AGP Executive Report

Education & Infrastructure: Barbuda is set to get a new primary school as the government moves to ease long-running space constraints after Hurricane Irma damaged key buildings. Agriculture & Food Security: Cabinet approved a fertilizer shipment and broader farm support, including access to land and water infrastructure, with dams and catchment ponds planned to boost local food production. Energy & Skills: Antigua and Barbuda is investing EC$346,000 in an electric and hybrid vehicle training laboratory to cut reliance on overseas technicians and grow local maintenance capacity. Roads for CHOGM: Works updates say road rehabilitation around St John’s—especially near the Performing Arts Centre—will ramp up through September, with utility pipe upgrades clearing the way for resurfacing. Digital Talent: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens 10 September, offering industry-focused training across AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data and more. Cost of Living: July inflation hit 4.4%, driven by a 23.1% jump in communication costs. Trade & Shipping: A record 4,000-bag fertilizer shipment from Morocco has arrived, supporting the island’s agricultural programme. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda Carnival promotion pushed into Brooklyn ahead of the 70th anniversary, backed by major U.S. media exposure. Governance & Oversight: A U.S. court expanded subpoenas tied to the Alfa Nero superyacht sale, including documents involving Antiguan-linked parties.

Education & Infrastructure: Barbuda is set to get a new primary school as the government moves to ease space constraints after Hurricane Irma-era damage. Skills & Jobs: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens Sept. 10, offering industry-focused training across AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data and more for Antigua and Barbuda and the wider OECS. Electric Mobility Training: Antigua and Barbuda is investing EC$346,000 in an electric vehicle training laboratory, with programs for local instructors and technicians. Agriculture & Food Security: A fertilizer shipment from Morocco has arrived, while Cabinet-backed support includes land allocation for women and young farmers plus water and soil infrastructure to boost local food production. Cost of Living: Inflation hit 4.4% as communication costs jumped 23.1%, adding pressure to household budgets. Construction Oversight: The teachers’ union says some schools still await promised construction, with concerns raised about Ottos Comprehensive School. Maritime & Trade Links: A bulk carrier flagged to Antigua and Barbuda departed Dorset for Portugal, underscoring the island’s shipping footprint. Climate & Policy Debate: A new piece argues desalination is increasingly central to water security, while another warns small states shouldn’t pay the bill for a broken 1.5°C promise.

CHOGM Infrastructure Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s Performing Arts Centre redevelopment is set for a September 30 handover, with CHOGM road rehabilitation accelerating around St John’s (including key streets and utility pipe upgrades) to keep works on track. Electric Mobility Skills: The government is investing EC$346,000 in an electric vehicle training laboratory, targeting reduced reliance on overseas technicians and building local capacity for EV and hybrid maintenance. Fertilizer & Water for Farmers: A record 4,000-bag fertilizer shipment from Morocco has arrived, tied to a wider push to expand land, irrigation and soil-water infrastructure to boost local food production. Education Watch: The teachers’ union says some schools still await promised construction and improvements, with Ottos Comprehensive School and parking concerns highlighted. Cost of Living Pressure: Inflation hit 4.4% as communication costs jumped 23.1%, adding strain as household spending rises. Digital Skills Pipeline: OECS’s Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens September 10–20, offering advanced training across AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data and digital marketing. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda Carnival promotion rolled out in Brooklyn ahead of the West Indian American Day Parade, boosting U.S. visibility for the 70th anniversary. Shipping & Trade Links: A bulk carrier sailing under Antigua & Barbuda’s flag departed Dorset bound for Portugal, underscoring the island’s maritime connections.

Performing Arts & CHOGM Delivery: Antigua and Barbuda’s National Performing Arts Centre is set for September 30 delivery ahead of CHOGM, with the redeveloped venue positioned as a long-term boost for concerts, conferences and major cultural events. Theatre Programming: Indhu Rubasingham unveiled the National Theatre’s 2027 programme, including a free-to-view online run of The Jungle Book for a week in March, captioned in Hindi and Tamil. Education & Skills: OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship applications open 10 September (close 20 September), offering advanced training in areas like AI, cloud, cybersecurity and data analytics. Cost of Living: Inflation hit 4.4% in July as communication costs jumped 23.1%, while education and housing-related costs also rose. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority brought Carnival to Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade via PIX11 exposure, pushing the lead-up to Antigua Carnival’s 70th anniversary. Construction Promises: The teachers’ union says some schools still await promised construction, with Ottos Comprehensive School flagged over a long-delayed new wing and parking issues. Deep-Sea Mining Drafts: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting laws to prepare for possible deep-sea mining, as experts warn about limited monitoring capacity and environmental risks. Regional Trade/Industry: Omni Industries eyes Trinidad for baking tray supply after expanding regional distribution across the Caribbean. Digital Economy Context: A new regional report warns Guyana could fall behind in digital trade without stronger infrastructure, logistics and trade commitments.

