AGP Executive Report

EU–CBI Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda says the European Union has formally asked it to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 1, 2028, warning visa-free Schengen access could be suspended under a revised EU visa suspension mechanism. Diplomatic Response: Government says it has already begun regional consultations and will engage the EU after receiving the June 25 letter from Commissioner Magnus Brunner, including a 24-month transition and tighter vetting. Turtle Conservation: Early hawksbill and green turtle nesting numbers are down, but the Environmental Awareness Group expects activity to rebound later in the season and is urging residents to report turtle crawls and nests. Food Security & Research: A new plant tissue culture laboratory opens to produce disease-free planting material locally, aiming to strengthen Antigua’s agricultural resilience. Climate Adaptation Finance: An Adaptation Fund project is upgrading drainage and offering low-interest loans to help households climate-proof against flooding in Antigua’s McKinnon’s watershed. Regional Capacity Building: St. Kitts and Nevis hosts a four-day trade seminar to strengthen the services sector, with OECS support.

Turtle Watch: Early hawksbill and green turtle nesting is down this season, but the Environmental Awareness Group expects a rebound later in the year and is asking residents to report turtle crawls and nests. Youth & Livelihoods in Barbuda: MP Trevor Walker says keeping Barbudan youth on the island starts with education plus land allocation through the Barbuda Council to help young entrepreneurs build their own opportunities. EU Pressure on CBI: Antigua and Barbuda says the EU has asked it to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 1, 2028, warning visa-free Schengen access could be suspended under a revised EU visa suspension mechanism. Food Security Boost: A new plant tissue culture laboratory opens to produce disease-free planting material locally, cutting reliance on overseas labs and supporting crops like the Antigua Black Pineapple. Climate Resilience Finance: An Adaptation Fund project is upgrading drainage and offering low-interest loans to help households climate-proof against flooding and other climate hazards. Agriculture Event Update: PiAngo Fest is cancelled for 2026 due to competing priorities, resources, and uncertainty around the mango harvest. Regional Climate Finance: Caribbean Development Bank leaders warn the window for reforming global climate finance is closing fast for small island states.

Climate Resilience Finance: Antigua’s Adaptation Fund partner secured US$10m to cut flood risks in McKinnon’s watershed, upgrading drainage and backing low-interest home climate-proofing loans—with beneficiaries saying the upgrades helped households and small businesses become insurable. Agriculture & Food Security: A new Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory opened via Antigua–China agricultural cooperation, aiming to boost research and strengthen food security. Aquaculture Skills: Interns visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm to learn freshwater prawn and crayfish farming, with a focus on water quality and organic practices. Global Climate Finance: Caribbean Development Bank leaders warn the global financial system is failing small island states and that the window for transformative climate action is closing fast. EU Pressure on CBI: Antigua and Barbuda says the EU has asked it to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 2028, citing a revised visa suspension mechanism—setting up a diplomatic standoff. Local Governance & Costs: Cabinet approved a US$50 passenger head tax (up from US$40) to support regional aviation safety and justice bodies, while keeping CARICOM travel exempt.

EU–CBI Pressure: The EU has formally asked Antigua and Barbuda to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by 1 June 2028, citing a revised visa suspension rule that treats running a CBI scheme as a stand-alone trigger; the government says it was expected and is preparing a response. Agriculture & Weather Impacts: The Ministry of Agriculture has cancelled PiAngo Fest for 2026, pointing to competing priorities, limited resources, and uncertainty around this year’s mango crop linked to weather impacts. Food Security Boost: A new Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory has opened in Antigua and Barbuda through bilateral agricultural cooperation with China, aiming to strengthen research and improve agricultural output. Climate Finance Warning: Caribbean Development Bank leaders warn the global financial system is failing small island states and that the window for transformative climate action is closing fast. Soil, Health & Prevention: Health and agriculture experts at AUA discussed how soil health and nutrition connect to chronic disease prevention, with the environment framed as part of public health. Blue Economy Learning: Summer interns visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm to learn freshwater aquaculture practices focused on water quality and organic methods. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda hosted a CARICOM intelligence heads meeting on transnational crime, tied to wider regional safety needs ahead of major events.

