Singapore futures, and Orient Express Corinthian is set to host the Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat with Guerlain.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda says first-quarter stayovers rose 7% year-on-year to 110,832 visitors, with the US still the biggest source market (46%), as officials push deeper into Latin America and Africa and flag a 21.9% cruise arrivals increase for 2026. Food Security Push: Barbados opened a $30m onion drying facility at BADMC’s Fairy Valley plant, part of a drive to cut the food import bill and strengthen local production. Fraud Alert: Barbados Revenue Authority warns the public about fraudulent emails claiming “official notification” about tax accounts, urging people not to click links or share personal details. Digital Transformation Drive: Caribbean leaders wrapped up Liberty Caribbean’s Amplify Summit calling for faster, practical digital transformation—better connectivity, modern infrastructure, and skills—rather than talk. Road Safety & Governance: Trident Insurance launched a Safe Driver initiative, while Barbados Road Tennis Association faces fresh internal controversy after removing its secretary. Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion, strengthening calls for rich nations to pay for loss and damage.

Sports Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament drew 60 visiting players from across the Caribbean, with Guyana’s North Soesdyke taking the title—an on-island win for hotels, restaurants and tourism-linked businesses. Caribbean Airlift & Infrastructure: Barbados is adding three more aircraft parking aprons at GAIA to handle rising flight volumes, even as American Airlines cancels New York service for the winter season. Tourism Policy Pressure: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is pushing back against Booking.com’s reported plan to apply commissions to taxes like VAT and GST—warning it could quietly raise costs and trigger compliance headaches. Gig Workers Benefits: PM Mia Mottley is urging GovTech and young developers to build a digital platform to track gig workers’ hours so NIS portability can actually work. Regional Crime Cooperation: Barbados is hosting a five-day Joint Investigation Teams workshop to strengthen cross-border probes and asset recovery. Finance & Sanctions: The US expands Iran-linked sanctions, naming a currency exchange network and 19 tankers, including vessels flagged in Barbados.

Booking.com Backlash: Caribbean hotel groups are pushing back against a reported Booking.com rule that would charge commissions on the full booking amount, including VAT/GST—an approach CHTA says could quietly raise costs and trigger compliance headaches across Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Airlift & Airport Capacity: Barbados is also preparing for more flights, with construction due next month on three extra aircraft parking aprons at Grantley Adams, even as American Airlines cancels its New York service for the winter season. Gig Workers Benefits: PM Mia Mottley is urging a digital platform to track gig workers’ hours so National Portable Benefits can work for non-traditional earners. Regional Crime Cooperation: Caribbean states are moving ahead on a Joint Investigation Teams framework after a Barbados legal forum, with a pilot JIT planned. Tourism Momentum: Barbados Tourism Marketing reports strong early-2026 visitor numbers and expects double-digit growth, while Antigua hosts CTM 2026 and Turks & Caicos unveils Beaches’ US$150m “Treasure Beach Village.”

Luxury Tourism Push: Beaches Resorts has unveiled its US$150m Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, adding 101 all-suite accommodations, six new dining concepts, a 15,000 sq ft lagoon-style pool and “Beaches 2.0” experience-led design—part of a planned US$1bn Caribbean expansion with new openings lined up for Exuma, Barbados, Jamaica and St Vincent & the Grenadines. Regional Security Cooperation: Caribbean states are moving ahead with a Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) framework after a Barbados legal forum, with a model agreement to be sent to Attorneys General and a pilot JIT involving at least two jurisdictions expected soon. Sports & Tickets: CPL 2026 match tickets go on sale 22 May, with a 48-hour priority online window for Visa cardholders starting 20 May. Finance & Climate: IFC is set to invest US$10m in a CARICOM resilience fund managed by Sygnus, targeting sustainability projects across member states. Sanctions Watch: The US widened Iran-linked sanctions under its “Economic Fury” campaign, naming a currency exchange network and adding 19 vessels—one Barbados-flagged tanker among them.

U.S.-Iran Pressure Campaign: The U.S. has escalated Iran-focused sanctions again, adding more than 50 new designations and targeting a foreign-currency exchange network tied to Iran’s armed forces, while Trump says he’s delaying a fresh round of attacks as “serious negotiations” continue. Caribbean Crime Cooperation: Barbados hosted a two-day legal forum that’s pushing a regional framework for Joint Investigation Teams, with countries committing to finish a model agreement and launch a pilot involving at least two jurisdictions. Barbados Health Push: President Jeffrey Bostic says chronic-disease messaging won’t work unless it reaches “every village, in every parish,” urging earlier screening and stronger community engagement. Gas and Cost of Living: With gasoline now reported at $4.01 per litre, some Barbadians are looking at alternatives like e-bikes as travel costs bite. Tourism & Business: Barbados is appointing Peter Harris as Tourism Marketing chairman, while CPL and UWI are relaunching a 2026 sports marketing internship programme.

