AGP Executive Report

Junior Monarch: Scotiabank Junior Monarch has 47 entrants (13 calypso and 14 soca semi-finalists, plus reserves), with the draw order set for performances at Queen’s Park Steel Shed on June 12 and a second tent on June 20. Workforce & Skills: Barbados’ Home Affairs Ministry is exploring upskilling with NTI and Coursera, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, leadership and digital transformation. Language & Culture in Schools: Beyond Words brings a French university student into Barbadian classrooms for age-tailored French exchanges and cultural connection. Money & Nutrition in the Classroom: St Lawrence Primary’s Open Day showcased financial literacy and nutrition learning through student performances and practical projects. Tourism Through Music & Golf: Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend returns Oct 8–12, aiming to boost culture-led tourism. Health Alert: Barbados reports rising syphilis cases and urges adults to test regularly and practise safer sex. Regional Watch: The newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief has been denied a US visa renewal, sparking debate across the Caribbean tourism sector. Education Literacy Push: Education officials say students should be reading at age-appropriate levels by year-end, supported by national literacy initiatives.

Health Alert: Barbados’ Ministry of Health says syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 (up from 107 in 2024) and more positive tests at the Best dos Santos lab—urging safer sex, regular testing and prompt treatment. Youth & Wellness: A psychotherapist at Verdun House warns that vaping is widely accepted among adolescents, but Teen Intervene has already educated 2,000+ students across six secondary schools. Education & Rights: Primary students are being encouraged to learn children’s rights, while officials praise a national letter-writing competition for boosting literacy and creativity. Workplace Culture: HRMAB says employers struggle to attract and retain staff as workers prioritise culture, flexibility and development—not just pay. Tourism & Travel: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief and his wife were denied US visa renewal, adding to concerns around Caribbean CBI-linked travel restrictions. Culture & Entertainment: Public voting opens for the Caribbean Music Awards’ fourth year, with 250+ nominees and new genre categories. Local Spotlight: Barbadians are urged to use Heritage Month to deepen appreciation of the island’s history and traditions.

Heritage & Faith: A play-poem inspired by a 1723 letter from an enslaved Anglican writer will be staged at Ripon Cathedral on July 7, spotlighting the church’s role in slavery and the fight for freedom. Health Alert: Barbados’ Ministry of Health says syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 (up from 107 in 2024) and urges safer sex, regular testing and prompt treatment. Education & Literacy: Education officials praised students in the Barbados Postal Service National Letter Writing Competition, calling it a boost for literacy, creativity and critical thinking. Children’s Rights: The Ministry of Labour’s campaign extended to northern primary schools, reinforcing Barbados’ zero child labour record ahead of World Day Against Child Labour. Workplace Culture: HRMAB warns employers that retention is getting harder as workers prioritise culture, flexibility and development—not just pay. Tourism & Visas: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, raising concerns about tightening travel rules tied to citizenship-by-investment. Culture Spotlight: Barbadians are encouraged to embrace Heritage Month, while advocates call for legislation to strengthen the National School Nutrition Policy.

Heritage & Community: Barbadians are being urged to lean into Heritage Month through church and community events, with organisers saying it’s a chance to strengthen national unity and pass on shared values. School Health Policy: Advocates are calling for legislation to back Barbados’ National School Nutrition Policy, arguing that without a legal framework the programme may lack enforcement and accountability. Justice & Public Safety: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says the Barbados Police Service will be supported to bring firearms cases to court quickly, pointing to a new Firearms Division and a push for cases to be heard within weeks. Youth & Crime Prevention: A probation service update shows hundreds of young Barbadians under supervision, with many cases involving violent or threatening offences—prompting renewed calls for early intervention. Culture & Learning: A reflective piece on libraries highlights how these spaces shape learning and community life, from local shelves to global history. Regional Lifestyle Spotlight: Nevisian singer Abena Amory receives the “Making Your Country Proud Award,” recognised for music, mental health advocacy, and community support. Food & Wellness Advocacy: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches a campaign urging schools to cut back on junk food and beverage marketing. Local Disruption: Two schools in St Lucy and Trents remain closed after a grass fire affected classrooms and outdoor areas. Tourism & Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin earns top regional honours at the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards. Sports & Discipline: Barbados-linked debate continues around education spending value and outcomes, as educators question whether funding matches what children actually need.

