AGP Executive Report

Tourism Boost: Antigua Cruise Port says it expects more than 15 cruise ship calls between June and September, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more visits on June 17 and June 23. Electoral Reform: A Commonwealth Observer Group final report urges urgent review of Antigua and Barbuda’s constituency boundaries, warning voter-number disparities could weaken equal suffrage and public confidence. Early Childhood Education: Government plans two new preschool centres for Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings, alongside taking over the Sir Luther Winter Preschool. Child Maintenance Crackdown: Cabinet backs the MainCollect digital platform to modernise child maintenance payments, and officials are also exploring salary deductions for repeat defaulters. Public Safety & Courts: A dedicated night court for traffic offences is set to become operational within weeks to reduce case backlogs. Fuel Costs: Government will continue fuel subsidies despite APUA’s daily fuel bill rising to about $886,000. Climate Pressure: Met data shows May rainfall down 91% and temperatures rising sharply in April and May, heightening drought and heat concerns. Community Support: JCI Antigua donates water tanks to Bendals Primary School under its Adopt-A-School initiative.

Traffic & Justice: Cabinet has backed a dedicated night court for traffic offences, aimed at cutting the backlog and speeding up hearings within weeks. Public Works: Motorists face an overnight detour on All Saints Road from 5:00 pm Saturday 6 June to 7:00 am Sunday, as major works run between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction. Family Support: Government is moving ahead with MainCollect, a digital platform expected to be fully operational within six months to modernise child maintenance payments and help mothers and guardians track compliance. Child Maintenance Enforcement: Cabinet also discussed stronger measures for persistent defaulters, including possible salary deductions and a register of delinquent parents. Cost of Living: Despite higher fuel costs for APUA, the government says it will continue fuel subsidies to shield consumers. Governance & Elections: Commonwealth observers praised the April 30 election as peaceful and transparent, while urging reforms including constitutional protection for ABEC independence and changes to how votes are counted. Regional Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda is awaiting a U.S. response on a counterproposal over accepting third-country nationals for relocation. Tourism & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda promoted culture, heritage and Carnival during a TV appearance at Caribbean Week in New York, while Cabinet also supported MainCollect and backed a Fort James Beach redevelopment plan. Sports: The Antigua and Barbuda weightlifting team is training in Barbados ahead of regional games.

Immigration Court Ruling: A U.S. federal judge struck down Trump-era pauses on immigration and asylum processing for people from 39 countries, calling the policy “illegal” and leaving applicants in “indefinite legal limbo” — a major reminder of how quickly travel and residency rules can shift. Local Governance: Cabinet backed a dedicated night court for traffic offences to cut the backlog and speed up hearings, with staffing already identified. Climate & Water: The Met Service warned drought is worsening, with May rainfall down 91% and temperatures rising sharply in April and May, urging immediate preparedness. Culture & Economy: Twelve new members were sworn in to the Festivals Commission Board under the 2026 Act, tasked with turning Carnival and One Nation Festival into stronger economic drivers. Public Services: Cabinet approved “Main Collect,” a digital platform to improve collection and electronic payment of child maintenance, targeting thousands of delinquent cases. Tourism Leadership: The Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer to build on stayover growth. Safety & Crime: Police are investigating the wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay; suspects are in custody in another murder probe.

Climate & Water Crisis: Antigua’s Met Service reports May 2026 rainfall at just 17mm—down 91% from last year—while new temperature data shows April and May running hotter than 2025, pushing heat and drought concerns into sharper focus. Justice Reform: Cabinet backs a dedicated night court for traffic offences to cut the backlog and speed up hearings, with staffing already identified. Child Support Overhaul: Government approves “Main Collect,” a digital platform to collect and distribute child maintenance payments electronically, targeting thousands affected by delinquent support. Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Regional Tourism Director, as stayover arrivals rise and global marketing expands. Public Safety: Police are searching for suspects after two vessel crew members were wounded and robbed near Heritage Quay. Drugs Enforcement: Police defend a major cannabis raid near Pares Village that netted 500+ plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana, with four men detained. Culture & Governance: Twelve members sworn in to the Festivals Commission Board under the 2026 Act, with oversight for Carnival and the One Nation Festival.

