AGP Executive Report

Citizenship by Investment: Antigua and Barbuda has tabled the Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill 2026, proposing to raise the post-approval physical presence requirement from 5 days to 30 days and add stronger oversight for the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Air Connectivity: The government says JetBlue’s plan to end nonstop JFK service to Antigua after Oct. 31, 2026 is part of broader network changes; tourism officials will push to protect airlift via other partners. Tourism & Events: Antigua Yacht Club will host the 2026 Caribbean Sailing Association AGM & Conference (Oct. 2–4), and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority marked its first year backing Canada’s Polo for Heart charity event for cardiac care. Maritime Security: Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted a Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium focused on sanctions enforcement and cracking down on fraudulent registries. Regional Policy Pressure: An EU push to end CBI programs across the Eastern Caribbean by 2028 is driving a coordinated regional approach ahead of talks in Brussels.

Aviation & Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda says JetBlue’s plan to end nonstop JFK service after Oct. 31, 2026 is part of broader network reshuffling, not a destination-specific issue, as the airline reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale. Maritime Security & Trade: Antigua and Barbuda-flagged shipping is again in the spotlight as Russian strikes hit Odesa port infrastructure and a vessel flying the flag, underscoring risks for regional logistics. Regional Industry & Safety: Dominica’s Woodbridge Bay Port saw a fatal cargo-handling accident when a stevedore was struck by a container, prompting renewed focus on workplace safety. Policy & Investment: EU pressure is building on Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs, with regional prime ministers coordinating a unified position for talks in Brussels by 2028. Sailing & Business Events: The Antigua Yacht Club will host the 2026 Caribbean Sailing Association AGM and Conference (Oct. 2–4), bringing race management and industry leaders together.

Maritime Security: Antigua and Barbuda and the U.S. co-hosted a Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s (July 13–15), bringing ship registries and maritime authorities from 26 countries to tighten non-proliferation sanctions enforcement and curb sanctions evasion. Airlift & Tourism: JetBlue says it will end nonstop JFK–Antigua service after Oct. 31, 2026, as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale; Antigua and Barbuda officials say they’ll push connectivity with other carriers. Agriculture & Food Security: Government reclaimed 682 acres of idle agricultural land and plans to redistribute it to 50 vetted farmers to boost local food production. Construction Controls: Health officials warn against unauthorised construction in public cemeteries, saying any work without written approval will be halted and removed. Regional Industry & Trade: CARICOM associate membership expanded as Martinique and French Guiana officially join, supporting wider regional integration. Sailing & Events: Antigua Yacht Club will host the 2026 Caribbean Sailing Association AGM & Conference (Oct. 2–4).

Aviation & Tourism: JetBlue says its booking system no longer shows nonstop JFK–Antigua beyond Oct. 31, 2026, and the airline is set to fully withdraw Antigua service as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale; Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority says it will keep pushing for connectivity via JetBlue’s hub network. Maritime Security: Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted a Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s (July 13–15) with the U.S. Department of State and ADOMS, bringing 26 countries together to strengthen sanctions enforcement and disrupt illicit shipping networks. Food & Agriculture: Government reclaimed 682 acres of idle agricultural land and will allocate it to 50 vetted farmers on a six-month probation, aiming to boost local food production and food security. Public Health & Compliance: Health Ministry warns against unauthorised construction in public cemeteries, saying any work without written approval will be halted and removed. Local Economy & Skills: All Saints West hosts a free career fair (July 19) with training and job pathway options across trades, construction, and professional fields. Culture & Industry: Cabinet reversed a plan to delay Carnival broadcasts by 24 hours, reaffirming live streaming of official events. Sailing & Events: Caribbean Sailing Association’s 2026 AGM and conference lands Oct. 2–4 at the Antigua Yacht Club.

CARICOM Expansion: Martinique and French Guiana officially joined CARICOM as associate members, bringing the associate total to eight while member states stay unchanged. Maritime Security & Sanctions: Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted a Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s (July 13–15) with the U.S., drawing 26 countries to tighten non-proliferation sanctions enforcement and curb shadow-fleet revenue. Agriculture & Food Security: Government reclaimed 682 acres of idle agricultural land and will allocate it to 50 vetted farmers on a six-month probation to restart production. CBI/Third-Country Nationals Talks: Parliament passed a resolution setting strict principles for continued negotiations with the U.S. on third-country transfers, with lawmakers stressing sovereignty and national security. Public Health Compliance: Health Ministry issued a notice cracking down on unauthorised construction in public cemeteries without written approval. Aviation/Travel: JetBlue announced it will end service to Antigua (and Daytona Beach) as it reshapes routes to expand Fort Lauderdale. Skills & Jobs: All Saints West held a free career fair (July 19) connecting youth with training pathways in trades, construction, and professional fields.

