AGP Executive Report

Art & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 (Nov 11–18) opens its call for artists and creatives, inviting exhibitors across painting, photography, mixed media, textiles, digital art and more, plus satellite hosts for workshops, performances and fashion shows. Local Government & Youth: Cabinet is discussing possible social media restrictions for children under 16, with officials stressing no decision or ban yet. Community Impact: Hopeful Hearts Foundation arrives in Barbuda (July 3–5) with school supplies, clothing drives, kids’ activities and a mural project at Holy Trinity Primary, plus a Barbuda Youth Council engagement. Education Wins: The 2026 Grade Six National Assessment spotlights top performers—Denushka H. Gibbs (top overall), Marlensky J. Salien (top male) and Necasia B. Ralph (top government primary). Sports & Development: ABAVA selects officials for an ECVA beach volleyball referee course (July 8–12) and names national teams for ECVA U20 beach volleyball in St. Kitts (July 10–12). Utilities & Milestones: APUA marks 53 years of electricity, water and telecom service, with plans for transformation including renewable energy and affordable broadband. Carnival Update: Cabinet approves an EC$5.2 million Carnival 2026 budget and sets up a finance committee for spending oversight. Public Safety: Police report two teenagers shot in Antigua (one in critical condition).

Immigration & Deportees: Antigua and Barbuda confirmed it signed a non-binding U.S. MoU in Dec 2025 on possible third-country national transfers, and says it will only consider any arrivals if Washington agrees in advance to cover the full costs—reception, housing, healthcare, welfare, security and onward removal—while also seeking lifting of blanket U.S. visa restrictions for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens. Youth & Education: ABCAS held its inaugural commencement for more than 200 graduates, marking a new chapter for public tertiary education. Health & Care: Kiwanis launched “Bright Eyes” to provide vulnerable children with eye exams and glasses. Sports (Beach Volleyball): ABAVA named Antigua and Barbuda’s U20 beach volleyball teams for the ECVA event in St. Kitts (10–12 July), and selected a coach for an ECVA coaches course. Community & Culture: The Antigua Cup International Youth Football Tournament kicks off 5 July, and 12-year-old Gigar Campbell won the Grace Junior Chef Challenge in Toronto. Public Safety: Two teenagers were shot in Antigua; one is in critical condition. Online Safety: Cabinet has begun discussions on possible social media safeguards for children under 16, with no decision yet. Immigration Amnesty: The 2026 immigration amnesty opened 2 July, running to 30 September for eligible residents to regularise status.

Immigration & Belonging: Antigua and Barbuda launched its 2026 immigration amnesty on July 2, giving undocumented residents until September to regularise status, with eligibility tied to living in the country for four-plus years and limits on repeat amnesty use. Youth Online Safety: Cabinet has started discussions on restricting social media access for children under 16, but officials stressed no decision or ban is in place yet. Education Growth: Work is continuing on the Five Islands Primary School and the UWI Five Islands Campus expansion, with procurement interest already strong. Community Care: Kiwanis’ “Bright Eyes” is providing vision exams and glasses for vulnerable students, aiming to boost learning outcomes. Culinary Spotlight: 12-year-old Gigar Campbell won the Grace Junior Chef Challenge in Toronto, earning a travel voucher and putting Antigua and Barbuda’s flavours on an international stage. Culture & Arts: Applications are open for Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 (Nov 11–18), inviting artists and creatives to shape exhibitions and satellite events. Regional Tourism: OECS pushed community-based tourism planning in Saint Lucia, with local communities positioned as the main beneficiaries. Health & Prevention: Minister Michael Joseph highlighted “Food as Medicine, Soil as Health” as a preventive healthcare approach, linking nutrition, environment, and wellbeing. Sports Pathways: Five young St. Kitts cricketers departed for Antigua for selection to the Leeward Islands Tropical Wave Under-19 squad. Healthcare Training: ABEMS instructor Brandon Browne celebrated completing a Master’s in Acute Medicine.

Health & Environment: Minister Michael Joseph opened “Food as Medicine, Soil as Health,” stressing that disease prevention starts with food, soil, water and the environment. Healthcare Careers: ABEMS critical care paramedic Brandon Browne earned a Master’s in Acute Medicine, with the minister praising the boost to local emergency care. Community Tourism: OECS trained member states on community-based tourism, aiming to keep tourism benefits in local hands—especially for youth and women. Culture Call: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 (Nov 11–18) opened applications for artists, creatives and satellite events. Reparations & Emancipation: ABRSC named Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as feature speaker for the July 31 Watchnight Gathering. Immigration Amnesty: Antigua’s 2026 amnesty runs July 1–Sept 30 for eligible residents to regularise status, with guidelines on fees, documents and application hours. Local Health Training: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre nurses completed medication safety refresher training to strengthen patient care. Education & Youth: ABRSC announced winners of its 2026 reparatory justice essay competition. Sports & Giving: Westport United’s “Goals for Daisy” fundraiser will donate €5 per goal for Cancer Fund for Children and the Daisy Lodge.