Health & Appointments: Cabinet approved Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, alongside other health-sector appointments. Courts & Justice: A dedicated night court for traffic offences is set to be created to cut the backlog and speed up traffic case handling. Child Support System: Government backed a new digital platform, “Main Collect,” to modernize collection and distribution of child maintenance payments. Public Safety: Police are investigating a violent attack and robbery on Heritage Quay that left two crew members injured. Drugs Enforcement: After a raid near Pares Village, four men were detained following the seizure of 500+ cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana; authorities say illegal growers face enforcement. Tourism Leadership & Promotion: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as Antigua and Barbuda also gained major UK exposure via BBC MasterChef. Infrastructure & Environment: Government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School as early childhood education expands, while Cabinet approved the Fort James redevelopment plan and a scrap-metal export deal tied to Cook’s Landfill cleanup.

Tourism Leadership & Promotion: ABTA has appointed Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rise and the authority pushes a stronger global brand. Tourism Tribute: Minister Fernandez and the wider industry mourn Theodore “Ted” Isaac, a tourism pioneer who shaped the sector for more than four decades. Global Spotlight for Local Food: Antigua and Barbuda was featured on BBC MasterChef in a Finals Week episode filmed in 2025, highlighting local chefs and iconic sites. Disaster Resilience: Antigua hosted the 7th BRICS Programme Steering Committee meeting, with updates on shelters, training and a community disaster command centre. Regional Fisheries: CRFM ministers met by teleconference, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair and adopting resolutions including a new aquaculture plan. Public Safety: Police seized over 500 cannabis plants and large quantities of marijuana near Pares Village; four men are in custody. Community & Health: ABPA is pressing for a “livable pension” and food vouchers for low-income retirees. Sports Calendar: ABAA says overseas track stars are expected home for National Track & Field Championships (June 20–21). Local Crime Update: Police are investigating the sudden death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley found on Lower All Saints Road.

Climate Preparedness: Cambodia launched an “Advancing Early Warning for All” project (2026-2030) to strengthen multi-hazard alerts for storms, floods, droughts and lightning across four high-risk provinces—an example of how regional partners are pushing earlier action on climate risk. Tourism & Sports: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing tourism ministers and officials together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” while Cricket West Indies kicked off the “WI Outside!” home series with free entry for children 16 and under, and the ABNOC/CGA confirmed Antigua and Barbuda will compete at Glasgow 2026. Disaster Readiness: The Red Cross trained eight volunteers in Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment to better support community resilience. Cost of Living & Health: ABPA is pressing for a “livable pension” and food vouchers for retirees; medics also renewed warnings that vaping is not safer than cigarettes. Public Safety: Police are investigating the sudden death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley on Lower All Saints Road. Local Governance: Works on All Saints Road are set to run with overnight detours as repairs continue.

Police Probe: Police are investigating the sudden death of 75-year-old Carl Noel Lashley, found shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Lower All Saints Road with no visible signs of injury; a doctor pronounced him dead at about 2:35 p.m. Tourism Loss: Minister Fernandez and the tourism fraternity paid tribute to Theodore “Ted” Isaac, a long-time tourism pioneer and mentor whose leadership shaped Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality industry. Ebola Preparedness: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is pressing Government to spell out its Ebola protection plan, after Antigua and Barbuda halted visa waivers for African travellers and introduced screening. Hurricane Readiness: Flow/Liberty Caribbean says it is prepared for the 2026 hurricane season, stressing resilient communications and rapid response. Public Health & Schools: Youth and civil society groups are calling for urgent action to protect children from harmful ultra-processed food marketing around schools. Digital Resilience: Desiree Zachariah represented Antigua and Barbuda at a Belize workshop on digital resilience and “data embassies.” Road Works: Motorists are being warned about overnight detours as All Saints Road works continue. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies released its 2026 home schedule, and regional cycling saw Antigua and Barbuda riders win multiple podium spots.

