AGP Executive Report

Customs Modernisation & Border Tech: Barbados is rolling out a digital makeover for its $500 annual duty-free allowance, with plans to link it to travellers’ passports, alongside a new baggage-tagging system at Grantley Adams International Airport. Public Safety & Enforcement: Customs also reported major seizures—12 firearms, about 900 rounds, nearly 1,000kg of plant material, plus drugs and drones—warning smugglers are adapting and that training plus technology must work together. Cost of Living & Supply Chains: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing a “price compact” approach, including changes to how duties and taxes are computed, and is exploring faster routes via Latin America and South America to cut food costs by at least 25%. Water Reliability in St Lucy: Government extended basic water rate relief while a delayed filtration system is installed; the BWA says tap water is safe even as discolouration continues. Education & Skills: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), building on a modular maths pilot with an 88% pass rate. Health & Training: PAHO/WHO and Ross University supported simulation-based critical care training for severe infections across seven Eastern Caribbean countries. Digital Payments for Seniors: More than 70 seniors completed BimPay training through BARP and the Central Bank. Energy Project Update: A $350m Harrow hybrid energy plant is awaiting a tariff ruling expected by Sept 15 to clear the way for construction. Agriculture Risk Planning: Barbados is surveying farmers for an agricultural insurance framework using parametric triggers. Climate Watch: CIMH and UWI Climate Studies Group are urging preparation for El Niño-driven heat and drought. Regional Tech/Science Angle: A Barbados-linked shipment in the UK reportedly carried a tropical huntsman spider, highlighting how global trade can move wildlife.

Cost of Living Push: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has formally proposed changes to how taxes and duties are calculated on imported goods, arguing a new formula could lower prices, while it also points to alternative overseas supply routes that could cut fruit and vegetable source costs by at least 25%. Healthcare Infrastructure: Barbados is set to get a National Rehabilitation Centre at Waterford under the Geriatric Hospital Phase II plan, targeting stroke, spinal injuries, amputations, burns, trauma and more, with in- and outpatient services plus vocational support. Education Reform: CXC has launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), built from modular learning after a mathematics pilot delivered an 88% pass rate, aiming to make credentials more step-by-step and portable. Border Tech & Security: Barbados Customs marked its 121st anniversary with a renewed focus on training and modernisation, reporting seizures including 12 firearms, ammunition, drugs, drones and plant material worth about Bds$8m. Water Update: St Lucy residents get an extended basic water rate relief as a filtration project is delayed, while the Barbados Water Authority says discoloured water remains safe to drink and is improving supply after mains replacement. Regional Tech in Action: Seniors in Barbados completed training to use BimPay, boosting digital financial access through a BARP partnership with the Central Bank. Energy Project Watch: A $350m hybrid energy plant at Harrow Plantation is awaiting a tariff ruling expected by September 15, a key step before construction can begin. Wildlife in Trade: A tropical huntsman spider was found in a UK cargo shipment from Barbados, highlighting the growing issue of animal stowaways in global supply chains. Regional Cooperation: Barbados and Venezuela agreed to deepen cooperation across energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture and tourism, including a technical working group to track implementation.

Energy & Grid Modernisation: Barbados is pushing ahead with battery storage to stabilise the grid and unlock constrained solar, with 60MW already secured and another 65MW planned, as the island targets 50% renewables by Dec 2027. Water Safety & Infrastructure: St Lucy’s discoloured water remains safe to drink under WHO standards, but basic water rate relief has been extended while a delayed filtration system is installed; meanwhile, officials say an oil-dumping incident in the Belle area triggered the national oil spill protocol. Clean Power Tariffs: A $350m hybrid green hydrogen project at Harrow Plantation is awaiting a tariff ruling expected by Sept 15, a key step before construction can start. Border Tech & Security: Barbados Customs seized 12 firearms, about 900 rounds of ammo, drones and drugs in a major $8m haul, stressing training plus technology to counter smarter smuggling. Regional Science & Health Tech: Barbados and Venezuela deepened cooperation, including a mobile field hospital in Guarenas that has treated 2,700+ patients, plus energy and agriculture collaboration. Local Health Tech: The Leela Vida introduced 3D body composition and posture tracking as a practical DEXA alternative for Barbados. Sports Tech & Youth Development: Guyana has begun preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, with NACAC officials inspecting the Leonora venue and planning upgrades. Governance & Compliance Tech: Saint Kitts and Nevis is rolling out a seed-to-sale tracking system for medicinal cannabis that records financial transactions alongside plants to strengthen licensing and anti-money laundering controls.

