AGP Executive Report

CBI Showdown with the EU: Antigua and Barbuda has formally replied to a European Union request to phase out its Citizenship by Investment Programme by June 1, 2028, arguing the move is tied to the EU’s revised Visa Suspension Mechanism and warning of major diplomatic and economic fallout. Third-Country Deportees Plan: The government says it is considering accepting some US non-national deportees, but only with “clear and commensurate” reciprocal benefits—especially restoring tourist visa privileges for Antiguans—while the UPP says it will consult residents before Parliament debates the white paper. Housing and Energy Financing: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says officials expect a visit from the US International Development Finance Corporation to discuss potential loans for affordable housing and renewable energy. Child Protection Push: Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner is calling for an urgent review of child protection laws after reports of child abuse topped 105 this year, following a case involving sexual abuse of a five-year-old. Regional Governance: The ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship is set to change on July 9, with outgoing chair Gaston Browne and incoming chair Dr Irving McIntyre. Sports & Culture: Justin Greaves’ 180 helped West Indies set up a likely draw in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua; Flow launched its “We Live For This” summer campaign tied to CPL and local events.

Child Protection Push: Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner says child abuse reports have climbed to 105 and calls for an urgent review of Antigua and Barbuda’s child protection laws after a sentencing that left the public questioning whether justice is being done. Community Safeguarding: The government will follow up with national child protection town halls, split into four zones, to discuss prevention, early detection, and the roles of families, schools, churches, and sports groups. CHOGM Security & Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 35th Regional Intelligence Heads meeting in St. John’s, linking regional security cooperation to CHOGM 2026 preparations; separately, Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene was commended for chairing CHOGM 2026 PrepCom communiqué talks in London. Housing & Energy Financing: PM Gaston Browne says officials are considering a US$100m Chinese loan—about US$40m for renewable energy and US$60m for housing—to scale up the housing drive as debt-to-GDP nears the 60% benchmark. ECCB Leadership Switch: A handing-over ceremony marks the change in chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council, with Antigua’s Gaston Browne handing over to Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre. Public Order Training: 32 police officers and soldiers from seven Caribbean countries graduated from a regional security public order training and instructors’ course at the ABDF facility, ahead of CHOGM-related responsibilities. UPP Consultation: The UPP says it will consult constituents before Parliament debates the government’s white paper on third-country deportees, citing missing official documentation. Health & Governance: Minister Michael Joseph toured the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, praising traceability and oversight systems, and a separate workshop at AUA linked soil health to chronic disease prevention. Regional Mobility & Travel: Reports note a decline in travel to the US by Bahamians and other Caribbean nationals, while Antigua-linked flight disruptions were also reported around London Gatwick.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka (2nd Test): Shai Hope and Justin Greaves rescued the hosts with an unbeaten 174-run stand, taking West Indies to 318-4 by the end of day three, still 229 behind Sri Lanka’s 549-9 declared; the pair moved within reach of avoiding the follow-on. Visa Pressure on Antigua & Barbuda: Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged the US to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antiguans and Barbudans, saying Washington is still reviewing the impact on travel, education and medical access. Public Safety & Youth Intervention: Prime Minister Gaston Browne said former gang members have graduated from ABICE, framing the skills training as proof intervention can steer at-risk youth away from crime. CARICOM Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne heads to the 51st CARICOM Heads meeting in Saint Lucia, with talks expected to cover regional security, climate finance, reparations, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Regional Health Cooperation: Barbados Kidney Association says deeper Caribbean organ-transplant collaboration could expand access and reduce patients needing treatment overseas. Sports Diplomacy: Cricket West Indies met China’s ambassador to explore a high-performance campus at Coolidge, linking infrastructure plans to international partnership.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka (2nd Test): Sri Lanka piled up 549/9 declared at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, then reduced Antigua’s hosts to 58/1 at stumps—still 491 runs behind—setting up a huge Day 3 as West Indies try to claw back. U.S. visa pressure on the region: Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Washington should reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominican nationals “at the soonest opportunity,” with Antigua and Barbuda also named among those impacted as diplomatic talks continue. Third-country nationals white paper: Antigua and Barbuda’s government says it wants blanket U.S. visa restrictions lifted before it agrees to accept third-country nationals moved from the U.S., arguing goodwill can’t replace legal and resource realities. CHOGM security drills: Police and government are preparing for major CHOGM security lockdown exercises, including islandwide operations that may bring temporary road closures. Booby Alley redevelopment: Final preparations are underway for the official opening of the Booby Alley Redevelopment Project, with officials stressing long-term services like parking, sewage, waste, lighting, and maintenance. CWI looks outward: Cricket West Indies met China’s ambassador to explore a high-performance campus at Coolidge, and also announced a strategic advisory engagement with Teneo to support long-term sustainability. Scam warnings: PM Gaston Browne warned the public about a fake investment video using his image and voice, urging people to verify offers through official channels. Justice and security capacity: Regional RSS officers completed prosecution training, and CARPHA inaugurated a Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen public health emergency response across 26 member states.

