Barbados Barbados’ economy grew an estimated 1.4% in the first half of 2026, driven mainly by domestic sectors. The Central Bank of Barbados expects 2% growth for 2026, though tourism, construction and transportation under performed projections. External pressures, including the Middle East conflict, higher freight and energy costs, disrupted shipping and increased airfares, also weighed on activity. Tourism remained near last year’s level as longer stays held steady despite slightly higher arrivals. “Sharply higher airfares and reduced seat capacity weighed on the United States market in particular, and long-stay arrivals held broadly level rather than expanding as projected,” the CBB said. Governor of the CBB, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, said the non-traded sector and other services drove the 1.5% expansion, with wholesale and retail trade also contributing, while construction recorded modest growth. The traded sector grew by 0.4%, with tourism value added remaining close to last year’s level. Long-stay arrivals increased slightly, but shorter visitor stays reduced overall visitor nights. "Agriculture added to growth, while manufacturing output remained broadly unchanged. Domestic activity therefore sustained overall economic growth in a more challenging global environment marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and softer demand in several key tourism source markets." Caricom The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is providing US$100,000 to the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) to support a feasibility study on establishing a regional stock exchange for Caricom states participating in the CSME. Funded through the CDB’s Special Development Fund, the study is the first phase of a broader initiative to explore viable models for deeper regional capital market integration. It will examine how a more connected market could mobilise investment, improve liquidity, reduce financing costs and expand access to capital, particularly for MSMEs. The CDB said greater integration could also help overcome fragmented markets while strengthening the region’s economic resilience and competitiveness. "The Caribbean's long-term growth depends on our ability to create stronger, more accessible financial markets that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment," said Lisa Harding, Division Chief, Private Sector Division at CDB. "This feasibility study will provide the analysis needed to determine how a regional stock exchange can strengthen access to finance, support private sector development, and advance regional economic integration. It also reflects CDB's commitment to building institutions and financial systems that foster inclusive and sustainable growth across our member countries." The feasibility study will assess capital market demand across Caricom, legal and regulatory requirements, international stock exchange models, and input from public and private sector stakeholders. It will also explore ways to improve financing access for women-led businesses, youth, entrepreneurs, and other underserved groups. The first phase, being implemented by the CPSO with CDB and IDB support, has US$324,700 in combined funding. Findings will be presented at a regional symposium to guide decisions on deeper capital market integration and support stronger financial markets, private sector development and economic resilience. Grenada The Grenada government has terminated its agreements with US and Russian-based oil and gas company Global Petroleum Group (GPG), citing the company’s failure to meet its obligations. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is expected to address the nation on the decision, while the Attorney General’s Office and a Technical Working Group will provide further details. Attorney General Claudette Joseph said the government acted lawfully and in the national interest, after giving GPG 18 years and every reasonable opportunity to fulfill its commitments. The government said it lawfully terminated its agreements with GPG after 18 years without commercial production, following a thorough review of the company, stating that “Grenada deserves better.” GPG was initially granted a 2008 license covering 11 offshore blocks for oil and gas exploration. In 2013, it received a development license and signed a Production Sharing Agreement covering four blocks, establishing the framework for developing any discoveries and sharing the benefits with Grenada. The government said GPG failed to meet the condition of bringing its original four-block project into commercial production, leading to the termination of the 2016 MoU on April 29, 2026, and the Development Licence and Production Sharing Agreement on Aug. 1, 2026. Since taking office in 2022, the government’s Technical Working Group engaged with GPG and identified several breaches. The government said GPG was formally notified of the breaches and given opportunities to respond and remedy them, but failed to do so, leading to the termination of the agreements. It said the decision was necessary and in the national interest to protect Grenada’s resources and future. The government stressed that Grenada remains open to investment and will seek transparent, credible partners that deliver meaningful benefits for the country. Guyana The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging Guyana to speed up efforts to resolve long-standing disputes over ExxonMobil’s cost oil audits, citing their fiscal and governance implications. Following its 2026 Article IV Mission, the IMF recommended settling the outstanding audits promptly, including through arbitration where necessary. "Given their fiscal and governance implications, resolving these audits in a timely manner remains important," the IMF said. The IMF acknowledged Guyana’s efforts to resolve the disputes, including pursuing arbitration. An audit covering 1999–2017 identified US$214.4 million in costs deemed ineligible for recovery or lacking adequate documentation, while a second audit covering a later period remains under review. The IMF also urged Guyana to strengthen its capacity to audit the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector. "The authorities are encouraged to continue strengthening audit capacity, especially in the oil and gas sector," the report stated. Beyond the oil sector, the IMF urged Guyana to strengthen public procurement practices as government spending increases. It said better compliance with existing rules, supported by a centralized digital procurement platform, would improve the quality and efficiency of public spending. The IMF mission met with senior government officials, including Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Bank of Guyana Governor Dr Gobind Ganga and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, as well as private-sector representatives and other stakeholders. Jamaica Jamaica is preparing to petition King Charles III to refer legal questions to the Privy Council as part of its campaign for reparations for slavery. Culture Minister Olivia Grange announced the move at the annual Seville Emancipation Jubilee in St Ann, describing it as the next phase in Jamaica’s long-running push for reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade and slavery. "After years of discussion and planning, we are moving ahead with our demand for reparations in the name of our ancestors," Grange said. "The next step in the long journey for reparations is a legal step in which we will petition His Majesty King Charles to put a series of very, very important legal questions to his Privy Council." Grange said the legal process is expected to begin within the next month, acknowledging that Jamaica’s pursuit of reparations will be lengthy and challenging, but reaffirmed the government’s commitment. "We are under no illusion that this will not be easy or quick. Like the ancestors' fight for freedom, we anticipate challenges, but like the ancestors, we are in this for the long haul. We won't give up," she said. Grange urged Jamaicans to continue supporting the reparations movement as a way of honoring the sacrifices of enslaved Africans. Jamaica National Heritage Trust chairman Orville Hall highlighted the country’s resilience and commitment to preserving its historic sites and cultural heritage. The annual Seville Emancipation Jubilee commemorates the abolition of slavery while celebrating Jamaica’s African heritage through cultural performances, historical reflections and the traditional reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.