AGP Executive Report

UN Leadership Race: Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa is gaining momentum as a 2027 contender for UN Secretary-General, with Antigua and Barbuda backing her bid. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s foreign ministers are pushing for tighter coordination and a unified voice as global shifts squeeze small states—Suriname’s COFCOR chair Melvin Bouva stressed “people-centred” outcomes. Health at the Border: Antigua and Barbuda is ramping up port screening and surveillance for Ebola concerns, alongside intensified monitoring after two imported malaria cases were confirmed. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda says stayovers jumped 7% in Q1 to 110,832, buoyed by CTM 2026, while Barbados was named host for CTM 2027. Local Watch: A public appeal is out to help find missing Caleb Auguiste. Sports & Culture: Kane Crichlow signs with Dagenham & Redbridge; and the Caribbean’s biggest tourism awards scholarship push is set for June 1.

Tourism Surge: Antigua and Barbuda says stayovers jumped 7% in the first quarter, reaching 110,832 visitors—driven by steady gains in January, February and a peak 8% rise in March, with the US still the biggest source market (46%). Health Watch: Two malaria cases have been confirmed, prompting tighter port screening and plans for an early update briefing; officials also say infectious-disease monitoring is being stepped up amid global concern. Language Debate: A political analyst calls the push to make Spanish the second official language a “red herring” unless a clear implementation budget is published. Land Administration: Cabinet has approved a Barbuda Land Registry, with preparations for a launch expected by August 31, 2026. Community & Culture: The ABWU donated EC$2,500 to the Lupus Association as part of awareness efforts, while St. Maarten hosts a regional meeting on protecting cultural heritage in emergencies. Sports & Culture: Guydadli Jets plan a Poland trip to test players against higher-tier teams.

Infectious Disease Watch: Ahead of AirPeace Nigeria flight plans, Antigua and Barbuda is stepping up port surveillance, including monitoring travellers who transited affected areas, with two recent imported malaria cases reported and the Infectious Disease Centre being readied as a precaution. CHOGM Sustainability Push: Tourism and investment officials met in London to line up sustainability and climate-resilience partnerships for CHOGM 2026, positioning the islands for “green” luxury tourism and more port and airport momentum. Regional Climate Talks: The OECS will convene its 13th Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability in Dominica on May 27–28, building on the 2030 roadmap. Politics in Motion: Antigua and Barbuda’s new Senate is sworn in, with Minority Leader Chester Hughes promising a research-driven opposition and Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia highlighting women’s representation on the government bench. Sport & Culture: The Super 40 final is set for Saturday at the historic ARG after a venue change, while CPL 2026 tickets go on sale May 22 with a 48-hour Visa priority window.

Parliament Power Shift: Antigua and Barbuda’s reconstituted Senate met for the first time since the April 30 election, with 16 senators sworn in and the Opposition’s Chester Hughes vowing “research-driven” pushback—11 to 4 on paper, but he says his four will make the government “very concerned.” Senate Setup: Shenella Govia returns as Leader of Government Business, while the final Barbuda seat is still unfilled. Tourism & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda wrapped up CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, touting visitor growth and higher-value travel, while a Canadian consultant argues the island’s best marketing tool is authentic, people-first storytelling. Regional Moves: CTO is launching a scholarship fund for emerging Caribbean women in tourism, and UTC says its regional push is now “operating reality.” Public Safety: A Sutherlands man was sentenced to four years for an unlicensed gun and 140 rounds of ammunition. Sports & Community: CPL tickets go on sale May 22, with a 48-hour Visa priority window starting May 20.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is leaning hard into its tourism clout, hosting the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 for a second straight year and using the event to spotlight visitor growth, new airlift and cruise arrivals, and fresh hotel investment as the country gears up for CHOGM 2026. Migration & Debate: St. Kitts and Nevis confirmed the first group of third-country nationals transferred from the U.S. under a bilateral migration deal, with officials saying the transfers relate to immigration violations, not criminal convictions. Public Safety & Crime: Police charged three people after Red Hill operations turned up a firearm, ammunition, and cannabis. Sports Business: CPL 2026 tickets go on sale May 22, but Visa cardholders get a 48-hour priority purchase window starting May 20. Preparedness: After recent earthquakes, officials say tsunami readiness is improving, while gaps remain in timely alerting.