CHOGM Security Prep: Police have started a public awareness push for next week’s Hard Lockdown Security Exercise, warning of temporary road closures, restricted security zones and traffic diversions as Antigua and Barbuda test readiness ahead of CHOGM 2026. Third-Country Nationals White Paper: Government says it will publish a White Paper on potential relocation of U.S. third-country nationals, arguing for sovereignty, legal responsibility and limited public capacity, and says the document will be tabled for debate in Parliament during a special session the week of July 13. U.S. Visa Pressure Response: Prime Minister Browne warns the public that U.S. visa restrictions were meant to pressure Antigua, while the government calls for blanket visa restrictions on Antiguans to be lifted before it accepts any deportees. Fraud Alerts: PM Browne warns of a fake investment video using his image and voice; UWI also issued a warning about a fraudulent website collecting personal data. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders open their 51st summit in St. Lucia with a push for a more united front. Cricket (Antigua): Sri Lanka piled on to 549-9 declared in the second Test, with Dinusha and Kusal Mendis driving the charge, as West Indies closed on 58-1.

CHOGM Security Prep: Police have started a public awareness push for next week’s Hard Lockdown Security Exercise, warning of temporary road closures, restricted security zones and traffic diversions as officers test readiness ahead of CHOGM 2026. Third-Country Nationals White Paper: Government says it will publish a White Paper on potential relocation of U.S.-removed third-country nationals, stressing sovereignty, legal responsibility and limited public capacity, and calling for blanket U.S. visa restrictions on Antiguans to be lifted before any cooperation. PM Fraud Alert: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warned residents about a fake investment video using his image and voice, promising guaranteed weekly earnings and urging people to ignore the scam. Public Health Capacity: CARPHA inaugurated a Regional Emergency Operations Centre for 26 member states, funded by the EU, to coordinate outbreak and disaster response across the region. Local Governance & Services: Officials are in final preparations for the Booby Alley Redevelopment opening, including plans for parking, sewage, waste collection and long-term maintenance. Education & Youth: Grade Six National Assessment results highlight top performers, while government also begins discussions on possible social media access limits for children under 16. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies offers free admission for ladies at the second Test, and CWI announced a strategic advisory engagement with Teneo to support its long-term transformation.

Third-Country Nationals White Paper: Government says it will publish a White Paper on proposed U.S. third-country national relocation, stressing any cooperation would be case-by-case and “non-binding,” while Antigua and Barbuda will only consider transfers if Washington agrees to cover full costs (reception, housing, healthcare, welfare, security and onward travel) and, separately, the U.S. lifts blanket visa restrictions for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens. CHOGM Security Prep: Police have started a public awareness campaign ahead of next Friday’s Hard Lockdown Security Exercise, warning of temporary road closures, restricted security zones and traffic diversions. Healthcare Governance: The Governor-General swore in the new Board of Directors for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre at Government House. Youth & Education: Education officials celebrated 2026 Grade Six National Assessment results, with Denushka H. Gibbs top nationally and Necasia B. Ralph third overall (top government primary). Children’s Social Media: Government has begun discussions on possible social media restrictions for children under 16, with no formal policy decision yet. Utilities & Development: APUA marks 53 years of electricity, water and telecom service, with renewed talk of transformation and renewable energy. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Cricket West Indies hired Teneo to support CWI’s long-term sustainability; locally, Antigua hosts the second Test where Sri Lanka ended Day 1 on 338/5 after Lahiru Udara’s maiden century (188) and Kamindu Mendis’ 84.

U.S. Deportees White Paper: Antigua and Barbuda has published details of its December 2025 non-binding MoU with Washington on possible third-country nationals removed from the U.S., stressing it creates no obligation to accept anyone and that any transfer must come with a binding written commitment that the U.S. (or an approved agency) pays full costs for reception, housing, healthcare, welfare, security and onward travel. Visa-Restriction Demand: The government says it will seek removal of blanket U.S. visa restrictions affecting Antiguan and Barbudan citizens as a reciprocal benefit before any cooperation proceeds. Immigration Amnesty: The 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme opened July 2, offering undocumented residents until September to regularise status, with eligibility limits for repeat amnesty applicants. Public Safety Crackdown: Cabinet announced a tougher police campaign against illegal ski masks in public, with removal orders for people found wearing them outside legitimate work purposes. Youth & Education: ABCAS held its inaugural graduation for more than 200 students, while the Ecclesiastical Commission and UWIFIC launched a Caribbean-focused lifelong learning series. Sports & Community: ABAVA named its ECVA U20 beach volleyball teams for July 10–12 in St. Kitts, and the Antigua Cup youth football tournament kicks off July 5.

