AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Cost Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline rose to EC$16.50 and diesel to EC$16.25 per gallon following reduced government support. Education Pay Crunch: Over 300 teachers say they’re still missing retroactive pay as schools reopen, with the A&BUT validating claims before pushing the Ministry. Prison Policy Watch: Attorney Warren Cassell says August changes to Antigua and Barbuda’s prison remission rules could weaken incentives for good behaviour, shifting automatic release to “consideration.” Tourism & Culture: Antigua Carnival kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring soca to London for Notting Hill Carnival, building buzz for Carnival’s 70th anniversary in 2027. Agriculture in Schools: Simon Bolivar Pre-School’s garden is highlighted as a hands-on model for early childhood agriculture learning. Ocean Policy: Ambassador Daven Joseph argues Antigua and Barbuda’s stance supports science-based “sustainable use” of ocean resources, rejecting claims it’s driven by payments. Industry & Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network.

Fuel & Energy: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns Antigua motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon, as global costs and the end of some government support keep pressure on prices. Industrial Action: He also hit back at gas station owners threatening a Tuesday shutdown over demands to raise profit margins, saying it’s “bad timing” while prices are already escalating. Education & Pay: Over 300 teachers say they’re still missing retroactive pay as schools reopen; the union is validating claims with the Ministry of Education. Prison Policy: Attorney Warren Cassell says Cabinet’s August changes to prison remission could weaken incentives for good behaviour by shifting from automatic release to “consideration” for remission. Agriculture in Schools: Simon Bolivar Pre-School’s garden is being held up as a hands-on model for early childhood agriculture, from planting to harvesting tea leaves. Tourism & Cannabis: A Rastafari leader urges Antigua and Barbuda to position itself as a cannabis tourism hub, leaning on outdoor growing conditions and climate advantages. Regional Industry Watch: LIAT Air is cautious about adding routes after Caribbean Airlines ends its Tobago-Barbados service, to avoid head-to-head competition.

Cannabis Tourism Push: Rastafari leader High Priest Selah says Antigua and Barbuda could lead the Caribbean in cannabis tourism by leveraging tropical outdoor growing conditions and Rastafari heritage. Education Pay Pressure: More than 300 teachers report missing or short retroactive pay as schools reopen, with the teachers’ union validating claims before taking them to the Ministry. Prison Policy Watch: Attorney Warren Cassell warns recent changes to Antigua and Barbuda’s prison remission rules could weaken incentives for good behaviour. Fuel Cost Shock: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for further pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon following subsidy cuts, amid global price pressure. Energy & Industry: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection clears mobilisation. Cruise Port Development: SJDC says the new Antigua cruise port upland facility is on track and will be handed over when Global Ports’ lease ends. Regional Airlift: LIAT Air and interCaribbean say they’re monitoring the Tobago-Barbados gap after Caribbean Airlines ended direct service, but won’t rush into head-to-head capacity. Remittances Deal: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network. Sports & Culture: Antigua’s soca kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring Carnival energy to London ahead of the 2027 70th anniversary.

Fuel & Cost Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns Antiguans to brace for more pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon on Sept. 1 as government support was reduced; he links the risk to rising global petroleum costs and urges “rationalize.” Industrial Action at the Pumps: The same margin dispute sparked a fuel-strike wave, with most stations shutting pumps Tuesday and motorists scrambling for limited supply; Browne says the dealers’ push for higher profit margins is “bad timing” while prices are already escalating. Cruise Port Business: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping and day-club complex is progressing toward completion by end-October, with an official November opening expected to expand retail and dining for cruise visitors. Energy Projects: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection clears mobilisation steps. Regional Payments: JN Money and WapiPay expand remittance options for sending money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network. Education & Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says rising U.S. student visa rejections are making UWI a more attractive fallback for regional students. Culture & Tourism Marketing: Antigua’s Soca Kings, Young Lyrics and Tian Winter, bring Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill, West London during the run-up to the 2027 anniversary. Sports (Local Impact): India’s pickleball team beat Antigua & Barbuda 6-0 in the Pickleball World Cup team event in Vietnam, then advances to the round of 32.

