AGP Executive Report

Preventive care push: BARP has launched free annual medical assessments for insured members (ages 40+), partnering with Urgent Care Barbados and Beacon Insurance to fund yearly check-ups and targeted screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function and cancers. Chronic disease mindset: Health and insurance executives say cultural fear of routine check-ups is driving Barbados’ chronic disease crisis, with outreach moving screenings into workplaces and community spaces to make testing feel normal. Transplant law breakthrough: The Human Tissue Transplant Bill is advancing with bipartisan support, hailed as a “watershed moment” that could expand deceased donation and ease dialysis pressure; senators stress the need for sustained public education to overcome religious and cultural resistance. Local health system upgrades: Barbados is also moving to modernise regulation with the Barbados Medical Products Authority Bill, supported by PAHO, to strengthen oversight of medicines, vaccines and medical devices. Migrant worker welfare: Government site visits followed union complaints about unlicensed barracks housing 68 migrant workers, with urgent demands for improvements tied to health and safety. Cost-of-living health context: PM Mia Mottley says independence celebrations will be scaled back so resources can go to cushioning households from global economic pressures.

Preventative care push: The Barbados Association of Retired Persons is partnering with Urgent Care Barbados and Beacon Insurance to expand preventative healthcare for people aged 40+—aiming for earlier detection and lower costs. Transplant reform: The Human Tissue Transplant Bill 2026 is gaining bipartisan Senate support, with lawmakers calling it a major step for kidney disease patients and stronger donor safeguards. Organ and kidney system modernisation: Barbados is also moving closer to a legal framework for organ and tissue donation, with plans to boost dialysis access for patients needing treatment more than twice weekly. Medical regulation upgrade: Parliament has passed the Barbados Medical Products Authority (BMPA) Bill, supported by PAHO, to strengthen oversight of medicines, vaccines, devices and other health technologies. Prostate cancer awareness: The CEMIX Prostate Cancer Walk and Run drew growing interest, especially among younger men, as organisers renewed calls for earlier testing. Inclusion and disability access: A Barbados Boy Scouts inclusive training programme urged leaders to move beyond managing physical limitations toward real everyday social inclusion. Disaster response support: Barbados’ BDF teams are deployed in earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a field medical hospital and provide search-and-rescue help.

Organ & Kidney Care Modernisation: Barbados is moving closer to a legal framework for organ and tissue donation, with the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill aimed at giving patients hope and expanding dialysis access by boosting capacity for those needing treatment more than twice weekly. Workplace Health & Safety: BWU deputy general secretary Dwaine Paul warned more industrial action could follow at BNECL if unresolved health and safety issues aren’t fixed, after workers withdrew labour at the Woodbourne plant pending corrective action. Caribbean Food & NCD Risk: A regional push is underway to tackle the US$6 billion food import challenge, linking food systems reform to health, climate resilience, and non-communicable disease prevention. Prostate Cancer Awareness: The CEMIX Prostate Cancer Walk and Run saw growing turnout, especially among younger men, with organisers stressing early detection. Urology Screening Concern: A Barbadian urologist in the UK raised alarm about later prostate cancer diagnoses in Barbados, noting testing is now easier and less invasive. Disaster Health Response: Barbados’ BDF advance team is deployed in earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a Field Medical Hospital, alongside a search-and-rescue team. Health System Support via Nuclear Tech: Barbados signed a five-year cooperation framework with the IAEA covering human health, diagnostics, and radiation safety. Inclusion & Disability Training: A Human Rights Commissioner urged scout leaders to move beyond “managing limitations” toward everyday social inclusion for people with disabilities.

