AGP Executive Report

OECS Leadership & Governance: Prime Minister Gaston Browne took over the OECS Authority chairmanship as leaders met in Antigua for the bloc’s 45th anniversary, with Friday stressing regional integration as a practical survival tool amid geopolitical shocks. OECS Migration Talks: OECS agreed to form a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the US over a request for member states to accept third-nation deportees. Regional Trade Push: Browne urged OECS members to deepen ties with Panama to cut costs, expand trade, and strengthen food security via the logistics hub of the Panama Canal. Housing & Construction Capacity: Browne said Antigua and Barbuda may need to recruit construction workers overseas to hit its goal of 5,000 homes in 10 years, while the government pursues a $100m housing bond to scale building to about 500 homes a year. Water Security: APUA plans new capacity before year-end, including a 1.5m-gallon reverse osmosis plant at Crabs and a 400,000-gallon Friars Hill facility donated by Japan. Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort is set to bring AI concierge, robotics, and an over-water chapel, while Fort James Renaissance Park is moving toward a September start with $5m from the Sandals settlement and potential marina investment. Local Jobs & Business: Epicurean workers at Pastry Ltd. secured wage increases and improved benefits under new collective bargaining agreements. Health Services Delay: Antigua’s Cancer Centre opening slipped again to early fall/September due to structural repairs, unserviced equipment, and specialist recruitment. Agriculture & Food Sustainability: IICA’s Antigua accountability seminar focused on food sustainability, agro-processing, youth engagement, and access to equipment. Energy & Cost Pressure: Browne said the government owes WIOC over $6m from fuel price subsidies meant to protect households and businesses. Education & Skills: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar for graduate study in Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning. Culture & Youth: ABFC launched Panorama 2026 and presented $165,000 to the Pan Association, and ECAB rolled out the 2026 Mr. & Miss Teenage Pageant.

AI & Jobs: UNI Global Union says executives are using AI as a cover for layoffs, with budget limits and restructuring named as the real drivers. Health Infrastructure: Antigua’s Cancer Centre opening is pushed again to early fall/September due to structural repairs, unserviced equipment, and specialist staffing needs. Energy Costs: PM Gaston Browne says the government owes WIOC over US$6 million for fuel-price subsidies meant to protect households and businesses. Housing Finance: Browne wants a US$100 million housing bond to scale construction toward 500 homes a year, citing financing and labour shortages. Tourism & Development: Fort James Renaissance Park is set to start by September, with EC$5 million earmarked from the Sandals settlement and plans for a marina, restaurants, and public-access upgrades. Water Security: APUA plans major new capacity—an extra 1.5 million-gallon reverse osmosis plant at Crabs plus a Friars Hill facility—before year-end. Agriculture & Food Sustainability: IICA’s 2025 Accountability Seminar highlights food safety, agro-processing, youth engagement, and strengthening local production. Regional Integration: OECS leaders meet in Antigua under Browne’s chairmanship, focusing on economic development, climate resilience, security, and deeper integration. Youth & Utilities: APUA launches its 13th Summer Internship Programme for 17 young professionals. Local Business/Community: FemForge Foundation is positioning to support women’s empowerment through mentorship, financial help, and emotional support.

OECS Integration Push: Outgoing OECS chair Godwin Friday urged leaders to treat regional integration as a practical survival tool, handing the chair to Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne as the bloc tackles air transport, energy security, development finance, and security/migration coordination. OECS Commission Reform: Browne also called for a leaner, faster OECS Commission, directing the Director General to draft a reform plan to cut costs and improve service delivery. Housing Finance Drive: Browne says the government is pursuing a US$100 million housing bond to scale construction toward 500 homes a year, citing financing and labour shortages. Tourism Investment Watch: Fort James Renaissance Park is set for ground-breaking by September, with EC$5 million already approved from a Sandals settlement and plans for a marina, restaurants, retail and a possible small hotel. Water Security: APUA plans major new capacity—an extra 1.5 million-gallon reverse osmosis plant at Crabs plus a Friars Hill facility (400,000 gallons/day) arriving from Japan—aimed at drought resilience. Agriculture & Food Security: Cabinet heard updates on IICA-backed sweet potato projects to boost yields, resilience and value-added products. Youth & Skills: APUA launched its 13th Summer Internship Programme for 17 young professionals, while the ECAB Mr. & Miss Teenage Pageant revealed 14 contestants for 2026. Local Business & Crime Policy: Antigua toughened cybercrime legislation and is pushing stronger enforcement powers for investigators. Human Interest: Police identified the Devil’s Bridge recovered body as 19-year-old model Zowie Tomlinson, with investigations ongoing.

