AGP Executive Report

Carnival Industry Skills: Antigua’s Department of Culture will run a Soca and Calypso adjudicators’ training workshop on June 20 (Harrison Centre, AB-CAAS), focusing on scoring methods, rubric use, performance analysis and bias awareness for current and prospective judges. Sailing & Sports Tourism: The Antigua Racing Cup is set for March 17–21, 2027, with dual scoring (CSA and IRC) and a performance-focused regatta format aimed at attracting international teams. Regional Tourism Business: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), after Antigua’s successful 2026 event—an important B2B platform linking buyers and Caribbean suppliers. Visa Shock for Tourism Leadership: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief’s US visa renewal was denied, raising concerns about how tighter US entry rules could disrupt Caribbean tourism representation. CHOGM Delivery Watch: Government funding is moving ahead for the Potters Playing Field redevelopment, including expansion of the swimming pool, with completion targeted ahead of CHOGM 2026. Local Economy Pressure: PM Browne revised Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 growth outlook down to about 4%, citing higher global fuel and food costs. Trade & Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, supporting skills for services competitiveness and policy work.

CHOGM Logistics: Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM 2026 preparations are moving steadily, with Cabinet briefed on progress across planning, logistics, security, transport, accommodation, protocol and event management, plus strong local volunteer interest. Tourism Standards: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez urged stakeholders to raise professionalism as Antigua pushes for stronger cruise growth, stressing the visitor experience depends on everyone from port workers to taxi operators. Cruise Off-Season Push: Rhapsody of the Seas made an off-season call to St Kitts and Nevis, with nine scheduled summer visits highlighting how cruise demand is being protected beyond peak months. Regional Tourism Deal: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), after Antigua’s successful 2026 event, aiming to connect global buyers with Caribbean suppliers. Shipping Costs: Antigua and Barbuda faces high shipping costs as Caribbean freight rates outpace global routes, keeping trade and business expenses elevated. Visa Shock for Tourism Leadership: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief was denied a US visa renewal, raising fears of wider Caribbean-wide fallout for tourism operations. Local Sports Investment: Prime Minister Browne pledged funding to expand the Potters Playing Field swimming pool, with the wider redevelopment on track for completion ahead of CHOGM. Agriculture & Fisheries Cooperation: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese support for fisheries modernization and a sargassum processing facility, with technical and financial cooperation discussed. Economy Outlook: Government revised 2026 GDP growth down to about 4% as fuel and food costs rise amid global tensions. Workplace Climate: Union leaders condemned a “master-slave” style industrial relations culture, citing discrimination, harassment and stress. Regional Trade Talks: CARICOM trade ministers met in Georgetown for the 62nd COTED, focusing on global crises driving higher prices and trade uncertainty. Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states on safe transport of infectious substances, supported by IATA, to strengthen regional lab and response capacity. Education Recognition: Antigua and Barbuda honoured top CSEC performers at the 40th National Awards, including Kaylei John-Baptiste as Student of the Year.

CHOGM 2026 Logistics: Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM preparations are moving steadily, with Cabinet briefed on progress across planning, logistics, security, transport, accommodation, protocol and event management, plus strong international interest and local volunteer sign-ups. Creative Industries Upskilling: More than 20 craft workers are training on branding and marketing ahead of CHOGM, aimed at helping makers compete on the world stage. Tourism Standards for Cruise Growth: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez urged stakeholders to raise professionalism and service quality as Antigua targets stronger cruise performance. CHOGM Sports Infrastructure: The Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track for completion ahead of CHOGM, with upgrades to hard courts and plans for football and cricket areas. Sargassum Processing Talks: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical support to turn sargassum into marketable products, tackling disposal challenges. Regional HR Partnership: UWI Global Campus and CaIHRM signed an MOU to strengthen HR education, credentials and workforce readiness across the Caribbean. Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances, boosting regional lab and pandemic preparedness. Labour Relations Warning: Union leaders criticized a toxic workplace culture, saying employee-employer dynamics are slipping into “master-slave” patterns. Economic Outlook: Government revised 2026 GDP growth expectations down to about 4% as fuel and food costs bite. Barbuda Land Registry Fight: The Barbuda Council rejected plans to set up a land registry and sell land, saying it’s misleading and already before the courts.

