AGP Executive Report

Digital Health in Barbados: A new digital check-in system has been piloted at the St Thomas Outpatient Clinic, letting patients see their queue position on a screen and giving staff real-time visibility from registration to consultation and pharmacy. Nursing Workforce: Government has approved long leave for Barbadian nurses, a move the Prime Minister says nurses have been waiting on. Public Health & Primary Care: CARICOM health ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO support, aiming to protect health systems from hurricanes, heat, flooding and shifting disease patterns. Mental Health in the Community: The Psychiatric Hospital says it is considering implementing proposals from students in a mental health essay contest, with a focus on improving access beyond hospital walls. Cancer Awareness: A prostate cancer testing drive in Belleville, St Michael, drew over 160 men, with organisers reporting growing interest in testing. Fire Safety & Health: After a Maynards apartment fire left a nine-year-old boy in a medically induced coma, NHC says it is upgrading electrical systems and planning climate-resilient housing. Regional Health Systems: PAHO highlighted innovative primary health care approaches across the Americas, including Barbados’ debt-for-health swap. Abortion Debate (Regional): Churches in Belize oppose abortion law liberalization, while advocates call for reform to treat abortion access as a public health issue. US Health Leadership: US Senate committee advanced Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General nominee, noting her Barbados medical education background.

Digital Health Upgrade: St Thomas Outpatient Clinic in Barbados has launched a new digital check-in system to speed up registration, show patients their queue position on-screen, and give staff real-time visibility from check-in through consultation and pharmacy. Nursing Workforce: Government has approved long leave for Barbadian nurses, a move Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says nurses have been waiting on. Mental Health in Schools: The Psychiatric Hospital says it’s considering implementing proposals from two top winners of a national mental health essay contest, after students urged better community access and a shift in attitudes around emotional wellbeing. Prostate Health Push: Cancer Support Services reports a surge in men attending prostate cancer awareness testing in Barbados, with 4,941 men tested since 2010 through 2025 and the highest elevated results among ages 65–69. Public Safety & Health: After a Maynards, St Peter apartment fire left a nine-year-old boy in medically induced coma, Barbados is also seeing renewed focus on housing safety and electrical upgrades by the National Housing Corporation. Regional Health Resilience: CARICOM ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO support, aiming to protect health systems from hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, drought and shifting disease patterns. Fire Service Health Day: Barbados Fire Service held a Health Day with free checks and also reiterated it still needs 25–30 more officers, while urging safer transport of hazardous materials after a chlorine truck incident. Education Quality Watch: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 110 unrecognised institutions, urging due diligence with certificates—an important reminder for students and families across the region.

Nursing Workforce: Government approved long leave for Barbadian nurses, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley saying it’s a long-awaited win after the Barbados Nurses Association’s push. Clinic Digital Upgrade: St Thomas Outpatient Clinic rolled out a new digital check-in pilot, letting patients see their queue position and giving staff real-time flow visibility from registration to pharmacy. Mental Health in Communities: A Vincentian pastor launched MindRenew, a faith-informed digital mental wellness platform for churches using cognitive behavioural tools alongside pastoral care. Prostate Health Momentum: Cancer Support Services reported a surge in men getting PSA testing in Barbados, with 4,941 men tested since 2010 and the highest elevated results among ages 65–69. Mental Health Youth Voices: The Psychiatric Hospital is considering implementing proposals from winners of a mental health essay contest, aiming to improve access and challenge stigma. Primary Care & Climate: CARICOM ministers endorsed a CARICOM Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO support to protect health systems from hurricanes, heat, flooding and shifting disease patterns. Local Health System Strengthening: PAHO highlighted Barbados’ debt-for-health swap and other regional moves to accelerate primary health care and health system transformation. Public Health Safety: Barbados Fire Service promoted healthy living at its Health Day and urged safer handling of hazardous materials after a chlorine transport incident. Tragic Incident: A nine-year-old boy remains in medically induced coma after a Maynards apartment fire left smoke-related injuries, renewing calls for household electrical safety.

