AGP Executive Report

CHTA Momentum: St. Kitts and Nevis say the 44th Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace in Antigua pulled in fresh interest from “new and emerging markets,” with meetings aimed at opening doors in Latin America. Air Connectivity Push: Jamaica announced it will host the second CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, building on last year’s Bermuda event to tackle seat capacity, high taxes and weak long-haul/intra-regional links. Women in Tourism: The CTO will launch a scholarship fund for emerging Caribbean women in tourism at a June 1 leadership dinner in New York. Local Industry Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s APUA is set to raise the fuel variation charge for May, pushing electricity bills higher amid criticism over slow progress on reducing fossil-fuel dependence. Health & Research: UWI Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a research and education partnership to support the country’s medicinal cannabis industry.

Medicinal Cannabis Research: UWI Five Islands Campus and Antigua & Barbuda’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a research-and-skills partnership, aiming to move the sector beyond cultural association into properly proven medicinal products. Tourism Trade Momentum: The Caribbean Travel Marketplace keeps expanding its reach—Virtual World Internet launched a permanent digital twin of CTM 2026, while Barbados was confirmed to host CTM 2027 (May 18–21). CTO Leadership & Regional Influence: CHTA named Dominica hotelier Gregor Nassief president-elect, a first for Dominica and a sign of the “Nature Island” push shaping regional hospitality. Health Spotlight: A Commonwealth compendium on cervical cancer elimination highlights how Antigua & Barbuda is using HPV-based screening and digital systems to improve coverage in small-island settings. Industry Pressure Points: APUA says electricity bills will rise this month as it increases the fuel variation charge amid global fuel costs. Science & Innovation: TriCelX filed an FDA IND for XytriX™ for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, marking a major step for CTE biotherapeutics.

US-Venezuela Fallout: Venezuela deported Nicolás Maduro’s financier Alex Saab to the United States, sidestepping the extradition ban by classifying him as Colombian—another sign of how fragile Caracas’s coalition remains. Caribbean Tourism Push: At Antigua’s CHTA Marketplace, Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett announced the CTO Air Connectivity Summit will return to Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high air costs. Dominica Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, building on 2025 gains (496,635 total visitors; stayovers up 19%), as it pitches nature-and-wellness growth and major infrastructure plans. Regional Industry Politics: CHTA also confirmed virtual access for the Marketplace and flagged a fight against Booking.com commission changes that could hit Caribbean hotels’ margins. Local Cost Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s APUA raised the fuel variation charge for May, pushing electricity bills higher.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica says stayover arrivals jumped 10% in Q1 2026, building on a 15% rise in total visitors in 2025, with 496,635 tourists last year and cruise arrivals up 23% (Oct 2025–Apr 2026). Regional Air Connectivity: Jamaica will host the second CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps, high taxes and fees, and strengthen intra-Caribbean and long-haul links. Safety & Regulation: Jamaica offered to help Tobago tighten water-sports safety rules after the death of a child in a jet-ski incident, pointing to its own long-running personal watercraft rental ban. Health Policy: The Commonwealth Secretariat launched a cervical cancer elimination case-study compendium, highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s HPV screening and digital systems. Cost Pressure at Home: APUA plans a higher fuel variation charge for May, pushing electricity bills up as global fuel costs rise.

CPL Momentum: The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League draft has already reshaped the tournament, with Gudakesh Motie leaving Guyana Amazon Warriors for the Barbados Tridents and other franchises locking in key cores ahead of the Aug 7–Sep 20 season. Tourism Trade Push: At the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, Saint Lucia and Dominica used the spotlight to court global buyers—Dominica reported 15% visitor growth in 2025 and major infrastructure plans. Digital Shift: CHTA’s Marketplace went virtual via a permanent digital twin, turning the event into an always-on showcase. Regional Air Focus: Jamaica announced it will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit on Feb 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high costs. Local Costs Hit: Antigua and Barbuda’s electricity bills are set to rise again as APUA increases its fuel variation charge for May. Policy & Protection: Cabinet approved a national Safe Haven for Women and Children, alongside new moves to curb single-use plastics.

Caribbean Tourism Power Play: Dominica used CHTA Marketplace 2026 in Antigua to sell its surge—visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 in 2025, stayover up 19% to 99,846, plus cruise growth—while pitching long-term infrastructure and a wellness/nature positioning. Regional Air Connectivity: Jamaica says it will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high air taxes/fees after this year’s Bermuda summit. Always-On Trade Tech: CHTA’s Marketplace went virtual via a digital twin, turning the May 12–15 event into a 24/7 global showcase. Fair-Play Pressure on Booking Platforms: Caribbean hotel leaders are pushing back on Booking.com commission changes and demand Airbnb face the same tax levels as hotels. Local Cost Squeeze: Antigua and Barbuda’s APUA raised the fuel variation charge for May, hitting bills as global fuel costs climb. Women’s Safety Boost: Cabinet approved a national Safe Haven for women and children, with EC$850,000 start-up funding lined up.