Land & Courts: The Barbuda Council pushes back hard on Cabinet-backed plans for a Barbuda Land Registry and land sales, saying the move would “manufacture consent” for a luxury market that doesn’t exist, and noting the issue is already before the courts with hearings on June 9 and June 11. Tourism Infrastructure: Ahead of CHOGM 2026, officials toured the Potters Playing Field redevelopment, where three hard courts (basketball, netball, volleyball) with covered seating for about 225 each are progressing, with substantial completion targeted for Sept. 30. Carnival & Visas: ABFC unveiled 2026 Queen of Carnival contestants and sponsors, while Miss Abigail Piper’s Miss Caribbean Universe trip was dropped due to visa issues; she’ll instead represent Antigua and Barbuda at a different regional pageant in August. US Travel Shock: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied along with his wife’s, warning of wider fallout for Caribbean tourism and business access. Economy Watch: Prime Minister Gaston Browne revised 2026 GDP growth expectations down to about 4% as fuel and food costs rise amid global tensions. Blue Economy & Education: World Ocean Day activities included a school mural campaign and a donation of whiteboards/flip charts to ABCAS, with agriculture training a key focus. Logistics & Security: Post and Customs are reforming workflows and sending a delegation to a regional summit in San Salvador to improve mail processing and border security. Energy & Shipping: A SeaLead vessel (Paya Lebar) made a fourth Strait of Hormuz transit in under two months, pointing to a developing Gulf–India trade pattern despite restrictions. Workplace Relations: Vernon G. Edwards employees secured the company’s first collective bargaining agreement with ABWU, locking in improved benefits and a wage structure through 2027.

Energy & Trade Pressure: Government says rising fuel costs and Strait of Hormuz tensions are forcing a scale-back of growth expectations, with knock-on effects for food prices as fertilizer routes get disrupted. Tourism & Aviation: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism leadership is in the spotlight after Charmaine Spencer was named ABTA Chief Marketing Officer, while regional cruise concerns keep bubbling as Jamaica’s cruise arrivals fall sharply. Blue Economy & Education: World Ocean Day activities put schoolchildren at the center, with a Blue Economy mural campaign and a push to grow ocean-linked opportunities. Living Wage Debate: A panel warns a living wage is achievable but will take years, likely raising costs for businesses and consumers unless phased carefully. Infrastructure & Construction: Works rolled out smaller concrete trucks to reach tight roadwork sites, and a High Street parking ban was ordered to keep heavy construction traffic moving for the Performing Arts Centre. Agriculture & Skills: AUA donated whiteboards and flip charts to ABCAS, supporting the incoming School of Agriculture programme. Shipping Security: Post and Customs are reforming workflows and training officers at a regional summit to streamline mail processing and border security. Tourism Development: Long Bay Zen Resort construction has started, framed as a luxury tourism push tied to staff pay and Vision 2030.

Tourism & Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism push gets a boost as Caribbean Week in New York spotlights regional air links, with the US Virgin Islands leading the agenda after launching new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service—while Antigua’s own tourism leadership and partnerships stay in the spotlight. Blue Economy & Education: The Blue Economy marks World Ocean Day with a school-focused mural campaign, aiming to bring ocean stewardship into households early. Cost of Living & Energy: APUA raises the June fuel variation charge to 80 cents per kWh, adding pressure on household bills. Infrastructure & Construction: Works introduces smaller concrete trucks to reach tight roadwork sites, and a no-parking order hits High Street near the Performing Arts Centre to keep heavy equipment moving. Jobs & Training: American University of Antigua donates whiteboards and flip charts to ABCAS, supporting the incoming School of Agriculture programme. Governance & Trade Ops: Post and Customs reform workflows and send a delegation to a regional operations summit to tighten border security and streamline mail processing. Tourism Development: Long Bay Zen Resort construction begins, backed as a luxury tourism investment meant to raise visitor spend and support staff pay. Regional Policy: Antigua’s Kiz Johnson calls for regional cooperation on women’s economic empowerment, stressing financial inclusion. Workplace Relations: Vernon G. Edwards employees secure their first collective bargaining agreement with ABWU, unlocking improved benefits and a new wage structure.

