AGP Executive Report

Rihanna in Barbados: The global star returned with her three children, taking them to “Rihanna Drive” in Bridgetown, joining local moments like coconut stops and a bus tour, and stepping out for Crop Over’s Grand Kadooment Day. Education Reform Watch: Teachers’ union and parents welcomed the delay to continuous assessment for secondary placement, while the DLP pushed for clearer, less rushed implementation. CXC Update: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), calling it a “game changer,” with results and focus on CSEC Maths and English. Cricket Pathway: Cricket West Indies named 22 rising stars for a High-Performance Under-19 Women’s Camp in Antigua, including five Barbadians. Crop Over Planning: Culture minister Shane Archer urged an earlier festival launch to better catch tourists and the diaspora. Health & Safety: Barbados is urged to tighten measles defenses amid a regional outbreak; road safety upgrades include repainted school crossings and pothole work. Community & Care: Barbados promoted caregiving beyond money, with a push for men to take a bigger role in nurturing. Sports Legacy: CPL confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, to be honoured in Barbados on Sept. 15. Local Life: August’s Yard of the Month spotlighted drought-tolerant landscaping in St Philip.

Rihanna Homecoming: Rihanna returned to Barbados with her three children, taking them to “Rihanna Drive” on Westbury New Road, enjoying local bus rides and Crop Over moments. CPL Hall of Fame: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were named the inaugural inductees for the CPL Hall of Fame, with a Sept. 15 gala in Barbados benefiting prostate cancer testing. Cricket Pathway: CWI selected 22 rising Under-19 women cricketers for a High-Performance Camp in Antigua as they gear up for the 2027 World Cup. Crop Over Planning: Youth and Culture Minister Shane Archer called for an earlier Crop Over launch and a review of promotion and execution to better catch tourists and the diaspora. Education Reform Debate: The DLP says it supports reform but opposes “rushed” changes to secondary placement, backing a delay of continuous assessment. Coastal Resilience: A US$105.8m coastal resilience programme is set to begin later this year to tackle erosion in key areas. Health Watch: Barbados is urged to tighten measles defenses amid a major regional outbreak, especially with mass gatherings like Kadooment. Art & Legacy: Sharon Rowley, once a lawyer, debuted her acrylic work after retirement, fulfilling a lifelong creative dream. Caregiving Culture: Barbados pushes a broader view of caregiving beyond money, urging men to play a bigger nurturing role. Road Safety: Trident Insurance and Transport Works are repainting school crossings and fixing potholes ahead of the new term.

Banking & Business: Butterfield Bank is seeking shareholder approval to issue nearly 12 million new shares as part of its $1.8bn purchase of Barbados-headquartered CIBC Caribbean, with the deal set to reshape ownership of the enlarged group. Education Reform: Barbados’ Ministry of Education Transformation has delayed continuous assessment for secondary school placement, keeping the BSSEE/Common Entrance Exam for current Class 3 and 4 students while pushing the new model to later cohorts after parent and educator pushback. Road Safety: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting school-area zebra crossings and tackling potholes ahead of the new term to make routes safer for children and drivers. Health Watch: Officials are urging extra care against measles as the Americas face its worst outbreak in decades, stressing vaccination and vigilance for possible imported cases. Community & Youth: A Lions Club president says troubling behaviour is showing up early among schoolchildren and calls for closer support with nurseries and schools in St Philip. Sports Culture: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop are confirmed as the inaugural inductees into the CPL Hall of Fame, with a gala in Barbados on Sept. 15. Diaspora & Heritage: Rihanna is spotlighted for bringing her three kids back to Barbados, including a visit to “Rihanna Drive,” while actress Jenifer Lewis arrives for Emancipation celebrations with a message of resilience and unity. Public Safety: Police say escaped prisoner Tyrese Leroy Farrell (“Twin”) is back in custody after turning himself in.

