AGP Executive Report

Tourism Push & Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port expects a busy June–September run with 15+ cruise calls, including Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and further visits on June 17 and 23—good news for visitor-facing businesses. Regional Connectivity: New airline interline deals (Winair with Contour; LIAT and Air Caraïbes also moving) aim to reduce the hassle of fragmented Caribbean airlift. Cost of Living: APUA’s fuel variation charge rises to 80 cents per kWh in June, while government continues fuel subsidies despite APUA’s higher fuel bill. Local Governance & Infrastructure: No parking is ordered on High Street between Cross Street and Temple Street during Performing Arts Centre works; All Saints Road gets overnight detours; Fort James redevelopment gets Cabinet backing with about three acres reclaimed for an expanded leisure district. Education & Social Policy: Government will expand preschool access with two new early childhood centres; Cabinet backs MainCollect to modernise child maintenance payments. Energy & Environment: Cabinet notes CDEMA’s push for stronger disaster resilience financing; a UNICEF study finds young people still lack information and training for the green economy. Culture & Community: Good Humans 268’s recycled bottle-cap mural at ARG advances a waste-management and disability-inclusion campaign ahead of CHOGM; JCI Antigua donates water tanks to Bendals Primary. Business & Branding: ABTA appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer as Antigua and Barbuda promote culture and Carnival during Caribbean Week in New York. Industry Spotlight: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn of Scotch bonnet pepper shortages and higher prices. Leadership & Legacy: Sir Aziz Hadeed is honoured at an official funeral, with tributes highlighting his business and public service impact.

Tourism Awards & Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda-backed Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York saw Barbados’ Andrea Franklin named CTO Director of Tourism of the Year and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith take Minister/Commissioner of the Year, spotlighting regional leadership that can translate into stronger visitor demand. Cruise Momentum: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy mid-year run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more calls on June 17 and June 23, as the port expects 15+ cruise ship visits from June to September to lift local trade. Regional Airlift Push: New interline partnerships involving Winair, Contour, LIAT and Air Caraïbes aim to reduce Caribbean travel friction by letting passengers connect more smoothly across islands. Energy Costs: APUA’s fuel variation charge rises to 80 cents per kWh in June, following higher international fuel costs—while the government continues fuel subsidies to cushion consumers. Local Business & Infrastructure: A no-parking order hits High Street between Cross Street and Temple Street during Performing Arts Centre works, and All Saints Road faces overnight detours for major upgrades. Education & Social Support: Government plans two new preschool centres (Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings) and Cabinet backs MainCollect, a digital system to modernise child maintenance payments. Governance & Compliance: Cabinet also approved shifting fisheries complex management to Antigua Fisheries Limited and endorsed an agreement to remove scrap metal from Cooks Landfill. Community & Culture: Festivals Commission Board members were sworn in to strengthen Carnival and other cultural events as economic drivers.

Tourism Boost: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ cruise calls between June and September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9 (2,026 passengers), with further visits on June 17 and 23—good news for hotels, tours and local trade. Aviation & Connectivity: New interline partnerships involving Winair, Contour, LIAT and Air Caraïbes aim to reduce the hassle and cost of fragmented Caribbean airlift. Energy Costs: APUA’s fuel variation charge rises to 80 cents per kWh in June, while government continues fuel subsidies to cushion consumers from higher global prices. Local Business Disruption: No-parking is ordered on High Street (Cross Street to Temple Street) during Performing Arts Centre works, and motorists face an overnight All Saints Road detour for major infrastructure. Education Access: Cabinet backs two new preschool centres (Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings) and approved MainCollect to modernise child maintenance payments. Governance & Growth: Cabinet shifts fisheries complex management to Antigua Fisheries Limited and supports a Fort James redevelopment plan that includes about three acres of reclaimed land. Letters & Accountability: Readers question child support enforcement and graduation fees at Antigua Girls’ High School. Regional Policy: Antigua rejects a reported U.S. request for up to 120 third-country deportees, citing sovereignty and capacity.

Tourism & Markets: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as stayover arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026 and the destination pushes deeper global marketing. Infrastructure & Development: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach redevelopment, shelving Royal Caribbean’s beach club plan, and also backed about three acres of land reclamation for a larger leisure and event district with shoreline protection. Energy Costs: Government will keep subsidising fuel despite APUA’s daily fuel purchase jumping from about $460,000 in January to around $886,000, to cushion consumers from global price pressure. Governance & Social Services: Cabinet backed MainCollect, a digital app to modernise child maintenance collection across Antigua and eventually the OECS, and shifted management of fisheries complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited for tighter accountability. Environment & Waste: Cabinet approved an agreement with Atlantic Ship Breakers Antigua to remove, process and export scrap metal from Cook’s Landfill at no direct cost to government. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of Sheldon Dias after an All Saints altercation; two suspects are in custody. Finance & Crime: Police probe an alleged EC$100,000 electronic banking fraud, and a teen was charged over an alleged EC$150 chain theft in Perry Bay. Regional Business Context: CHTA released a short-term rental framework calling for smart regulation rather than retreat.

