AGP Executive Report

Tourism Measurement Push: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling for a broader way to judge tourism’s real value, moving beyond visitor spend to track how much stays in local economies, investment in people, and environmental impact. Banking Deal Watch: Antigua and Barbuda says it will approve Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while hinting it wants local banks involved if the parties cooperate. Energy & Environment: APUA reports a major fuel leak at its former Friars Hill Road facility has been successfully contained, with cleanup and absorbent removal next. Roads & Business Access: All Saints Road works trigger an overnight detour from 7pm Tuesday to 7am Wednesday, with local access and businesses staying open. Public Health: Medical professionals warn that vaping isn’t safer than cigarettes, citing nicotine and toxic chemical exposure. Legal/Workplace: The Industrial Court upholds Epicurean’s dismissal of a worker over misuse of a staff loyalty card scheme. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies launches a 10-day high-performance fast bowling assessment camp in Antigua for 12 emerging talents. Luxury Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200m) is officially unveiled, positioning “quiet luxury” as a new draw for Antigua’s tourism market.

Energy & Environment: APUA says the fuel leak at its former Friars Hill Road storage facility has been successfully contained, with cleanup and removal of absorbent material the next focus. Youth & Governance: Newly elected NYPAAB president Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan aimed at strengthening youth representation, operations, committees and financial stability across Antigua and the wider Caribbean. Road Safety: Traffic policing officers say smoother roads are being used as an excuse to drive carelessly, with overtaking and rule-following flagged as key issues. Public Health: Medical professionals warn that vaping is not safer than cigarettes, citing nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals and lung-damaging particles. Justice & Business: The DPP’s decision to discontinue a major cannabis importation case is being challenged, while the Industrial Court upheld Epicurean’s dismissal of a worker over misuse of a staff loyalty card. Finance & Banking: Government signals it will approve Butterfield Bank’s acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while pushing for local banks to take part in ownership. Tourism & Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200m) was officially launched as “quiet luxury,” and the Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua previewed details ahead of sales. Regional Integration: OECS and OHADAC/CARO are set to launch training to strengthen arbitration and access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier with one ticket and smoother connections. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies launched a high-performance fast bowling assessment camp in Antigua and a West Indies Academy tour to Sri Lanka.

Public Health & Aviation: PM Gaston Browne defended Antigua and Barbuda’s cautious stance on the Ebola outbreak, warning that even a single case could “wipe out” tourism and noting the strain has no vaccines and local care infrastructure is limited. Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week 2026 opened in New York with record attendance as CTO leaders and ministers push for stronger connectivity, resilience, and a unified regional tourism voice. Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked luggage, linking English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes to Paris Orly. Energy & Environment: APUA confirmed a major fuel leak at the former Friars Hill facility and says arrangements are finalized to transfer fuel from the affected tank while agencies coordinate containment and cleanup. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies launched a 10-day High-Performance Fast Bowling Assessment Camp in Antigua for 12 talents led by Ottis Gibson, with Jerome Taylor supporting. Climate Finance: Antigua and Barbuda wrapped a workshop in Barbados on accessing climate and disaster risk finance, advancing CVF-V20 mechanisms and loss-and-damage discussions. Disability Inclusion: Good Humans 268 Inc. urged corporate Antigua to move from charity to inclusive hiring for the country’s 16,000 disabled citizens.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for seamless travel on one ticket with through-checked baggage, boosting regional links from Antigua and V.C. Bird to French territories and beyond. Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort officially unveiled in Antigua, a US$200M, 113-key luxury project with green energy, desalination, AI services and an on-water chapel, targeting premium “quiet luxury” demand. Energy & Environment: APUA confirmed a major fuel leak at its former Friars Hill facility; authorities mobilised multiple agencies to contain the flow and protect residents and the environment. Regional Aviation Governance: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors met in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional meeting, with officials stressing aviation as the lifeline for small island economies. Business & Inclusion: Good Humans 268 urged Antigua’s corporate sector to move from charity to jobs for the nation’s 16,000 disabled citizens, calling for stronger enforcement and disability representation. Agriculture Resilience: Drought planning experts pushed for regular multi-stakeholder meetings and better data collection to protect local food production. Public Health: Youth vaping advocates warned Caribbean governments are moving too slowly as flavours and online sales make vapes easy to access for teens. Sports & Community: Antigua’s softball final is set after Dredgers and Buckleys 3Js won semi-finals; meanwhile, ABRCS Youth Commission ran a Fort James Beach clean-up.