Maritime Security & Sanctions: Antigua and Barbuda and the U.S. co-hosted a Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s (July 13–15), bringing 26 countries together to strengthen non-proliferation sanctions enforcement and crack down on sanctions evasion and shadow fleets. Agriculture & Food Security: Government reclaimed 682 acres of idle agricultural land and will allocate it to 50 vetted farmers, with six-month probation to ensure active cultivation. Public Safety & Compliance: The Health Ministry issued a notice banning unauthorised construction in public cemeteries, warning work will be halted and removed and offenders prosecuted. Tourism & Culture: Cabinet reversed a 24-hour delay order for livestreaming Antigua Carnival 2026, restoring live access after public backlash. Policing & Training: Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin signaled budget support for a new police academy after the academy commandant urged modern, continuous training facilities. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT launched a historic nonstop service linking Guadeloupe and Montego Bay, aiming to improve inter-island travel and tourism links. Regional Business: Parliament passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to manage unclaimed deposits and abandoned property while preserving owners’ rights. Airline Network Shift: JetBlue is cutting routes and withdrawing from Antigua and Daytona Beach as it reallocates aircraft to expand Fort Lauderdale.

Maritime Security & Sanctions: Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted the U.S.-backed Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s (July 13–15), bringing together ship registries and maritime authorities from 26 countries to strengthen enforcement against sanctions evasion and “shadow fleets.” Illicit Shipping Crackdown: The U.S. Treasury/OFAC escalated pressure on Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani’s shipping network, adding more than 50 people, companies and vessels, including Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessels JADE and OPAL. Banking Law Update: Parliament passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, creating a new approach for abandoned deposits and unclaimed property—moving funds to government use while preserving owners’ right to reclaim indefinitely. Immigration Negotiations: MPs approved a resolution setting strict terms for any U.S. third-country transfer agreement, with leaders stressing sovereignty, security and tourism/banking stability; Browne said visa restrictions are preferable to accepting criminals. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT launched a nonstop service linking Guadeloupe and Montego Bay, while Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline to fix chronic regional delays. Water & Works Disruptions: APUA scheduled Fort James RO plant maintenance causing daily water interruptions, and Ministry of Works employees staged protests over outstanding pay. Tourism & Skills: ABHTA launched the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy 2026, and Carnival preparations were reported about 70% complete.

Maritime Security & Sanctions: Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted the U.S.-backed Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s (July 13–15), bringing together ship registries and authorities from 26 countries to tighten enforcement against sanctions evasion and shadow fleets. U.S. Pressure on Illicit Shipping: Washington also escalated action against the Iran-linked Shamkhani network, issuing a new OFAC general license and adding more than 50 people, firms and vessels to its blocked lists. Local Governance & Finance: Parliament passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, creating a new framework for unclaimed bank deposits so governments can use idle funds while depositors retain the right to reclaim indefinitely. Immigration Negotiations: Lawmakers approved a resolution setting strict terms for any U.S. third-country transfer talks, with Antigua and Barbuda keeping full discretion and rejecting any automatic or open-ended arrangement. Industrial Relations: Ministry of Works employees briefly blocked access over outstanding pay, then resumed duties after talks. Tourism & Aviation: LIAT launched a historic nonstop link between Guadeloupe and Montego Bay, while PM Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline to fix chronic regional flight delays. Water Supply: APUA scheduled maintenance at the Fort James RO plant, causing intermittent service in several communities. Business Community: The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce named its 2026–2027 executive team, spanning banking, tech, telecoms, shipping and retail.

Banking Reform: Antigua and Barbuda’s House passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, creating a new way to handle abandoned deposits and unclaimed safety-box items—moving funds to governments instead of forfeiture, while letting owners reclaim money indefinitely. US Negotiations: Parliament also approved a resolution setting strict, 12-point terms for any third-country transfer deal with the United States, with Antigua and Barbuda keeping full discretion and rejecting any automatic or open-ended programme. Tourism Stakes: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and PM Gaston Browne stressed the country would rather face US visa restrictions than accept criminal transfers, warning any disruption could hit a tourism economy worth about 60–65% of GDP. Maritime Security: PM Browne opened the 2026 Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium, calling illegal sea activity and shadow fleets a growing global threat and pushing stronger flag-state compliance. Infrastructure & Water: Ministry of Works staff resumed duties after pay talks, while APUA scheduled Fort James RO plant maintenance to cause daily water interruptions in several communities. Business & Skills: ABHTA launched the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy 2026, and the Chamber of Commerce named its 2026–2027 executive team. Regional Connectivity: Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline to fix chronic flight delays that strand travellers across the sub-region. Private Sector Recognition: Signature Aviation earned Great Place To Work certification for its Antigua & Barbuda operations for the third straight year.

