AGP Executive Report

Early Childhood Education Expansion: Antigua and Barbuda plans two new preschool centres—one for Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and another for Jennings—plus the government taking over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School to widen access, though no construction dates were shared. Water Security Push: JCI Antigua donated water tanks to Bendals Primary under its Adopt-A-School programme, boosting storage ahead of exam season. Drought Alarm: The Met Service reports May rainfall down 91% (17mm vs 200mm last year), with drought preparedness urged to protect water, agriculture and food security. Heat Intensifies: ABMS data shows April–May 2026 maximum temperatures higher than 2025, signalling stronger heat pressure into summer. Waste-to-Art Recycling: Students and PM Browne helped install a CHOGM mural made from recycled bottle caps, reinforcing “no such thing as waste” messaging. Disaster Resilience Funding: Cabinet heard from CDEMA on rising climate disaster risks and the need for more sustainable long-term financing for regional preparedness. Scrap Metal Cleanup: Government approved an agreement to remove and export scrap metal from Cook’s Landfill at no direct cost, aiming to improve safety and environmental conditions. Green Jobs Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds Eastern Caribbean youth want green and circular economy careers, but face barriers from limited information and training access. Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, as the destination targets stronger global growth.

Drought Watch: Antigua’s rainfall collapsed by 91% in May 2026 (17mm vs 200mm in May 2025), pushing reservoirs down and raising urgent water-security, agriculture and food-supply concerns. Heat Pressure: The Met Service also flagged sharper spring temperature rises, with maximum temperatures climbing most noticeably—another warning sign for summer readiness. Disaster Resilience: Cabinet heard CDEMA’s message that climate hazards are getting more frequent, severe and costly, and that the region needs stronger, more sustainable financing for preparedness and recovery. Scrap Cleanup: Government approved an agreement to remove, process and export scrap metal from Cook’s landfill, aiming to cut hazards and rehabilitate the site. Circular Action: Villa Primary students helped install a CHOGM mural made from recycled bottle caps, reinforcing “no such thing as waste” messaging ahead of November’s summit. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities. Hurricane Season Health Prep: PAHO urged countries to review health contingency plans as the 2026 season begins, warning that even fewer storms can still disrupt health services. Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer CMO and Shermain Jeremy Director for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stayover arrivals reportedly rose in early 2026.

Drought Watch: Antigua’s rainfall has collapsed by 91%—May 2026 saw just 17mm versus 200mm in May 2025—prompting urgent water, agriculture, and food security planning. Heat Pressure: The Met Service also flagged rising maximum temperatures in April and May 2026, warning of intensifying heat stress heading into summer. Air Quality Alert: A Saharan dust surge has pushed air quality to moderate levels (AQI 51–70), with advice for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart/respiratory conditions to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training, and accessible opportunities—findings presented in Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism Leadership: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rise. CHOGM Recycling Drive: Villa Primary students helped install a CHOGM-themed mural made from recycled bottle caps, pushing a “no such thing as waste” message. Disaster Resilience: Antigua hosted BRICS steering talks on disaster risk and climate impacts, including flood mitigation and plans for a regional search-and-rescue training hub.

Water Crisis: Rainfall has plunged 91% in May 2026, with only 17mm recorded, pushing Antigua into moderately dry conditions and raising alarms for water supply, farming and food security. Heat Stress: The Met Service also flagged sharper temperature spikes in April–May 2026 versus 2025, with higher maximums pointing to intensifying heat pressure ahead of summer. Air Quality Alert: A Saharan dust surge has lifted air quality into the moderate range (AQI 51–70), with an Air Pollution Alert Level II and advice for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart/lung conditions to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Waste & Recycling in Action: Students and Prime Minister Browne helped install a CHOGM 2026 mural made from recycled bottle caps, reinforcing the “no such thing as waste” message ahead of the November summit. Disaster Resilience Push: Antigua hosted BRICS steering talks on climate and disaster readiness, including flood mitigation gains and plans to expand community disaster command capacity. Blue Economy & Oceans: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, stressing ocean governance, marine planning, and resilience as sea-level rise and reef stress mount. Marine Food Security: CRFM ministers met to advance aquaculture, climate-disaster resilience (including insurance), and continued action against illegal fishing. Local Governance: Cabinet backed a scrap-metal export deal to clear Cook’s Land, and approved taking over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School to expand early childhood education.

