AGP Executive Report

Electoral Reform Push: Commonwealth observers praised ABEC for a peaceful, orderly April 30 general election, but urged fixes including constitutional protection for ABEC independence, campaign finance reform, electoral boundary changes, better access for persons with disabilities, and polling-station vote counting. Child Maintenance Crackdown: Cabinet backed MainCollect, a digital app to modernise child maintenance payments, while also weighing salary deductions for repeat defaulters and stronger penalties. Public Safety Overhaul: A dedicated night court for traffic offences is set to become operational within weeks to cut the backlog and speed up justice. Derelict Property Powers: Parliament is expected to debate new legislation giving government stronger authority to remove dangerous, hazardous buildings. Immigration Talks With Washington: Antigua and Barbuda is awaiting a U.S. response after submitting a counterproposal on accepting third-country nationals, with the government reiterating it does not support taking more than 120. Fort James Redevelopment: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach plan, including reclaiming about three acres, and set aside a Royal Caribbean beach club proposal. Disaster Readiness: Cabinet heard updates on CDEMA’s work as climate hazards intensify, while local forecasts flagged drought and hotter conditions ahead.

Language Policy: Sir Ronald Sanders backs Antigua and Barbuda’s move to make Spanish a second official language, saying it’s a practical bridge for the Spanish-speaking community and a signal for deeper ties with Latin America. U.S. Immigration Impact: A U.S. federal judge struck down Trump-era pauses on immigration and asylum processing for people from 39 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda—calling the policy unlawful and leaving applicants in legal limbo. Tourism Governance: Cabinet notes include a new dedicated night court for traffic offences, while the Festivals Commission Board was sworn in under the Festivals Commission Act 2026 to professionalise Carnival and One Nation. Climate & Water: The Met Service reports May rainfall down 91% and rising temperatures in April–May, pushing urgent drought and heat preparedness. Regional Tourism Business: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, raising concerns for Caribbean tourism representation. Public Safety & Justice: Police defended a major cannabis raid near Pares, saying the grow operation exceeded legal limits and lacked required licences. Tourism Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as CMO to drive global marketing as stayover arrivals rise.

Traffic Justice Overhaul: Cabinet has approved a dedicated night court for traffic offences to cut the backlog and speed up hearings, with personnel already identified and traffic cases expected to move off daytime sittings. Climate & Water Crisis: The Met Service reports May rainfall collapsed to 17mm (a 91% deficit vs May 2025) and warns drought planning is urgent; forecasters also flag hotter April–May temperatures that intensify heat risks. CHOGM Sustainability Push: PM Browne and Villa Primary students helped install a CHOGM-themed mural at ARG using recycled bottle caps, part of a wider public outreach drive ahead of the November summit. Festivals Commission Set-Up: Twelve members were sworn in to the new Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Board under the Festivals Commission Act 2026, tasked with overseeing Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer and promoted Shermain Jeremy to Regional Tourism Director, as stayover arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026. Elections Watch: Commonwealth observers renewed calls for electoral boundary reform and urged campaign finance changes, including stronger transparency and possible constitutional entrenchment of ABEC. Drug Enforcement: Police defended a major cannabis raid near Pares Village, seizing 500+ plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana; four men remain in custody. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement enabling single-ticket, through-checked travel across their combined networks.

Health Appointments: Cabinet approved Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, alongside other health-sector statutory appointments. Early Childhood Education: Government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre as part of expanding early childhood education, with plans for new centres in Judges Hill and other areas. Coastal Tourism Redevelopment: Cabinet backed a government-led redevelopment plan for Fort James Beach, aiming to preserve the site’s heritage while boosting tourism and creating space for vendors and artisans. Environmental Cleanup Deal: A new agreement with Atlantic Ship Breakers Antigua Limited will clear and export scrap metal from Cook’s Landfill at no direct cost to government, with certified weighing and record-keeping requirements. Drug Enforcement: Police seized more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana near Pares Village; four men were detained as authorities said the cultivation exceeded legal limits and lacked required licences. Elections Watch: Commonwealth observers renewed calls for campaign finance reform and urged constitutional entrenchment of the Electoral Commission to strengthen independence and public confidence. Tourism Leadership & Promotion: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, while Antigua and Barbuda gained major UK exposure via a BBC MasterChef feature. Regional Governance: Antigua’s Hon. Randy Baltimore was elected Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council for 2026-2027, as ministers discussed aquaculture, food security, disaster resilience, and tackling illegal fishing. Disaster Resilience: Kiz Johnson highlighted EU-funded BRICS gains, including flood mitigation works and plans for Antigua to serve as a regional search-and-rescue training hub. Road Works: Motorists were warned of overnight detours for major All Saints Road works between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction.

