AGP Executive Report

Stroke Recovery Update: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew says he is out of hospital in Florida after a stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection, with rehabilitation “progressing extremely well” and movement, speech and thinking reported as intact. Mental Health Access: Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center welcomes psychiatrist Alexandra Reischman, MD, offering adult and senior psychiatric evaluations, medication management and ongoing care, with recognition from the American Psychiatric Association in 2026. Suicide Prevention Focus: Barbados mental health professionals mark World Suicide Prevention Month/Day by urging people to spot warning signs, start conversations and use local support services, alongside school essay activities. Dementia Awareness: A World Alzheimer’s Month piece highlights why earlier diagnosis matters and how caregiver experiences can shape resources for others facing dementia. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Barbados steps up African Swine Fever surveillance and response planning, warning that import-system gaps could still let the virus in. Food & Health Supply: Barbados supports CARICOM’s humanitarian shipment to Cuba, including powdered milk, amid severe shortages. Health Workforce Strengthening: PAHO and UWI graduate the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems programme training leaders across the Caribbean. Local Wellness & Community: Green Nation’s island clean-up targets dumping hotspots to protect community health and environment. Health Safety in Transit: A Barbados TODAY report alleges an unprovoked attack on a nursing student by a route taxi conductor, raising concerns about safety for disabled passengers.

Stroke Recovery: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says his stroke was caused by a vertebral artery dissection, but that his movement, speech, and thinking are “well controlled” as he rehabilitates in Florida after rapid hospital stabilisation. Mental Health Access: Dr. Alexandra Reischman has joined Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center in Carrollton, bringing adult and senior psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalised care. Suicide Prevention: Barbados marks World Suicide Prevention Month with outreach on warning signs, starting conversations, and where to get help. Animal Health Watch: Barbados is running an African Swine Fever surveillance and response workshop, warning that import-system gaps could still allow breaches. Health Policy Training: PAHO and UWI Cave Hill graduated the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems programme to strengthen Caribbean health leadership. Local Health Costs Abroad: Barbados’ foreign ministry urges travellers to buy insurance with adequate medical coverage, warning that overseas healthcare is rarely free for visitors. Food & Nutrition Exports: Export Barbados’ packhouse plan targets export-ready produce (including peppers and passion fruit) with cold-chain support for farmers. Public Safety: Police report a fatal shooting in St Michael after an operation at Westbury Road, with investigations ongoing.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Barbados mental health professionals marked World Suicide Prevention Month and Day with outreach on warning signs, starting conversations, and where to get help. Public Health Capacity: PAHO and UWI celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems programme, training leaders across the Caribbean to tackle workforce shortages, noncommunicable diseases, climate and emergencies. Animal Health/Biosecurity: Barbados is stepping up African Swine Fever surveillance with a three-day workshop, warning that import-system gaps could still allow breaches. Food & Nutrition Access: A new Barbados packhouse is lining up about 20 farmers for export-focused fruits and vegetables, including hot peppers and passion fruit, with cold-chain support. Local Health Innovation: Export Barbados says government patent protection for microbes from UWI Cave Hill’s sargassum research could unlock major commercial opportunities. Health Costs Abroad: Barbados’ Foreign Affairs ministry warns travellers to buy insurance with adequate medical coverage, as consular help won’t pay overseas hospital bills. Tourism & Wellness Context: BHTA reports stronger visitor numbers in the first half of 2026, with growth from Canada, the US and Europe—good news for the health of the tourism economy.