CPL Ticket Rush: Republic Bank CPL group-stage tickets for Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia go on sale Friday, May 22, but Visa cardholders get a 48-hour priority purchase window from May 20–21 for first pick of seats. Tsunami Readiness: After the recent earthquake, Antigua and Barbuda’s meteorology director says tsunami preparedness is improving, including a Barbuda-focused project—though he warns the Met Office still needs stronger, faster alert capability. Police Crackdown: Three people are charged after Red Hill operations turned up a Ruger .380 pistol, ammunition and cannabis. Energy Talks: PM Gaston Browne says discussions are underway with St Kitts & Nevis and the EU on geothermal power—buying Nevis-generated electricity via a subsea cable. Language Push: Cabinet has approved making Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, starting in pre-school through secondary school. Sports & Community: Alick Athanaze is retained by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for CPL 2026, while former national footballer Garry Gonsalves donates footballs to Antigua Ball Masters.

CPL Ticket Rush: Fans can grab Republic Bank CPL match tickets across Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia starting May 22, with an online priority access window for Visa holders on May 20–21. St Kitts Cricket Power: Alick Athanaze is retained by the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for CPL 2026, alongside key re-signings and new drafts as the league expands to eight nations. Energy & Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne says talks are underway with St Kitts and Nevis and the EU on a geothermal deal—buying Nevis-generated power and sending it to Antigua via a subsea cable. Tourism Pressure: CHTA forum voices warn that rising costs and the shift to digital booking are squeezing Caribbean hotels, especially independents. Language Policy: Antigua and Barbuda has approved Spanish as its official second language, with the curriculum set to roll it out from pre-school through secondary school. Earthquake Aftermath: The region is still processing last weekend’s strong quake, with cleanup and damage checks continuing as tsunami fears were ruled out.

Earthquake Aftermath: A magnitude 6.0–6.1 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean again, with Antigua and Barbuda reporting toppled grocery shelves and disrupted businesses, while officials continue damage checks and push tsunami readiness after earlier fears. Public Safety & Health: The Central Board of Health is rolling out Mosquito Awareness Week in schools, and emergency-room cases tied to mango season blood-sugar spikes are prompting fresh warnings for diabetics. Politics & Governance: Prime Minister Gaston Browne told MPs attendance is “not optional,” as Malaka Parker returned to the Senate and new parliamentary term expectations tighten. Child Welfare Debate: An Anglican cleric and social work professor urged lawmakers to broaden child welfare reform beyond parents to include businesses and institutions. Sports & Culture: Da Project and Flyers surged into ABBA Division 1 finals; Scorpions closed their First Division campaign with a 5-0 win; ABCA’s Super 40 final is still being sorted after weather delays. Tourism & Regional Links: Jamaica will host the next CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Feb 2027, and St. Kitts and Nevis say CHTA Marketplace meetings opened doors in Latin America.

Earthquake Aftermath: Antigua and Barbuda are still tallying damage after a strong 6.4 quake shook the islands Saturday morning, with residents reporting frightening, violent shaking but no injuries so far; NODS says district coordinators are checking communities and reaching out to the business sector for impact updates. Tourism & Culture: The CTO is set to launch a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism on June 1 during Caribbean Week in New York, with funds routed through the CTO Foundation. Regional Tourism Business: Barbados has been named host for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 18–21), keeping the region’s biggest travel trade event growing after Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 run. Public Health: Antigua and Barbuda’s Central Board of Health begins Mosquito Awareness Week (May 18–22), pushing source reduction in schools and communities to curb disease spread. Sports: ABCA’s Super 40 final is postponed after rain stopped play, while First Division playoffs are set after SAP secured a spot with a 3-3 draw.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful 6.0 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean Saturday morning, with strong shaking reported across Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and more; officials say there’s no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of major damage. LGBTQ+ Rights: In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ERAO SVG has launched a national call for reparations for LGBT Vincentians on IDAHOBIT, spotlighting ongoing legal and social harms. Language & Education: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet approved Spanish as the official second language, with Spanish set to be built into the school curriculum. Tourism & Diplomacy: Antigua’s tourism minister Michael Freeland heads to London for the Global Partnerships Conference, while Dominica reported a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in early 2026. Sports: The CPL draft is set for August 7–Sept 20, with major roster moves including Gudakesh Motie to Barbados Tridents and Andre Russell to the new Jamaica Kingsmen.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful 6.0 quake hit the Eastern Caribbean on May 16, striking around 10:50am AST near the North Atlantic—about 80 km northeast of St. John’s, Antigua, and 70 km east-southeast of Codrington, Barbuda—felt across a wide stretch of islands including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts and Nevis; the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no major tsunami threat. Language & Education: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet approved a push to make Spanish the country’s official second language, with Spanish introduced across pre-school, primary, and secondary schooling. Tourism & Diplomacy: Junior Tourism Minister Michael Freeland heads to London for a Global Partnerships Conference, while Dominica reported a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026. Regional Resilience: The Caribbean keeps moving on climate-loss funding access, with countries trained to prepare submissions for a major grant window.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful 6.0 quake struck northeast of Antigua and Barbuda Saturday morning, with strong shaking reported across the islands and no immediate reports of major damage or injuries; residents shared how long the tremors lasted as authorities monitored for updates. Health Policy: The Commonwealth Secretariat launched a new compendium on cervical cancer elimination, highlighting how countries—including Antigua and Barbuda—are using HPV-based screening, digital systems, and phased rollouts to expand coverage. Digital Skills: UNESCO, via St. Kitts and Nevis, ran a hybrid cybersecurity and media literacy workshop for older adults across St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda, pushing safer, more confident online use. Sports & Tourism: The CPL draft reshuffled squads ahead of the Aug 7–Sept 20 season, while Antigua and Barbuda’s CHTA Travel Marketplace continues to ripple outward—now with a virtual digital twin and Barbados confirmed to host in 2027. Local Costs: Antigua and Barbuda’s electricity bills face a May fuel charge increase as APUA passes on higher global fuel costs.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is officially underway after a draft that already rewired rosters—Barbados Tridents landed Gudakesh Motie from Guyana and reconnected with Sherfane Rutherford, while Trinbago Knight Riders kept their championship spine (Pollard, Pooran, Narine, Hosein) and added fresh faces like Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes. Earthquake Watch: A 6.5 quake struck St Kitts and Nevis, followed by reports of a 6.0 quake hitting Antigua and Barbuda; authorities say there’s no confirmed damage so far. Tourism, Now 24/7: Caribbean Travel Marketplace went virtual via a digital twin, and Barbados was confirmed to host the 2027 edition. Regional Policy Push: Antigua and Barbuda is moving Spanish into schools as a second official language, while a UNESCO cybersecurity workshop in St Kitts focused on safer digital life for older adults. OAS Tension: Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Ronald Sanders says procedural moves are being used to block an OAS declaration on the rights of persons of African descent.