Tourism Leadership Shake-Up: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rose 7% in early 2026. Industry Tribute: Tourism Minister H. Charles Fernandez and the tourism fraternity mourned Theodore “Ted” Isaac, a four-decade pioneer who helped build the sector and led major hotel institutions. Global Spotlight for Food & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda featured in BBC MasterChef Finals Week, with challenges at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay Estate. Disaster Resilience Work: Antigua hosted a BRICS Programme steering committee meeting on disaster preparedness and climate resilience, including community-level response upgrades. Regional Fisheries Focus: CRFM ministers met by teleconference; Antigua’s Randy Baltimore was elected Chair for 2026-27 as aquaculture, food security, and IUU fishing stayed on the agenda. Public Safety & Justice: Police seized 500+ cannabis plants and large quantities of marijuana near Pares Village; four men are in custody. Sports & Youth: CWI’s “WI Outside!” home series continues with youth-focused access at matches, while ABNOC/CGA confirmed plans for Glasgow 2026. Ebola Pressure on Government: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales demanded a clear government plan after Antigua halted visa waivers for African travellers and introduced screening.

Ebola Preparedness Clash: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales pressed Government to spell out its plan after Antigua and Barbuda joined regional Ebola screening and visa-waiver changes, arguing citizens deserve clear protection measures. Deportation Talks Stall: Negotiations with the United States over accepting third-country deportees reportedly hit an impasse, with PM Gaston Browne insisting Antigua and Barbuda will not compromise national security and only consider tightly vetted numbers. Pension Pressure: The Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association is pushing for a “livable pension” and food vouchers as inflation squeezes retirees on fixed incomes. Disaster Readiness: NODS released the 2026 hurricane shelter list (46 shelters across 17 districts), while Red Cross volunteers completed advanced community resilience training and BRICS steering talks advanced regional disaster resilience. Tourism Policy Push: CHTA called for a broader way to measure tourism’s real value—beyond visitor spend—using domestic capture and wider economic, people, and environmental impacts. Sports & Youth: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home schedule and launched free entry for kids 16 and under; Antigua’s Commonwealth Games Association confirmed a Glasgow 2026 plan, and a fast-bowling assessment camp starts in Antigua. Justice System Scrutiny: A former police commissioner challenged the DPP over the discontinuation of a major cannabis importation case, while the DPP cited the accused’s advanced cancer. Infrastructure & Safety: Works on All Saints Road bring overnight detours, and traffic policing commentary focused on driver behaviour on newly paved roads.

Ebola Preparedness Clash: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales pressed Government to spell out its plan for Ebola protection after Antigua and Barbuda moved to halt visa waivers for travellers from African nations and introduced screening, arguing citizens need clear, detailed safeguards. Digital Resilience Push: Desiree Zachariah represented Antigua and Barbuda at a UN ECLAC workshop in Belize on digital resilience, focusing on “data embassies” and how to keep public services running during crises. Tourism Leadership Loss: Ministers and industry figures paid tribute to tourism pioneer Theodore “Ted” Isaac, highlighting decades of work shaping Antigua’s hospitality sector. Hurricane Readiness: Flow/Liberty Caribbean said it is ready for the 2026 hurricane season, stressing resilient communications and rapid response. Cricket & National Spotlight: Cricket West Indies released the 2026 home season schedule, with Antigua hosting a two-match Test series vs Sri Lanka and later ODIs vs New Zealand. Infrastructure & Safety: Works on All Saints Road triggered an overnight detour, while traffic policing coverage focused on speeding and careless driving on newly paved roads. Public Health Warnings: Medics renewed concerns about vaping, saying it is not safer than cigarettes and can expose users to harmful chemicals and nicotine.

Cricket & National Pride: Cricket West Indies has confirmed the 2026 Men’s home season, running June 3 to Aug 6, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting a key two-Test stretch vs Sri Lanka (June 25–29 and July 3–7) as part of the “WI OUTSIDE!” push. Regional Governance & Justice: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced the appointment of Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026—an important leadership change for the OECS legal system. Public Health & Safety: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet has halted visa waivers for travelers from African nations amid Ebola concerns, while health officials also renewed warnings about vaping and its risks to young people. Disaster Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 Hurricane Shelter List, confirming 46 shelters across 17 disaster districts. Politics & Society: Former Senator Mary-Clare Hurst was laid to rest with tributes highlighting her trailblazing role as the first female ABLP General Secretary and her long public service. Local Development: The government says it will engage local banks as it weighs the Butterfield Bank bid to acquire CIBC Caribbean, with completion expected in 2027.

