AGP Executive Report

Climate Justice & Representation: Environment Minister Michael Joseph says SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda are being sidelined in global climate talks, even as hurricanes and sea-level rise hit hardest, calling for a stronger “seat at the table” on climate financing and resilience. Drought Watch: Antigua is in a worsening dry spell with six straight months of below-normal rainfall; May was the island’s third-driest on record, and meteorologists warn drought conditions are intensifying as water supplies face pressure. Food Security Push: Agriculture updates highlight new sweet potato projects with IICA to test climate-resilient varieties, strengthen pest management, and expand farmer training—aimed at boosting productivity and nutrition. Climate Mobility & Loss/Damage: Joseph met the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, stressing equitable access to support for recovery and resilience after climate-linked disasters. Storm Impact Context: Tropical Storm Arthur’s estimated $4–6 billion damage bill underscores how even non-hurricane systems can bring deadly flooding and costly disruption. Youth & Enterprise: Sandals Foundation backs a six-week Entrepreneurship Edge programme with EC$38,000 to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.

CARICOM-CWI Collaboration: Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow praised Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali for bringing government, cricket and business together in a CARICOM meeting that included Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne and CWI leaders, aiming to overhaul the game from grassroots to the pro level. Mental Health Reform: Health Minister Michael Joseph received findings from a national youth consultation on mental health care and proposed legislation for children and adolescents, shaped with UNICEF and PAHO input from about 1,000 young people. Infrastructure & Environment: PM Browne told Cabinet to deliver on election promises, including completing 75% of the road network in four years, plus street lighting, tree planting and cleaner communities. Education Funding Push: Cabinet is weighing expanding the windfall tax beyond banks to other high-profit businesses to help fund education and grow the UWI Five Islands Campus. Youth & Enterprise: Sandals Foundation invested EC$38,000 in the Entrepreneurship Edge programme, while Minister Daryll Matthew urged more finance and mentorship for young entrepreneurs at the Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Summit. Scam Alert: ABIA warned the public about impersonators using its name and logo online and flagged intermittent issues with its website. Ocean Protection: Commonwealth ocean ministers met in Kenya to turn ocean pledges into measurable action, guided by the APia Ocean Declaration and the BBNJ Agreement.

Ferry Future Unclear: Questions are still swirling around Montserrat’s ferry plans as private operators move ahead of a government tender, with officials saying the tender isn’t finished and the vessel seen in local waters was a private initiative. Scam Alert: The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) is warning the public about fraudsters impersonating it on social media and pushing fake investment offers, while also flagging intermittent issues with its official website. Ocean Protection Push: Commonwealth ocean ministers met in Kenya to turn ocean pledges into measurable action, focusing on ocean financing, technology transfer, and support for small island states. Youth Entrepreneurship Boost: Education Minister Daryll Matthew urged stronger access to finance and mentorship for young entrepreneurs at the Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Summit. Road Safety & Fatal Accidents: The Attorney General backs immediate licence suspensions for reckless drivers after fatal crashes, with calls for mandatory breathalyzer testing and wider workplace safety accountability. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted climate-smart agriculture and disaster preparedness at an accountability seminar, while CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 Farmer of the Year awards. Health Funding: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre received a £25,000 Linbury Trust grant for a portable ultrasound to improve bedside diagnostics.

Ocean Protection Diplomacy: Commonwealth ocean ministers met in Mombasa, Kenya, to push ocean pledges into measurable action, guided by the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and the BBNJ Agreement. Agriculture & Food Security: Antigua and Barbuda hosted an OECS-aligned IICA Accountability Seminar on “Agriculture Today… Food Sustainability Tomorrow,” spotlighting climate resilience, innovation, and rural livelihoods. Blue Economy & Youth Climate Work: An Indian climate policy expert and other youth leaders were selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum taskforce in Antigua, with climate resilience and nature-positive development on the agenda. Local Training for Services: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen trade officials’ capacity and negotiating skills. Fisheries, Sargassum & Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese support for a sargassum processing facility, linking waste management to resilience and marine protection. Tourism, Coasts & Marine Life: PM Browne outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point, using dredged material to create an artificial beach and reef aimed at boosting marine life and public access. Health & Community Support: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre received a £25,000 Linbury Trust grant for a portable ultrasound to improve bedside diagnostics.

