AGP Executive Report

Language & Identity: Sir Ronald Sanders says Antigua and Barbuda’s move to make Spanish a second official language is a smart bridge to the island’s Spanish-speaking community and a signal to Latin America. Immigration Shockwaves: A U.S. federal judge struck down Trump-era pauses on immigration and asylum processing for people from 39 “high-risk” countries, including Antigua and Barbuda—calling the actions illegal and leaving applicants in limbo. Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer (effective June 1) and promoted Shermain Jeremy to Regional Tourism Director, as stayover arrivals reportedly rose 7% in Q1. Festivals & Culture: Twelve new members were sworn in to the Festivals Commission Board to steer Carnival and One Nation Festival as economic drivers. Youth & Sustainability: A youth leader was appointed SDG Coordinator for the Americas, while Villa Primary students helped install a CHOGM mural made from recycled bottle caps at ARG. Health & Food Policy: Regional leaders pushed urgent action on healthy food policy to tackle the Caribbean’s NCD crisis. Local Governance: Cabinet approved taking over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School and backed the Main Collect app to improve child maintenance collection. Sports & Lifestyle: BYD signed on as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, bringing cricket-themed activations across the region. Community Safety: Police seized 500+ cannabis plants near Pares Village; four men detained.

Festivals & Culture: Twelve new members were sworn in to the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Board under the Festivals Commission Act 2026, with Elizabeth Makhoul as Chair and Ryan Johnson as Deputy—tasked with steering Carnival and the One Nation Festival. CHOGM & Community Creativity: PM Browne and Villa Primary students helped install a CHOGM 2026 mural at ARG using recycled bottle caps, pushing a “no such thing as waste” message ahead of November’s summit. Youth & Sustainable Development: Peetron Thomas was appointed Sustainable Development Goals Coordinator for the Americas with Next Generation Global Connect, aiming to keep youth at the centre of solutions. Tourism Leadership: ABTA 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 7% in Q1. Climate & Youth Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study found youth in the Eastern Caribbean lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, despite climate resilience efforts. Public Education & Early Childhood: Cabinet approved taking over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre to expand early childhood education access. Sports & Lifestyle: Cricket West Indies’ “Ladies Night” at Sabina Park offers free admission for women ahead of the WI vs Sri Lanka ODI on June 6. Health & Food Policy: Regional leaders called for faster healthy food policy action to tackle the Caribbean’s NCD crisis. Law & Order: Police seized 500+ cannabis plants near Pares Village; four men were detained and enforcement will continue despite decriminalisation.

Early Childhood Education: Government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre as the early childhood network expands, aiming to preserve its legacy while widening access. Coastal Tourism & Heritage: Cabinet approved the government-led redevelopment of Fort James Beach, with heritage and leisure plans plus beach replenishment, shoreline protection, and new vendor spaces. Child Support Modernization: A new digital Main Collect platform is set to modernize child maintenance payments, targeting delinquent support that affects thousands of families. Tourism Leadership Shake-up: ABTA appointed Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Global Spotlight for Local Food: Antigua and Barbuda featured in BBC MasterChef’s Finals Week episode, highlighting Nelson’s Dockyard and local chefs. Drug Enforcement: Police detained four men after a raid seized 500+ cannabis plants near Pares Village, with officials saying the operation exceeded legal limits and lacked required licences. Public Health & Environment: Saharan dust has pushed air quality to moderate levels, with advice for children and people with respiratory or heart conditions to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Barbuda Infrastructure Watch: Public consultation opened for Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation works, with environmental and planning documents available for review. Youth & Sport: Cricket West Indies launched free entry for children 16 and under to home matches across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda.