Tourism & Health Access: BHTA chair Kelly-Ann Payne says Barbados kept its top-destination standing, with first-half 2026 visitor growth from the US, Canada and Europe—good news for travel-linked health services and planning. Water Security: A fresh look at desalination and Barbados’ wider water challenges comes as St Lucia residents report clearer taps but still buy bottled water, with officials stressing the “safe to drink” message. Biosecurity & Food Safety: Barbados is stepping up African Swine Fever surveillance and response after warnings of border-breach risk, with workshops focused on prevention and rapid action to protect livestock and pork. Health Workforce & Leadership: PAHO and UWI celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems programme to strengthen Caribbean health leadership. Mental Health: Barbados marks World Suicide Prevention Month with outreach on warning signs and where to get help. Local Care & Prevention: QEH partners with med schools to boost research and digital health, while stroke prevention coverage urges Barbadians to focus on risk reduction. Innovation & Pharma Potential: Government moves to patent novel microbes from sargassum to keep commercial value in Barbados, after pharma interest. Public Transport Safety: A nurse alleges an assault on Route 11 ZR left her with long-term brain injury, renewing calls for better protection for disabled riders. Community Clean-up: Green Nation’s island-wide clean-up targets dumping hotspots ahead of World Clean-up Day. Regional Medical Aid: BDF sends medical rotations to earthquake-hit Venezuela, supporting survivors with field medical capability. Agriculture Exports: Export Barbados’ packhouse push lines up about 20 farmers for export-ready produce, including peppers and passion fruit.

Public Safety: A 24-year-old man, Absalom Abejah Francis-Hunte, died after being shot by police during an operation at Morris Gap, Westbury Road, St Michael; he was taken to QEH where he later passed, and investigators are asking witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers. Disaster Response: The Barbados Defence Force sent a third medical rotation to earthquake-hit Venezuela, with field medical hospital support planned for about four weeks. Regional Health & Food Security: Barbados joined a CARICOM-Mexico aid shipment to Cuba, contributing mainly powdered milk to help families facing severe shortages. Health Innovation & Research: Government moves to patent microbes discovered from sargassum seaweed, aiming to keep commercial value in Barbados after pharmaceutical interest. Mental Health: Psychiatrists and mental health professionals marked World Suicide Prevention Month/Day with public outreach on warning signs and where to get help. Animal Health: Barbados is stepping up African Swine Fever surveillance and response planning, warning that import-system gaps remain a vulnerability. Health Systems Capacity: PAHO and UWI celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems programme to strengthen Caribbean health leadership. Local Wellness & Community: Green Nation Clean-up is set for Sept 19, with volunteers targeting gullies often affected by illegal dumping.

Humanitarian Response: A third cohort of Barbados Defence Force Field Medical Hospital personnel and Barbados Regiment members has deployed to earthquake-hit Venezuela for one month, departing from Grantley Adams International Airport to support relief efforts. Public Safety: Police are investigating a shooting on Westbury Road, St Michael; a man later died en route to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Mental Health: During World Suicide Prevention Month and Day, Barbados mental health professionals are urging people to recognise warning signs, start conversations, and seek help, with outreach to workplaces and a national secondary schools essay competition. Animal Health & Food Security: Barbados is stepping up African Swine Fever (ASF) surveillance and response, with workshops focused on prevention and rapid protocols as import-system gaps remain a vulnerability. Health Systems & Training: PAHO and UWI celebrated graduation of the third cohort of a Health Policy and Health Systems postgraduate programme, building regional leadership to tackle workforce shortages and noncommunicable diseases. Digital Health Collaboration: QEH is partnering with UWI and two medical universities (AUB and Era University) to modernise medical education and strengthen digital health, research, and clinical training. Travel Health Reminder: Barbados’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning travellers to secure comprehensive medical travel insurance before departure, noting consular help doesn’t cover medical bills.

Public health & prevention: World Physical Therapy Day in Barbados spotlighted stroke prevention and management, with physiotherapists urging people to know their blood pressure numbers, recognise warning signs, and stay active. Mental health support: During World Suicide Prevention Month, mental health professionals shared suicide warning signs and where to get help, including outreach to workplaces and a national secondary schools essay competition. Healthcare capacity & training: QEH is partnering with medical universities to boost research and digital health, while UWI Cave Hill, Era University and AUB team up to modernise medical education through AI. Biosecurity & food safety: Barbados is stepping up surveillance and rapid response planning for African Swine Fever and other animal and foodborne threats, with workshops focused on testing and readiness. Local health systems & services: QEH outpatient clinics have been relocated, and a new psychiatrist has joined Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center in Carrollton (adult and senior care). Health policy & rights: A letter to the editor argues against criminalising abortion, citing court rulings and lower abortion rates where laws were changed. Community safety: A reported shooting in Crab Hill, St Lucy has been identified as Shamar Michael Inniss, 28, with police appealing for witnesses. Health-linked travel warning: Barbados’ foreign affairs ministry warns travellers to secure proper medical travel insurance before going overseas. Water quality: St Lucy residents report clearer tap water in some areas, though some still buy bottled water. Health innovation & wellness: Asha Jones’ Living Legacy Wellness is building dementia care and healthy ageing support, including person-centred engagement. Health research protection: Government plans to patent sargassum microbe discoveries to keep potential commercial value in Barbados.

