AGP Executive Report

OECS Leadership Shift: Prime Minister Gaston Browne officially takes the OECS Authority chair as leaders meet in Antigua to push economic development, integration, climate resilience, security, and food and energy security. Latin America Trade Push: Browne says the OECS must build stronger trade links with Spanish-speaking Latin America, including deeper Spanish fluency and using Panama as a gateway for Caribbean trade. Housing Finance: Browne floats a $100m housing bond to scale construction toward 500 homes a year, citing cash and labour constraints. Tourism & Investment: Fort James Renaissance Park is set to start by September with EC$5m earmarked from a Sandals settlement, while a Fort James marina plan could unlock major investment. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Browne says the government owes WIOC over $6m as it subsidizes gasoline and diesel to protect households. Crime & Fraud Response: Police Chief urges the public to break silence via trusted channels; ONDCP, police and the ECCB collaborate on cyber fraud awareness. Inclusion & Jobs: Seven persons with disabilities gained employment through the MSUT programme after Cabinet approval. Education Demand: UWI Five Islands law programme may need a cap after 137 applications. Local Business Growth: ABYETS prepares youth entrepreneurs for its July 4 Barbuda trade show.

OECS Authority in Antigua: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting (June 21–22), with leaders focused on economic development, climate resilience, food and energy security, regional security and deeper integration, as Antigua’s Gaston Browne takes the rotating chair. Regional integration push: Outgoing chair Godwin Friday urged faster, practical integration for small states, while Browne called for a leaner OECS Commission and even floated an OECS airline concept to improve connectivity for trade and tourism. Deportation stance: Browne said Antigua and Barbuda rejected a US proposal that would have sent far more deportees, insisting on a cap of 10 people per year and refusing arrangements that could threaten public safety. Housing finance: Browne wants a $100m housing bond to help build up to 5,000 homes over 10 years, citing financing and labour shortages. Fort James Renaissance Park: Government plans to start Fort James Renaissance Park by September, using $5m from a Sandals settlement, with a marina, restaurants and recreation, and priority for local participation. UWI Five Islands law demand: Browne said 137 people have applied for the new law programme, and officials may cap intake if space and resources can’t expand. Cyber fraud awareness: ONDCP, police and the ECCB joined a regional effort to tackle cyber-enabled fraud through intelligence-led policing. Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda established diplomatic relations with Honduras, aiming to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and education.

OECS Leadership & Regional Integration: Prime Minister Gaston Browne assumed the OECS Authority chairmanship in Antigua, calling for bold steps like a dedicated OECS airline, deeper economic cooperation, and renewed US/Caribbean engagement. OECS Summit Logistics: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting (June 21–22), with St. Clair Leacock acting during Friday’s absence. UWI Five Islands Law Programme: Demand is outpacing capacity, with Browne saying 137 applications are in and enrollment may need capping while the campus checks space and resources. Tourism Development: Fort James Renaissance Park is set to break ground by September, funded with EC$5 million from the Sandals settlement, with beach upgrades and an artificial reef planned ahead of CHOGM. Education Funding: Browne signalled expansion of an education levy to fund the full school system and discussed widening support for higher education, including UWI Five Islands. Banking & Currency Oversight: ECCB highlighted how its agency offices support currency operations and regulatory oversight across member states. Fuel Subsidies: Government says it is absorbing global fuel price hikes, keeping local gasoline/diesel and LPG prices far below regional levels, but at a cost to the treasury. Youth & Entrepreneurship: ABYETS ran a Barbuda retreat to prepare young entrepreneurs for its July 4 trade show, while ABYETS and other youth initiatives continue building business skills. Bank Merger Labour Watch: UNI Global Union urged urgent talks with CIBC Caribbean and Butterfield over their US$1.8bn merger, warning of risks to workers.

