AGP Executive Report

Citizenship-by-Investment Diplomacy: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne, met in Roseau to map a united response to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism and its push to phase out CBI by June 2028, stressing reforms like the regional CBI regulator and warning that any transition must protect development gains. Regional Security & Borders: The US Department of Homeland Security and CARICOM’s IMPACS signed a biometric data-sharing partnership to strengthen screening and vetting of travellers, with the arrangement aimed at security concerns linked to CBI. Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission will travel to the UK July 13–16 to build support for reparatory justice, including meetings with diplomats and a UK Parliament presentation. ECCB Money & Growth: The ECCB Monetary Council left key rates unchanged, reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, approved an extra EC$25m for food and nutrition security, and advanced plans for instant cross-border payments and the September launch of the regional CBI regulator. Local Business & Community: Construction has started on a community bathroom project in Seatons, driven by resident volunteers and local business support. Travel Policy Shock: Antigua and Barbuda flagged US visa changes that cut 10-year access to three-month single-entry terms, saying families, students and trade are paying the price.

ECCB Leadership & Rates: Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, as the bank kept savings and discount rates unchanged and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed-rate stability. Food Security Funding: The ECCB approved an extra EC$25 million grant, lifting its total support to EC$50 million to cut reliance on imported food. Payments Modernisation: ECCB updates also point to faster regional transfers, including instant cross-border payments in local currencies and a 24/7 fast payment system. Tourism Risk Watch: The ECCB warned global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth, citing oil price swings and trade tensions. CBI Pressure & Regional Response: CARICOM leaders say CBI wasn’t collectively discussed at the St. Lucia heads meeting, while Eastern Caribbean governments agreed to coordinate a Brussels push over the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism and to keep standards via the planned ECCIRA regulator (on track for September). Antigua-US Visa Shock: Antigua’s PM Browne says new U.S. visa rules are hitting families, students and trade, cutting 10-year access to three-month single-entry terms. Local Business & Infrastructure: SMEs are using TIC to chase opportunities despite forex and supply-chain strain, while All Saints Road in Antigua shifts to single-lane traffic for major works.

CBI Pressure & Regional Response: CARICOM’s new chair, St. Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre, says CBI wasn’t collectively discussed at the July 5–8 heads meeting because it mainly affects the five active CBI states, while Eastern Caribbean leaders also agreed to push a coordinated diplomatic response to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism, including a Brussels mission. ECCB Money & Growth: The ECCB Monetary Council kept savings and discount rates unchanged, reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate as it marks 50 years of stability, approved an extra EC$25m for regional food security, and advanced plans for instant cross-border payments. Tourism & Risk Outlook: The ECCB warned global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth, as leaders also backed a regional catastrophe insurance push for hotels, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Local Business & Community: AUA announced a Fall 2026 tuition freeze plus free housing and expanded scholarships for new medical students, while Antigua’s All Saints Road gets single-lane traffic from July 11 for major works. Security & Operations: CHOGM security exercise “STRONGHOLD” was declared a success after three days of national readiness drills. Currency Update: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring Caribbean nation builders, including Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50 note.

Reparations Push: CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK (July 13–16) to build support for reparatory justice, with meetings across diplomats, academics and civil society plus a UK Parliament presentation ahead of CHOGM in Antigua. CBI Under Pressure: OECS leaders met in Dominica to coordinate responses to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment, and agreed a high-level Brussels mission to explain the region’s development realities. ECCB Rates Steady: The ECCB Monetary Council kept savings at 2%, discount at 3% and long-term discount at 4.5%, reaffirming the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate as it marks 50 years of stability. Payments Modernised: ECCB advanced plans for instant cross-border payments in local currencies via CAPSS and a 24/7 fast payment system, aiming to cut costs and boost inclusion. Tourism Risk Watch: ECCB warned global uncertainty and volatile oil prices could slow tourism and growth in the ECCU. Local Business & Transport: All Saints Road gets single-lane traffic from 3pm Saturday for major works, while Aunty Cavelle’s Restaurant reported a break-in. Education Support: AUA freezes tuition for Fall 2026 entrants, adds free pre-clinical housing in Antigua and expands scholarships for new medical students. Regional Economy Plan: PM Browne backed the “Big Push” to double Eastern Caribbean economies to about EC$50 billion in seven years. Currency Update: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring Caribbean heroes, with circulation expected from late 2027.