Immigration Update: Antigua and Barbuda’s three-month immigration amnesty kicks off July 1, with new guidelines on eligibility, required documents, fees, and application hours at Immigration Headquarters. Citizenship & Rights Debate: Opposition Senator Malaka Parker pushes for a modern, fair, humane immigration pathway for non-nationals instead of relying on recurring political amnesties. Reparations & Education: The ABRSC names winners of its 2026 reparatory justice essay competition, with Professor Sir Hilary Beckles set to speak at the Watchnight Gathering on July 31. Gender Equality Training: OECS Commission launches a three-part gender mainstreaming staff training series to strengthen gender-responsive policy work across the region. Healthcare Leadership: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre rolls out a medication safety refresher for nurses and launches its first leadership development programme. Culture & Community: A new art installation at Comfort Kitchen honours three enslaved people brought from Antigua, keeping their names “endured, honored, remembered, and free.” Sports & Youth: Antigua and Barbuda announces its 16-member team for the 2026 ANOCES Track & Field Championships in St. Kitts.

Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission kicked off a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff series (June 15), using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation to help teams design and assess gender-responsive programmes. Regional Leadership: Dr Didacus Jules was reappointed to a fourth term as OECS Director General as the region pushes priorities like digital transformation and healthier communities. Sports Tourism Push: The Caribbean Corporate Games officially launched, aiming to draw 1,500 visitors for the inaugural 2027 event—positioned as part of Antigua and Barbuda’s shift from “tourism industry” to a “tourism economy.” Local Healthcare Leadership: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched its first six-month Leadership Development Programme to strengthen leadership across clinical and administrative teams. Youth & Education: Janica Adams was named Junior Minister of Tourism, while the ABYETS Trade Show is set for July 4 at Holy Trinity School, spotlighting young entrepreneurs. Immigration Debate: Senator Malaka Parker urged a fair, humane, predictable immigration pathway for non-nationals, not recurring amnesties. Border Security Update: The Senate unanimously approved the Passenger Information Bill to strengthen pre-arrival border checks. Community & Culture: Rotaract Club of Antigua thanked supporters as its 2025–26 Rotary year ends, and a new art installation at Comfort Kitchen memorialised three enslaved people brought from Antigua.

Border & Security Update: The Senate unanimously approved the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill 2026, setting a new framework to collect and share traveler data before arrival to strengthen border security. Healthcare Leadership: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched its first six-month Leadership Development Program to build stronger clinical and administrative leadership. Crime Watch: Police reported crime cases fell by 158 year-on-year between January and May, with 260 arrests and many repeat offenders flagged for renewed youth intervention focus. Education & Standards: ABNAB marked 20 years of quality assurance in higher education, while UWI Five Islands Campus received EC$10,000 from the Rotary Club of Antigua for scholarships. Community & Home: HAPPI is building a new eight-bedroom home for a family of nearly 30, with before-and-after photos showing major progress. Youth & Culture: Janica Adams, shaped by tourism and debating, won Junior Minister of Tourism; plus de Alphas, a new three-vocalist band, is bringing fresh energy to Antigua’s music scene. Regional Spotlight: ECCB will host a panel on July 1 marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed peg.

OECS & CHOGM Momentum: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has taken over as chair of the OECS Authority as the 78th meeting opens in Antigua, with regional focus on trade, connectivity, climate resilience and digital transformation. Youth & Work: A labour official says unions across the Caribbean must rethink how they recruit youth and women, warning that old-school outreach won’t reach a generation living on phones and social media. Education Quality Boost: Antigua’s ABNAB marks 20 years of accreditation and quality assurance, while the UWI warns of a fraudulent website using its branding. Higher Ed Expansion: The UWI Five Islands Campus expansion is set to move toward construction before year-end, with an $80m bidding process closing end of July. Mental Health Support: Lawmakers debate the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, with calls for stronger psychological support for families; WISH also delivered “Be Kind to Your Mind” posters to Parham Primary School. Community Action: Survivors and supporters stage a “Ride for a Cause” demanding the cancer centre reopen with a clear roadmap. Local Culture: New band de Alphas brings three dynamic female vocalists to Antigua’s scene, and ABFC urges media to keep local music at the heart of Carnival year-round. Sports Spotlight: West Indies women qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals, and the ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar peg with a July 1 panel. Policy & Travel: PM Browne says Antigua will step up efforts to protect EU visa-free access and insists the CIP programme continues even if the EU threatens changes. Immigration Tensions: Browne also says Antigua won’t accept LGBTQ deportees under any US third-country deal unless people are thoroughly vetted.