Tourism & Investment: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as stayover arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026 and the destination pushes deeper global marketing. Regional Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week in New York is increasingly becoming a policy forum on the future of Caribbean tourism, not just a promotion event. Language & Trade Links: Sir Ronald Sanders says adopting Spanish as a second official language could strengthen ties with Latin America and better integrate the Spanish-speaking community into national life. Youth, Climate & Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds Eastern Caribbean youth want green careers but lack information, training and access to opportunities, with findings presented at UN House for World Environment Day. Governance & Digital Services: Cabinet backed a new digital child maintenance payments platform (“Main Collect”) to improve collection and oversight, targeting 1,500–2,500 delinquent cases. Sports Business: BYD signed on as Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across eight markets including Antigua. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of Sheldon Dias after an All Saints altercation; two suspects are in custody.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as stayover arrivals rise 7% in Q1 2026 and the destination pushes deeper global marketing. Regional Travel & Trade: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline agreement to sell combined itineraries on one ticket, easing baggage transfers across the Caribbean and beyond. Sports Business: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, rolling out fan activations and a “Wrap the Future” design challenge across eight markets including Antigua. Culture as Economy: Twelve members sworn in to the Festivals Commission Board under the 2026 Act, with the new statutory body tasked to turn Carnival and the One Nation Festival into stronger economic drivers. Public Finance & Compliance: Cabinet backs “Main Collect,” a digital platform to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, targeting delinquent payments affecting 1,500–2,500 fathers in court records. Crime & Safety: Police investigate the death of Sheldon Dias after an All Saints altercation; two suspects are in custody. Health & Policy: Caribbean leaders call for urgent, evidence-based healthy food policy to tackle the region’s NCD crisis, highlighting implementation gaps. Environment & Jobs: Cabinet approves a scrap-metal export deal with Atlantic Ship Breakers to clear and rehabilitate Cook’s Land at no direct cost to government.

Tourism Leadership & Growth: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority has 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 rose about 7% in Q1 2026 and the destination pushes for stronger global reach. Cruise & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through—aimed at boosting regional connectivity from Antigua. Local Tourism Experiences: The Verandah Antigua will host a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with clinics and a premium camp led by U.S. Open champion Frank Solana, betting on pickleball-driven stay-over demand. Government & Community Projects: Cabinet approved a government-led redevelopment plan for Fort James Beach, while also backing a digital platform (“Main Collect”) to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution. Environment & Waste: Cabinet also approved an agreement with Atlantic Ship Breakers Antigua to remove, process and export scrap metal from Cook’s Landfill at no direct cost to government. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Antigua’s Randy Baltimore was elected Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council as ministers discussed aquaculture, food security, climate resilience and progress against illegal fishing. Public Safety & Enforcement: Police detained four men after seizing 500+ cannabis plants near Pares Village; separately, police are investigating a violent attack and robbery on crew members near Heritage Quay. Democracy & Governance: Commonwealth observers renewed calls for campaign finance reform and urged entrenching the Electoral Commission (ABEC) in the Constitution to strengthen independence and transparency. Road Works: Major detours are planned on All Saints Road (Buckley Line Roundabout to Herberts Junction) overnight June 4–5, with local access maintained.

Tourism Leadership Shake-Up: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has appointed Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as the country reports a 7% rise in stay-over arrivals in Q1 2026 and pushes for stronger airline/trade partnerships and brand growth. Tourism Legacy: Minister H. Charles Fernandez and the wider industry mourn Theodore “Ted” Isaac, a long-time tourism pioneer who helped shape Antigua’s resort sector and served as first chairman of ABTA’s board and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association. Water Supply Reality Check: APUA says it hit record water production, but residents can still face shortages due to distribution issues like burst pipes and aging cast-iron lines; Potworks Dam has also been taken offline. Drug Enforcement: Police report a major operation near Pares Village with four men in custody after seizure of 500+ cannabis plants and about 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana. Roadworks Impact: Motorists are warned of overnight detours on All Saints Road between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction, with local access maintained and businesses staying open. Blue Economy & Fisheries: CRFM ministers met by teleconference, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair and adopting priorities including aquaculture expansion, food security, climate/disaster resilience and action against IUU fishing. Barbuda Infrastructure Consultation: Government opens public consultation on Barbuda Road and Wharf rehabilitation, releasing environmental and planning documents for works across six road corridors. Pension Pressure: ABPA is pushing the Ministry of Finance for pension increases and food vouchers, arguing inflation is squeezing retirees on fixed incomes. Commonwealth Games Prep: ABNOC/CGA confirms a 13-member Antigua and Barbuda squad expected for Glasgow 2026, with final names to be confirmed by entry protocol. Ocean Summit in Tokyo: Antigua and Barbuda is represented at the Island States Ocean Summit, highlighting ocean governance work including a Blue Economy Bill and Marine Spatial Planning.