OECS Leadership & Integration: Incoming OECS Chairman Gaston Browne used the opening of the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua to push for deeper regional integration, stronger US/Caribbean ties, and a dedicated OECS airline proposal funded partly by unclaimed deposits. Water Security: APUA and government plans target an extra 2 million gallons per day before year-end, including a 1.5 million-gallon reverse osmosis plant at Crabs and a Japan-donated Friars Hill facility arriving in July. Tourism & Development: Fort James Renaissance Park is set to break ground by September, with EC$5 million earmarked from the Sandals settlement; plans include beach upgrades, recreation, and an artificial reef attraction. Public Finance & Education: Cabinet is weighing expanding Antigua’s windfall tax beyond current sectors to all businesses earning EC$1 million+ to help fund tertiary education, alongside the government’s free first-degree UWI tuition policy. Crime & Compliance for Industry: Parliament passed tougher electronic crimes rules, including fines up to EC$1 million for service providers failing to comply with law-enforcement requests. Agriculture & Food Supply: IICA-linked sweet potato projects aim to boost productivity and climate-resilient varieties, plus value-added processing opportunities. Utilities & Youth Skills: APUA launched its 13th Summer Internship Programme for 17 young professionals as part of modernization and workforce development. Sports Business: CWI unveiled BRONX COLORS as official cosmetics partner for West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup run, while a proposed US$6.6 million cricket campus seeks to grow sports tourism and training. Weather & Risk: Drought persists after six dry months, with meteorology reporting severely dry conditions in parts of Antigua.

AI-Driven Hospitality: Long Bay Zen Resort is being built in Antigua as a $200m, 113-room project with “invisible technology” like an AI concierge, robot delivery and smart in-room systems, with major construction set for late 2026. Citizenship by Investment Watch: Experts say currency swings and tougher compliance checks are the biggest hurdles for high-net-worth applicants to CBI programmes. Tourism Deals: Marriott Bonvoy launched a limited-time summer all-inclusive family promotion with savings up to 20% across Caribbean and Latin America resorts, including Antigua properties. Public Utilities & Youth: APUA opened its 13th Summer Internship Programme, placing 17 young professionals into six weeks of hands-on training to support utility modernization. Education Funding: Government is considering expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s windfall tax beyond current sectors to any business earning EC$1m+ profits to help fund tertiary education. Cybercrime Enforcement: Parliament approved tougher Electronic Crimes Amendment penalties, including fines up to EC$1m for failing to provide electronic information to law enforcement. Energy & Cost of Living: Cabinet reiterated fuel subsidies keep local prices capped, with gasoline and diesel notably lower than several regional peers. Agriculture & Food Security: New seed bank and sweet potato projects aim to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s food supply, while drought conditions persist after six dry months. Disaster Preparedness: The humanitarian vessel MV Dawn is set to dock in August for disaster preparedness training and emergency response planning. Sports & Culture: Cricket West Indies announced BRONX COLORS as official cosmetics partner for the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup run, while Pan in the City returns as a pre-Panorama steelband showcase.

Electronic Crimes Crackdown: Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament passed Electronic Crimes (Amendment) legislation, setting fines up to EC$1 million for telecoms and other service providers that fail to comply with court-ordered requests for electronic information during criminal investigations. Education Funding Push: Cabinet is weighing expanding the Windfall Tax—currently a 10% levy on net profits in select sectors—to cover all businesses earning EC$1 million+ to help fund tertiary education, alongside the government’s free first-undergraduate tuition at UWI Five Islands (with 50% support for law). Utilities & Youth Skills: APUA launched its 13th Summer Internship Programme for 17 young professionals, while Cabinet also reviewed water supply upgrades and continued fuel subsidies. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture updated Cabinet on IICA-backed sweet potato projects aimed at boosting productivity, resilience, and value-added options. Climate & Water Stress: Meteorology reports six straight months of below-normal rainfall, with drought conditions persisting into the wetter season. Disaster Readiness: The humanitarian vessel MV Dawn is set to dock in August for disaster preparedness training and response planning. Tourism & Sports Business: CWI unveiled a US$6.6m Antigua cricket campus proposal, and BRONX COLORS was named official cosmetics partner for the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup. Local Economy Notes: Government says it’s subsidizing fuel and cooking gas to cushion global price hikes, and it’s earmarking EC$5m from a Sandals settlement for the Fort James Renaissance Park. Security Watch: Police are investigating thefts of construction and agricultural equipment in Bolans.