CBI Pressure & EU Talks: Eastern Caribbean CBI governments agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to engage the EU after a request to phase out programmes by 2028, with leaders stressing security, transparency and the need for credible replacement financing. Antigua’s Position: Antigua PM Gaston Browne reiterated the call for an OECS airline while also warning the EU ultimatum and US visa changes are undermining trade, students and families, as regional leaders prepare a unified response. ECCB Currency Overhaul: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes, including Sir Vere Cornwall Bird on the EC$20 and Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50, with circulation expected from late 2027. Regional Development Financing: Browne urged the ECCB to use a small slice of foreign reserves to help fund a “Big Push” to double ECCU economies, alongside proposals for shared OECS ICT infrastructure to cut broadband costs. Local Business Impact: Cost Pro Supermarket abruptly closed, leaving staff uncertain about wages and severance as the company said payments will be reviewed under labour law.

ECCB Currency Overhaul: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled a redesigned family of EC banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes and nation builders—Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr appears on the EC$20 note, alongside other leaders across the ECCU—while circulation is expected to begin in late 2027. ECCB Monetary Council Leadership: Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre takes over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship from Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne, with the handover also tied to the new currency launch. Regional Broadband Push: PM Gaston Browne says OECS leaders are pursuing a shared ICT network with EU support for subsea fibre-optic cables to cut broadband costs and improve connectivity. CBI Under EU Pressure: The European Commission has asked five OECS CBI states, including Antigua and Barbuda, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, prompting calls for coordinated regional action and debate over replacement revenues. Local Business Shock: Cost Pro Supermarket abruptly closed, sending employees home and citing permanent closure, with workers told to expect separate payment statements by July 17. A&B Airport Upgrade: Phase 3 of the V.C. Bird International Airport rehabilitation is substantially complete and remains ahead of schedule, targeting completion by September 2026.

ECCB “Big Push” Financing: PM Gaston Browne urged the ECCB to deploy 5–8% of foreign reserves to catalyse a regional “Big Push” agenda, aiming to double Eastern Caribbean economies and boost energy, digital and trade resilience. OECS Broadband Plan: Browne also backed a shared OECS ICT network using EU-backed subsea fibre to cut broadband costs and improve connectivity. CBI Pressure Mounts: EU moves to phase out Citizenship by Investment across five OECS states by June 2028, with leaders set to craft a unified response as governments warn of revenue shocks. Regional Cost of Living: CARICOM leaders discussed relief efforts but stressed fossil fuel dependence; Barbados’ Mia Mottley highlighted a pensioner allowance and a planned intra-regional ferry to lower cargo costs. Local Business Shock: Cost Pro Supermarket abruptly closed, sending employees home and outlining severance and final pay timelines. Airport Upgrade: V.C. Bird International Airport Phase 3 is substantially complete and ahead of schedule, supporting larger aircraft capacity by Sept 2026. Trade Capacity Building: St Kitts and Nevis hosted a four-day services trade seminar with OECS support to strengthen negotiating capacity and competitiveness. IP for Local Brands: Antigua and Barbuda advanced WIPO talks on protecting the Antigua Black Pineapple via geographical indications. Labour & Agriculture Focus: APUA flagged outage-related compensation as needing evidence-based claims, while a farming workshop urged banks to invest directly in agriculture with soft loans and better seed planning.

Airport Upgrade: Phase 3 of the V.C. Bird International Airport rehabilitation is substantially complete and still running ahead of schedule, with the full US$50–55 million upgrade expected to finish by September 2026; works include runway resurfacing, safety area construction, and night-time execution to keep flights moving. Trade & Skills: St. Kitts and Nevis is hosting a four-day trade seminar (July 7–10) with OECS support to boost services-sector capacity and help officials and businesses navigate global markets. CBI Shockwaves: The EU has urged five OECS CBI countries to phase out citizenship-by-investment by 2028, warning of possible visa-free Schengen suspension; Antigua says it will not end CBI and will engage the EU, while Nevis Premier Mark Brantley calls it an existential threat and urges economic diversification. US Visa Pressure: Antigua PM Gaston Browne says tightened US visa rules are hurting trade and student mobility, with visitor visas now single-entry and limited to three months. ECCB Milestone: Dominica takes over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship today (July 9) and will unveil redesigned EC banknotes and coins marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s US$ peg. Compensation Rules: APUA says outage-related appliance damage claims must be evidence-based, with customers urged to use surge protectors and ensure proper grounding. Regional Business: Preparations for the Commonwealth Business Forum move into execution mode, with a technical walkthrough for the venue and investment summit. Transport Boost: Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Barbados flights from July 22 with intro fares. Agriculture Finance: A local workshop urges banks to invest directly in farming via soft loans, arguing growers currently fund production costs alone.