Energy & Grid Tech: Barbados’ $350m Harrow hybrid energy project is one step closer to breaking ground, with Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds expecting a Fair Trading Commission tariff ruling by Sept. 15 after a near two-year delay. Public Health Tech: The Leela Vida in Christ Church is rolling out a practical 3D body composition and posture assessment as a DEXA alternative, bringing performance-style tracking to the island. Water Systems Update: St Lucy residents get extended basic water rate relief while a delayed filtration project is installed; meanwhile the Barbados Water Authority says discoloured water remains safe to drink and is improving via mains replacement and shifted production. Environmental Risk: Authorities launched an investigation after barrels of oil were dumped in the Belle area, triggering the national oil spill protocol. Border Security & Tech: Customs marked its 121st anniversary with a push for modernisation and training, reporting seizures including 12 firearms, drugs, drones and tactical gear in an $8m haul. Regional Cooperation: Barbados and Venezuela signed a wide-ranging declaration covering energy, food security, education, culture and tourism, including plans for technical working groups and training. Legal/Policy Tech: Saint Kitts and Nevis is deploying a seed-to-sale medicinal cannabis tracking system that records financial transactions alongside plants, tied to anti-money laundering rules.

Health Tech: The Leela Vida in Christ Church is rolling out 3D body composition and posture tracking as a practical DEXA alternative, aiming to give Barbadians monthly performance and health data without leaving the island. Water & Infrastructure: In St Lucy, basic water rate relief has been extended while a delayed filtration system is installed; meanwhile the Barbados Water Authority says discoloured water is safe to drink, with mains replacement and clearer supply coming to thousands of households. Energy Storage: Barbados is pushing ahead with 125MW of battery storage to stabilise the grid, ease constrained solar output, and support its 50% renewable target by Dec 2027. Border Tech & Security: Customs marks its 121st anniversary with a modernisation push, citing more seizures (including firearms, drones and drugs) and stressing training plus technology to stay ahead of smarter smuggling attempts. Science in Barbados: Scientists have rediscovered the world’s smallest-known snake, the Barbados threadsnake, after nearly 20 years—an important win for local conservation. Regional Connectivity: Caricom roaming charges remain a sticking point despite a 2022 push to cut intra-regional mobile roaming costs. Bilateral Tech & Training: Barbados and Venezuela are deepening cooperation on energy, agriculture, fisheries, education and tourism, including technical training and a working group to track implementation.

Water Safety & Environment: Authorities launched an investigation after barrels of oil were dumped in the Belle area, triggering Barbados’ national oil spill protocol amid fears for drinking water. Border Tech & Security: Customs marked its 121st anniversary with a push for modernisation and training, warning smugglers are getting more sophisticated; officers seized firearms, ammunition, drugs, and nearly $8m in plant material. Water Infrastructure: A new advanced treatment plant is set to be installed for St Lucy water issues, alongside mains replacements, with clearer water reported for thousands of households. Energy & Grid Reliability: Government is moving ahead with 125MW of battery storage to stabilise the grid and unlock constrained solar capacity. Health Tech: The Leela Vida introduced 3D body composition and posture tracking as a practical alternative to DEXA in Barbados. Regional Cooperation: Barbados and Venezuela signed a joint declaration deepening energy, food security, education, tourism, and trade, including renewable energy cooperation. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Cyber Awareness: A digital forensics expert warned youth about malware risks from unverified links on mobile phones.

