AGP Executive Report

Security & Trade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines to scan entire shipping containers and pallets, aiming to spot illegal firearms and disguised components at ports where checks are still partly manual. Public Health & Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture keeps in place the ban on pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic due to African Swine Fever risk. Cruise & Tourism Infrastructure: Antigua Cruise Port has been nominated for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026, citing upgrades including a new purpose-built terminal and a fifth berth. Tax Relief for Families: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug. 28–29, ahead of school reopening. Regional Industry & Skills: Antigua and Barbuda is part of a China agricultural training programme focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming. Regional Governance & Safety Nets: Cabinet is pushing early planning for Carnival’s 70th anniversary while also expanding law-and-order measures amid gun-related crime. Shipping Risk Watch: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blacklist threatens fines, detention and seizures for non-compliant vessels, with reported links reaching into India’s energy supply chain.

Visa Ruling: A New York judge struck down a Trump administration nationality-based visa ban that included Antigua and Barbuda, saying the directive exceeded authority and was unlawful. Security & Trade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines to scan entire shipping containers and pallets to better catch illegal firearms and disguised components at ports of entry. Public Safety Policy: Cabinet approved new measures to tackle gun crime, including planned minimum/maximum sentencing legislation for serious gun offences and sexual offences against minors. Cruise Industry: Antigua Cruise Port earned a nomination for Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026 after upgrades like a fifth berth and a new purpose-built terminal. Tourism & Heritage: Antigua and Barbuda is set to benefit from early Carnival 70 planning, with government pushing stakeholder engagement and global marketing. Education & STEM: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to support the TechByte STEM Academy launch in September 2026. Agriculture Skills: Antigua and Barbuda participants completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming. Tax Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gas and diesel prices in the ECCU in July 2026. Health Recall: Antigua’s Department of Pharmaceutical Services recalled specific batches of Diovan, Atorstan and cetirizine tablets, urging patients to check lot numbers and not stop treatment without medical advice.

Port Security Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines to scan entire shipping containers and pallets, aiming to spot illegal firearms and other prohibited items that may be smuggled in parts. Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet outlined new law-and-order steps after a rise in gun-related crime, including planned minimum and maximum sentencing legislation for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors. Tourism & Heritage: Historic Hotels Worldwide named its 2026 Top 25 World Heritage Experiences list, spotlighting heritage stays tied to UNESCO sites worldwide, while Antigua’s Hamptons Challenge Regatta continues to link sailing, tourism and community giving. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in July 2026. Trade & Policy Skills: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a project to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the region, using TiSSTAT to improve services data. Agriculture Training: Antigua and Barbuda participants completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring and smart farming, with action plans for local water-scarcity challenges. Tax Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug. 28–29.

Port Security Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines to scan entire shipping containers and pallets, aiming to spot illegal firearms and other prohibited items that may be smuggled in parts; officials say customs staff will also need training to recognize disguised components. Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet outlined new law-and-order steps after a rise in gun-related crime, including planned minimum and maximum sentencing legislation for serious gun offences and sexual offences against minors. Trade & Industry Support: The government confirmed a two-day ABST reduction to zero per cent on qualifying school supplies and food items (Aug 28–29), with guidance expected for businesses and shoppers. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in July 2026, with LPG also among the cheapest. Regional Economic Planning: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an evidence-based trade-in-services initiative using TiSSTAT to help member states improve services data and export strategy. Agriculture Skills: Antigua and Barbuda participants completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming, tied to local water-scarcity challenges. Tourism & Shipping: MSC Cruises reshuffled winter 2027/28 deployments, moving MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with stops including St. John’s, Antigua. Health Alerts: Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Pharmaceutical Services recalled specific batches of Diovan, Atorstan (atorvastatin) and Cetirizine tablets; patients are urged not to stop meds without a doctor or pharmacist. CBI Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned that “CBI as we know it is dead,” urging Caribbean leaders to diversify beyond CBI revenue as EU deadlines loom.

