AGP Executive Report

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.

Citizenship by Investment: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will keep its CIP running even if the EU ends visa-free Schengen access, arguing the programme is too important for non-tax revenue and pushing for a high-level EU rethink. Third-country deportees: Browne also hit back on U.S. pressure for a deportee arrangement, saying Washington is holding “a gun to our heads” and that Antigua won’t accept criminals or people with serious health conditions. Public safety: Browne called for tougher police action against young chain snatchers, urging officers to “put some blows” on suspects. Tourism & development: Government unveiled a revised Jolly Beach plan to preserve about 200 rooms while carving out roughly 20 acres for a major private hotel investment. Energy & industry: Browne announced plans to acquire a large solar plant within 24 months and said a local brewery should start operations in early 2027. Humanitarian: Antigua and Barbuda pledged US$150,000 to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes. Sports (local pride): West Indies’ Kemar Roach marked 300 Test wickets as the team beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

OECS Cost-of-Living Push: PM Gaston Browne says the OECS is studying cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic, including possible suspension of the Common External Tariff on selected basics to cut household prices. U.S. Deportees Clash: Browne warns the U.S. is pressuring Antigua and Barbuda with “a gun to our heads” over a third-country deportee deal, saying the government will not accept criminals or people with serious health conditions without safeguards. Energy & LNG: The government plans to acquire a major solar plant within 24 months and is also moving to restart LNG shipments after resolving a costly dispute with contractors, with the first ship expected within 30 days. EU Visa-Free Threat: Browne says the EU has warned it could end visa-free access for Antigua and Barbuda and the OECS by year-end over concerns tied to Citizenship by Investment. Humanitarian Aid: Antigua and Barbuda pledges US$150,000 to Venezuela earthquake relief, citing shared solidarity after Hurricane Irma. UN Gender Rights Win: Sheila Roseau elected to CEDAW, adding another UN leadership role for Antigua and Barbuda. Local Governance & Business: Barbuda Council chair John Mussington warns a $1 freehold offer could trigger loss of thousands of acres; Celia Samuel elected president of the Chamber of Commerce. Sports: Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase set a Test record with a 401-run sixth-wicket stand vs Sri Lanka as West Indies take control.

Humanitarian Response: Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Antigua and Barbuda will send US$150,000 to support Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, citing the help Venezuela gave during Hurricane Irma. Government & Governance: The administration defended Prime Minister Browne’s lifetime use of “The Right Honourable,” pointing to a Vice-Regal Warrant from December 2025 and new national protocol rules. UN & Rights: Gender equality advocate Sheila Roseau was elected to the UN CEDAW committee, giving Antigua and Barbuda another high-profile role in global women’s rights monitoring. Private Sector & Labour: Celia Samuel was elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for 2026–2027, while Hammock Cove workers elected the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union as their bargaining agent, including a July 2026 wage increase. Tax Transparency: Antigua and Barbuda signed an updated OECD agreement expanding automatic financial account information sharing under the Common Reporting Standard. Immigration Talks: Cabinet confirmed negotiations with the US on third-country nationals have resumed after Antigua and Barbuda submitted counter-proposals, with due diligence and criminal-background exclusions highlighted. Barbuda Land Warning: Barbuda Council chair John Mussington warned that a $1 freehold offer could trigger loss of thousands of acres under lease clauses tied to major development plans. Regional Diplomacy: The government says it’s continuing to push back against EU concerns over Citizenship by Investment, arguing Antigua and Barbuda’s rules remain among the strictest in the region.

Honorific Rules: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been granted the lifetime style “The Right Honourable” under new national protocol rules issued via Vice-Regal Warrant. UN Gender Rights: Sheila Roseau was elected to the UN CEDAW committee, giving Antigua and Barbuda a major role in monitoring women’s rights implementation worldwide. Third-Country Deportees Talks: Cabinet says negotiations with the United States on accepting limited non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees have resumed, with Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders leading and due diligence and criminal-background exclusions reaffirmed. OECD Tax Transparency: Antigua and Barbuda signed an updated OECD agreement expanding automatic financial account information sharing under the Common Reporting Standard. Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams won the 2026 Tourism Youth Congress and has been named Junior Minister of Tourism, with a regional competition next. Labour Rights at Hammock Cove: Workers at Hammock Cove Resort & Spa elected the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union as bargaining agent, including a stated hourly wage increase effective 1 July 2026. Regional Funding Move: Cabinet approved raising the passenger head tax by US$10 to US$50 to help fund key Eastern Caribbean institutions. Youth Enterprise in Barbuda: ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsored a Barbuda entrepreneurship workshop for ages 13–16, supported by EU funding. OECS/Regional Development: Government is pushing the Fort James Renaissance Park project with coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design underway.

Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams has been named Antigua and Barbuda’s new Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the 2026 National Tourism Youth Congress, earning the right to represent the country regionally in Guyana. Fort James Renaissance Park: Cabinet has moved the Fort James project forward by engaging a company for a coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design. US Deportees Talks: Negotiations with the United States on accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees have resumed after Antigua and Barbuda submitted counter-proposals, with Cabinet backing PM Gaston Browne’s negotiating position and stressing strict due diligence. Citizenship by Investment Pressure: EU concerns over citizenship by investment persist even after legislative changes across the region, and Antigua says it will keep raising the issue through official channels. Mental Health Support: The OECS’ first free, anonymous, text-based youth mental health and child protection chatline, Young Caribbean Minds, launched in partnership with UNICEF, UWI and the OECS Commission. Regional Finance Move: Antigua and Barbuda approved a US$10 increase in the passenger head tax to US$50, earmarked to help fund key regional institutions. Sports: West Indies closed day two of the first Test on 271/5 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 308, with Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase steering the chase.

Youth Mental Health Push: Antigua and Barbuda launched the OECS’ first free, anonymous Young Caribbean Minds chatline, shaped by consultations with 1,000+ young people and paired with a youth survey report feeding into the Mental Health Care Bill. Regional Justice & Security: Antigua and Barbuda met France’s Liaison Judge to explore a bilateral agreement on extradition and cooperation against transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and illicit drug trafficking. OECS Leadership: Heads of Government reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term as OECS Director General, backing his work on integration priorities. Courts & Bench: OECS leaders agreed to raise the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70. Public Finance & Social Policy: Cabinet confirmed expanding the windfall profits tax to all companies earning over EC$1 million, with proceeds earmarked for free tertiary education. Health Services: Government will expand mammogram access by adding a second screening location, with a new machine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the existing unit moved to Villa Polyclinic. Housing: China signed phase two of a housing project delivering 100 homes across Bolans and Barbuda. Tourism & Economy: Cabinet approved a public-private partnership to develop a new Yepton’s hotel, aiming to boost local ownership and investment. Sports & Local Life: A Vincentian charged after a road incident involving cyclist Tahje Browne pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing; and West Indies’ Test match vs Sri Lanka continued at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Disaster Preparedness: MSUT Minister Rawdon Turner and NODS Director Sherrod James will represent Antigua and Barbuda at a CDEMA Council of Ministers meeting in Trinidad & Tobago to set regional disaster-risk priorities. Tourism & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda has been nominated for the World Culinary Awards’ “Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2026,” with locals urged to vote. Labour & Rights: UNI’s Trevor Johnson says collective bargaining is the most practical way to deliver stable, productive workplaces—clear terms for workers and employers. Tourism Investment: Cabinet approved a public-private partnership to develop a new Yepton’s beachfront hotel, with up to EC$40 million from government-linked entities and local investors, potentially supported by CIP. Health Funding: Green Climate Fund money is secured to renovate or rebuild 10 clinics, but drawdowns are delayed by donor pre-qualification and missing old drawings. Regional Aviation Fees: Passenger head tax for international travellers rises from US$40 to US$50 to help fund ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Sports & Development: Cricket West Indies will begin procurement for an Antigua High Performance Centre and plans a full-time cricket academy. Road Safety: Police and officials renewed calls to curb speeding after cyclist Tahje Browne was hit-and-run injured. Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda formally established diplomatic relations with Honduras via a joint communiqué.