Youth Leadership & Governance: Newly elected NYPAAB president Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan to expand the National Youth Parliament’s roles, revive committees, and strengthen finances and operations. Road Safety Reality Check: Traffic Corporal Brendan Sutherland says smoother highways are being treated like an excuse to speed, with officers pushing back on the “reckless” label and focusing on rule-breaking overtaking and careless driving. Hurricane Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 National Hurricane Shelter List—46 shelters across 17 districts—plus district disaster coordinators’ contacts for residents to plan ahead. Public Health Warnings: The Met Office links heatwaves to rising domestic abuse risk, while medics warn vaping is not safer than cigarettes, citing nicotine and toxic inhalation risks. Justice System: The DPP withdrew a terminal cancer-related drug case, and a former senator, Mary-Clare Hurst, was laid to rest with official tributes. ECSC Leadership: King Charles III appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Ebola Border Moves: Cabinet halted visa waivers for travellers from African nations and tightened entry disclosures amid the outbreak. Sports & National Pride: West Indies cricket ramps up for the Sri Lanka ODI series with Shai Hope stressing “attention to detail,” while CWI’s home schedule and an Ottis Gibson fast-bowling camp keep Antigua at the centre of the action.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism leaders and ministers from across the region opened a record post-pandemic gathering in Manhattan under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen connectivity, resilience, and a unified Caribbean tourism voice. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let travellers book on one ticket with checked baggage to final destinations, linking Antigua with French Caribbean routes and onward connections to Paris. Local Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort officially launched in Antigua with a $200m buildout, pitching “quiet luxury” and green features including desalination, AI services, and an on-water chapel. Public Safety Alert: Authorities are responding to a major fuel leak at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility, with multiple agencies working to contain the spill and protect residents and the environment. Healthcare Pressure: Health Minister Michael Joseph warned of rising kidney disease, cancer, and cardiac cases, citing costly overseas treatment and pushing to operationalize a cardiac unit and cancer care centre. Education & Security: A&BUT president says schools are still missing legally mandated 24-hour security and security cameras, leaving teachers and students exposed. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies launched a High-Performance Fast Bowling Assessment Camp in Antigua for 12 talents led by Ottis Gibson, while West Indies Academy players departed for a Sri Lanka tour. Justice & Rights: The Privy Council is set to hear a landmark appeal on Caribbean anti-gay laws, with potential implications across multiple Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Border & Integration: CARICOM immigration chiefs heard a warning that xenophobia at the counter is undermining Caribbean integration, with an Antigua officer stressing travellers “do belong” and that fear of jobs is misplaced. Disability & Work: Good Humans 268 Inc. urged Antigua’s corporate sector to move from pity to hiring disabled citizens, calling for stronger enforcement and dedicated disability structures. Education Accountability: The A&B Union of Teachers says schools are still finishing the term without 24-hour security and promised camera upgrades, arguing the Education Act and collective bargaining obligations are being ignored. Health System Strain: The Health Minister says kidney disease, cancer and overcrowded emergency rooms are rising, pointing to costly overseas referrals and pushing for the cardiac unit and cancer centre to open soon. Environment Emergency: Authorities are responding to a major fuel leak at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility, with multiple agencies mobilised to contain risk and protect residents. Aviation & Connectivity: Antigua hosted a major civil aviation directors meeting under ICAO/ECCAA, while LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal to improve regional travel on one ticket. Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort officially launched at $200M, pitching “quiet luxury” and green tech as part of Tourism Vision 2030. Public Health Warning on Vaping: Advocates marked World No Tobacco Day by warning that Caribbean youth are being targeted by flavours and online sales, with nicotine risks and policy gaps. Cricket & National Pride: West Indies named a 15-player ODI squad for Sri Lanka, with Antigua’s Alzarri Joseph returning and Shimron Hetmyer reintegrated ahead of June matches.

Refugee Policy: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will accept only 10 third-country nationals, including refugees, from the U.S. each year—insisting Washington must guarantee proper background checks and valid travel documents. CHOGM 2026 Prep: The CHOGM task force met to track accreditation, accommodation, security, transport, communications and protocol, with a key recce set for June 7–13 and accreditation training starting in June. Crime & Justice Tech: Crime Scene Director LaToya Lake-Marshall says fingerprint upgrades are coming, and she will lobby for supporting legislation, alongside a forensic lab rollout and a move toward a regional criminal database. Cricket Governance & Scheduling: ABCA president Leon “Kuma” Rodney rejects claims of rifts with clubs, saying support was declined due to insufficient notice for the T20 Premier League. West Indies ODI Squad: CWI named a 15-man ODI squad for Sri Lanka (June 3–8, Sabina Park) led by Shai Hope, with returns including Alzarri Joseph and Shimron Hetmyer. Youth Vaping Pushback: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights how Caribbean teens can buy vapes easily via shops and social media, with calls for faster policy action. Climate & Food Security: Experts warn El Niño drought could hit key crops and drive up food prices, stressing urgent water and farming support. Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York opens June 1 with regional tourism leaders and ministers meeting under the “One Caribbean” theme.