OECS Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, 2026, aiming to boost trade officials’ skills and strengthen resilience in regional services markets. Sustainable Agriculture: The IICA Antigua and Barbuda delegation held its 2025 Accountability Seminar under “Agriculture Today… Food Sustainability Tomorrow,” spotlighting climate resilience, innovation, food security and rural livelihoods. Climate & Youth at CHOGM: An Indian climate policy expert was selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum taskforce in Antigua, joining 23 youth leaders shaping the forum’s programme and policy recommendations. Marine Conservation & Public Access: PM Browne outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point—an artificial beach and designed artificial reef—built from dredged material and planned to support marine life, public gathering and conflict resolution ahead of CHOGM. Food & Environment Education: Antigua and Barbuda students won FCCA Foundation 2025 Environmental Poster and Essay awards, with winners praised for creativity and environmental awareness. Health & Community Support: SLBMC received a £25,000 Linbury Trust grant for a portable ultrasound to improve bedside diagnostics, while Hopeful Hearts Foundation and the Red Cross ran a food and clothing drive for hundreds of families.

OECS Training Boost: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, 2026, aimed at strengthening the skills of trade officials and policymakers in services, resilience and competitiveness. Food Security & Climate-Smart Farming: IICA’s 2025 Accountability Seminar in Antigua focused on agriculture, food sustainability, climate resilience, innovation and rural livelihoods. Health & Diagnostics Upgrade: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre received a £25,000 Linbury Trust grant to buy a portable ultrasound system, improving faster bedside decisions. Youth, Climate & CHOGM Prep: An Indian climate policy expert and 23 young leaders were selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum taskforce in Antigua, with youth climate and disaster resilience priorities. Tourism, Environment & Access: PM Browne outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point, plus major Sandals and Jolly Beach resort upgrades—while defending overwater bungalow plans as protecting public access to Dickenson Bay. Local Students Win Green Awards: Antigua and Barbuda students earned top honours in the FCCA Foundation’s 2025 environmental poster and essay competitions.

Coastal Resilience & Blue Economy: Antigua and Barbuda has appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, aiming to boost climate adaptation and ocean protection while attracting funding for marine and coastal projects. Tourism, Environment & Public Access: PM Gaston Browne says “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point will combine a public beach and an artificial reef—built using dredging material from the LNG project—to support marine life and even help settle disputes. CHOGM Prep: Browne also outlined major upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, including $13.5m in air-conditioning, internet, and a conference facility for up to 500 people. Climate & Youth Governance: Antigua-backed Commonwealth Youth Forum planning continues, with an Indian climate policy expert and a Tuvalu youth leader selected for the 2026 taskforces ahead of CHOGM in Antigua. Food Security: Nominations are open for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer awards, with entries due by end of June. Health & Community: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre received a £25,000 Linbury Trust grant for a portable ultrasound to strengthen bedside diagnostics.

Climate & Blue Economy Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, aiming to boost climate adaptation, marine conservation, and funding for coastal and reef projects. Coastal Restoration & Marine Life: PM Browne outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point—an artificial beach and reef built using dredged material from the LNG project—designed to create a public space while supporting marine conservation ahead of CHOGM 2026. Tourism, Environment & Access: Browne defended Sandals’ planned overwater bungalows at Dickenson Bay and said they’ll be placed toward the groyne to protect public beach access, while also announcing a $6.5m tax settlement tied to the expansion. Waste-to-Attraction Tourism Upgrade: Browne also announced $13.5m in upgrades for Jolly Beach Resort, including new conference capacity and improved air-conditioning and internet. Youth & Sustainability: Antigua and Barbuda students won FCCA environmental poster and essay honours, with winners praised for creativity and environmental awareness. Agriculture Resilience: Nominations opened for CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers’ Young Farmer awards, spotlighting food security and resilient farming across the region.

