AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink has moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with an open, carrier-neutral submarine route from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Barbados Tech & Research: Science and Technology Minister Jonathan Reid says three sargassum microbe strains found by UWI researcher Dr Bidyut Mohapatra could be patented in Barbados, with plans to extend the research and build innovation infrastructure. AI in Education: UWI is rolling out IntegraGuard to help verify academic work amid AI use, while warning that false accusations could unfairly punish students. Skills & Jobs: Barbados returned from WorldSkills Shanghai with its first-ever medal—Khajon Albert won bronze in Intelligent Security Technology—and is now calling for stronger support for technical and vocational education. Public Safety Communications: Barbados Police Service launched a workshop stressing that communication to the public is core to modern policing and trust. Health Systems Quality: PAHO/WHO reports Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada are strengthening lab quality and moving toward ISO 15189:2022 accreditation. Housing & Resilience: Lower Burney residents urge drainage and utility fixes before new rehousing homes, as NHC upgrades electrical systems after a fire incident. Education Integrity & Governance: Ghana’s GTEC lists 110 unrecognised institutions, urging due diligence on certificates.

Marine Biotechnology & IP: Barbados could secure new intellectual property after UWI researchers found three microbial strains in sargassum, with the government moving to patent them locally and plan longer-term research roles. Housing & Resilience: Lower Burney residents in St Michael are urging drainage, soil, and utility fixes before new rehousing homes go up, warning construction could worsen flooding and service gaps. Skills & Tech Training: Barbados returned from WorldSkills Shanghai with its first-ever medal—bronze in Intelligent Security Technology—plus calls from the medallist for stronger support for technical and vocational education. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with an open, carrier-neutral submarine route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. AI in Education: UWI is rolling out an AI-based academic integrity tool, but concerns are raised about false accusations and the need for fair, multi-method assessment. Public Health Labs: Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda are strengthening laboratory quality systems toward improved reliability and accreditation readiness. EU-Sargassum Response: Barbados and the EU discussed using detection tech and mechanised removal, with participation in an upcoming regional sargassum conference. Mental Health in Communities: A Psychiatric Hospital essay contest is prompting ideas for better mental health services, including more community access and changing attitudes.

Surgeon General nomination: The US Senate HELP Committee voted to advance Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General, a move that keeps her on track for a final Senate vote; she holds an MD from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and has backed childhood immunisation. Caribbean digital connectivity: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new fibre optic submarine cable linking French Guiana to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. AI in the region: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley argues AI is already reshaping work and learning, and calls for Caribbean governments to steer safeguards and governance rather than “allow it to happen.” Health tech & mental wellness: A Vincentian pastor educator earned a second doctorate and developed MindRenew, a faith-informed digital mental wellness platform for churches using cognitive behavioural guidance plus pastoral care. Barbados health & skills: Barbados won its first WorldSkills medal (bronze) via Khajon Albert, and local prostate testing shows more men engaging with PSA checks. Public health labs: Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda are pushing lab quality upgrades toward accreditation, supported by PAHO/WHO and the Pandemic Fund. Sargassum response: Barbados and the EU discussed using detection tech and mechanised removal to tackle sargassum threats to livelihoods. Housing safety: Barbados’ NHC is upgrading electrical systems in older communities after a Maynard’s fire, with plans for modernisation and climate-resilient replacements. Regional agriculture: CARICOM agriculture ministers called for deeper integration, better logistics and a new financing model to strengthen food security.

UN Diplomacy: Rebeca Grynspan picked up more “encourage” votes in the UN Security Council’s 4th straw poll for the next secretary-general, but there’s still no clear front-runner or consensus. Climate Resilience: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods are framed as a global warning, with a proposed Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism focused on satellite data, early warnings and cross-border disaster support. Port Tech & Electrification: Caribbean port leaders returned from Europe with practical lessons on shore power, electrification, emissions cuts and how to move sustainability from plans to implementation. Barbados Health & Data: Barbados saw a surge in prostate cancer awareness testing, with thousands of men screened since 2010 and higher results concentrated among ages 65–69. Mental Health in Schools: A Psychiatric Hospital essay contest is feeding into possible service improvements, after students proposed ways to make mental health support more accessible. Skills & Security Tech: Barbados won its first WorldSkills medal—bronze in Intelligent Security Technology—signalling momentum for newer TVET offerings. Sargassum Response: Barbados and the EU discussed using detection tools and mechanised removal to tackle sargassum impacts on livelihoods. Agriculture Innovation: IICA announced a regional agricultural innovation centre in Jamaica and an agricultural health and food safety hub in Barbados.

Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink officially launches the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway (ECG), a new submarine fibre route from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western links to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—moving from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. AI for the Region: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley argues AI “will not wait” and calls for Caribbean action on safeguards, jobs, and keeping people in control. Barbados & EU Sargassum Tech: Barbados and the EU discuss using detection tools, better mechanisation and partnerships to tackle sargassum impacts on livelihoods, with Barbados set to join an EU-Caribbean sargassum conference in Mexico. Health Lab Quality: PAHO/WHO supports Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada in strengthening medical laboratory quality systems and moving toward ISO 15189:2022 accreditation. Skills & Security Tech: Barbados wins its first WorldSkills medal—Khajon Albert takes bronze in Intelligent Security Technology in Shanghai. Early Education Boost: Barbados expands universal pre-primary, with enrolment of three- and four-year-olds rising year-on-year. Biosecurity in Focus: Seventeen Caribbean countries update rapid response plans for African swine fever preparedness, backed by USDA and IICA. Digital History Access: Ancestry and UCL make nearly 4 million enslaved-person records from former British colonies searchable online.

Public Services Tech: Government and funeral directors agreed emergency measures to speed up burial and cremation warrants, tackling Coroner’s Office delays and even network problems by setting up a dedicated processing hub. Climate & Data for Fisheries: Barbados and the EU discussed using detection tools and better mechanisation to track and remove sargassum seaweed, with Barbados set to join an EU-Caribbean sargassum conference in Mexico. Agriculture Innovation: IICA says a regional centre of agricultural innovation will be established in Jamaica, plus a Barbados agricultural health and food safety hub, as pests, costs and climate shocks pressure food systems. Health Monitoring: A Barbados study finds men are becoming more vigilant about prostate health through PSA testing. Skills & Security Tech: Barbados won its first-ever WorldSkills medal—Khajon Albert took bronze in Intelligent Security Technology in Shanghai—highlighting the push to train to international standards. AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Barbados will host a UN AI scientific panel meeting in November as safeguards struggle to keep up with fast-moving AI. Biosecurity: Caribbean countries met in Barbados to strengthen African swine fever preparedness by updating rapid response plans.

AI Governance in the Caribbean: Barbados PM Mia Mottley says the UN must help set globally agreed rules for AI, with Barbados hosting an in-person UN Independent International Scientific Panel meeting in November as safeguards struggle to keep up. Public Health Tech & Regional Readiness: PAHO highlights Americas progress in primary care, vaccination, digital health and emergency preparedness, while CARPHA–PAHO trains lab and surveillance teams across 11 Caribbean countries to detect respiratory threats faster. Barbados Skills & Security Tech: Barbados wins its first WorldSkills medal—Khajon Albert takes bronze in Intelligent Security Technology in Shanghai, a boost for TVET and newer tech skills. Energy & Climate Innovation: Barbados’ BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, and the Bahamas explores ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) feasibility, including hybrid cooling and links to data center needs. Biosecurity for Food Security: Seventeen Caribbean countries meet in Barbados to update African swine fever rapid response plans, strengthening veterinary diagnostics and pork protection. Digital History & Reparations Tech: Ancestry and UCL make nearly 4 million enslaved-person records searchable online, while Caribbean reparations efforts push for formal apologies and stronger legal pathways. Regional Leadership Spotlight: SVGTA CEO Shafia London is selected for the IWF Leadership Fellows Programme, marking a first for the Eastern Caribbean.