Education Funding Push: PM Gaston Browne signals expansion of an education levy to fund the full school system, with support also extending to UWI Five Islands and the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, plus teacher training and sector infrastructure. Regional Policy Spotlight: Browne is set to take the OECS Authority chairmanship as PM Friday travels to Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, with talks on economic development, integration, climate resilience, security and cooperation. Tourism & Tech Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort is transforming Antigua’s old Long Bay Hotel into a $200m, 113-room project featuring “invisible technology” like an AI concierge, automated carts and robot delivery. Citizenship by Investment Watch: Experts say currency volatility and tougher compliance checks are key hurdles for CBI applicants, with due diligence screening intensifying across programmes. Banking & Jobs: UNI Global Union is urging urgent talks with CIBC Caribbean and Butterfield over their US$1.8bn merger, warning of risks for banking workers. Tax & Higher Education: Government is considering widening the windfall tax to all businesses earning EC$1m+ annually to raise dedicated revenue for tertiary education. Cancer Care Update: The cancer treatment centre is expected to begin radiotherapy services in the fall, but the exact opening date and patient costs remain unclear. CHOGM Accommodation Drive: Property owners are being urged to register as CHOGM 2026 bookings intensify, with organisers using the 5,000-delegate Samoa benchmark to plan capacity. Youth Entrepreneurship: ABYETS is preparing for its July 4, 2026 Barbuda trade show after a Barbuda retreat that trained 29 young entrepreneurs on pitching and business planning. Fuel Subsidy: Antigua and Barbuda continues subsidising fuel to cushion global price hikes, keeping local gasoline and diesel prices well below regional levels.

Fuel Subsidy Watch: Antigua and Barbuda is keeping gasoline, diesel and LPG prices far below regional levels by absorbing global hikes, but the government says the cushion is putting pressure on the treasury. Education Funding: Cabinet is expanding support for higher education—free tuition at UWI Five Islands for eligible first undergraduate degrees, plus 50% tuition support for law students. Windfall Tax Expansion: Government is considering widening the 10% windfall tax beyond current high-earning sectors to any business making EC$1m+ profit, with proceeds aimed at tertiary education. Cancer Care Update: The long-delayed cancer treatment centre is expected to start radiotherapy services in the fall, though the exact opening date and patient costs remain unclear. CHOGM Accommodation Push: Property owners and short-term rentals are being urged to register as CHOGM 2026 bookings intensify, with thousands of delegates expected. Regional Finance for Resilience: The IFC will invest up to US$15m in a Caribbean debt fund targeting SME financing and climate resilience across 13 countries including Antigua and Barbuda. Youth & Business Growth: Sandals Foundation funds a new Entrepreneurship Edge programme for young entrepreneurs, while local fintech ClicCash heads to London Tech Week to showcase Antigua’s payments ecosystem. Women’s Empowerment: FemForge Foundation launches outreach for women’s support, mentorship and financial assistance, with a public launch set for August 8. Sports & Tourism: Minister Dwayne George met Cedar Valley Golf Course management to plan upgrades that could boost sports tourism. Climate Voice: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing for a stronger seat for climate-vulnerable states in global climate mobility and finance talks.

World Bank/IFC Funding: IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, rolling out financing across 13 countries including Antigua and Barbuda to back climate resilience and SME growth. CHOGM Readiness: Antigua and Barbuda is urging property owners to register as CHOGM 2026 bookings intensify, with organisers using the 5,000-delegate Samoa benchmark to plan capacity. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Government confirms it is absorbing global fuel price hikes, keeping gasoline and diesel far below regional levels, but admits the subsidy is a heavy hit to the treasury. Education Push: Cabinet backs free UWI Five Islands tuition for eligible students on their first undergraduate degree, plus 50% support for law students; it’s also considering expanding the windfall tax to all businesses making EC$1M+ profits to fund tertiary education. Cancer Centre Update: The cancer treatment centre is expected to begin services in the fall, with key radiation specialists identified, but no firm opening date yet. Cybercrime Law: Parliament approved tougher electronic crimes rules, including fines up to EC$1M for service providers that fail to comply with production orders. Sports & Tourism: Minister Dwayne George met Cedar Valley Golf Course management to discuss upgrades aimed at boosting sports tourism. Regional Climate Voice: Minister Michael Joseph says SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda need a stronger seat at global climate talks, including on climate mobility and loss-and-damage finance. Youth & Community: Sandals Foundation invests EC$38,000 in the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, while a new FemForge Foundation is positioning itself as a women’s empowerment platform in Antigua and Barbuda.