Tourism & Media: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, naming seven leaders across aviation, cruise, hospitality, sustainability, destination management and media ahead of the Dec. 6 awards in Miami. Health & Community: The AUB School of Medicine donated 100 digital stethoscopes to Barbados, supporting telemedicine and better monitoring for people in rural and underserved areas. Road Safety: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting pedestrian crossings near multiple schools and tackling potholes ahead of the new school term. Education Reform: Minister Chad Blackman has postponed the continuous assessment framework for secondary school placement, keeping the Common Entrance Exam in its current format for now and pushing the new model to a later start. Caregiving & Gender: Barbados is being urged to broaden caregiving beyond money, with a campaign encouraging men to take a bigger role in nurturing children and dependants. Culture & Diaspora: Actress and activist Jenifer Lewis is in Barbados for Emancipation celebrations, sharing a message of resilience and heritage. Public Safety: Police say escaped prisoner Tyrese Leroy Farrell (“Twin”) is back in custody after turning himself in. Local Agriculture: Farmers and vendors welcomed PM Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalize contract buy-in arrangements, backed by $2m per quarter.

Emancipation & culture: Award-winning actress and activist Jenifer Lewis arrived in Barbados for the Season of Emancipation, sharing a message of resilience, heritage and unity as part of Marcus Garvey Day events. Road safety: Trident Insurance and the Ministry of Transport and Works are repainting pedestrian crossings near multiple schools and tackling potholes ahead of the new term. Education reform: Education Minister Chad Blackman has postponed continuous assessment for secondary school placement after parent and stakeholder concerns, keeping the Common Entrance Exam in its current format for now; teachers’ union also urges a phased, consultative rollout. Caregiving & gender: The Bureau of Gender Affairs is pushing for greater equality in caregiving, with Minister Adrian Forde stressing that care is about time, love and participation—not just money. Public safety: Police say escaped prisoner Tyrese Leroy Farrell (“Twin”) is now in custody, after turning himself in following an escape from Hastings/Worthing Police Station. Housing & homelessness: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says evictions—sometimes at night and involving families with children—are driving people into homelessness. Local farming & food security: Farmers and vendors welcomed a push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in arrangements, backed by government funding. Arts & festival buzz: Jam Tunes returns to Crop Over after a decade, with LaStacia named a joint winner. Diaspora & reparatory justice: President John Dramani Mahama praised The UWI for scholarship and reparatory justice work during a landmark visit.

Education Reform Pause: Barbados’ Ministry of Education has postponed the proposed continuous assessment framework for secondary school placement, keeping the Common Entrance Exam for current Class 3 and Class 4 cohorts while pushing the new model to a later start—after parents and educators raised concerns. Assessment Debate at Home: A veteran educator and the Barbados Union of Teachers both backed a more phased, consultative approach, with calls to avoid rushed changes while schools manage learning loss and staffing pressures. Homelessness Pressure Point: The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness says evictions—sometimes happening overnight—are driving homelessness, especially for women and families with children. Local Business Update: Kooyman Megastore in Kendal Hill has temporarily closed for industrial cleaning and remediation, with deliveries set to resume once work is complete. Community & Culture: Rihanna shared rare family photos returning to her childhood home on “Rihanna Drive,” while Crop Over continues to build momentum with Jam Tunes’ revived breakout star LaStacia. Public Safety Alert: Police are seeking escaped detainee Tyrese Leroy Farrell (“Twin”) after he fled custody from Hastings/Worthing Police Station. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers and vendors welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalize contract buy-in arrangements, backed by government funding. Pan-African Spotlight: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama praised The UWI for scholarship and reparatory justice work during a milestone visit.

National Tribute: PM Mia Amor Mottley mourns the passing of BLP stalwart Clyde “Cannon” Holder, praising his long service to party, community and country. Public Safety: Police are asking the public to help locate escaped detainee Tyrese Leroy Farrell (“Twin”), who fled Hastings/Worthing Police Station on Friday night. Homelessness & Housing: Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness president Kemar Saffrey says evictions—sometimes carried out at night—are pushing families, including women and children, onto the streets. Local Food Systems: Farmers and vendors welcome PM Mottley’s push for Massy Supermarkets to formalise contract buy-in, backed by $2m per quarter to support agro-processing growth. Crime Policy Debate: Opposition parties back action against gun violence but warn the Domestic Terrorism Bill shouldn’t replace prevention, youth intervention and social services. Education Reform: Education Minister Chad Blackman declares 2026-27 the “Year of Purpose,” while the Ministry postpones continuous assessment for secondary placement after parent concerns. Reading & Boys’ Literacy: Dr Idamay Denny urges parents and teachers to meet boys’ interests—like comics—to build reading comprehension. Culture & Travel: Rihanna shares rare family photos in Barbados, visiting “Rihanna Drive,” while travel coverage highlights Barbados among top solo destinations and growing luxury fall travel demand. Business Update: Kooyman Megastore in Kendal Hill closes temporarily for industrial cleaning and remediation, with deliveries set to resume after work is completed.

