AGP Executive Report

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Carib Resolve Dispute Resolution Centre officially launched in Antigua to help individuals, businesses and organisations settle disputes outside court, aiming to make mediation and other options more accessible. Utility Relief & Debt: APUA wrote off “a couple of millions” in old customer debt under the election-period electricity amnesty, saying much of it was already uncollectible or tied to disconnected services. Energy Transition: APUA is developing a battery storage policy for homes with rooftop solar, while also planning a major 55-megawatt renewable push; officials stress grid upgrades and storage are needed to avoid reliability risks. Electricity Cost Pressure: APUA says the fuel variation charge remains subsidised despite increases, as fuel costs and the mechanism that adjusts bills continue to move with international prices. Renewables Planning: Government is also pushing renewable development with urgency to prevent another fuel spike, with solar and geothermal pathways in focus. CHOGM Business Build-Up: Commonwealth Foundation’s Razmi Farook is in Antigua for People’s Forum planning, alongside CHOGM outreach efforts supported by local businesses. International Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit The Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda from Oct 27 to Nov 4, aligning with CHOGM 2026. Immigration & Travel Risk: A US court struck down a State Department immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries including Antigua and Barbuda, while Canada is tightening identity checks for CBI passport holders—urging applicants to keep documents consistent. Whaling Backlash: Environmental groups urged Prime Minister Browne to withdraw support for lifting the commercial whaling ban ahead of the IWC meeting in September. Investment Platform: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch the Island Investment Forum in the Maldives, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable development for SIDS.

CHOGM 2026 Boost: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the Caribbean from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting them for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Nov. 1–4—after stops in the Bahamas and Guyana. Power & Cost Pressures: APUA is developing a battery storage policy for homes with rooftop solar, while also saying the fuel variation charge remains subsidised despite increases—amid ongoing concerns about electricity bill shocks. Renewables Push: Government and APUA are moving toward a major 55-megawatt renewable plan, stressing solar must come with battery storage and grid upgrades. Community & CHOGM Outreach: CHOGM 2026 outreach has reached more than 300 people in two days, with local businesses backing prizes and engagement. Energy Diversification Elsewhere: Nevis Electricity is exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm as a short-term buffer while waiting for geothermal progress. Investment Platform: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch an Island Investment Forum aimed at attracting investment and supporting sustainable development across SIDS. Regional Business Spotlight: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” is funding local causes in Antigua and Barbuda, including support for Sunshine Home for Girls and St. John’s Hospice.

CHOGM & Royal Spotlight: Buckingham Palace says King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda from Oct 27–Nov 4, with Antigua hosting CHOGM 2026 (Nov 1–4) and the theme focused on “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” Energy Cost Pressure: APUA says it is absorbing part of fuel costs even after raising the fuel variation charge to 80 cents/kWh, while officials warn another spike is possible as fuel orders jump with global prices. Renewables Push: Antigua is planning a 55-megawatt solar project (with grid upgrades and battery storage) and hopes to move within about 36 months; meanwhile Nevis is exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm to cushion fuel surcharge shocks while geothermal advances. CBI Under Scrutiny: The Economist weighs in as Europe tightens pressure on Citizenship by Investment programmes, and Canada increases visa verification scrutiny for CBI passport holders from Antigua and Barbuda and other OECS states. Regional Governance Watch: The CCJ faces credibility concerns after leaked emails alleged panel-fixing by court President Winston Anderson, prompting calls for fixes. Local Business & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns CPL sixes into support for education, sport and health across multiple islands, including donations in Antigua to Sunshine Home for Girls and St John’s Hospice.

CHOGM Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4, with their Antigua and Barbuda visit timed to CHOGM 2026 (Nov. 1–4 in St. John’s). The King will also visit the Bahamas first and then Guyana for a state visit marking 60 years of UK–Guyana relations—an event expected to keep regional business and investment conversations front and centre. Community Investment via Sport: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” initiative is turning CPL sixes into support for education, health and community projects, including US$50 per six in Antigua and Barbuda shared between Sunshine Home for Girls and St. John’s Hospice. Visa & Mobility Watch: Canada is tightening identity checks and document verification for travellers from Antigua and Barbuda (and other Caribbean CBI states), warning applicants to keep information consistent to avoid delays or refusals. Trade & Food Security: Antigua and Barbuda’s agriculture ministry says the ban on pork imports from the Dominican Republic remains in effect due to African Swine Fever risk. Regional Deal-Making: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch the Island Investment Forum in the Maldives, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable development across SIDS. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering Antigua and Barbuda among other OECS territories.

