AGP Executive Report

Waste-to-Energy Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing ahead with a regional Waste-to-Energy plan, holding a May 19 workshop under the Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project to help decision-makers convert trash into energy and ease landfill pressure, with support for 16 CARIFORUM countries and a fresh Eurodeck weighbridge system to tighten landfill data and planning. Tourism Growth & Trade Boost: The country is riding strong demand after hosting CTM 2026 for a second straight year, reporting 110,832 stayover visitors in Q1—up 7%—with the US still the biggest source market and cruise momentum supported by a new US$30m terminal. Parliament & Governance: Government leaders say major reform bills are set for Parliament’s second meeting, including updates tied to energy, mining, justice, transport, and governance. Food Security Push: Officials also moved to strengthen local food supply, including new abattoir arrivals and upgrades to the agriculture school.

Tourism momentum: Antigua and Barbuda says stayovers jumped 7% in the first quarter to 110,832 visitors, with March up 8%, as the country continues to ride the Caribbean Travel Marketplace wave and push higher-value travel. Cruise growth: Officials point to a new US$30 million cruise terminal opened in January as cruise arrivals are projected to rise, with homeporting expected to deepen local spending. Food security push: Government is moving on food resilience with new abattoir arrivals and upgrades to the agriculture school, aiming to boost local production. Waste-to-energy training: NSWMA, UNEP and regional partners held a Waste-to-Energy workshop to help Antigua assess proposals more confidently. Energy diversification: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says geothermal talks are underway with St Kitts and Nevis and the EU, with plans to buy Nevis-generated power for Antigua via a subsea link. Regional policy focus: OECS ministers will meet in Dominica next week on environmental sustainability and resilience. Legal/business note: The Industrial Court dismissed managers’ cases at State Insurance Company Limited, while criticizing the board chair’s witness performance.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda has wrapped up CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 with a fresh arrivals boost—110,832 stay-over visitors in Q1 (+6.7%), led by UK growth (+14%) and the US still driving nearly half of demand. CHOGM Prep & Sustainability: The government is lining up sustainability partnerships for CHOGM 2026, pitching Antigua and Barbuda as a sustainable luxury tourism leader and pushing Barbuda toward a greener destination. Regional Policy Push: OECS ministers are set to meet in Dominica (May 27–28) for COM:ES 13, focusing on climate resilience and practical regional environmental solutions. Energy Diversification: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says geothermal talks are underway with St Kitts and Nevis and the EU, aiming to buy Nevis-generated power for Antigua via a subsea link. Waste-to-Energy Skills: NSWMA, UNEP and partners ran WtE training to help assess proposals for small-island conditions. Industry Signals: CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Forum highlighted the shift toward value over volume, stronger airlift, and better tourism data—issues Antigua’s market is already leaning into.

OECS Climate Push: The OECS Commission will convene its 13th Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES 13) in Dominica on May 27–28, with ministers and partners set to focus on practical resilience solutions for Small Island States. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is doubling down on higher-value travel after hosting CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, reporting stronger visitor numbers, expanded airlift and cruise activity, and continued hotel investment. Regional Tourism Strategy: The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Forum flagged the shift toward value over volume, the need for better tourism data, and pressure from distribution costs—while CTO is also rolling out a scholarship fund for Caribbean women in tourism. Waste-to-Energy Training: Antigua and Barbuda is building capacity for Waste-to-Energy proposals through a regional workshop led by NSWMA with UNEP support. Energy Diversification: PM Gaston Browne says geothermal talks are underway with St Kitts and Nevis and the EU to cut electricity costs and fossil fuel dependence. Sports Talent Pipeline: CPL and UWI are relaunching a 2026 sports marketing internship programme across multiple host countries, including Antigua & Barbuda. Local Governance & Safety: Residents continue raising concerns about hazardous access roads and unfinished works, demanding urgency and clearer progress.

Tourism Deal-Making: Antigua and Barbuda wrapped up CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 with fresh momentum—strong visitor growth, expanded airlift and cruise arrivals, and hotel investment on display—while Luxury Travel Shift: Island Routes says Caribbean travellers are moving from fixed group tours to bespoke, “do it your way” experiences. Regional Climate Talks: OECS ministers are set to meet in Dominica (May 27–28) to push practical climate and resilience solutions, building on the OECS sustainability roadmap. Energy Push: Antigua and Barbuda is in geothermal talks with St Kitts and Nevis and the EU, aiming to buy Nevis-generated power and cut fossil-fuel dependence. Planning & Safety: Government is improving land and development data collection, and consumer safety messaging stressed shared responsibility between regulators, businesses, and shoppers. Talent Pipeline: CPL and UWI relaunched a 2026 sports marketing internship for 21 students across multiple host islands.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 Wrap: Antigua and Barbuda just closed its second consecutive CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, turning the American University of Antigua into a global meeting point for tour operators, media and airline partners—another push to keep tourism momentum rolling. Consumer Safety Push: The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division stressed that product safety is shared—businesses must import and label properly, while consumers are urged to buy only goods with clear, accurate information. Tourism Talent Pipeline: CPL and UWI relaunched the 2026 sports marketing internship, selecting 21 students for July–September placements across seven host countries. Energy Talks: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua is in discussions with St. Kitts and Nevis and the EU on geothermal power—buying Nevis-generated electricity via a subsea cable to cut costs and fossil fuel dependence. Local Friction: A resident letter highlights ongoing hazards from unfinished road works on Lightfoot Lane, calling for urgency and better communication. Regional Crime as Public Health: A new regional piece argues violence is spreading like sickness—an opportunity for governments to treat it as a health and systems issue, not just policing.