Women’s Cricket in the Spotlight: The WCPL is back with a re-engineered 2026 “festival” format—eight matches at Kensington Oval, all in Barbados, with a new Jamaica Empress franchise and a standalone playoff setup. Youth & Community Development: Barbados is celebrating strong Duke of Edinburgh momentum region-wide, while Bermuda honoured a record 27 Gold Awardees at Government House. Healthy Schools Push: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition has launched “Make it Make Sense” to challenge junk food and drink marketing in schools across 11 territories, urging people to sign a petition. Education Overhaul: Barbados’ Education Transformation Agenda is accelerating, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and new quality assurance plans. Crime Prevention Focus: Barbados probation figures show nearly 300 young people under supervision in 2025, with 138 tied to violent or threatening offences—prompting calls for earlier intervention. Culture & Entertainment: De Big Show marks 20 years as Crop Over ramps up, with a fresh cast of calypsonians and major tent shows underway. Diaspora & Heritage: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 with cultural events, business forums, and added flights for returning nationals.

Diaspora & Travel: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 returns for two weeks (June 21–July 5) with cultural festivals, heritage tours, family days, community projects and business networking across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, plus extra flights from major markets as demand rises. Beauty, Culture & Entrepreneurship: St. Kitts and Nevis’ FRO Fest 2026 is set for June 20 at National Heroes Park, celebrating natural beauty, hair, fashion, community entertainment and Caribbean-owned vendors under the “Sunflower and Curls” theme. Youth & Community Safety: Barbados’ Probation Service marks 80 years as officials report 295 young people under supervision in 2025, with 138 linked to violent or threatening offences—highlighting the need for what comes next, not just punishment. Education & Policy: Barbados’ Education Transformation Agenda is accelerating, with a revised Education Act expected by year-end and a new Education Quality Assurance Framework in the works. Local Life: A grass fire in Trents, St Lucy, has forced closures of Daryll Jordan Secondary School and St Lucy Primary School, with CSEC students redirected to Alexandra School. Heritage & Values: Heritage Month messages urge Barbadians to actively protect local heritage and pass on shared values across generations. Women’s Sport: The revamped 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League lands in Barbados at Kensington Oval with a four-team “festival” format and the new Jamaica Empress franchise.

Women’s Cricket in the Spotlight: The revamped 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League is set for a full ten-day festival at Kensington Oval, with eight matches, a new “She’s In” brand, and an expanded four-team lineup including the Jamaica Empress. Local Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” programme officially launched in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools and focusing on fun, inclusion, teamwork and basic cricket skills. Crop Over Culture: De Big Show marks 20 years, unveiling its 2026 cast and confirming the tent’s return to Queen’s College, Husbands, St James. Education Transformation: Barbados’ Ministry of Education Transformation is pushing a revised Education Act by year-end, plus technology upgrades and a new Education Quality Assurance Framework. Youth, Safety & Probation: Barbados’ Probation Service anniversary heard that nearly 300 young people were under supervision in 2025, with more than half tied to violent or threatening offences. Heritage Month Momentum: Barbadians are being urged to actively protect heritage and pass on core values, while plans to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell move forward. Health Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after a scarlet fever concern at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak.

Caribbean Tourism & Culture Awards: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Andrea Franklin was named Director of Tourism of the Year at the CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York, with Virgin Islands junior minister Luce Hodge-Smith also honoured. Youth & Climate: A UNICEF-backed regional survey found many young people in Barbados (and other islands) don’t yet connect climate action to real green-economy opportunities. Education Overhaul: Barbados’ Education Transformation Agenda is pushing a revised Education Act by year-end, plus a new Education Quality Assurance Framework. Heritage Month: Barbadians were urged to actively protect heritage and pass on shared values, traditions, language, music and faith. Sport for Kids: Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank launched the “Five for Fun” programme in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools with fun, inclusive cricket skills. Public Health Watch: A virologist urged caution and transparency after a scarlet fever concern at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary. Crime & Probation: Barbados probation figures show nearly half of cases tied to violent or threatening offences. Culture on the Ground: Big Show marks 20 years as it gears up for Crop Over with a full roster of artistes. Lifestyle & Travel: BYD is announced as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out fan activations across the region.