High Court Settlement: A dispute between Aer Lingus and suspended pilot Captain Ian Blair—over whether cabin crew on a Barbados-to-Manchester positioning flight should sit in economy or business—has been resolved, with the case struck out after successful talks. Tourism Momentum: Barbados is trending toward another strong 2026 season, with BTMI reporting about 214,000 visitors in Q1 and pointing to double-digit growth from Europe, strong Canada demand, and improving UK/US/Caribbean signals. New Tourism Leadership: Barbados has appointed businessman Peter Harris as chairman of BTMI, aiming to accelerate airlift and reach emerging markets. Wellness Push: Government is moving toward a wellness-focused healthcare system, with Minister Davidson Ishmael highlighting the shift at the Republic Bank Blue Wellness Conference. Tourism Product Boost: Mount Gay and Devereux are launching a summer golf capsule, while Beaches Turks and Caicos unveiled its $150m “Beaches 2.0” Treasure Beach Village with a major Caribbean-style launch weekend. Regional Talent Pipeline: Republic Bank and UWI are opening applications for the CPL 2026 internship programme, taking 21 students for a sports marketing course plus hands-on tournament work.

Tourism Spotlight: Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially unveiled its new $150 million Treasure Beach Village at Grace Bay, adding 101 suites, new dining, a 15,000 sq ft pool and big family-focused accommodation—kicking off with fireworks, celebrities and a full resort street-festival feel. Air Travel Perks: JetBlue and United have rolled out reciprocal elite-style benefits, giving Caribbean-bound flyers priority boarding, preferred seating and extra-legroom access depending on status. Barbados Tourism Leadership: Barbados has appointed businessman Peter Harris as Tourism Marketing Inc. chairman, aiming to push brand awareness and year-on-year visitor growth after 2025 stay-over arrivals rose 3.3%. Healthcare Shift: Government is pursuing a wellness-focused healthcare system, with Minister Davidson Ishmael backing the direction at the Republic Bank Blue Wellness Conference. Regional People-First Tourism: St Vincent and the Grenadines launched “LOVE SVG,” a May–October initiative built around 100 community and visitor-experience projects. Money Laundering Watch: Barbados regulators are monitoring suspicious transactions tied to Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal, including a reported US$1.7m freeze linked to Barbados accounts.

Tourism Push: Barbados has been named host of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027, set for May 18–21, as the region’s biggest tourism trade event keeps expanding its reach. Corporate Pressure: ANSA McAL’s Barbados revenue fell about $59m (23%) since 2022, with the group pointing to divestments and a drive to focus on “growth engines” under its 2X strategy. Markets & Finance: Abaxx says it will launch Silver Singapore futures on May 22, adding to its precious-metals lineup. Cost of Living: Barbados braces for another electricity fuel-clause adjustment as BL&P’s fuel cost rises, though officials say government hedging and subsidies helped soften what could have been a bigger jump. Work & Wages: A Barbados Employers’ Confederation panel argues wages, productivity and living costs can’t be treated separately. Governance & Compliance: Regulators are monitoring suspicious transactions tied to Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal, including a reported freeze of about US$1.7m. Rights & Inclusion: CTO launches a scholarship fund for Caribbean women in tourism, while Barbados unions and MPs renewed calls for workplace protections and more targeted opportunities for women.

