AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Michael Joseph told Pre-COP31 leaders that Tuvalu’s rising-sea threats echo Barbuda’s devastation by Hurricane Irma. He called for action to keep the 1.5°C target within reach, protect island sovereignty and deliver climate finance. Resilient Housing: Pelican Court’s 150 climate-resilient homes could welcome former Booby Alley residents as early as January, pending final arrangements. Weather Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could worsen drought and humid heat; short-term drought has already developed in Antigua, though flood risks remain across the region. Wetlands: Volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, bringing the total from two cleanups to more than 2,600 pounds. Marine Protection: Dredging and reef work at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required permits were issued for work inside the North East Marine Management Area. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are en route for CHOGM, the first practical delivery under Antigua and Barbuda’s Octopus Energy partnership, intended to cut transport emissions.

Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal at the International Whaling Commission to discuss “sustainable use” of whales — opening a path to commercial whaling — was withdrawn. A separate South Atlantic sanctuary bid also failed, while the commission maintained its commercial whaling ban. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and lingering humid heat to the Lesser Antilles. Short-term drought had already developed in Antigua by September 1, though flood risks remain high across much of the region. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are heading to Antigua for CHOGM, the first delivery under the government’s Octopus Energy partnership, to cut meeting-related transport emissions. Wetlands Cleanup: More than 53 volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands. Mattresses, stoves and other bulky items remain and need extra equipment to remove. Marine Protection: Dredging and artificial reef works at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required written approvals were obtained within the protected North East Marine Management Area. Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda joined Pacific pre-COP talks, where small-island states pressed for better access to climate finance and support for adaptation.

Clean Transport: Electric vehicles are on their way to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM in November, the first delivery under the country’s Octopus Energy partnership. They will help cut delegates’ transport emissions and showcase cleaner mobility. Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal at the International Whaling Commission to discuss the “sustainable use” of whales—and a possible path to commercial whaling—was withdrawn. The commission maintained its long-standing ban, while a proposed South Atlantic sanctuary also failed. Climate Risks: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat to the region; short-term drought has already developed in Antigua. Antigua and Barbuda also joined Pacific climate talks focused on island priorities, including adaptation and access to climate finance. Wetland Cleanup: Volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, bringing the total collected across two cleanups to more than 2,600 pounds. Larger dumped items still need heavy equipment. Marine Protection: Dredging and reef work at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether the written approvals required for activity in the North East Marine Management Area were obtained.

Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could expand drought risk and bring humid heat and possible heatwaves across the Caribbean in Oct–Dec, while still flagging flooding, flash-flooding and cascading hazards in many areas. Coastal Cleanup: EcoShores’ “Do It Twice” campaign removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, adding to earlier cleanup totals and highlighting how plastics and heavy items are getting embedded in wetland habitats. CHOGM Education & Recycling: Antigua’s CHOGM schools outreach programme has visited 50+ schools, bringing Commonwealth lessons and recycling-focused activities to classrooms islandwide. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda is represented at Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing for SIDS priorities like climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage ahead of COP31. Local Environment Governance: Barnacle Point marine works are under scrutiny over whether required fisheries and environmental approvals were properly granted for dredging and related activity in a marine reserve. Aviation & Sustainability: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority secured a seat on the ACI-LAC governing board, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation on safety, connectivity and sustainability. Commonwealth Leadership: Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey begins a Uganda visit ahead of CHOGM, with discussions centered on resilience, sustainable development and governance.

Regional Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Joseph is in Fiji and Tuvalu for pre-COP31 talks, pushing Small Island priorities like climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Local Environment Action: EcoShores’ “Do It Twice” campaign removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, adding to earlier cleanup totals and highlighting how plastic and heavy items are getting embedded in the ecosystem. CHOGM Outreach & Recycling: The CHOGM schools outreach programme has visited 50+ schools across Antigua, bringing Commonwealth lessons and recycling-focused activities into classrooms. Marine Protection Scrutiny: Barnacle Point dredging and artificial reef works are drawing legal questions over whether required fisheries and environmental approvals were granted inside the North East Marine Management Area. Commonwealth Leadership Prep: Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey will visit Uganda to strengthen institutions and support sustainable development discussions ahead of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. Aviation & Sustainability: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority secured a seat on the ACI-LAC governing board, aiming to boost regional influence on safety, connectivity and sustainability.

Marine & Permits: Dredging and artificial reef works at Barnacle Point have put Antigua’s fisheries and environmental approvals under scrutiny, with the key question being whether the written permissions required for activities inside the North East Marine Management Area were properly granted. COP31 Prep: Antigua and Barbuda is sending Minister Michael Joseph and Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas to Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing small-island priorities like climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Ocean Protection Funding: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator opened Round II, offering grants up to £50,000 for 10–15 ocean-focused projects led by Commonwealth countries. Whales & Policy: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission by just four votes, despite strong support, underscoring how hard it is to lock in long-term marine protection. Blue Economy & Resilience: Japan’s first Honorary Consul General in St. John’s, Donna Francis, was inaugurated with emphasis on climate resilience, sustainable development, and blue economy cooperation. Climate Diplomacy Attendance: Reuters reports few leaders outside the Pacific are attending the Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP, with Antigua and Barbuda among the confirmed exceptions.

