Deportation Negotiations: PM Gaston Browne says the U.S. is pressuring Antigua and Barbuda with “a gun to our heads” over a third-country deportee deal, insisting the country won’t accept criminals or people with serious health conditions and that talks are ongoing with safeguards. Visa-Free Pressure: Browne also says the EU has warned it could end visa-free Schengen access for Antigua and Barbuda and the OECS by year-end, with the government pushing for an electronic travel authorization instead. Youth Mental Health: Antigua and Barbuda launched the OECS’ first free, anonymous, text-based Young Caribbean Minds chatline, alongside a Youth Voices survey report that fed into the Mental Health Care Bill 2026. Gender Rights Spotlight: Sheila Roseau was elected to the UN CEDAW committee, adding another major international leadership win for Antigua and Barbuda. Education & Wellbeing: WISH donated UNESCO-supported “Be Kind to Your Mind” posters to Parham Primary School to help students build emotional coping skills. Tourism & Youth Leadership: Janica Adams was named Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the Tourism Youth Congress, and Barbuda’s New Gen Innovators workshop gained ACB Caribbean and Digicel sponsorship for youth entrepreneurship. Sports & Community: Potters Stingers dominated the Village Netball League, while swimmers from the Virgin Islands recorded personal bests at a meet in Antigua. Culture: Antigua Carnival countdown is on—11 days of soca, mas, steelpan and summer festival energy starting July 25.