EU-Pressure on CBI: Antigua and Barbuda says the European Union has formally asked it to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by 1 June 2028, citing a revised EU visa suspension mechanism, with a 24-month transition and interim vetting steps due by September 2026. Diplomatic Pushback: Government says it was not surprised and is preparing to engage the EU after receiving the June 25 letter from Commissioner Magnus Brunner. Climate Finance Warning: Caribbean Development Bank leaders warn the global climate finance system is failing small island states, with the “window for transformative action” closing fast. Regional Security in St. John’s: Antigua hosted the 35th Meeting of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3), linking the work to CHOGM preparations and stressing shared responsibility against transnational crime. Public Health via Soil: AUA workshop connects soil health, nutrition and chronic disease prevention, urging “food as medicine” and environment-led prevention. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality.

EU-CBI Clash: Antigua and Barbuda has formally replied to the European Union after Brussels demanded a phase-out of the Citizenship by Investment Programme by June 1, 2028, citing a revised visa suspension mechanism and proposing interim vetting steps by September 2026. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 35th Meeting of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3) in St. John’s, with CARICOM IMPACS and ONDCP partners stressing shared responsibility for tackling transnational organised crime ahead of CHOGM 2026. Health & Environment: AUA convened a workshop linking soil health, nutrition and chronic disease prevention, with Minister Michael Joseph framing food and the environment as the start of healthcare. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms across the Eastern Caribbean, followed by Saharan dust that may worsen air quality. Digital Development: UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union signed an MoU to strengthen regional digital policy, research and resilience work. Housing Delivery: Cabinet-backed progress continues on the Booby Alley redevelopment, with officials pushing for clear timelines on sewage, waste, lighting and maintenance.

Climate Resilience & Health: AUA hosted a workshop linking soil health to nutrition and chronic disease prevention, with Health Minister Michael Joseph stressing that “our health begins long before” a clinic visit. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the 35th Meeting of the Standing Committee of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3), with CARICOM IMPACS and ONDCP coordinating talks on transnational organised crime ahead of CHOGM 2026. Public Safety Training: Thirty-two police and defence personnel graduated from a Regional Security System public order training and instructors’ course at Crabbs, reinforcing discipline and readiness for complex situations. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre for 26 member states, funded by the EU, to strengthen disaster and outbreak coordination. Tourism & Infrastructure: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal aimed at home-porting by Nov 2027, while Antigua and Barbuda continues regional hosting and development planning. Waste & Environment: NSWMA mourned the death of sanitation worker Okeen Lightfoot, underscoring ongoing public service needs.

CARICOM Integration & Climate Voice: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged deeper public participation and faster regional integration at the 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, linking the Caribbean Single Market to everyday citizens and stressing climate action and resilience. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 35th Meeting of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3), with leaders stressing shared responsibility in tackling transnational organised crime. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may worsen air quality. Flood Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda is moving toward a new era of flood forecasting and early warning, with a national workshop focused on preparedness. Housing & Resilience: Cabinet backed affordable housing expansion, including Booby Alley management upgrades and rent-to-own developments in Bolans and Barbuda, supported by China. Waste & Environment: The National Solid Waste Management Authority mourned employee Okeen Lightfoot, underscoring ongoing public service needs. Culture & Creativity: Applications are open for Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (Nov. 11–18), inviting artists and venues to shape the islands’ signature creative showcase.