Tourism & Investment: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne pitching it as premium, staff-focused luxury development aimed at boosting high-end arrivals and hotel-linked government revenue. CHOGM 2026 Readiness: The CHOGM task force met to push accreditation, accommodation (48 countries engaged; 800+ rooms secured), security, transport, and communications, with a key recce set for June 7–13. Regional Aviation Oversight: ECCAA opened its expanded V.C. Bird headquarters complex to strengthen Eastern Caribbean air safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Crime & Public Safety: Police are investigating the sudden death of 56-year-old Dion Francis in Cooks Hill, while separate reports cover a break-in at a business on All Saints Road and a cannabis seizure in All Saints/Liberta. Youth Health & Policy: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights how Caribbean youth are being targeted by vape marketing and flavours, warning that even “nicotine-free” vapes can normalise use. Community & Environment: ABRCS Youth Commission led a Fort James Beach clean-up, pulling together volunteers to remove hundreds of pounds of debris and reduce marine and health risks. Business/Connectivity: Caribbean Week in New York kicks off with tourism ministers and a marketing conference keynote focused on airline trends and strengthening Caribbean airlift.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, positioning it as ultra-luxury (aiming at guests paying up to US$3,000 a night) while promising better pay for hotel workers and more jobs. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, as Caribbean Airlines cuts reshape routes and Antigua is flagged as an emerging hub. Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region are gathering in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026, with Henry Harteveldt set to keynote on airline trends and what they mean for Caribbean airlift. Aviation Oversight Upgrade: ECCAA opened expanded headquarters at V.C. Bird International Airport to strengthen regional safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Local Business & Exports: Sanmerna Paper Products outlined plans to expand its factory and re-enter regional export markets, seeking land near the Port of Kingston to cut logistics costs. Public Health Warning: Op-eds and coverage tied to World No Tobacco Day spotlight how youth vaping is outpacing Caribbean policy, with flavours and “nicotine-free” marketing raising concern. Security & Crime: Police investigated a break-in at a business on All Saints Road and a cannabis seizure operation in All Saints; separate reports also covered a sudden death in Cooks Hill.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with PM Gaston Browne saying it targets ultra-premium guests and aims to keep hotel jobs properly paid as the island expands its luxury room stock. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, effective June 1, as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes and the region’s aviation map shifts toward hubs including Antigua. Regional Aviation Oversight: ECCAA opened an expanded headquarters complex at V.C. Bird International Airport to strengthen Eastern Caribbean air safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Border Security Milestone: CARICOM IMPACS marked 20 years of operation, highlighting rising pressure on regional borders and the need for shared intelligence and coordinated action. Climate Pressure: Caribbean islands face worsening drought and extreme heat patterns in 2026, threatening water supplies, agriculture, and tourism infrastructure. Local Public Safety: Police investigated a break-in at a business on All Saints Road and arrested a man after a cannabis seizure in All Saints/Liberta operations. Tourism Marketing: Elite Island Resorts-backed reggae artist Causion is releasing “Feels Like I’m Dreaming” in June, using music to drive bookings. Diplomatic Appointments: Cabinet approved two ambassadors-at-large to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic service.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, positioning it as ultra-luxury wellness and “quiet luxury” with AI butler service and an underwater chapel, while Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the plan aims to keep investors profitable and hotel workers earning above the planned lifestyle minimum wage. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: ECCAA opened its expanded V.C. Bird headquarters to strengthen Eastern Caribbean aviation oversight, as it moves toward FAA Category 1 reassessment; LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes also signed an interline deal to let travellers book combined itineraries on one ticket. Security & Border Readiness: CARICOM IMPACS marked 20 years of operation amid rising border threats, and Antigua hosted immigration and customs chiefs focused on tackling fraudulent travel and improving information-sharing. Business & Services: Postmaster General Algernon Gomes outlined postal workflow audits and parcel handling improvements following the Caribbean Postal Union conference. Health & Social Support: Cabinet approved a specialized Cognitive Behavioral Centre for autism and neurodivergent disorders, targeting early intervention and family support. Local Crime: Police reported a break-in at a business on All Saints Road with stolen items recovered, and a man was arrested after a cannabis seizure in All Saints/Liberta operations.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, positioning it as ultra-luxury wellness and “quiet luxury” with AI service and an underwater chapel, while the government says it will create jobs and keep hotel workers earning above the planned lifestyle minimum wage. Diplomatic Reshuffle: Cabinet approved two ambassadors-at-large—Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah—aimed at strengthening the diplomatic service after the April 30 elections. Regional Connectivity for Business & Travel: LIAT (2020) Limited and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage across their combined networks. Border Security & Fraud Prevention: Antigua hosted CARICOM IMPACS chiefs and comptrollers, highlighting its role as a pre-vetting hub for travellers transiting to visa-free destinations. Postal Operations Update: Postmaster General Algernon Gomes outlined audits and incremental changes to improve parcel handling and dispatch reliability. Climate Finance Pressure: Ahead of UN talks in Bonn, Antigua’s Minister Michael Joseph urged fairer climate finance and faster delivery for small island states. Health & Skills Investment: Cabinet approved a cognitive behavioural centre for autism support, and a new Pathway to Purpose scholarship fundraiser was launched by the Salvation Army. Local Industry Expansion: Sanmerna Paper Products says it’s seeking land to expand its factory and re-enter regional export markets. Sports Administration: ABFA’s new leadership plans to appoint Zorol Barthley as general secretary, while ABCA turned down support for the T20 Premier League citing late notice. Public Safety: Police appealed for information after a Carty’s Hill robbery involving a phone, DVR system, a safe, and ammunition.