Prostate Cancer Awareness: A Barbadian urologist is warning that more men are showing up with prostate cancer symptoms at later stages, even as the CEMIX Prostate Cancer Walk and Run drew strong turnout—especially younger men—highlighting the push for earlier testing. Health Funding & Access: Barbados’ Health Minister is calling on corporate Barbados, service clubs and philanthropies to back health services, including support for projects like a new Sensory Room for children with developmental disabilities. Disability Inclusion: A Human Rights Commissioner urged the Boy Scouts to move beyond “managing limitations” toward real, everyday social inclusion for people with disabilities—echoing the need for better access to education and healthcare. Emergency Response (Regional Health): Barbados Defence Force teams are deployed in earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a Field Medical Hospital, alongside search-and-rescue support, as the humanitarian toll rises. Water & Health Equity: A data map flags where safe drinking water is still out of reach—reminding readers that clean water access is a major driver of health outcomes. Nuclear Cooperation (Health & Safety): Barbados signed a five-year framework with the IAEA covering technical support for human health, radiation safety, water management and agriculture. Local Health System Support: The Central Bank says almost all delayed public wages have been paid after BiMPay issues, including payments tied to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Earthquake Response: Barbados has deployed an advance team from the BDF to earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a Field Medical Hospital, while a separate search-and-rescue team (with the Barbados Fire Service) has also arrived to support rescue operations. Regional Health Support: CARICOM leaders say they’re preparing a coordinated aid push to Venezuela, including food, water, medical supplies and recovery equipment, as the death toll continues to rise. Local Cancer Care Focus: A Barbadian urologist in the UK says more men in Barbados are being diagnosed with prostate cancer later than before, even as a CEMIX Prostate Cancer Walk saw growing turnout—especially among younger men—highlighting the push for earlier testing. Health Services Boost: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is calling on corporate Barbados and service clubs to help meet health facility needs, including support for projects like a new sensory room for children with developmental disabilities. Public Health & Safety: The UWI warns the public about a fraudulent website using its name and collecting personal data, urging people to verify information only through official channels. Nutrition & Wellness: Barbados’ “Blue Zone” longevity story spotlights why the island’s lifestyle, food and community ties may help people live longer.

Earthquake Response: Barbados has deployed an advance Barbados Defence Force team to earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a Field Medical Hospital, while a separate search-and-rescue team (BDF and Barbados Fire Service) has arrived with Urban Search and Rescue equipment. Regional Aid: CARICOM leaders say they’re preparing a coordinated aid package for Venezuela, including medical supplies and recovery equipment, as the death toll climbs and aftershocks continue. Health Infrastructure: Venezuela’s emergency response is reporting thousands of medical consultations and hospital visits, with field triage areas and large-scale food distribution underway. Local Health Support: Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging corporate Barbados and service clubs to back health facilities, including support for a new Sensory Room project for children with developmental disabilities. Cancer Awareness: A Barbadian urologist in the UK warns of later-stage prostate cancer diagnoses in Barbados, urging earlier screening. Inclusion: The Human Rights Commissioner challenged Scouts to move beyond “managing limitations” toward real everyday social inclusion for people with disabilities. Public Health & Safety: Barbados is strengthening emergency management training for liaison officers to improve coordination during disasters.

Prostate cancer screening push: A Barbadian urologist in the UK says more men in Barbados are being diagnosed late, urging earlier testing now that screening is less invasive and easier to access. Health support for kids with disabilities: The Legacy Foundation is granting $98,000 to create a sensory room for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays, easing oversubscribed therapy access. Corporate backing for health services: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is calling on corporate Barbados and service clubs to join a targeted planning session to match real health-sector needs with sponsors. Disability inclusion spotlight: A Human Rights Commissioner challenged scout leaders to move beyond “managing limitations” toward everyday social inclusion for people with disabilities. Clean water access map: A new global data look shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, highlighting major gaps in water infrastructure. UWI cyber warning: The University of the West Indies warns of an unauthorised site using its branding and collecting personal data. Regional emergency response: Barbados Defence Force teams are deployed to earthquake-hit Venezuela to set up a field medical hospital and support search-and-rescue. Wellness tourism growth: JACANA expands with a Caribbean Wellness Platform, betting on booming natural-healing travel demand. Supplement transparency: JellyFil published updated supplement facts panel details for its gummy dietary supplement, emphasizing consumer caution and healthcare consultation.

Prostate Cancer Awareness: A UK-based Barbadian urologist, Dr Jonathan Noel, says more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer later than before, urging earlier screening as barriers fall. Disability Inclusion: Human Rights Commissioner Kerry Ann Ifill challenged Scouts leaders to move beyond “managing limitations” toward real social inclusion, using practical exercises to highlight barriers faced by disabled people. Sensory Support for Kids: The Legacy Foundation and Rotary Club of Barbados South are funding a $98,000 sensory room at the Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre to help children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays access timely therapy. Health Sector Partnerships: Health Minister Senator Lisa Cummins is calling on corporate Barbados and service clubs to join a targeted planning session to match health facility needs with sponsors and volunteers. Emergency Response Readiness: Barbados’ Department of Emergency Management is strengthening liaison officer training to improve coordination during public health and disaster emergencies. Regional Disaster Aid: Barbados Defence Force teams are deployed to earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a field medical hospital and support search-and-rescue efforts.