Barbados–Venezuela Cooperation: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas and signed a joint declaration to deepen ties across energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture, and tourism, including technical training for Barbadians in land exploration and field recovery and a new working group to track implementation. Disaster Tech in Action: The same bilateral push included a tour of Barbados’ mobile field hospital in Guarenas, with the unit now treating 2,700+ patients and featuring triage, lab, pharmacy, imaging and a modular operating room. Health Tech Upgrade: Christ Church’s Leela Vida opened a 3D body composition and posture system positioned as a practical alternative to DEXA for monthly performance tracking. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed her role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, bringing 25 years of experience to strengthen resilient health systems. Energy Storage Push: Barbados is moving ahead with 125MW of battery storage to stabilise the grid and unlock constrained solar capacity. Cyber Safety for Youth: A digital forensics expert warned young people about malware risks from unverified links, stressing protection for phones and home networks. Biosecurity & Vector Control: UWI Cave Hill scientists are preparing field trials of a lethal ovitrap to reduce dengue without heavy reliance on chemicals. Customs Modernisation: Barbados Customs reported major border seizures and said about one-third of staff will retire soon, with more technology and retraining planned. Digital Business Growth: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional initiative to help 150+ MSMEs adopt digital solutions and compete globally.

Border Tech & Security: Barbados Customs says 65 officers seized 12 firearms, ~900 rounds of ammo and nearly 1,000kg of plant material in an $8m border haul, alongside drugs, tactical gear and drones—while warning smugglers keep shifting routes. Public Sector Modernisation: Customs also flagged workforce change, with about one-third of staff set to retire in the next 2–3 years as the department ramps up redevelopment, retraining and more technology at ports. Digital Health & Regional Learning: A Tobago delegation visited Barbados to study the island’s digital health systems, including the MedData platform, to improve Tobago’s electronic health records rollout. Cyber Awareness: A digital forensics expert warned that young people can expose phones and home networks by clicking unverified links, potentially risking banking and social media accounts. Science in the Field: UWI Cave Hill scientists are preparing field trials of a lethal ovitrap to reduce dengue without heavy chemical reliance. Local Nature Discovery: After nearly 20 years, Barbados researchers rediscovered the world’s smallest-known snake—the Barbados threadsnake—during an ecological survey. Media & Mental Health: UNESCO-backed media training in the region focused on responsible reporting, including suicide and mental health, to reduce stigma and harmful coverage. Policy & Data for Travel: Barbados Senate moved forward on a bill for Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data, with calls for a real-time passenger dashboard to strengthen border security and planning. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed PAHO/WHO representative duties for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to strengthen resilient health systems. Education Tech & Outcomes: Barbados reported strong 2026 CAPE results, with multiple subjects hitting 100% pass rates, including Information Technology and Green Engineering.

Rediscovery in Nature: Barbados scientists finally found the world’s smallest-known snake, the Barbados threadsnake, after nearly 20 years by turning over hundreds of rocks during an ecological survey—good news for conservation of shrinking forest habitat. Border Tech & Security: Barbados Customs said it collected about $5.46B in revenue (2023 to July 2026) but lost over $3B through concessions, waivers and suspected undervaluation/under-invoicing, while also seizing major quantities of prohibited goods at ports. Cyber Safety for Youth: A digital forensics expert warned that young people can expose phones and home networks by clicking unverified links on WhatsApp, risking malware that can spread to banking and social accounts. Health Tech Innovation: UWI Cave Hill researchers are preparing field trials of a lethal ovitrap to reduce dengue using a non-chemical approach, aiming to cut reliance on insecticides. Digital Services in Healthcare: A Tobago delegation visited Barbados to study MedData and digital health systems at hospitals and polyclinics, to improve Tobago’s electronic health records rollout. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings are set to begin at the Magistrates’ Court as Barbados moves to modernise its criminal justice system using technology. Business Digitisation: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital solutions and build resilience for global markets. Tourism Data Push: A Barbados senator backed a real-time passenger-data dashboard to strengthen border security and improve tourism planning and investment decisions. Cloud Science for Rainfall: Researchers used a CloudKite balloon-kite near Barbados to reveal hidden structures in warm clouds that may explain how raindrops form—potentially improving rainfall forecasts.