CHOGM 2026 Accommodation Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s hotels and tourism stakeholders are urging property owners and short-term rental operators to register as CHOGM bookings intensify, with planning based on the scale of the 2024 Samoa meeting and major side-event demand. Fuel Subsidy Watch: Cabinet reiterated it is absorbing global price hikes to keep local fuel and LPG costs down, while acknowledging the subsidy is a heavy hit to the treasury. Education Funding Moves: Government confirmed free UWI Five Islands tuition covers eligible students’ first undergraduate degree only, with law students receiving 50% support; Cabinet is also weighing widening the windfall tax to any business earning EC$1m+ to help fund tertiary education. Cancer Centre Timeline: The long-delayed cancer treatment centre is expected to start services in the fall, but officials still haven’t set a firm opening date or patient costs. Electronic Crimes Law: Parliament approved tougher electronic crimes enforcement, including fines up to EC$1m for non-compliance with law-enforcement production orders. Regional Labour & Banking Concerns: UNI Global Union is demanding urgent talks with CIBC Caribbean and Butterfield over their US$1.8bn merger to address worker risks ahead of completion in 2027. Climate Voice & Mobility: Environment and health officials are pushing for stronger SIDS representation in climate mobility talks, stressing resilience and the “right to stay.” Sports Tourism Upgrades: Minister Dwayne George met Cedar Valley Golf Course management to plan upgrades aimed at boosting sports tourism and long-term sustainability. Youth Enterprise Support: Sandals Foundation invested EC$38,000 in the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme to train young entrepreneurs in business, funding and pitching.

Climate Voice Push: Health/Environment Minister Michael Joseph says SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda need a stronger seat at global climate talks, arguing Caribbean nations are underrepresented despite being hit hardest by hurricanes and climate-driven displacement. Storm Impact: Tropical Storm Arthur is estimated to have caused US$4–6 billion in damage and economic losses across the U.S. Gulf, a reminder that weaker storms still bring costly flooding and business disruption. Windfall Tax Debate: An op-ed questions whether extending and expanding Antigua’s windfall tax is the right way to fund priorities, warning the “means” need clearer justification. Education Funding Moves: Cabinet recommends Sir David Harrison to lead the UWI Five Islands Campus Council and endowment fund; government also confirms free tuition covers eligible students’ first undergraduate degree at UWI Five Islands, while law students get 50% support. Fuel Subsidy: Government says it’s absorbing global price hikes to keep fuel and LPG cheaper locally, but notes the strain on the treasury. Cybercrime Law: Parliament approved tougher electronic crimes rules, including fines up to EC$1 million for service providers that fail to comply with law-enforcement production orders. Banking Workers Concern: UNI Global Union calls for urgent talks with CIBC Caribbean and Butterfield over their US$1.8bn merger, warning of labour risks. Language Policy: Cabinet moves to make Spanish a second official language, with Spain offering teaching and infrastructure support—sparking local debate. Food Security Projects: Agriculture updates highlight IICA-backed sweet potato initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, resilience, and value-added options. Cancer Centre Update: The cancer treatment centre is expected to begin services later this year (fall), but officials still haven’t set a firm opening date or patient costs. Youth & Business: Sandals Foundation invests EC$38,000 in the Entrepreneurship Edge programme, while homegrown fintech ClicCash represents Antigua and Barbuda at London Tech Week.

Fuel Subsidies: Government says it’s absorbing global price hikes, keeping gasoline at EC$14.50 and diesel at EC$14.25 per gallon, while LPG is EC$32.20 for a 20-pound cylinder—though officials warn the cushion is costly for the treasury. UWI Tuition Support: Free tuition for eligible students at UWI Five Islands covers only first undergraduate degrees; law students get 50% support (not full coverage), with 137 already accepted and applications open until end of June. Education Funding via Tax: Cabinet is weighing expanding the 10% windfall tax (currently for telecoms, banking, insurance and energy) to all businesses earning EC$1m+ profits to help fund tertiary education. Electronic Crimes Law: Parliament passed amendments raising penalties for telecom and other service providers that fail to comply with electronic information requests—up to EC$100,000 on summary conviction and up to EC$1m and seven years on indictment. Cancer Centre Update: The long-delayed cancer treatment centre is expected to start services in the fall, but no exact opening date or patient costs have been confirmed. Sandals Settlement & Fort James: Government secured a EC$6.5m Sandals tax settlement, earmarking EC$5m to kick off the Renaissance Park at Fort James. Jobs & Labour Market: PM Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is near “practically full employment,” but admits the labour survey is outdated and needs updating. Youth Enterprise: Sandals Foundation invests EC$38,000 in the Entrepreneurship Edge programme to train young entrepreneurs. Local Business & Tech: ClicCash represents Antigua and Barbuda at London Tech Week, pitching its regulated payments platform on the global stage.

