AGP Executive Report

World Bank Classification: Antigua and Barbuda has been officially named a high-income economy, with 2024 GNI per capita estimated at about US$21,380—well above the US$14,375 threshold. Affordable Housing Push: Cabinet approved rent-to-own expansion under the Social Housing Programme, including Bolans and Barbuda developments (about US$20m, with support from China) and management plans for the Booby Alley project. TCN White Paper: Government says it will publish a White Paper on proposals from the United States for relocating third-country nationals, stressing sovereignty, security, public finance and “limited absorptive capacity.” Carnival Oversight: Carnival 2026 funding of EC$5.2m was approved, alongside tighter financial oversight at the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission via a new finance committee. Perry Bay Redevelopment: Plans for a marina, housing and commercial hub at Perry Bay-Keeling Point are moving forward, with environmental assessments required before construction. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda backed stronger regional intelligence cooperation at the 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting in St. John’s. Education Milestone: ABCAS held its inaugural commencement, graduating more than 200 students as the first class of the new tertiary institution.

World Bank Classification: Antigua & Barbuda has been rated “high income” in the World Bank’s latest Country Income Classification, using GNI per capita thresholds updated annually. CARICOM Leadership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre assumed the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, pledging to bring regional decision-making closer to everyday citizens as the bloc tackles economic recovery and climate vulnerability. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda backed stronger regional intelligence cooperation as the 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting opened in St. John’s, with focus on cyber-enabled fraud and cross-border crime ahead of CHOGM. Climate Finance Reform: Caribbean Development Bank discussions at its annual meeting pushed for major reforms to the global climate finance system so small island states can access resilience funding. Statistics for 2030: CARICOM’s Advisory Group on Statistics meeting in Barbados highlighted preparations for the 2030 population and housing census and gaps in implementing the RSDS. OECS Tourism Skills: OECS launched community-based tourism capacity building in Saint Lucia, supported by the EU’s RIGHT programme, to help communities keep tourism benefits locally. Housing Boost (A&B): China will fund 100 additional homes in Antigua and Barbuda under the second phase of the housing programme, using a rent-to-own model. Immigration Amnesty: Antigua and Barbuda issued guidelines for a 2026 immigration amnesty (July 1–Sept 30), including eligibility rules, required documents, and processing fees. Cultural & Business Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opened its call for artists and creatives (Nov 11–18), while the Caribbean Corporate Games were positioned as a sports tourism driver for business links and visitor spending.

CARICOM Leadership: Saint Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre took over as CARICOM chair on July 1, pledging to bring regional decision-making closer to everyday citizens and focus on measurable socio-economic gains. Diplomacy & Development: Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Ronald Sanders assumed chairmanship of the OAS CIDI for six months, prioritising cooperation on education, tourism, energy resilience, port security and maritime infrastructure. Reparations & Emancipation: The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission announced Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as the feature speaker for the July 31 Watchnight Gathering, with Emancipation events running through August 1. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A new academic study questions whether CBI vetting is strong enough, raising concerns about how banks may spot risks after citizenship is granted. Regional Finance: The ECCB says ECCU banks stayed resilient in 2025-26, backed by capital buffers and improving loan quality, while pushing a “Big Push” plan to double the ECCU economy by 2031. Immigration Amnesty: Antigua and Barbuda’s Immigration Department issued guidelines for a July 1–Sept 30, 2026 amnesty, including eligibility rules, required documents, and set fees. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Antigua Slipway launched phase two of its Marine Railway redevelopment in English Harbour, with construction expected to start late July. Tourism & Business: Antigua Carnival’s Festivals Commission appointed a new Finance Committee to tighten spending controls ahead of Carnival 2026. Trade & Ports: Government is considering cutting down Rat Island to expand St John’s port container storage for a larger transshipment push. Housing: China will fund 100 additional homes in Antigua and Barbuda under the second phase of the housing programme, using a rent-to-own model.

