AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness Clash: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales pressed Government to spell out its plan after Antigua and Barbuda joined regional Ebola screening and visa-waiver changes, arguing citizens deserve clear protection measures. Deportation Talks Stall: Negotiations with the United States over accepting third-country deportees reportedly hit an impasse, with PM Gaston Browne insisting Antigua and Barbuda will not compromise national security and only consider tightly vetted numbers. Pension Pressure: The Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association is pushing for a “livable pension” and food vouchers as inflation squeezes retirees on fixed incomes. Disaster Readiness: NODS released the 2026 hurricane shelter list (46 shelters across 17 districts), while Red Cross volunteers completed advanced community resilience training and BRICS steering talks advanced regional disaster resilience. Tourism Policy Push: CHTA called for a broader way to measure tourism’s real value—beyond visitor spend—using domestic capture and wider economic, people, and environmental impacts. Sports & Youth: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home schedule and launched free entry for kids 16 and under; Antigua’s Commonwealth Games Association confirmed a Glasgow 2026 plan, and a fast-bowling assessment camp starts in Antigua. Justice System Scrutiny: A former police commissioner challenged the DPP over the discontinuation of a major cannabis importation case, while the DPP cited the accused’s advanced cancer. Infrastructure & Safety: Works on All Saints Road bring overnight detours, and traffic policing commentary focused on driver behaviour on newly paved roads.

Ebola Preparedness Clash: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales pressed Government to spell out its plan for Ebola protection after Antigua and Barbuda moved to halt visa waivers for travellers from African nations and introduced screening, arguing citizens need clear, detailed safeguards. Digital Resilience Push: Desiree Zachariah represented Antigua and Barbuda at a UN ECLAC workshop in Belize on digital resilience, focusing on “data embassies” and how to keep public services running during crises. Tourism Leadership Loss: Ministers and industry figures paid tribute to tourism pioneer Theodore “Ted” Isaac, highlighting decades of work shaping Antigua’s hospitality sector. Hurricane Readiness: Flow/Liberty Caribbean said it is ready for the 2026 hurricane season, stressing resilient communications and rapid response. Cricket & National Spotlight: Cricket West Indies released the 2026 home season schedule, with Antigua hosting a two-match Test series vs Sri Lanka and later ODIs vs New Zealand. Infrastructure & Safety: Works on All Saints Road triggered an overnight detour, while traffic policing coverage focused on speeding and careless driving on newly paved roads. Public Health Warnings: Medics renewed concerns about vaping, saying it is not safer than cigarettes and can expose users to harmful chemicals and nicotine.

Cricket & National Pride: Cricket West Indies has confirmed the 2026 Men’s home season, running June 3 to Aug 6, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting a key two-Test stretch vs Sri Lanka (June 25–29 and July 3–7) as part of the “WI OUTSIDE!” push. Regional Governance & Justice: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced the appointment of Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026—an important leadership change for the OECS legal system. Public Health & Safety: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet has halted visa waivers for travelers from African nations amid Ebola concerns, while health officials also renewed warnings about vaping and its risks to young people. Disaster Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 Hurricane Shelter List, confirming 46 shelters across 17 disaster districts. Politics & Society: Former Senator Mary-Clare Hurst was laid to rest with tributes highlighting her trailblazing role as the first female ABLP General Secretary and her long public service. Local Development: The government says it will engage local banks as it weighs the Butterfield Bank bid to acquire CIBC Caribbean, with completion expected in 2027.