Disaster Response: Barbados has deployed an advance team from the BDF to earthquake-affected Venezuela to set up a Field Medical Hospital, while a separate search-and-rescue team (BDF and Barbados Fire Service) has also arrived with Urban Search and Rescue equipment. Regional Health Impact: Venezuela’s quake response is scaling up rapidly, with reports of thousands of medical consultations and hospital visits as aftershocks continue and La Guaira remains the hardest-hit area. International Cooperation: Barbados has signed a five-year cooperation framework with the IAEA covering human health, water management, agriculture, energy and radiation safety—aiming to strengthen diagnostic and safety capacity. Local Health Support: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging corporate Barbados and service clubs to back health facilities, with a targeted planning session planned within two weeks. Care for Developmental Needs: A $98,000 Legacy Foundation grant will fund a sensory room for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays at the Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre. Public Health Access: A global data map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of the clean-water gap.

Health Funding & Access: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital is seeing major gains after commissioning a new linear accelerator, with 2,000+ treatment sessions completed and reported savings of nearly $5m by reducing costly overseas referrals. Disability Support: The Legacy Foundation is funding a $98,000 sensory room at the Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre to speed up therapy access for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays. NCD Prevention in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition is pushing a “Make it Make Sense” campaign to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools across the region, including Barbados. Birth Tourism Watch: Government says birth tourism ads have been monitored for years and current data don’t justify alarm, while a lawyer urges stronger screening by agencies to protect social systems. Workforce & Ageing: Barbados is being urged to rethink training and planning as the population ages, with calls for life-long learning and reskilling. Local Health Partnerships: The health ministry is inviting corporate Barbados and service clubs to a targeted planning session to match sponsors with real needs across health facilities. Regional Health Leadership: PAHO/WHO’s office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has completed a leadership transition to an interim representative for continuity in disease prevention and health surveillance.

Health Funding & Care Access: Barbados’ QEH says its new linear accelerator is already improving cancer care and saving money, with 2,000+ treatment sessions completed and an estimated ~$5m avoided in overseas treatment costs. NCD Prevention & Food Policy: Health officials are urging Barbados’ food industry to help tackle the noncommunicable disease crisis by making healthier food environments and workplace wellness part of the solution. Disability Support: The Legacy Foundation and Rotary Club of Barbados South are backing a $98,000 sensory room project to speed up therapy access for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays. Corporate Backing for Health Services: The health ministry is calling on corporate Barbados and service clubs to join a targeted planning session to match sponsors with real needs across the island’s health facilities. Public Health Infrastructure: Barbados’ PAHO/WHO office leadership has transitioned, supporting continuity in disease prevention and health surveillance work. Regional School Nutrition (Caribbean): A regional campaign is pushing to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, while Jamaica’s Hydrate Caribbean initiative is rolling out hydration stations to help reduce sugary drinks. Disaster Response (Regional): Venezuela’s twin earthquakes are driving urgent medical strain and field hospital set-ups, with regional partners and health workers mobilising aid.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital is seeing major gains after commissioning a new linear accelerator, with 2,000+ treatment sessions completed and reported savings of nearly $5m from reduced overseas treatment costs. Breast Cancer Milestone: The QEH also marked the Caribbean’s first Savi Scout-guided breast cancer surgeries, hailed as a step forward for modern cancer diagnosis and treatment. NCD Focus: Health officials are urging the food industry to help tackle Barbados’ noncommunicable disease crisis through healthier food environments and workplace wellness support. Disability Support: A $98,000 Legacy Foundation grant will fund a sensory room for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays, easing oversubscribed therapy access. Emergency Preparedness: Barbados’ Department of Emergency Management is strengthening liaison officers with specialised training to improve coordination during public health and disaster emergencies. PAHO/WHO Leadership: PAHO/WHO’s Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office leadership transitioned from Dr. Amalia Del Riego to Dr. Prabhjot Singh as interim representative. Public Health & Safety in Schools: A regional push is underway to remove unhealthy ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, with a campaign running until July 16. Climate & Health Funding: Barbados and the OPEC Fund launched a climate financing initiative, including a Vulnerability to Viability Compact and a $1.5b digital transformation plan aimed at climate-resilient development. Birth Tourism Reassurance: Government says online birth tourism ads are not new and that immigration monitoring continues, with no data showing a trend requiring policy changes. Hydration for Students: Jamaica’s Hydrate Caribbean initiative will add hydration stations to eight Kingston/St Andrew schools to reduce sugary drink dependence. Earthquake Relief Watch: Regional health systems are under strain after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with urgent calls for medical support and field hospital readiness. Workforce Planning Alert: Barbados is being urged to rethink workforce development as the population ages, increasing pressure on healthcare and eldercare. Delayed Salaries Update: Central Bank says almost all delayed public wages have been paid after BiMPay payroll account formatting issues.