Maritime Security & Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC is ramping up pressure on Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani’s illicit shipping and sanctions-evasion network, sanctioning 50+ people, entities and vessels tied to Iran-linked container shipping and commodities trading. Parliament & Migration Policy: Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament approved a resolution to keep negotiating with the U.S. on possible third-country transfers, but only under a strict 12-point framework with case-by-case approval and no automatic or open-ended programme. Tourism Risk Management: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and PM Gaston Browne argued the country should protect its tourism economy and public safety, saying visa restrictions would be preferable to any deal that could bring criminals. Labour & Infrastructure: Ministry of Works truck drivers resumed duties after talks over outstanding pay, following a brief road blockade. Regional Air Connectivity: Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing repeated delays and missed connections that disrupt regional business and travel. Carnival & Hospitality Skills: Dwayne George says Carnival 2026 is ~70% ready after an ARG walkthrough, while ABHTA launched the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy 2026 to train 14 students in hotel and restaurant kitchens. Water Supply Disruption: APUA scheduled maintenance at Fort James RO plant to cause intermittent water service in several communities from July 14–17. Business Leadership: The Antigua & Barbuda Chamber of Commerce named its 2026–2027 executive team, led by Celia Samuel.

Private Aviation & Jobs: Signature Aviation earned Great Place To Work® certification for the third straight year, including its Antigua & Barbuda operations, highlighting staff-led workplace feedback. Regional Air Connectivity: PM Gaston Browne renewed the push for an OECS airline, blaming daily delays and cancellations on existing carriers after long waits while travelling to regional meetings. Tourism & Skills Pipeline: ABHTA launched the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy 2026, placing 14 high school students in local hotel and restaurant kitchens for six weeks of hands-on training. Water & Utilities: APUA announced maintenance at the Fort James Reverse Osmosis Plant, with intermittent supply expected in multiple communities from July 14–17. Carnival Readiness: Sports Minister Dwayne George inspected the Antigua Recreation Grounds, saying preparations are about 70% complete for Carnival 2026. Business Leadership: The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce named its 2026–2027 executive team, led by Celia Samuel, with directors spanning banking, tech, telecoms, shipping and retail. Maritime Security: PM Browne will open the Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium, focused on strengthening enforcement against illicit maritime activity. Food Security Funding: ECCB Monetary Council approved an extra EC$25 million grant to boost food and nutrition security across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Healthcare Partnerships: Antigua and Barbuda signed seven cooperation agreements with Hangzhou Normal University and its affiliated hospital in China, including telemedicine and advanced diagnostics. Trade & Investment Finance: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation plans a Caribbean visit including Antigua and Barbuda to explore energy and infrastructure investment opportunities.

Water Supply Disruption: APUA says maintenance at the Fort James Reverse Osmosis Plant will cut production and bring intermittent water daily from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting Tuesday, July 14, affecting communities including Dry Hill, Runaway Beach, Sandals Resorts, and Friars Hill Road, with work expected to finish Friday, July 17. Carnival Readiness: Sports Minister Dwayne George inspected the Antigua Recreation Grounds, checking security, stage build, lighting, sound, and crowd management, and said preparations are on track for a safe festival season. Maritime Security: Prime Minister Gaston Browne will open the Second Annual Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium at St. James’s Club, with about 100 international delegates focused on combating illicit maritime activity and strengthening sanctions enforcement. US Development Finance: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation plans a Caribbean push, with senior officials visiting Antigua to discuss potential financing for energy, seaports, airports, and other infrastructure. Regional Policy & Industry: CARICOM leaders agreed actions to tackle affordability, while ECCB’s Monetary Council approved an extra EC$25 million to boost Eastern Caribbean food and nutrition security. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority will remove three Mahagony trees along the Sir George Walter Highway this Sunday to protect runway sightlines as the airfield rehabilitation nears completion.

US Investment Push: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is sending a senior official to Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Antigua and Barbuda to expand its Caribbean project pipeline, targeting energy and infrastructure like seaports and airports. CARIFESTA 2029: Antigua and Barbuda has been confirmed as host of CARIFESTA 2029, with Guyana set for 2027 and Barbados for 2028, spotlighting the region’s creative industries. Maritime Security: PM Gaston Browne will open a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in Antigua, reinforcing the country’s compliant ship registry and due-diligence role. Airport Works: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority will remove three mahogany trees near the Sir George Walter Highway to protect air-traffic visibility as the V.C. Bird upgrade nears completion. Food Security Funding: ECCB Monetary Council approved an extra EC$25 million grant to strengthen regional food and nutrition security under the “Big Push.” Healthcare Partnerships: Michael Joseph signed seven cooperation agreements in China covering medical education, specialist care, research, and telemedicine. Community & Youth Skills: Construction has started on a Seatons community bathroom project, while the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy begins July 13 with a six-week kitchen training programme.

