AGP Executive Report

Teacher Burnout Alarm: A master teacher says burnout is becoming a “systemic crisis” in Antigua and Barbuda, claiming colleagues are “dropping down dead” and describing staff who can’t get relief even when they report illness. Parliament Attendance Clash: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warned that missing sittings is “not optional,” allowing only illness, official travel, or genuine extenuating circumstances. Opposition Absence Questioned: The AG questioned why UPP Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda MP Trevor Walker were absent from the first sitting, even as they had issued apologies for being off-island. Senate Return: Malaka Parker was sworn in as a senator, returning with union and legal experience. Cricket Admin Drama: The ABCA Super 40 final was postponed after wet conditions, with officials set to meet match officials before deciding the next date. Tourism & Regional Links: CTO announced a new air connectivity summit in Jamaica for Feb 23, 2027, while Antigua approved Spanish as an official second language in education. Finance: Antigua and Barbuda raised $30m via a 365-day treasury bill auction.

Tourism diplomacy in motion: Minister of State Michael Freeland is set to fly to London to represent PM Gaston Browne at the Global Partnerships Conference (May 19–20), aiming to deepen investment and development ties around climate, health, humanitarian needs, and violence against women. Public voice push: Attorney E Ann Henry is urging stronger civil society engagement, warning that policy debate is getting too quiet and that people fear backlash. Medicinal cannabis research: UWIFIC Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority signed an MOU to expand research, training, and education for the medicinal sector. Safety spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda ranks 4th safest in the Caribbean in the 2026 Honeymoon Always index, topping OECS sovereign states. Football governance debate: ABFA presidential hopeful Garfield “Iron Donkey” Gonsalves calls for dialogue—and possibly a mandate—for youth player requirements amid concerns about outside-player caps. Sports update: The ABCA Super 40 final is postponed after wet conditions stopped play.

Spanish Language Push: Cabinet has approved making Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, with the Ministry of Education told to embed Spanish across pre-school, primary and secondary levels—framed as a boost for regional integration, tourism, trade and jobs. Tourism Airlift Agenda: Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett says the CTO will hold its second Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, building on last year’s Bermuda meeting to tackle capacity gaps, high taxes and weak intra-Caribbean links. Regional Diplomacy: Minister of State Michael Freeland is set to fly to London to represent PM Gaston Browne at the Global Partnerships Conference (May 19–20). Sports & Community: West Indies cricket gears up with a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua (May 21–31), while VI hosts the first-ever 3X3 ANOECS U23 tournament and reaches the semis after rebounding in group play. Health & Rights Watch: A Commonwealth cervical cancer elimination compendium highlights Antigua’s HPV screening and digital systems, and ERAO SVG calls for reparations for LGBT Vincentians amid ongoing legal and protection gaps.

Air Connectivity Push: Jamaica says it will host the second CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, building on last year’s Bermuda meeting and aiming to tackle capacity gaps, taxes and the future of regional air links. Safety at Sea: Jamaica also offered to help Tobago tighten water-sports safety rules after the death of 7-year-old Angelica Jogie in a jet-ski incident, pointing to its own long-running restrictions. Cyber Skills for Seniors: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity workshop for older adults ran as a hybrid event across St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on safer online navigation and media literacy. Health Milestone: A new Commonwealth compendium highlights progress toward cervical cancer elimination, with Antigua and Barbuda cited for HPV-based screening and digital systems. Local Pressure Points: Antigua and Barbuda faces higher electricity bills this month as APUA raises its fuel variation charge, while the teachers’ union renews demands for proof of outstanding payments and better school safety. Earthquake Alert: A 6.0 Richter quake was reported striking Antigua and Barbuda today.

Disaster Alert: A 6.0 Richter earthquake struck Antigua and Barbuda, with reports listing multiple locations across the islands feeling shaking, including areas in St. Philip, St. John, St. George, St. Mary and St. Paul. CPL Draft Fallout: The Caribbean Premier League draft is already reshaping squads for Aug 7–Sept 20, with big moves like Gudakesh Motie leaving Guyana for Barbados, and Andre Russell joining the new Jamaica Kingsmen, while Trinbago Knight Riders keep their championship core. Cricket in Antigua: Cricket West Indies has confirmed a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua (May 21–31) as West Indies build toward the Sri Lanka series. Sports Tourism: The OECS’s first-ever 3X3 basketball tournament is underway in the Virgin Islands (May 16–17), drawing teams from across the region. Energy Costs: Antigua and Barbuda households face higher electricity bills this month as APUA increases its fuel variation charge. Education Tension: The A&B Union of Teachers’ centennial continues to spotlight claims of unpaid entitlements and school safety concerns.