Housing & Development: China will fund 100 additional homes in Antigua and Barbuda under the second phase of the housing programme, with rent-to-own options aimed at helping lower-income families move toward ownership. Immigration Regularisation: Antigua’s Immigration Department has issued guidelines for a 2026 amnesty running July 1 to Sept 30, requiring at least four years’ residence, police records, and fees, with applications processed via a numbered queue. Ports & Trade Capacity: Government is considering cutting down Rat Island to expand St John’s port container storage as Antigua pushes for bigger transshipment activity, while Antigua Slipway launched phase two of its marine railway redevelopment, targeting construction to start late July. Regional Finance: The ECCB unveiled a plan to double the ECCU economy within a decade, focusing on transformation, diversification and shared prosperity. Border Security Law: The Senate unanimously approved the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill to strengthen pre-arrival border checks. Tourism Economy: Antigua’s Festivals Commission appointed a new Finance Committee to tighten Carnival spending ahead of Antigua Carnival 2026. Governance & Legal Climate: PM Browne rejected claims over the Alfa Nero superyacht sale, saying the yacht was auctioned in 2024 and proceeds covered government obligations. Business & Youth: ABYETS Trade Show opens July 4 in Barbuda, spotlighting young entrepreneurs after training and pitch preparation.

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 aims to grow into a bigger transshipment hub, while also seeking a US anchor operator and deeper Panama–DR–Antigua links. Energy & Cost Relief: Antigua is exploring an undersea geothermal power link from Nevis, but key details on cost, financing, approvals and timing are still unclear. Carnival Accountability: The ABFC has appointed a new Finance Committee to tighten spending controls ahead of Antigua Carnival 2026, targeting fair pricing, better contract value and stronger transparency. CIP Under Pressure: Browne warns Europe could tighten travel rules by year-end, putting visa-free access linked to the Citizenship by Investment Programme under scrutiny. Border Security Upgrade: The Senate unanimously approved the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill 2026 to strengthen pre-arrival border checks. CHOGM Readiness: A three-day security exercise (July 8–10) will bring road closures and restricted access across key routes and zones. Road Works: Motorists face overnight single-lane restrictions on All Saints Road (June 30, 7pm–7am). Fatal Accidents Law: Senators passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, setting a new wrongful-death framework and a statutory bereavement award up to EC$20,000, with calls for inflation indexing and more psychological support for families. Digital Safety: The UWI warned of a fraudulent website using its branding to capture personal data. Regional Finance Milestone: ECCB will mark 50 years of the EC dollar peg with a panel discussion on July 1.

Environmental Enforcement: MP Rawdon Turner demanded Jumby Bay stop what he calls illegal waste dumping near Parham, saying the luxury resort can’t claim environmental stewardship while harming residents. Education & Skills: Rotary Club of Antigua donated EC$10,000 to UWI Five Islands for its scholarship programme, while OECS and UWI Global Campus recognised 172 digital skills scholarship recipients. Monetary Policy Milestone: The ECCB will host a panel on July 1 marking 50 years of the EC dollar peg to the US dollar. Border Security Law: The Senate unanimously approved the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill 2026 to strengthen pre-arrival screening, while an opposition senator pushed for tighter limits on electronic evidence-gathering powers under the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill. CHOGM Prep: Antigua and Barbuda hosted a Commonwealth Leaders Lunch in London ahead of CHOGM 2026, and a three-day security exercise (July 8–10) was announced with road closures and restricted access. Public Services & Risk: Antigua is developing new flood forecasting procedures to predict impacts, and the UWI warned the public about a fraudulent website using its name to capture personal data. Trade & Travel: Liberty Caribbean zero-rated mobile calls to Venezuela for eligible customers after recent earthquakes. Business & Transport: PM Browne said Rat Island will be cut down to reclaim land for St. John’s Port expansion, and Antigua is exploring an undersea power link with St. Kitts and Nevis for geothermal electricity.

CHOGM Business Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commission in London, CWEIC and SMI hosted a Commonwealth Leaders Lunch to line up business and investment opportunities ahead of CHOGM 2026 in St John’s. Labour & Youth Jobs: A regional labour official urged unions to modernise recruitment for youth and women, warning traditional outreach methods are becoming obsolete. Skills for Work: OECS and UWI Global Campus recognised 172 recipients of a digital skills scholarship programme, marking major progress toward a regional digital workforce. Census Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s census is running behind, with officials warning slow response could threaten access to funding and urging residents to participate despite political tension. CHOGM Security: A three-day CHOGM security exercise (July 8–10) will bring road closures and restricted access around key routes and venues. Fatal Accidents Bill: Senators passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, creating a new wrongful-death compensation framework and a statutory bereavement award up to EC$20,000, while opposition pushed for inflation indexing and mental health support. Energy & Trade: Browne outlined plans to cut Rat Island for port expansion, explore an undersea link to St Kitts for geothermal power, and pursue cheaper food imports via OECS tariff changes. Local Economy: A new brewery is expected to start beer production in early 2027, and the government said it owes nearly EC$10m to WIOC for fuel price stability.