Education Funding Push: Cabinet is considering expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s windfall tax beyond telecom, banking, insurance and energy, potentially adding any business earning EC$1m+ to help fund tertiary education. Tourism & Investment: Government says it has secured an EC$6.5m settlement with Sandals, with EC$5m earmarked for the Fort James Renaissance Park, including a marina, amphitheatre, pool, boutique hotel and retail. Road Finance Watch: PM Browne told Parliament the EC$100m National Road Project loan remains undrawn, but drawing down is expected later this month. Cybercrime Crackdown: Parliament passed Electronic Crimes (Amendment) legislation that can fine telecoms and other service providers up to EC$1m for failing to comply with production orders, with tougher penalties including possible jail time; the education minister also urged daily penalties. Youth Football Support: ABFA is seeking EC$12,000 for a quality friendly for the U20 “Benna Boys” ahead of Concacaf in Mexico. Labour Market Debate: Browne says the country is near full employment but admits the last labour survey is outdated and needs updating. Banking Workers Concern: UNI Global Union is calling for urgent talks with Butterfield and CIBC Caribbean ahead of their merger to reduce risks for banking workers.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament approved tougher electronic crimes rules, including fines up to EC$1 million and possible jail for service providers or individuals who fail to comply with law-enforcement production orders for electronic data. Labour Market Update: PM Gaston Browne says the country is near “practically full employment,” but admits the labour market survey is outdated (around 2016/17) and says some locals are not taking jobs they qualify for, driving more work-permit requests. Back Pay Bottlenecks: Browne told Parliament unpaid back pay is mainly due to documentation gaps and processing errors, not lack of funds, with customer-service improvements underway. Road Funding Status: Government has not yet drawn down a US$100m loan for the National Road Project, with access expected later this month. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, supporting skills for trade officials and policymakers. Security & Business Risk: A Barbuda restaurant reported repeated break-ins and says police follow-up has been slow; in St. John’s, a guard escaped after an armed intruder targeted a business compound. Regional Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at SME financing and resilience projects. Tourism & Travel Links: Air Peace expands African routes from Lagos to Douala, Libreville, Bamako and Conakry from Aug. 1, and CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 after Antigua’s successful hosting. Youth & Data Operations: NYPAAB completed its youth parliament elections; the Census Office resumed field operations with more enumerators deployed.

Air Connectivity & Trade: Air Peace says it will launch scheduled Lagos–Douala–Libreville–Bamako–Conakry services from Aug. 1, 2026, with multiple weekly frequencies, positioning Lagos as a hub and citing benefits for trade, tourism and investment—while noting connections to Caribbean destinations including Antigua. Labour Market Update: PM Gaston Browne told Parliament Antigua and Barbuda is at “practically full employment,” but admitted the labour market survey is outdated (around 2016/17) and called for a new one. Workforce & Permits: Browne linked recruitment gaps to locals’ reluctance to take available roles, and said work permit approvals are being centralized as businesses struggle to fill vacancies. Back Pay Bottlenecks: The PM said missing back pay cases stem mainly from documentation gaps, incomplete lists and ineligible claims—not lack of funds. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme June 29–July 2, aimed at strengthening trade officials and policy makers. Census Operations: The Census Office is resuming and intensifying field work for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, deploying more enumerators after election-related suspension. Local Security: Police are investigating a break-in attempt at a Barbuda business after an armed intruder confronted a security guard early Sunday. Youth Governance: NYPAAB has completed elections for its executive committee and youth MPs, naming representatives across constituencies. Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals Grande Antigua marked a year of hospitality excellence at its Prestige Awards, while a local travel advisor was recognized for top global sales for Saint Lucia. Regional Finance: PM Browne said the government supports Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while pushing for local participation.

Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals Grande Antigua marked a year of service excellence at its 2025 Prestige Awards, spotlighting staff development and top performers. Regional Business Calendar: CHTA has named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), with the CTM B2B event linking global buyers to Caribbean suppliers. Labour & Jobs: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is near “full employment,” but admits the labour market survey is outdated (around 2016/17) and calls for a new one; he also points to locals not taking up qualified roles, driving work-permit requests. Public Finance & Administration: Browne says back pay delays stem mainly from documentation gaps and ineligible claims, not lack of funds; he also says the $100m National Road Project loan remains undrawn. Workforce Data & Planning: The Census Office is ramping up field operations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, deploying more enumerators from June 15. Skills & Trade Policy: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen trade officials’ and policymakers’ negotiating and policymaking skills. Security & Local Economy: Police are investigating an armed intruder incident at a Cassada Gardens business after a guard escaped unharmed. Youth & Community: NYPAAB completed elections for its executive committee and youth MPs, while the Hopeful Hearts Foundation and Red Cross ran a food and clothing drive reaching hundreds of families.