CPL Draft Shockwaves: Trinbago Knight Riders locked in their West Indies core for CPL 2026 using right-to-match options, keeping Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and Akeal Hosein, while Jamaica Kingsmen landed Andre Russell and Rovman Powell and added Vitel Lawes for his CPL debut. Climate Finance Push: CDB and FRLD ran a Bridgetown workshop to help 15 eligible Caribbean states prepare “bankable” loss-and-damage grant requests under a US$250M pilot, with a June 15 deadline. Teachers Push Back: Antigua and Barbuda’s union leaders say the Ministry of Education won’t show proof that outstanding teacher payments are settled, as they mark 100 years and warn school safety and harassment prevention are still not being implemented. Power Bills Rise: APUA says May electricity bills will jump after a higher fuel variation charge tied to global fuel costs. Early Warning for All: Antigua and Barbuda’s meteorology director argues early warning systems can prevent losses of 3–6% of GDP annually. Politics & Policy: MPs in Bermuda passed single-use plastics restrictions, and Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne denied superyacht kickback allegations, threatening legal action.

CPL Roster Shake-Up: The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League draft is underway, with Barbados Tridents snapping up star spinner Gudakesh Motie from the Guyana Amazon Warriors while Trinbago Knight Riders keep their core—Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard among them—plus new faces like Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes. CARICOM Politics: A trade researcher says regional integration must come first, urging leaders to move past the dispute over CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett’s re-appointment. Bahamas Election Watch: CARICOM observers say the Bahamas general election was peaceful and orderly, with polling staff generally arriving on time. Climate Funding Push: Caribbean countries are lining up for the US$250M loss-and-damage grant, after a Barbados workshop ahead of a June 15 deadline. Tourism Power Moves: Gregor Nassief is confirmed as CHTA president-elect, and CARICOM tourism ministers are pushing to cut “leakage” and build regional supply links. Antigua Policy Shift: Cabinet approved making Spanish a core second language in schools, alongside a Dominican Republic integration programme. Local Human Stories: Antigua and Barbuda also launched Early Warnings for All and a Safe Haven for women and children.

UN Leadership Race: Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa says a woman at the UN’s top job would be “historical justice,” launching her bid for Secretary-General from 2027. Local Government & Social Policy: Cabinet approved a Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP) to better support Dominican nationals in Antigua and Barbuda, and also backed a National Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection. Education & Language: Spanish is set to become Antigua and Barbuda’s official second language, with a full curriculum overhaul making it a core subject from early years through secondary school. Disaster Preparedness: The Early Warnings for All initiative kicked off with a national workshop aimed at moving the country toward stronger hurricane readiness. Governance Reform: Senator Jonathan Wehner renewed calls for constitutional reform to end what he calls “rubber stamp” oversight. Sports & Culture: JCI’s 2026 conference opened in Antigua for the first time, while basketball playoffs pushed Daggers and Ojays into the semis.