Tourism & Investment: Ediacaran Group broke ground on the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort (113 keys), pitching “quiet luxury” with green energy, a desalination plant, an AI butler service and an underwater chapel—another push for Vision 2030 and jobs. Hospitality Jobs: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa welcomed Christopher Eastmond as general manager, tasked with renovations and the upcoming Katsuya Beach debut. Healthcare Funding: Cabinet approved a specialized Cognitive Behavioral Centre for autism and neurodivergent disorders, aiming to cut the emotional and financial strain on families through early intervention and therapy services. Postal Operations: Postmaster General Algernon Gomes outlined postal service upgrades after the CPU conference, including audits to improve international parcel handling and dispatch reliability. Regional Security: Antigua hosted CARICOM IMPACS chiefs of immigration and customs, with officials saying better information-sharing will strengthen the fight against fraudulent travel and cross-border crime. Climate Finance Push: Ahead of UN talks in Bonn, SIDS—including Antigua and Barbuda—called for fairer climate finance and faster delivery, warning that “high income” status can block access to critical support. Workplace Trends: An HR leader urged employers to rethink workplace culture for Gen Z, stressing work-life balance and better performance management to retain young staff. Community & Education: The Salvation Army launched its Pathway to Purpose tertiary scholarship with a May 31 tea fundraiser at AUA.

Climate Finance Push: Ahead of the UN Bonn climate talks, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Joseph joined SIDS leaders calling for a full overhaul of global financial rules, arguing “high income” status blocks access to critical support even as islands face hurricane-driven economic setbacks. Tourism Investment: Ediacaran Group broke ground on the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, a 113-key luxury project pitched around sustainability, smart tech and an AI butler service, with major construction expected in Q4. Healthcare Access: Cabinet approved a new Cognitive Behavioral Centre for autism and neurodivergent support, aiming to expand early intervention, diagnosis, therapy and family services. Regional Connectivity: Air Canada launched free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members on Caribbean and Mexican routes, while CARICOM border-security discussions in Antigua highlighted plans for biometric-linked travel credentials and customs interoperability. Workforce & Education: A local HR leader urged employers to rethink workplace culture for Gen Z’s work-life balance, and the Salvation Army announced a “Pathway to Purpose” scholarship fundraiser via a Sunday tea event. Aviation Watch: Caribbean Airlines confirmed network cuts from June 1, reducing several intra-regional routes affecting Antigua and Barbuda.

Hospitality & Tourism Jobs: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa has appointed Christopher Eastmond as its new general manager, tasking him with overseeing renovations, upgraded rooms and suites, dining updates, and the upcoming debut of Katsuya Beach. Workplace Culture: HR VP Rhonda Grant says employers in Antigua and Barbuda need to rethink how they lead and manage Gen Z staff, warning that rigid performance management and burnout culture will drive young workers away. Education Funding: The Salvation Army is launching its Pathway to Purpose tertiary scholarship with an all-inclusive tea fundraiser at the American University of Antigua on May 31. Regional Aviation Pressure: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and reducing frequencies, including impacts for Antigua and Barbuda, while pointing to a future codeshare to widen options. Regional Policy & Security: Antigua and Barbuda’s E.P. Chet Greene outlined a six-point CARICOM border security plan, including a single-digital credential concept and a regional customs interoperability platform. Creative Economy: The Festivals Commission is rolling out a free five-day Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12) to build skills in songwriting, production, distribution, copyright, marketing, and branding. Caribbean Business Connectivity: Air Canada has launched free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members on Caribbean and Mexican flights, a boost for travel-linked commerce.