LGBT rights push: ERAO SVG has launched a National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians on IDAHOBIT, spotlighting how same-sex relations remain criminalised in St Vincent and the Grenadines and how protections against discrimination are still missing. Financial crime watch: Barbados regulators are monitoring millions of dollars tied to Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal, after a Malaysian court froze about US$1.7m in accounts at a Barbados-based bank. Digital government: GovTech Barbados says it’s moving beyond “talking shop” mode, rolling out citizen-focused online tools after complaints about document confusion and repeated trips to agencies. Local business & food security: Fason’s Foods is expanding purchases from small poultry farmers to stabilise supply and give farmers paid, more reliable markets. Sports & community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” Cricket marks four years, with graduates now feeding into the Leeward Islands Under-15 team. Tourism trade: Barbados will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace again in 2027, after a virtual-first push this year.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: Barbados Tridents landed the biggest domestic coup by drafting Guyana’s Gudakesh Motie, while also reuniting with Sherfane Rutherford and retaining a strong local core through Right to Match options. Sports Development: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” Cricket marked its fourth year in St Kitts & Nevis, with seven graduates now selected for the Leeward Islands Under-15 team. Regional Security Push: St Kitts and Nevis AG Garth Wilkin joined a Barbados-hosted meeting to build a regional legal model for Joint Investigation Teams to tackle financial crime and asset recovery. Tourism Connectivity: Jamaica will host the second CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston in February 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high air travel costs. Energy Pressure on Households: A UN panel warned that disrupted energy and trade are driving up food and transport costs, pushing millions closer to poverty. Local Business & Community: Barbados’ Pine Hill Dairy marks 60 years, and Fasons Food says it will start buying poultry from small farmers—paid and supported to boost stability.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: Barbados Tridents landed Gudakesh Motie from Guyana Amazon Warriors and re-signed a strong core—Brandon King, Kadeem Alleyne, Rivaldo Clarke, Johann Layne and Kofi James—while Sherfane Rutherford returns for 2026 as the league runs Aug 7 to Sept 20. Local Business & Jobs: Fasons Food Inc. says it will start buying poultry from small farmers, paying them for products and adding support to help stabilize their operations. Energy Pressure on Households: A UN panel warned that spiralling global energy and trade disruptions are pushing more people toward poverty, with food and transport costs rising fast. Health Under Strain Abroad: UN officials report Cuba’s blackouts and shortages are disrupting surgeries and essential care. Tourism Trade Momentum: Barbados has been confirmed to host CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027, after the event’s Antigua edition moved toward a virtual “always-on” model. Finance Watch: Barbados’ IMF precautionary standby deal is being debated locally as parties argue over what it really signals for the economy. Sports Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun Cricket” programme marked a four-year milestone in St Kitts & Nevis, with local youth selected for regional Under-15 action.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: Barbados Tridents landed Gudakesh Motie from Guyana and re-signed key West Indies names via right-to-match, while Trinbago Knight Riders kept their title core—Pollard, Pooran, Narine and Hosein—setting up a high-stakes CPL 2026. Jamaica Kingsmen Launch: The new franchise will be captained by Rovman Powell and drafted Andre Russell, adding fresh firepower to the league. Barbados IMF Debate: The DLP pushed back on Government’s US$260m IMF precautionary standby, arguing it signals deeper pressure under the surface. Tourism Trade Push: Barbados will host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027, and CHTA’s 2026 event is now available as a virtual digital twin. Climate Finance Momentum: A CDB/FRLD workshop in Bridgetown helped 15 countries prepare for the US$250m loss-and-damage grant window. Global Pressure Watch: UN officials warned energy and trade disruptions could push millions into poverty.

IMF Insurance, Not Another Programme: Barbados has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a US$260m precautionary standby arrangement, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley stressing it’s “insurance” that won’t be used unless needed. Climate Finance Push: CDB and FRLD trained 15 eligible Caribbean countries in Bridgetown on how to prepare bankable bids for the US$250m loss-and-damage grant window, with a June 15 deadline. Tourism & Health Moves: Barbados will host the CHTA Travel Marketplace in 2027, while Saint Lucia installed a rapid PCR system to cut outbreak response times to under two hours. CPL Draft Shockwaves: Barbados Tridents landed Gudakesh Motie from Guyana and re-matched Brandon King as the CPL roster reshuffle sets up a new season. Regional Politics & Trade: CARICOM election observers backed the Bahamas polls as peaceful, and a UN ECOSOC meeting warned energy and trade disruption is pushing millions toward poverty.

Aer Lingus Pilot Dispute: Talks to resolve a disciplinary fight in the High Court are making progress after an Aer Lingus pilot was suspended over an alleged instruction to have cabin crew sit in economy on a positioning flight with no passengers. Diplomacy: Barbados opened its first resident embassy in Ireland in Dublin, with PM Mia Mottley linking the move to shared resilience and deepening trade, tourism and cultural ties. Climate Finance: Caribbean countries are moving closer to the US$250M loss-and-damage climate grant, after a Barbados-hosted workshop guided eligible states on building “bankable” proposals ahead of a June 15 deadline. Tourism Fight: Caribbean hoteliers are pushing back against proposed Booking.com commission changes that would charge commissions on government taxes and fees. Barbados Economy: The IMF and Barbados reached a staff-level deal for a ~US$260M precautionary programme, framed as shock insurance—not a new IMF programme. Legal/Compliance: The Barbados Bar Association says DLP education spokesman Quincy Jones is not authorised to practise law, and says it will address the matter publicly. Corporate Markets: Abaxx reported strong exchange volume milestones, including a new single-day record.

IMF Deal, No “Programme” Talk: Barbados has signed a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a 36-month precautionary Stand-By Arrangement of about US$260m, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley stressing it’s “insurance” and not another IMF programme—meant to protect against external shocks while Barbados pushes its BERT 2026 reforms. Digital Push: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn is urging businesses and the public to adopt BimPay as the central bank rolls it out soon, arguing it will cut delays and free people to focus on growth and productivity. Compliance Spotlight: Barbados’ FATF Action Plan teams were honoured at State House after helping secure removal from the FATF Grey list and the EU Black List. Climate Finance Access: A CDB-loss and damage workshop in Bridgetown prepares 15 eligible countries for a US$250m grant window, aiming to turn climate needs into bankable projects. Regional Business Momentum: The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill signed a master franchise deal to expand across Guyana and seven Caribbean markets. Security Update: Police are investigating a shooting incident in St Michael after a patrol confrontation; no injuries were reported.