Border Tech & Revenue: Barbados Customs says it collected about $5.46bn from 2023 to July 2026, but more than $3bn was lost via concessions, waivers and suspected undervaluation/under-invoicing, alongside major seizures at air/sea ports and the General Post Office. Cyber Safety for Youth: A digital forensics expert warned at a youth expo that clicking unverified WhatsApp links can install malware and expose home networks, risking banking and social media accounts. Justice Modernisation: Barbados is moving toward virtual hearings at the Magistrates’ Court as part of criminal justice reform, using technology to streamline proceedings. Public Health Media Training: Barbados and PAHO/WHO trained media professionals and creators on responsible suicide and mental health reporting to reduce stigma and harmful coverage patterns. Biosecurity & Climate Science: UWI Cave Hill researchers are preparing field trials of a lethal ovitrap to cut dengue without heavy chemical reliance, while a warm-cloud study used a Barbados-area balloon-kite probe to better explain rainfall formation. Digital Economy Push: CDB and SBA launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital tools, with Barbados also urged to speed up digital commerce adoption. Education & Tech Skills: Barbados posted a strong 2026 CAPE pass rate, with standout performance in subjects including Information Technology and Green Engineering. Travel Data & Security: A real-time passenger data dashboard is being urged to improve border security and tourism planning as Barbados advances passenger data legislation.

Biosecurity & Health Tech: UWI Cave Hill scientists are preparing field trials in Barbados for a lethal ovitrap, aiming to cut dengue by reducing reliance on chemicals for mosquito control. Climate Science: Researchers used a helium-filled CloudKite near Barbados to reveal hidden structures in warm clouds that help raindrops form, a step toward better rainfall and climate forecasts. Digital Government: Barbados is set to start virtual hearings at the Magistrates’ Court as part of criminal justice modernisation. Education & STEM Outcomes: Barbados posted a 93.8% overall pass rate in the 2026 CAPE exams, with perfect results in multiple subjects including Information Technology and Green Engineering. Digital Transformation for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional programme to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital solutions and build resilience, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Digital Health Exchange: A Tobago delegation visited Barbados to study the MedData platform and how digital health systems work across hospitals and primary care. Cyber/Travel Data Policy: Senator Ryan Forde backed a bill that enables advance passenger data use, and urged a real-time passenger dashboard to strengthen border security and tourism planning. Public Health Misinformation: Medical professionals warn rising requests for childhood immunisation exemptions could weaken Barbados’ vaccine protection as anti-vaccine messaging spreads online. Regional Tech & Business Skills: Concern is growing that some local small businesses are hesitant to adopt AI, as the government pushes for faster uptake.

Vector Control in Focus: UWI Cave Hill scientists are preparing field trials in Barbados of a lethal ovitrap, aiming to cut dengue by reducing reliance on chemicals. Weather Science: Max Planck researchers used a helium-filled CloudKite near Barbados to reveal hidden structures in warm clouds that help explain how rainfall forms. Digital Health Exchange: A Tobago delegation visited Barbados to study the MedData health information platform and how digital records work across hospitals and polyclinics. Justice Tech Upgrade: Virtual hearings are set to begin at the Magistrates’ Court as Barbados modernises its criminal justice system. Education & Tech Skills: Barbados reported a 93.8% overall CAPE pass rate, with perfect results in subjects including Information Technology and Green Engineering. Business Digital Push: The CDB and SBA launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital solutions, with Barbados included. AI Adoption Concern: A local minister warned that small businesses are hesitant about AI and urged faster uptake. Public Health Misinformation: Medical practitioners say requests to exempt children from routine immunisations are rising, driven by anti-vaccine messaging online. Travel Tech & Data: A proposed real-time passenger data dashboard is being backed to improve border security and tourism planning. Regional Tech Finance: Barbados-linked support is growing for Akasoba Duke-Abiola’s UN bid, with Barbados named among countries in the campaign network.