Food Manufacturing Push: Omni Industries Limited is in talks to supply baking trays to a major Trinidad baked-goods manufacturer, extending its Caribbean expansion after shipping 34,000+ paint buckets and lids across the region in 2025. School Construction Follow-Through: The Antigua & Barbuda Union of Teachers says some schools still await promised works, with Ottos Comprehensive School and long-running parking problems highlighted. Household Cost Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda inflation hit 4.4% in July as communication costs jumped 23.1%, while education and fuel also rose. Deep-Sea Mining Draft Laws: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting laws to prepare for possible deep-sea mining, with concerns raised about monitoring capacity and environmental/economic risks to the ocean-based economy. Tourism & Connectivity: ABTA’s Carnival promotion reached New York via PIX11 and the West Indian American Day Parade, while British Airways’ destination chief points to strong Caribbean demand driving added winter capacity. Education & Skills: OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship applications open 10 September, and ABCAS welcomed 1,200+ students in its first unified intake. Finance & Business: PM Gaston Browne is cautious as a local bank eyes CIBC Caribbean’s Antigua business, amid debate over lending and fees. Industry Governance: A US court expanded subpoenas in the Alfa Nero superyacht sale inquiry, including discovery tied to Antiguan officials.

Tourism & Air Capacity: British Airways says the Caribbean is “doing brilliantly,” adding winter capacity as demand stays strong in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, with more travellers booking further ahead and “trading up” to premium experiences. Carnival Promotion: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority pushed Antigua Carnival into New York’s West Indian American Day Parade via PIX11 exposure, with interviews and ads building momentum for the 70th anniversary. Banking & Local Control: Prime Minister Gaston Browne is cautious as a local bank eyes CIBC Caribbean’s Antigua business, warning about deposit control, lending to the domestic economy and fee-driven bank profits. Education & Skills Pipeline: ABCAS welcomed more than 1,200 students in its first unified intake, including a new agriculture cohort, while the teachers’ union flags retroactive pay gaps affecting 300+ educators. Energy Costs: Browne warns motorists to brace for further fuel price increases after gasoline and diesel jumped following reduced government support. Industry Growth & Tech: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, expanding its Eastern Caribbean cluster that includes Antigua and Barbuda. Agriculture in Early Years: A school garden model at Simon Bolivar Pre-School is using hands-on farming to teach children agriculture and build practical skills.

Commonwealth & Sports Tourism: Sir Vivian Richards launched the “One Commonwealth, One Team” cricket exhibition match series in Antigua for 1 November, running alongside CHOGM 2026 and backed by government and Commonwealth partners. Carnival Promotion (US): The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority brought Carnival energy to Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, using PIX11 coverage to build excitement for Antigua Carnival’s 70th anniversary. Banking & Local Business: Prime Minister Gaston Browne is cautious about a local bank eyeing CIBC Caribbean’s Antigua business, warning about deposit control, lending to the domestic economy, and fee-driven performance. Fuel Costs: Browne warns motorists to brace for further pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped following reduced government support. Education & Workforce: ABCAS welcomed 1,200+ students across five schools, including a first agriculture cohort; meanwhile, teachers report retroactive pay delays and the union is validating claims. Labour/Justice: Attorney Warren Cassell says prison remission rule changes could weaken incentives for good behaviour. Agriculture in Schools: A school garden programme at Simon Bolivar Pre-School is being highlighted as a hands-on model for early agriculture learning. Industry/Trade Links: PBS Group completed its acquisition of Trinidad Systems Limited, expanding its Eastern Caribbean cluster that includes Antigua and Barbuda. Governance & Public Policy: A&BUT says training and advocacy for the new school year are top priorities, as schools reopen.

Tourism & Culture: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority brought Antigua Carnival to Brooklyn for the West Indian Day Parade, kicking off the run-up to Carnival 2027’s 70th anniversary. Local Industry & Trade: A new CHOGM 2026 “One Commonwealth, One Team” cricket exhibition match series is set for 1 November at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, supported by government and Commonwealth partners. Education & Workforce Pipeline: ABCAS welcomed 1,200+ students for 2026/2027, including a first agriculture cohort, strengthening training pathways for jobs and entrepreneurship. Labour & Public Services: The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers says 300+ teachers are still waiting on retroactive pay as schools reopen, with claims being validated before action. Energy Costs: PM Gaston Browne warns motorists could face further fuel price increases as global petroleum prices climb after a recent EC$2 per gallon jump. Governance & Justice: Attorney Warren Cassell says Cabinet’s prison remission rule change could weaken incentives for good behaviour. Business & Payments: JN Money Services partnered with WapiPay to expand remittance options to Jamaica via JN Money’s payout network.