Barbados Fire Safety & Child Health: A nine-year-old boy remains in a medically induced coma after a fire at a National Housing Corporation apartment in Maynards, St Peter, with smoke inhalation affecting both the child and his mother. Housing Upgrades After Fire: The Housing Minister says NHC is upgrading electrical systems in older estates and plans climate-resilient replacements, citing certification work already done on the affected block. Regional Health & Climate: CARICOM health ministers, with PAHO support, endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031), aiming to protect health systems from hurricanes, heat, flooding and shifting disease patterns. Prostate Cancer Awareness: A PSA testing drive in Barbados drew more than 160 men, with organisers reporting growing uptake and higher elevated results among men aged 65–69. Mental Health in Schools: The Psychiatric Hospital says it is considering implementing proposals from two top winners of a national mental health essay contest. Fire Service Capacity & Public Safety: Barbados reports it is still 25–30 officers short, while also urging safer transport of hazardous materials after a chlorine truck overturn incident. Water Access for Students: NET and partners are installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools hit by drought and high temperatures.

Health & Climate: CARICOM ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO support, aiming to protect resilient health systems from hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, drought and shifting disease patterns like dengue. School Hydration: Barbados-linked NET partners are installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in drought-affected, hot schools, with eight Kingston/St Andrew institutions set to benefit at a reported cost of $28 million. Mental Health in Communities: The Psychiatric Hospital says it will consider implementing student proposals after 28 Harrison College students won a mental health essay contest, with a focus on improving access through community-based services. Fire Safety & Public Health: Barbados Fire Service reports it’s still 25–30 officers short despite new recruits, while urging safer transport of hazardous materials after a chlorine truck overturned at Norman Niles Roundabout. Care Access Update: QEH Annex is relocating to Coconut Walk, Hastings, Christ Church, with phlebotomy, EEG and transitional community care moving from Sept. 28. Regional Health Systems: PAHO highlights Barbados and other countries sharing primary health care innovations at its Directing Council, including workforce, service organization and planning.

Fire Safety & Child Health: A nine-year-old boy was pulled from a Maynards, St Peter apartment fire after suffering smoke inhalation; reports say he was later induced into a coma and is in hospital. Public Health Promotion: Barbados Fire Service held a “Health Day” at the CMM Emergency Services Complex, urging health checks and encouraging people to join the service. Cancer Screening: A Barbados Cancer Support Services volunteer says a local PSA testing study shows men are becoming more vigilant about prostate health. Hospital Access Update: QEH Annex is relocating to Coconut Walk, Hastings, Christ Church, with phlebotomy, EEG and transitional community care services moving from Monday. Community Health & Inclusion: Barbados Association for the Blind continues expanding employment opportunities and is seeking more corporate partnerships after outreach at a Healthy Living Expo. Regional Disease Preparedness: Caribbean countries met in Barbados to strengthen African swine fever rapid response plans, supporting veterinary capacity and food security. Violence & Health System Strain: Police identified a man killed in a Six Roads, St Philip shooting; investigations continue.

Prostate health push: A new PSA testing study is showing Barbadian men are paying closer attention to prostate health, with Barbados Cancer Support Services urging earlier screening. Regional animal health security: Seventeen Caribbean countries met in Barbados to update rapid response plans for African swine fever, aiming to protect pork producers, veterinary services, and food security. Barbados in PAHO leadership: Barbados’ Lisa Cummins has handed over PAHO Directing Council leadership to Chile’s Dr. May Chomalí Garib, as ministers focus on primary health care, vaccination, digital health, and emergency preparedness. UN AI governance spotlight: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Barbados will host an in-person UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI meeting in November, calling for rules that protect human dignity and oversight. Fire service training upgrade: The Barbados Fire Academy is set for international accreditation assessment, supporting globally recognised qualifications and stronger regional emergency response. Community health advocacy loss: Barbados lupus advocate Shelley Weir is being remembered for decades of patient championing and pushing patients and physicians to learn “at the same table.” Local safety update: Police have identified 28-year-old Tremaine Alexander Beckles as the victim in a fatal Six Roads shooting in St Philip. Employment for the visually impaired: The Barbados Association for the Blind continues expanding employment opportunities, seeking more corporate partnerships after outreach at the Healthy Living Expo.