Tourism Policy & Measurement: The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is pushing a new, broader way to measure tourism value—moving beyond visitor spend to track how much money stays in local economies, how tourism invests in people, and how it affects the environment. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing tourism ministers and officials together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” as the region reports stronger stayover performance and a shift toward culture-led travel. Cruise Trade & Connectivity: Marella Cruises is restarting its “Make it on Marella” agent incentive, with winners heading to a 2027 Caribbean sailing that includes Antigua and St Kitts. Fisheries & Food Security: CRFM ministers adopted 19 resolutions and approved a new aquaculture plan, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore elected Chair for 2026–2027. Pensions & Cost of Living: ABPA is pressing for a “livable pension” and food vouchers to protect retirees from inflation. Disaster Resilience: BRICS Programme steering talks continue in Antigua, while Red Cross volunteers complete advanced community resilience training. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Liberty Caribbean says it’s ready for the 2026 hurricane season, and APUA reports a major Friars Hill fuel leak has been contained. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley found on Lower All Saints Road.

Tourism & Hospitality: Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month wrapped with a Canadian spotlight at Tamarind Hills, featuring chef TV personality Devan “Chef Dev” Rajkumar, while Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and industry leaders paid tribute to tourism pioneer Theodore “Ted” Isaac, underscoring his decades of impact on the sector. Digital Resilience: ICTs Ministry representative Desiree Zachariah attended a Belize workshop on “data embassies,” aiming to protect national data and keep services running during crises, with talks on public-private partnerships. Banking & Investment: Government signals it will consider local bank participation in Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, with completion expected in 1H 2027. Food & Public Health: Youth and civil society groups launched a regional push to ban ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools, and local medical voices renewed warnings that vaping is not safer than smoking. Energy & Environment: APUA says a major fuel leak at its former Friars Hill facility has been contained, with cleanup and absorbent removal next. Labour & Courts: The Industrial Court upheld Epicurean’s dismissal of a worker over misuse of a staff loyalty card scheme. Regional Business Climate: CHTA urged a broader way to measure tourism value beyond visitor spend, focusing on local economic retention, people investment, and environmental impact. Sports Tourism: Minister Freeland argued sports tourism and CPL-linked travel can boost Antigua’s economy in slower months.

Tourism Measurement Push: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling for a broader way to judge tourism’s real value, moving beyond visitor spend to track how much stays in local economies, investment in people, and environmental impact. Banking Deal Watch: Antigua and Barbuda says it will approve Butterfield Bank’s planned acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while hinting it wants local banks involved if the parties cooperate. Energy & Environment: APUA reports a major fuel leak at its former Friars Hill Road facility has been successfully contained, with cleanup and absorbent removal next. Roads & Business Access: All Saints Road works trigger an overnight detour from 7pm Tuesday to 7am Wednesday, with local access and businesses staying open. Public Health: Medical professionals warn that vaping isn’t safer than cigarettes, citing nicotine and toxic chemical exposure. Legal/Workplace: The Industrial Court upholds Epicurean’s dismissal of a worker over misuse of a staff loyalty card scheme. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies launches a 10-day high-performance fast bowling assessment camp in Antigua for 12 emerging talents. Luxury Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200m) is officially unveiled, positioning “quiet luxury” as a new draw for Antigua’s tourism market.

Energy & Environment: APUA says the fuel leak at its former Friars Hill Road storage facility has been successfully contained, with cleanup and removal of absorbent material the next focus. Youth & Governance: Newly elected NYPAAB president Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan aimed at strengthening youth representation, operations, committees and financial stability across Antigua and the wider Caribbean. Road Safety: Traffic policing officers say smoother roads are being used as an excuse to drive carelessly, with overtaking and rule-following flagged as key issues. Public Health: Medical professionals warn that vaping is not safer than cigarettes, citing nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals and lung-damaging particles. Justice & Business: The DPP’s decision to discontinue a major cannabis importation case is being challenged, while the Industrial Court upheld Epicurean’s dismissal of a worker over misuse of a staff loyalty card. Finance & Banking: Government signals it will approve Butterfield Bank’s acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, while pushing for local banks to take part in ownership. Tourism & Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200m) was officially launched as “quiet luxury,” and the Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua previewed details ahead of sales. Regional Integration: OECS and OHADAC/CARO are set to launch training to strengthen arbitration and access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier with one ticket and smoother connections. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies launched a high-performance fast bowling assessment camp in Antigua and a West Indies Academy tour to Sri Lanka.