Tourism Leadership: ABTA names Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, aiming to turn Antigua and Barbuda into a stronger global lifestyle brand. Global Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda lands on BBC MasterChef in a Finals Week episode, with contestants cooking at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay—another big win for local food culture. Culinary Momentum: Culinary Month closes with Canadian chef Devan “Chef Dev” Rajkumar joining the finale, keeping the island’s flavours in the spotlight. Water Woes: APUA reports record production, but residents still face gaps as distribution issues and infrastructure problems affect delivery. Public Safety: Police seize over 500 cannabis plants and about a thousand pounds of cured marijuana near Pares Village; four men are in custody. Sports & Community: National Athletics Championships (June 20–21) expects most overseas-based stars home, while youth cricket fans get a boost with free entry initiatives across the region. Health & Youth: Medical voices warn vaping isn’t safer than cigarettes, and regional youth/civil society push for banning ultra-processed food marketing around schools. Disaster Readiness: NODS releases the 2026 hurricane shelter list with 46 shelters across 17 districts. Local Life: Police investigate the sudden death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley on Lower All Saints Road. Youth Governance: Youth Parliament president Ezekiel Francois unveils a restructuring plan built on seven pillars. Regional Watch: Talks with the US on deportees reportedly stall over numbers and safeguards, with Prime Minister Browne stressing national security.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials, including Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation, are in Manhattan for the CTO summit under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to boost resilience and push a shift toward cultural, regenerative travel. Youth & Sport: Cricket West Indies kicked off its “WI Outside!” push with free entry for kids 16 and under, turning the Sabina Park ODI into a youth celebration across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region. Women’s Health: A regional push is spotlighting cervical cancer prevention, with Antigua and Barbuda named among countries sharing case studies on elimination strategies. Food & Schools: Youth and civil society are calling for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing around schools, with “Hope for the Future 3.0” set to run across multiple islands including Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism Legacy: The industry mourns Theodore “Ted” Isaac, while Antigua and Barbuda honours women shaping Caribbean tourism at CTO leadership awards in New York. Public Safety & Health: Police are investigating the sudden death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley; medics warn vaping isn’t safer than cigarettes; and the Met Office links heatwaves to rising domestic violence risk. Local Development: Flow Antigua donates laptops to Seaview Farm Primary after an educational tour. Immigration Tensions: Talks with the US over deportees reportedly hit a standstill, with Antigua and Barbuda insisting on strict limits and safeguards.

Police Probe: Police are investigating the sudden death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley, found on Lower All Saints Road near Pillars of Saints New Testament Church of God, with no visible signs of injury reported. Education & Tech: Flow Antigua donated a laptop to Seaview Farm Primary after students toured the telecoms headquarters and learned about telecommunications. Tourism & Food Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month wrapped with a finale featuring Canadian chef Devan “Chef Dev” Rajkumar, alongside local chefs and entertainment. Tourism Legacy: Ministers and the industry mourned tourism pioneer Theodore “Ted” Isaac, praising his decades of mentorship and people-first leadership. Child Protection Push: Youth and civil society are calling for urgent action to ban harmful ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools across the region. Public Health & Safety: Analytical Services Director Dr. Linroy Christian attended a regional food safety meeting in Barbados, while medics renewed warnings that vaping isn’t safer than cigarettes. Gender & Youth: Antigua and Barbuda joined regional efforts marking Menstrual Hygiene Day with support for police recruits, and youth leaders advanced plans through the National Youth Parliament. Disaster Readiness: NODS released the 2026 hurricane shelter list, confirming 46 shelters across 17 disaster districts. Health Services: Health Minister Michael Joseph announced a push for an autism support centre after hearing parents’ accounts and reviewing local estimates. Regional Politics & Migration: Talks with the US over deportees reportedly hit a standstill, with Antigua insisting on strict safeguards and a low annual number. Tourism Growth: Long Bay Zen Resort launched as a US$200M “quiet luxury” development, and Antigua’s tourism leaders gathered in New York for Caribbean Week 2026.