WorldSkills Win: Barbados made history at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 as Khajon Albert won bronze in Intelligent Security Technology, with officials calling it a boost for TVET and newer skills. AI Governance at the UN: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Barbados will host the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI in November, as global concern grows over safeguards and company-led rules. Skills for Work: Students at the 3E’s Fair explored education, entrepreneurship, and employment pathways, with practical CV and career guidance. Fire Training Accreditation: The Barbados Fire Academy is set for an international accreditation assessment, aiming to ensure qualifications are recognised overseas. Water Tech Upgrade: Barbados Water Authority plans a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project to turn treated wastewater into irrigation water, backed by IDB and Green Climate Fund financing. Regional Health Tech: CARPHA and PAHO ran a respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics workshop across 11 Caribbean countries to strengthen early detection and response. Energy Leadership: BNECL appointed Michael Sargeant as CEO, as the company expands its role across Barbados’ evolving energy landscape. Digital History Access: A major online archive now makes nearly 4 million enslavement records searchable across 20 former British colonies, including Barbados.

AI Governance in the Spotlight (Barbados): Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados will host an in-person UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence meeting in November, as global concern grows that safeguards can’t keep up with fast-moving AI. Regional Emergency Readiness: Barbados Fire Academy is set for an international accreditation assessment in about two weeks, aimed at ensuring firefighters’ qualifications are recognised overseas. Energy & Water Tech: Barbados Water Authority will start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project next month, using tertiary wastewater treatment plus renewable energy to turn reclaimed water into irrigation supply. Caribbean Health Security: CARPHA and PAHO ran a four-day respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics workshop in Trinidad and Tobago, strengthening detection and response for threats like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Energy Leadership (Barbados): BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, bringing decades of experience across traditional and renewable energy. Sustainable Food Innovation: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances (CFF) is investing in lab technology to help manufacturers shift from synthetic to naturally derived food colours. Ocean Energy Watch: The Bahamas is exploring ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) via a feasibility study, including links to desalination and cooling needs. STEM & Skills: Barbados-linked training and career events continue, including a 3E’s Fair for students and WorldSkills coverage featuring drone-focused UAS training. Global Shipping & Sanctions: A report says Russia’s “shadow fleet” is increasingly switching to the Russian flag, while some countries—including Barbados—have removed sanctioned vessels from their registries. Tourism Tech Angle: World Tourism Day highlights AI’s role in redesigning tourism, with Caribbean hospitality groups pushing practical, responsible adoption.

AI Governance in the Spotlight: Barbados will host an in-person UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence meeting in November, as global concern grows that safeguards can’t keep up with faster, more capable AI systems. Disaster-Ready Training: The Barbados Fire Academy is set for an international accreditation assessment in just over two weeks, aiming to ensure qualifications are recognised overseas and that firefighters can operate confidently across borders. Water Tech for Resilient Farming: The Barbados Water Authority will begin a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project next month, using tertiary wastewater treatment plus renewable energy to turn reclaimed water into irrigation supply. Regional Health Lab Boost: CARPHA and PAHO convened respiratory virus surveillance and diagnostics training in Trinidad and Tobago, strengthening detection and lab capacity across 11 Caribbean countries including Barbados. Energy Innovation Watch: Barbados energy leadership moves forward as BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, bringing decades of experience across traditional and renewable energy. Digital Skills & Careers: Students got hands-on career guidance at 3E’s Fair, exploring education, entrepreneurship and employment pathways. STEM Startups in the Region: Two Saint Lucian startups stood out at the Caribbean STEM Startup Challenge in Barbados, including an AI-powered health information system and AI verification for public procurement finance. Sustainable Food Colouring: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances is investing in lab technology to help manufacturers shift from synthetic to naturally derived food colours.

AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Barbados will host the second in-person meeting of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence in November, as the UN warns safeguards can’t keep up with faster AI capabilities and agents. Fire & Safety Training: Barbados Fire Academy is set for an international accreditation assessment in just over two weeks, aiming to ensure firefighter qualifications are recognised overseas and better prepared for evolving hazards. Energy & Water Infrastructure: The Barbados Water Authority will start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project next month, using tertiary wastewater treatment plus renewable energy to supply irrigation water and protect the environment. Regional Health Security: CARPHA and PAHO convened a four-day respiratory virus surveillance and diagnostics workshop in Trinidad for 11 Caribbean countries, strengthening lab capacity for threats like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Digital Health & AI Startups: Two Saint Lucian teams stood out at the Caribbean SEED STEM Summit in Barbados, including Medial Health’s AI-powered care information system and Rifbid’s AI verification for public procurement finance. Sustainable Finance: CIBC Caribbean highlighted about US$820m in sustainable finance initiatives and clean energy financing across the region at CARIF in Miami. Maritime Sanctions Watch: New analysis says Russia’s “shadow fleet” is increasingly switching to the Russian flag as EU/UK/US crackdowns tighten false-flag operations.

AI Governance: Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados will host the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI in November, as the UN warns safeguards can’t keep up with faster, more capable systems. Disaster-Ready Training: Barbados Fire Academy is set for international accreditation in two weeks, aiming to ensure qualifications are recognised overseas and boost regional emergency response. Regional Health Tech: CARPHA and PAHO ran a workshop in Trinidad to strengthen respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics across 11 Caribbean territories, improving early detection and response. Energy & Water Resilience: Barbados Water Authority will start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project next month, turning treated wastewater into irrigation water with renewable energy support. Sustainable Power Push: Barbados’ energy company BNECL appoints Michael Sargeant as CEO, as the island’s energy landscape shifts toward renewables. Ocean Energy Watch: The Bahamas is advancing an ocean thermal energy conversion feasibility study with Global OTEC, exploring power plus cooling and desalination links. STEM & Careers: Students explored education, entrepreneurship and employment at 3E’s Fair, while Saint Lucian startups scored highly at a Caribbean STEM challenge in Barbados. Food Tech: CFF plans a shift toward natural food colours, investing in lab tech and partnering with Sensient Technologies. Maritime Sanctions: A report says Russia’s “shadow fleet” is increasingly switching to Russian flags, while Barbados and Palau removed sanctioned tankers from their registers.

Public Health & Labs: CARPHA and PAHO brought respiratory virus surveillance and diagnostics training to Trinidad and Tobago, with Barbados among 11 participating countries, aiming to strengthen early detection and lab capacity for threats like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Reparatory Justice Tech & Policy: CARICOM and the African Union are deepening cooperation on reparatory justice, setting up joint mechanisms covering research, legal strategy, diplomacy, education and civil society engagement. Ocean Energy (OTEC): The Bahamas is moving ahead with an ocean thermal energy conversion feasibility study led by Global OTEC, exploring power plus cooling and desalination integration—an approach also tied to data-centre cooling needs. Barbados Water Infrastructure: Barbados Water Authority says a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project will start next month, using tertiary wastewater treatment and renewable energy to produce irrigation water, with major works running to May 2029. Digital Skills in Education: Barbados is using chess at the FIDE Chess World Olympiad to build learning and competition skills, with the women’s team scoring wins in round play. Food & Lab Innovation: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances (CFF) is investing in lab technology to help manufacturers shift from synthetic to naturally derived food colours across the region, including Barbados. Regional Security Planning: UWI and the Regional Security System will host a Caribbean Security Futures Symposium in Barbados (Oct 7–9) to tackle interconnected threats from cybercrime to illicit finance and climate risks. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: A report says Russia has expanded its ship registry by 36% since Jan 2025, as Western crackdowns push more vessels into Russia’s flag registry. Climate Justice Messaging: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah told the UN floods were a “warning to the world,” calling for faster, more accessible climate finance and stronger early-warning systems.