CARICOM Climate & Integration: Prime Minister Gaston Browne will attend the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (5–8 July), with climate resilience and the regional climate finance agenda on the agenda alongside food security, health preparedness, security cooperation, and reparations. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality—important for day-to-day health planning. Flood & Water Security: Antigua is moving toward a new era of flood forecasting and early warning, with a national workshop focused on strengthening preparedness. Coastal & Beach Protection: Cabinet is pushing environmental reviews ahead of plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park and to redevelop Perry Bay–Keeling Point into a marina, housing, and commercial hub. Waste & Environment: The National Solid Waste Management Authority mourned sanitation worker Okeen Lightfoot, highlighting ongoing public service needs as the country manages environmental health. Regional Health Emergency Readiness: CARPHA inaugurated a Regional Emergency Operations Centre for 26 member states, boosting disaster and outbreak coordination across the Caribbean.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and possible thunderstorms, followed by a surge of Saharan dust that could worsen air quality across the region. CARICOM & Climate Governance: CARICOM marks CARICOM Day with renewed calls for collective action, including on climate change, as leaders push for a stronger, more united regional front. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen disaster and outbreak response across 26 member states. Environment & Resilient Development: Cabinet advanced plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park and to redevelop Perry Bay–Keeling Point into a marina, housing and commercial hub—both requiring environmental assessments. Waste & Community Health: The National Solid Waste Management Authority mourned the death of sanitation worker Okeen Lightfoot. Housing: Antigua and Barbuda expands affordable housing with Booby Alley management plans and rent-to-own developments in Bolans and Barbuda. Tourism With Local Benefits: OECS is training member states on community-based tourism so communities become primary beneficiaries, not just visitors.

Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA officially inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre (CREOC) to strengthen coordination for public health emergencies across 26 member states, supported by EU funding. Workplace Safety & Inclusion: Antigua and Barbuda trade unions and special interest groups wrapped a workshop on implementing ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment, with a focus on safer, more dignified workplaces for LGBTIQA+ workers in public services. Environment & Risk Management: An EIA cleared the way for a Pearns Point luxury villa, but only if strict safeguards are built in to manage erosion, storm surge, flooding, coastal setbacks, and monitoring during construction and operation. Water Stress Spotlight: A new global map highlights extreme water stress worldwide, underscoring how climate-driven demand and limited renewable supplies are pushing countries beyond sustainable water use. Local Utilities & Sustainability: APUA marked 53 years of powering Antigua and Barbuda, with government support tied to a more sustainable water supply, renewable energy, and affordable broadband and mobile services. Housing for Resilience: Cabinet approved rent-to-own affordable housing in Bolans and Barbuda and support for the Booby Alley Housing Project, including management of sewage and solar infrastructure.

Climate Finance & Resilience: CARICOM leaders are urging reform of the global climate finance system at the Caribbean Development Bank’s annual meeting, warning that small island states can’t cope with rising climate impacts without better access to funding. Coastal Protection & Planning: Cabinet is moving ahead with plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park and to redevelop Perry Bay–Keeling Point into a marina, housing and commercial hub, with environmental impact assessments required before construction. Waste & Public Service: The National Solid Waste Management Authority mourned the death of sanitation worker Okeen Lightfoot, highlighting his long service to the country. Utilities & Sustainability: APUA marked 53 years powering Antigua and Barbuda with electricity, water and telecoms, pointing to ongoing transformation including renewable energy and more affordable broadband. Health & Environment: Minister Michael Joseph opened a workshop linking food, soil and health, stressing prevention starts with the environment that sustains what people eat. Tourism & Community Benefits: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to build policies that keep tourism value in local communities.