Consumer Safety Push: Prices and Consumer Affairs Director Orrin Steele used World Consumer Rights Day to stress shared responsibility for safe goods—regulators check imports, retailers must ensure proper labelling (including English), and shoppers should buy products with clear information. Tourism Talent & Marketing: CPL and UWI are back with a 2026 Sports Marketing internship (21 students, July–September), pairing online UWI credits with hands-on work across matches in seven host countries including Antigua and Barbuda. Energy Talks: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is in geothermal discussions with St Kitts and Nevis and the EU, aiming to buy Nevis-generated power via a subsea cable to cut electricity costs and fossil fuel dependence. Local Infrastructure Friction: A resident letter blasts Lightfoot Lane’s prolonged hazardous road works, raising fears about access for emergencies and basic daily life. Tourism Cost Pressure: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association treasurer Jim Hepple warns rising costs and the digital booking shift will squeeze independent hotels—so direct booking and collaboration matter more than ever.

Cruise Port Build-Out: Antigua Cruise Port is pushing ahead with new waterfront access routes, including a ramp linking Heritage Quay, Redcliffe Quay and the upland area, plus expanded parking and underground utility work to support commercial and tourism spaces. Sports & Skills Pipeline: The CPL and UWI have opened applications for the 2026 internship programme, placing 21 students into a UWI-accredited sports marketing course while they work across CPL matches in seven host nations. Legal Cross-Border Twist: A Chancery Court move has sent the Sinovac Biotech shareholder dispute to Antigua and Barbuda, shifting the fight away from Delaware courts. Climate Funding Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne renewed calls for the Loss and Damage Fund to be fully capitalised so Caribbean states can recover without deeper debt. Tourism Momentum: Regional partners at CHTA Marketplace continue to chase new markets and deals, while air connectivity remains a top priority heading into next year’s CTO summit in Jamaica.

CHTA Momentum: St. Kitts and Nevis say the 44th Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace in Antigua pulled in fresh interest from “new and emerging markets,” with meetings aimed at opening doors in Latin America. Air Connectivity Push: Jamaica announced it will host the second CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, building on last year’s Bermuda event to tackle seat capacity, high taxes and weak long-haul/intra-regional links. Women in Tourism: The CTO will launch a scholarship fund for emerging Caribbean women in tourism at a June 1 leadership dinner in New York. Local Industry Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s APUA is set to raise the fuel variation charge for May, pushing electricity bills higher amid criticism over slow progress on reducing fossil-fuel dependence. Health & Research: UWI Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a research and education partnership to support the country’s medicinal cannabis industry.

Medicinal Cannabis Research: UWI Five Islands Campus and Antigua & Barbuda’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a research-and-skills partnership, aiming to move the sector beyond cultural association into properly proven medicinal products. Tourism Trade Momentum: The Caribbean Travel Marketplace keeps expanding its reach—Virtual World Internet launched a permanent digital twin of CTM 2026, while Barbados was confirmed to host CTM 2027 (May 18–21). CTO Leadership & Regional Influence: CHTA named Dominica hotelier Gregor Nassief president-elect, a first for Dominica and a sign of the “Nature Island” push shaping regional hospitality. Health Spotlight: A Commonwealth compendium on cervical cancer elimination highlights how Antigua & Barbuda is using HPV-based screening and digital systems to improve coverage in small-island settings. Industry Pressure Points: APUA says electricity bills will rise this month as it increases the fuel variation charge amid global fuel costs. Science & Innovation: TriCelX filed an FDA IND for XytriX™ for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, marking a major step for CTE biotherapeutics.