CHOGM 2026 Prep: Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commission in London, CWEIC and SMI hosted a Commonwealth Leaders Lunch to spotlight business and investment opportunities ahead of CHOGM in St John’s (Nov 1–4, 2026). Youth & Women at Work: UNI Americas’ Trevor Johnson urged unions to modernise recruitment for young people and women, saying old methods won’t survive a social-media-first generation. Education Quality Milestone: ABNAB marked 20 years of accreditation and quality assurance in higher education, renewing calls for stronger standards. Digital Skills Boost: OECS recognised 172 scholarship recipients completing year-long digital training, with industry certifications through the CARDTP programme. Higher Ed Expansion: UWI Five Islands Campus construction is expected to start before year-end, with an $80m Saudi-funded bidding process closing end of July. Mental Health After Tragedy: Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan pushed for stronger psychological support for families after fatal accidents, especially children. Local Culture: De Alphas, a new band with three dynamic female vocalists, is turning heads on Antigua’s live music scene. Entrepreneurship: ABYETS Trade Show is set for July 4 at Holy Trinity School grounds, giving young entrepreneurs a real platform to pitch and sell. Visa-Free Pressure: PM Browne says Antigua will intensify talks with the EU to protect visa-free access amid threats tied to citizenship-by-investment changes. Community Health Action: “Ride for a Cause” protesters renewed calls to reopen the cancer centre, demanding a clear roadmap and date. Sports & Lifestyle: A new live band, plus beach-and-food culture coverage, keeps the week’s vibe firmly local and Caribbean.

LGBTQ Deportation Standoff: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will not accept LGBTQ deportees under a proposed U.S. third-country deal, arguing the country already has “enough” and that any arrivals must be thoroughly vetted. EU Visa-Free Pressure: Browne also says the government will intensify talks with the EU to protect visa-free access, arguing an electronic travel authorization could address security concerns without ending travel privileges. Senate Focus on National Interest: Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant read a youth-parliament letter urging newly appointed senators to put the Constitution and national interest above partisan politics. UWI Cyber Warning: The University of the West Indies warns of an unauthorised website using its branding and collecting personal data. Health & Community Action: A “Ride for a Cause” campaign presses for the reopening of the cancer centre, while WISH and Hopeful Hearts Foundation delivered mental health posters to Parham Primary School. Road Safety Court Update: La-Shanti Cooper pleads not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in the May 2023 All Saints Road crash. Tourism & Culture: Elite Island Resorts and reggae ambassador Causion release a Caribbean Heritage Month music video filmed at The Verandah Antigua. Youth & Entrepreneurship: Barbuda’s barbudanGO workshop in partnership with ACB Caribbean and Digicel backs young innovators with business skills and pitches.

Citizenship by Investment Watch: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will keep its Citizenship by Investment programme even if the EU ends visa-free access, arguing it’s too vital to the economy while talks continue for a safer alternative like electronic travel authorisation. EU Visa-Free Pressure: The EU has warned it could withdraw Schengen visa-free access by year-end over CBI concerns, prompting Browne to push for high-level engagement. Public Safety & Youth Crime: Browne also called for a tougher police response to young chain snatchers, urging sting operations and “put some blows” language as opportunistic crime rises. Mental Health in Schools: WISH and partners launched a Hopeful Hearts mural at Parham Primary and handed over “Be Kind to Your Mind” posters to support emotional wellbeing, coping skills, and kinder classroom messaging. Gender Equality Milestone: Antigua and Barbuda’s Sheila Roseau was elected to the UN CEDAW committee, a major win for women’s rights leadership. Youth & Tourism: Janica Adams was named Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the Tourism Youth Congress, with a path to represent the country regionally. Barbuda Youth Entrepreneurship: ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsored Barbuda’s New Gen Innovators workshop, backing 13–16-year-olds to build real business plans and pitches. Health Preparedness: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre began mandatory Ebola response training for clinical staff to strengthen infectious disease readiness.

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.