Cricket Spotlight: Cricket West Indies has confirmed its 2026 home season schedule, running June 3 to August 6, with Antigua and Barbuda among the hosts as the region takes on Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan. Youth & Community: The National Youth Parliament Association chief Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan to rebuild committees, strengthen finances and expand youth influence across the Caribbean. Disaster Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 Hurricane Shelter List, naming 46 shelters across 17 disaster districts and urging residents to know the volunteer contacts on the ground. Health Watch: Medics are warning that vaping is not safer than cigarettes, while the Met Office links extreme heat to rising domestic abuse risk. Justice & Public Safety: The DPP’s withdrawal of a major cannabis import case is being challenged, and a police motorcycle officer remains hospitalized after a crash that fractured his ankle. Regional & International: Antigua says it’s in talks with the US over deportee numbers, and it has halted visa waivers for travelers from Africa amid Ebola concerns. Sports & Culture: Mark Vitalis grabbed a hat-trick in the Leewards Masters, and the Queen of Carnival 2026 delegates were unveiled.

Youth & Governance: Newly elected National Youth Parliament Association president Ezekiel Francois unveiled a seven-pillar restructuring plan to expand the group’s roles, strengthen committees, and improve finances and operations. Disaster Preparedness: NODS released the 2026 National Hurricane Shelter List, confirming 46 shelters across 17 disaster districts and naming district coordinators and deputies for public contact. Public Health: The Meteorological Office warns heatwaves may fuel domestic violence, while medics say vaping is not safer than cigarettes and can still harm lungs and the heart. Justice & Law: A former police commissioner is pressing the DPP to explain withdrawal of a major cannabis importation case, citing the need for transparency. Sports & Culture: Antigua riders picked up podium finishes at the OECS Cycling Championships, and the Queen of Carnival 2026 delegates were unveiled. Regional Links: INS Sudarshini wrapped up its Antigua port call under Lokayan 26, boosting maritime ties before departing for the US. Major Loss: Former Senator Mary-Clare Hurst was laid to rest with official tributes, while the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism leaders from across the region are meeting in Manhattan this week under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen connectivity, boost resilience, and present a united Caribbean tourism front as global competition intensifies. Cricket Development in Antigua: Cricket West Indies is running a High-Performance Fast Bowling Assessment Camp at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (June 1–11), led by Ottis Gibson with Jerome Taylor, to test and develop the region’s fast-bowling talent. Fuel Leak Response: Authorities are responding to a major fuel leak at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility, with multiple agencies mobilised to contain the spill and protect residents and the environment. Healthcare Pressure: The Health Minister says kidney disease, cancer and cardiac cases are rising, straining emergency services and pushing the government to speed up plans for a cardiac unit and cancer care centre. Education Security Concerns: The A&B Union of Teachers says schools are still missing legally mandated 24-hour security and security cameras, leaving staff and students exposed. Climate Watch: Experts warn El Niño could bring both storm disruption and worse drought conditions, while Saharan dust is also expected to affect air quality. Sports & Community: ABFA has appointed D. Zorol Barthley as General Secretary, and the ABRCS Youth Commission held a Fort James Beach clean-up to support coastal protection.

Fuel Leak Response: Authorities are responding to a major fuel spill at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility on Friars Hill Road, with APUA confirming a storage tank leak and coordinating with NODS, the Fire Department, police, health and environment bodies to contain the flow and protect the community. Healthcare Pressure: Health Minister Michael Joseph says kidney disease, cancer and cardiac cases are rising fast, straining emergency services, and he points to costly overseas treatment while pushing to operationalize a cardiac unit and open a Cancer Care Centre by end of June. Education Concerns: The ABUT president warns schools are ending the term without 24-hour security and says the Ministry is failing legally binding obligations under the collective bargaining agreement and the Education Act. Climate Watch: El Niño is expected to bring a double threat—more storm disruption risk and worsening drought—while a Saharan dust surge prompts an Air Pollution Alert Level II and advice for residents, especially those with asthma, to limit outdoor activity. Tourism & Aviation: Long Bay Zen Resort officially launched as a $200M luxury development, and Antigua hosted the 14th NACC civil aviation directors meeting, highlighting aviation’s role in tourism and regional connectivity. Public Health & Youth: Youth vaping is accelerating across the Caribbean, with advocates urging faster policy action as nicotine addiction risks mental health and development. Sports & Community: ABUT president also flagged school safety gaps; on the field, Dredgers and Buckleys 3Js booked softball cricket final spots, while ABRCS Youth Commission ran a Fort James Beach clean-up.