Coastal Resilience & Blue Economy: Antigua and Barbuda has appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, aiming to boost climate adaptation, marine conservation, and funding for reef and coastal protection. Tourism, Taxes & Environment: PM Browne says Sandals will pay a $6.5 million tax settlement as it pushes a major expansion at Sandals Grande Antigua, including new overwater bungalows—while insisting they’ll be placed toward the groyne to protect public beach access. New Public “Peace Beach”: A Barnacle Point project is underway to create a public beach and artificial reef, using dredged material from the LNG works, with the site also pitched as a place for conflict resolution and marine learning ahead of CHOGM. Education Funding Plan: Browne proposes expanding the windfall tax beyond banks to other highly profitable businesses to help finance education and the growth of the UWI Five Islands Campus. Youth & Climate Awareness: Antigua and Barbuda students won top honours in the FCCA environmental poster and essay competitions, highlighting growing local momentum for environmental education. Child Labour Warning: The People’s Union’s Ralph Potter cautions that early work and apprenticeship for minors can cause long-term harm, citing Antigua and Barbuda’s technical breach of ILO conventions.

Creative Industries: Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission wrapped up a June 8–12 Music Development Masterclass in Coolidge, training emerging and established artistes on songwriting, mixing/mastering, distribution, copyright, marketing and branding. Tourism & Environment: PM Browne defended Sandals’ planned overwater bungalows at Dickenson Bay and said they’ll be sited toward the groyne to protect public beach access, while also announcing a $6.5m tax settlement with Sandals and a separate $13.5m Jolly Beach Resort upgrade. Coastal Resilience & Blue Economy: Browne outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point—an artificial beach plus a designed artificial reef—aimed at marine life support and community conflict resolution, and Antigua and Barbuda appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy. Climate & Food Security: Barbuda’s resilience and restoration work was highlighted during a British High Commissioner visit, and CARICOM opened nominations for Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards. Youth & Sustainability: FCCA environmental poster and essay winners were honoured, and 23 young people were selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum taskforce ahead of CHOGM in Antigua.

Education Funding Push: PM Gaston Browne proposes expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s windfall tax beyond banks to other highly profitable sectors, aiming to create a dedicated funding stream for tertiary education and the UWI Five Islands Campus. Coastal & Marine Conservation: Browne also outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point—an artificial beach and specially designed artificial reef built partly from dredging material—meant to boost marine life and create a public space for conflict resolution and environmental learning. Tourism Upgrades: The government plans $13.5 million in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, including new conference capacity for up to 500 people, plus air-conditioning and internet improvements. Climate Resilience Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda appoints marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy to strengthen adaptation and blue-economy work. Youth & Environment: Antigua and Barbuda students win FCCA Foundation environmental poster and essay honours, with one student taking first place nationally in both categories. Inclusive Sailing: A Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championship is set for June 24–27 at Antigua’s National Sailing Academy, training and racing sailors of all abilities. Food Marketing Advocacy: “Hope for the Future” engages communities on protecting children from unhealthy food marketing around schools.

Climate Diplomacy & Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, aiming to boost coastal protection, marine conservation and climate adaptation funding. Blue Economy & Sargassum: Japan talks could bring technical help to turn sargassum into marketable products, with disposal and foul odours flagged as the main hurdle. Coastal & Community Restoration: Barbuda’s resilience and biodiversity work were highlighted during a British High Commissioner visit, including tours of environmental restoration at Palmetto Point and Coco Point. Youth & Environment Education: Students won top honours in FCCA environmental poster and essay competitions, with national winners praised for creativity and environmental awareness. Food & Health Advocacy: “Hope for the Future” engaged communities on protecting children from unhealthy food marketing around schools. Water & Flood Risk: A veteran engineer warned that poor drainage is worsening road deterioration and flood risk during heavy rain. Tourism Inclusion: Two Antigua resorts publicly reaffirmed welcome for LGBTQIA+ travellers during Pride Month. Agriculture Awards: Nominations are open for CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer awards for 2026.

