AGP Executive Report

CPL Spotlight: Trinbago Knight Riders face Barbados Tridents at the Queen’s Park Oval after a tough loss, with Nicholas Pooran pointing to a key turning over that swung the game. Local Sports Buzz: Earlier, Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 56 helped Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat Barbados Tridents by 30 runs, while Sunil Narine hit another T20 milestone in CPL action. Youth & Community: Faith groups across Barbados are set to receive youth development grants after 10 organisations won funding under the $5m programme. Business & Cost of Living: The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pitched ideas to lower consumer prices by changing how taxes and duties are calculated on imported goods. Banking Milestone: Scotiabank marks 70 years in Barbados with community and stakeholder engagements, including donations. Arts & Culture: Barbados Figure Skating Festival is hailed a success, with young competitors getting top-level coaching. Media Recognition: Barbados leads at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union Media Awards, with the GIS taking seven awards and a special mention. Safety & Borders: Customs seized firearms, ammunition and drugs in a major haul worth about Bds$8m. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly is being monitored; no watches or warnings are in effect for Barbados, with possible showers Sunday.

CPL Cricket: Sunil Narine made T20 history in CPL 2026, reaching 650 wickets after trapping John Campbell, while Kieron Pollard also smashed a major T20 run milestone for Trinbago Knight Riders. Barbados Sports & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns CPL moments into support for cricket gear, connectivity, school initiatives and disability inclusion across the region, including Barbados Tridents. Royal & Culture: King Charles and Queen Camilla announced a fall Caribbean tour tied to CHOGM—Charles heads to Antigua and Barbuda, then solo stops in the Bahamas and Guyana. Local Arts & Sport Development: Barbados Figure Skating Festival is hailed a success for young skaters, and the Barbados Cycling Union pushes velodrome plans needing private-sector backing. Public Interest: Police identified 65-year-old Leroy Kennedy Johnson after a public appeal; Customs also seized firearms, drugs and plant material in a major border haul. Entertainment Spotlight: Disney+ released the first look at “The Real Rooneys,” premiering Sept 24, with Coleen and Wayne Rooney offering fans a behind-the-scenes family view.

CARIFTA Games Build-Up: Guyana has kicked off preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, with a NACAC delegation touring the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora and discussing upgrades, security, and readiness for March 27–29, 2027. CPL Buzz in Barbados: The Barbados Tridents’ CPL campaign stays in focus as Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns tournament moments into support for cricket gear and community projects across the region. Barbados at CBU Media Awards: Barbados led the 37th Caribbean Broadcasting Union Media Awards, with the Barbados Government Information Service collecting seven awards and a special mention. Cycling Facilities Push: Barbados’ velodrome plans are moving forward, but Minister Charles Griffith says the project now needs strong private-sector backing to become reality. Border Security: Barbados Customs seized 12 firearms, ammunition, and nearly 1,000kg of plant material in an $8m haul, warning smugglers are using every route. Disney+ Spotlight: “The Real Rooneys” gets a premiere date of Sept. 24, with the Rooney family’s Barbados beach scenes teased for the fly-on-the-wall series. Regional Cooperation: Prime Minister Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s acting president to deepen ties on energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture, and tourism. Mental Health Upgrade: Roseville Halfway House is set for a redesign under the Health Services Resilience Programme, with a community-based transition model planned for 2029.

Royal Caribbean Spotlight: King Charles and Queen Camilla announced their first overseas fall tour to the Caribbean, with stops in Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Guyana (Oct. 27–Nov. 4). Air Travel Update: Caribbean Airlines will end its direct Trinidad–Tobago–Barbados return flight from Sept. 2, with booked passengers re-accommodated on alternatives. Mental Health & Community Care: Roseville Halfway House in St Peter is being redesigned under Barbados’ Health Services Resilience Programme, aiming to help people transition from institutional care to independent living by 2029. Music & Culture: Belmont Methodist Church hosted “An Afternoon of Music” featuring the Barbados Police Service Band. Media Launch: SLCFA’s Sun and Silk Communications Agency (SASCA) will launch sascaonline.com on Sept. 8. Entertainment Streaming: Disney+ released the first look and confirmed the Sept. 24 premiere of “The Real Rooneys,” featuring Wayne and Coleen Rooney, with Barbados beaches included in the series. CPL Night: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat Barbados Tridents in CPL action, and the Tridents look ahead to their next clash. Barbados–Venezuela Ties: PM Mia Mottley’s talks in Caracas set out deeper cooperation on energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture, and tourism.