Health & Environment Governance: Cabinet approved appointments to strengthen the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, including Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman, plus other health-sector statutory roles. Waste & Site Cleanup: Government signed an agreement with Atlantic Ship Breakers Antigua Limited to remove, process and export scrap metal from Cook’s Landfill at no direct cost, aiming to restore the site and improve public safety. Early Childhood Education: The state will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre as early childhood education expands, with plans for new centres in Judges Hill and other areas. Fisheries & Blue Economy: The CRFM ministerial council met by teleconference, electing Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore as chair and focusing on aquaculture, food security, climate/disaster resilience and tackling illegal fishing. Air Quality Alert: Saharan dust pushed air quality to moderate levels (AQI 51–70), with advice for children, the elderly and people with asthma or heart/lung conditions to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Disaster Resilience (BRICS): Antigua hosted the BRICS programme steering committee, highlighting flood mitigation gains after 2020 flooding and plans for an Antigua-led search and rescue training hub. Tourism Leadership & Sustainability: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as the country markets new investments while stressing marine and wildlife protection. Public Consultation: Barbuda road rehabilitation consultation opened, releasing environmental and planning documents for 12.6 km of post-Irma recovery works. Legal Watch (Barbuda Airport): Environmental activist John Mussington and Jackie Frank await a High Court ruling after a full hearing on alleged flaws in environmental approvals and consultation for the Barbuda airport project.

Disaster Resilience: Antigua hosted the 7th BRICS Programme Steering Committee meeting, with Minister Kiz Johnson highlighting EU-funded flood mitigation, a community disaster command centre, and plans to make Antigua a regional search-and-rescue training hub. Climate & Health: A Saharan dust surge has pushed air quality into the moderate range, with advice for children, older people, and those with asthma or heart/respiratory conditions to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Oceans & Blue Economy: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, stressing sea-level rise, reef and coastal pressures, and pushing for stronger ocean governance, a Blue Economy Bill, and marine spatial planning. Fisheries & Food Security: CRFM ministers adopted 19 resolutions, backing aquaculture priorities, climate-disaster resilience through insurance, and continued action against IUU fishing; Antigua’s Randy Baltimore was elected chair for 2026–27. Barbuda Infrastructure (Consultation): Government opened public review for Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation works, releasing environmental and social planning documents tied to post-Irma recovery. Tourism Leadership: ABTA appointed Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rise. Legal Watch (Environment): Barbuda airport opponents John Mussington and Jackie Frank await a High Court ruling over claims of flawed approvals and consultation. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to plan more sustainable maritime links across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe.

Fuel Leak Response: APUA says the fuel seepage at its former Friars Hill storage facility has been contained, with cleanup and removal of absorbent materials next, while agencies including the Department of Environment and NODS coordinate disposal. Hurricane Season Readiness: Liberty Caribbean/Flow reports it is prepared for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, citing lessons from Hurricane Melissa and investments in network resilience and emergency response. Climate Risk Warnings: A local climatologist warns El Niño could mean a “double threat” for Antigua and Barbuda—less storm activity but worse drought conditions—urging residents not to get complacent. Drought Planning: Agriculture experts call for more proactive, coordinated drought planning, including regular multi-stakeholder meetings and better data collection to protect food production. Disaster Preparedness Training: Eight Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross volunteers completed Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment training to strengthen community resilience and disaster readiness. Regional Fisheries & Food Security: CRFM ministers adopted 19 resolutions and approved a new aquaculture plan, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore elected Chair for 2026–2027. Tourism With a Climate Lens: CHTA is pushing a broader way to measure tourism’s value—tracking what stays in the local economy and tourism’s impact on the natural environment—amid Caribbean Week in New York 2026. Health & Safety in Schools: Youth and civil society are urging a ban on ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools across multiple Caribbean islands, including Antigua and Barbuda. Food Safety Cooperation: Antigua and Barbuda’s Analytical Services director attended a regional food safety meeting in Barbados focused on lab testing and safer trade. Community Resilience Projects: The final BRICS steering committee meeting is underway in St John’s to review disaster mitigation projects and readiness across CARIFORUM states.

Hurricane Readiness: Liberty Caribbean/Flow says it’s strengthening network resilience and emergency response ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Fuel Leak Response: APUA reports the Friars Hill Road fuel seepage is contained and shifts to cleanup and removing absorbent material, with multiple agencies coordinating under environment and public health protocols. Heat & Safety: The Met Office warns of a link between heatwaves and rising domestic violence, as extreme temperatures increase stress and irritability. Drought Planning: Agriculture experts urge more proactive, coordinated drought planning, better data collection, and regular multi-stakeholder meetings to protect local food production. El Niño Double Threat: A local climatologist says El Niño could mean fewer storms but worse drought conditions—so residents shouldn’t get complacent. Saharan Dust Alert: Another dust wave is expected to worsen air quality to Moderate levels, with an Air Pollution Alert Level II issued, especially for people with asthma. Climate Finance: Antigua and Barbuda delegates wrapped up a regional workshop on climate finance access and loss and damage, focusing on mechanisms for V20/CVF-V20 priorities. Coastline Care: ABRCS Youth Commission volunteers held a Fort James Beach clean-up, removing hundreds of pounds of debris to protect marine ecosystems. Food & Health Advocacy: Youth and civil society are pushing for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools across several Caribbean islands. Tourism With a Green Lens: CHTA calls for a broader framework to measure tourism’s real value, including what stays in local economies and impacts on the natural environment.