Digital Health & Public Services: A Tobago delegation visited Barbados to study how the island runs digital health systems, including the MedData platform and hospital-to-polyclinic information flows, with lessons aimed at improving Tobago’s electronic health records rollout. Mosquito Control Research: UWI Cave Hill scientists are preparing Barbados field trials of a lethal ovitrap, aiming to cut dengue by reducing reliance on chemicals for vector control. Cloud Science for Rainfall Forecasts: Researchers used a helium-filled CloudKite balloon-kite near Barbados to reveal hidden structures in warm clouds that help raindrops form, a step toward better rainfall and climate predictions. Education & Tech Skills: Barbados posted a 93.8% overall CAPE pass rate, with perfect results in subjects including Information Technology and Green Engineering. Justice Modernisation: Virtual hearings are set to begin at the Magistrates’ Court as Barbados modernises its criminal justice system using technology. Business Digitisation: The CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital solutions, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. AI Adoption Push: Barbados’ business minister warned that small businesses are hesitant about AI and urged faster uptake to avoid falling behind. Travel Tech & Data: A proposed real-time passenger data dashboard is being backed to improve border security and tourism planning. Local Housing Tech Delivery: NHC says nearly 500 families have received homes through early housing phases, with legal transfers for long-term tenants still underway.

Digital Justice: Barbados is set to modernise the Magistrates’ Court with virtual hearings starting next month, as Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley pushes broader criminal justice reform. Cloud Science: Researchers used a helium balloon-kite to probe warm clouds near Barbados, uncovering hidden structures that could improve rainfall forecasting. Education & Tech Skills: Barbados posted a 93.8% overall pass rate in CAPE 2026, with Information Technology and Green Engineering among subjects hitting 100% in Unit 1. Digital Health Exchange: A Tobago delegation visited Barbados to study the MedData electronic health records system and learn lessons for Tobago’s rollout. MSME Digital Push: The CDB and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional programme to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital tools, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. AI Adoption Concern: Barbados officials say small businesses are hesitant to embrace AI, warning the region can’t afford to fall behind. Immunisation Misinformation: Medical practitioners report rising requests for exemptions from routine childhood vaccines, driven by social media and overseas misinformation. Tourism Tech & Data: Senator Ryan Forde backs a bill enabling Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data, and calls for a real-time passenger dashboard to boost border security and planning. Local Housing Progress: NHC says nearly 500 families have received homes in early housing phases, while thousands still await legal transfers.

Workplace Culture & Productivity: A new Barbados-linked study says worker disengagement could be costing the island up to $1.6bn a year, with “cultural misalignment” framed as a measurable productivity tax. Digital MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs assess digital maturity and adopt practical digital tools, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. AI Adoption Gap: Barbados’ energy and business minister flagged concern that local small businesses are hesitant to adopt AI, urging faster uptake to avoid falling behind. Health & Misinformation: The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners warns that rising requests to exempt children from routine immunisations could weaken vaccine protection, blaming misinformation spreading via social media and foreign media. Education Tech & Assessment: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), while education advocates are also calling for more transparency and deeper scrutiny after CXC results. Coastal Resilience: Barbados announced a $105.8m coastal resilience programme (largely IADB-financed) to tackle erosion, with first-phase focus areas named. Housing Transfers: The National Housing Corporation says nearly 500 families have received homes in early phases, as legal transfers for long-term tenants continue. Regional Finance & Tech: Butterfield completed initial regulatory filings for its $1.8bn CIBC Caribbean acquisition, targeting a first-half 2027 close. Life Sciences Tech: Valkit.ai named Provalis Latam as its exclusive Latin America partner for digital validation in pharma and biotech.

Digital MSME Boost: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent with help to assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools, and build resilience—especially for women-led and underserved firms. AI & Misinformation Watch: Barbados’ medical community is warning that rising requests to exempt children from routine immunisations could erode vaccine protection, as anti-vaccine messaging spreads via social media; meanwhile, BAMP says misinformation is driving more opt-outs. AI for Finance Training: A CARICOM Stock Market AI Game is set to train users across the region to research companies, analyse sectors, and build simulated portfolios ahead of deeper capital-market integration. Education Tech Updates: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), breaking subjects into focus modules, with reported gains in CSEC and CAPE performance metrics. Coastal Tech & Resilience: Barbados is moving toward a US$105.8m coastal resilience programme (mostly IDB-funded) to tackle erosion, with early phases targeting Clinketts, Sand Street, and the Mullins-to-St Peter’s Bay stretch. Health Workforce Training: Los Robles Regional Medical Center is expanding high-tech medical simulation and residency training to help address healthcare staffing shortages. Housing Handover Progress: The National Housing Corporation says nearly 500 families have received homes through early housing phases, with thousands awaiting legal transfers under the Twenty-Year Programme.