Youth Leadership & Governance: Newly elected NYPAAB president Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan to expand the National Youth Parliament’s roles, revive committees, and strengthen finances and operations. Road Safety Reality Check: Traffic Corporal Brendan Sutherland says smoother highways are being treated like an excuse to speed, with officers pushing back on the “reckless” label and focusing on rule-breaking overtaking and careless driving. Hurricane Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 National Hurricane Shelter List—46 shelters across 17 districts—plus district disaster coordinators’ contacts for residents to plan ahead. Public Health Warnings: The Met Office links heatwaves to rising domestic abuse risk, while medics warn vaping is not safer than cigarettes, citing nicotine and toxic inhalation risks. Justice System: The DPP withdrew a terminal cancer-related drug case, and a former senator, Mary-Clare Hurst, was laid to rest with official tributes. ECSC Leadership: King Charles III appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Ebola Border Moves: Cabinet halted visa waivers for travellers from African nations and tightened entry disclosures amid the outbreak. Sports & National Pride: West Indies cricket ramps up for the Sri Lanka ODI series with Shai Hope stressing “attention to detail,” while CWI’s home schedule and an Ottis Gibson fast-bowling camp keep Antigua at the centre of the action.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism leaders and ministers from across the region opened a record post-pandemic gathering in Manhattan under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen connectivity, resilience, and a unified Caribbean tourism voice. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let travellers book on one ticket with checked baggage to final destinations, linking Antigua with French Caribbean routes and onward connections to Paris. Local Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort officially launched in Antigua with a $200m buildout, pitching “quiet luxury” and green features including desalination, AI services, and an on-water chapel. Public Safety Alert: Authorities are responding to a major fuel leak at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility, with multiple agencies working to contain the spill and protect residents and the environment. Healthcare Pressure: Health Minister Michael Joseph warned of rising kidney disease, cancer, and cardiac cases, citing costly overseas treatment and pushing to operationalize a cardiac unit and cancer care centre. Education & Security: A&BUT president says schools are still missing legally mandated 24-hour security and security cameras, leaving teachers and students exposed. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies launched a High-Performance Fast Bowling Assessment Camp in Antigua for 12 talents led by Ottis Gibson, while West Indies Academy players departed for a Sri Lanka tour. Justice & Rights: The Privy Council is set to hear a landmark appeal on Caribbean anti-gay laws, with potential implications across multiple Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Border & Integration: CARICOM immigration chiefs heard a warning that xenophobia at the counter is undermining Caribbean integration, with an Antigua officer stressing travellers “do belong” and that fear of jobs is misplaced. Disability & Work: Good Humans 268 Inc. urged Antigua’s corporate sector to move from pity to hiring disabled citizens, calling for stronger enforcement and dedicated disability structures. Education Accountability: The A&B Union of Teachers says schools are still finishing the term without 24-hour security and promised camera upgrades, arguing the Education Act and collective bargaining obligations are being ignored. Health System Strain: The Health Minister says kidney disease, cancer and overcrowded emergency rooms are rising, pointing to costly overseas referrals and pushing for the cardiac unit and cancer centre to open soon. Environment Emergency: Authorities are responding to a major fuel leak at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility, with multiple agencies mobilised to contain risk and protect residents. Aviation & Connectivity: Antigua hosted a major civil aviation directors meeting under ICAO/ECCAA, while LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal to improve regional travel on one ticket. Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort officially launched at $200M, pitching “quiet luxury” and green tech as part of Tourism Vision 2030. Public Health Warning on Vaping: Advocates marked World No Tobacco Day by warning that Caribbean youth are being targeted by flavours and online sales, with nicotine risks and policy gaps. Cricket & National Pride: West Indies named a 15-player ODI squad for Sri Lanka, with Antigua’s Alzarri Joseph returning and Shimron Hetmyer reintegrated ahead of June matches.

Refugee Policy: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will accept only 10 third-country nationals, including refugees, from the U.S. each year—insisting Washington must guarantee proper background checks and valid travel documents. CHOGM 2026 Prep: The CHOGM task force met to track accreditation, accommodation, security, transport, communications and protocol, with a key recce set for June 7–13 and accreditation training starting in June. Crime & Justice Tech: Crime Scene Director LaToya Lake-Marshall says fingerprint upgrades are coming, and she will lobby for supporting legislation, alongside a forensic lab rollout and a move toward a regional criminal database. Cricket Governance & Scheduling: ABCA president Leon “Kuma” Rodney rejects claims of rifts with clubs, saying support was declined due to insufficient notice for the T20 Premier League. West Indies ODI Squad: CWI named a 15-man ODI squad for Sri Lanka (June 3–8, Sabina Park) led by Shai Hope, with returns including Alzarri Joseph and Shimron Hetmyer. Youth Vaping Pushback: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights how Caribbean teens can buy vapes easily via shops and social media, with calls for faster policy action. Climate & Food Security: Experts warn El Niño drought could hit key crops and drive up food prices, stressing urgent water and farming support. Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York opens June 1 with regional tourism leaders and ministers meeting under the “One Caribbean” theme.

Tourism Investment: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with PM Gaston Browne pitching ultra-luxury stays and promising better pay for hotel workers as the country pushes Vision 2030 tourism growth. Regional Aviation: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, while commentary argues the wider market is rebuilding around Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. Public Safety & Justice: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit says fingerprint upgrades are coming, alongside a push for supporting fingerprint legislation and a forensic lab ramp-up; separately, a long-running passport fraud case involving suspended officer Ray John remains unresolved after years in court. Governance & Oversight: ECCAA opened its expanded V.C. Bird headquarters complex to strengthen Eastern Caribbean aviation oversight and move toward FAA reassessment. Crime Update: A daylight ambush near Antigua Street and Barbados Avenue left a man dead and a woman injured, with police investigating the attackers’ identities. Sports (Local Pride): St. George MP Michael Freeland congratulated Shawnisha Hector on her West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup selection. Health & Youth Policy: A new push highlights how vaping is spreading faster than Caribbean policy, warning that “nicotine-free” products can still normalize vaping. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years of border-focused crime and security work amid rising pressure on regional frontiers.