Tourism & AI: Barbados PM Mia Mottley told UN leaders the world must “turn what we know into what we do,” calling for UN reform that isn’t selective and for better conflict prevention and peacekeeping. Education & STEM: Barbados is using chess as a learning tool at the FIDE Chess World Olympiad in Uzbekistan, with the island’s women’s team scoring wins. Hospitality Tech: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is pushing practical AI adoption for World Tourism Day, sharing guidebooks aimed at helping operators protect guest data and plan workforce changes. Ocean Energy for Islands: A Bahamas OTEC feasibility study will assess ocean thermal energy conversion alongside desalination, cooling, and even data-centre cooling—targeting energy and water resilience. Regional Security Tech: UWI and the Regional Security System will host a Caribbean Security Futures Symposium in Barbados to tackle cyber threats, illicit finance (including virtual assets), and climate-linked risks. Local Tech & Governance: Barbados Customs and Excise marks 121 years, highlighting how new technology is reshaping risk checks and service delivery. Climate Justice: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stressed climate action must be “justice,” backed by early-warning systems and accessible climate finance. Caribbean Startups: Two Saint Lucian startups topped business plans at a Caribbean STEM challenge in Barbados, including an AI health information system and AI-based verification for public procurement finance. Digital Heritage: Ancestry has made nearly 4 million enslavement records searchable for free, including registers covering Barbados and other former British colonies.

UN Inequality Panel Push: Left-leaning leaders at UNGA are building momentum for a standing global body on inequality, modelled on the IPCC, with Joseph Stiglitz backing the idea—though politics and fears of new taxes may slow progress. AI for Tourism: CHTA marks World Tourism Day by promoting practical AI adoption for Caribbean hospitality, including an AI Guidebook Series and CHIEF 2026 programming. Caribbean Security in Focus: UWI and the Regional Security System will host a Caribbean Security Futures Symposium in Barbados (Oct 7–9, 2026) to tackle cyber threats, illicit finance, trafficking, and climate-linked risks. Digital ID Sandbox (Saint Lucia): Saint Lucia is developing a cross-sector regulatory sandbox to test digital ID and fintech use cases with regulators, banks, telcos, and fintechs. Medical Lab Accreditation (JNF Hospital): Saint Lucia’s Joseph N. France General Hospital lab is moving toward ISO 15189:2022 accreditation with PAHO/WHO and GLESSN support. Barbados Justice Digitisation: Barbados plans to scan station diaries and medical journals for digital disclosure to speed criminal case preparation and move toward a paperless system. Climate Urgency: A new push argues the world must cut warming fast, while CVF discussions stress stronger cooperation between mountainous nations and SIDS. Bahamas OTEC Study: A feasibility study is underway to support a go/no-go decision on ocean thermal energy conversion in the Bahamas, including integration with cooling and environmental checks. Heritage Records Online: Nearly 4 million enslavement records from 20 former British colonies are now searchable for free on Ancestry, including Barbados. Education Quality Assurance (BAC): Barbados’ Accreditation Council is reviewing multiple technical schools seeking registration or accreditation, following UWI Cave Hill’s reaccreditation. Social Startups Pitch: Four Caribbean startups won a EU-LAC social pitch competition, heading to CIF 2026 with projects spanning fintech, healthcare access, sustainable tourism, and digital transformation.

Fisheries Tech & Maintenance: Barbados says an ageing ice machine at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex could be back to full service “within days,” after officials toured markets and flagged repairs as well as the need for replacement. Education & Digital Safety: A behavioural scientist warns that filmed school fights shared online need prevention and psychological support, not just zero-tolerance discipline, as the Ministry cracks down on staged incidents. Regional Security & Tech Policy: UWI and the Regional Security System will host a Caribbean Security Futures Symposium in Barbados (Oct 7–9), with sessions on cybercrime, illicit finance, virtual assets, and climate-linked risks. Medical Lab Standards: The JNF General Hospital lab in St. Kitts and Nevis is moving toward ISO 15189:2022 accreditation with PAHO/WHO and GLESSN support. Justice System Digitisation: Barbados is scanning station diaries and medical journals for digital disclosure to speed criminal case preparation, aiming for a more paperless process. STEM & Learning Quality: Barbados’ Accreditation Council says multiple tech-voc schools are seeking registration or accreditation, following UWI Cave Hill’s reaccreditation. Digital Inclusion in the Region: Four Caribbean social startups win a pitch chance for CIF 2026, including a Barbados heritage tourism venture and a fintech digitising colmado informal credit. Digital ID Sandbox: Saint Lucia plans a regulatory sandbox to test digital ID and fintech use cases before wider rollout. Open Genealogy Access: Nearly 4 million enslaved-person records across 20 former British colonies are now searchable online, including Barbados entries.