Tourism Spotlight at CHTA: Dominica used the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 to sell its momentum—visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 in 2025, stayovers up 19%, and more growth continuing into 2026—while outlining major infrastructure plans. Digital Safety for Seniors: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a UNESCO cybersecurity workshop for older adults, pushing media literacy and safer navigation of misinformation as digital services expand. A&B Policy Watch: Antigua and Barbuda’s Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 cleared Parliament, with phased restrictions and customs duty relief for alternatives—no blanket ban, but a legal framework to move away from the most harmful items. Cost Pressure: APUA says electricity bills will rise this month after a fuel variation charge increase of 70 cents per kWh, drawing opposition criticism. Climate Funding Push: Caribbean countries trained to access the US$250M loss-and-damage climate grant pipeline, with a June 15 submission deadline. Sports Buzz: CPL squads are set after the draft—Trinbago Knight Riders kept Pollard, Pooran, Narine and Hosein, while Andre Russell joins Jamaica Kingsmen.

CPL Draft Fallout: Trinbago Knight Riders locked in their West Indies core for CPL 2026 using right-to-match options, keeping Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein, while Jamaica Kingsmen landed Andre Russell and Rovman Powell and added Vitel Lawes for his CPL debut. Climate Finance Push: CDB and FRLD ran a Bridgetown workshop to help 15 eligible Caribbean states prepare funding requests for the US$250M loss-and-damage grant window, with Antigua and Barbuda among the participants facing a June 15 deadline. Cost of Living Pressure: APUA says electricity bills will rise this month as the fuel variation charge increases by 70 cents per kWh, drawing opposition criticism over slow progress on reducing fossil-fuel dependence. Education & Accountability Clash: The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers’ centennial conference escalated demands for proof of outstanding teacher payments and renewed calls for safer schools, while the government moves ahead with making Spanish an official second language. Tourism Politics: MPs passed the Single-Use Plastics Act 2026, and regional hotel leaders continue pushing back against Booking.com’s proposed commission changes tied to taxes and fees.

Climate Finance Push: Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, moved closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage climate fund after a Barbados workshop with the CDB and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, with a June 15 submission deadline and a focus on building “bankable” project pipelines. Tourism Showdown: Hotel leaders are pushing back on Booking.com’s proposed commission changes and also want Airbnb taxed like hotels, arguing the rules could cost the region millions and worsen “leakage” of tourism spending. Regional Tourism Strategy: At CHTA Marketplace in Antigua, ministers and partners framed tourism as CARICOM’s top economic priority, while new travel trend data points to a shift toward higher-value travellers and stronger Latin American demand. Local Policy Moves: Cabinet approved making Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language and backed a Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP). Safety Net for Women and Children: Government also approved a National Safe Haven initiative, with funding support and partnerships lined up. Sports & Culture: Cricket West Indies announced a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua; meanwhile, creatives are invited to shape the new performing arts centre under construction.

Government House Swearing-Ins: Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and PPPs, while Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters was sworn as a senator—bringing the government’s female senator count to six. Disaster Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda kicked off the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative with a two-day national workshop, aiming to shift hurricane readiness from reaction to preparedness ahead of the 2026 season. Constitutional Reform Push: Opposition senator Jonathan Wehner renewed calls to overhaul “rubber stamp” governance, arguing the Public Accounts Committee setup creates conflicts and weak oversight. Education & Youth Pressure: The A&B Union of Teachers marked its 100th anniversary by blasting the Ministry of Education over long-delayed repairs at Ottos Comprehensive, while Rotary renewed support for at-risk youth through a refurbished Youth Intervention Unit classroom. Tourism Strategy: As CHTA Marketplace 2026 continues, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged CARICOM to treat tourism as the region’s top economic priority and tackle “leakage” by building stronger regional supply chains. Legal/Political Tensions: ABEC and the election commission remain locked in disputes over fraud claims, with warnings of possible legal action. Health Focus: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched Project Bloom to tackle late prenatal care, and nurses’ leadership is calling for stronger support for the profession.

Tourism Momentum, But With a Warning: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing hard to cash in on record 2026 arrivals, with Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez urging the country to move “aggressively” to convert demand into higher-value stays—while regional ministers flag a major problem: “leakage” in the tourism sector, estimated at 80% of visitor spending leaving the islands. Regional Strategy Shift: The CHTA/Amadeus 2026 Caribbean Travel Trends report says overall overseas growth is slowing, but Latin America—especially premium travel—is surging, pushing the region toward smarter targeting and year-round demand. Local Health Focus: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched Project Bloom after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal care. Power and Roads: APUA says electricity is restored after a Cassada Gardens substation fault, and All Saints Road is seeing overnight single-lane detours for works. Diplomacy Clarified: Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders says Antigua and Barbuda has not signed a US agreement on third-country nationals—negotiations are ongoing under a non-binding MOU.