Fuel Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline jumped to EC$16.50 and diesel to EC$16.25 per gallon following a reduction in government support. Industrial Action: Gas station operators shut pumps on Tuesday over demands to raise their profit margins, sparking long lines and scramble-buying; Browne said the timing was “bad” and several stations later reopened after hours of disruption. Energy Policy: Browne also said the government eliminated consumption tax to keep prices down, arguing operators are already profitable and should not push higher margins during an oil-price escalation. Cruise Business: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland development is on track for completion by end of October, with an official November opening aimed at boosting cruise tourism and creating more local retail and leisure opportunities. Regional Connectivity: LIAT Air says it’s cautious about adding capacity after Caribbean Airlines ended the Tobago–Barbados direct service, to avoid head-to-head competition where demand may not justify it. Geothermal Update (Nevis): Nevis Geothermal Project cleared a final rig inspection milestone in Iceland, with drilling expected to start within 60 days. Culture & Tourism: Antigua soca kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring Carnival’s 70th-anniversary message to Notting Hill, West London during the UK’s Notting Hill Carnival. Sports (Pickleball): India’s team event run at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam included a 6-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda, with India advancing to the round of 32. Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network.

Fuel & Transport Shock: Antigua’s fuel market was hit by industrial action as most gas stations shut pumps over demands for higher profit margins, triggering long lines and scrambling by motorists; Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the timing was “bad” while noting government steps to keep prices down, and later reported most stations reopened after several hours. Air Connectivity: JetBlue will end its nonstop JFK–Antigua service later this year (scheduled to stop on Sept. 8), citing network restructuring and aircraft redeployment to expand Fort Lauderdale departures. Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expanded ways to send money to Jamaica, with JN Money acting as the exclusive local payout conduit through its remittance infrastructure. Cruise Development: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping complex is on track for a November opening, with officials touring progress on the waterfront upgrade. Energy & Industry Context: Prime Minister Browne also reiterated disappointment with gas owners seeking higher margins amid rising oil prices, keeping the fuel-cost debate front and centre for local industry. Culture & Tourism Push: Antigua’s Soca Kings (Young Lyrics and Tian Winter) brought Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill, West London, as part of efforts to build international anticipation for the 2027 anniversary Carnival. Sports Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda was among teams India beat 6-0 in the Pickleball World Cup team event in Vietnam, with India advancing to the round of 32.

Remittances Expansion: JN Money Services has partnered with WapiPay to expand cross-border ways to send money to Jamaica, with JN Money serving as the exclusive local payout conduit via its remittance infrastructure. Fuel Supply Disruption: Antigua saw widespread gas station closures during industrial action over long-standing demands for higher fuel profit margins; after chaotic lines, most stations reopened within hours. Energy & Infrastructure: Nevis’ geothermal project cleared a final pre-mobilisation rig inspection in Iceland, with drilling expected to start within 60 days. Cruise Port Growth: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland development is progressing toward an end-October handover and a November opening, aiming to boost cruise tourism and local business. Hospitality Skills: Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors graduated from a hospitality leadership programme with Sandals Corporate University, Accelerating Leaders and Florida International University. Air Connectivity Watch: JetBlue will end its JFK–Antigua service later this year as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale operations. Cybersecurity Push: Government launched an Antigua and Barbuda cyber incident response team to strengthen threat detection and response across public systems. Sports & Community: Antigua and Barbuda was among teams facing India at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, where India stayed unbeaten in league play. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s pre-COP climate event in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing scrutiny over low non-Pacific attendance, with Antigua and Barbuda listed among confirmed participants. Tourism Product Spotlight: St. James’s Club & Villas in Antigua is being promoted for its 100-acre peninsula, beaches, and included activities like pickleball.

Food Safety & Inspections: Antigua’s food service checks reported mixed results, including a store cooler failing cold-holding standards and a café with expired food, while some sites recorded zero violations. Fuel & Retail Disruption: Gas station operators’ profit-margin dispute sparked closures and long lines, but most stations later reopened after Prime Minister Gaston Browne said WIOC would prioritize supplies to keep key outlets running. Aviation & Connectivity: JetBlue will end its JFK–Antigua nonstop service later this year as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale operations. Tourism Infrastructure: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping complex is progressing toward an end-October completion and a November opening, aiming to boost cruise spending and local business. Energy & Industry Policy: PM Browne proposed higher property taxes on idle farmland to push more acreage into production, while farmers point to water and input costs as bigger production barriers. Cybersecurity: Government launched a dedicated cyber incident response team to strengthen digital security across public systems. Hospitality Skills: Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors completed a leadership programme with FIU, focused on stronger operational leadership and talent development. Cruise Port Business Transition: SJDC is set to take control of the cruise port upland facility after Global Ports’ lease ends, with plans for long-term city benefits. Whale Protection Push: A coalition launched a petition urging the government to reverse support for commercial whaling ahead of an international meeting.