Commonwealth CHOGM diplomacy: The Commonwealth Foundation’s director general, Razmi Farook, is in Antigua and Barbuda for talks ahead of CHOGM’s People’s Forum, focusing on how the creative economy can drive growth and diversification. Visa and travel compliance: Canada is tightening identity checks and document verification for travellers from Antigua and Barbuda (and other Caribbean CBI states), urging applicants to keep passport, work, finances and travel history consistent to avoid delays or refusals. SIDS investment push: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch the Island Investment Forum in Malé, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable development across Small Island Developing States. US immigration court win (regional impact): Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US judge’s ruling striking down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda—though other visa restrictions still remain. Local CHOGM culture and youth: Young Antiguan artist Kimberly Pimentel is showcasing CHOGM spirit through a new painting, while a shadowing programme gave 10 young Antiguans hands-on exposure to diplomacy ahead of CHOGM 2026. Food security: Antigua and Barbuda maintains its ban on pork imports from the Dominican Republic due to African Swine Fever risk.

Trade & Food Security: Antigua and Barbuda is keeping its ban on pork imports and pork products from the Dominican Republic in place, after African Swine Fever was detected there—covering everyone from distributors and restaurants to shop owners and consumers. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, bringing 25 years of experience to help strengthen resilient, equitable health systems across the region. Fuel Costs Watch: Government says fuel-price increases may be unavoidable after absorbing a reported EC$40 million hit, warning it could be forced to raise prices if losses continue. Immigration & Mobility: A US judge struck down a Trump-era policy that suspended immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda—though other visa restrictions remain. Local Governance & Services: Bus drivers are calling for an immediate fare increase (50–75 cents) after more than 20 years without adjustments as operating costs rise. Regional Economy: UN data projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—highlighting the widening gap. Carnival Planning: Cabinet is pushing early planning and “no blank days” for Carnival’s 70th anniversary in 2027, with the anniversary also positioned to boost tourism and creative industries.

US Visa Ruling for Caribbean Nationals: A New York federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, saying the nationality-based policy exceeded authority—though other visa restrictions still remain. Canada Tightens Visa Scrutiny: Canada is increasing document accuracy and identity checks for Caribbean CBI passport holders (including Antigua and Barbuda), with more requests for interviews and supporting proof. Fuel-Price Pressure: Government says it has absorbed a EC$40 million fuel hit, but warns prices may rise if losses continue amid global instability. ABST Relief for Families: Antigua and Barbuda will remove ABST on food items and a wide range of back-to-school supplies on Aug 28–29, building on a similar April relief. Carnival 70 Budget & Planning: Carnival 2026 was delivered within a EC$5.2m budget, and Cabinet is pushing early planning and “no blank days” for the 70th anniversary. Local Transport Costs: Bus drivers are calling for fare increases (50–75 cents) after decades without adjustments while operating costs have surged. Regional Resilience & Safety: ABRCS joined a regional early action protocol push to trigger pre-funded disaster response before crises hit. Tourism & Trade Links: OECS partners and UN bodies are advancing evidence-based services trade policymaking, while Antigua and Barbuda co-organises SIDS business forums in the Maldives.

ABST Relief: Antigua and Barbuda will cut Sales Tax to zero on qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug. 28–29, easing costs for families ahead of the school reopening. Public Finance & Retail: Government says it will pay public servants ahead of the ABST-free shopping weekend, aiming to boost household spending during the tax relief period. US Visa Shock (Antigua affected): A US judge struck down a Trump administration suspension of immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, though other visa restrictions and bond rules remain in place. Tourism & Heritage: Cabinet says Carnival 2027 planning is underway for “Legendary 70,” with early stakeholder engagement and wider global marketing expected to lift tourism and creative-sector activity. Regional Growth Watch: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—highlighting how uneven regional economic momentum is. Child Safety Focus: A National Child Protection Town Hall Meeting is set for Aug. 25 at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, bringing together health, police, education and legal voices. Security Planning: Cabinet is considering a drone-based national security network to strengthen surveillance and emergency response, with no final purchase decision yet.

