AGP Executive Report

CPL Cricket: Imran Tahir made history in the Caribbean Premier League, becoming the oldest man to take a five-wicket haul in men’s T20 cricket at 47, with 5/17 as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings at Providence. Local Sports Spotlight: The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons’ CPL campaign stays in focus as they prepare for playoffs after earlier wins over Guyana, with the team now in the playoff mix. National Day of Prayer: Antigua and Barbuda observed its National Day of Prayer under the theme “From Repentance to Restoration,” with church-led activities and a national gathering at the Antigua Recreation Grounds. Weather Watch: Two tropical waves are bringing a heightened chance of showers and possible isolated thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, with no cyclone threat expected. Travel Update: Ghanaian passport holders can now travel visa-free to Antigua and Barbuda for up to 90 days, following new visa waiver agreements. CHOGM Prep: Work continues toward completing the National Performing Arts Centre in St John’s for CHOGM opening ceremony events in November.

CHOGM Prep Watch: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing final CHOGM 2026 readiness, with Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene meeting Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey to review outstanding priorities ahead of 1–4 November. Education Upgrade: The government has introduced universal free education from early childhood through university, covering key tuition fees including CXC exam subjects and UWI Five Islands. Local Governance & Finance: A lawmaker is calling out the “unfair” rules limiting concessional financing for Antigua and Barbuda, arguing the country’s climate risks don’t match its high-income label. Aviation & Travel: Talks with JetBlue are set to restart after the airline ended its Antigua service, while officials explore other airlift options including American Airlines and possible links via Panama. Crime & Justice: PM Gaston Browne escalated his feud with the regional judiciary over sentencing and a threat to deport a sitting judge. Sports (CPL): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win, moving into the top two and boosting playoff hopes. Public Safety: A prison fire at His Majesty’s Prison left one inmate dead and another injured.

CPL Shock at Providence: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win, posting 182/5 and bowling out Guyana for 117 in 14.2 overs; Alzarri Joseph took 4/41 and Shadab Khan struck late with an unbeaten 30 off nine balls to move the Falcons to the top of the table. Education Upgrade: The government introduced universal free education from early childhood through university, covering tuition for CXC exams and UWI Five Islands, aiming to cut the cost barrier for families. CHOGM Prep: Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey to review final CHOGM 2026 preparations and priorities ahead of leaders in St John’s from 1–4 November. Tourism Push: The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority brought Antigua Carnival promotion to Brooklyn for the West Indian Day Parade, kicking off the build-up to Carnival 2027. Public Safety & Justice Tensions: PM Gaston Browne escalated his feud with the regional judiciary, backing a tough line on violent students while also questioning women judges’ silence on sentencing. Airlift Talks: Government officials are set to hold fresh talks with JetBlue after the airline ends service to Antigua and Barbuda on Oct. 31, with other options including American Airlines and possible links via Panama. Prison Tragedy: A fire at His Majesty’s Prison killed one inmate and injured another; officials say the blaze started inside a cell.

CPL Shock: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ perfect start with a 65-run win at Providence, powered by Alzarri Joseph and Shadab Khan, sending the Falcons into the top two. CPL Squad Moves: Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is set to debut for table-toppers Guyana Amazon Warriors as a like-for-like replacement for Mohammad Nabi, while Barbados Tridents named Ghazanfar to replace Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Airlift Update: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says the government will hold fresh talks with JetBlue next week after the airline’s final Antigua flight earlier than expected, with service ending as of Oct. 31, 2026. Education Overhaul: Antigua and Barbuda has introduced universal free education from early childhood through university, with government covering tuition and selected CXC fees. Justice & Politics: PM Gaston Browne hit back at regional women judges over judiciary remarks, arguing for tougher sentencing for repeat offenders. Travel Access: Antigua’s passport slipped to 49th globally (mobility score 143), and US visitor visa issuances to Antiguans fell to zero in early 2026. Remittances: WapiPay entered Jamaica via a JN Money partnership, expanding payout options for Jamaicans.

Aviation & Tourism: Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez says the Government will seek urgent talks with JetBlue after the airline’s decision threatens its Antigua airlift, with discussions expected before the end of next week. Education: Antigua and Barbuda has launched universal free education from early childhood through university, with government covering tuition at UWI Five Islands and fees for selected CXC subjects as the new school term begins. Public Safety & Justice: PM Gaston Browne has directed steps to make the Sex Offenders Registry more accessible to the public, including names and photos, while regional judges and women judges have condemned Browne’s wider judicial independence threat. Crime & Immigration: Authorities are tightening immigration checks after arrests of people wanted abroad, as police stress international cooperation in the fight against cross-border crime. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors secured a playoff spot and set up a key clash with the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, while the Falcons’ CPL push continues. Regional Links: Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene called for direct air links between Africa and the Caribbean and highlighted ongoing reparatory justice efforts.