School Safety Alarm: At the A&B Union of Teachers’ 100th conference, Casroy Charles said the Education Ministry is failing to deliver on school-safety duties and preventative action against violence and harassment. Power Costs: APUA raised the May fuel variation charge, adding 70 cents per kilowatt hour and drawing fresh criticism over slow progress on reducing fossil-fuel dependence. Tourism Push at CHTA: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace as leaders pressed for less “leakage,” fairer rules for accommodation platforms, and a regional tourism logistics/supply-chain push to keep more visitor spending at home. Regional Hospitality Leadership: CHTA confirmed Dominica hotelier Gregor Nassief as president-elect, a first for a Dominica hotelier. Water Disruption: APUA says extraction from Potworks Reservoir has stopped due to drought, with supply shifting to reverse-osmosis plants and possible service interruptions. Social Protection: Cabinet approved a National Safe Haven for Women and Children, backed by EC$850,000 in start-up funding.

Booking.com Backlash: Caribbean hotel leaders are pushing back hard against new booking commission rules that would charge commissions on government taxes and fees—CHTA says it could cost the region “millions” annually and add pressure to an already high-cost tourism sector. Fair Play on Short Stays: The same push is also targeting unequal treatment of Airbnb versus hotels, with calls for registration and minimum standards rather than a ban. Tourism Strategy Push: At the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, CARICOM’s tourism ministers—including Edmund Bartlett—renewed calls to treat tourism as the region’s economic backbone and to cut “leakage” by building a regional logistics and supply-chain framework. Local Policy Win: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet approved a National Safe Haven for Women and Children, backed by EC$850,000 in start-up funding. Global Spotlight: Separately, UN leadership race coverage continues, with Maria Fernanda Espinosa framing a woman’s appointment as “historical justice.”

Mother’s Day Spotlight: Twelve-year-old Antiguan gospel artist Enoch Thomas wowed families at Green Castle Ranch with worship, tributes, and a standout duet with his mother—marking the latest feel-good moment for local talent. OAS Rights Row: Antigua and Barbuda backs Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s stance as some OAS member states try to block a proposed Declaration on the Rights of Persons of African Descent from reaching next month’s General Assembly in Panama. Tourism Push (Regional): CARICOM tourism leaders, led by Edmund Bartlett, are pressing for tourism to be treated as the region’s top economic priority—while ministers warn about “leakage” and the need for a stronger regional supply chain and logistics network. Local Policy (Women & Kids): Cabinet approved a national Safe Haven for Women and Children, with emergency shelter and reintegration support, backed by EC$850,000 in start-up funding. Water Update: APUA says extraction from Potworks Reservoir has stopped due to drought, with supply shifting to reverse osmosis facilities. Legal/Politics: ABEC rejects election fraud claims and warns of possible legal action if allegations aren’t withdrawn. Controversy: A US court filing alleges Antigua PM Gaston Browne arranged a $6m bribe tied to the seized Russian-linked superyacht Alfa Nero sale.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing hard to cash in on record 2026 arrivals, with Minister Charles Fernandez telling delegates that the country is moving beyond just more visitors toward better value—while regional ministers warn about “leakage” draining up to 80% of visitor spend through imports. Regional Strategy: The Caribbean Tourism Organization is also backing a supply-chain shift, including a proposed regional logistics hub, as leaders argue tourism must be treated as the region’s economic backbone. Water & Costs: APUA has stopped extracting from the Potworks Reservoir due to drought, shifting customers to reverse osmosis plants—raising the stakes for an already cost-pressured tourism sector. Global Spotlight: Antigua is hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace again, and the week also brought news of Antigua-backed UN secretary-general contender Maria Fernanda Espinosa. Local Governance: ABEC rejected election fraud claims and warned of legal action if allegations aren’t withdrawn.

Tourism Deal-Making in Full Swing: Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the 44th CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15) with strong delegate turnout and fresh optimism on growth, airlift and infrastructure, as officials and regional leaders push for tighter business links and better competitiveness. Regional Policy Push: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett used the event to urge CARICOM to treat tourism as the region’s economic backbone—not a side agenda—linking it to aviation, agriculture, creative industries and small business. Supply Chain Focus: CTO leaders, with Bartlett chairing, unveiled a plan to keep more tourism dollars in the Caribbean via a tourism logistics hub and support from the IDB and World Bank. Local Industry Leadership: ABHTA named Brian Murphy as incoming chairman, setting up a new leadership phase as the tourism calendar ramps up. Politics Watch: ABEC rejected election fraud claims and warned of possible legal action if allegations aren’t withdrawn. Global Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda nominated Maria Fernanda Espinosa for UN secretary-general, framing it as “historical justice” for a first woman leader.

