AGP Executive Report

Child Welfare Overhaul: Antigua and Barbuda’s Attorney General is set to revise laws on child abuse, social welfare, domestic violence and mental health, as an Anglican cleric and a social work professor push for a wider, community-and-business approach—not just blaming parents. Teacher Burnout Crisis: A master teacher warns burnout may be costing lives, citing teachers “dropping down dead” and describing a system where relief and time off are hard to get. Mosquito Control Push: The Central Board of Health kicks off Mosquito Awareness Week (May 18–22), urging schools and households to cut breeding sites at the source to prevent disease spread. Spanish Goes Official in Schools: Cabinet has approved making Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, with curriculum changes from pre-school through secondary. Tourism Talent Boost: The CTO will launch a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism during Caribbean Week in New York on June 1. Regional Airlift Focus: Jamaica is set to host the next CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027.

Mosquito Watch in Schools: The Central Board of Health is taking its 2026 Mosquito Awareness Week (May 18–22) straight to classrooms, pushing residents to cut breeding at the source to stop disease transmission. Spanish Goes Official in Schools: Cabinet has approved a major education shift—Spanish will become Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, with the curriculum reworked from pre-school through secondary levels. Tourism on the Move to London: Tourism Minister of State Michael Freeland is set to head to London for the Global Partnerships Conference (May 19–20), aiming to deepen international development ties. Regional Tourism Momentum: Barbados has been confirmed to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027, while CTO is also set to launch a scholarship fund for Caribbean women in tourism on June 1. Football Youth Rule Debate: ABFA hopeful Garfield “Iron Donkey” Gonsalves says clubs should be required to field youth players, not just import talent.

Spanish Push in Schools: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet has approved a policy to make Spanish the official second language, with the Ministry of Education told to embed Spanish across pre-school, primary and secondary levels—aimed at boosting regional ties, tourism, trade and jobs. Regional Airlift Focus: Jamaica says it will host the second Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, building on last year’s Bermuda push to tackle capacity gaps, high fees and weak intra-Caribbean links. Tourism Leadership Abroad: Minister of State Michael Freeland and Junior Tourism Minister Freeland are set to head to London for the Global Partnerships Conference (May 19–20). Sports Momentum: West Indies Women begin a Wales camp ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, while CWI also confirms a 10-day senior men’s ODI high-performance camp in Antigua (May 21–31). Human Rights Spotlight (Region): In SVG, ERAO SVG launched a national reparations call for LGBT Vincentians on IDAHOBIT, amid ongoing legal and protection gaps.

Earthquake Alert: A 6.0 Richters earthquake struck Antigua and Barbuda today, with reports listing multiple felt locations across the islands. Tourism Momentum: Dominica says stayover arrivals rose 10% in Q1 2026, building on a 15% jump in total arrivals in 2025, as nature-and-wellness demand keeps lifting the “Nature Island.” Regional Air Plans: Jamaica will host the 2nd CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, aiming to tackle capacity gaps and high air costs. Health Focus: A new Commonwealth compendium highlights progress toward cervical cancer elimination, noting Antigua and Barbuda’s HPV-based screening and digital systems. Cyber Skills for Seniors: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity workshop for older adults ran across St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda, pushing safer media and online independence. Cricket Build-Up: CWI announced a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua (May 21–31) ahead of Sri Lanka. Education Tension: A&BUT says the Ministry of Education won’t share proof that teachers’ outstanding payments are settled, renewing calls for safer schools and better governance.

Earthquake Alert: A 6.0 Richter earthquake has struck Antigua and Barbuda, with multiple locations reporting shaking across the islands. Cricket Buzz: West Indies are ramping up for Sri Lanka with a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua (May 21–31), while the CPL draft has already triggered major roster shake-ups across the region. CPL Momentum: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme hits a four-year milestone in St. Kitts & Nevis, feeding the next generation as the CPL countdown continues. Education & Labour Tension: Antigua’s teachers’ union is pushing back hard on the Ministry of Education over school safety and unpaid entitlements, saying the Ministry won’t provide proof of payments. Language Policy: Government moves to make Spanish an official second language and a core subject in schools. Disaster Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda has launched the Early Warnings for All initiative to shift from response to preparedness ahead of hurricane season. Tourism Trade: Saint Lucia showcased its destination strength at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, as regional tourism targets higher-value demand.