Disaster Response: Northern Venezuela was hit by back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, with reports of hundreds injured and deaths rising fast; hospitals in the worst-hit areas are at maximum capacity and field hospitals are being set up as aid groups race to deliver essentials. School Hydration & NCD Prevention: Jamaica’s Hydrate Caribbean initiative will equip eight Kingston and St. Andrew schools with hydration stations and reusable bottles to boost water intake and cut sugary drink dependence, with partners including the Diabetes Association of Jamaica. Cancer Care Upgrade: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital is seeing major gains after commissioning a linear accelerator, completing 2,000+ treatment sessions and helping reduce costly overseas treatment while expanding advanced radiation options. Breast Cancer Surgery Milestone: The Democratic Labour Party praised the first Savi Scout-guided breast cancer surgeries at QEH as a step forward for modern diagnosis and treatment. PAHO/WHO Leadership Transition: The PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries formally transferred leadership from Dr. Amalia Del Riego to Dr. Prabhjot Singh as interim representative. Food Policy for Health: Barbados is pushing the food industry to help tackle the noncommunicable disease crisis through healthier food environments, while a regional campaign targets ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools. Climate & Health Financing: Barbados and the OPEC Fund launched the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Compact to unlock more affordable, longer-term financing for climate-vulnerable countries, prioritising water, education and health systems.

Emergency Preparedness: Barbados’ Department of Emergency Management is upgrading coordination by strengthening training for liaison officers across ministries and agencies, aiming to improve communication before, during and after crises. Cancer Care Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s new linear accelerator is already cutting overseas treatment costs and expanding advanced, image-guided radiation for Barbadian patients, with hundreds of sessions completed since commissioning. NCD Action with Food Industry: Health officials are urging the food industry to help tackle Barbados’ noncommunicable disease crisis by improving healthier food environments and workplace wellness supports. Regional Health Leadership: PAHO/WHO leadership for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has formally transitioned, with Dr. Prabhjot Singh taking interim responsibility for health surveillance and disease prevention. Breast Cancer Surgeries: The QEH’s first Savi Scout-guided breast cancer surgeries are being hailed as a milestone for modernising women’s cancer care. Ultra-Processed Food in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition is pushing a “Make it Make Sense” campaign to reduce unhealthy ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools across multiple Caribbean countries. Workforce Planning: Barbados is being urged to rethink workforce development as the population ages, with calls for lifelong learning and reskilling. Coral Reef Alarm: Barbados’ coral reef protection push is at a critical point, with experts warning most coral is stressed or damaged and urging urgent action. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin quakes have triggered a national emergency in Venezuela, with major damage and rising health impacts as rescue and medical systems respond.

NCD Prevention Push: Barbados is turning to the food industry to help curb non-communicable diseases, with junior health minister Davidson Ishmael urging reformulation and healthier options to reduce the heavy annual spend on diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Cancer Care Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s new linear accelerator is already cutting overseas treatment costs and expanding advanced radiation therapy, with 2,000+ sessions completed since commissioning. Breast Cancer Surgery Milestone: The Democratic Labour Party hailed Savi Scout-guided breast cancer surgeries at QEH as a major step forward for modern diagnosis and treatment. Workforce Planning Warning: TVET minister Sandra Husbands says Barbados must rethink workforce development as the country shifts toward a fully-aged society, stressing reskilling and lifelong learning. Coral Reef Health Alarm: Barbados’ coral reefs are under severe stress, with experts warning that without action viable reef could drop to under 5% by 2030. Regional School Food Marketing: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a “Make it Make Sense” campaign to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools across the region. Legal/Health Accountability: A woman has filed a lawsuit against the Barbados government over alleged complications after AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination. Safety & Justice: Police are investigating a robbery-related fight at Black Rock that left a man injured and taken to QEH.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s new linear accelerator is already delivering more advanced radiation treatment in Barbados, with 2,000+ sessions completed and officials citing major savings from reduced overseas outsourcing. NCD Prevention Push: Health Minister Davidson Ishmael says Barbados can’t just treat non-communicable diseases—he’s calling on the food industry to help reformulate products and improve healthier food environments. Regional AMR Capacity: Barbados’ Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory has been designated a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for antimicrobial resistance surveillance, strengthening regional monitoring and lab support. Breast Cancer Surgery Milestone: The DLP highlights Savi Scout-guided breast cancer surgeries at QEH as a step forward for modern cancer diagnosis and treatment. Legal Health Case: A woman has filed a lawsuit against the Barbados government over alleged complications after AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination in 2021. Public Health in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches a regional campaign targeting ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools. Safety & Crime: Police investigate an attempted robbery incident at Black Rock that left a man injured and taken to QEH. Parenting & Wellness: A Father’s Day message urges dads to mentor actively, while a TVET push aims to strengthen networking among health and wellness professionals.