Commonwealth CHOGM push: Antigua and Barbuda is set to host CHOGM in November 2026, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam meeting the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network to attract investors by pitching Bangladesh’s manufacturing drive, blue economy, renewable energy and circular economy plans. Royal tour with an environment angle: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Guyana Oct. 29–30 ahead of CHOGM, with meetings involving Indigenous leaders, scientists and environmentalists, plus conservation-focused engagements. Climate diplomacy spotlight: World powers are gathering in the Pacific for pre-COP talks in Fiji, but attendance from outside the region is thin—only a limited set of leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda, are confirmed—raising pressure for stronger climate action for small island states. Ocean protection funding: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator opened a second round of grants (up to £50,000 each) for 10–15 ocean projects, backing sustainable blue economy work. Whale sanctuary setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed at the International Whaling Commission by four votes, despite strong support for non-lethal whale protection. Local climate resilience: Antigua and Barbuda’s Joy-Marie King urged evidence-based policy and financing for Small Island Developing States during a UN SDG consultation in Ecuador.

Climate Diplomacy Watch: World powers are heading to Fiji for a pre-COP meeting on Oct 5–8, but only a small set of leaders from outside the Pacific are confirmed—Antigua and Barbuda is among the few—while Pacific ministers push hard for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and urgent ocean-focused action ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Whale Protection: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, falling short by just four votes, despite growing support for non-lethal whale-watching benefits. Local Climate Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda is sending officials to climate warning and SDG-focused consultations, with calls for evidence-based policy and financing that matches small-island vulnerabilities. Commonwealth & Environment: King Charles III’s autumn tour includes Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026, with environmental conservation and biodiversity highlighted in the programme. Regional Social Policy: Minister Kiz Johnson will represent Antigua and Barbuda at an OECS Human and Social Development meeting focused on social protection, inclusion, and resilience.

Commonwealth & CHOGM Prep: King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set for a major Caribbean autumn tour, with a two-day Guyana state visit on Oct 29–30 and Antigua & Barbuda engagements tied to CHOGM 2026, with environmental conservation and biodiversity highlighted. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in the Pacific ahead of COP31, pushing for stronger action on warming, ocean impacts, and climate finance—while noting the huge adaptation gap facing island states. Fossil-Fuel Pressure at COP31: Turkey and Australia face criticism for hosting COP31 while staying close to coal supply chains, as activists warn of a “vacuum of action” on rapid fossil-fuel phaseout. Ocean Protection Funding: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator (Round II) opens calls for proposals, offering grants up to £50,000 for 10–15 ocean-focused projects across member countries. Whale Sanctuary Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, despite new resolutions praised by animal welfare groups. Local Resilience & Energy: The EU signals support for Nevis’s geothermal project, while Antigua’s port security review calls for stronger container screening and better customs-port coordination. Climate Risk at Home: Climate assessments flag roof, flood, and evacuation risks at Antigua & Barbuda schools.

Commonwealth & CHOGM Prep: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Autumn Tour will spotlight Commonwealth ties and environmental conservation, with the couple visiting The Bahamas (Oct 27–29), Guyana (Oct 29–30) and Antigua & Barbuda for CHOGM 2026, while biodiversity and community resilience sit alongside youth and economic partnerships. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in Fiji (Oct 5–8) to set the course for COP31, as Pacific leaders push for 1.5°C, stronger climate finance, and urgent action on sea-level rise and ocean impacts. Ocean Protection Funding: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator opens Round II, offering grants up to £50,000 for 10–15 ocean-focused projects led by Commonwealth countries. Whale Sanctuary Setback: A proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed again at the International Whaling Commission in Hobart, despite new resolutions praised by animal welfare groups. Local Resilience & Energy: Nevis geothermal talks get a boost as the EU signals readiness to partner with technical expertise and possible support, with regional impact highlighted. Port Security: Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet calls for stronger container screening and tighter port-customs cooperation to improve surveillance and cargo information sharing. Climate Risk in Schools: New climate assessments flag roof, flood and evacuation risks at Antigua and Barbuda schools.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for talks on COP31, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, more climate finance, and stronger ocean protection as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. Ocean Protection Funding: The Commonwealth has opened Round II of the Blue Charter Incubator, offering grants up to £50,000 for 10–15 country-led projects to tackle pressing ocean challenges. Whales & Policy: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, despite Brazil’s push for a vast protected zone—while new resolutions still advanced whale welfare. Local Resilience & Risk: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet backed stronger container cargo screening and tighter port-customs cooperation after a port security review. Energy Transition (Nevis): The EU signaled willingness to partner on Nevis geothermal, offering expertise and possible support. Youth & Climate Voices: CARICOM’s youth short story competition highlighted climate-secure futures, with winners from across the region. Diplomacy & Climate Links: Japan’s new honorary consul in St. John’s points to cooperation on climate resilience, sustainable development, and the blue economy.