Cybersecurity for Seniors: St. Kitts and Nevis opened a UNESCO SIM Caribbean workshop in Bassterre on May 13, focusing on cybersecurity, media literacy, and fighting misinformation—aimed at helping older adults stay safe online. Education Tensions: In Antigua, the A&B Union of Teachers marked its 100th anniversary with sharp criticism of the Ministry of Education over school safety and unpaid teacher entitlements, including a demand for proof of payment. Language Policy: Cabinet has approved making Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, with Spanish built into the curriculum from pre-school through secondary school. Sports Buzz: West Indies Women began a high-performance prep camp in Wales ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Antigua’s D1 basketball playoffs kicked off with Da Project edging Stingers and Flyers cruising past Ottos. Tourism & Travel: Jamaica is pushing CPL tourism with a target of 5,000 diaspora fans, and Barbados has been confirmed to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027.

Teachers’ Week Fallout: At A&BUT’s 100th anniversary, union president Casroy Charles hit the Ministry of Education hard—calling school safety and anti-harassment rules “unaddressed,” and accusing the Ministry of refusing to show proof that teachers’ outstanding payments are settled. Local Education Pressure: He also warned Ottos Comprehensive School is still waiting for a promised new wing, leaving staff to teach in “wholly inadequate” conditions. Language & Curriculum Shift: Cabinet has approved making Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, with Spanish becoming a core subject from pre-school through secondary school. Sports Buzz: In ABBA D1 playoffs, Da Project stunned Elite Stingerz 85-84, while defending champs Flyers beat Ottos 81-57 to take game one leads. Women’s Football Push: Former national player Georgetta Lewis-Buchanan says women’s football needs consistent annual leagues and continued corporate support to rebuild momentum. Regional Spotlight: Cricket West Indies announced a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

Spanish in Schools: Antigua and Barbuda is set to make Spanish its official second language, with Cabinet approving a curriculum overhaul so Spanish becomes a core subject from pre-school through secondary school—plus a Spanish Desk in the Office of the Prime Minister to boost access and integration. Cricket Boost: Cricket West Indies will run a 10-day high-performance ODI preparation camp in Antigua (May 21–31) at Coolidge, with Daren Sammy leading and Ottis Gibson starting his fast-bowling role as West Indies gear up for Sri Lanka. Tourism Strategy: Caribbean tourism is entering a “new strategic phase” as Latin American demand surges and premium travel reshapes the region, with CHTA and Amadeus pointing to smarter targeting and higher-value, year-round demand. Community & Youth: Rotary renovates a classroom at the Youth Intervention Centre, while Antigua hosts its first-ever JCI Conference of America—spotlighting youth leadership. Disaster Preparedness: Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) is launched to shift the country toward preparedness ahead of hurricane season.

Government House Swearing-Ins: Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and PPPs, with Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters also taking her oath—bringing the government’s female senator count to six. Disaster Readiness: Antigua and Barbuda kicked off the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative with a two-day national workshop, shifting the country toward hurricane-season preparedness. Education Reform: Cabinet approved making Spanish the country’s official second language, with the Ministry of Education restructuring the curriculum from pre-school through secondary school and setting up a Spanish Desk at the Office of the Prime Minister. Women & Children Protection: A National Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection was approved, backed by Team Island Girls and an initial government capital investment. Community & Culture: A Mother’s Day banquet spotlighted young gospel artist Enoch Thomas, while the Rotary Club renewed its promise to at-risk youth through a refurbished Youth Intervention Unit classroom. Regional Spotlight: Antigua’s government also weighed in on an OAS pushback over a proposed declaration on the rights of people of African descent.

Prenatal Care Push: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched Project Bloom after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal care, aiming to get women into antenatal services earlier and strengthen community clinics as the first stop. Nurses Under Pressure: In Nurses Week coverage, the SLBMC Director of Nursing urged the country to back nurses harder—because empowered nurses “save lives,” and the system needs more support. Youth Sports Spotlight: The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association will stage the National Youth Athletics Championships (May 16–17) for ages 9 to 15, giving young track and field talent a national stage. CHOGM Youth Ready: CHOGM Youth Correspondence representatives say they’re eager to spread CHOGM knowledge beyond the conference and keep youth connected. Tourism Strategy Shift: The CTO and Amadeus report Caribbean tourism is moving into a higher-value, smarter-targeting phase, with Latin America demand surging—and Antigua is hosting the conversation at the Marketplace.

UN Leadership Race: Antigua & Barbuda has nominated Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa for UN Secretary-General, as she joins a five-candidate field to succeed António Guterres in 2027—framing the bid as “historical justice” for a woman at the top. Tourism Momentum: Antigua is hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where officials and partners are pushing a “new strategic phase” for the region—more targeted marketing, higher-value travellers, and stronger year-round demand. Local Culture & Food: The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority launched its first-ever Culinary Crawl Experience, spotlighting five north-side restaurants as part of Culinary Month. Heritage Spotlight: Media tours at the Marketplace included Nelson’s Dockyard, with guides highlighting the site’s layered history, including the role of enslaved labour. Workplace Rights: ABWU is running Labour Rights education for young workers, while AT&LU scholarship recipients are urging members to apply ahead of the next draw. Politics & Trust: ABEC rejects fresh claims about the April 30 election, calling them false and reckless.