UN Leadership Race: Antigua and Barbuda has backed Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa as a candidate for UN Secretary-General, framing her bid as “historical justice” for a woman at the top. Tourism Push: Caribbean tourism leaders are doubling down on keeping more of the tourism dollar in-region, with calls for a logistics hub and stronger regional coordination as Antigua hosts the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Marketplace Momentum: Day two in Antigua highlighted rising demand and event-driven growth, while the CHTA and Amadeus report points to a shift toward higher-value travellers and year-round booking. Local Infrastructure: All Saints Road is seeing overnight single-lane traffic and detours for works between FADI Building Supplies and Fresh and Eazy Supermarket. Power Update: APUA says electricity has been restored after an island-wide blackout tied to the Cassada Gardens substation. Politics & Governance: ABEC rejects election fraud claims and warns of legal action, while new Senate appointments take effect and focus on “doing” public service.

UN Secretary-General Race: Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Ecuador’s former UN General Assembly president María Fernanda Espinosa as a candidate to succeed António Guterres, making her the fifth name in the race for the top UN job. Tourism & Diplomacy: Antigua is hosting a big week for the sector, with strong turnout for the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace and PM Browne highlighting A&B’s growing role in high-level meetings as CHOGM preparations continue. Electoral Integrity Clash: The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is firing back hard at former ABEC deputy chairman Bruce Goodwin’s election-fraud and independence claims, warning legal action may follow. Senate Focus: Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan returned to the Senate amid personal grief, with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams praising her resilience and commitment to service. Regional Security Training: Dominica police officers completed advanced drill and ceremonial instructor training in Barbados, earning medals and further instructor recommendations.

UN Secretary-General Race: Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa for the next UN Secretary-General, adding a fifth name to the shortlist as the race gears up for elections later this year. Election Integrity Clash: The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is pushing back hard against election fraud claims, warning legal action may follow after allegations questioned the commission’s independence and the April 30 vote. CHOGM Logistics: Antigua says “advanced delegation visits” ahead of CHOGM 2026 were successful, with teams from 26 Commonwealth countries meeting in person and virtually to align protocol, security, and delegate services. Tourism Push: The Caribbean Travel Marketplace is underway, with Minister Michael Freeland welcoming delegates at VC Bird Airport as the event targets fresh business links across the region. Labour Rights: ABWU is training final-year students on employee rights and unionisation ahead of internships, aiming to reduce young workers’ vulnerability to exploitation. Health Watch: Officials continue to stress hantavirus risk remains low locally, while monitoring ports amid cruise-linked deaths.

Tourism Push at CHTA: Antigua and Barbuda has officially kicked off the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace, with Minister of State Michael Freeland welcoming delegates at VC Bird Airport as the May 12–15 event ramps up business meetings and regional deal-making. Regional Air Pressure: LIAT says it’s adjusting flight operations as global fuel prices bite, while also expanding connectivity with new/adjusted routes including Antigua–Guadeloupe. Diplomacy Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa for the next UN Secretary-General, as five candidates compete for Antonio Guterres’ successor. Politics—Opposition Rebuild: Jamale Pringle is back as Opposition Leader and UPP senators Chester Hughes, Jonathan Wehner and Ashworth Azille were sworn in, with the new bench promising tougher scrutiny and youth-focused representation. Health Watch: Health officials reiterate hantavirus risk in Antigua and Barbuda remains extremely low, urging continued sanitation and rodent control. Culture & Infrastructure: Work continues on the Deluxe Building redevelopment toward a new National Theater for the creatives.

Hantavirus Watch: Health officials are urging residents to cut rodent habitats and keep homes clean as they monitor concerns tied to a cruise ship outbreak, but they insist the risk of local spread in Antigua and Barbuda is “extremely low,” noting the virus strain isn’t endemic here and local rats aren’t the main carriers. Parliament Shake-Up: Opposition politics moved fast after the April 30 election—Jamale Pringle was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition, with Chester Hughes, Jonathan Wehner, and Ashworth Azille taking Senate seats; Hughes says the bench is built to scrutinize laws, while Wehner pledges to be a youth voice. National Theatre Push: Work continues at the Deluxe Building as the future National Theatre for the creatives takes shape, with officials touring progress and timelines. Tourism Business Week: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed delegates for the 44th CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, running May 12–15, as the government leans on regional travel links. Road Disruption: A nighttime detour is set for All Saints Road near FADI Building Supplies to Fresh and Eazy Supermarket for major works.

Cruise-linked health watch: Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Ministry says hantavirus risk remains low after three deaths tied to a cruise ship, with surveillance stepped up at ports and in the cruise sector and residents urged to keep sanitation and rodent control tight. Regional aviation boost: LIAT Air launched nonstop Antigua–Guadeloupe service, twice weekly, cutting a long-standing travel gap and adding momentum to Caribbean connectivity. Politics at home: A man reportedly died at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after a fall during an ABLP motorcade; inquiries continue. Meanwhile, Kendra Beazer was sworn in as a Government Senator and vowed the UPP will “win the seat in the next round,” while Cabinet ministers publicly backed PM Gaston Browne and rejected talk of retirement. CHOGM 2026 momentum: King Charles is expected to play a key role in CHOGM as Commonwealth reparations and summit priorities heat up abroad.