Airport Works: Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority will remove three mahogany trees along the Sir George Walter Highway this Sunday to protect clear air-traffic sightlines as the US$50m airfield rehabilitation nears completion. Regional Finance: ECCB Monetary Council approved an extra EC$25m grant (total EC$50m) to strengthen Eastern Caribbean food and nutrition security under the “Big Push,” while also warning global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth. Big Push Growth Plan: PM Gaston Browne backed a push to double the Eastern Caribbean economy within seven years, including using a small share of ECCB reserves to catalyze investment in renewables and priority sectors. Healthcare Partnerships: Minister Michael Joseph signed seven landmark healthcare cooperation agreements in China, including plans for an Omni Care Center and an “International Internet Hospital” telemedicine platform. Agriculture & Food Security: Antigua launched a state-of-the-art plant tissue culture laboratory to boost agricultural research and food security, and agriculture interns visited poultry farms to learn production and food-safety practices. Community Development: Construction has started on a community bathroom facility in Seatons, driven by resident volunteers with support from local businesses. Hospitality & Tourism: Curtain Bluff in Antigua was highlighted as the newest Relais & Châteaux member, and Weatherills Hotel earned a nomination for Caribbean’s Best Brunch Venue 2026. Trade & Services: SMEs seized TIC opportunities in the wider region, and an OECS-linked four-day trade seminar aims to strengthen the services sector. Aviation/Connectivity: Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing ongoing regional flight delays and cancellations. CBI Watch: CARICOM heads meeting in St. Lucia did not formally discuss CBI despite EU pressure on investor citizenship programmes.

Airport Upgrade & Safety: Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority will remove three mahogany trees along the Sir George Walter Highway this Sunday, citing runway visibility needs as Phase 3 of the US$50m airfield rehabilitation nears completion. Healthcare Partnerships: Minister Michael Joseph signed seven cooperation agreements in China with Hangzhou Normal University and its affiliated hospital, covering medical education, specialist care, research, telemedicine, and an “International Internet Hospital” plan. Regional Food Security Funding: ECCB’s Monetary Council approved an extra EC$25m grant (total EC$50m) to strengthen food and nutrition security across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. CARICOM CBI Silence: CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre confirmed CBI was not discussed at the July 5–8 heads meeting, saying it only directly affects the five active CBI states. Digital & Broadband Push: PM Gaston Browne backed a shared OECS ICT network using EU-linked subsea fibre to cut broadband costs, alongside renewable energy expansion. Agriculture & Food Security Skills: Antigua’s summer internship programme included poultry visits, while a new state-of-the-art plant tissue culture lab opens to boost agricultural research and food security. Trade & Services Capacity: An OECS-linked four-day trade seminar aims to strengthen the services sector through training for trade officials and stakeholders. Tourism & Hospitality Recognition: Weatherills Hotel earned a nomination for Caribbean’s Best Brunch Venue 2026 in the World Culinary Awards.

Healthcare Partnerships: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Joseph signed seven cooperation agreements in China with Hangzhou Normal University and its affiliated hospital, targeting medical education, specialist care, research, and a telemedicine “International Internet Hospital” link. Airport Upgrade Progress: The Airport Authority will remove three mahogany trees along the Sir George Walter Highway this weekend to protect runway sightlines as the US$50m airfield rehabilitation nears completion. Food Security Funding: The ECCB Monetary Council approved an extra EC$25m grant (bringing the total to EC$50m) to strengthen regional food and nutrition security and cut dependence on imported food. Regional Economy Push: PM Gaston Browne backed the ECCB “Big Push” to double Eastern Caribbean economies within seven years, including using a small share of ECCB reserves to catalyse investment. Cost-of-Living Relief: CARICOM leaders agreed on measures to ease rising living costs, including fuel import relief, freight and cargo cost steps, and faster renewable energy rollout. CBI Politics at CARICOM: CARICOM heads reportedly did not formally discuss Citizenship by Investment at the St. Lucia summit, with the chairman saying it affects only the five active CBI states. Agriculture & IP: Antigua and Barbuda advanced intellectual property protection via WIPO talks, including potential geographical indication status for the Antigua Black Pineapple. Tourism & Culinary: Weatherills Hotel earned a nomination for Caribbean’s Best Brunch Venue in the World Culinary Awards, while the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy launched a new six-week training programme for students.