CPL Hall of Fame: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop are set to become the first inductees into the newly established Caribbean Premier League Hall of Fame, with the Sept. 15 gala in Barbados. Mental Health, Community Care: Roseville’s planned Halfway House is being reimagined as a community-based mental health programme, aiming to help people move from institutional care to independent living. Barbados–Venezuela Cooperation: PM Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, with joint plans spanning energy, food security, trade, tourism, education, and music exchanges—plus follow-through on the earthquake-era field hospital work. Caribbean Media Spotlight: Black Island Girl Multimedia launched a Caribbean-wide search for a red carpet correspondent for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad and Tobago. Rihanna & Family Buzz: New coverage keeps fans talking about Rihanna’s kids—RZA, Riot, and Rocki—plus fresh family photos. Tourism in London: Barbados is set to pop up at Battersea Power Station’s Malaysia Square with culture, food, steel pan, DJ sets, and road tennis. Education Standards Debate: Barbados-linked commentary on CTEC responds to concerns about CXC’s modular certification and insists standards aren’t being lowered. Health Tech: The Leela Vida introduces 3D body composition and posture tracking as a practical alternative to DEXA in Barbados. Land Tax Fix: Barbados Revenue Authority says a land tax glitch will trigger updated bills and refunds/credits for residential properties valued above $450,000.

CPL Night Under Lights: Barbados Tridents resume their 2026 Republic Bank CPL title push tonight against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (7 p.m. AST), with both sides aiming to tighten up discipline after mixed stretches. WCPL Momentum: Saint Lucian allrounder Qiana Joseph is set to link back with the Barbados Tridents for WCPL (Sept 5–17 at Kensington Oval) after a strong Seattle warm-up, including player-of-the-game form despite illness. Barbados–Venezuela Deal: PM Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, agreeing to deepen cooperation across energy, food security, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture and tourism—plus a Barbadian field hospital update in Guarenas. Tourism Pop-Up in London: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and Virgin Atlantic Holidays bring a Bajan culture weekend to Malaysia Square at Battersea Power Station (Aug 27–29), with yoga, road tennis, steel pan, DJs and local food. Health Tech for Fitness: The Leela Vida in Christ Church launches 3D body composition and posture tracking as a practical alternative to DEXA. Travel Add-On for Fans: Mile High Travels rolls out CPL charter flights across the region (Aug 24–Sept 12), making match-hopping easier for cricket lovers. Border Security: Barbados Customs seized firearms, ammunition and drugs/plant material in major operations, warning smugglers are constantly shifting routes. Creative Therapy Spotlight: A new feature looks at Alinyé Creative Therapy Studio, using art and creative expression to help people who won’t walk into traditional counselling.

CPL & Travel Buzz: Mile High Travels launched special charter flights for CPL 2026 fans, linking Antigua, St Kitts, Trinidad, Guyana and Barbados from 24 Aug to 12 Sept—so cricket supporters can chase matches island to island. Regional Diplomacy & Health: Barbados PM Mia Mottley met Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas as both countries signed and ratified a joint declaration, with a focus that included the Barbadian field hospital in Guarenas treating 2,700+ quake patients. Barbados Governance: Land tax bills were hit by an administrative glitch for residential properties valued over $450,000; updated bills and refunds/credits are underway. Border Security: Barbados Customs seized 12 firearms, ammo and nearly 1,000kg of plant material (about $8m street value), plus drugs and tactical items. Entertainment & Culture: Pic O De Crop winner AC Clarke says he’s “feeling remarkably well” after major neck surgery in Cleveland. Media & Mental Health: Barbados and PAHO/WHO trained media professionals to report suicide and mental health responsibly. Sports Spotlight: T&T U-19 women won the CWI Rising Stars title, beating Barbados in the final. Fashion Pop: Rihanna keeps turning NYC outings into Y2K-style moments, with fresh looks featuring Miu Miu.

Cricket Spotlight: Trinidad & Tobago’s Under-19 women reclaimed the CWI Rising Stars title, beating Barbados by 6 wickets in Antigua after Barbados made 104/5. Education Standards Debate: Barbados-based commentary on CTEC is pushing back on claims it’s a “lower standard,” stressing it uses the same syllabus and quality assurance as CSEC modules. Disaster Readiness: CDEMA wrapped a three-day RRM validation workshop, with Barbados’ Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nichols speaking as the region maps a more agile disaster response. Regional Sports Development: Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange is upbeat about CPL returning to Jamaica to rebuild local cricket and grow women’s participation. Entertainment & Style: Rihanna keeps the Y2K energy going in New York with a £2,250 pink Miu Miu jacket—while also sharing family moments tied to Barbados. Mental Health Media Training: Barbados journalists and content creators trained with PAHO/WHO on responsible suicide and mental health reporting. Cybersecurity Watch: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, urging people not to click suspicious links. Local Culture & Community: Ellerton Summer Camp ends with a cultural showcase featuring dance, stilt walking, crafts, and performances to music from top Barbadian artistes.