US-Venezuela Fallout: Venezuela deported Nicolás Maduro’s financier Alex Saab to the United States, sidestepping the extradition ban by classifying him as Colombian—another sign of how fragile Caracas’s coalition remains. Caribbean Tourism Push: At Antigua’s CHTA Marketplace, Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett announced the CTO Air Connectivity Summit will return to Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high air costs. Dominica Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, building on 2025 gains (496,635 total visitors; stayovers up 19%), as it pitches nature-and-wellness growth and major infrastructure plans. Regional Industry Politics: CHTA also confirmed virtual access for the Marketplace and flagged a fight against Booking.com commission changes that could hit Caribbean hotels’ margins. Local Cost Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s APUA raised the fuel variation charge for May, pushing electricity bills higher.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica says stayover arrivals jumped 10% in Q1 2026, building on a 15% rise in total visitors in 2025, with 496,635 tourists last year and cruise arrivals up 23% (Oct 2025–Apr 2026). Regional Air Connectivity: Jamaica will host the second CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps, high taxes and fees, and strengthen intra-Caribbean and long-haul links. Safety & Regulation: Jamaica offered to help Tobago tighten water-sports safety rules after the death of a child in a jet-ski incident, pointing to its own long-running personal watercraft rental ban. Health Policy: The Commonwealth Secretariat launched a cervical cancer elimination case-study compendium, highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s HPV screening and digital systems. Cost Pressure at Home: APUA plans a higher fuel variation charge for May, pushing electricity bills up as global fuel costs rise.

CPL Momentum: The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League draft has already reshaped the tournament, with Gudakesh Motie leaving Guyana Amazon Warriors for the Barbados Tridents and other franchises locking in key cores ahead of the Aug 7–Sep 20 season. Tourism Trade Push: At the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, Saint Lucia and Dominica used the spotlight to court global buyers—Dominica reported 15% visitor growth in 2025 and major infrastructure plans. Digital Shift: CHTA’s Marketplace went virtual via a permanent digital twin, turning the event into an always-on showcase. Regional Air Focus: Jamaica announced it will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit on Feb 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high costs. Local Costs Hit: Antigua and Barbuda’s electricity bills are set to rise again as APUA increases its fuel variation charge for May. Policy & Protection: Cabinet approved a national Safe Haven for Women and Children, alongside new moves to curb single-use plastics.

Caribbean Tourism Power Play: Dominica used CHTA Marketplace 2026 in Antigua to sell its surge—visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 in 2025, stayover up 19% to 99,846, plus cruise growth—while pitching long-term infrastructure and a wellness/nature positioning. Regional Air Connectivity: Jamaica says it will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high air taxes/fees after this year’s Bermuda summit. Always-On Trade Tech: CHTA’s Marketplace went virtual via a digital twin, turning the May 12–15 event into a 24/7 global showcase. Fair-Play Pressure on Booking Platforms: Caribbean hotel leaders are pushing back on Booking.com commission changes and demand Airbnb face the same tax levels as hotels. Local Cost Squeeze: Antigua and Barbuda’s APUA raised the fuel variation charge for May, hitting bills as global fuel costs climb. Women’s Safety Boost: Cabinet approved a national Safe Haven for women and children, with EC$850,000 start-up funding lined up.

School Safety Alarm: At the A&B Union of Teachers’ 100th conference, Casroy Charles said the Education Ministry is failing to deliver on school-safety duties and preventative action against violence and harassment. Power Costs: APUA raised the May fuel variation charge, adding 70 cents per kilowatt hour and drawing fresh criticism over slow progress on reducing fossil-fuel dependence. Tourism Push at CHTA: Antigua and Barbuda hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace as leaders pressed for less “leakage,” fairer rules for accommodation platforms, and a regional tourism logistics/supply-chain push to keep more visitor spending at home. Regional Hospitality Leadership: CHTA confirmed Dominica hotelier Gregor Nassief as president-elect, a first for a Dominica hotelier. Water Disruption: APUA says extraction from Potworks Reservoir has stopped due to drought, with supply shifting to reverse-osmosis plants and possible service interruptions. Social Protection: Cabinet approved a National Safe Haven for Women and Children, backed by EC$850,000 in start-up funding.

Booking.com Backlash: Caribbean hotel leaders are pushing back hard against new booking commission rules that would charge commissions on government taxes and fees—CHTA says it could cost the region “millions” annually and add pressure to an already high-cost tourism sector. Fair Play on Short Stays: The same push is also targeting unequal treatment of Airbnb versus hotels, with calls for registration and minimum standards rather than a ban. Tourism Strategy Push: At the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, CARICOM’s tourism ministers—including Edmund Bartlett—renewed calls to treat tourism as the region’s economic backbone and to cut “leakage” by building a regional logistics and supply-chain framework. Local Policy Win: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet approved a National Safe Haven for Women and Children, backed by EC$850,000 in start-up funding. Global Spotlight: Separately, UN leadership race coverage continues, with Maria Fernanda Espinosa framing a woman’s appointment as “historical justice.”