Tourism & Environment: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is pushing for a new way to measure tourism’s real value—looking beyond visitor spending to how much stays in local economies, how tourism invests in people, and how it affects the natural environment. Climate Risk & Health: The Met Office warns that heatwaves can fuel domestic violence, as extreme temperatures raise stress and irritability at home. Pollution Alert: APUA says a fuel leak at its former Friars Hill facility has been contained, with cleanup and removal of absorbent material underway. Heat & Public Safety: Antigua and Barbuda residents are also being warned about another wave of Saharan dust, with air quality expected to drop to Moderate levels. Hurricane Outlook: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, experts note a strong El Niño could mean fewer storms—but not zero risk for Antigua and Barbuda. Coastal Care: ABRCS Youth Commission volunteers held a Fort James Beach clean-up, removing hundreds of pounds of debris to protect marine life and reduce pollution hazards. Climate Finance: An Antigua and Barbuda delegation wrapped up a regional workshop on climate finance access and loss and damage.

Fuel Spill Response: APUA says the Friars Hill Road fuel leak has been contained, with next steps focused on cleanup and removing absorbent material used on-site. Heat & Safety: The Met Office warns that extreme heat could be linked to a rise in domestic abuse, as stress and irritability increase when homes lack cooling. Legal Access for Businesses: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda. Climate Risk & Food Security: Experts are urging more proactive drought planning, with regular multi-stakeholder meetings and better data collection to protect local food production. Hurricane Outlook: As the Atlantic season begins, forecasts point to a below-normal year likely tied to a strong El Niño—though officials stress one storm can still cause major damage. Air Quality Alert: Another Saharan dust wave is expected to worsen conditions, with residents advised—especially those with asthma—to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Coastline Care: ABRCS Youth Commission volunteers held a Fort James Beach clean-up, removing hundreds of pounds of debris to protect marine ecosystems. Climate Finance Push: Antigua and Barbuda wrapped up a regional workshop on climate finance access and loss and damage, aimed at improving funding pathways for vulnerable states.

Fuel Leak Response: APUA says it has finalized arrangements to transfer fuel from a leaking storage tank at the former Friars Hill facility, while containment and cleanup continue with support from the Department of Environment, National Solid Waste Management Authority, Central Board of Health, NODS and other agencies. Drought Planning: Agriculture experts are urging Antigua and Barbuda to move from crisis response to proactive drought planning, calling for regular multi-stakeholder meetings and better data collection to protect local food production. El Niño Warning: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, a local climatologist warns El Niño could mean fewer storms but worse drought—so residents shouldn’t assume a quieter season is safer. Saharan Dust Health Alert: Meteorological services issued an Air Pollution Alert Level II as another dust surge is expected to worsen air quality, especially for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Climate Finance Access: Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation wrapped up a regional workshop on climate finance access and loss and damage, focusing on mechanisms under the CVF-V20 agenda. Coastline Cleanup: ABRCS Youth Commission volunteers held a Fort James Beach clean-up, removing hundreds of pounds of debris to protect marine ecosystems and reduce pollution risks.

Fuel Leak Response: Antigua’s APUA confirmed a major fuel leak at its former Friars Hill facility, with emergency agencies mobilized (NODS, Fire Department, police, Public Health, DCA, and others) to contain the spill and limit environmental harm. Drought Planning: Agriculture experts are urging more proactive, coordinated drought planning, including regular multi-stakeholder meetings and better data collection to protect local food production. El Niño & Storm Risk: A local climatologist warns El Niño could bring a “double threat” this hurricane season—less storm formation but worse drought—so residents shouldn’t assume a quieter season means safety. Saharan Dust Health Alert: Another dust surge is expected to worsen air quality from later tonight through Wednesday, with an Air Pollution Alert Level II and guidance for people with asthma to cut prolonged outdoor activity. Seaweed Crisis: Officials and ministers are pushing for practical sargassum solutions for tourism, while warning that decomposing seaweed can release sulfur gases that aggravate respiratory conditions and damage coastal infrastructure. Community Cleanup: ABRCS Youth Commission volunteers held a Fort James Beach clean-up, removing hundreds of pounds of debris to protect coastal ecosystems and reduce pollution risks. Aviation & Sustainability: ICAO’s regional civil aviation directors meet in Antigua to discuss safety, security, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