Passenger Tax Boost: Antigua and Barbuda will raise the passenger head tax on international travellers by US$10 (from US$40 to US$50), with the extra money earmarked for regional obligations like the ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. OECS-US Deportees Talks: OECS leaders agreed to form a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the United States over accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees, with Antigua’s PM Browne stressing national security and limits on any numbers. Mental Health Policy Move: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the OAS adoption of the Declaration on Improving Mental Health in the Americas, pushing mental health as a development and human rights issue. Maritime Safety Push: WiMAC’s Antigua and Barbuda chapter marked Day of the Seafarer by calling for safer maritime workplaces, zero-tolerance harassment frameworks, and better reporting systems. Cycling Road Safety: National cyclist Tahje Browne remains hospitalised after a hit-and-run on Sir Sydney Walling Highway; police and officials renewed warnings on speeding and phone use. Regional Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies says procurement is starting for an Antigua High Performance Centre and a full-time academy, linking elite training with academics. UN Bid: Antigua-backed UN Secretary-General candidate María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés presented her priorities as the selection process advances. Venezuela Earthquake Aid Links: Reports from Venezuela confirm 32 deaths and 700+ injuries after twin quakes, with Caribbean solidarity including Antigua and Barbuda mentioned.

Road Safety Push: Police renewed warnings after a hit-and-run left national cyclist Tahje Browne seriously injured, with Traffic urging strict speed limits, no phone use, and respect for double white lines on key highways. Mental Health Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the OAS adoption of the Declaration on Improving Mental Health in the Americas, stressing mental health as a development and human rights issue and calling for hemispheric cooperation. OECS-US Deportees Talks: OECS leaders agreed to set up a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the United States over third-country nationals, with Prime Minister Godwin Friday warning of major security and sovereignty implications. Youth Mental Health Research: Minister Kiz Johnson met UNICEF ahead of a youth mental health study launch, where children and young people will directly shape pending mental health legislation. Cancer Centre Pressure: The Community Charitable Ministry plans a public action calling for the Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean to reopen, as patients seek local access to care. Courtroom Setback for ONDCP: The High Court dismissed ONDCP’s bid to forfeit over EC$172,000 seized from bodybuilder Kenroy Christian, citing failures to file proper witness statements and disclose admissible material. Disability Employment: Seven persons with disabilities were employed through the MSUT programme, with work spanning horticulture and therapy-related roles. Regional Labour Warning: UNI Global Union says Caribbean tech is outpacing outdated laws, leaving workers exposed where rules are unenforceable or poorly drafted. Sports & Community: ABCAS held a pathways summit for graduands ahead of its July 2 graduation, while local officials and groups continue pushing community development initiatives.

Disability & Jobs: Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation says seven persons with disabilities have gained employment through the MSUT programme, working in areas like seed propagation, landscaping, hydroponics, aquaponics and horticulture therapy, with ABAPD praising Minister Rawdon Turner. OECS Leadership & Trade: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration as Prime Minister Gaston Browne took over the OECS Authority chairmanship, pushing for stronger regional institutions and deeper trade links—especially with Latin America—while the OECS also seeks expanded trade with the Dominican Republic to lower import costs. Mental Health Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the OAS adoption of the Declaration on Improving Mental Health in the Americas, stressing mental health as a development and rights issue alongside climate and post-COVID pressures. Law & Order: The High Court dismissed ONDCP’s bid to forfeit EC$172,736.65 seized from bodybuilder Kenroy Christian, citing failures to meet legal requirements; separately, a Vincentian man was charged after a crash that seriously injured cyclist Tahje Browne. Migration Talks: PM Browne reiterated Antigua and Barbuda will not accept criminals under the US third-country nationals arrangement, while OECS moves to form an advisory team for negotiations. Cost of Living & Water: Browne warned water rates may need adjustment as subsidies reach about EC$40 million annually, and said the government owes WIOC over EC$6 million for fuel price support. Regional Climate Funding: Commonwealth SIDS can apply for grants up to US$200,000 under a new climate fund aimed at resilience, ocean health and sustainable energy.

Road Safety & Accountability: Police say Vincentian Kishroy Harry was charged after a June 20 hit-and-run that seriously injured cyclist Tahje Browne; he faces dangerous driving, no licence, and no insurance, and was stopped at V.C. Bird Airport after allegedly disposing of clothing. National Security & Migration: PM Gaston Browne told ABS he will not allow the U.S. to include criminals in the Third-Country Nationals arrangement, citing security risks while still cooperating. Courts & Anti-Money Laundering: The High Court dismissed ONDCP’s bid to forfeit EC$172,000 seized from bodybuilder Kenroy Christian, ruling the agency failed to meet the legal standard with admissible proof. OECS Leadership & Regional Trade: OECS Authority chairmanship rotated to Browne as leaders met in Antigua, with calls for stronger Latin America links—especially Panama—plus new regional institution-building. Cost of Living Pressure: Browne warned water rates may rise as the state subsidizes about EC$40m a year for desalination, and said Antigua owes WIOC over EC$6m for fuel-price support. Health Services: The Cancer Centre opening was pushed again to early fall/September due to repairs, unserviced equipment, and specialist staffing needs. Community & Inclusion: Seven persons with disabilities secured jobs through the MSUT programme, and Minister Kiz Johnson was named Women Political Leaders’ first Caribbean Country Ambassador.

