AGP Executive Report

Climate Finance Push: Ahead of the UN Bonn talks, SIDS leaders—including Antigua and Barbuda’s Michael Joseph—called for a full overhaul of global finance rules, arguing “high income” labels block access to critical support while islands face hurricane-level setbacks that erase decades of progress. Electoral Integrity: Gregor Nassief urged a reset of the Electoral Commission, saying public confidence and legitimacy are at risk with too few voter confirmations ahead of the 15 October 2026 election timeline. Healthcare Partnerships & Access: Government approved free corneal replacement surgeries via a US partnership, and backed a new autism-focused cognitive behavioural centre to expand early intervention and specialist care. Diplomacy Appointments: Cabinet named Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah as Ambassadors-at-Large, framing the moves as strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s regional and international reach. Tourism & Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort broke ground—US$200m, 113 keys, with green energy and “AI butler” features—positioned as a Vision 2030 boost. Sports Spotlight: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season (WI vs SL, NZ, PAK), while Ottis Gibson returns to the West Indies setup as fast-bowling consultant.

Cricket & Regional Sports: Cricket West Indies has released the 2026 home schedule, with West Indies hosting Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan across formats—ODIs vs Sri Lanka at Sabina Park (June 3-14), T20s at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (June 12-15), and Tests vs Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (June 25-July 3) plus later Pakistan Tests in Trinidad. Ebola & Malaria Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health says it’s closely monitoring Ebola outbreaks in DRC and Uganda while noting Montserrat’s Ebola risk remains low; it also points to strengthened response plans and ongoing surveillance, alongside recent imported malaria concerns. CARICOM Border Security: Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene pushed a six-point border security roadmap at a CARICOM immigration/customs meeting in Antigua, including a proposed single digital travel credential (“CariPass”) tied to biometric checks. Parliament & Democracy: Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says his ejection from Parliament ahead of the Throne Speech was avoidable and disputes the Senate oath requirement enforcement. Disaster Readiness: A revived national hurricane church service is set for Sunday at 4:00 p.m., with NODS urging residents to finish final preparations. Community & Culture: Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown backed an Autism Awareness Walk at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, while Caribana 2026 in Barbuda faced rain and late starts but still wrapped with lessons for next year.

Parliament Clash: Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says his ejection from the Throne Speech was a calculated manoeuvre, after Senate President Alicia Williams-Grant enforced the constitutional oath requirement; the UPP calls it a troubling moment for democracy. State Agenda: Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams delivered the 2026 Speech from the Throne, pitching a 25-year development blueprint and flagging a shift toward transforming the Medical Benefits Scheme into a National Health Insurance plan. Regional Security Push: Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene unveiled a CARICOM border-security “implementable roadmap,” including a biometric “CariPass” and a regional customs interoperability platform. Ebola Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda stepped up infectious-disease surveillance and screening at ports and airports amid Ebola concerns, including the diversion of an inaugural Air Peace flight to Barbados for enhanced caution. Health Access Workshop: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Tourism & Sports: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa named Christopher Eastmond as new GM, while West Indies cricket ramps up for Sri Lanka with an Antigua high-performance camp.

Parliament Clash: Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was ejected from the Throne Speech joint sitting after Senate President Alicia Williams-Grant said he had not yet taken the oath of allegiance in the House, triggering a walkout by UPP senators and sparking accusations of threats to democracy—while PM Gaston Browne insists the Constitution must be followed. Throne Speech 2026: Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams delivered a 25-year development blueprint, including a major shift toward transforming the Medical Benefits Scheme into a National Health Insurance plan. Ebola Border Measures: With Ebola concerns rising, Antigua says it acted cautiously on an Air Peace flight by landing passengers in Barbados and reinstating enhanced screening at entry points, including thermal scanners. Tourism Push: The government praised tourism leadership as arrivals hit record momentum, with cruise passenger expectations topping one million and stayover growth reported for the first quarter. Sports & Cricket: West Indies prepare for Sri Lanka with a high-performance camp in Antigua; Alzarri Joseph eyes a comeback after injury, while OECS Cycling Championships bring sub-regional riders to Antigua. Culture & Training: The Festivals Commission launched a free five-day music development masterclass to build local creative industry skills.

Ebola Border Tightening: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the inaugural Air Peace flight but kept it cautious—25 passengers were diverted to Barbados first, then expected to connect via LIAT, as health authorities step up screening amid the regional Ebola alert. Parliament Clash: The Throne Speech walkout is still reverberating: opposition senators left after Jamale Pringle was blocked from taking his seat, with the government and PM Browne insisting constitutional rules can’t be bent for politics. Health Overhaul: Health Minister Michael Joseph says major hospital changes are coming within six months, including moving the dialysis unit and adding a dedicated asthma bay, alongside broader system restructuring. Sports Comeback & Pride: Alzarri Joseph rejoined West Indies camp for the Sri Lanka series after a back injury layoff, while Antigua and Barbuda Masters defended their Leeward Islands title. Tourism Momentum: Record cruise and stayover numbers continue, and the country also drew runners for the 10th Annual Run in Paradise.