Coastal Cleanup: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Youth Commission volunteers led a Fort James Beach clean-up, collecting a few hundred pounds of litter over two hours and linking the effort to climate resilience, healthier coastlines, and safer marine ecosystems. CHOGM 2026 Prep: The CHOGM task force met to push final preparations, including accreditation training in June, accommodation secured with 48 countries engaged and 800+ rooms booked, and a June 7–13 recce to assess venues with a spotlight on environmental sustainability. Drought Watch: Caribbean islands are facing worsening dry conditions as El Niño-driven heat and unpredictable rainfall strain aquifers and reservoirs, raising risks for ecosystems, agriculture, and tourism infrastructure. Climate Finance Push: Ahead of UN talks in Bonn, SIDS—including Antigua and Barbuda—called for a major overhaul of climate finance rules and faster delivery, warning that “access” without implementation capacity won’t protect vulnerable communities. Long Bay Resort Groundbreaking: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as wellness and “quiet luxury” development while tying the project to Vision 2030 tourism goals and job creation. Regional Aviation Shift: A new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal takes effect June 1 as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes, with commentary arguing Antigua is emerging as a key hub for the next phase of regional connectivity. Wildlife Tourism Note: Bird-watching interest is rising across age groups, with more travelers seeking nature experiences tied to local biodiversity.

Tourism Diplomacy in New York: Caribbean Week 2026 kicks off June 1 with a strong turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, including Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation, as leaders push “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” and focus on airlift, sustainability, and next-gen tourism. Aviation & Connectivity: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes (from June 1) lands as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes, with commentary arguing the region is rebuilding around Antigua, Barbados, and Sint Maarten. Climate Finance at Bonn: SIDS leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Michael Joseph, are calling for a fairer climate finance system and faster delivery, warning that “access” without implementation capacity won’t protect vulnerable islands. Water & Food Security: Antigua and Barbuda cabinet backs major dam and water infrastructure projects aimed at boosting irrigation, reducing drought impacts, and strengthening climate-smart agriculture. Long Bay Zen Resort: Antigua breaks ground on a US$200M luxury Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching wellness and smart tech while promising jobs and tourism diversification. Health Watch: Antigua and Barbuda’s health ministry says Ebola risk remains low while monitoring imported malaria cases and strengthening response plans. Wildlife & Nature: Barbuda’s land-rights advocate John Mussington highlights communal land stewardship and warns against luxury-driven environmental damage.

Climate Finance at Bonn: Small island states, including Antigua and Barbuda, are pushing for a full overhaul of global climate funding rules ahead of UN talks, arguing that “access” isn’t enough without long-term support for people, institutions, and delivery capacity. Water & Food Security: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet backed major dam and water infrastructure work aimed at boosting irrigation, easing drought impacts, and strengthening domestic food production, with links to tissue culture and climate-smart farming. Tourism + Resilience Pressure: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching “quiet luxury” and sustainability features like green energy and desalination—while the wider debate continues over how tourism growth intersects with environmental risk. Regional Aviation Shift: A new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal starts June 1 as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes, with Antigua, Barbados, and Sint Maarten flagged as emerging hub points for the next connectivity phase. Health Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda’s health ministry says Ebola risk remains low while monitoring imported malaria cases, alongside strengthened response planning and infection control. Border Security: CARICOM leaders discussed Antigua’s six-point border security push, including a single-digital travel credential concept and tighter regional customs coordination.

Long Bay Zen Resort Breaks Ground: Antigua and Barbuda has started construction on a US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as “quiet luxury” with wellness, smart tech and sustainability features like green energy and an on-site desalination plant—aimed at boosting jobs and tourism diversification under Vision 2030. Climate Finance Push: Ahead of UN talks in Bonn, SIDS leaders—including Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Joseph—called for a fairer climate finance system and faster delivery, warning that “access” isn’t enough without long-term support for people, institutions and implementation capacity. Disease Monitoring & Border Readiness: The Ministry of Health says it’s monitoring Ebola outbreaks in DRC and Uganda while reviewing response plans; it also confirmed two imported malaria cases and said risk remains low, with extra travel precautions regionally. Regional Security Milestone: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years next month, stressing mutual security and warning that environmental threats are making border work more complex. Tourism & Nature Angle: A bird-watching trend piece highlights growing interest in birding across age groups—an easy, low-impact way to connect visitors with local wildlife.