Education Reform: Barbados’ Education Transformation Agenda is moving toward a revised Education Act by year-end, with more technology in schools and a new Education Quality Assurance Framework to set clearer standards. Heritage & Values: During Heritage Month, Barbadians were urged to actively preserve island traditions, language, music and faith—rooted in unity across backgrounds and denominations. Youth Justice: Barbados Probation Service marked its 80th anniversary as Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls reported nearly half of 295 probation cases in 2025 involved violent or threatening offences, stressing the need for real “off-ramps” after court. Health Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after a scarlet fever case at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak without school absenteeism and lab data. Tourism Spotlight: CTO honoured regional tourism leaders at Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, including Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin as Director of Tourism of the Year 2026. Cricket & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” Cricket Programme launched in Barbados, bringing cricket skills and teamwork to 60 primary schools. Food & Childhood Health: Youth advocates warned that ultra-processed food marketing is driving childhood obesity, calling for healthier school food environments and stronger protections around children.

Caribbean Travel Deals: P&O Cruises is pushing Caribbean fly-cruises with up to £500 onboard spending and low deposits from £49, with select sailings starting in late 2026 through early 2028. Indigenous Pride Moment: Rihanna’s viral in-flight meeting with a Mohawk flight attendant in Canada sparked a wave of Indigenous pride after she received a handmade beaded lanyard. Local Heritage Spotlight: Bay Land and Bank Hall residents in St Michael are celebrating government plans to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Health & School Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after a scarlet fever case at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak. Culture & Community: Three choirs unite for a charity concert at St Mary’s Anglican Church, raising funds for the Barbados Cancer Society and a church roof restoration. Cricket for Kids: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme launches in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools with fun, inclusive skills-building. Regional Media Boost: CTO honours Caribbean storytellers in New York and launches CTO TV to expand tourism storytelling beyond beaches.

Tourism & Travel: Award-winning Barbadian travel agent Indira Ramgarib-Katwaroo launched “The Professional Travel Advisor,” a guide meant to help travellers and industry players avoid common missteps and plan smarter. Wellness Travel: Caribbean wellness tourism is shifting toward nature, movement, farm-to-table food and slower rhythms, with islands like St. Lucia highlighted for yoga, clean cuisine and spa retreats. Health Policy: Barbados doctors are being urged to step into public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with calls for stronger action beyond clinics. Childhood Nutrition: Youth advocates warn that ultra-processed food marketing is driving childhood obesity, pushing for healthier school food environments and tighter marketing protections. Youth & Climate: A UNICEF-backed study says young people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy opportunities, but struggle with access to information, training and jobs. Community & Crime: Barbados’ gang bill debate continues, with calls for public education, community parenting support and offender monitoring measures. Culture & Heritage: Barbados is set to launch major writing and entrepreneurship opportunities tied to Emancipation and Marcus Garvey, including cash prizes for creatives. Sports & Local Life: A St. James house fire left four people homeless, while a charity gospel concert brings three choirs together at St Mary’s Anglican Church on June 7. Business & Finance: Zeemoney has shut down in Barbados after Central Bank enforcement action, following a licence suspension and required corrections.

Gangs & Community Parenting: Opposition senator Karina Goodridge backed Barbados’ Criminal Gangs Bill but urged a broad public education push, with churches and community groups helping parents and young people understand the law and risks. Prime Minister Mia Mottley also called for community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline, plus a focus on faith-based youth programmes. Crime Policy Details: Minister Michael Lashley said offender monitoring is coming for people reoffending while on bail, and lawmakers will debate a gun court next Tuesday. Youth, Climate & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned Eastern Caribbean study found Barbadian youth are less aware of green and circular economy opportunities than peers, pointing to information and access gaps rather than lack of interest. Heritage Through Writing: Pan-African Affairs and Heritage Minister Trevor Prescod urged more local writers to protect cultural identity and build economic opportunities, as a Season of Emancipation writing contest opens with a $20,000 top prize. Entrepreneurship for Creatives: The Marcus Garvey Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition launched with $30,000 in cash prizes, aiming to grow participation in Barbados’ cultural industries. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: CTO honoured Caribbean storytellers at Caribbean Week in New York, while Barbadian tourism leader Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame. Local Business & Money: Fintech Zeemoney shut down in Barbados after a Central Bank suspension order, following concerns over governance and compliance. Sports & Lifestyle: BYD was named Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out fan activations and a “Wrap the Future” design challenge.

Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Barbadian tourism leader Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week in New York, celebrating decades of leadership and storytelling that goes beyond beaches. Local Governance & Safety: Barbados is set to introduce offender monitoring for people reoffending while on bail, with bail applications handled by the High Court, alongside plans to debate a gun court. Women, Work & Community: Egi Women and JMMB International hosted a Women & Wealth Masterclass, while Prime Minister Mia Mottley pushed for community parenting clubs and a national hotline as part of the anti-gang strategy. Climate & Youth Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned Eastern Caribbean study found Barbados youth lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to a communication gap. Health & Food Policy: Regional leaders and health experts renewed calls for urgent healthy food policy to tackle the NCD crisis. Business & Lifestyle: Zeemoney shut down after a Central Bank suspension order, and BYD was named Official Car Partner of CPL 2026 with a Caribbean culture design challenge. Sports & Entertainment: Ladies Night at Sabina Park offers free admission for women ahead of the West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI, while Barbados-linked cricket and music culture keeps buzzing across the region.

Public Safety & Youth Support: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados needs urgent, community-based parenting clubs and a national support hotline as gang culture rises, urging lawmakers and families to coordinate and pushing faith-based groups to deliver youth programmes. Health & Schools: Doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect, while the Barbados Union of Teachers warns Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School should not dismiss ongoing illness concerns despite assurances there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Labour & Workplace Rights: CTUSAB raises alarms over delayed payments, weak insurance and unresolved allowances affecting protective services, warning it’s hurting morale and recruitment. Climate Data Access: CIMH’s head says data-sharing gaps are constraining climate research and decision-making, calling for urgent policy to unlock key datasets. Disaster Preparedness: Fisheries officials run a hurricane readiness drill to test vessel relocation protocols after Hurricane Beryl’s damage. Faith & Culture: Pope Leo XIV sends condolences over the death of Swiss Cardinal Paul Emil Tscherrig, recalling his service and love for the Church. Music & Identity: Barbados-born singer-songwriter Ayoni discusses her Bajan roots and the isolation and heartbreak behind her debut album Isola. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies launches free entry for children 16 and under across the 2026 home series, aiming to reconnect youth with the game. Tech & Work: BWU warns AI and platform jobs could leave workers vulnerable without stronger protections.

Child Protection & Health: Doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect, after concerns about children showing signs linked to neglect were raised by the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners. School Health Watch: The Barbados Union of Teachers says parents’ worries at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School shouldn’t be brushed aside, pointing to reports of rashes, fever, dengue exposure and Group A Streptococcus while officials maintain there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Public Service Conditions: CTUSAB says frontline security workers are being short-changed through delayed payments, weak insurance coverage and unresolved allowances, warning it’s hurting morale and recruitment. Hurricane Readiness (Fisheries): Fisheries officials tested hurricane preparedness with a boat relocation drill to protect the fleet and avoid losses like Hurricane Beryl. Climate Data & Research: CIMH says data-sharing gaps across Barbados and the wider Caribbean are limiting climate research and decision-making, calling for urgent policy action. Literacy Push: Charities installed new “Little Libraries” in St Thomas and St John to boost access to books and reading tools for children. Independence-Era Innovation: Government is rolling out new financial and business services for the 60th anniversary, including WhatsApp-based bill payments via BiMPay’s upcoming launch. Culture & Music: Ayoni Thompson (Ayoni) speaks on her Bajan roots, isolation and heartbreak as she debuts album “Isola.” Youth & Sport: Cricket West Indies launched free entry for children 16 and under to home matches across the region, with Barbados included. Tourism With a Local Lens: Royalton Vessence Barbados opens in St James, pitching Barbadian art, heritage and talent as the core of the guest experience.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials from across the region gathered at InterContinental New York Times Square (June 1–5) under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” pushing culture-led, regenerative travel as stayovers rebound. Regional Finance & Resilience: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) opened its 56th board meeting in Nassau with “CDB Forward,” aiming for stronger, greener, more resilient impact after disbursing over US$400m last year. Barbados Culture Meets Luxury Hospitality: Royalton Vessence Barbados soft-opened on the Platinum Coast in St James, pitching Bajan art, heritage and talent as the heart of its guest experience. Youth, Sport & Community: Cricket West Indies launched free entry for children 16 and under to every match of the “WI Outside!” home series, with ISSA Day drawing hundreds at Sabina Park. Food & Health Advocacy: Healthy Caribbean Coalition youth and civil society are calling for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing around schools across several islands, including Barbados. Local Farming Support: Barbados is moving to expand water access for Christ Church farmers while also tackling pests and farm theft. Faith & Inclusion: Anglican Diocese marks 30 years since women were admitted to the priesthood, with 16 women ordained and more on the way.