CBI Pressure on Antigua: The EU has formally asked Antigua and Barbuda to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 1, 2028, warning that the EU’s revised Visa Suspension Mechanism can suspend visa-free Schengen access if a CBI programme is operating, with a 24-month transition and added safeguards due by September 2026; Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua will not agree to a unilateral shutdown without credible replacement revenue. Regional Finance & ECCB: ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine is set to present the ECCU Monetary, Credit and Financial Conditions report at the 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica, as the ECCB also marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar. CHOGM Security Disruptions: Antigua’s Treasury Department will close to the public on Friday, July 10, due to Exercise STRONGHOLD, with access restrictions around the security zone; courts and other services are also adjusting schedules. Air Connectivity Boost: Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Barbados flights from July 22 with intro fares (one-way from US$129, round-trip from US$299), aiming to strengthen regional travel and business links. Food & Farming Finance: A local workshop urged banks to invest directly in farming via low-cost loans, while educators pushed parents to take control of children’s diets to curb soda, sweets and fried foods in classrooms.

EU CBI Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda has rejected the EU’s request to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 1, 2028, saying the programme is a “critical pillar” of non-tax revenue and that any change must come with credible replacement income. Regional Warning: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the EU notice could effectively “kill” CBI across the OECS, warning of potential loss of visa-free Schengen access and urging countries to diversify now. ECCB Leadership: The ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship will shift to Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre on July 9, marking the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate and the unveiling of new EC banknotes and coins. Air Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Barbados flights from July 22, with intro fares from US$129 one-way (promo code WOWINTRO). Climate Resilience Finance: Antigua’s Adaptation Fund work is pairing drainage upgrades with low-interest home loans to cut flood risk and help households and small businesses become insurable. Agriculture & Innovation: A new plant tissue culture laboratory opens in Antigua via bilateral cooperation with China, aiming to boost agricultural research and food security. Business & IP Push: Minister Michael Freeland highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s IP and digital transformation progress at WIPO, including support for local producers and collective trademarks. Local Governance Disruption: CHOGM security exercises run July 8–10, with major traffic restrictions expected around key roads and the “Red Zone.”

EU CBI Pressure: The EU has formally asked Antigua and Barbuda to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by 1 June 2028, citing a revised visa suspension mechanism that treats running CBI as a stand-alone reason to suspend visa-free access, with a 24-month transition and tighter vetting due by September 2026. Local Response: Government says it’s ready for a diplomatic fight and wants clear, written economic reciprocity if visa-free access is threatened, while also moving to table a related third-country nationals white paper in Parliament. Political Pushback: Barbuda MP Trevor Walker is demanding full disclosure of the US third-country nationals proposal before it reaches Parliament, arguing the government is only sharing “snippets” under pressure. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders agreed to refer the Secretary-General reappointment dispute to the CCJ for an advisory opinion, while Trinidad and Tobago continues to challenge the process. CHOGM Security: Antigua and Barbuda will run a three-day “STRONGHOLD” security exercise (July 8–10), with road and pedestrian restrictions expected around key routes and the AUA area. Agriculture & Innovation: A new plant tissue culture laboratory opened through Antigua–China cooperation to boost research and food security, while Minister Freeland highlighted IP and digital transformation wins at WIPO. Business & Tourism: Flow launched its “We Live For This” summer campaign tied to CPL, and the Antigua Turf Club and PM Browne traded public arguments over the Cassada Gardens racetrack redevelopment and a requested gaming fee waiver. Regional Finance Milestone: ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar fixed exchange rate, reaffirming stability as a base for future transformation.

EU- CBI Pressure: The EU has formally asked Antigua and Barbuda to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by 1 June 2028, citing a revised Visa Suspension Mechanism that treats the operation of CBI as a stand-alone security concern, with a 24-month transition and interim vetting steps due by September 2026. Government Response: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the move was expected and the administration is pushing back, warning visa-free access could be at risk unless credible replacement revenue is offered. US Deportees Plan: Antigua’s government is also considering accepting some non-nationals/third-country deportees from the US, but only if Washington restores tourist visa privileges and provides clear reciprocal benefits. Housing & Energy Financing: Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is exploring a US$100m concessional loan for renewable energy and affordable housing, and expects a US International Development Finance Corporation visit on July 15 to discuss terms. Regional Business & Digital: Flow launched its “We Live For This” summer campaign tied to CPL, while the UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union signed an MoU to strengthen regional digital policy and resilience. Sports Sponsorship: Limacol is stepping in as title sponsor of the WCPL women’s T20 tournament, boosting visibility for women’s cricket.