Education Rollout: Antigua and Barbuda has started its 2026–2027 term with universal free education from early childhood through university, with the Government covering CXC exam costs and UWI Five Islands tuition. Public Safety & Crime: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says wanted criminals are being found living in Antigua and Barbuda, calling for tighter cooperation across immigration, police and international partners. Sex Offenders Registry: Government moves to make the Sex Offenders Registry more public, including names and photographs, while acknowledging possible constitutional concerns. Prison Tragedy: An inmate died after reportedly setting himself ablaze at His Majesty’s Prison; two others were treated for smoke inhalation. Legal Training Boost: UWI Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association signed an MOU to strengthen legal education and professional development as the LLB programme launches. Road Watch: Police recorded 1,306 traffic collisions in the first half of 2026, with rear-end crashes and speeding flagged as key issues. CPL Spotlight: The CPL Hall of Fame trophy for inductees will be named the Sir Garry Sobers Award, with the first presentation set for Sept. 15 in Barbados.

Universal Free Education: Education Minister Daryll Matthew calls the start of the 2026–2027 school year “historic,” saying Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out universal free education from early childhood to university, with government covering CXC exam-related costs and UWI Five Islands tuition so families’ bank balances no longer decide who gets educated. Back-to-School Focus: Education Director Clare Browne says the system is “not daunted” despite ongoing challenges, while teachers report gaps including retroactive pay issues for more than 300 educators. Crime & Security: Prime Minister Gaston Browne warns that wanted criminals abroad are being found living in Antigua and Barbuda, urging tighter cooperation across immigration, police and international partners; police also mark UN International Day of Police Cooperation with INTERPOL support and highlight ongoing gun-crime pressure through Operation Restore Confidence. Sex Offenders Registry Move: Government is moving to make the Sex Offenders Registry publicly accessible, including photographs, as part of child-protection efforts. Road Safety: Police report 1,306 traffic collisions in the first half of 2026, with rear-end crashes and speeding among key causes. Africa-CARICOM Day: Browne and the ABRSC push for practical Africa–Caribbean cooperation beyond symbolism, linking it to trade, investment, education and stronger connectivity. Local Education in Action: A school garden programme at Simon Bolivar Pre-School is spotlighted as a model for teaching agriculture and life skills to young children.

Crime & Policing: Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers says the Royal Police Force will keep up pressure on criminals amid a spate of gun crimes, with Operation Restore Confidence continuing through warrants, checkpoints and intelligence-led searches. Sex Offenders Registry: PM Gaston Browne has ordered the Sex Offenders Registry to be made public, including photos, after calls for stronger child protection following a National Child Protection Town Hall; Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner welcomed the move as a key step. Regional Justice Pushback: Regional women judges have condemned Browne’s controversial remarks about a judge, warning against threats to judicial independence and due process. Crime Links Across Borders: Antigua police say some robbery patterns resemble crimes seen in Jamaica, urging stronger regional cooperation and tighter screening for entrants. Education Focus: Education Minister Daryll Matthew urged students to aim high as the new school year begins, while also calling for active parent involvement. Fuel Costs Warning: Browne warns more pump increases may follow as global petroleum prices rise, days after gasoline and diesel jumped following reduced government support. Sports (CPL): Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ CPL momentum continues after wins over Trinbago Knight Riders, keeping the playoff race tight. Culture & Heritage: The British Museum will hold talks with slavery reparations campaigners about returning Caribbean artefacts, as Jamaican delegates prepare to press the case with King Charles.

Sex Offenders Registry: Prime Minister Gaston Browne is moving to make Antigua and Barbuda’s Sex Offenders Registry publicly accessible, including photos, with Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner calling it a key step to protect children. Fuel Prices Warning: Browne says consumers may face further pump increases as global petroleum costs rise, after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon earlier this week. Crime & Police Operations: Police say Operation Restore Confidence led to arrests after firearms and ammunition were seized, plus cannabis finds during stop-and-search patrols. Child Protection Concerns: A family is raising questions after an alleged male rape case, saying the victim left the island after medical treatment and police were contacted by relatives. CPL Cricket: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons beat Trinbago Knight Riders by 8 runs at Queen’s Park Oval, dealing TKR another blow in the playoff race. Culture & Reparations: Jamaica’s culture minister Olivia Grange is set to deliver a slavery reparations petition to King Charles, while the British Museum plans talks with campaigners about returning Caribbean artefacts.

Fuel Watch: PM Gaston Browne warns Antigua and Barbuda may face more pump increases after gasoline and diesel jumped by EC$2 per gallon, with prices now around EC$16.50 (gas) and EC$16.25 (diesel), as global costs and geopolitical disruptions keep pressure on. Public Safety & Crime: Questions are being raised over police strategy and how senior leadership performance is measured, while Operation Restore Confidence continues with arrests and seizures of firearms, ammunition and cannabis. Justice System Scrutiny: Grieving parents are demanding sweeping reforms after alleged failures in the treatment and communication around cases involving detained youth, including concerns about court orders not being followed. Sex Offenders Registry: PM Browne orders the sex offenders registry to be made public with photos, expanding access beyond the current police-application process. Local Sports: Falcons keep their CPL momentum with an eight-run win over TKR, while rain has already disrupted some matches and playoff pressure tightens. Tourism & Culture: Antigua’s Soca Kings bring Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill in West London, boosting international buzz for the 2027 anniversary.