UN Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa as a candidate for UN Secretary-General, putting another Caribbean voice into the race to succeed António Guterres in 2027. Local Security & Training: Dominica police officers Sgt. Sherwin Mitchel and Acting Cpl. Tyron Sandy just completed a seven-week advanced drill and ceremonial instructors course in Barbados, earning a Distinguished Drill Instructors Medal. Tourism Buzz: IShowSpeed’s 15-country Caribbean tour reportedly racked up over 47 million livestream views, with Antigua and Barbuda among the top-viewed stops. Food Tourism Push: Antigua’s Tourism Authority launched its first-ever Culinary Crawl Experience, spotlighting five north-side restaurants as part of Culinary Month. Workplace Rights: ABWU is running Labour Rights education for young workers, while AT&LU members are urged to apply for upcoming continuing education scholarships. Diplomatic Prep: Antigua says it hosted “successful” CHOGM advanced delegation visits, with protocol and logistics briefings for teams from across the Commonwealth.

CHOGM prep momentum: Antigua and Barbuda says its “successful” advanced delegation visits are complete, with teams from 26 Commonwealth countries plus CHOGM Task Force and local protocol/security/logistics leads meeting in person (Apr 28–29 and May 5–6) and then again virtually on May 11 to tighten coordination for the November 1–4 summit. Youth & work readiness: Antiguan YLAI fellows are now in Week 3, building frameworks and turning lessons into real business systems, while ABWU’s Kem Riley delivered industrial relations and labour-rights basics to final-year students at ABCAS ahead of internships. Labour rights in focus: ABWU’s session zeroed in on employment documents, hours, overtime, sick leave and the right to unionise—aimed at protecting young workers from exploitation. Tourism with a local twist: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority launched its first-ever Culinary Crawl Experience, spotlighting five north-side restaurants as part of Culinary Month. Global spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa for UN Secretary-General, Reuters reports.

Tourism & Food Push: Antigua and Barbuda just rolled out its first-ever Culinary Crawl Experience, bundling five top north-side restaurants into one night to spotlight local chefs and grow food tourism. Regional Connectivity: LIAT Air has launched nonstop service between Antigua and Guadeloupe, aiming to make regional trips faster and easier for business, family, and short breaks. Culture on the Calendar: The Caribbean Food Forum is set for May 21 in Antigua, with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper delivering the keynote on “The Future Is Local.” Politics & Parliament: Opposition leadership is now fully in place after the election landslide—Jamale Pringle is back as Leader of the Opposition, with new senators including Jonathan Wehner (youth voice) and Ashworth Azille (promising “great vigor” in debate). Security & Community: Police carried out early-morning raids in Freetown and Collins, seizing firearms and ammunition and arresting multiple suspects.

Parlamento y juventud: Jamale Pringle reanudó como Líder de la Oposición y se formalizó el nuevo equipo opositor en el Senado, con Jonathan Wehner (24) listo para “mantener los pies al fuego” y enfocarse en salud, educación, empleo y costo de vida, mientras Ashworth Azille prometió “debates muy vigorosos” y empujar más participación juvenil. Cultura urbana: En St. John’s, el proyecto de reconversión del Deluxe Building avanza con una visita de actualización para convertir el histórico espacio en el futuro National Theatre para creativos. Educación en el centro: La presidenta del sindicato docente, Casroy Charles, reflexionó sobre 100 años de trabajo del A&BUT y pidió seguir cerrando brechas mientras los maestros se adaptan a un mundo que cambia. Conexión regional: LIAT sumó vuelos Antigua–Guadeloupe (dos veces por semana), abriendo una ruta directa para turismo y negocios. Salud y bienestar: Arranca una campaña comunitaria de salud menstrual para reducir estigma y ampliar educación.

Regional Air Boost: LIAT Air has launched its first-ever nonstop Antigua–Guadeloupe service, with twice-weekly flights cutting out the usual detours and making it easier for families, business travellers and tourists to hop between the two hubs. Tourism Spotlight: Regent Seven Seas is also turning up the heat on Caribbean travel with a new luxury ship, Seven Seas Prestige, offering up to 141 included shore excursions per sailing—plus a catamaran stop in Antigua. Community & Health: Scrub Life Cares kicked off a month-long Menstrual Health Awareness campaign aimed at making Antigua and Barbuda more “period-friendly,” tackling stigma and access to accurate education. Public Service Pressure: Retroactive public servants’ back pay is still rolling out, but some workers say they’re still waiting. Youth in Focus: Shaquan O’Neil’s historic Senate appointment keeps youth representation in the spotlight, with new senators also pledging to make Parliament easier for the public to understand.