Education Reform Watch: Barbados’ Ministry of Education Transformation has postponed using continuous assessment for secondary school placement, keeping the Common Entrance Exam for current Class 3 and 4 students while parents push for a phased rollout. Reading & Attendance: Boys in Babb’s Reading Clinic showed reading gains, but attendance dropped as the five-week programme ended—highlighting the need to keep support consistent. National Security & Drugs: The NCSA warns that criminal enterprises are still exporting drug precursors from Barbados, with officials urging tighter controls. Caregiving Equality: The Bureau of Gender Affairs’ “Sharing Care” campaign calls for more equal unpaid caregiving roles across genders. New School for a Future: AMMA Architects’ Oceana Innovation Hub is set to reshape learning with project-based, climate-resilient education—moving away from “chalk and talk.” Culture Spotlight: Crop Over’s heritage continues to spark new wins, including Jam Tunes’ revived breakout moment. Travel & Lifestyle: Luxury travel demand is surging this fall, and Rihanna’s “Rihanna Drive” homecoming photos keep Barbados in the spotlight.

Caregiving Equality: Barbados’ Bureau of Gender Affairs is pushing its “Sharing Care” campaign to challenge who should handle unpaid care for children, older persons and dependants. Education & Local Learning: A new school architecture project in Bridgetown’s Oceana Innovation Hub aims to move Barbados beyond “chalk and talk” toward project-based, climate-resilient, locally rooted learning. Rihanna Homecoming: Rihanna shared rare family photos in Barbados, bringing her three kids to “Rihanna Drive,” the street renamed from Westbury New Road in her honour. Travel & Tourism Boost: United Airlines will add daily nonstop flights to Barbados from Newark and Washington D.C. for the festive season, while Virtuoso reports fall luxury travel sales up 69%—with September leading. Culture in Motion: Crop Over keeps building momentum, including Jam Tunes’ revived Berger Paints competition and breakout star LaStacia’s win. Youth & Purpose: International Youth Day celebrations at Wyndham Grand Barbados drew 800 young people, with calls for purpose and leadership now, not later. Public Service Watch: The Ombudsman is urging clearer promotion rules and stronger complaint systems after concerns in Barbados’ public service. Regional Tech Push: CARICOM countries are building cross-border digital public infrastructure to support integration and public services. Justice Update (Region): Dominica’s former police officer Jean-Luc Langlais was charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul. Sport & Community: Barbados’ WorldSkills Juniors Future Skills Camp introduced mobile app development for the first time.

Crop Over Culture: LaStacia is named a joint breakout winner of the revived Berger Jam Tunes, celebrating the contest’s return after a decade-long pause. Police & Community: Commissioner Sonia Boyce opens up in an exclusive interview about policing as service, justice, discipline, compassion and trust. Youth Focus: Senator Shane Archer urges adults and institutions to create safe spaces and real pathways for young people—no waiting on titles. Health & Wellness: A dehydration explainer breaks down myths and symptoms, stressing hydration choices beyond plain water. Heritage & Tourism: A California visitor launches a heritage travel initiative inspired by Barbados, aiming to reconnect the African diaspora with Caribbean roots. Education & Skills: WorldSkills Juniors Future Skills Camp adds mobile app development, with young participants building learning-focused apps. International Spotlight: UWI welcomes Ghana President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting Africa-Caribbean partnership and reparatory justice momentum. Family & Pop Culture: Rihanna brings her three children to “Rihanna Drive,” the street where she grew up, marking a full-circle homecoming. Local Governance & Services: Massy’s Worthing store opening promises more convenience for customers, with future phases planned from community feedback. Sports & Regional Pride: Youth Day celebrations mobilise 800 children with UNICEF-linked activities to build purpose and responsibility. Crime Update (Region): Dominica charges a former police officer with the murder of a 16-year-old, following an intensive investigation.