Refugee Policy: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua & Barbuda will accept just 10 third-country nationals (including refugees) from the US annually, but only if Washington gives assurances on background checks and proper travel documents. Food Security Alarm: Experts warn El Niño drought, higher fertiliser costs and scarce water could drive shortages and push up prices for key crops by mid-year. Public Safety & Crime Tech: Police report a fatality in Cooks Hill and ongoing probes into break-ins and cannabis seizures, while Crime Scene leadership says fingerprint upgrades and a forensic lab are moving ahead. Youth & Environment: ABRCS Youth Commission runs a successful Fort James Beach clean-up, pulling in volunteers including Junior Red Cross students. CHOGM 2026 Update: The CHOGM task force meets to track accreditation, security and logistics, with a June recce planned. Tourism Push: Government backs the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort as a bid for ultra-luxury visitors, while Caribbean Week in New York draws strong regional tourism minister turnout. Health & Youth Vaping: Op-eds and youth advocates urge faster Caribbean action as vaping spreads among teens, warning flavours and “nicotine-free” claims can still mask risks. Sports: ABCA boss Leon “Kuma” Rodney denies any rift with clubs amid T20 Premier League uncertainty; Falcons coach Paul Nixon backs a strong CPL statement.

Tourism & Culture: Antigua’s Nelson’s Dockyard story is being told through a modern lens as racing yachts and boutique stays replace old warships, while reggae ambassador Causion pushes his June release “Feels Like I’m Dreaming” with a new Antigua-shot video. Luxury Development: Government has broken ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching ultra-luxury stays and a plan to keep hotel workers well paid. Public Safety: Police are investigating a Cooks Hill man found dead outside his home, with no signs of injury but the cause still unclear; separately, officers recovered stolen items after an early-morning break-in on All Saints Road, and a man was arrested after cannabis was seized in drug operations. Crime Tech & Justice Pace: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit says fingerprint upgrades are in the pipeline, alongside a push for supporting legislation and a forensic lab rollout. Border & Health Measures: Cabinet has tightened Ebola-related entry rules, halting visa waivers for African travelers and requiring fuller travel histories. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years amid rising border pressures, with Antigua hosting chiefs focused on stronger coordination. Sports: Falcons coach Paul Nixon backs Antigua’s CPL push, while Shawnisha Hector’s West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup selection is celebrated.

Regional Aviation Realignment: A new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal lets passengers travel on one ticket with through-checked baggage from June 1, as Caribbean Airlines exits key markets and cuts frequencies—signalling a shift toward emerging hubs like Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. Public Safety & Crime Tech: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit says fingerprint upgrades are already in the pipeline, alongside a push for fingerprint legislation, a criminal database, and a forensics lab to strengthen investigations. Police Operations: Police recovered stolen items after an early-morning break-in on All Saints Road, arrested a man after a cannabis seizure in All Saints/Liberta, and are probing the sudden death of 56-year-old Dion Francis. Border Health Measures: Cabinet halted visa waivers for all African travellers and requires full travel histories for the past 45 days to help prevent Ebola risks. Tourism Investment: Work has begun on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with officials pitching ultra-luxury, better staff pay, and “smart” features including an AI butler service. Sports & Culture: Paul Nixon backs the Falcons for a CPL statement; Shawnisha Hector makes the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad; and the One Caribbean concert spotlights calypso legends.

National Mourning: Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams lead tributes after the death of Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed, praising his decades of business leadership and philanthropy. Public Safety & Justice: Police are appealing for information after a Carty’s Hill robbery, while the Crime Scene Unit says fingerprint tech upgrades and a move toward a criminal fingerprint database are next. Border & Health Security: Cabinet has tightened entry rules by halting visa waivers for African travellers and requiring fuller travel histories amid Ebola concerns. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS marks 20 years next month, with leaders pointing to rising border threats and the need for shared intelligence. Tourism & Development: Antigua and Barbuda broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching luxury jobs and higher pay for workers; ECCAA also opened its expanded airport headquarters. Diplomacy: Two former MPs were appointed ambassadors-at-large. Sports & Culture: Shawnisha Hector makes the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad; Da Project won Division 1 basketball playoffs; and calypso legends headline Ras Iley’s One Caribbean concert.