Tourism Investment: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with PM Gaston Browne pitching ultra-luxury stays and promising better pay for hotel workers as the country pushes Vision 2030 tourism growth. Regional Aviation: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, while commentary argues the wider market is rebuilding around Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. Public Safety & Justice: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit says fingerprint upgrades are coming, alongside a push for supporting fingerprint legislation and a forensic lab ramp-up; separately, a long-running passport fraud case involving suspended officer Ray John remains unresolved after years in court. Governance & Oversight: ECCAA opened its expanded V.C. Bird headquarters complex to strengthen Eastern Caribbean aviation oversight and move toward FAA reassessment. Crime Update: A daylight ambush near Antigua Street and Barbados Avenue left a man dead and a woman injured, with police investigating the attackers’ identities. Sports (Local Pride): St. George MP Michael Freeland congratulated Shawnisha Hector on her West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup selection. Health & Youth Policy: A new push highlights how vaping is spreading faster than Caribbean policy, warning that “nicotine-free” products can still normalize vaping. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years of border-focused crime and security work amid rising pressure on regional frontiers.

Regional Aviation Realignment: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, effective June 1—right as Caribbean Airlines exits Dominica, St. Kitts and Ogle-Suriname and cuts frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Crime & Justice Tech Upgrade: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit is moving toward fingerprint capability upgrades and a criminal database, while leadership pushes for the legislation needed to match new forensic tools. Tourism Investment Push: Government broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching ultra-luxury positioning and pledging better pay for hotel workers alongside Vision 2030 tourism goals. Border Security & Public Health: Cabinet tightened entry rules by ending visa waivers for all African travelers and requiring fuller travel-history disclosure amid Ebola vigilance. Diplomacy Appointments: Two former MPs were named ambassadors-at-large as part of a post-election diplomatic service review. Sports (Local Pride): Shawnisha Hector made the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad; Shai Hope urged “attention to detail” ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI series. Regional Security Milestone: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years of operations, with leaders stressing shared responsibility to protect borders.

Women’s Cricket: Cricket West Indies named a 15-member West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad, with Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector included, as the team targets powerplay impact and control in English conditions. Tourism & Investment: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching “quiet luxury” and staff pay as part of Vision 2030 tourism growth. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marked 20 years of border-focused crime fighting, with Antigua hosting chiefs of immigration and customs to sharpen fraud and cross-border response. Policing & Justice: Antigua’s Crime Scene unit says fingerprint upgrades and a criminal database are next after receiving the IBIS BRASSTRAX system. Public Health: Government says free corneal replacement surgeries are coming via a new US partnership, with initial procedures expected soon. Border Biosecurity: Cabinet tightened Ebola-related travel rules, requiring fuller travel histories for African applicants. Diplomacy: Two former MPs were appointed ambassadors-at-large to strengthen the diplomatic service after the April 30 election. Infrastructure: ECCAA opened an expanded airport headquarters complex at V.C. Bird to boost regional aviation oversight. Sports Local: MP Michael Freeland celebrated Hector’s World Cup selection. Crime Update: A daylight ambush near the Defence Force base left one man dead and a woman injured.

Long Bay Zen Resort: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on a US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as “quiet luxury” with wellness, sustainability and AI-style services, while the government links the project to Vision 2030 tourism goals and better pay for hotel workers. Diplomacy & Appointments: Cabinet approved two ambassadors-at-large—Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah—after the April 30 general elections, as the government continues a diplomatic service review. ICT, Utilities & Energy: Minister Melford Nicholas says his ministry will push a unified 2026 plan focused on teamwork, efficiency and improved public service delivery. Healthcare Access: Government announced free corneal replacement surgeries via a US partnership, with five procedures expected first, alongside broader plans to expand specialist eye care. Border & Public Health: Cabinet tightened Ebola-related entry rules by halting visa waivers for African travelers and requiring full 45-day travel histories, while health authorities monitor Ebola and imported malaria risks regionally. Security & Crime: A daylight ambush near Antigua Street/Barbados Avenue left a man dead and a woman injured, with police investigating the attackers. Sports: West Indies named a 15-player women’s T20 World Cup squad, including Antiguan Shawnisha Hector, and set home-series plans for 2026 Tests in Antigua. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to boost Caribbean-to-Europe travel on one ticket.