Banking Deal Watch: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will support Butterfield Bank’s planned US$1.794b acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while pushing for local participation and “carve-out” arrangements as talks target completion in H1 2027. Tourism & Tax: Browne says Sandals will pay the government $6.5m in a tax settlement tied to a US$100m+ expansion at Grande Antigua, including 16 overwater bungalows—while he also flags a review of the ABST system after hotels reportedly offset large credits. Investment Pipeline: Construction is underway at Willoughby Bay for a high-end residential tourism project backed by a CIP investor, and the government is also moving on a Perry Bay mixed-use plan with 13 acres earmarked for housing and a marina. Tourism Asset Upgrades: Browne outlines $13.5m in upgrades for Jolly Beach Resort, including new conference capacity for up to 500 people. Public Space & Marine Plan: “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point is being developed with an artificial reef and public beach, aimed at CHOGM 2026 and community conflict resolution. Workforce Policy: Cabinet says work permit rules will be tightened to ensure employers recruit qualified nationals first, with the One Stop Employment Centre central to matching job seekers. Regional Agriculture: Nominations open for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, with submissions due end of June. Diplomacy & Governance: Attorneys Joanne Massiah and Samantha Marshall sworn in as Ambassadors-at-Large, while Antigua-backed UN secretary-general nominee María Fernanda Espinosa outlines a crisis-prevention and reform-focused vision at UNGA. Security Concern (Barbuda): A Barbuda restaurant co-owner reports frustration over repeated break-ins since mid-April, with police reports not stopping the pattern.

UN Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda-backed candidate Maria Fernanda Espinosa took part in the UN General Assembly’s 5th interactive dialogue for the next UN secretary-general, outlining a results-focused reform agenda. CARICOM Agriculture: Nominations are open for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer awards, with entries due end of June. Tourism & Investment: PM Gaston Browne says Sandals will pay the government $6.5m in a tax settlement as it pushes a US$100m+ expansion at Sandals Grande Antigua, including new overwater bungalows; he also defended the plan and flagged upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort worth $13.5m. Tax & Policy: Browne wants a review of the ABST system after claiming hotels can reclaim large credits, and he proposes expanding the windfall tax to other profitable sectors to fund education and UWI Five Islands growth. Jobs & Work Permits: Cabinet says work permit approvals must follow genuine efforts to recruit qualified nationals first, with OSEC central to matching job seekers. Blue Economy: Antigua and Barbuda appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy. Regional Services: OECS will run a specialised services sector training programme in Antigua and Barbuda from June 29 to July 2. Youth & Skills: UWI Five Islands law programme has attracted about 130 signed applicants, while the National Youth Parliament Association completed its executive and Youth MP elections.

UWI Law Programme: PM Gaston Browne says about 130 people have already signed up for the new UWI Five Islands Campus law degree, warning the university may need to review capacity and funding as demand rises. Windfall Tax for Education: Browne proposes expanding the windfall tax beyond banks to other highly profitable firms to create a dedicated education funding stream. UWI Leadership: Browne says businessman David Harrison is considering becoming chairman of the UWI Five Islands Campus Council, with Dr. Errol Cort named as a possible alternative. Luxury Tourism Push: Browne defends Sandals’ planned overwater bungalows at Dickenson Bay, and says the government has settled tax issues with Sandals for $6.5 million as the US$100m+ expansion moves ahead. Tourism Asset Upgrades: Government plans a $13.5m upgrade for Jolly Beach Resort, including new conference capacity for up to 500 people. Work Permits Tightened: Cabinet says employers must show genuine efforts to recruit qualified nationals before foreign work permits are approved, with the One Stop Employment Centre central to matching job seekers. Blue Economy & Climate: Antigua appoints marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy to help attract funding and strengthen ocean resilience. Regional Services Training: OECS says Antigua will host a specialised services-sector training programme from June 29 to July 2 to boost resilience and competitiveness. Youth Governance: NYPAAB completes elections for its Executive Committee and Youth Parliament, naming youth MPs across constituencies. Festivals & Carnival Infrastructure: ABFC reports Carnival City’s stage and roof are complete, with next steps focused on enhancing the venue and building local technical capacity.