World Bank/IFC Finance: IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises and resilience projects across 13 countries including Antigua and Barbuda. Women’s Empowerment: FemForge Foundation launches to support women with emotional help, financial assistance and mentorship, with a public launch set for Aug. 8. Disaster Preparedness: Humanitarian vessel MV Dawn is set to dock in Antigua in August for training and emergency response planning with NODS and regional partners. Utilities & Jobs: APUA kicks off its 13th Summer Internship Programme, placing 17 young professionals into six weeks of hands-on utility operations. Sports Tourism & Cricket: CWI and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons outline a US$6.6M cricket campus plan at Coolidge, while BRONX COLORS becomes official cosmetics partner for West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup run. Public Policy & Compliance: Parliament advances tougher Electronic Crimes rules, including major fines for telecoms and other providers that fail to hand over electronic information. Education Funding Debate: Government considers widening the Windfall Tax to all businesses earning EC$1M+ profits to help fund tertiary education, alongside a free-tuition policy for eligible first undergraduate degrees at UWI Five Islands. Water & Agriculture: Drought persists after six dry months, and Cabinet hears updates on water production and storage tank rehabilitation. Security & Theft: Police investigate thefts of construction and agricultural equipment in Bolans.

Disaster Preparedness: Antigua is set to host the humanitarian vessel MV Dawn in August, with Global Support and Development and NODS using it for regional training, planning and emergency response exercises. Utilities & Jobs: APUA launched its 13th Summer Internship Programme, bringing 17 young professionals into a six-week placement to support utility operations and modernization. Sports Tourism & Culture: Minister Dwayne George met Cedar Valley Golf Course managers to plan upgrades aimed at boosting sports tourism, while “Pan in the City” returns with nine steel orchestras performing ahead of Panorama. Regional Integration: CARIFORUM–EU talks in the Dominican Republic put renewed focus on stronger coordination and practical implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Food Security & Water Stress: Agriculture work with IICA pushes sweet potato projects and value-added production, as drought persists after six dry months with rainfall deficits worsening into March–May. Public Safety & Digital Law: Parliament passed Electronic Crimes amendments, setting major fines for telecoms and other providers that fail to hand over electronic information for investigations. Education Funding: Government is weighing expanding the Windfall Tax to more businesses earning EC$1m+ profits to help fund tertiary education, alongside the free first-degree UWI Five Islands tuition policy.

Food Security & Agriculture: Cabinet heard updates on IICA-backed projects, including the Next Generation Sweet Potato Production push to boost yields, climate-resilient varieties, pest control, and value-added products like flour and chips. Drought Watch: Antigua is still reeling from six months of below-normal rainfall, with northern areas in severely dry conditions and water stress concerns as the wetter season approaches. Education Funding: Government is weighing expanding the 10% Windfall Tax beyond current sectors to any business earning EC$1m+ annually, with proceeds aimed at tertiary education and workforce development. Cyber & Public Safety: Parliament passed Antigua’s Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, setting steep penalties for telecom and service providers that fail to comply with electronic information requests, while lawmakers also debated stronger accountability for fatal accidents and reckless driving. Healthcare Infrastructure: The long-awaited Antigua Cancer Centre is expected to start treatment services in early fall, with specialist staff already being recruited. Energy & Cost of Living: Cabinet reiterated fuel subsidies to cushion global price hikes, keeping local gasoline and diesel among the lowest in the region. Maritime & Tourism Business: Antigua Port hit a milestone with five cargo ships discharging simultaneously, and officials say the improved berth flexibility could attract more yacht-carrier calls. Sports & Women’s Cricket: Cricket West Indies named BRONX COLORS as Official Cosmetics Partner for the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup campaign. Local Crime: Police are investigating thefts of construction and agricultural equipment in Bolans, including a jackhammer and power tools.