Ecclesiastical-Education Partnership: The Ecclesiastical Commission and UWI Five Islands signed an MOU launching a Caribbean theology and public leadership lifelong learning series, with a first 10-week protocol course aimed at preparing church leaders for state functions including CHOGM. Youth Health & Learning: Kiwanis’ “Bright Eyes” initiative is already providing eye exams and glasses for vulnerable students, while the OECS and partners rolled out a free, anonymous youth mental health and child protection chatline. Public Safety Crackdown: Cabinet and police announced tougher enforcement against illegal ski masks in public, warning officers will confiscate masks outside work-related use. Online Child Protection Talks: Government says Cabinet has started discussions on possible social media safeguards for children 16 and under, but no decision or ban is in place. Immigration Policy: Antigua and Barbuda launched its 2026 immigration amnesty, running to September, with eligibility limits and document requirements. Governance & Spending: Cabinet approved a EC$5.2m Carnival 2026 budget and moved to tighten oversight at the Festivals Commission amid earlier public concerns. Regional & International: Government published a White Paper on U.S. proposals involving third-country nationals, and Antigua was classified as a high-income economy by the World Bank. Sports & Society: West Indies Academy cricketer Shaqkere Parris was granted bail after a battery charge in Antigua.

CHOGM Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority says it has completed two tabletop security exercises at VC Bird International ahead of CHOGM 2026, testing emergency coordination with law enforcement, NODS, airlines and other stakeholders. Immigration Amnesty: The 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme opened July 1, running to Sept. 30, offering eligible residents a path to regularise status, with EC$500 processing and EC$150 change-of-status fees and police records required. Health Policy: Minister Michael Joseph is pushing a “Food as Medicine, Soil as Health” approach, linking soil, nutrition and environment to disease prevention, and he also congratulated ABEMS’ Brandon Browne on a Master’s in Acute Medicine. Regional Security: Antigua backed stronger regional intelligence cooperation at the 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting in St. John’s, warning of cross-border threats including cyber-enabled fraud. Reparations & Emancipation: ABRSC announced Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as the feature speaker for its Watchnight Gathering on July 31, as Emancipation observances ramp up. CARICOM Leadership: Philip J. Pierre assumed the CARICOM chair on July 1, pledging to bring regional decisions closer to everyday people.

CHOGM Security Push: Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority completed two tabletop security exercises at VC Bird International Airport (May 27 and June 17) to test emergency response and coordination ahead of CHOGM 2026 (Nov 1–4). Reparations & Emancipation: ABRSC announced Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as feature speaker for the Emancipation Watchnight Gathering on July 31 at the Botanical Gardens, with the full Emancipation observance calendar running to Aug 1. Immigration Amnesty: Immigration Department issued guidelines for a 2026 amnesty (July 1–Sept 30), requiring at least four years’ residence, police records, and fees, with applications handled via a numbered queue at Immigration HQ. Citizenship-by-Investment Scrutiny: A new academic study raises fresh questions about security vetting in Caribbean CBI programmes, warning banks may spot red flags after citizenship is granted. Regional Leadership: Sir Ronald Sanders assumed chairmanship of the OAS CIDI for a six-month term, prioritizing education, energy resilience, port security and maritime infrastructure. Local Labour Milestone: ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes graduated with an LLB from Arden University. Sports Tourism: Caribbean Corporate Games launched plans for an Antigua family activation weekend Aug 28–30 ahead of the main 2027 event.

Immigration & Citizenship: Opposition Senator Malaka Parker pushed for a modern, fair, humane immigration system and called for comprehensive reform of search warrant laws, warning that recurring amnesties leave non-nationals in limbo and that expanded police powers need stronger safeguards. Ports & Infrastructure: PM Browne says government is considering cutting down Rat Island to create more container space for a St John’s port expansion, while also exploring a geothermal undersea power link from Nevis—though key details like cost and approvals remain unclear. Tourism & Economy: Antigua and Barbuda is bracing for possible EU action on visa-free travel tied to the Citizenship by Investment Programme, as Browne seeks high-level talks and argues for electronic travel authorisation instead of visas. Governance & International Links: Antigua and Barbuda’s delegate was elected co-chair at the Basel Convention meeting in Geneva, and the Governor-General sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes. Regional & Institutions: OECS reappointed Dr Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, and CARICOM plans a meeting to address discrimination faced by Rastafarians across the region. Local Development: Antigua Slipway launched phase two of the Marine Railway redevelopment, with construction expected to begin late July.