Women’s Rights & Regional Leadership: Saint Lucia’s Hon. Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women executive committee, underscoring growing Caribbean influence in gender equality spaces. Youth & Community Development: Antigua and Barbuda’s Youth Parliament chief Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan to strengthen youth representation, revive committees, and stabilize finances. Disaster Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 Hurricane Shelter List, confirming 46 shelters across 17 disaster districts and sharing district coordinator contacts. Health & Safety: The Met Office links heatwaves to rising domestic abuse risk, while medics warn vaping is not safer than cigarettes, stressing nicotine and toxic exposure. Autism Support: Health Minister Michael Joseph pushed for a Cognitive Behaviour Centre after hearing parents’ accounts and citing a “wow moment” from autism data. Tourism & Lifestyle: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200m) launched as “quiet luxury,” while The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua previews branded oceanfront living. Culture & Sports: Antigua Carnival energy hit Miami’s Food, Wine & Fete, and Cricket West Indies named its ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series at Sabina Park. Public Policy: Cabinet halted visa waivers for travelers from African nations amid Ebola concerns, and talks continue with the US over deportee numbers.

Youth & Community: Newly elected NYPAAB president Ezekiel Francois rolls out a seven-pillar plan to rebuild the National Youth Parliament’s structure, boost discipline and finances, and expand its Caribbean reach. Disaster Preparedness: NODS and Public Works publish the 2026 Hurricane Shelter List, confirming 46 public shelters across 17 districts and naming district coordinators for quick local contact. Health & Safety: The Met Office links heatwaves to rising domestic abuse risk, while medics warn vaping is not safer than cigarettes and can still deliver nicotine and toxic chemicals. Neurodiversity Support: Health Minister Michael Joseph pushes a Cognitive Behaviour Centre after hearing parents’ stories and citing autism estimates of about 1 in 31 children. Women & Youth: CARICOM Youth Ambassador Chrysean Jarvis marks Menstrual Hygiene Day with donations to police recruits. Politics & Rights: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM says the US deportation numbers are under negotiation (10/year vs 10/month). Culture & Tourism: Long Bay Zen Resort launches as a US$200m “quiet luxury” project, while Antigua’s tourism leaders gather in New York for Caribbean Week 2026. Sports: CWI names its 15-man ODI squad for Sri Lanka home series, with matches set for June 3, 6 and 8.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism leaders from across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, are meeting in Manhattan to push a unified Caribbean tourism message under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with ministers and industry players focused on resilience, connectivity and growth. LGBTQ+ Rights Watch: The Privy Council is set to hear a landmark appeal next month that could help decriminalise same-sex relationships across parts of the Commonwealth, with Antigua and Barbuda cited in earlier legal knock-on effects. Local Education & Safety: The A&B Union of Teachers says schools are still missing legally mandated 24-hour security and camera installations, leaving students and staff exposed as the term ends. Disability Inclusion Push: Good Humans 268 calls on Antigua’s corporate community to move from pity to real allyship by hiring disabled citizens and backing stronger support systems. Youth & Health: World No Tobacco Day messaging spotlights a fast-growing youth vaping problem, warning that “nicotine-free” vapes can still normalise vaping and that nicotine harms young minds and bodies. Antigua Culture & Food: Antigua and Barbuda brought Carnival energy to Miami’s Food, Wine & Fete, while Culinary Month continues with standout multi-course dinners featuring top female chefs and English Harbour Rum pairings. Cricket Development: CWI is running a fast-bowling assessment camp in Antigua, and West Indies cricket squads keep rolling with major women’s and men’s selections.