Flood Risk Tech: Antigua and Barbuda is developing new flood forecasting and warning procedures, shifting from predicting rainfall to predicting impacts, with work underway on Standard Operating Procedures and an Urban Flash Flood Information System. Blue-Gold Sargassum Plan: A Trinidad-based environmental group is pitching a sargassum-to-fertiliser processing framework to help turn beach invasions into commercial agriculture inputs, building on new collection tractors backed by UNDP and Japan. Energy & Infrastructure: The government is exploring a subsea power link with St. Kitts and Nevis to access geothermal baseload power, while also planning to acquire a major solar plant within 24 months and opening the door for public investment in renewables. Port Expansion: Rat Island is set to be cut down to reclaim land for St. John’s Port expansion and more container storage, with talks underway about a potential U.S. operator. Regional Finance & Policy: The ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar peg with a panel discussion, and Antigua signed an updated OECD tax information-sharing agreement expanding automatic financial account reporting. Immigration & Security Talks: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua will not accept third-country nationals without thorough vetting, and Cabinet confirms negotiations with the U.S. are ongoing after counter-proposals. Public Alerts: The UWI warns the public about a fraudulent website using its name and collecting personal data. Local Economy & Food: A beekeeper says Antigua can’t produce enough raw honey to meet demand, and a local brewery is expected to start operations in early 2027. Business Governance: The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce elects Celia Samuel as president for 2026–2027.

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will keep its CIP running even if the EU ends Schengen visa-free access, arguing the programme is too important for non-tax revenue while the government pushes for an electronic travel authorization instead. Tourism & Real Estate: The government has redesigned the Jolly Beach plan, keeping about 200 rooms and setting aside roughly 20 acres for a private investor to build a new luxury hotel, after major brands signalled interest. Energy & Cost of Living: Browne says a large solar plant acquisition is targeted within 24 months, with plans to let residents invest in future renewable projects; meanwhile, the state owes nearly EC$10 million to WIOC for fuel-tax foregone to hold gasoline at EC$14.25 and diesel at EC$14.50. Regional Food Prices: OECS is studying cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic by identifying competitive goods and potentially suspending tariffs to ease household costs. Migration Talks: Cabinet backed Browne’s negotiating stance with the US on third-country deportees, insisting on due diligence and no acceptance of people with criminal backgrounds. Business Sector: The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce elected Celia Samuel as president for 2026–2027, with a board drawn from banking, tech, shipping and other firms.

Tourism & Investment: Government drops plan to sell all of Jolly Beach, opting to preserve about 200 rooms and carve out roughly 20 acres of beachfront “greenfield” land for a major private hotel investor, after international brands signalled interest. Manufacturing & Jobs: A new local brewery with Mantege Distillery is expected to be fully financed and under construction by year-end, with operations starting in early 2027. Energy Costs & Fiscal Pressure: PM Browne says the state owes West Indies Oil Company nearly EC$10m for fuel-tax revenue forgone to keep gasoline at EC$14.25 and diesel at EC$14.50. Cost of Living: OECS is studying cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic by identifying competitive goods and potentially suspending the Common External Tariff on selected items. Renewables: Antigua and Barbuda plans to acquire a large solar plant within 24 months and open the door for residents and overseas nationals to invest directly in renewable energy. Immigration & Diplomacy: EU warns visa-free access could be withdrawn by year-end over concerns tied to the Citizenship by Investment programme, while talks with the US on third-country deportees continue as Cabinet backs Browne’s “sensible agreement” stance. Regional Finance & Tax: Antigua and Barbuda signed an OECD addendum expanding automatic financial account information sharing under the Common Reporting Standard. Aviation & Travel Fees: Cabinet approved raising passenger head tax to US$50 to support funded regional aviation and justice institutions. Private Sector Leadership: Celia Samuel elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for 2026–2027. Youth & Entrepreneurship: ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsor Barbuda’s New Gen Innovators entrepreneurship workshop for ages 13–16. Public Health Funding: Green Climate Fund support secured for renovating/rebuilding 10 clinics, but drawdown is delayed by donor pre-qualification and missing pre-DCA drawings. International Solidarity: Antigua and Barbuda pledges US$150,000 for Venezuela earthquake relief.