AI & Governance: Barbados will host an in-person UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence meeting in November, as Mia Mottley warns that AI safeguards are struggling to keep up and rules can’t be left to companies or a few advanced economies. Climate & Health Systems: CARICOM health ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031), linking hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding and shifting disease patterns to pressure on hospitals and clinics. Regional Respiratory Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO/WHO trained surveillance and lab teams across 11 Caribbean countries to strengthen detection and response to respiratory viruses like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Barbados Fire Safety: The Barbados Fire Academy is set for international accreditation, and the Fire Service welcomed 20 new firefighters after six months of training including emergency medical response. Breast Cancer Watch: Officials in The Bahamas reported a significant uptick in breast cancer diagnoses, with many cases found at later stages—highlighting the need for earlier screening and intervention. Water & Health Resilience: Barbados will begin a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation, aiming to boost water resilience and protect the environment. Community Safety: Police are investigating a fatal Six Roads shooting and are appealing for public information. Remembering a Lupus Advocate: Barbados mourns Shelley Weir, whose advocacy helped reshape how patients and doctors discuss lupus and chronic illness.

Regional health security: CARPHA and PAHO/WHO brought lab and surveillance teams from 11 Caribbean countries to Trinidad for a workshop to strengthen detection and response to respiratory viruses like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Health systems & climate: CARICOM health ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031), linking hurricanes, heat, flooding and shifting disease patterns to stronger, more resilient care. Barbados AI governance: Barbados will host an in-person UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI meeting in November, as safeguards struggle to keep up with fast-moving AI capabilities. Cancer focus: Officials reported a significant uptick in breast cancer diagnoses in The Bahamas, with many cases found at later stages. Local public health infrastructure: Barbados’ South Coast Water Reclamation Project will start construction next month, reclaiming wastewater for irrigation to boost water resilience. Community health legacy: Final farewell held for lupus advocate Shelley Weir, praised for pushing patients and physicians to learn together and elevate chronic illness awareness. Workforce readiness: Barbados Fire Academy is set for international accreditation assessment, and the Fire Service welcomed 20 new firefighters after six months of training including emergency medical response.

Breast Cancer Watch: Barbados and the wider region are seeing a reported uptick in breast cancer diagnoses, with officials pointing to earlier detection needs and faster access to care. Climate & Health Systems: CARICOM ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031), aimed at protecting health systems from hurricanes, heat, flooding and shifting disease patterns. AI Governance for Public Good: Barbados will host a UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI meeting in November, pushing for globally agreed rules that protect human dignity and oversight. Water Security for Health: Barbados is set to begin a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project to turn treated wastewater into irrigation water, improving resilience and environmental protection. Emergency Preparedness: The Barbados Fire Academy is preparing for international accreditation, supporting better-recognised training for firefighters and stronger disaster response. Regional Respiratory Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO/WHO supported a workshop across 11 Caribbean countries to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and lab diagnostics for respiratory virus threats. Community Health Advocacy: Tributes were held for lupus advocate Shelley Weir, remembered for patient-centred advocacy that reshaped understanding of autoimmune disease.

UN Health & Climate: Barbados PM Mia Mottley used the UNGA to push UN reform, stronger climate financing, and better access to quality healthcare and education, warning the world is failing to turn knowledge into action. AI Governance: Barbados will host an in-person UN AI panel meeting in November as global concern grows over safeguards lagging behind fast-moving AI capabilities. Health Systems Resilience: CARICOM health ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO/WHO support, aiming to protect health systems from hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, drought, and shifting disease patterns. Respiratory Virus Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO/WHO ran a regional workshop in Trinidad to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and lab diagnostics for influenza, RSV and COVID-19 across 11 Caribbean territories including Barbados. Local Public Safety Training: Barbados Fire Academy is set for international accreditation assessment, with new firefighters graduating after six months of training including emergency medical response. Water & Health Link: Barbados will begin a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project next month to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation, improving resilience and environmental protection. Youth Violence: Acting PM St. Clair Leacock expressed condolences after four people were gunned down in Green Hill, with several injured and police investigation ongoing.

UN Health & Climate Push: Prime Minister Mia Mottley used the UN General Assembly to warn of a “crisis of responsibility,” calling for UN Security Council reform, stronger climate financing, and better access to quality healthcare and education. AI Governance for Public Interest: Barbados will host an in-person UN AI panel meeting in November as concerns grow that safeguards can’t keep up with fast-moving AI systems. Regional Health Resilience: CARICOM ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO/WHO support, targeting climate-driven threats to hospitals and disease patterns. Respiratory Virus Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO/WHO ran a regional workshop in Trinidad to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and lab diagnostics for influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Breast Cancer Alert: Officials reported a significant uptick in breast cancer diagnoses, including cases in younger adults, with calls for earlier checks and intervention. Water for Health & Farming: Barbados will start a $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project to turn treated wastewater into irrigation water, improving resilience and environmental protection. Workforce & Emergency Care: Barbados Fire Service welcomed 20 new firefighters, while the Barbados Fire Academy prepares for international accreditation to help ensure qualifications are recognized overseas.