Child Protection: The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation will host a National Child Protection Town Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 25 (6:30 p.m.) at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, bringing together social services, police, schools, healthcare and legal experts to discuss how to keep children safe and strengthen families. Carnival Finance & Planning: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has offered to help finance soca star Tian Winter’s full album ahead of Carnival 70, while Cabinet calls for early planning and “no blank days” as the 70th anniversary Carnival runs July 20–Aug. 3, 2027. US Visa Update for Antiguans: A Manhattan federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda—though other US visa restrictions (like B1/B2 and student rules) remain in place. ABST Relief: Antigua and Barbuda will cut Sales Tax to zero for qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug. 28–29, easing costs for families as schools reopen. Security & Tech: Government is considering a national drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal checks before any deployment. Regional Economy: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—while Antigua and Barbuda is forecast at 3.5% growth.

Carnival 70 Finance Push: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he’ll help fund soca star Tian Winter’s full album as Antigua and Barbuda gears up for Carnival’s 70th anniversary in 2027, calling Winter the country’s strongest current performer and urging him to raise the bar for local music. US Visa Ruling With Local Impact: A Manhattan judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, though other US visa restrictions (like B1/B2 and student rules) remain in place. Tourism & Growth Signals: Government reports Carnival 2026 came in within an EC$5.2m budget and delivered higher hotel occupancy and broader economic activity; meanwhile ECLAC forecasts Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026 (but only 1.1% without Guyana), with Antigua and Barbuda projected at 3.5%. Cost Pressure on Transport: Bus drivers are calling for an immediate fare increase after more than 20 years without adjustments, citing rising vehicle and operating costs. ABST Relief for Families: Cabinet confirmed ABST will be reduced to zero for qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug 28–29. Security Planning: Cabinet is considering a national drone security network for surveillance and faster emergency response, with no final purchase decision yet. Regional Resilience: ABRCS joined partners to finalize Early Action Protocols for pre-funded disaster response across cyclone-prone islands. Trade & Services Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC advanced evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, aiming to close data gaps and strengthen export strategies. Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three Sofar ocean data buoy stations to strengthen hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety. Crypto Fraud Probe Linked to Antigua Passport: India’s ED says a key accused in a ₹113-crore crypto investment fraud obtained an Antigua and Barbuda passport under a fake identity, after searches in Mumbai and Thane.

US Visa Update: A US federal judge struck down a Trump-era suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 “high-risk” countries, meaning consular officials must assess applications case-by-case; however, other visa limits tied to a separate presidential proclamation still apply for Antigua and Barbuda applicants. Carnival Economy: Antigua’s 2026 Carnival came in within an EC$5.2 million budget, with Cabinet citing higher hotel occupancy and broader spillover across tourism, transport, entertainment and food and beverage. Caribbean Growth Watch: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—while Antigua and Barbuda is forecast at 3.5% for both 2026 and 2027. Trade & Investment Push: The Maldives will host SIDS business and investment forums Aug. 23–25, co-organised with Antigua and Barbuda and UN partners, drawing 200+ participants from 30+ countries. Local Policy Moves: Cabinet confirmed ABST will be cut to zero for qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug. 28–29, and is considering a drone security network for surveillance and emergency response. Transport Pressure: Bus drivers are calling for an immediate fare increase after more than 20 years without adjustments as operating costs rise. Regional Resilience: ABRCS joined a regional early action protocol workshop to trigger pre-funded disaster response before hurricanes hit. Crypto Fraud Link: India’s ED says a key accused in a ₹113-crore MTC crypto fraud used an Antigua and Barbuda passport under a fake identity, after searches in Mumbai and Thane.

Tourism & Luxury Travel: Anguilla used Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas to deepen ties with luxury advisors, with Virtuoso ranking Anguilla No. 1 in the Caribbean for festive travel bookings and No. 3 worldwide. Carnival Economy: Antigua Carnival 2026 landed within an EC$5.2m budget, with Cabinet citing stronger hotel occupancy and wider spillovers across transport, entertainment, food and beverage, and creative industries. Regional Growth Outlook: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but only 1.1% without Guyana—Antigua and Barbuda is forecast at 3.5%. Trade & Investment Platforms: Maldives will host SIDS business forums (Aug 23–25) with Antigua and Barbuda co-organising, bringing 200+ participants from 30+ countries to focus on investment and business challenges. Cost of Living Support: Antigua and Barbuda will cut ABST to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29. Security Modernisation: Cabinet is considering a US-backed drone surveillance network for ports, coastlines and critical sites, with training offered and no final purchase decision yet. Local Transport Pressure: Bus drivers are calling for an immediate fare increase after 20+ years without adjustments. Citizenship & Compliance Watch: Opposition claims the government hasn’t published required CIP reports, raising transparency concerns. Offshore/Passport Risk: India’s ED says a key accused in a ₹113.10-crore crypto fraud used an Antigua and Barbuda passport under a fake identity. Agriculture Skills: Antigua and Barbuda participants completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring and smart farming.