Ebola Border Tightening: Antigua and Barbuda is moving from “wait and see” to stricter entry rules, with the Health Ministry set to propose a 45-day travel restriction for people coming from designated Ebola outbreak areas as new Nigeria-linked flights raise pressure on screening at VC Bird International. Hospital Overhaul: Health Minister Michael Joseph says major changes are coming to the main hospital within six months, including relocating the dialysis unit, adding a dedicated asthma bay, and shifting some services off-site to cut emergency-room congestion. Malaria Reassurance: Officials say two imported malaria cases are being monitored closely, stressing the local mosquito that can transmit it is rare and usually not encountered. Law & Order Training: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority has trained nearly 60 police recruits on the two legal cannabis regimes to improve enforcement and public education. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda posted a record first quarter, up 7% in stayover arrivals, even with global headwinds. National Loss: The country mourns Sir Aziz Hadeed, with tributes highlighting decades of philanthropy and public service.

Ebola Precaution at the Border: Antigua has blocked the first Air Peace Lagos flight from landing, with the aircraft expected to bypass Antigua and land in Barbados instead, while CARPHA activates regional monitoring and health screening at points of entry as the DRC/Uganda Ebola situation is treated with “very conservative” caution. Air Connectivity Fallout: Air Peace says it is “100 per cent safe” and not flying to affected destinations, but Antigua still expects about 25 passengers to reach the island via LIAT after the diversion. Malaria Update: Health authorities also confirmed two imported malaria cases, including one death, prompting intensified mosquito control and port surveillance. National Mourning: The UPP and UWI Five Islands Campus are among those paying tribute after businessman and philanthropist Sir Aziz Hadeed’s passing. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka named Kusal Mendis as captain for the West Indies tour, with the first Test set for Antigua later this month.

Ebola Airlift Shock: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda has cancelled the inaugural Air Peace Lagos flight, with the aircraft now expected to land in Barbados as authorities take a “conservative” approach to Ebola-linked public health risks; about 25 passengers still bound for Antigua will be moved via LIAT after enhanced screening and port health reinforcements. Malaria Alert: Health officials confirm two imported malaria cases, including one death, while stressing there’s no sign of local transmission and risk remains low as mosquito control ramps up. Regional Air Debate: Caribbean Airlines’ route cuts are reigniting talk about who will fill the intra-Caribbean airlift gap—spotlighting LIAT 2020’s role. Commonwealth Diplomacy: PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya tells the UK Commonwealth forum is vital for trust and cooperation amid geopolitical strain. National Loss: Sir Aziz Hadeed, a major Antiguan businessman and philanthropist, has died. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda reports a strong early-2026 stayover rise, with 110,832 arrivals in Q1.

Public Health, Air Travel: PM Gaston Browne says the inaugural Air Peace flight from Lagos will bypass Antigua and land in Barbados instead, with about 25 passengers still expected to be brought to Antigua later via LIAT—an extra-cautious move tied to the Ebola situation in parts of Africa, alongside reactivated infectious disease readiness and enhanced screening at ports of entry. Malaria Update: Health authorities confirmed two imported malaria cases, including one traveller who died; officials stress there’s no sign of local spread while mosquito control and surveillance ramp up. Airport Measures: Antigua is set to reinstate thermal scanners and reinforce port health operations as more Nigeria-linked flights are expected later this month. Health Policy: Health Minister Michael Joseph has started a strategic review of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre operations. Culture & Tourism: Caribana 2026 is underway in Barbuda with a packed schedule, while Antigua’s tourism numbers show a strong early-year rise in stayovers. Regional Spotlight: A Commonwealth forum report highlights cervical cancer elimination progress, including Antigua and Barbuda’s HPV screening and phased rollout approach. Loss: Sir Aziz Hadeed, prominent businessman and philanthropist, has died.

Ebola-Air Peace U-turn: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the planned Air Peace arrival from Lagos on May 25 will not land in Antigua, with authorities taking a “conservative” approach as Ebola concerns evolve; transit visa waivers for the route are also paused, and screening will be tightened. Malaria Alert: Health officials confirm two imported malaria cases—one traveller has died—while stressing there’s no evidence of local spread; mosquito control and port surveillance are being stepped up, and thermal scanners are set to return at V.C. Bird. Public Health Briefing: The Ministry of Health is holding a press conference today at 2 p.m. on malaria and enhanced entry screening. Local Governance & Society: Ras Simba warns cannabis laws are confusing and says public smoking is being treated like rebellion; meanwhile, the ABWU pushes workplace mental health into the spotlight. Tourism & Culture: Caribana 2026 is underway in Barbuda with a packed programme, and Antigua’s early-2026 stayover arrivals are up 6.7% year-on-year.