Border & Integration: A senior immigration officer says prejudice at the counter undermines Caribbean integration, warning that travellers’ first impressions are shaped by how officers treat people from neighbouring islands. Disability Inclusion: Good Humans 268 Inc. urges Antigua’s corporate sector to move from pity to real allyship by hiring the nation’s disabled citizens and pushing for stronger, enforced disability support systems. Education Watch: The ABUT president says schools are still finishing the term without 24-hour security and that promised camera rollouts and legal protections are being ignored. Community Giving: The Salvation Army’s “Pathway to Purpose” charity tea party hit its scholarship target, setting up a permanent fund to ease tuition pressure for local students. Youth & Environment: ABRCS Youth Commission led a Fort James Beach clean-up, collecting hundreds of pounds of debris and linking litter removal to safer coasts and healthier communities. Aviation & Tourism: Antigua hosts the 14th NACC civil aviation directors meeting, with leaders stressing aviation as the lifeline for small-island economies. Health Alert: World No Tobacco Day coverage spotlights a youth vaping surge and calls for policies that counter nicotine marketing and “harmless” flavours. Culture & Food: Culinary Month at Hodges Bay put five female chefs in the spotlight with a multi-course Caribbean dinner and rum pairings. Diplomacy & Staffing: Cabinet approved two ambassadors-at-large to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic service ahead of broader restructuring. Sports: Cricket West Indies named squads for major 2026 tournaments, with local pride rising around Antiguan talent.

Refugee Policy: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will accept just 10 third-country refugees annually, but only with U.S. assurances on background checks and valid travel documents. Youth & Environment: The ABRCS Youth Commission pulled off a successful Fort James Beach clean-up, with volunteers collecting hundreds of pounds of debris and spotlighting coastal health. CHOGM 2026 Prep: The CHOGM task force met to push accreditation, security, transport, and accommodation plans, with a major recce set for June 7–13. Food & Women in Culture: Culinary Month dinner at Hodges Bay brought five Caribbean female chefs together, pairing their courses with English Harbour Rum cocktails. Tourism & Luxury Growth: Cabinet welcomed the start of the US$200m Long Bay Zen resort, aiming for premium guests while committing to better-paid staff. Border & Health Security: Visa waivers for all African travelers were halted as Ebola precautions, with stricter travel-history screening. Public Health Debate: World No Tobacco Day coverage warns that Caribbean youth are being targeted by flavoured vapes, urging faster policy action. Sports Spotlight: Cricket West Indies named squads for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and ODI series, with Antiguan Shawnisha Hector included for the global tournament. Diplomacy: Antigua’s Governor General hosted India’s naval ship Sudarshini, reinforcing maritime and cultural ties. Cricket Development: Regional border security and customs/immigration coordination meetings in Antigua focused on tackling cross-border crime and fraud.

Tourism & Culture: Antigua’s Nelson’s Dockyard is spotlighted as the sailing world’s enduring heart—where Georgian-era naval shelter still feels authentic, now serving modern racing yachts. Luxury Travel: A new US$200 million Long Bay Zen resort is breaking ground, with PM Gaston Browne pitching ultra-luxury stays (up to US$3,000/night) alongside better pay for hotel workers. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Cricket West Indies names a 15-player squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector included and Hayley Matthews set to captain. Youth Health: An op-ed warns that youth vaping is moving faster than Caribbean policy, stressing nicotine risks and how “0% nicotine” products can still hook young people. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years next month amid rising border pressure, with Antigua hosting chiefs of immigration and customs. Diplomacy: Cabinet appoints two ambassadors-at-large, while Antigua welcomes an Indian naval visit that underscores growing maritime and cultural ties. Community & Faith: UWI Five Islands mourns the passing of Dr. Renée Smith, a campus counsellor and musical leader.

Tourism & Development: Antigua has welcomed the start of construction on a US$200 million Long Bay Zen resort, with PM Gaston Browne pitching ultra-luxury stays (up to US$3,000 a night) while stressing fair pay for hotel workers and integrated, profitable development. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Cricket West Indies named a 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, with Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector included; captain Hayley Matthews leads, and the plan leans on powerplay intent, middle-overs scoring, and adapting to seam and spin. Sports (Regional Cricket): West Indies also set out its 2026 home season, including Tests vs Sri Lanka and Pakistan with matches at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Border & Health Security: Cabinet moved to tighten visa waivers for all African travelers amid Ebola concerns, requiring fuller travel-history disclosure, while regional customs and immigration chiefs met in Antigua under CARICOM IMPACS’ 20-year milestone. Culture & Community: Causion is filming a June release for “Feels Like I’m Dreaming,” a reggae project promoting Antigua through Elite Island Resorts’ tourism campaigns. Sports (Football Admin): ABFA’s new president Ickford “Nyah” Roberts says Zorol Barthley is set to become general secretary, bringing business and sports operations experience. Sports (Cycling): Sage Williams will debut for St Vincent and the Grenadines at the OECS Cycling Championships in Antigua on May 31.

