AGP Executive Report

Calypso: Brother Valentino, the Grenada-born singer whose songs challenged injustice and championed ordinary people, has died at 85. His passing comes weeks after the Caribbean farewelled Mighty Sparrow, another giant of the genre. Netball: Barbados is hosting the Americas World Cup qualifiers, where the unbeaten hosts, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada were level on four points after two matches. The top two teams earn places at the 2027 World Cup. Caribbean Music: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards will make their global broadcast premiere on October 25, streaming on YouTube and TRACE+, with television coverage in eight markets. NIFCA: Graydon Sealy Secondary’s “Betsy’s Story” stood out at the performing arts semi-finals, blending folk and contemporary music to deliver a stark message about domestic abuse.

Caribbean Music: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards gets its global broadcast premiere on October 25 at 9 p.m. ET on YouTube and TRACE+, with TV coverage confirmed in eight Caribbean markets. Nailah Blackman, Calypso Rose and other regional stars feature in the show. Bajan Stage: Graydon Sealy Secondary School Choir’s “Murder In The Market” stood out at the NIFCA performing arts semi-finals, blending folk and contemporary music with a story addressing domestic abuse. Barbadian Media: Sharon Hurley Hall’s Anti-Racism Newsletter is a finalist in the Anthem Awards’ Belonging & Inclusion: Content & Media category. Sparrow’s Legacy: At the Mighty Sparrow’s funeral, Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged regional leaders to push for his song “Slave” to be taught through the CXC curriculum, as Trinidad and Tobago announced plans to rename the Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand in his honour.

Regional Netball: Trinidad and Tobago’s Bridget Adams was re-elected Netball Americas president at the organisation’s AGM in Barbados, where Coreen David was also named honorary secretary. Caribbean Music: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards will reach a global audience on October 25, streaming on YouTube and TRACE+ and airing on television in eight Caribbean markets. Barbados Football: The island’s Under-15 boys have left for Baku to compete in the first FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival. Dance and Fashion: Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival runs October 23–25, bringing choreography and fashion together in performances at Queen’s Hall. Mighty Sparrow’s Legacy: At the calypso legend’s funeral in Trinidad, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged that his music be taught through the CXC curriculum, while Trinidad announced plans to rename the Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand in his honour.

Music & Culture: The Caribbean Music Awards 2026 will reach a global audience with an October 25 premiere on YouTube and TRACE+, following September’s ceremony in Trinidad. At Mighty Sparrow’s funeral, Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged the region to teach his music and the history behind his achievements to younger generations. Barbadian Media: Journalist and anti-racism advocate Sharon Hurley Hall’s newsletter is a finalist in the Anthem Awards’ Belonging & Inclusion: Content & Media category. Football: Barbados’ Under-15 boys have departed for Azerbaijan to compete in the first FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival. The island’s inaugural Women’s Prime Minister’s Cup has also kicked off, with 10 teams vying for a BDS$100,000 first prize.

Barbadian Recognition: Sharon Hurley Hall’s anti-racism newsletter is an Anthem Awards finalist, marking six years and more than 750 pieces amplifying Black and Global Majority voices. Calypso Legacy: At Mighty Sparrow’s state-assisted farewell, Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged schools to teach his music; Trinidad will rename and refurbish the Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand in his honour. Dance & Fashion: Barbadian choreographer Aisha Comissiong is among the artists featured in Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival, pairing choreography with fashion from October 23–25.

Barbadian Media: Sharon Hurley Hall’s anti-racism newsletter is a finalist in the 6th Annual Anthem Awards, recognising six years of work amplifying Black and Global Majority voices. Music & Heritage: A feature on Nina Simone traces her maternal roots to Barbados and explores how faith and civil-rights activism shaped her music. At Mighty Sparrow’s state-assisted funeral in Trinidad, Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged schools to teach his music and the lessons of his generation; the Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand will be refurbished and named for the calypso icon. Women’s Football: Barbados’ first Women’s Prime Minister’s Cup has begun with 10 teams competing for a BDS$100,000 top prize. Dance & Fashion: Barbados choreographer Aisha Comissiong is among the artists featured in Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival, running October 23–25 with dance and fashion sharing the spotlight.

Mighty Sparrow’s Legacy: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley joined tributes at the calypso icon’s funeral in Trinidad, urging that his music be taught in schools. Trinidad will rename the Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand in his honour. Dance & Fashion: Barbados choreographer Aisha Commissiong is among the artists featured in Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival, where performances and fashion share the stage from October 23 to 25. Women’s Football: Barbados’ inaugural Women’s Prime Minister’s Cup kicked off with 10 teams competing for a BDS$100,000 first prize. Netball: The Americas World Cup qualifiers begin today at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, with eight teams vying for places at the 2027 tournament.

Women’s Football: Barbados’ inaugural Women’s Prime Minister’s Cup opened with 10 teams competing for a BDS$100,000 first prize, giving local players a bigger stage and clubs a new target. Sparrow’s Legacy: At the calypso icon’s funeral in Trinidad, Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged schools to teach his music and the lessons of how he and his peers overcame barriers. Trinidad also announced that Queen’s Park Savannah’s grandstand will be renamed in his honour. Dance and Fashion: Barbados choreographer Aisha Comissiong is among the artists featured in Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival, running October 23–25, where runway fashion and choreography will share the spotlight. Netball Qualifiers: The Americas World Cup qualifiers begin in Barbados on October 19, with eight teams vying for two places at the 2027 tournament in Sydney.