Education & Skills: ABCAS welcomed 1,200+ students for its first unified intake after merging five tertiary institutions, with campuses covering business/IT, tourism/hospitality, technical/vocational, education/arts/science/industry, and agriculture—plus an inaugural agriculture cohort of eight. Labour & Pay: The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers says 300+ teachers report missing or short retroactive pay as schools reopen, with claims being validated before the Ministry of Education. Prison Reform: Attorney Warren Cassell warns Cabinet’s August changes to prison remission could weaken incentives for good behaviour by shifting from automatic release to eligibility for consideration. Energy Costs: PM Gaston Browne cautions motorists may face further fuel price increases after gasoline and diesel jumped following reduced government support. Agriculture in Early Learning: A school garden at Simon Bolivar Pre-School is being used as a hands-on model for teaching agriculture to young children. Industry & Finance Links: JN Money Services partnered with WapiPay to expand remittance options to Jamaica, using JN Money’s payout infrastructure. Regional Policy & Trade: Antigua’s Africa-CARICOM Day message highlights deeper Africa-Caribbean cooperation, including reparatory justice and climate/debt priorities. Tourism & Culture: Antigua Carnival’s soca ambassadors Young Lyrics and Tian Winter brought the island’s sound to London ahead of the 2027 70th anniversary celebrations.

Fuel & Cost Pressures: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline rose to EC$16.50 and diesel to EC$16.25 per gallon following reduced fuel support. Education & Labour: The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers says 300+ teachers are still missing retroactive pay as schools reopen, with claims being validated before the Ministry. Prison Policy: Attorney Warren Cassell says Cabinet’s August changes to prison remission could weaken incentives for good behaviour by replacing automatic release with “consideration” for remission. Agriculture in Schools: A Simon Bolivar Pre-School garden is being used as a hands-on model for early childhood agriculture, from transplanting seedlings to harvesting tea leaves. Tourism & Culture: Antigua Carnival monarchs Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring soca to West London for Notting Hill Carnival, building momentum for the island’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2027. Ocean Policy: Antigua and Barbuda’s commissioner Daven Joseph defends the country’s right to science-based “sustainable use” of ocean resources amid renewed IWC pressure.

Fuel & Cost Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline rose to EC$16.50 and diesel to EC$16.25 per gallon following reduced government support. Education Pay Crunch: Over 300 teachers say they’re still missing retroactive pay as schools reopen, with the A&BUT validating claims before pushing the Ministry. Prison Policy Watch: Attorney Warren Cassell says August changes to Antigua and Barbuda’s prison remission rules could weaken incentives for good behaviour, shifting automatic release to “consideration.” Tourism & Culture: Antigua Carnival kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring soca to London for Notting Hill Carnival, building buzz for Carnival’s 70th anniversary in 2027. Agriculture in Schools: Simon Bolivar Pre-School’s garden is highlighted as a hands-on model for early childhood agriculture learning. Ocean Policy: Ambassador Daven Joseph argues Antigua and Barbuda’s stance supports science-based “sustainable use” of ocean resources, rejecting claims it’s driven by payments. Industry & Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network.

Fuel & Energy: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns Antigua motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon, as global costs and the end of some government support keep pressure on prices. Industrial Action: He also hit back at gas station owners threatening a Tuesday shutdown over demands to raise profit margins, saying it’s “bad timing” while prices are already escalating. Education & Pay: Over 300 teachers say they’re still missing retroactive pay as schools reopen; the union is validating claims with the Ministry of Education. Prison Policy: Attorney Warren Cassell says Cabinet’s August changes to prison remission could weaken incentives for good behaviour by shifting from automatic release to “consideration” for remission. Agriculture in Schools: Simon Bolivar Pre-School’s garden is being held up as a hands-on model for early childhood agriculture, from planting to harvesting tea leaves. Tourism & Cannabis: A Rastafari leader urges Antigua and Barbuda to position itself as a cannabis tourism hub, leaning on outdoor growing conditions and climate advantages. Regional Industry Watch: LIAT Air is cautious about adding routes after Caribbean Airlines ends its Tobago-Barbados service, to avoid head-to-head competition.