Chamber Leadership: Businesswoman Celia Samuel of Go To Enterprises was elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for 2026–2027, with Dr. Errol Samuel as first vice president, Tamara Lowe-James as second vice president, and Jackie Ferracho-Williams as treasurer—aiming to push innovation and advocacy for the private sector. Immigration & Regularisation: Caridocs is urging Jamaicans to act early on Antigua and Barbuda’s immigration amnesty, offering a flexible payment plan (70% upfront, 30% on document delivery) as passport services are temporarily suspended due to added complexities. OECD Tax Transparency: Antigua and Barbuda signed an updated OECD agreement expanding automatic financial account information sharing under the Common Reporting Standard, joining 76 jurisdictions committing to the revised framework. US Third-Country Deportees Talks: Negotiations with the United States on accepting up to 16 third-country nationals each year have resumed, with Cabinet backing the government’s position that no criminal-background individuals will be accepted and due diligence will be required. Tourism & Youth: Janica Adams was named Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the local Tourism Youth Congress competition, while Barbuda’s New Gen Innovators workshop secured ACB Caribbean and Digicel sponsorship support. Passenger Tax Increase: Cabinet approved raising the passenger head tax from US$40 to US$50 to help fund key regional institutions like ECCAA and the ECSC. Tourism Investment Model: Government backed a public-private partnership for a new Yepton’s hotel, with up to EC$40 million from the state and local investors, including expected support via the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Health Infrastructure Funding: Antigua and Barbuda secured Green Climate Fund support to renovate or rebuild 10 clinics, though drawdowns are delayed by donor pre-qualification and missing older design documents. Security & Business Continuity: Police cleared APUA facilities after a bomb scare, allowing operations to resume.

Youth Entrepreneurship: barbudanGO says ACB Caribbean and Digicel have come on board as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda (June 22–25), backing materials, workbooks and awards for 13–16-year-olds building business plans and pitching solutions. Tax Transparency: Antigua and Barbuda has signed an updated OECD addendum expanding automatic financial account information sharing under the Common Reporting Standard, joining 76 jurisdictions implementing the broader framework. US Deportees Talks: Cabinet confirms negotiations with the US on accepting up to 16 third-country nationals each year have resumed, with Antigua and Barbuda insisting on no criminal backgrounds and full due diligence, while Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders leads talks. Regional Funding Move: Cabinet approved raising the passenger head tax for international travellers from US$40 to US$50, with extra revenue earmarked for the ECCAA and ECSC. Tourism & Investment: Government backs a public-private partnership for a new Yepton’s hotel on about 15 acres, with up to EC$40m from state entities and local investors, plus possible CIP financing. Climate & Agriculture: Antigua and Barbuda secured about US$9m via the CDB/FAO Soil and Water Management Programme to build dams and water catchment infrastructure to boost irrigation and food security. Security Update: Police cleared APUA facilities after a bomb scare, following evacuations and sweeps. Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams named Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the Tourism Youth Congress competition.

Commonwealth Diplomacy: PM Gaston Browne’s Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index is set to feature at CHOGM talks in Antigua this November, with Commonwealth Secretariat policy head Dr Thomas Munthali flagging the agenda’s importance for small states. US Deportee Talks: Cabinet backed Browne’s position as negotiations with the US on third-country nationals resume after Antigua and Barbuda submitted counter-proposals, with Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders leading and the government insisting on no criminal backgrounds and full due diligence. Tourism & Youth: Antigua named Janica Adams as Junior Minister of Tourism after a Tourism Youth Congress competition, while ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsor Barbuda’s New Gen Innovators entrepreneurship workshop for ages 13–16. Regional Funding Moves: Cabinet approved raising Antigua and Barbuda’s passenger head tax for international travellers from US$40 to US$50, with proceeds earmarked for regional bodies like ECCAA and the ECSC, and also confirmed the windfall profits tax will expand to companies earning over EC$1 million to help finance free tertiary education. Tourism Investment: Government approved a public-private partnership to develop a new hotel at Yepton’s (up to EC$40m from the state side, with local investors including one already committing EC$20m). Climate & Agriculture: Antigua secured about US$9m from the CDB/FAO Soil and Water Management Programme to build dams and water catchment infrastructure to boost irrigation and food security. Security & Business Continuity: Police cleared APUA facilities after a bomb scare, and two separate business break-ins were reported, with items including lumber and convenience store goods stolen.