Tourism & Investment: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua named Christopher Eastmond as its new general manager, with renovations underway and the upcoming debut of Katsuya Beach. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: UAE envoy Omar Shehadeh attended CARICOM’s COFCOR meeting in Suriname, pushing for structured trade and investment talks and a possible CARICOM-wide economic partnership framework. Border Security & Mobility: Antigua and Barbuda’s E.P. Chet Greene outlined a six-point CARICOM border security plan, including a CariPass single-digital credential tied to biometric screening and proposals for customs interoperability. Health & Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies, including launching a technical working group. Policy & Food Systems: A regional push for healthier food policy continues, with PAHO noting only a few countries have met NCD targets by 2025. Transport & Business Connectivity: A new regional commentary argues ECCU and CARICOM need a unified air-and-sea transport strategy as aviation route cuts and failures threaten trade, tourism, and economic integration. Local Creative Economy: Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission launches a free five-day Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12) to build skills in songwriting, production, distribution, copyright, and marketing. Community Awareness: Scrub Life Cares invites schools and workplaces to wear red or pink on May 28 for Menstrual Hygiene Day. Aviation Update: Caribbean Airlines announced network reductions affecting routes including Antigua, with passengers to be contacted and a codeshare plan in progress. Business Climate Watch: Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 ranks Antigua and Barbuda among the top performers, highlighting a shift toward governance quality and compliance over price.

Tourism & Regional Strategy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with CTO leadership and regional tourism ministers set for a week of meetings under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut routes from June 1, including ending services tied to Dominica, St Kitts and Suriname, and reducing frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe—raising fresh questions for regional airlift. Policy & Governance: In the 2026 Throne Speech, the government outlined a 25-year development plan, including a shift toward transforming the Medical Benefits Scheme into a National Health Insurance model. Parliament Watch: Opposition leader Jamale Pringle hit back after his ejection from Parliament ahead of the Throne Speech, calling it a avoidable political manoeuvre. Citizenship & Investment Migration: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 ranks Antigua and Barbuda among the top Eastern Caribbean performers, pointing to a market shift toward governance quality and compliance over price. Local Creative Economy: The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission launches a free five-day Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12) covering songwriting, production, distribution, copyright, marketing and branding. Public Health: Health officials say two imported malaria cases have been detected, stressing the local mosquito species that transmits malaria is rare and surveillance has been expanded. Infrastructure: Works on All Saints Road will trigger a night detour (May 26, 7pm–May 27, 7am) with signage and flag persons in place. Business & Travel Demand: Antigua and Barbuda reported record tourism momentum, with first-quarter stayover arrivals up 7% year-on-year to 110,832.

Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut key intra-Caribbean routes from June 1, ending services Dominica–Suriname, St Kitts–Suriname and Ogle–Suriname (Guyana), while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly flights—also affecting St Lucia, Barbados and Antigua & Barbuda; the airline adds it’s working on a codeshare to widen destination access and says passengers with bookings beyond the cut-off dates will be contacted. Regional Politics: PM Gaston Browne backs the idea of an OECS political union, calling it the closest path to unity even if it takes longer than his lifetime. Tourism Pulse: Antigua & Barbuda posted a record first quarter—110,832 stayover visitors, up 7%—as airlift and European demand helped. Public Health Watch: Antigua is keeping a cautious stance on incoming travel amid Ebola concerns, with enhanced screening and no blanket flight suspension. Culture & Skills: The Festivals Commission launches a free five-day Music Development Masterclass (June 8–12) to help local creatives build professional careers.

Ebola Border Shock: Antigua has blocked the first Air Peace flight from Lagos, Nigeria, landing in the country, with the aircraft expected to bypass Antigua and touch down in Barbados instead as officials step up risk-based screening amid the DRC/Uganda outbreak. Tourism Momentum: Even with global headwinds, Antigua and Barbuda posted a record tourism start—110,832 stayover visitors in Q1 2026, up 7% on 2025, driven by stronger airlift, cruise growth and marketing. Public Health Reassurance: Health officials say the malaria-carrying mosquito species is extremely rare locally, after confirming two imported malaria cases. Regional Humanitarian Boost: ABRCS completed WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe to strengthen disaster response. National Loss: Antigua mourns Sir Aziz Hadeed, with tributes highlighting his long-running impact on business and education. Sports: Strictly Business topped the ABSCA semifinals race after beating Buckleys 3Js.