Public Health & Aviation: PM Gaston Browne defended Antigua and Barbuda’s cautious stance on the Ebola outbreak, warning that even a single case could “wipe out” tourism and noting the strain has no vaccines and local care infrastructure is limited. Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week 2026 opened in New York with record attendance as CTO leaders and ministers push for stronger connectivity, resilience, and a unified regional tourism voice. Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked luggage, linking English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes to Paris Orly. Energy & Environment: APUA confirmed a major fuel leak at the former Friars Hill facility and says arrangements are finalized to transfer fuel from the affected tank while agencies coordinate containment and cleanup. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies launched a 10-day High-Performance Fast Bowling Assessment Camp in Antigua for 12 talents led by Ottis Gibson, with Jerome Taylor supporting. Climate Finance: Antigua and Barbuda wrapped a workshop in Barbados on accessing climate and disaster risk finance, advancing CVF-V20 mechanisms and loss-and-damage discussions. Disability Inclusion: Good Humans 268 Inc. urged corporate Antigua to move from charity to inclusive hiring for the country’s 16,000 disabled citizens.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for seamless travel on one ticket with through-checked baggage, boosting regional links from Antigua and V.C. Bird to French territories and beyond. Tourism Investment: Long Bay Zen Resort officially unveiled in Antigua, a US$200M, 113-key luxury project with green energy, desalination, AI services and an on-water chapel, targeting premium “quiet luxury” demand. Energy & Environment: APUA confirmed a major fuel leak at its former Friars Hill facility; authorities mobilised multiple agencies to contain the flow and protect residents and the environment. Regional Aviation Governance: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors met in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional meeting, with officials stressing aviation as the lifeline for small island economies. Business & Inclusion: Good Humans 268 urged Antigua’s corporate sector to move from charity to jobs for the nation’s 16,000 disabled citizens, calling for stronger enforcement and disability representation. Agriculture Resilience: Drought planning experts pushed for regular multi-stakeholder meetings and better data collection to protect local food production. Public Health: Youth vaping advocates warned Caribbean governments are moving too slowly as flavours and online sales make vapes easy to access for teens. Sports & Community: Antigua’s softball final is set after Dredgers and Buckleys 3Js won semi-finals; meanwhile, ABRCS Youth Commission ran a Fort James Beach clean-up.

Tourism & Investment: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne pitching it as premium, staff-focused luxury development aimed at boosting high-end arrivals and hotel-linked government revenue. CHOGM 2026 Readiness: The CHOGM task force met to push accreditation, accommodation (48 countries engaged; 800+ rooms secured), security, transport, and communications, with a key recce set for June 7–13. Regional Aviation Oversight: ECCAA opened its expanded V.C. Bird headquarters complex to strengthen Eastern Caribbean air safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Crime & Public Safety: Police are investigating the sudden death of 56-year-old Dion Francis in Cooks Hill, while separate reports cover a break-in at a business on All Saints Road and a cannabis seizure in All Saints/Liberta. Youth Health & Policy: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights how Caribbean youth are being targeted by vape marketing and flavours, warning that even “nicotine-free” vapes can normalise use. Community & Environment: ABRCS Youth Commission led a Fort James Beach clean-up, pulling together volunteers to remove hundreds of pounds of debris and reduce marine and health risks. Business/Connectivity: Caribbean Week in New York kicks off with tourism ministers and a marketing conference keynote focused on airline trends and strengthening Caribbean airlift.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, positioning it as ultra-luxury (aiming at guests paying up to US$3,000 a night) while promising better pay for hotel workers and more jobs. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, as Caribbean Airlines cuts reshape routes and Antigua is flagged as an emerging hub. Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region are gathering in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026, with Henry Harteveldt set to keynote on airline trends and what they mean for Caribbean airlift. Aviation Oversight Upgrade: ECCAA opened expanded headquarters at V.C. Bird International Airport to strengthen regional safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Local Business & Exports: Sanmerna Paper Products outlined plans to expand its factory and re-enter regional export markets, seeking land near the Port of Kingston to cut logistics costs. Public Health Warning: Op-eds and coverage tied to World No Tobacco Day spotlight how youth vaping is outpacing Caribbean policy, with flavours and “nicotine-free” marketing raising concern. Security & Crime: Police investigated a break-in at a business on All Saints Road and a cannabis seizure operation in All Saints; separate reports also covered a sudden death in Cooks Hill.