Fuel & Energy Tension: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda can’t keep subsidising fuel as the US-Iran conflict drives volatility, with a planned EC$2 increase at the pump (after earlier subsidy and tax shortfalls to WIOC). Industrial Action at the Pump: Gas station operators threatened a Tuesday strike over profit margins, then most stations reopened after hours of disruption and long lines. Agriculture Policy: Browne floated higher property taxes on idle farmland to push more acreage into production, but farmers point to water shortages and high input costs as bigger barriers. Tourism & Cruise Infrastructure: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping complex is on track for November opening, with retail, restaurants, and a day club aimed at boosting cruise spending. Regional Air Connectivity: JetBlue will end JFK–Antigua service later this year as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale. Skills for Hospitality: Sandals Grande Antigua graduates six managers and supervisors from a hospitality leadership programme with FIU, focused on leadership and operational problem-solving. Local Tech Security: Government launched an AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to strengthen digital resilience. Geothermal Momentum (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin within 60 days after final rig inspection clears mobilisation. Whale Protection Push: A coalition launched a petition urging Antigua and Barbuda to reverse support for commercial whaling ahead of an international meeting.

Fuel Crisis & Local Industry: Antigua’s gas station operators staged a short industrial action over profit margins, triggering fuel lines and closures before most stations reopened after hours, while PM Gaston Browne said the timing was “bad” amid rising global oil prices and that government subsidies/margin support can’t continue. Energy Policy: Browne also confirmed fuel prices are set to rise this week, citing the US-Iran conflict’s impact on petroleum volatility and explaining the government’s reduced ability to subsidise and collect revenues from West Indies Oil Company. Tourism & Port Development: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping complex is on track for an October completion and a November opening, aiming to boost cruise tourism spend and local business opportunities. Hospitality Skills: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors graduated from a hospitality leadership programme delivered with Florida International University, focused on leadership and operational problem-solving. Digital Resilience: Government launched an Antigua and Barbuda cyber incident response team to strengthen threat detection and response across public services. Aviation Connectivity: JetBlue will end its JFK–Antigua service later this year as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale operations. Agriculture Push: PM proposed higher property taxes on idle farmland to encourage production, though farmers point to water and input costs as bigger barriers.

Cruise & Port Development: Oceania Cruises floated out the next-gen Oceania Sonata at Fincantieri in Italy, a 695-room ship due to debut in Aug 2027, with interiors and suite space now moving into fitting-out. Closer to home, Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping complex is on track for a November opening, with retail, restaurants, a day club and pool aimed at boosting cruise spending. Fuel & Energy Pressure: Antigua’s fuel market is in turmoil as gas station operators threatened a strike over profit margins; after disruption and long lines, most stations reopened within hours. Prime Minister Gaston Browne also said fuel prices are rising due to the US-Iran conflict and that subsidies can’t continue, with an across-the-board EC$2 price agreed while officials expect about EC$3.50 increases. Air Connectivity: JetBlue will end nonstop JFK–Antigua later this year as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale service. Regional Aviation Watch: LIAT Air is cautious about adding Tobago–Barbados capacity after Caribbean Airlines ended direct service, citing the risk of head-to-head competition. Digital & Public Services: Government launched an Antigua and Barbuda cyber incident response team to strengthen digital security across agencies. Agriculture Policy: PM Browne proposed higher property taxes on idle farmland to push more acreage into production, amid farmers’ complaints about water and input costs. Tourism Skills: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors graduated from a hospitality leadership programme with Florida International University. Energy Projects (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is set to kick off within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland.

Fuel & Transport Disruption: LIAT Air is weighing the Tobago–Barbados opportunity after Caribbean Airlines ended its direct service, but both LIAT and interCaribbean say any added capacity depends on demand and avoiding route “races to the bottom.” Energy Costs & Public Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda can’t keep subsidising fuel as the US–Iran war drives volatility, with officials warning of about EC$3.50 increases but government moving to EC$2 across the board. Industrial Action at the Pump: Gas station operators threatened a Tuesday strike over profit margins; after closures sparked long lines, most stations reopened within hours. Geothermal Progress (Nevis): Nevis Geothermal Project drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection clears mobilisation. Infrastructure for Industry: APUA is pushing a US$25m smart meter overhaul to automate readings and improve customer visibility. Tourism & Development: Antigua Cruise Port’s new Upland Development is on track for an October completion and November opening, adding retail, dining and a day club. Cybersecurity: Government launched an AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to strengthen digital protection. Hospitality Skills: Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors graduate from a hospitality leadership programme with FIU. Whale Protection Push: A coalition launched a petition urging reversal of Antigua & Barbuda’s commercial whaling stance ahead of an international meeting.