UN Leadership Watch: The Security Council is holding another informal straw poll to gauge support for eight candidates to replace Antonio Guterres, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett narrowly ahead in a prior poll and contenders including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi. Local Transport Costs: Bus drivers at St. John’s West and East stations are calling for an immediate fare increase of about 50–75 cents, saying costs have surged while fares haven’t moved in over two decades. Tax Relief for Families: Antigua and Barbuda will set ABST to zero for qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug 28–29, with Inland Revenue to issue guidance for businesses and shoppers. Security & Tech Planning: Cabinet is considering a National Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone network for surveillance and faster incident response, with no final purchase decision yet. Regional Resilience: ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund disaster response before hurricanes hit. Trade & Data for Growth: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC advanced evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, aiming to close data gaps and help member states build export strategies. Fraud Probe Linked to Antigua Passport: India’s ED says a key accused in a ₹113.10-crore crypto fraud case used an Antigua and Barbuda passport under a fake identity, after searches in Mumbai and Thane.

Judicial Independence: Antigua and Barbuda’s government welcomed a constructive response from the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association, saying both the Foreign Minister’s letter and the CMJA statement will be published so the public can review the full official record, including the Prime Minister’s clarification that no executive action will be taken against judicial officers. SIDS Business Push: The Foreign Ministry says the Maldives will host the 2026 SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the inaugural Island Investment Forum (Aug 23–25), with Antigua and Barbuda co-organising alongside UN-OHRLLS and bringing together 200+ participants from 30+ countries. Tax Relief for Families: Cabinet confirmed ABST will be reduced to zero for qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug 28–29, covering items like uniforms, bags, shoes, calculators and school stationery. Security Tech Considered: Government is weighing a US-proposed drone security network for aerial surveillance and faster incident assessment, with Cabinet stressing no final purchase or deployment decision yet. Trade in Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states build export strategies. Entrepreneurship Momentum: 58 young entrepreneurs completed the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, supported by EC$38,000 from the Sandals Foundation, culminating in an expo to showcase their businesses. Hurricane Readiness: ABRCS joined a regional early action protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund humanitarian responses ahead of cyclones. Marine Forecasting Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three ocean data buoy stations to strengthen marine observation and hurricane-season forecasting.

Tax Relief Push: Cabinet confirmed Antigua and Barbuda will cut ABST to zero for qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies on Aug 28–29, easing costs for families ahead of the school reopening. Public Safety Tech: Government is considering a National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and national-security reviews still underway. Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross is strengthening hurricane preparedness through a regional Early Action Protocol initiative that pre-sets and pre-funds humanitarian response when forecasts predict disasters. Trade & Data for Growth: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states build export strategies. Entrepreneurship Momentum: 58 young entrepreneurs completed the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, supported by the Sandals Foundation, with an expo to showcase their businesses. Tourism Flow: St. Kitts welcomed major cruise arrivals (Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond), boosting demand for local tours, taxis and vendors across the islands. Regional Skills & Agriculture: Antigua and Barbuda participants gained agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring and smart farming—key for a water-scarce agriculture sector. Maritime Monitoring Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to improve forecasting and maritime safety.

SIDS Investment Push: The Maldives will host the SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the inaugural Island Investment Forum in Malé from Aug 23–25, with 200+ participants from 30+ countries, co-organised with Antigua and Barbuda and UN-OHRLLS. Tax Relief for Families: Antigua and Barbuda will cut ABST to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29, with the Inland Revenue Department set to issue guidance for businesses and shoppers. Trade Policy for Services: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a regional push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using TiSSTAT to help member states build export strategies and plug into global value chains. Maritime Safety Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to strengthen hurricane-season forecasting and marine observation, supported by a CDB-funded RCCAME project. Entrepreneurship Momentum: 58 young entrepreneurs completed the 2026 Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, backed by EC$38,000 from the Sandals Foundation, culminating in an expo to showcase and sell their businesses. CIP Transparency Pressure: Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner says required Citizenship by Investment Programme reports naming beneficiaries have not been published, raising legal and credibility concerns. Local Business Crime: Police charged Lisbert Evans of Barnes Hill over alleged cheque fraud totalling EC$221,000, with investigations continuing.