Antigua Carnival Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda is officially one month out from Carnival 2026, running July 25–Aug. 4 under the theme “Feel the Rhythm,” with 11 days of soca, mas, steelpan and summer festival energy. UN Women’s Rights Milestone: Antiguan gender equality advocate Sheila Roseau has been elected to the UN CEDAW committee, a major global platform for monitoring women’s rights protections. Youth Mental Health Support: The OECS’ first free, anonymous Young Caribbean Minds chatline launched in Antigua and Barbuda, backed by UNICEF, UWI and local partners, alongside a youth survey report shaping the Mental Health Care Bill 2026. Tourism Leadership for Youth: Janica Adams was named Antigua and Barbuda’s new Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the Tourism Youth Congress, earning a regional spot in Guyana. Health & Preparedness: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has started mandatory Ebola response training for clinical staff to strengthen infectious disease readiness. Barbuda Entrepreneurship Push: ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsored the New Gen Innovators workshop in Barbuda, training ages 13–16 to build real business solutions. Local Sports: Potters Stingers dominated the Village Netball League, while Swetes/Roman Hill and All Saints United also notched wins.

UN Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda’s gender equality advocate Sheila Roseau was elected to the UN CEDAW committee, a major win for women’s rights and global accountability. Youth Mental Health: The OECS’ first free, anonymous Young Caribbean Minds chatline launched in Antigua and Barbuda with UNICEF and partners, backed by a youth-led survey report feeding into the Mental Health Care Bill 2026. Barbuda Entrepreneurship: ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsor barbudanGO’s New Gen Innovators workshop, training 13–16-year-olds to solve community problems and pitch business ideas. Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams was named Antigua and Barbuda’s new Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the Tourism Youth Congress, earning a regional shot in Guyana. Hospitality Awards: Sandals Grande Antigua’s Karen Wong and St. John’s Catholic Primary’s Priscilla Joseph both took 2025 WOW Factor Awards for hospitality and sports/education. Health Preparedness: SLBMC rolled out mandatory Ebola response training for staff to strengthen infectious disease readiness. Community & Culture: Antigua Carnival 2026 countdown is on—July 25 to Aug 4 under “Feel the Rhythm.”

Youth & Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams has been named Antigua and Barbuda’s new Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the 2026 National Tourism Youth Congress, earning a spot to represent the country regionally in Guyana this October. Entrepreneurship in Barbuda: ACB Caribbean and Digicel co-sponsor the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda, backing a 4-day programme for ages 13–16 focused on real community problems, business plans and pitching. Mental Health Support for Young People: The OECS’ first free, anonymous Young Caribbean Minds chatline launched in Antigua and Barbuda with UNICEF, UWI and Zenith Centre, alongside the Youth Voices survey report that will shape the Mental Health Care Bill 2026. Public Health & Youth Voice: PM Browne says youth input will also guide action on NCDs, while families are urged to watch for changes in children’s behaviour and mood. Government & Immigration Talks: Cabinet backs the PM’s position in resumed US negotiations on limited third-country deportees, stressing due diligence and no acceptance of people with criminal backgrounds. Education Funding Move: Cabinet confirms an expanded windfall profits tax (EC$1m+ companies) to help finance free tertiary education. Culture & Carnival Countdown: Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away (July 25–Aug 4) under “Feel the Rhythm,” with island-wide music, mas and fetes. Sports: Potters Stingers dominate the Village Netball League, while VI swimmers post personal bests at an Antigua meet. Health Donation: He Vision Group is set to ship eye care equipment to strengthen ophthalmic services in Antigua and Barbuda.

Youth Mental Health: Antigua and Barbuda officially launched the Young Caribbean Minds (YCM) free, anonymous chatline, alongside a youth mental health research report built from consultations with 1,000+ young people to shape the Mental Health Care Bill 2026. Public Health & Families: A clinical psychologist urged parents to watch for changes in children’s behaviour and moods, especially signs of hopelessness. Regional Leadership: OECS reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, backing his push on digital transformation and healthier communities. Education & Skills: The ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp (ages 14–18) starting July 6, while the Education Ministry also returns STEM InFuSED for ages 8–17 (July 6–Aug 11). Culture & Tourism: Antigua Carnival 2026 countdown is on (July 25–Aug 4, “Feel the Rhythm”), plus Antigua scored another food spotlight with a World Culinary Awards nomination for “Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2026.” Health Support: He Vision Group will donate eye care equipment to strengthen ophthalmic services. Safety & Community: Police renewed speeding warnings after a serious hit-and-run injured cyclist Tahje Browne.