Fuel & Gas Dispute: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says gas station owners’ push for higher profit margins led to Tuesday pump shutdowns, sparking fuel rushes and long lines; most stations have since reopened after hours of industrial action, while Browne argues the timing is “bad” as the government shields consumers amid rising global oil prices. Energy Costs: Browne also warned fuel prices will rise as the US-Iran conflict keeps petroleum volatile and subsidies can’t continue; officials are weighing about EC$3.50 per gallon but aiming closer to EC$2. Utilities Upgrade: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m smart meter overhaul (AMI) to automate readings and give customers clearer usage data. Geothermal Push (Nevis): Nevis Geothermal Project drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland, clearing the way for shipment. Cruise & Tourism Development: Antigua Cruise Port’s new Upland Development is on track for end-October completion and a November opening, adding retail, restaurants, and a day club. Hospitality Skills: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors graduate from a hospitality leadership programme with FIU. Cyber Security: Government launched an Antigua and Barbuda cyber incident response team to strengthen digital protection. Agriculture Policy: Browne floated higher taxes on idle farmland to boost production, while also considering recruiting Haitian workers to address labour shortages. Whaling Pressure: A coalition launched a petition urging Antigua and Barbuda to reverse support for commercial whaling ahead of an international meeting.

Fuel Crisis & Industrial Action: Most gas stations in Antigua and Barbuda reopened after operators shut pumps during a profit-margin dispute, sending hundreds of motorists to the few still-open WIOC sites while PM Gaston Browne called the timing “bad” amid rising global prices. Energy Costs: Browne also said the US-Iran war is driving volatility and that the government can’t keep subsidising fuel, pointing to a planned EC$2 increase after an earlier EC$3.50 recommendation. Aviation: JetBlue will end nonstop JFK–Antigua service later this year as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale. Agriculture Policy: The PM proposed higher property taxes on idle farmland to boost production, though farmers warn water and labour remain key constraints. Cybersecurity: Government launched a cyber incident response team to strengthen digital security across agencies. Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals graduated six supervisors from a hospitality leadership programme; a new luxury boutique resort is planned for Pearns Point. Renewables: IRENA invited renewable project proposals across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda.

Fuel & Energy Costs: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will raise fuel prices this week as the US-Iran war keeps oil prices volatile and the government can’t keep subsidising costs; officials are weighing an increase of about EC$2 across the board after an advised EC$3.50 jump. Fuel-Station Pressure: Gas station operators are reportedly threatening a Tuesday strike over profit margins, which Browne calls “bad timing” amid rising international prices. APUA Modernisation: APUA is pushing ahead with a US$25m smart meter overhaul to automate readings and give customers clearer usage data, while also drafting a policy for rooftop solar battery storage. Dispute Resolution: Carib Resolve Dispute Resolution Centre officially launched in Antigua to expand mediation and other off-court options for individuals and businesses. Geothermal Progress (Nevis): Nevis officials inspected the Tyr drilling rig ahead of geothermal drilling aimed at a 30MW development for both islands. Creative Industries: Antigua and Barbuda is preparing a White Paper and roadmap to formalise and grow the creative industries, linking them to tourism and jobs. Hospitality Development: Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited plan a new luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point, with suites and villas plus shared amenities for guests and owners.

Fuel & Cost Pressures: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the US–Iran conflict is driving global oil volatility, and Antigua and Barbuda will raise gasoline and diesel this week as the government cuts an unsustainable pump subsidy—officials are weighing about EC$3.50 per gallon, with Cabinet considering a smaller cap. Utilities Modernisation: APUA is pushing ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual readings and give customers clearer usage data, with rollout expected later this year or early next. Energy Transition: APUA is also developing battery storage policy for residential solar users, while the government eyes a major 55-megawatt renewable push. Renewables Funding: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, for potential financing and de-risking support. Biosecurity & Agriculture: Antigua and Barbuda is strengthening biological security via a UN workshop and preparing its first confidence-building measures report; meanwhile, government is considering recruiting Haitian farm workers to expand local food production. Dispute Resolution: Carib Resolve Dispute Resolution Centre launched in Antigua to expand mediation and other alternatives to court battles. Industry & Business: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting a creative industries White Paper and roadmap to formalise and grow film, music, festivals and related services.