Cruise & Tourism Infrastructure: St. Kitts and Nevis has broken ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aiming for cruise home-porting by November 2027 and boosting visitor spending and jobs. Coastal Protection in Development: Antigua’s Cabinet is pushing ahead with plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park, with an Environmental Impact Assessment required before construction. More Coastal Planning: The Perry Bay–Keeling Point redevelopment (marina, housing, commercial and tourism facilities) is also moving forward, but Cabinet says environmental assessments must come first. Environment-Linked Health: Health Minister Michael Joseph is urging a “food, soil and environment” approach to preventive healthcare, tying soil health and nutrition to public wellbeing. Medicinal Cannabis Oversight: Joseph toured the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority, praising traceability and compliance systems for transparent, responsible industry growth. Climate Finance Reform: Regional leaders at the Caribbean Development Bank’s annual meeting urged major reforms to the global climate finance system so small island states can better handle climate impacts. Hazardous Waste Governance: Antigua and Barbuda’s delegates helped shape Basel Convention decisions, including work on hazardous waste management and plastic waste. Housing & Resilience: Cabinet approved rent-to-own affordable housing, including solar and sewage management for Booby Alley and China-supported homes in Antigua and Barbuda. Coastal Risk Check for Luxury: An EIA cleared a proposed Pearns Point luxury villa in principle, but warns it must use strict safeguards for erosion, storm surge, flooding and site geology. Community-Based Tourism: OECS is training member states to scale community-based tourism so local communities benefit directly while protecting culture and natural assets. Sports Sustainability Strategy: Cricket West Indies hired Teneo for a review of reorganisation and cost optimisation, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Coastal Planning Watch: Cabinet is moving ahead with plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park, with officials saying the project will be carried out in an environmentally responsible way and will require a full Environmental Impact Assessment before construction. Marine & Development Scrutiny: The Perry Bay–Keeling Point area is also set for a marina, housing and commercial hub, but Cabinet is requiring environmental assessments first—an important step as Antigua weighs growth against coastal risk. Flood Readiness: Antigua and Barbuda is advancing flood preparedness and flood forecasting through a national early warning workshop and new forecasting efforts, aiming to better protect communities as weather threats intensify. Energy & Resilience: Government is exploring a geothermal power link from Nevis via a subsea transmission line to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, though costs and approvals are still unclear. Waste & Nature Protection: Watchnight and Emancipation observances are set to feature Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, while separate local reports highlight ongoing concerns about illegal waste dumping near Parham. Housing for Climate-Ready Living: The affordable housing programme is expanding with rent-to-own developments, including Booby Alley and projects in Bolans and Barbuda, with Cabinet noting solar and sewage management as part of the plan.

Climate Finance Reform: Regional leaders urged major changes to the global climate finance system at the Caribbean Development Bank’s annual meeting in Nassau, saying Small Island Developing States can’t access enough support to cope with worsening climate impacts. Soil-to-Health Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Joseph opened a workshop linking food, soil health and the environment to disease prevention, calling for a more integrated approach to public health. Community-Based Tourism: OECS gathered in Saint Lucia to train officials on community-based tourism planning, stressing that local communities should be the main beneficiaries while protecting natural and cultural assets. Coastal Risk Check for Pearns Point: An Environmental Impact Assessment cleared a proposed Pearns Point luxury villa in principle, but warned it must use strict safeguards for erosion, storm surge, flooding and coastal geology. Waste & Marine Concerns at Parham: After complaints, Jumby Bay ordered seaweed removal near Parham and promised tighter monitoring to meet environmental standards. Energy Options: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring a geothermal power link from Nevis via an undersea transmission line, though costs and approvals are still unclear.

CARICOM Leadership: Saint Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre officially takes over as CARICOM chair, pledging to bring regional decisions closer to everyday people as the bloc faces economic strain and climate vulnerability. Reparations & Emancipation: Antigua and Barbuda’s Reparations Support Commission announces Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as the featured speaker for the July 31 Watchnight Gathering, part of the 2026 Emancipation Observances. Environment & Coastal Risk: An EIA clears the way for a Pearns Point luxury villa, but only with strict safeguards for erosion, storm surge, flooding and coastal geology. Waste & Community Impact: Jumby Bay orders the swift removal of seaweed dumped near Parham after residents complained, with added monitoring promised. Flood Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda advances end-to-end flood forecasting and warning, laying groundwork for a new Urban and Flash Flood Information System. Energy Transition Talk: Government explores importing geothermal power from Nevis via a subsea line, though costs, approvals and timelines are still unclear. Regional Governance: OECS reappoints Dr Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General.