Fuel Relief: Government is continuing to subsidize fuel prices to cushion global hikes, keeping gasoline at EC$14.50 and diesel at EC$14.25 per gallon, while LPG remains at EC$32.20 for a 20-pound cylinder. Education Funding Push: Cabinet is weighing expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s windfall tax—currently a 10% levy on select sectors—to cover all businesses with EC$1 million+ in annual profits, with proceeds aimed at tertiary education. Cancer Care Update: Antigua’s long-awaited cancer treatment centre is on track to start offering services in early fall, with key radiation specialists already being integrated and specialized equipment installation underway. Cybercrime Law: Parliament has passed Electronic Crimes (Amendment) legislation that can fine telecom and other service providers up to EC$1 million for failing to comply with electronic information requests during investigations. Tourism & Development: EC$5 million from a Sandals tax settlement is earmarked to kick off the Fort James Renaissance Park project, including a marina, amphitheater, hotel and retail components. Port Milestone: Antigua Port set a new operational mark with five cargo ships discharging simultaneously, boosting berth use and supporting yacht carrier growth. Local Crime Watch: Police are investigating thefts of construction and agricultural equipment in Bolans, including a jackhammer and multiple yard tools. Women’s Safety Initiative: Team Antigua Island Girls pledged EC$350,000 toward a multipurpose safe haven for girls, with construction expected to start over the summer. Cricket Growth Plan: Cricket West Indies and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons unveiled a US$6.6 million cricket campus at Coolidge, targeting completion by March 2027.

Electronic Crimes Law: Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament has passed amendments that can fine telecoms and other service providers up to EC$1 million (and even jail) for failing to comply with court-ordered requests for electronic information during criminal investigations, with cloud-stored data explicitly covered. Road Safety & Workplace Liability: The Fatal Accidents Bill debate also pushed for mandatory breathalyzer testing at serious crashes and highlighted that negligence can trigger liability for construction sites and employers. Port & Shipping Efficiency: Antigua Port hit a milestone with five cargo ships discharging simultaneously, boosting berth use and aiming to attract more international shipping and yacht-carrier calls. Tourism Business Moves: Sandals and Beaches launched a rebranded loyalty program, the Island Insiders Club, replacing Sandals Select Rewards from July 1, 2026. Social Infrastructure: Team Antigua Island Girls pledged EC$350,000 toward a multipurpose safe haven for girls, with construction expected to start over the summer. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA held an accountability seminar in Antigua, spotlighting climate-smart programmes and future plans for sustainable production. Regional Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen public and private sector capacity. Industry & Creative Skills: ABFC wrapped up a Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12) to build skills across songwriting, production, distribution, and branding.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament approved tougher Electronic Crimes Amendment measures, including fines up to EC$1 million (and possible jail up to seven years) for service providers or individuals who fail to comply with electronic production orders during criminal investigations. Tourism Loyalty Push: Sandals and Beaches rolled out its rebranded “Island Insiders Club” loyalty program, replacing Sandals Select Rewards from July 1, 2026, with seven status levels and expanded rewards for guests across the Caribbean. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme June 29–July 2, aiming to strengthen trade officials’ and policymakers’ skills for regional services competitiveness. Agriculture Accountability: An IICA delegation held its 2025 Accountability Seminar in Antigua under the theme “Agriculture Today… Food Sustainability Tomorrow,” focusing on climate resilience, innovation, digital agriculture, and rural livelihoods. Regional Media & AI: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union launched its 57th AGM in Guyana, with a focus on “Caribbean Media and Artificial Intelligence,” exploring ethics, authenticity, and safety for small media markets. Stadium-Area Clarification: PM Gaston Browne said development near Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is not an “industrial park,” but individual land allocations to private investors. Hospitality Upgrades: Antigua announced $13.5 million in upgrades for Jolly Beach Resort, including air-conditioning replacements, better internet, and a conference facility for up to 500 people. Music Industry Skills: The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission wrapped a Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12), training local artistes and producers on songwriting, production, distribution, copyright, marketing, and branding. Caribbean Summer Economy: A regional roundup highlighted how summer events—from carnivals to festivals—are driving demand across food, transport, hospitality, security, and production services.

Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals Grande Antigua marked a year of “hospitality excellence” at its 2025 Prestige Awards, spotlighting staff development and service upgrades. Regional Tourism Business: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), with the event announced during Antigua’s CTM. Services & Skills: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen trade officials’ and policymakers’ capacity. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA’s Antigua and Barbuda Accountability Seminar (Agriculture Today… Food Sustainability Tomorrow) reviewed 2025 progress on climate resilience, innovation and rural livelihoods. Banking & Investment: Antigua and Barbuda signalled support for Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while pushing for local participation. Infrastructure & Industry Planning: PM Browne clarified the stadium-area development is not an industrial park, and outlined ongoing upgrades and new projects tied to tourism and public works. Creative Industries: ABFC wrapped up a Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12) to build skills in production, distribution, copyright and marketing. Media & AI: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union launched its AGM in Guyana with a focus on regional media and artificial intelligence.

Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals Grande Antigua marked a year of hospitality excellence at its annual Prestige Awards, spotlighting staff development and service standards. Regional Industry Events: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen services capacity across the region. Agriculture & Food Security: An IICA delegation held its 2025 Accountability Seminar in Antigua under “Agriculture Today… Food Sustainability Tomorrow,” focusing on climate resilience, innovation, and rural livelihoods. Banking & Investment: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will support Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while pushing for local participation and domestic ownership. UN & Policy for Development Finance: Browne renewed calls for immediate rollout of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) so SIDS can access fairer development financing. Tourism Infrastructure: Work continues on major Antigua projects including upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort ($13.5m) and the Willoughby Bay residential development; meanwhile, Browne clarified stadium-area land is not an industrial park. Creative Industries: The ABFC wrapped a Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12), training artists and producers on songwriting, distribution, copyright, and marketing. Caribbean Trade & Mobility: Jamaica is preparing talks with the US on accepting up to 100,000 non-national deportees under a third-country agreement. Industry Talent: Antigua and Barbuda students won FCCA 2025 environmental poster and essay honours, with one regional second-place finish.

UN Reform Debate: Ecuador’s UN secretary-general candidate Maria Fernanda Espinosa says the UN must be “shrunk responsibly” to rebuild credibility and deliver results, with Antigua and Barbuda backing her bid. Cannabis Compliance: Antigua and Barbuda’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority clarifies that no group involved in a Pares Village enforcement action held sacramental cannabis authorization or any medicinal licence, and warns that claimed links don’t legalize cultivation. Caribbean Agriculture Awards: Nominations are open for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer awards, with bios and a short production video due by end of June. Vulnerability Financing Push: PM Gaston Browne urges immediate rollout of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index so island states can access fairer development financing. Tourism & Tax Policy: Browne defends Sandals overwater bungalows, proposes expanding the windfall tax to fund education, and questions whether the ABST structure lets hotels reclaim too much tax. Hospitality Investment: Government says it will spend US$13.5m upgrading Jolly Beach Resort, including new conference capacity. Carnival Industry Build-Out: ABFC reports major progress on Carnival City and concludes a Music Development Masterclass to strengthen local creative-industry skills. Regional Services Training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialized services-sector training programme starting June 29. Fisheries & Agriculture Ties with Japan: Cabinet hears Japan talks focused on modernizing fisheries infrastructure and markets, plus marine conservation support. Construction & Housing: Perry Bay is set for a 13-acre survey for a housing-and-marina development as part of the wider housing push.

UN Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda-backed Ecuadorian candidate Maria Fernanda Espinosa told the UN General Assembly the world body must be “shrunk responsibly,” with results-focused reforms across peace, development, digital and energy transformation. Vulnerability Finance: PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to be implemented immediately so Small Island Developing States can access fairer development financing. CARICOM Agriculture: Nominations are open for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year Awards, with bios and short videos due by end of June. Carnival & Creative Industries: The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission wrapped up a Music Development Masterclass, while the Festivals Commission and ARG updates point to major Carnival City stage build-out and a new grand stage plus sound upgrades. Tourism Infrastructure: Browne outlined plans for $13.5m upgrades at Jolly Beach Resort and discussed interest from Club Med and TUI, alongside new residential development at Willoughby Bay and the “Peace Beach” public beach/artificial reef project. Regional Services Training: The OECS Commission says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services-sector training programme starting June 29. Shipping Costs Watch: Antigua and Barbuda faces high shipping costs as Caribbean freight rates outpace global routes.