Port Security Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines to scan entire shipping containers and pallets, aiming to spot illegal firearms and components that may be disguised as everyday items, with added customs training to match the new detection approach. Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet outlined new law-and-order steps after a rise in gun-related crime, including planned legislation to set minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors. Trade & Cost of Living: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug. 28–29, with the Inland Revenue Department expected to issue guidance for businesses and shoppers. Energy Prices: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in July, alongside among the lowest LPG rates. Agriculture Skills: Antigua and Barbuda participants completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming—key for local water-scarcity and food production goals. Health Alerts: The Ministry of Health recalled specific batches of Diovan, Atorstan and cetirizine tablets, urging patients not to stop meds without a doctor or pharmacist. Tourism & Industry Linkages: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organising SIDS business and investment forums with the Maldives and UN-OHRLLS (Aug. 23–25), bringing 200+ participants from 30+ countries.

Port Security Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines to scan entire shipping containers and pallets, aiming to spot illegal weapons and firearm components that may be disguised as everyday items. Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet outlined new law-and-order measures after a rise in gun-related crime, including planned legislation on minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors. Trade & Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organising major SIDS business forums with the Maldives and UN partners (Aug 23–25), bringing together 200+ participants from 30+ countries. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in July, with government support helping cushion volatility. Agriculture Skills: An Antigua and Barbuda delegation completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming—key for local water-scarcity challenges. Health Alerts: The Ministry of Health issued recalls for three pharmaceutical products, urging patients to check batch numbers and return affected lots. Education Support: ABST will be cut to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29. Tourism & Shipping: MSC Cruises is reshuffling winter 2027/28 itineraries, moving its Middle East routes and adding southern Caribbean sailings that include St. John’s, Antigua.

Port Security Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy container- and pallet-scanning X-ray machines to spot illegal weapons and firearm parts that may be smuggled in pieces, with customs staff needing training to recognise disguised components. Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet outlined new law-and-order measures after a rise in gun-related crime, including planned legislation to set minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors. Trade & Industry Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a services-trade policy project for evidence-based planning, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states build export strategies. Tourism & Business Links: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organising major SIDS business forums in the Maldives (Aug 23–25), with 200+ participants from 30+ countries. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU in July. Education Support: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29. Health Alerts: Antigua and Barbuda recalled specific batches of Diovan, Atorstan and cetirizine tablets—patients are urged to check lot numbers and not stop meds without medical advice. Cruise Demand: MSC Cruises is shifting winter 2027/28 Middle East routes, while allocating its MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with stops including St. John’s, Antigua. Agriculture Skills: Antigua and Barbuda participants completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming. Regional Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda’s Hamptons Challenge Regatta in Sag Harbor highlighted sailing ties and raised support for youth sport.

Port Security Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda will buy X-ray machines that can scan entire shipping containers and pallets to better catch illegal firearms and prohibited items at ports, with officials noting smuggling may involve weapon parts disguised as everyday objects like pens and requiring new customs training. Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet also outlined fresh law-and-order steps after a rise in gun-related crime, including planned legislation to set minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors, following stakeholder consultations. Regional Business Push: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organising with the Maldives and UN partners the SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the inaugural Island Investment Forum (Aug 23–25) in Malé, bringing together 200+ participants from 30+ countries. Cost of Living Watch: Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in July, with government support helping cushion energy volatility. Health Alert: The Ministry of Health recalled specific batches of Diovan 160mg, Atorstan (atorvastatin) 10mg/20mg, and Cetirizine 5mg, urging patients not to stop meds without medical advice.

SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organising with the Maldives and UN-OHRLLS the 2026 SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the inaugural Island Investment Forum (Aug 23–25) in Malé, with 200+ participants from 30+ countries focused on investment and business challenges. Tax Relief for Families: Cabinet confirmed ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29, with the Inland Revenue Department set to issue guidance for businesses and shoppers. Agriculture Skills Boost: An Antigua and Barbuda delegation is in China for agricultural training on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming, with participants expected to produce an action plan to support local food production amid water scarcity. Energy Costs Watch: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in July, plus among the lowest LPG rates. Health Alert: The Ministry of Health recalled specific batches of Diovan, Atorstan and Cetirizine Hydrochloride, urging patients to check lot numbers and return affected products. Trade Policy Capacity: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a services-trade policy initiative using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states plan export strategies.