OECS Leadership Shift: PM Gaston Browne took over the OECS Authority chairmanship from Dr. Godwin Friday as leaders pushed for stronger regional integration, resilience, and governance at the 78th meeting in Antigua. US Deportees Talks: The OECS also agreed to set up a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the United States over a request for member states to accept third-nation deportees. Trade & Latin America: Browne urged OECS states to deepen commercial ties with Spanish-speaking Latin America, spotlighting Panama as a gateway to expand trade and cut costs. Housing Pressure: Browne warned labour shortages could force the government to recruit construction workers overseas to hit its 5,000-homes-in-10-years target. Fuel Subsidy Strain: Browne said the government owes WIOC over EC$6 million as it continues subsidizing gasoline and diesel to shield households from global price swings. Crime Watch: Police Chief Everton Jeffers urged the public to break silence and report crime through trusted channels, even anonymously. Cancer Centre Delay: The Cancer Centre opening was pushed again to early fall/September due to structural repairs, unserviced equipment, and specialist staffing. Workers’ Gains: Epicurean workers secured wage increases and improved benefits under new collective bargaining agreements. Culture & Community: ABFC launched Panorama 2026 and presented EC$165,000 to the Pan Association after Pan in the City.

OECS Leadership Push: Prime Minister Gaston Browne took over the OECS Authority chair in Antigua, calling for bolder regional integration, a dedicated OECS airline, and stronger ties with Latin America—plus more Spanish fluency to unlock trade with Spanish-speaking markets. Regional Security & Integration: Incoming chairmanship remarks also highlighted climate resilience, food and energy security, and the need for faster, more effective regional cooperation. Crime & Community Reporting: Police Chief Everton Jeffers urged residents to break silence and report crime through trusted channels, even anonymously, to help get criminals off the street. Health System Delays: The Cancer Centre opening has been pushed again to early fall/September, with structural repairs, unserviced equipment, and specialist recruitment cited. Financial Crime Response: ONDCP, police, and the ECCB coordinated a cyber-fraud awareness effort under “Click. Call. Drain,” focused on prevention and intelligence-led policing. Housing Financing: Browne says government is pursuing a $100 million housing bond to scale construction toward 500 homes a year. Education Reform Debate: Browne floated capping funded CXC subjects and pushing university repeat-course costs onto students who fail. Inclusion Milestone: Seven persons with disabilities secured jobs through the MSUT programme after Cabinet approval. Tourism & Development: Browne also discussed Fort James Renaissance Park plans, including a marina and local investor priority.

OECS Leadership Shift: Prime Minister Gaston Browne officially takes the chair of the OECS Authority as outgoing chair Godwin Friday urges faster, practical regional integration, with a focus on air transport, energy security, development finance, and coordinated responses to migration and security. Deportation Limits: Browne says Antigua and Barbuda has pushed back on U.S. deportee proposals, insisting on a cap of 10 individuals per year and rejecting any deal that could bring criminal elements. Regional Trade Push: Browne also calls for a more proactive OECS strategy toward Latin America, spotlighting Spanish fluency and using Panama as a transshipment and trade hub. Housing Finance: Browne says government is seeking a $100 million housing bond to scale construction toward 500 homes a year, citing financing and labour shortages. Education Funding Tweaks: He signals possible limits on how many CSEC subjects the state funds and backs students paying to repeat failed university courses. Fort James Renaissance Park: Cabinet-approved $5 million kickstarts plans for a marina and waterfront redevelopment, with a developer reportedly ready to invest up to US$12 million to restore the fort. Water Security: APUA plans new capacity—an extra 1.5 million-gallon reverse osmosis plant at Crabs and a 400,000-gallon Friars Hill facility arriving from Japan—before year-end. Cybercrime Awareness: ONDCP, police, and the ECCB join a regional “Click. Call. Drain” effort to strengthen defenses against cyber-enabled fraud. Diplomatic Ties: Antigua and Barbuda and Honduras establish diplomatic relations in Panama City, opening doors for cooperation in trade, tourism, education, and technical support.