Commonwealth Ocean Push: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator opened Round II, offering grants up to £50,000 for 10–15 country-led projects to tackle ocean challenges and build a more resilient blue economy. Climate Diplomacy Watch: World powers are meeting in Fiji (Oct 5–8) to set the path for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pressing for 1.5°C, faster climate finance, and stronger action on rising seas and ocean impacts. Whale Protection vs. Whaling Politics: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission in Hobart, with 39 votes for and 18 against—while new resolutions still advanced protections for whales and other sea animals. Local Resilience Planning: Antigua and Barbuda’s Port Authority is moving ahead on a Barbuda River Port relocation, with coastal, feasibility, geotechnical, hydrological, and environmental assessments underway before construction. Energy & Sustainability Link: Nevis geothermal talks with the EU signal potential technical support and financing, aiming for regional benefits from Nevis-generated power. Regional Youth Climate Voices: CARICOM’s youth short story competition highlighted climate-secure futures, with winners from Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.

Whale Protection vs. Whaling Politics: At the IWC meeting in Hobart, Brazil’s bid for a massive South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed again, despite 39 votes in favour—Antigua and Barbuda was among the 18 countries voting against, while pro-whaling nations blocked the 75% threshold. Climate Resilience for Schools: Antigua and Barbuda’s regional climate project has assessed six local schools, with preliminary ratings showing gaps in hurricane-proof roofs, flood mitigation and safer emergency access. Port Security Upgrade: Cabinet has called for stronger container screening and tighter port-customs cooperation after a review of Antigua and Barbuda Port security, focusing on risk-based inspections and faster cargo information sharing. Nevis Geothermal Push: The EU says it’s ready to partner with Nevis on geothermal, offering technical support and possible financial backing after meetings with NIA officials. Regional Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Pacific pre-COP talks in Fiji and Tuvalu to set the course for COP31, with leaders urging stronger climate finance and urgent action on rising seas. Caribbean Solidarity Under Strain: Antigua and Barbuda’s UN Secretary-General nomination for María Fernanda Espinosa is drawing fresh criticism for breaking CARICOM unity.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Pacific pre-COP talks in Fiji to set the course for COP31 in Turkey, with sea-level rise and a big climate-finance gap front and centre. Regional Climate Pressure: A Reuters report says the guest list is thin for leaders outside the Pacific, even as island states push for 1.5°C, stronger ocean focus, and more adaptation money. Local Resilience in Schools: Antigua and Barbuda’s climate resilience project has assessed six schools, flagging needs for hurricane-proof roofs, flood mitigation, and safer emergency access. Port Security & Trade: Cabinet is calling for stronger container screening and tighter port-customs cooperation, including more scanning and faster cargo record checks. Barbuda River Port Move: Work is advancing on relocating the Barbuda River Port, with coastal, feasibility, geotechnical, and hydrological studies underway before construction. Marine Protection Fight: Antigua and Barbuda faces renewed pressure over a whaling resolution as a petition with 5,585 signatures urges withdrawal ahead of the IWC meeting. Energy Transition: The EU says it’s ready to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, citing regional benefits and technical support.

Climate Resilience in Schools: Antigua and Barbuda’s regional climate project has assessed all six participating schools, flagging preliminary risks and calling for stronger hurricane-resistant roofs, flood mitigation and safer emergency access. Youth Climate Voices: The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre youth short story contest crowned Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine and highlighted young writers’ ideas for a climate-secure Caribbean. Barbuda River Port Plan: A coastal study and further feasibility and ground testing are underway for the proposed Barbuda River Port relocation, with environmental impacts to be assessed before construction. Early Warning Training: Two Antigua and Barbuda officers completed a China seminar on forecasting, disaster preparedness and public communication for climate hazards. Whaling Pressure: Visiting yacht captains and an international petition urge Antigua and Barbuda to withdraw its whaling resolution ahead of the IWC meeting in Hobart. UN Security Council Reform: Antigua and Barbuda renewed calls for a dedicated Small Island Developing States seat on a reformed UN Security Council, tying it to climate and security needs. Tourism & Jobs: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s informality and weak labour protections limit decent work and sustainable growth.

Climate Resilience in Schools: Antigua and Barbuda’s regional climate resilience project has assessed all six participating local schools, with preliminary ratings (51–61%) pointing to urgent needs like hurricane-resistant roofs, flood mitigation, and safer emergency access. Barbuda River Port Move: The Barbuda River Port relocation has advanced with a coastal study and ongoing feasibility, survey, geotechnical, and hydrological assessments to guide design and environmental impacts before construction. Early Warning Training: Two government officers completed a China seminar on forecasting, climate adaptation, and public warning communication—focused on hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and sea-level rise. Whaling Pressure Builds: A petition with 5,585 signatures from 87 countries was delivered to PM Gaston Browne urging withdrawal of an IWC resolution that could enable commercial whaling, as visiting yacht captains also add their voices. UN Security Council Reform: Antigua and Barbuda called for a dedicated SIDS seat on a reformed UN Security Council and backed María Fernanda Espinosa for UN Secretary-General, breaking from CARICOM ranks. Tourism Jobs & Formal Work: An ILO study flags informality and weak protections in Eastern Caribbean tourism, urging countries to improve productivity and working conditions alongside formalisation.