Reparatory Justice & Education: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama met The UWI at its Regional Headquarters, praising its Centre for Reparation Research and its role in pushing reparatory justice and Pan-African development. Local Community & Youth: Barbados marked International Youth Day with UNICEF-backed celebrations that mobilised 800 children, using panels and cultural presentations to build purpose and responsibility. Skills for the Future: WorldSkills Juniors Future Skills Camp added mobile app development for the first time, with campers building learning-focused apps and exploring future tech like 3D printing and robotics. Education Funding: The Errol and Nita Barrow Educational Trust awarded eight scholarships for 2026, including postgraduate study plans in the UK and beyond. Business & Convenience: Massy’s $46 million Worthing development is now open, with more customer-focused upgrades promised in later phases. National Security Law: Parliament passed the Domestic Terrorism Act, 2026, creating offences for violent public acts meant to spread fear, including bias-motivated attacks. Culture Spotlight: Rihanna brought her three children to her childhood street in Barbados, now named Rihanna Drive, sharing a “full-circle” family moment with the world. Honours & Service: Barbados announced a Diamond Anniversary Honour list for 120 people—60 from uniformed services and 60 civilians—recognising contributions across public life, faith, culture, sport and more. Regional Investment: Caribbean Export launched the Caribbean Investment Forum 2026, set for Bridgetown in October to help secure investment for bankable deals. Travel & Lifestyle: Seabourn opened bookings for winter 2028–2029 Caribbean voyages, including late calls in Barbados and other islands.

Rihanna Homecoming: Rihanna brought sons RZA (4) and Riot (3) and baby Rocki (10 months) to her Bridgetown childhood street, now officially “Rihanna Drive,” sharing an emotional “full-circle” visit with fans. Public Service Accountability: Barbados Ombudsman Rev Dr Nigel Taylor says 2025 complaints were widespread across public agencies and is pushing for clearer promotion rules, stronger complaint systems, and a human resource audit. Youth & Learning Tech: At WorldSkills Barbados Juniors’ Future Skills Camp, a 15-year-old built an app concept that turns screen time into quiz-based learning using popular social platforms. Women in Entrepreneurship: EmpowerHer, run with the Small Business Association, celebrated 41 women completing an entrepreneurship programme covering business planning, finance, marketing, pitching, and compliance. Immigration & Security: Barbados advanced an Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill to strengthen border security with pre-arrival screening while protecting personal data and avoiding racial profiling. Law & Safety: Parliament passed the Domestic Terrorism Act, 2026, creating a new offence for violent public acts meant to spread fear or motivated by bias. Local Tourism Buzz: Turtle Beach, a Tribute Portfolio all-inclusive, reopened on the South Coast with 165 suites, new dining, and expanded family programming. Community Concern: Some beachgoers are upset about changes to Heywoods access since Beaches Barbados construction began, citing reduced parking and longer walks.

Rihanna Homecoming: Rihanna brought sons RZA and Riot and baby Rocki to her childhood street in Barbados, now officially named Rihanna Drive, sharing rare family photos and calling the moment “trippy how life works.” Domestic Security Law: Barbados Parliament passed the Domestic Terrorism Act, 2026, creating a new offence for violent acts in public spaces meant to spread fear or driven by bias, with severe penalties including life imprisonment. Immigration Update: Barbados is also moving to strengthen border security with Advance Passenger Information rules, giving authorities more power to screen travellers before arrival while aiming to protect personal data and avoid racial profiling. Local Housing Push: Government plans to acquire church land in St Philip for a housing programme, targeting higher-density developments and up to 30 units on the site. Beach Access Tension: Some residents and regular users of Heywoods Beach in St Peter are upset over new access and parking changes tied to the Beaches Barbados construction, raising concerns about safety and consultation. Culture & Sport: A call for structured youth cricket development is growing after concerns that players are being prepared too late for regional competition. All-Inclusive Travel: Royalton is opening Royalton Vessence Cancun for March 1, 2027 bookings, and Turtle Beach Barbados (a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property) has reopened with expanded family programming.