Women’s Cricket: Cricket West Indies named a 15-player squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, with a clear plan built around powerplay intent, middle-overs scoring, and disciplined bowling. Local Pride in Sport: St. George MP Michael Freeland celebrated Antiguan Shawnisha Hector’s selection to the West Indies Women’s squad, calling it an inspiration for young girls across Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism & Jobs: Antigua welcomed the start of construction on the US$200 million Long Bay Zen luxury resort, with PM Gaston Browne stressing premium service and fair pay for hotel workers. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marked 20 years of operation next month, as officials met in Antigua amid rising border and security pressures. Border & Health Measures: Cabinet tightened entry rules by halting visa waivers for African travellers and requiring fuller travel-history disclosure amid Ebola preparedness. Diplomacy: New ambassadors-at-large were appointed, and the Governor General welcomed India’s naval vessel INS Sudarshini, highlighting growing maritime and cultural ties. Community & Care: The Salvation Army launched a scholarship push with a Sunday tea fundraiser, while Rotary’s Autism Awareness Walk drew strong local support. Sports Calendar: West Indies’ 2026 home season was confirmed, with Tests vs Sri Lanka and Pakistan set to include Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Luxury Tourism: Antigua has welcomed the start of construction on a US$200 million Long Bay Zen Resort, with PM Gaston Browne pitching ultra-luxury stays and promising the project will also support workers through fair pay and above the planned lifestyle minimum wage. Agriculture & Food Security: Cabinet backed expanded water infrastructure aimed at boosting irrigation, reducing drought impacts, and supporting tissue culture, farmer training, youth involvement, and climate-smart farming to cut reliance on imports. Diplomacy & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda appointed two ambassadors-at-large (Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah) as part of a diplomatic service review, while the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived after a landmark trans-Atlantic crossing—another boost for maritime and cultural ties. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Shawnisha Hector made the West Indies Women’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, joining a 15-player team led by Hayley Matthews as the region targets success in England and Wales. Community & Faith: The nation marked losses and milestones with tributes to Sir Aziz Hadeed and Dr. Renée Smith, plus a revived national hurricane church service for 2026 preparedness. Health & Work Life: Employers are being urged to rethink workplace culture for Gen Z’s push for work-life balance, and Antigua tightened Ebola-related border screening with stricter travel history disclosure for African applicants.

National Remembrance: Antigua and Barbuda mourns the passing of Sir Aziz Hadeed, with tributes highlighting his business leadership, philanthropy, and long-running support for education and the UWI Five Islands Campus. Women’s Sport: Shawnisha Hector makes history by earning a spot in the West Indies Women’s 15-player T20 World Cup squad, with local MPs praising her as a St. George and national inspiration. Cricket Calendar: Cricket West Indies confirms the 2026 men’s home season, with Tests vs Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and a New Zealand ODI run that includes Barbados. Border & Health Security: Antigua and Barbuda reports stronger regional border coordination after a CARICOM meeting, while Cabinet tightens visa waivers for African travellers amid Ebola vigilance. Football Administration: ABFA president Ickford “Nyah” Roberts moves to confirm Zorol Barthley as General Secretary, aiming to strengthen the association’s business and secretariat structure. Community & Culture: The Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown backs an Autism Awareness Walk, and a revived national hurricane church service urges final preparations for the 2026 season. Education & Care: UWI Five Islands mourns Dr. Renée Smith, remembered for campus counselling, choir leadership, and wellness initiatives.