Dance & Fashion: Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival runs October 23–25, blending choreography and fashion in a runway that moves through Queen’s Hall. Netball: Barbados hosts the Americas World Cup qualifiers from October 19–26 at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, with eight teams competing for two places at the 2027 tournament. Calypso Legacy: Mighty Sparrow’s state-assisted funeral drew regional tributes, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley; Trinidad and Tobago will rename and refurbish the Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand in his honour. National Art Gallery: Senator Shane Archer defended plans to establish the gallery at the Garrison, saying it would help preserve Barbadian art and build opportunities for local artists.

Calypso Legacy: Trinidad and Tobago gave Mighty Sparrow a music-filled state-assisted farewell on Friday, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley among those paying tribute. The Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand will be refurbished and renamed for the calypso icon, whose songs shaped Caribbean culture for generations. National Art Gallery: Barbadian senators debated leasing Block A at the Garrison for the gallery. Minister Shane Archer says a permanent home would help artists build careers and preserve and showcase the island’s art. Remembering Cubana Flight 455: A film screening at UWI St Augustine marked 50 years since the bombing that killed 73 people, after the plane departed Barbados. The anniversary renews calls to remember one of the Caribbean’s deadliest acts of terrorism.

Calypso Legacy: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley joined regional mourners in Trinidad to honour Mighty Sparrow at his state-assisted funeral. Tributes celebrated the calypso icon’s seven-decade career and his music’s power to tell Caribbean stories, challenge authority and bring people together. Barbados Arts: Senators debated leasing Block A at the Garrison as a home for the National Art Gallery. Supporters say the institution could preserve Barbadian art, build artists’ careers and strengthen the cultural sector. Film and Remembrance: A screening at UWI St Augustine on October 17 marks 50 years since Cubana Flight 455 was bombed after departing Barbados, killing all 73 people aboard. The event aims to keep the tragedy and its victims in regional memory.

Regional Music: The Mighty Sparrow’s farewell ceremony in Trinidad features a major musical tribute, with soca stars Machel Montano and Destra Garcia leading performances honouring the calypso legend’s 70-year contribution to Caribbean culture. Barbados Arts: Senators debated leasing Block A at the Garrison for a National Art Gallery. Minister Shane Archer says the institution would support local artists, preserve the island’s artistic heritage and help creatives build sustainable careers. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas has secured a release across seven Caribbean territories and is up for six Caribbean Film Awards.

National Art Gallery: Senators debated leasing Block A at the Garrison as a headquarters for the Barbados National Art Gallery. Minister of State Shane Archer says the institution would help local artists build sustainable careers and protect the island’s artistic heritage. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is heading for release in seven Caribbean territories and is up for six Caribbean Film Awards. Calypso Tributes: Hundreds gathered at Trinidad’s National Academy for the Performing Arts to honour Mighty Sparrow, celebrating the calypso legend’s lasting influence on Caribbean culture. Barbadian Arts & Identity: Barbados-born cricket pioneer Roland Butcher shared his story at a Black History Month event, drawing on his new book, Breaking Barriers: Barbados to England…And Back.

Calypso Tribute: Fans and diplomats gathered in Trinidad to honour The Mighty Sparrow, celebrating the calypso legend’s lasting influence ahead of his state-assisted funeral. West Indies Cricket: Barbados batter Kevin Wickham earned his first Test call-up after scoring three consecutive centuries in the West Indies Championship; he joins the squad for the Bangladesh series. Barbadian Music: Rihanna’s foundation has channelled more than $100 million to charity since 2012, turning the singer’s personal grief into a long-running philanthropic mission. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas has secured a theatrical release in seven Caribbean territories and is up for six Caribbean Film Awards.

Caribbean Music: Calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow drew hundreds of mourners, diplomats and fans to NAPA in Trinidad ahead of Friday’s state-assisted funeral, with tributes recalling his lasting influence on Caribbean music. Barbadian Culture: Captain Charles Sandiford has spent more than 50 years preserving and evolving Barbados’ Landship and tuk band traditions, including through his “bashment landship” style. Rihanna: The Barbadian star’s Clara Lionel Foundation has channelled more than US$100 million into community causes since she founded it in 2012 in memory of her grandmother. Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for release in seven Caribbean territories and is up for six Caribbean Film Awards. Food & Festival: The Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s Rum Route is returning with a new journey.

Cultural Heritage: Captain Charles Sandiford has spent more than 50 years preserving and refreshing Barbados Landship and tuk traditions. Honoured at this year’s ceremonial delivery of the last canes, he also pioneered the “bashment landship” style. Rihanna’s Giving: The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna in 2012 after her grandmother’s death, has directed more than US$100 million to communities. Its early work included funding a radiotherapy machine in Barbados. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas has secured theatrical release in seven Caribbean territories and is among the films up for six Caribbean Film Awards. Food and Festival: Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s Rum Route is set to return with a new journey, celebrating the island’s food and rum scene.