Tourism & Aviation: Air Canada is expanding its Caribbean network and has opened a new premium Air Canada Café at Québec City’s airport, a move that signals continued demand from Canada for Antigua and the wider region. Tourism Development: Cabinet has approved a public-private partnership to build a new hotel at Yepton’s (about 15 acres), with up to EC$40 million from government-linked entities and local investors, including potential support via the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Climate & Agriculture: Antigua and Barbuda secured an approximately US$9 million grant (CDB/FAO) to build dams and water catchment ponds to boost irrigation and reduce reliance on costly desalinated water. Health Infrastructure: Green Climate Fund financing is earmarked to renovate or rebuild 10 clinics, but drawdown is delayed by donor pre-qualification and missing historical drawings. Regional Funding: Passenger head tax for international travellers rises from US$40 to US$50 to help meet obligations to regional bodies like ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Security & Governance: France and Antigua and Barbuda are exploring a bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation against transnational organized crime and cybercrime, including joint investigative teams and intelligence-sharing. Business & Labour: A labour union leader is urging wider collective bargaining as the most practical route to stable, productive workplaces. Local Economy & Risk: Police are investigating two separate business break-ins, while APUA operations resumed after a bomb scare cleared its facilities.

OAS Funding Push: Sir Ronald Sanders says the Organisation of American States is strained and needs stronger funding and independence to keep its role as a rules-based forum. Tourism Investment: Cabinet approved a public-private partnership for a new Yepton’s beachfront hotel, with government and state entities investing up to EC$40 million and a local investor already committing EC$20 million, with possible support via Citizenship by Investment. Climate & Health Infrastructure: Green Climate Fund support will renovate or rebuild 10 clinics, but drawdowns are delayed by donor pre-qualification and missing old design records. Regional Aviation Fees: Antigua and Barbuda raised the passenger head tax for international travellers from US$40 to US$50 to help meet obligations to ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Security Check Cleared: Police gave the all-clear after a bomb scare at APUA facilities, following evacuations and sweeps. Crime Watch: Two separate break-ins were reported—lumber stolen from a renovation site and items taken from a Buckley Line superette—both under investigation. Labour & Work Stability: UNI’s Trevor Johnson urged Caribbean employers to expand collective bargaining as the practical route to more stable, productive workplaces. OECS-US Deportee Talks: OECS leaders in Antigua are setting up an advisory team to negotiate with the US, aiming to limit deportee numbers and protect sovereignty and local resources. Flood Readiness: ABMS and WMO will run a workshop to develop flood forecasting and warning SOPs, strengthening early warning systems.

Tourism & Branding: Elite Island Resorts teamed up with Antiguan reggae ambassador Causion to release “Feels Like I’m Dreaming,” a music-led video spotlighting The Verandah Antigua and the island’s beaches during Caribbean Heritage Month. Aviation & Trade: Antigua will raise the passenger head tax by US$10 (from US$40 to US$50) to help fund regional bodies like ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Maritime Safety: WiMAC’s Antigua and Barbuda chapter is calling for safer, zero-tolerance maritime workplaces as it marks Day of the Seafarer (25 June). Regional Integration & Costs: OECS leaders, with Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne now chairing, pushed for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity and resilience, while also exploring deeper sourcing links with Panama and the Dominican Republic to lower import costs. Digital Skills: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member states, aiming to build youth into tech creators. Public Systems & Resilience: ABMS and WMO are running a two-day workshop (June 25–26) to develop flood forecasting and warning SOPs under the Early Warning Systems for Floods project. Local Business & Governance: Antigua’s FSRC-regulated offshore IBC framework continues to draw cross-border structuring interest, with OVZA highlighted as a registration platform. Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda formally established diplomatic relations with Honduras via a joint communiqué in Panama City. Safety & Crime Watch: Police report theft and break-ins targeting businesses across Antigua, while separate searches in Hatton led to arrests over suspected stolen jewelry. Road Pressure: Automotive expert Paul Ryan warns traffic policing gaps and deteriorating road conditions are driving accidents, calling for more officers on traffic duty and better road maintenance.