School Nutrition Crackdown: Education Minister Chad Blackman warns companies to keep “schools off-limits” to ultra-processed food marketing, as Barbados rolls out a new school breakfast programme for about 17,000 nursery and primary students. Stroke Prevention Push: World Physical Therapy Day spotlights stroke prevention and management, with QEH physiotherapy urging people to know their blood pressure numbers and recognise warning signs. Animal & Food Safety: Barbados steps up African swine fever defence with surveillance and rapid response planning, as CVO Dr Mark Trotman stresses the threat remains “ever present” for animal and public health. Water Quality Watch: St Lucy residents report clearer tap water in some areas, but still buy bottled water as officials say improvements continue at pumping stations. Dementia Care Spotlight: Asha Jones’ Living Legacy Wellness highlights person-centred dementia care and healthy ageing, including her DementiAbility training role. Digital Health Boost: QEH partners with UWI and two universities (AUB and Era University) to modernise medical education and strengthen digital health and research. Travel Insurance Reminder: Foreign Affairs urges Barbadians to buy travel insurance with adequate medical coverage before overseas trips, warning consular help doesn’t replace health insurance. Mental Health Staffing: Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center welcomes psychiatrist Alexandra Reischman, expanding adult and senior psychiatric services. Athlete Assessment Initiative: A new Barbadian high-performance athlete assessment approach targets under-20 athletes and post-injury rehab gaps.

Stroke prevention push: World Physical Therapy Day in Barbados focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke management, with QEH physiotherapy staff urging people to know their blood pressure numbers, recognise stroke warning signs, and stay active. School nutrition safeguards: Education Minister Chad Blackman warned that schools are “hands off” for companies marketing ultra-processed foods to students, while a new national breakfast programme is rolling out for about 17,000 nursery and primary pupils to help children start the day fed. QEH digital health partnership: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is partnering with UWI and two universities (AUB and Era University) to modernise medical education using AI and expand research and training, including for junior doctors and residents. Animal & food disease readiness: The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing a major surveillance and rapid-response investment to strengthen testing and monitoring, citing threats like African swine fever and bird flu. Dementia care spotlight: Asha Jones’ Living Legacy Wellness is expanding person-centred dementia support and healthy ageing, including training capacity across the Caribbean. Mental health staffing update: Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center welcomed psychiatrist Alexandra Reischman, MD, to expand adult and senior psychiatric evaluations and treatment. Water quality update: Some St Lucy residents report clearer tap water, though brown tinge persists in places, with officials stressing it’s mainly an aesthetic issue. Health-adjacent policy pressure: Barbados consumer groups are urging businesses not to pass on Panama Canal shipping surcharges as prices rise. Community health through sport: A 19-year-old athlete assessment initiative aims to improve personalised training and injury recovery planning for young athletes. Safety note: Police identified a man killed in Crab Hill, St Lucy, and investigations continue.

Stroke prevention push: World Physical Therapy Day in Barbados spotlighted cardiovascular disease and stroke management, with QEH physiotherapy staff urging people to “know their numbers,” stay active, and recognise stroke warning signs after noting strokes are happening “at least twice a day.” School nutrition safeguards: Education Minister Chad Blackman warned food companies to keep ultra-processed foods out of schools, while a new national breakfast programme rolled out to about 17,000 nursery and primary students to reduce hunger and support healthier starts. Dementia care spotlight: Asha Jones launched Living Legacy Wellness with a person-centred approach to healthy ageing and dementia care, including her DementiAbility Trainer role to build regional capacity. Mental health staffing: Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center welcomed psychiatrist Alexandra Reischman, MD, expanding adult and senior psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Water quality update: Some St Lucy residents report clearer tap water, though a brown tinge persists for some; officials say it’s safe to drink and are continuing work at pumping stations. Animal & food disease readiness: Agriculture officials outlined stronger surveillance and rapid response planning for threats like African swine fever and bird flu. Community health & safety: Police identified 28-year-old Shamar Michael Inniss after a fatal Crab Hill shooting; investigations continue.