Regional Aviation Realignment: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, effective June 1—right as Caribbean Airlines exits Dominica, St. Kitts and Ogle-Suriname and cuts frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Crime & Justice Tech Upgrade: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit is moving toward fingerprint capability upgrades and a criminal database, while leadership pushes for the legislation needed to match new forensic tools. Tourism Investment Push: Government broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching ultra-luxury positioning and pledging better pay for hotel workers alongside Vision 2030 tourism goals. Border Security & Public Health: Cabinet tightened entry rules by ending visa waivers for all African travelers and requiring fuller travel-history disclosure amid Ebola vigilance. Diplomacy Appointments: Two former MPs were named ambassadors-at-large as part of a post-election diplomatic service review. Sports (Local Pride): Shawnisha Hector made the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad; Shai Hope urged “attention to detail” ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI series. Regional Security Milestone: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years of operations, with leaders stressing shared responsibility to protect borders.

Women’s Cricket: Cricket West Indies named a 15-member West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad, with Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector included, as the team targets powerplay impact and control in English conditions. Tourism & Investment: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching “quiet luxury” and staff pay as part of Vision 2030 tourism growth. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marked 20 years of border-focused crime fighting, with Antigua hosting chiefs of immigration and customs to sharpen fraud and cross-border response. Policing & Justice: Antigua’s Crime Scene unit says fingerprint upgrades and a criminal database are next after receiving the IBIS BRASSTRAX system. Public Health: Government says free corneal replacement surgeries are coming via a new US partnership, with initial procedures expected soon. Border Biosecurity: Cabinet tightened Ebola-related travel rules, requiring fuller travel histories for African applicants. Diplomacy: Two former MPs were appointed ambassadors-at-large to strengthen the diplomatic service after the April 30 election. Infrastructure: ECCAA opened an expanded airport headquarters complex at V.C. Bird to boost regional aviation oversight. Sports Local: MP Michael Freeland celebrated Hector’s World Cup selection. Crime Update: A daylight ambush near the Defence Force base left one man dead and a woman injured.

Long Bay Zen Resort: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on a US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as “quiet luxury” with wellness, sustainability and AI-style services, while the government links the project to Vision 2030 tourism goals and better pay for hotel workers. Diplomacy & Appointments: Cabinet approved two ambassadors-at-large—Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah—after the April 30 general elections, as the government continues a diplomatic service review. ICT, Utilities & Energy: Minister Melford Nicholas says his ministry will push a unified 2026 plan focused on teamwork, efficiency and improved public service delivery. Healthcare Access: Government announced free corneal replacement surgeries via a US partnership, with five procedures expected first, alongside broader plans to expand specialist eye care. Border & Public Health: Cabinet tightened Ebola-related entry rules by halting visa waivers for African travelers and requiring full 45-day travel histories, while health authorities monitor Ebola and imported malaria risks regionally. Security & Crime: A daylight ambush near Antigua Street/Barbados Avenue left a man dead and a woman injured, with police investigating the attackers. Sports: West Indies named a 15-player women’s T20 World Cup squad, including Antiguan Shawnisha Hector, and set home-series plans for 2026 Tests in Antigua. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to boost Caribbean-to-Europe travel on one ticket.

Ebola Border Clampdown: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet has halted visa waivers for all African travellers, requiring applicants to disclose full travel history for the past 45 days as part of heightened biosecurity. Regional Border Security: Immigration and Customs chiefs say Antigua is emerging as a pre-vetting hub for transit travellers, while CARICOM data presented in Antigua shows free movement is not driving mass migration waves. Healthcare Access Push: Cabinet approved a partnership to bring free corneal replacement surgeries via a US MoU, with five procedures expected first, and also backed plans for a specialized cognitive behavioural centre for autism and neurodivergent support. Tourism & Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort broke ground in Antigua, a US$200m luxury project featuring sustainability and “AI butler” services, framed as part of Vision 2030 tourism delivery. Diplomacy Appointments: Cabinet approved two new Ambassadors-at-Large, including Samantha Marshall. Sports Spotlight: Shawnisha Hector was named to the West Indies Women’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, while Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season schedule, with Tests vs Sri Lanka and Pakistan including matches at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

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.