Airport Health Push: Antigua and Barbuda is stepping up infectious-disease screening as officials confirm two imported malaria cases—one traveller has died—and move to reinstall thermal scanners at V.C. Bird amid wider Ebola concerns; the Ministry says the public risk remains low, but ports of entry are being reinforced and mosquito control has been intensified. Tourism Momentum: Early-2026 stay-over arrivals are up 6.7% year-on-year in the first quarter, with January, February and March all posting gains, and Barbuda’s Caribana 2026 is now in full swing with music, pageantry and cultural events. Health System Review: Health Minister Michael Joseph has started a strategic review of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre operations, focusing on staffing, administration and service delivery. Governance Debate: The UPP is calling to restructure Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, arguing the current setup can’t properly scrutinise government spending. Culture & Sport: Caribana opens in Barbuda; and regional cricket headlines continue to ripple after Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force ended a 20-year wait for the West Indies Championship.

Public Health Alert: Antigua and Barbuda confirmed two imported malaria cases after a traveller died, and the Ministry of Health is intensifying mosquito control and port screening while stressing the public risk remains low; officials also flagged possible temporary travel restrictions tied to Ebola outbreak areas and said enhanced airport screening is being upgraded. Tourism Push: Tourism numbers keep climbing—stayovers rose 7% in Q1—and the country is leaning harder into partnerships and biodiversity tourism, with OICP urging tourism to catch up beyond the marine focus. Governance & Parliament: The UPP wants a reshaped Public Accounts Committee to restore real scrutiny, while government says major reform bills are coming to Parliament soon. Local Life: Caribana 2026 is underway in Barbuda with a packed weekend schedule, and the ABWU backed mental health and lupus awareness through new partnerships and workshops.

Imported Malaria Alert: Antigua confirmed two imported malaria cases, including one death, and says the overall public risk remains low—while health teams intensify mosquito control with larviciding, fogging, and source reduction. Ebola Preparedness: At the same time, the Health Ministry is preparing temporary travel restrictions for people who were in designated Ebola outbreak areas within the past 45 days, alongside upgraded port screening and plans to reinstall thermal cameras at V.C. Bird International. Parliament Watch: The UPP is pushing to restructure the Public Accounts Committee, arguing the current government-heavy setup can’t properly scrutinise spending. Governance Pipeline: Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga says major reform bills are set for Parliament’s second meeting, including updates to petroleum, tribunals, economic crime, and public officers’ conduct. Tourism & Culture: Caribana 2026 kicks off in Barbuda with a packed schedule, while officials tout a 7% rise in stayovers and urge tourism to better cash in on the island’s unique wildlife.

Infectious-Disease Alert: Antigua and Barbuda is stepping up port-of-entry health screening this weekend after WHO flagged Ebola as a Public Health Emergency, with Cabinet backing upgraded Port Health Unit operations, tighter traveler travel-history checks for the past 21 days, and added surveillance for people who may have transited through affected areas. Health Watch: The Ministry has also confirmed two imported malaria cases, and officials say an Infectious Disease Centre is being readied as a precaution. Tourism Momentum: Tourism numbers keep climbing—Antigua and Barbuda recorded 110,832 stayover visitors in Q1, up 7% year-on-year, with March leading at +8%. Land Administration: Cabinet approved the Barbuda Land Registry, targeting an August 31, 2026 launch and central management through Antigua’s system. Community & Sports: The Rotary Club of Antigua ran a mental health workshop at IBWSS, while the Super 40 final is set for Saturday at the Antigua Recreation Ground after a rain-related postponement.

Panama Canal Leadership: President José Raúl Mulino named Ilya Espino de Marotta as the Panama Canal’s first female administrator, starting Oct. 1, as traffic rises and El Niño risks loom. Regional Cooperation: Cultural emergency specialists are meeting in St. Maarten this week to strengthen how the Caribbean protects heritage during crises. UN Decolonization: The UN C-24 Caribbean seminar gets underway in Managua May 25–27, with a June 15–26 follow-up in New York. Sports Politics: Wavell Hinds is pressing the Government over a promised J$100m youth cricket investment, saying the Jamaica Cricket Association has received only J$7.4m so far. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda’s CTM 2026 push is tied to record growth—110,832 stay-over visitors in Q1 2026, up 6.7%—as CHOGM planning and sustainability partnerships ramp up. Senate Watch: Opposition leader Chester Hughes says the new Senate’s minority role will be research-led, not political theatre.

Parliament Power Shift: Antigua and Barbuda’s new Senate is now fully taking shape, with Chester Hughes sworn in as Minority Leader and vowing “research-driven” opposition—promising tough, principled debate and respect when bills need to be sent back. Senate Opening Moments: Senators also marked the start with tributes, including a moment of silence for the late Mary-Clare Hurst, and fresh bench appointments that highlight more women and younger voices. Sports & Culture: On the home front, Fernando “Nando” Abraham says he entered the ABFA presidential race because he believes the earlier candidates can’t “take football forward,” while Peetron Thomas lands a Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards nomination. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda continues to push higher-value travel after CTM 2026, with visitor growth and new investment in the pipeline. Security Case: A Sutherlands man, Daquan George, was sentenced to four years after being found with an unlicensed gun and a large ammo cache.