Blue Economy Education Push: Antigua’s Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a new mural campaign co-created with primary school pupils, aiming to get ocean stewardship into households. Living Wage Debate: A panel says a living wage is achievable but will take years, warning that costs may land on businesses and raise prices unless carefully piloted. Tourism Marketing Moves: Nevis launched its “Spring Into Summer” campaign with culture, wellness, adventure and seasonal hotel packages to lift the off-season visitor flow. Luxury Tourism Investment: Government welcomed the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort as a premium tourism play, with promises to support staff pay above the upcoming living wage. Roadworks Efficiency: Works Ministry introduced smaller concrete trucks to reach tight roadwork sites for sidewalks, curbs and drains. Border & Postal Reform: Post Office and Customs are aligning workflows via a regional summit to improve international shipping operations and border security. Energy Cost Update: APUA raised the June fuel variation charge to 80 cents per kWh, up from 70 cents in May. Workplace Relations: Vernon G. Edwards employees secured a first collective bargaining agreement with ABWU, ending long negotiations and improving benefits. Shipping Watch: SeaLead’s Antigua-Barbuda flagged vessel made a fourth Strait of Hormuz transit in under two months, suggesting a repeat Gulf–India pattern. Agriculture Training Support: AUA donated 20 whiteboards and flip charts to ABCAS, with much earmarked for the incoming School of Agriculture programme.

Maritime Trade & Security: SeaLead’s Antigua-Barbuda flagged Paya Lebar made its fourth Strait of Hormuz transit in under two months (8–9 June), pointing to a more regular Gulf-to-India container route despite ongoing restrictions. Education & Agriculture: American University of Antigua donated 20 whiteboards and flip charts to ABCAS, with much of it earmarked for the incoming School of Agriculture associate degree programme. Customs & Postal Operations: Post and Customs are overhauling joint workflows, sending a delegation to a San Salvador summit (June 8–11) to tighten border security and streamline mail processing. Tourism & Industry Leadership: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warns that renewed U.S. visa denials could ripple across Caribbean tourism and business travel. Energy Costs: APUA’s June fuel variation charge rises to 80 cents per kWh, while government says it will keep subsidizing fuel impacts. Fisheries Management: Cabinet shifts management of Antigua and Barbuda fisheries complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited for tighter accountability and efficiency. Labour Relations: Vernon G. Edwards Limited employees secured the company’s first collective bargaining agreement with ABWU, covering 2025–2027 with improved benefits. Local Business & Crime: Police report 40 cases of beer stolen from a Marble Hill shipping container.

Education & Agriculture: AUA donated 20 whiteboards and flip charts to ABCAS, with most supplies earmarked for the incoming School of Agriculture associate degree programme. Trade & Border Security: Antigua and Barbuda Post and Customs are reforming joint workflows and sending a delegation to a San Salvador summit to streamline mail processing and strengthen regional border security. Energy Costs: APUA’s fuel variation charge rises from 70 to 80 cents per kWh in June, while government says fuel subsidies will continue despite higher global fuel costs. Tourism & Industry Leadership: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warns U.S. visa tightening could hit Caribbean tourism after his renewal was denied; meanwhile ABTA appoints Charmaine Spencer as CMO and Shermain Jeremy as Tourism Director. Fisheries Operations: Cabinet shifts management of fisheries complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited to improve efficiency and accountability. Labour Relations: Vernon G. Edwards employees secure the company’s first collective bargaining agreement with ABWU, covering 2025–2027. Local Business & Security: Police investigate the theft of 40 cases of beer from a Marble Hill shipping container. Climate & Water: Met Service reports May rainfall down 91% and warns of worsening drought and heat pressures. Culture & Community: Festivals Commission Board members are sworn in under the 2026 Act, supporting Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival.