Tourism Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda is pulling big crowds for the 44th CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, with officials citing confidence in regional tourism and a turnout of 500+ delegates, suppliers and media as the event opens today. Global Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda has nominated former UN General Assembly president María Fernanda Espinosa for UN secretary-general, adding a major Caribbean-backed contender to the race. Industry Push: CTO’s Dona Regis-Prosper is set to keynote Antigua’s 2026 Caribbean Food Forum on May 21, with a “future is local” focus on regenerative tourism and sustainable food systems. Workforce & Rights: ABWU is training future workers at ABCAS on labour rights and unionising ahead of internships. Politics Watch: ABEC is rejecting election fraud claims and warning of legal action, while the opposition’s Chester Hughes returns to the Senate after a strong labour-rights track record. Regional Context: The week also brought fresh talk on tax reform gains across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Antigua and Barbuda flagged for revenue growth.

Labour Rights Push: ABWU is bringing industrial relations and workers’ rights training to final-year ABCAS students, walking them through the Labour Code on pay, overtime, sick leave and unionising ahead of internships. CHOGM Logistics Win: Antigua and Barbuda says its “advanced delegation” visits ahead of CHOGM 2026 went smoothly, with 26 Commonwealth countries and key protocol, security and media teams coordinating in-person and via virtual briefings. Election Fraud Clash: The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is threatening legal action after rejecting election fraud and independence claims from a former deputy chairman. UN Spotlight: Former UNGA president Maria Fernanda Espinosa—recommended by Antigua and Barbuda—is now in the running for UN Secretary-General. Tourism Trade Momentum: The CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace is underway (May 12–15), with delegates welcomed at VC Bird and regional leaders pushing stronger tourism cooperation, while Antigua’s Nelson’s Dockyard is getting international media attention. Regional Policy Watch: CARICOM continues consultations on trade liberalisation readiness, with Antigua expected to host later sessions.

Election Continuity & Diplomacy: Ambassador Theon Ali says Antigua’s landslide win keeps the UAE relationship on track, with direct-air-link talks and long-term investment/tech cooperation expected to move faster under the returning administration. Tourism Deal-Making: Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out the red carpet for the 44th CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15), with Minister of State Michael Freeland welcoming delegates at VC Bird Airport and pushing regional business links. Food & Local Growth: CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper will keynote the 2026 Caribbean Food Forum in Antigua (May 21), spotlighting regenerative tourism and sustainable Caribbean food systems. Culture Infrastructure: Work continues on the Deluxe Building redevelopment for the future National Theatre, with officials touring progress and timelines. Labour Politics: Chester Hughes returns to Parliament as an opposition senator, backed by the ABWU for his worker-rights record. Regional Context: IMF coverage continues to flag Antigua’s inflation drop and growth, but warns arrears and skills shortages could still slow momentum.

Tourism Deal-Making: Antigua and Barbuda kicked off the 44th annual CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace at VC Bird International Airport, with Minister of State Michael Freeland greeting delegates as the event runs May 12–15 and pushes regional business links. Opposition Labour Voice: Chester Hughes returned to Parliament as an Opposition Senator, and the ABWU backed the move, framing it as a boost for workers’ advocacy and sharper scrutiny of legislation. Culture & Infrastructure: Work on the historic Deluxe Building is advancing toward a new National Theater, with officials touring progress and reviewing timelines for St. John’s creative hub. Digital Spotlight: Tourism leaders say IShowSpeed’s Antigua visit delivered major global exposure, while the Marketplace’s “meet buyers, meet suppliers” format aims to convert attention into bookings. IMF Pressure Points: The IMF reiterates that inflation has eased and growth continues, but warns arrears, skills shortages, and tighter credit-union oversight remain key risks. Regional Context: LIAT’s CEO called for more airline collaboration as Caribbean aviation faces cost shocks.

Endurance Fundraiser: Two Westport men are training to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic for Cancer Fund for Children, aiming to help open Daisy Lodge Mayo in Antigua’s region—launch event set for May 21 in Westport. Tourism Buzz: Antigua and Barbuda’s global spotlight keeps building after IShowSpeed’s visit, with the Tourism Authority pointing to millions of YouTube viewers and a livestream-style showcase of beaches, cricket, Carnival crowds, and Barbuda. Regional Aviation Pressure: LIAT’s CEO is calling for more airline unity in the Caribbean as costs bite and growth plans get reined in. Market Access Push: ABTA Canada has formed a Travel Agent Advisory Committee to grow the Canadian pipeline for 2026 and beyond. IMF Watch: The IMF says inflation eased to 1.4% and growth held up, but warns arrears and skills shortages could still slow momentum.