Hotel Openings & Travel Buzz: Barbados has two fresh stays now open—Hotel Indigo Bridgetown Barbados in Hastings and Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club in Paynes Bay—adding rooftop plunge pools, a rum room vibe, and a private beach club to the island’s fast-moving hospitality scene. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Rihanna keeps turning family time into fashion headlines, stepping out in New York in a £2,250 pink Miu Miu jacket with A$AP Rocky and baby Rocki, after bringing her kids back to her Barbados roots. Local Cricket Pride: Barbados Cricket Association celebrates Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews after both were named ICC Player of the Month for July, a first for Barbados in the same month. Mental Health & Media Training: Barbados media professionals completed practical training on responsible suicide and mental health reporting with PAHO/WHO, focusing on reducing stigma and improving help-seeking through safer coverage. Community & Youth Development: The One Family Programme’s Back-to-School push is supporting about 2,000 children with school supplies, while a new grandfather mentorship programme is set to pair older men with young males to curb delinquency and violence. Cyber Safety: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, urging students and staff to avoid suspicious links and report unusual activity.

Cybersecurity Awareness: A digital forensics expert warned at Barbados’ Liberty Business Youth and Vulnerable Expo that clicking unverified WhatsApp links can load malware, putting phones and even home networks at risk, with knock-on threats to banking and social media. Regional Media Win: The National Transformation Initiative (NTI) earned a Special Mention at the CBU Media Awards for its SDG Champion–Digital interview with STARR Bajan’s Janelle Skinner, highlighting disability inclusion through learning. Youth & Community Culture: The One Family Programme’s 2026 Back-to-School push is delivering school supplies to about 2,000 children, while summer camp showcases in Ellerton and St Ambrose Parish Centre put dance, stilt walking, crafts and Caribbean culture on display. UWI Cyber Alert: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, but reports no confirmed breach; students and staff are urged to avoid suspicious links. Entertainment Spotlight: Rihanna was spotted in New York in a £2,250 pink Miu Miu jacket with A$AP Rocky and baby Rocki, and Outer Banks star Chase Stokes revealed he jumped in to save co-star Madison Bailey during an underwater scene filmed in Barbados. Sports Pride: Barbados Cricket Association hailed Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews after both were named ICC Player of the Month for July, a first for West Indies in the same month.

Fashion & Celebrity: Rihanna turned a New York family outing into a style headline, stepping out in a £2,250 pink Miu Miu jacket with A$AP Rocky and baby Rocki. Sports Revival: Barbados is set to revive water polo after a three-year break, with the Sports Ministry and BASA planning school-first development starting late September. Community & Culture: The One Family Programme is delivering back-to-school relief for about 2,000 children, while summer camp showcases are putting Barbadian culture and creativity on display across the island. Mentorship for Youth: Government is rolling out a grandfather mentorship programme to pair older male role models with young men, aiming to curb delinquency and violence. Education Spotlight: Barbados posted a strong 2026 CAPE performance, with high pass rates and multiple subjects hitting perfect scores. Cricket Pride: BCA hailed Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews after both were named ICC Players of the Month for July. Entertainment Buzz: “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes revealed he saved co-star Madison Bailey from drowning during an underwater scene filmed in Barbados. Digital Safety: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, urging the community to stay vigilant.

CCJ Integrity: A Barbadian legal voice says leaked private CCJ judge–president emails have sparked speculation, urging Bar Associations to handle the “wake-up call” carefully so the court emerges stronger. Back-to-School Relief: The One Family Programme mobilised $400,000 in books and supplies for about 2,000 children, supporting 1,000 vulnerable families ahead of the new school year. Cyber Watch: UWI is investigating ransomware claims after an alert, stressing there’s no confirmed breach, and urging staff and students to avoid suspicious links. Caribbean Culture in Action: Ellerton’s summer camp closed with a cultural showcase featuring dance, stilt walking, crafts and performances to music from top Barbadian artistes. Mentorship for Youth: Government announced a grandfather mentorship programme pairing older men with young males to curb delinquency and violence. Outer Banks Barbados Moment: Chase Stokes says he jumped in to save co-star Madison Bailey from drowning during an underwater scene filmed in Barbados. Digital Boost for MSMEs: CDB and SBA launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs adopt digital tools and grow across the Caribbean. Rihanna Spotlight: Rihanna was seen in New York in a £2,250 pink Miu Miu jacket with A$AP Rocky and daughter Rocki, with Barbados ties still front and centre.