Rihanna & Barbados Culture: Rihanna brought her three children back to her childhood street in Westbury, now “Rihanna Drive,” sharing rare family photos and calling it “trippy how life works,” while the visit reinforces her National Hero legacy and keeps Crop Over-era hometown pride front and centre. Local Housing Push: Government will acquire about 2.21 acres of Ebenezer Methodist Church land in St Philip to support a housing programme, aiming for higher-density units while preserving green space. Public Safety Law Update: A new Domestic Terrorism Bill targets reckless shootings and violent attacks in public spaces, with Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams framing it as a modern response to firearm-driven community fear. Immigration & Border Security: Barbados is set to introduce advance passenger data screening through the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, with safeguards against racial profiling. Food & Farming Support: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley backed contract buying to help local farmers, including a $2 million start-up fund tied to the Massy Supermarket opening. Lifestyle & Travel: Marriott’s new all-inclusive Turtle Beach (165 suites) reopens on the South Coast, adding family programming and new dining options. Community & Youth: CPL SchoolYard plans back-to-school player visits in Barbados and across the region, pairing cricket stars with students and essentials for the new term. Tourism Offers: Sea Breeze Beach House and O2 Beach Club & Spa launch September–October deals for solo travellers and single parents, including waived single supplements and added family perks.

Rihanna Homecoming: Rihanna shared rare photos of her three children visiting her childhood home in Westbury, now “Rihanna Drive,” a full-circle moment for the island’s pop-culture pride. Culture & Community: “This Week in Barbados” spotlights how dancers and choreographers keep the island’s cultural rhythm alive year-round. Heritage Skills: Commonwealth heritage specialists are restoring a listed country house in the UK, training craft skills meant to protect heritage sites back home. Education Watch: Parents are pushing back on proposed continuous assessment at Class 3, with the Education Ministry set to outline its roadmap on Aug. 14. Back-to-School Support: CPL SchoolYard is rolling out back-to-school initiatives, including a Barbados school visit by players on Sept. 10. Health & Families: QEH staff say more young mothers are reluctant to breastfeed due to lifestyle and work pressures, calling for tailored education and workplace support. Sports for Schools: BHTA’s Adopt-A-School futsal tournament aims to raise $50,000 for school upgrades and youth programmes. Security & Youth: The Barbados Defence Force is modernising to meet new threats, and the Cadet Corps is set to receive new technology. Travel & Lifestyle Deals: Sea Breeze Beach House and O2 Beach Club & Spa launch September–October offers for solo travellers and single-parent families, including no single supplement and spa credits.

Barbados Defence Force Modernisation: The BDF marked its 47th anniversary with a major transformation plan aimed at tackling new risks like maritime trafficking, cyber threats and climate-driven emergencies. Solo & Single-Parent Travel Deals: Sea Breeze Beach House and O2 Beach Club & Spa are waiving single supplements for selected stays, plus spa credits, babysitting support and family perks for September–October bookings. Back-to-School Community Push: CPL SchoolYard rolls out “Back to School” in St Lucia and Jamaica (17 Aug) and “Take a Player to School” in Guyana and Barbados (10 Sept), with players visiting classrooms and boosting digital literacy. Education Update on Continuous Assessment: The Ministry of Education Transformation says it will outline its roadmap on continuous assessment and secondary placement on Friday, after parents raised concerns about Class 3 changes. Health & Family Support: A call for a national catastrophic illness fund for children follows the death of 14-year-old Trashaun Atwell, while breastfeeding advocates push for a comprehensive national policy. Youth, Sports & Safety: BHTA’s Adopt-A-School futsal tournament aims to raise $50,000 for school upgrades, and a teen faces court over alleged gun and ammo possession. Culture & Learning: Barbados launches summer filmmaking camps using phones, cameras and AI, and the Government announces scholarships in Black Studies and reparatory justice for postgraduate students. Regional Sports Exchange: The Caribbean Unity Sports Club sends a table tennis team to Antigua for a three-week development programme.