World Physical Therapy Day: Barbados physiotherapists used the day to push stroke prevention, saying strokes happen “at least twice a day” locally and urging people to know their blood pressure numbers, recognise warning signs, and stay physically active. Food & Animal Disease Vigilance: Barbados was urged to keep strong surveillance, testing and biosecurity to protect against animal and foodborne threats, with African swine fever and bird flu flagged as ongoing regional risks. School Nutrition Protection: Education Minister Chad Blackman warned firms to keep ultra-processed food marketing out of schools as a new breakfast programme rolls out to about 17,000 primary students, aiming to reduce hunger and support healthier choices. Health System Strengthening: The Ministry of Health is moving ahead on digital transformation after a review found fragmented health information systems, limited interoperability, and gaps in data quality, governance and data protection. Patient Advocacy Loss: Hope Foundation founder Shelley Weir, a long-time lupus advocate, has died after decades of pushing for better support and a stronger patient voice across chronic illness care. Workforce & Productivity: UWI Cave Hill warned productivity is slipping as the workforce shrinks, with labour force contraction and low productivity growth raising long-term economic risks.

School Nutrition & Policy: Education Minister Chad Blackman says schools are “hands off” for companies marketing ultra-processed foods to students, as Barbados rolls out a new national school breakfast programme feeding about 17,000 nursery and primary pupils. Health System Strengthening: The Ministry of Health is pushing digital transformation after a 2022 assessment flagged fragmented health information across QEH, polyclinics, labs and pharmacies, with gaps in governance, data quality, connectivity and data protection. QEH Updates: Four outpatient clinics are being relocated from QEH Enmore to George Street, Belleville, St Michael, as part of preparations for the Enmore redevelopment. Public Health Action: The Vector Control Unit resumes fogging in St John and Christ Church this week, targeting mosquito reduction across multiple communities. Patient Advocacy Loss: Hope Foundation founder Shelley Weir, a long-time lupus advocate, has died, leaving a decades-long legacy of patient support and education across Barbados and the wider Caribbean. Local Health Incident: A contractor accused of assaulting and using threatening language toward Health Minister Lisa Cummins pleaded guilty and was remanded pending sentencing. Community Care: The Anglican Church of Barbados is planning a major healthcare development at Henry’s Lane, St Michael, including medical services and accommodation for specialised care.

School Nutrition & Obesity Prevention: Education Minister Chad Blackman warned food companies to keep ultra-processed foods off school grounds, stressing schools won’t be used for marketing that undermines nutrition policy. Primary School Breakfast Rollout: About 17,000 nursery and primary students are now getting breakfast islandwide to stop children arriving hungry, with menus monitored for quality and delivery timing. QEH Access & Continuity of Care: Queen Elizabeth Hospital relocated four outpatient clinics (ENT, Neurology, Paediatrics, Dermatology) to George Street, Belleville, as part of the Enmore redevelopment, with affected patients asked to attend the new site. Digital Health Governance: Barbados is pushing ahead with health records digitisation, but officials say stronger coordination, data protection, and access safeguards are needed so vulnerable groups aren’t left out. Extreme Heat Safety: Schools are adjusting uniforms and encouraging more water intake as Barbados faces ongoing hot, dry conditions; older adults are urged to prevent dehydration and heat illness. Health Advocacy Loss: Hope Foundation founder Shelley Weir, diagnosed with lupus and a long-time patient advocate, has died, leaving a major legacy for chronic illness support across Barbados and the Caribbean. Local Health Incident: A man has been charged and pleaded guilty in connection with assaulting Health Minister Lisa Cummins and using threatening language.