Breast Cancer Watch: Officials in the Bahamas report a significant uptick in breast cancer diagnoses, with many cases caught at later stages—an urgent reminder for earlier screening and timely treatment. CARICOM Health & Climate: CARICOM ministers endorsed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) with PAHO/WHO support, focusing on resilient health systems as hurricanes, heat, flooding, and shifting disease patterns strain care. Respiratory Virus Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO/WHO convened a regional workshop in Trinidad to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and lab diagnostics for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19—aimed at faster detection and response. Water for Health: Barbados’ $220m South Coast Water Reclamation Project will start next month, turning treated wastewater into irrigation water to boost resilience and protect the environment. Local Health Resources: Barbados’ Ministry is pushing adolescent health support, including a new adolescent health website and polyclinics offering youth services. Reparatory Justice (Health Included): Belize joined CARICOM’s reparations push in Barbados, with the revised Ten-Point Plan explicitly covering public health, education, debt cancellation, gender justice, and compensation. Health & Wellness Knowledge: A second edition of Medicinal Plants of Barbados was published, expanding research and linking traditional uses to scientific basis.

Water & Health Infrastructure: Barbados’ South Coast Water Reclamation Project is set to start next month, with a $220m build to reclaim irrigation water from wastewater using tertiary treatment, renewable energy and environmental safeguards—aiming to boost farming resilience while protecting local ecosystems. Global Health Financing: At the UNGA, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Accra Reset report “A Sovereign Future for Health,” arguing Global South countries need more control over health funding and local medicine production, not donor-led decisions. Local Health Capacity & Research: UWI Cave Hill’s Dr Damian Cohall has released the second edition of “Medicinal Plants of Barbados,” expanding the island’s plant research and linking traditional uses to scientific basis. Adolescent & Dementia Care Focus: Barbados continues pushing youth health access (including polyclinics offering adolescent services) while advocates warn dementia data gaps and caregiver support remain major public health problems. Climate Risk to Health: UN reporting highlights worsening warming impacts—raising alarms for heat-related illness and broader health strain in the years ahead.

Dental Care Watch: Barbados’ Ministry of Health is exploring partnerships with private providers to expand public dental services, after concerns about illegal dental practices and social media ads from unqualified people. Adolescent Health Push: Barbados’ Ministry of Health has launched a new Adolescent Health website, aiming to strengthen youth-focused healthcare access and information. Dementia Focus: Advocates are calling for dementia to be treated as a public health priority, warning of gaps in dementia data and the need for stronger caregiver support. Local Health Knowledge: The second edition of “Medicinal Plants of Barbados” has been published, expanding research and looking at the scientific basis behind traditional uses. Health Innovation in the Region: Two Saint Lucian startups—Medial Health Inc. and Rifbid—placed among the top business plans at a Caribbean STEM challenge in Barbados, including an AI health information system for Caribbean health systems. Climate & Health Link: A new UN-backed warning highlights worsening global warming and its potential health impacts, underscoring why climate resilience matters for public health.

Adolescent Health Boost: Barbados expands the “Yuh Good” programme, adding adolescent clinics to seven polyclinics and launching a new website (yuhgood.gov.bb) to support ages 10–19 with physical, reproductive, mental health, self-harm and substance-use care. Oral Health Protection: Barbados’ Ministry of Health is considering partnerships to expand public dental services, while warning the public about illegal or unqualified dental practices promoted on social media. Dementia Focus: Barbados Alzheimer’s Association says Alzheimer’s and dementia are a growing public health concern as the population ages, calling for stronger support for caregivers and better public awareness. Cancer Care Link-Up: BACA and Aventa Barbados sign a cancer-care agreement to strengthen local cancer services. Regional Reparatory Justice (Health Included): CARICOM’s Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice is relaunched after a Barbados conference, with public health among the areas targeted for meaningful repair. Climate & Health Equity: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urges stronger cooperation between mountainous nations and SIDS, warning that climate impacts—from Himalayan flooding to Caribbean hurricanes—are already harming frontline communities.