Tourism Leadership & Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as stayover arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026 and the Authority pushes deeper global marketing. Regional Tourism Pulse: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped up with CTO-led talks, partnerships and a new Tourism Supply Side Committee aimed at stronger regional linkages and economic retention. Film & Culture Export: Antigua’s Deep Blue screened at UNESCO’s Latin American and Caribbean Film Festival in Paris, marking a first for an English-speaking Caribbean feature at the event. Energy Costs & Relief: APUA’s fuel variation charge jumped to 80 cents per kWh in June, while the government continues fuel subsidies to cushion consumers from higher global prices. Public Works & Traffic: No parking was ordered on High Street between Cross Street and Temple Street to keep lanes clear for Performing Arts Centre construction vehicles. Education Access: Cabinet approved two new preschool centres (Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings) to expand early childhood education, alongside taking over the Sir Luther Winter Preschool. Food & Farming Pressure: A Scotch bonnet shortage is driving higher hot sauce prices across the Caribbean, linked to hurricane damage and pests. Climate Stress: Drought worsened as May rainfall fell 91% year-on-year, and forecasters flagged hotter April-May temperatures heading into summer. Fisheries Management: Cabinet shifted management of fisheries complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited to improve efficiency and accountability. Sports Sponsorship: BYD signed on as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out regional fan activations across Antigua and other markets. Community & Heritage: Festivals Commission Board members were sworn in under the 2026 Act, tasked with overseeing Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival.

Tourism Recognition: Antigua and Barbuda-backed Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York saw Barbados’ Andrea Franklin named Director of Tourism of the Year 2026 and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith take Minister/Commissioner of the Year. Local Construction & Transport: A no-parking order was issued for High Street between Cross Street and Temple Street as Performing Arts Centre works intensify, to keep access clear for cement trucks and heavy equipment. Education Expansion: Cabinet approved two new preschool early childhood education centres for Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings, plus the government taking over the Sir Luther Winter Preschool. Energy Costs: APUA’s fuel variation charge jumped to 80 cents per kWh in June, while the government continues fuel subsidies despite APUA’s higher fuel bill. Tourism Jobs: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer effective June 1, with Shermain Jeremy promoted to Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Fisheries Management: Cabinet transferred management of all fisheries complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited to improve efficiency and accountability. Climate & Water Stress: Drought worsened with rainfall down 91% and officials warned of intensifying heat pressures; meanwhile, APUA says record water production doesn’t always mean water in every tap. Festivals Governance: Twelve members were sworn in to the new Festivals Commission Board under the 2026 Act, tasked with overseeing Antigua Carnival and One Nation Festival. Food Industry Pressure: The Caribbean hot sauce sector warns of Scotch bonnet shortages and higher prices after hurricane damage and crop losses.

Roadworks Disruption: A no-parking order is now in effect on High Street between Cross Street and Temple Street to keep access clear for heavy construction vehicles tied to the Performing Arts Centre. Education Expansion: Cabinet approved plans for two new preschool centres in Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings, plus the government taking over the long-running Sir Luther Winter Preschool—no opening timeline shared. Energy Costs: APUA’s June fuel variation charge rises from 70 to 80 cents per kWh, after global fuel costs pushed the rate up. Tourism Leadership: The 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 reportedly grew 7% in Q1 2026. Fisheries Management: Cabinet moved management of fisheries complexes (Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda) from the Fisheries Division to Antigua Fisheries Limited. Climate & Water Pressure: Drought warnings intensified after May rainfall fell 91% below normal, alongside new heat concerns from ABMS data.