Port Expansion Push: PM Gaston Browne says Government is considering cutting down Rat Island to create more land for container storage as St John’s port plans to grow into a bigger transshipment hub, but key details like cost and environmental approvals were not yet made public. Energy Plan: Antigua is also exploring an undersea geothermal power link from Nevis, aiming to reduce heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, though financing, timelines and approvals remain unclear. CIP Under Pressure: Browne warns Europe could tighten or withdraw visa-free access by year-end, citing concerns tied to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme and recent U.S. restrictions. Border Security Law: The Senate unanimously passed the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill 2026 to collect and share passenger data before travel to strengthen border security. Justice Reform Debate: Opposition Senator Malaka Parker urged tighter limits on new electronic search powers, arguing production orders should be as specific as traditional search warrants. Local Governance & Public Works: Motorists face overnight single-lane restrictions on All Saints Road, while Browne floated a school programme idea for students to help maintain public spaces. Crime Update: Police reported crime reports down by 158 cases year-on-year (Jan–May), alongside continued arrests and concerns about repeat offending. Sports & National Pride: Cricket West Indies marked Kemar Roach reaching 300 Test wickets, as West Indies prepare for the 2nd Test after a big win over Sri Lanka.

CHOGM Security Prep: Antigua’s National Security Planning Committee will run Exercise STRONGHOLD from July 8–10, with convoy drills, restricted access, and temporary road closures around key routes including the AUA area, northern hotels, and parts of St. John’s (Newgate to New Street; Parliament Drive to Corn Alley). Fatal Accidents Bill: Government senators passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, replacing the 1924 law and expanding dependents’ claims, including a statutory bereavement award up to EC$20,000; opposition senators pushed for inflation indexing and clearer scope beyond road crashes. Senate Update: Barbuda Council representative Fabian Jones was sworn in, completing the 17-member Senate; Alincia Williams-Grant remains President. Energy & Infrastructure: PM Gaston Browne says LNG shipments for the Crabbs Peninsula power plant could start within a month, while Antigua also moves toward an undersea electricity link with St. Kitts and Nevis. Regional & International: CARICOM is coordinating earthquake aid for Venezuela; India launched “Operation Amistad” relief. Public Services: Antigua is developing new flood forecasting procedures to predict impacts, not just rainfall. Local Governance & Economy: ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar peg with a July 1 panel discussion. Transport Grievance: LIAT delays in the region sparked complaints about poor updates, meals, and customer service.

CHOGM Security Prep: Antigua’s National Security Planning Committee will run Exercise STRONGHOLD July 8–10, with convoy drills and operational activity that will bring temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access around key routes including roads to AUA, northern hotels, Sir George Walter Highway, Sir Sydney Walling Highway, Old Parham Road, Friars Hill Road, and parts of St John’s. Senate Update: Barbuda Council representative Fabian Jones was sworn in as the final senator, completing the 17-member Upper House after the April 30 election. Fatal Accidents Bill: Government senators used their majority to pass the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, replacing the 1924 law and creating a new wrongful-death framework including a statutory bereavement award up to $20,000; opposition pushed for changes like inflation indexing. LNG Power Move: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua could start receiving LNG shipments within a month for the Crabbs Peninsula power plant, after dredging delays tied to hard rock. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Antigua pledged US$150,000 for Venezuela quake relief as CARICOM prepares a coordinated regional aid push. Census Slowdown: Officials say the national census is behind schedule and warn funding could be at risk if residents keep refusing participation. Education Quality Milestone: ABNAB marked 20 years of accreditation and quality assurance in higher education. Regional Labour Push: A UNI Americas official urged unions to modernize recruitment for youth and women, warning traditional methods are losing relevance. Transparency Clash: An opposition senator alleges the Integrity in Public Life and Freedom of Information laws are being ignored, with citizens not even getting responses. OECS Leadership: Browne took over as chair of the OECS Authority at its 78th meeting in Antigua.

Deportation Clash With Washington: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will not accept third-country deportees unless they’re thoroughly vetted, repeating that the country has “enough” LGBTQ individuals and won’t take additional LGBTQ asylum seekers or refugees under any U.S. deal. Transparency Under Fire: Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner alleges the Integrity in Public Life, Freedom of Information, and Finance Administration laws are being ignored, with citizens getting no replies from ministries. Flood Forecasting Upgrade: Antigua is developing new flood forecasting and warning procedures, shifting focus from predicting rainfall to predicting real-world impacts, with work underway on standard operating procedures and an Urban Flash Flood Information System. EU Visa-Free Pressure: Browne says the government is pushing for high-level talks to preserve EU visa-free access, while insisting CIP will continue even if travel privileges are withdrawn. Port Expansion Plan: Government says it will cut down Rat Island to reclaim land for major St. John’s Port expansion and boost container storage capacity. Regional Finance Milestone: ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar peg with a panel discussion next week. Humanitarian Aid: Antigua and Barbuda pledges US$150,000 to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes. Tourism Ownership Push: Browne outlines a public-private partnership model for Yepton Beach so locals can own a stake, not just foreign operators.