ABST Relief: Antigua and Barbuda will cut Sales Tax to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29, with the Inland Revenue Department set to guide businesses and shoppers. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU in July 2026, plus among the cheapest LPG rates. Agriculture Training: An Antigua and Barbuda delegation completed hands-on agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming, with an action plan to boost local food production amid water scarcity. Trade in Services Push: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an evidence-based policymaking initiative using TiSSTAT to close services trade data gaps and help member states plan better export strategies. Pharma Recall: The Ministry of Health recalled specific batches of Diovan 160mg, Atorstan (atorvastatin) 10mg/20mg and Cetirizine 5mg, urging patients not to stop meds without medical advice. Cruise Repositioning: MSC Cruises cancelled its winter 2027/2028 Middle East routes, shifting the MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with stops including St. John’s, Antigua. Regional Business Link: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organising SIDS business forums in the Maldives (Aug 23–25) with UN-OHRLLS, bringing 200+ participants from 30+ countries.

Fuel Costs Watch: Antigua and Barbuda logged the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU in July 2026, with petrol at EC$14.50 and diesel at EC$14.25, plus the second-lowest LPG rates—good news for households and transport-dependent businesses. Trade Policy & Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an evidence-based push to close services-trade data gaps, using TiSSTAT to help member states plan better export strategies and plug into global value chains. Agriculture & Water Skills: An Antigua and Barbuda delegation completed agricultural training in China focused on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming—aimed at boosting local food production amid water scarcity. Cruise & Shipping Re-Route: MSC Cruises cancelled its planned Middle East routes for winter 2027/28, while shifting its MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with stops including St. John’s, Antigua. Health Alert: Antigua’s Department of Pharmaceutical Services recalled specific batches of Diovan, Atorstan and Cetirizine after quality and dissolution issues—residents are urged to check lot numbers and return affected products. Education Pipeline: ABCAS opened a late application window (Aug 19–21) for 2026–2027, including agriculture, tourism and hospitality, plus new fine arts and science/health departments. Tourism & Culture: The 16th Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta returned to Sag Harbor, blending sailing, tourism promotion and fundraising. Tourism Demand Pressure: A report highlights U.S. visa bond and travel restrictions that could raise costs for students and families relying on American scholarships. Sports Infrastructure: YASCO’s track lost its World Athletics Class 2 certification as resurfacing plans move forward. Regional Mobility Risk: Reports of U.S. visa scrutiny affecting Caribbean entertainers include Antiguan soca star Tian Winter.

Trade & Justice: The U.S. again refuses to pay Antigua and Barbuda nearly $400 million in compensation after losing a WTO case tied to the shutdown of the island’s internet gaming industry. Energy Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU in July, with the lowest LPG cylinder prices ranking second in the union. Regional Policy for Services: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an evidence-based trade-in-services push using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states build export strategies. Health & Safety: Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Pharmaceutical Services issued recalls for specific batches of Diovan 160mg, Atorstan (atorvastatin) 10mg/20mg, and Cetirizine 5mg, urging patients not to stop meds without medical advice. Education & Skills: ABCAS opened a late application window (Aug 19–21) and highlighted new agriculture, tourism, fine arts/creative studies, and science/health programmes. Sports Infrastructure: World Athletics de-certified the YASCO track as a Class 2 facility, with officials in talks to relaid the surface. Workplace Dispute: PM Gaston Browne accused ONDCP staff of “cheating the system,” while the People’s Union hit back, citing long-running health and safety concerns.

Energy Costs: ECCB fuel data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest July gasoline (EC$14.50/imperial gallon) and diesel (EC$14.25) prices across the ECCU, beating regional averages (gas EC$17.66, diesel EC$18.16). It also ranks near the bottom for cooking gas, with a 20-pound LPG cylinder at EC$32. Health & Compliance: The Ministry of Health’s Pharmaceutical Services Department recalled specific batches of Diovan 160mg, Atorstan (atorvastatin) 10mg/20mg, and Cetirizine 5mg, urging patients not to stop meds without a doctor or pharmacist and to return affected lots. Education & Mobility: New US visa bonds and travel restrictions are raising alarm for Antiguan and Barbudan students and families relying on US scholarships and travel for school supplies. Trade Policy (OECS): OECS wrapped up a UNCTAD/ECLAC initiative to close services-trade data gaps, using TiSSTAT to help member states build stronger export strategies. Creative Industries: Cabinet approved a $250,000 Creative Industries Development Fund to back local artistes and production aimed at regional and international markets. Sports Infrastructure: World Athletics de-certified the YASCO track as Class 2, with officials in talks to have the surface relaid.