Primary School Nutrition: Barbados’ national breakfast programme is now reaching about 17,000 primary students, aiming to stop kids starting the day hungry and easing pressure on parents. Health System Updates: The QEH is relocating four outpatient clinics (ENT, Neurology, Paediatrics, Dermatology) from Enmore to George Street, Belleville, as part of preparations for the Enmore redevelopment. Digital Health Push: Barbados is being urged to keep moving on health digital transformation after a 2022 assessment flagged gaps in interoperability, governance, data quality, and data protection. Heat Safety: With temperatures climbing, schools are adjusting uniforms and the public—especially older adults—are being urged to prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke and fainting. Vector Control: The Ministry resumes fogging in St John and Christ Church this week, with specific community schedules and reminders for residents to allow spray access. Patient Advocacy Loss: Hope Foundation founder Shelley Weir, a long-time lupus advocate, has died, leaving a major legacy in chronic illness support and patient voice across Barbados and the region. CARICOM-Africa Health Links: PM Mia Mottley and CARICOM leaders marked CARICOM-Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger ties, including healthcare cooperation. Church Healthcare Development: The Anglican Church is planning a major healthcare project at Henry’s Lane, St Michael, including services and accommodation for specialised care. School Safety Concerns: The Barbados Union of Teachers says some school repairs ran too close to reopening, raising dust/fume and health-and-safety worries for staff.

Patient Advocacy Loss: Hope Foundation president and lupus advocate Shelley Weir, MBE, has died at 63 after a brief illness, leaving behind decades of work pushing for better patient support and awareness for lupus, sickle cell disease and arthritis. Health System Digital Upgrade: Barbados is being urged to press ahead with health sector digital transformation after a 2022 assessment found fragmented systems, weak interoperability, and gaps in data protection and governance—while noting some electronic medical record use in polyclinics. Hospital Access & Continuity: QEH outpatient services are shifting as four clinics (ENT, Neurology, Paediatrics, Dermatology) move from Enmore to George Street, Belleville, starting Sept 7, with affected patients asked to attend the new location. Extreme Heat Safety: Schools are rolling out heat-friendly measures like updated uniforms and stronger water guidance, while older Barbadians are being warned to guard against heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke and fainting. Mosquito Control: The Ministry’s fogging programme runs Sept 7–11 in St John and Christ Church, with spraying from 4:30–8:30 p.m. Community Health Support: A back-to-school and wellness event provided children’s supplies plus free checks for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI, including breast examinations for selected women. Public Health Risk Alert: The Ministry says emergency services are responding to a fire at a metal dump in Hoytes Village, St James, advising people—especially those with asthma—to avoid smoke and seek care if symptoms worsen. QEH Expansion Needs: Updates on the Enmore redevelopment highlight plans for a new lab, burn unit, more beds and expanded cancer resources to address overcrowding and shortages.

Digital Health Push: Barbados’ Health Services Resilience Programme is moving ahead, but officials say a 2022 review found a fragmented health information system with weak interoperability between QEH, polyclinics, labs and pharmacies—along with gaps in governance, data quality, infrastructure, connectivity, and data protection. QEH Access Changes: Four QEH outpatient clinics—ENT, Neurology, Paediatrics and Dermatology—are relocating from Enmore to George Street, Belleville, starting Sept 7, as part of the Enmore redevelopment. Heat Safety for Schools & Seniors: With temperatures hitting about 33°C, the Ministry of Education is adjusting uniforms and pushing more water intake; BARP is also urging older adults to guard against heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke and fainting. Health System Capacity: QEH expansion planning highlights needs for a new lab, dedicated burn unit, more beds and cancer treatment resources. Public Health Alerts: The Ministry warns residents about smoke exposure from a metal dump fire in Hoytes Village, St James, advising people with asthma to stay indoors. Community Wellness Support: A back-to-school and wellness event provided health checks (including cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI) and breast examinations for women. Local Environment & Health: Water quality has improved in parts of St Lucy, but road complaints near Pie Corner remain. Reparatory Justice: Barbados will host a CARICOM reparations conference Sept 17–19, with public health and education investment among the Ten-Point Plan priorities.