Tourism Leadership & Marketing: 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 Q1 2026 and the destination pushes deeper into global and emerging markets. Energy Costs & Consumer Relief: Cabinet says fuel subsidies will continue even as APUA’s daily fuel purchase cost jumped from about $460,000 (January) to roughly $886,000, with government absorbing much of the increase. Fisheries Management Shift: Cabinet transferred management of Antigua and Barbuda’s fisheries complexes (Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda) from the Fisheries Division to Antigua Fisheries Limited to improve efficiency and accountability. Water & Climate Pressure: Drought worsened sharply, with May rainfall down 91% and temperatures rising in April–May versus last year, raising alarms for water security and food production. Food & Industry Spotlight: BBC MasterChef featured Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary heritage, boosting international visibility for local chefs and tourism. Regional Tourism Policy: CHTA released a framework urging smart regulation of short-term rentals rather than retreating from the market.

Tourism Leadership & Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority promoted Charmaine Spencer to Chief Marketing Officer and named Shermain Jeremy Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026. Tourism Spotlight: BBC MasterChef featured Antigua and Barbuda in a Finals Week episode, sending the islands’ culinary heritage to a global audience. Industry Partnerships: BYD signed on as Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, rolling out regional fan activations across Antigua and Barbuda and other CPL markets. Climate & Water Security: Meteorological updates show May rainfall down 91% and temperatures rising sharply in April–May, while APUA says record water production still doesn’t guarantee supply to every tap. Infrastructure & Planning: Government opened public consultation on Barbuda Road and Wharf rehabilitation works, sharing environmental and engineering documents for review. Fisheries & Blue Economy: CRFM ministers met to push aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience via insurance, and continued action against IUU fishing. Governance & Culture: Festivals Commission Board members were sworn in under the Festivals Commission Act 2026 to strengthen management of Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to plan new maritime routes and improve inter-island mobility with EU support.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has promoted Charmaine Spencer to Chief Marketing Officer and named Shermain Jeremy Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026 and the Authority pushes deeper global marketing. Climate & Water Security: The Met Service reports May rainfall down 91% versus last year, with drought conditions worsening and urgent preparedness needed for water, agriculture and food security. Heat Pressure: New temperature data shows April and May 2026 hotter than the same period in 2025, signalling intensifying summer heat risks. Festivals Governance: 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 One Nation Festival. Regional Fisheries: Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore was elected Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council, with ministers focusing on aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience and tackling illegal fishing. Infrastructure Planning (Barbuda): Government opened public consultation on Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation works, releasing environmental and planning documents for review. Food & Health Policy: Caribbean leaders and health experts renewed calls for faster healthy food policy action to curb the region’s NCD crisis. Industry Spotlight: BBC MasterChef featured Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary heritage in a Finals Week episode, boosting international visibility for local food culture. Sports Business: BYD was announced as Official Car Partner of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, rolling out cricket-linked activations across eight countries including Antigua and Barbuda.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority reshuffles its top marketing and regional roles, promoting Charmaine Spencer to Chief Marketing Officer and naming Shermain Jeremy Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rise. Food & Media Spotlight: BBC MasterChef featured Antigua and Barbuda in a Finals Week episode, boosting global visibility for local chefs and heritage dishes. Culinary Industry Push: Culinary Month’s finale brought Canadian “Chef Dev” Rajkumar to Antigua, underlining tourism’s growing food-driven brand. Water Supply Reality Check: APUA reports record water production, but officials say distribution issues and aging pipes still leave some homes without reliable supply. Barbuda Infrastructure Consultation: Government opens public review for Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation, including environmental and social planning documents tied to Hurricane Irma recovery funding. Blue Economy & Fisheries: CRFM ministers adopt 19 resolutions, approve a new aquaculture plan, and keep pressure on illegal fishing and climate resilience. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners meet in Guadeloupe to plan new maritime routes and better transport links across islands. Public Health & Food Policy: Caribbean groups host a webinar on slow progress toward NCD targets and healthy food policy, aligned with WHO “Best Buys.” Enforcement & Cannabis: Police defend a major cannabis raid near Pares Village, warning illegal growers face continued action despite decriminalisation. Sports & Youth: ABAA expects most overseas track athletes home for Nationals, while youth vaping advocacy continues to push faster policy responses.