Cannabis Tourism Push: Rastafari leader High Priest Selah says Antigua and Barbuda could lead the Caribbean in cannabis tourism by leveraging tropical outdoor growing conditions and Rastafari heritage. Education Pay Pressure: More than 300 teachers report missing or short retroactive pay as schools reopen, with the teachers’ union validating claims before taking them to the Ministry. Prison Policy Watch: Attorney Warren Cassell warns recent changes to Antigua and Barbuda’s prison remission rules could weaken incentives for good behaviour. Fuel Cost Shock: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for further pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon following subsidy cuts, amid global price pressure. Energy & Industry: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection clears mobilisation. Cruise Port Development: SJDC says the new Antigua cruise port upland facility is on track and will be handed over when Global Ports’ lease ends. Regional Airlift: LIAT Air and interCaribbean say they’re monitoring the Tobago-Barbados gap after Caribbean Airlines ended direct service, but won’t rush into head-to-head capacity. Remittances Deal: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network. Sports & Culture: Antigua’s soca kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring Carnival energy to London ahead of the 2027 70th anniversary.

Fuel & Cost Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns Antiguans to brace for more pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon on Sept. 1 as government support was reduced; he links the risk to rising global petroleum costs and urges “rationalize.” Industrial Action at the Pumps: The same margin dispute sparked a fuel-strike wave, with most stations shutting pumps Tuesday and motorists scrambling for limited supply; Browne says the dealers’ push for higher profit margins is “bad timing” while prices are already escalating. Cruise Port Business: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping and day-club complex is progressing toward completion by end-October, with an official November opening expected to expand retail and dining for cruise visitors. Energy Projects: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection clears mobilisation steps. Regional Payments: JN Money and WapiPay expand remittance options for sending money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network. Education & Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says rising U.S. student visa rejections are making UWI a more attractive fallback for regional students. Culture & Tourism Marketing: Antigua’s Soca Kings, Young Lyrics and Tian Winter, bring Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill, West London during the run-up to the 2027 anniversary. Sports (Local Impact): India’s pickleball team beat Antigua & Barbuda 6-0 in the Pickleball World Cup team event in Vietnam, then advances to the round of 32.

Fuel Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns motorists to brace for more pump increases after gasoline jumped to EC$16.50 and diesel to EC$16.25 per gallon following a reduction in government support. Industrial Action: Gas station operators shut pumps on Tuesday over demands to raise their profit margins, sparking long lines and scramble-buying; Browne said the timing was “bad” and several stations later reopened after hours of disruption. Energy Policy: Browne also said the government eliminated consumption tax to keep prices down, arguing operators are already profitable and should not push higher margins during an oil-price escalation. Cruise Business: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland development is on track for completion by end of October, with an official November opening aimed at boosting cruise tourism and creating more local retail and leisure opportunities. Regional Connectivity: LIAT Air says it’s cautious about adding capacity after Caribbean Airlines ended the Tobago–Barbados direct service, to avoid head-to-head competition where demand may not justify it. Geothermal Update (Nevis): Nevis Geothermal Project cleared a final rig inspection milestone in Iceland, with drilling expected to start within 60 days. Culture & Tourism: Antigua soca kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring Carnival’s 70th-anniversary message to Notting Hill, West London during the UK’s Notting Hill Carnival. Sports (Pickleball): India’s team event run at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam included a 6-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda, with India advancing to the round of 32. Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network.

Fuel & Transport Shock: Antigua’s fuel market was hit by industrial action as most gas stations shut pumps over demands for higher profit margins, triggering long lines and scrambling by motorists; Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the timing was “bad” while noting government steps to keep prices down, and later reported most stations reopened after several hours. Air Connectivity: JetBlue will end its nonstop JFK–Antigua service later this year (scheduled to stop on Sept. 8), citing network restructuring and aircraft redeployment to expand Fort Lauderdale departures. Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expanded ways to send money to Jamaica, with JN Money acting as the exclusive local payout conduit through its remittance infrastructure. Cruise Development: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland shopping complex is on track for a November opening, with officials touring progress on the waterfront upgrade. Energy & Industry Context: Prime Minister Browne also reiterated disappointment with gas owners seeking higher margins amid rising oil prices, keeping the fuel-cost debate front and centre for local industry. Culture & Tourism Push: Antigua’s Soca Kings (Young Lyrics and Tian Winter) brought Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill, West London, as part of efforts to build international anticipation for the 2027 anniversary Carnival. Sports Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda was among teams India beat 6-0 in the Pickleball World Cup team event in Vietnam, with India advancing to the round of 32.