Mentorship for youth: Barbados will launch a “grandfather” mentorship programme pairing older male role models with young men, with Minister Adrian Forde saying it targets delinquency and violence through community guidance. CAPE results: Barbados posted a 93.8% overall pass rate in 2026 CAPE, with multiple subjects hitting perfect pass rates, as education leaders highlighted scholarship and exhibition winners. Outer Banks buzz (Barbados set): Chase Stokes revealed he jumped in to save co-star Madison Bailey from drowning during an underwater scene filmed in Barbados—crew thought she was acting. Cruise and entertainment travel: WestJet Vacations adds Royalton Vessence Barbados to its Caribbean lineup, while Cunard and Saga announced major 2026–2027 onboard speaker and performance lineups, including Katherine Jenkins. Digital push for small business: CDB and the Small Business Association launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across the Eastern Caribbean adopt digital tools and grow globally. Media wins: Barbados led the 37th CBU Media Awards with 15 awards and eight special mentions.

Caribbean Music Media: Barbados led the region at the 37th CBU Media Awards, sweeping 15 awards and earning eight special mentions, with the BGIS and The Nation among the big winners. Red-Carpet Opportunity: Dominica’s Jael Joseph launched a Caribbean-wide search for a new Media Correspondent for the Caribbean Music Awards, offering flights, accommodation, and a red-carpet interview role. Outer Banks (Barbados on set): Chase Stokes revealed he saved co-star Madison Bailey from drowning during an underwater filming scene in Barbados, after realizing she couldn’t breathe and the crew thought it was just acting. Cruise Entertainment: Cunard unveiled its Insights speaker lineup for Aug–Dec 2026, while Saga confirmed Katherine Jenkins will perform twice on its 73-night South America voyage in 2027. Local Business & Digital Culture: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across the region, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms.

Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a CDB-backed initiative to help at least 150 micro, small and medium businesses across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean strengthen digital skills, adopt solutions, and boost global competitiveness—especially for women-led and underserved firms. Health & Community: Barbados medical professionals say requests to exempt children from routine immunisations are rising, warning that overseas anti-vaccine misinformation is weakening the island’s long-standing protection. Media Spotlight: Barbados dominated the 37th Caribbean Broadcasting Union Media Awards in Guyana, taking 15 awards plus eight special mentions, with the Government Information Service leading the haul. Rihanna, Barbados Edition: Rihanna shared more personal moments from her homeland—taking her kids on a local minibus ride, stopping for coconut water, and revisiting “Rihanna Drive” in Westbury. Entertainment on Set: “Outer Banks” stars Chase Stokes and Madison Bailey revealed Stokes saved Bailey from drowning during filming in Barbados. Sport Development: Barbados is set to restart water polo in schools and communities after a three-year break, with a programme expected to begin late September. Cricket Honour: CPL confirmed Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as the inaugural inductees into the new CPL Hall of Fame, with the gala dinner in Barbados on 15 September.

CPL Spotlight: Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop are confirmed as the inaugural inductees into the new CPL Hall of Fame, with the Hall of Fame Gala Dinner set for Tuesday, 15 September in Barbados and proceeds supporting the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation’s prostate cancer work. Regional Media Wins: Barbados dominated the 37th CBU Media Awards in Georgetown, taking 15 awards and eight Special Mentions, led by the Government Information Service’s seven wins. Cricket Pathway: CWI has named 22 female Under-19 players for a High-Performance camp in Antigua, with Barbados securing five spots after finishing second in the Rising Stars tournament. Sports & Community: The IUOM held its annual Family Day Picnic at Glen Island State Park in New Rochelle, featuring games, prizes, and fellowship for members and families. AI & Business: A Caribbean Stock Market AI Game is being developed to help people across the region learn about investing through a simulated experience covering markets including Barbados. Rihanna, Barbados Roots: Rihanna shared another personal Barbados moment—taking her kids on a local minibus ride and coconut stop, including a visit to Rihanna Drive in Westbury. Education Scrutiny: Education advocates are urging more transparency and deeper review after CXC preliminary results, questioning how broad pass bands reflect real readiness. Local Business Concern: Barbados’ energy and business minister says some small businesses are hesitant to adopt AI, warning the region can’t afford to fall behind.