EU-CBI Standoff: Antigua and Barbuda has formally responded to an EU request to phase out its Citizenship by Investment Programme by June 1, 2028, citing the EU’s revised Visa Suspension Mechanism and proposing a 24-month transition with interim vetting measures—while the government signals it will push back on the economic impact and visa-free access risk. US Third-Country Deportees: Antigua is also considering accepting some non-nationals deported from the US, but only if Washington restores tourist visa privileges for Antiguans and provides clear reciprocal benefits. Housing & Energy Financing: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua is exploring a US$100m concessional loan—potentially from the US Development Finance Corporation—for renewable energy and affordable housing, with talks expected July 15. Regional Security: Antigua hosted the 35th Meeting of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3) as part of CARICOM IMPACS work, linking intelligence cooperation to CHOGM 2026 preparations. Cruise & Connectivity: St. Kitts’ new Iona home-port departure is set for Nov 15, 2027 with St. John’s Antigua as a stop, while Flow launched its “We Live For This” summer campaign and the UWI and CTU signed an MoU to advance regional digital development.

CHOGM Security Prep: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 35th Meeting of the Standing Committee of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3 in St. John’s), with CARICOM IMPACS and the ONDCP, as the country ramps up readiness for CHOGM 2026; the PM’s message stressed regional security is shared and no single state can tackle transnational organised crime alone. Housing & Energy Financing: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is considering a new US$100m Chinese loan—about US$40m for a renewable energy plant and US$60m to scale housing, after a US$20m China grant already funded 100 homes. ECCB Leadership Change: A handing-over ceremony marks the change in chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council (July 9, virtual and in Dominica), with Antigua’s Gaston Browne handing over to Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre. Third-Country Nationals Pressure: The region continues to react to US third-country deportee arrangements, while Antigua says it will publish a White Paper setting out its position on any potential relocation cooperation and laying it before Parliament in mid-July. Tourism Demand Signals: Travel and Tour World reports US-bound travel from the Caribbean is softening, including a 1.5% decline in local travel to the US in early 2026. Public Safety Alert: Police began informing residents and businesses about next week’s Hard Lockdown Security Exercise ahead of CHOGM, including road closures and restricted security zones. Community Support in Barbuda: Hopeful Hearts Foundation wrapped a Barbuda outreach mission (July 3–5) with school supplies, youth activities, a clothing/toy drive, and a mural project at Holy Trinity Primary School.

China Loan Talks: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is considering a new US$100m Chinese loan—about US$40m for a renewable energy plant and US$60m to scale up housing, building on a US$20m grant that funded 100 homes—while noting debt-to-GDP has eased to around 62%. CHOGM Prep & Security: Police have started a public awareness push for next week’s CHOGM “Hard Lockdown” security exercise, warning of road closures, restricted zones and diversions. CARICOM Integration Push: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged deeper public participation as leaders meet in St. Lucia for the 51st Heads of Government meeting, with Antigua’s PM Browne set to attend. Regional Intelligence Meeting in St. John’s: Antigua hosted the 35th Standing Committee of Regional Intelligence Heads (July 1–3), reinforcing that transnational crime can’t be tackled alone. U.S. Visa/Deportee White Paper: Government says it will publish a White Paper on third-country nationals relocation from the U.S., insisting Washington must cover full costs and seeking removal of blanket visa restrictions affecting Antiguans and Barbudans. Local Governance & Oversight: Cabinet approved EC$5.2m for Carnival 2026 and set up a finance committee to tighten spending accountability. Public Warnings: PM Browne warned of a fake investment ad using his image and voice; UWI also flagged a fraudulent website impersonating the university.

CARICOM Agenda: Prime Minister Gaston Browne will attend the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (5–8 July), with talks expected to cover the CARICOM Single Market, climate and health preparedness, regional security, reparations, border issues, and applications for membership. Third-Country Nationals: Antigua and Barbuda will publish a White Paper on U.S. proposals to relocate third-country nationals, with the government insisting it won’t accept open-ended obligations and is seeking reciprocal benefits such as lifting blanket U.S. visa restrictions. Public Finance & Carnival: Cabinet approved an EC$5.2 million Carnival 2026 budget and set up a finance committee within the Festivals Commission to tighten spending oversight after earlier governance concerns. CHOGM Security Prep: Police began a public awareness campaign ahead of next Friday’s CHOGM hard lockdown security exercise, warning of road closures and restricted security zones. Fraud Alerts: PM Browne warned residents about a fake investment video using his image and voice, while the UWI cautioned the public about a fraudulent website collecting personal data. Regional Health Capacity: CARPHA inaugurated a CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre for 26 member states, funded by the EU, to strengthen emergency response across the region. Sports Business: Cricket West Indies hired global advisory firm Teneo to review its reorganisation and cost optimisation, aiming to improve long-term financial and commercial sustainability.