Energy Costs: Antigua and Barbuda is leading the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union on fuel affordability, with July ECCB data showing the lowest gasoline ($14.50/gal) and diesel ($14.25/gal) prices, plus relatively low LPG rates. Trade Policy: The OECS Commission wrapped up a UNCTAD/ECLAC initiative to close services-trade data gaps, using TiSSTAT to help member states build evidence-based export strategies and better connect to global value chains. Education & Skills: ABCAS opened a late application window (Aug 19–21) and highlighted new agriculture, tourism, fine arts/creative studies, and science/health programmes. Public Health: Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Pharmaceutical Services issued recalls for specific batches of Diovan, Atorvastatin, and Cetirizine. Disaster Resilience (Barbuda): ABRCS held a Barbuda fisherfolk consultation to strengthen early action and disaster preparedness under the Forecast-based Financing “3 Oceans” project. Creative Industries: Cabinet approved a $250,000 Creative Industries Development Fund to help local artistes produce work for regional and international markets. Infrastructure & Logistics: Dredging at Crabb’s Harbour is complete to deepen the channel for larger vessels, including LNG deliveries, with further dredging planned for St. John’s Harbour.

OECS Trade-in-Services Push: The OECS Commission wrapped up a UNCTAD/ECLAC project to tackle the region’s services-trade data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help governments build stronger export strategies and connect to global value chains. Independence & Creative Industries: Antigua and Barbuda unveiled the “Renaissance” theme for its 45th Independence celebrations and logo/calendar, while Cabinet approved a $250,000 Creative Industries Development Fund to help artistes produce work for regional and international markets. Port & Energy Logistics: Antigua is weighing options for a US$100M cargo port expansion to strengthen its role as a regional transshipment hub, and dredging at Crabb’s Harbour is now complete to support deeper-draught LNG vessel operations for APUA. Education & Skills Pipeline: ABCAS opened a final 2026-2027 application window (Aug 19–21), with renewed agriculture, tourism, and new fine arts and science/health departments. Health & Safety Watch: The Ministry of Pharmaceutical Services issued a recall of three medicine products (Diovan 160mg, Atorvastatin 10/20mg, and Cetirizine 5mg) and urged the public to check affected batches. Workplace Dispute: The People’s Union hit back at PM Gaston Browne over claims involving ONDCP staff, citing long-running health and safety concerns tied to the agency’s building.

Port Expansion Talks: Antigua and Barbuda is weighing financing options for a US$100M cargo port expansion to boost its role as a regional transshipment hub, with discussions involving the existing Chinese contractor and possible support from the US International Development Finance Corporation. Energy & Shipping Readiness: Crabb’s Harbour dredging is completed to meet deeper-draught needs, including LNG vessel deliveries for APUA, with testing now underway and a next phase planned for St. John’s Harbour. Track & Field Infrastructure: World Athletics has de-certified the YASCO Sports Complex track (Class 2), and the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association says Mondo has processed orders and will confirm shipping dates for relaying. CHOGM Creative Push: Cabinet approved a $250,000 Creative Industries Development Fund to help local artistes produce work for regional and international markets, alongside pay-per-view plans for select Carnival 2027 shows. Public Health Recall: The Ministry of Pharmaceutical Services issued a recall of three medicine products (Diovan 160mg tablets, Atorvastatin 10/20mg, and Cetirizine 5mg) and urged stakeholders to check affected batches. Disaster Preparedness (Barbuda): The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross engaged Barbuda fisherfolk to strengthen hurricane preparedness through early action planning under the Forecast-based Financing approach. Workplace Dispute at ONDCP: PM Browne accused ONDCP staff of “cheating the system” over alleged half-day work, while the People’s Union hit back, citing long-running health and safety concerns.