Coastal Resilience & Blue Economy: Antigua and Barbuda has appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, aiming to boost climate adaptation and attract funding for marine and coastal protection. Sargassum & Fisheries Support: Japan talks could bring technical help for a sargassum processing facility, while Cabinet also heard about possible Japanese support to modernize fisheries infrastructure and upgrade fish and vegetable markets. Stormwater & Flood Risk: A veteran engineer is calling for drainage network overhauls, warning that poor stormwater systems are driving road deterioration and raising flood risks during heavy rain. Youth & Environment: Antigua and Barbuda students won top honours in FCCA environmental poster and essay competitions, with awards presented at the Ministry of Tourism. Community Health & Food Marketing: “Hope for the Future” engaged families and schools on the impact of unhealthy food and beverage marketing around classrooms. Tourism Inclusion: Two resorts publicly reaffirmed they welcome LGBTQIA+ travellers during Pride Month, signaling safer, more inclusive hospitality. CHOGM Prep: A CHOGM mural made from recycled bottle caps highlights sustainability and community involvement ahead of the summit.

Youth & CHOGM Prep: Twenty-three young people have been selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum taskforce in Antigua, helping shape the programme and policy recommendations under the theme on youth agency and shared prosperity. Healthy Schools & Food Marketing: “Hope for the Future” and partners held a public engagement at a health expo to push back on unhealthy food and beverage marketing around schools, linking children’s health with school food environments. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness in global services markets. Sargassum Solution Talks: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese support for a sargassum processing facility, with disposal and foul odors flagged as key hurdles. Blue Economy for Kids: World Ocean Day activities included a Blue Economy mural campaign involving primary school pupils to spread ocean-focused action at home. Tourism & Inclusion: Two Antigua resorts publicly reaffirm welcome for LGBTQ+ travellers, sparking debate online. Environment & Public Health Infrastructure: Sustainable Markets Initiative talks ahead of CHOGM highlighted the need to modernise St. John’s sewage treatment systems to protect public health and the environment. Climate Resilience & Culture: National Archives climate-control upgrades reduced mold risk, but a leaking roof still threatens records when heavy rains return.

Sargassum Solution Talks: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese support for a sargassum processing facility, with officials saying harvesting equipment exists but disposal and foul odours remain the biggest hurdle—Japan may send a technical team to assess and help turn the seaweed into marketable products. Blue Economy in Schools: The Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a new pupil-led ocean campaign and mural, aiming to get kids aged 7–11 to carry the message home about protecting and using the island’s vast ocean space. CHOGM Sustainability Push: A recycled bottle-cap mural featuring Sir Rodney Williams and Sir Vivian Richards is part of CHOGM 2026 preparations, linking community engagement with environmental responsibility. Healthy Food Marketing: Hope for the Future in Antigua and Barbuda held a community engagement drive on protecting children from unhealthy food and beverage marketing around schools, backed by regional health and youth partners. Workplace Rights: Union leaders condemned a “master-slave” style industrial relations climate, saying stress, discrimination and harassment are rising as social dialogue breaks down. Tourism Inclusion: Two Antigua resorts publicly reaffirm LGBTQ+ welcome, sparking debate online as the region competes for visitors. Visa Pressure on Tourism: A Caribbean tourism leader’s US visa renewal was denied, highlighting tightening travel and visa scrutiny tied to citizenship-by-investment concerns. Sewage & Coast Protection: Ahead of CHOGM, Minister Rawdon Turner met partners on sustainable development priorities, including modernising sewage treatment to protect public health and the environment.

Workers’ Rights: Union leaders in Antigua and Barbuda are condemning a “master-slave” style workplace culture, saying breakdowns in social dialogue are driving stress, discrimination, and harassment. HR & Skills: The UWI Global Campus and CaIHRM signed an MOU to strengthen HR training, credentials, and applied research across the Caribbean. Sargassum Solution: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical support to turn recurring sargassum into marketable products, with disposal and foul odors flagged as key hurdles. Blue Economy & Oceans: On World Ocean Day, the Blue Economy marked the ocean’s vast scale with school-focused outreach, plus a mural project celebrating marine stewardship. Heat & Health: Doctors report heat-related dehydration symptoms, warning El Niño could bring more extreme temperatures. CHOGM Prep & Sustainability: A recycled bottle-cap CHOGM mural is unveiled, while ministers push sustainable development priorities including sewage upgrades and cleaner urban systems. Tourism & Community: A new Grassroots Cricket Academy camp is set to run June 29–July 17, and officials inspected Potters Playing Field redevelopment ahead of CHOGM.