Royal Watch: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles and Queen Camilla’s autumn Caribbean tour, including a visit to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026. CPL Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons beat Trinbago Knight Riders by eight runs at Queen’s Park Oval, with Hasan Nawaz top-scoring (76) and Rahkeem Cornwall starring with both bat and ball, pushing TKR to the brink of elimination. Public Safety: Police say Operation Restore Confidence led to four arrests and seizures of firearms, ammunition and cannabis during stop-and-search exercises across St. John’s and surrounding areas. Education Update: A&BUT says preparations for the new school year are moving forward, but members still want urgent attention to outstanding concerns before classes begin. Tourism & Culture: Antigua’s Soca Kings, Young Lyrics and Tian Winter, brought Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill in London ahead of the 2027 anniversary celebrations. Community & Justice: Questions are being raised over emergency access and lifeguard coverage after Claudius Richards died following a Jolly Harbour beach incident. Tourism Marketing: ABTA and ABHTA opened entries for the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards, inviting local creators to promote Antigua and Barbuda online.

School Year Prep: The Antigua & Barbuda Union of Teachers says preparations for next Monday’s return are moving forward, but members are still pushing for urgent fixes before classes begin. Justice System Scrutiny: Bereaved parents are calling for major reforms, alleging police silence, ignored court orders, and poor communication that left families without answers. Public Safety Questions: After Claudius Richards died following a Jolly Harbour beach incident, concerns are growing over emergency access and whether lifeguards were at their posts. Remittances Boost: JN Money and WapiPay have expanded options for sending money to Jamaica, with JN Money set as the local payout conduit. Tourism & Tourism Marketing: ABTA and ABHTA have opened entries for the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards, inviting local creators to promote Antigua and Barbuda online. Royal Update: Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean in October, including Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026. CPL Cricket: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons beat Trinbago Knight Riders by eight runs, keeping the playoff race tight as TKR’s chances fade.

CPL Playoff Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons beat Trinbago Knight Riders by eight runs at Queen’s Park Oval, with Hasan Nawaz top-scoring on 76 and Rahkeem Cornwall taking 3 for 17, pushing TKR to the brink of elimination after a third straight loss. Justice System Reform Calls: Bereaved parents are demanding sweeping changes to policing and court communication, saying delays, ignored orders and poor updates left families without answers. Royal Update: King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean in October, including Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026. Public Safety Questions: After Claudius Richards died following a Jolly Harbour beach incident, concerns are rising about emergency access and whether lifeguards were at their posts. Policing Overhaul: Government plans to rename the Royal Police Force as a Police Service under a bill heading to Parliament on September 18. Forensics Upgrade: A Forensic Services Bill would create a distinct forensic institution, also set for debate on September 18. Health & Community: Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat announced its October 2026 breast health and podiatry programme, including free mammogram booking details. Local Sports Development: World Tennis development officer Evan Heyliger met ABTA officials to discuss expanding elite player pathways. CARICOM Youth Leadership: Janet Simon of Antigua and Barbuda appointed Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, focusing on mental health, nutrition and jobs. Cultural Spotlight: Mexican curator Cuauhtémoc Medina named curator for the 25th Bienal de Arte Paiz, running in Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala City from Nov 2027 to Feb 2028. Crime & Courts: A man jailed in the UK over a £300,000 travel insurance scam included fabricated claims tied to Antigua.

CPL Cricket: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons kept their top spot with an eight-run win over Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval. Hasan Nawaz made 76 and Rahkeem Cornwall took three wickets as Falcons posted 183/4, then restricted TKR to 175/7, pushing TKR to the brink of elimination. Justice System Reform: Bereaved parents are demanding sweeping changes after what they describe as police silence, ignored court orders, and poor communication that left families learning key updates late or through WhatsApp. Police and Courts Overhaul: Government plans to move from “Police Force” to “Police Service” under a Police Bill, and to establish forensic services as a distinct institution—both set for Parliament on September 18. Child Protection Push: WISH is calling for stronger public education on grooming and consent, plus better use of the National Sex Offender Register to protect children. Regional Youth Leadership: Janet Simon of Antigua and Barbuda has been appointed Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, prioritising youth mental health, nutrition, and pathways to employment. Royal Visit: Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean this fall, including Antigua and Barbuda, from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4. Airport Upgrade: V.C. Bird International Airport is moving to procure two new baggage-handling units to improve reliability during peak travel.

CPL Cricket: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons kept their top spot in the Republic Bank CPL with an eight-run win over Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval. Hasan Nawaz struck 76 off 48, while Rahkeem Cornwall took 3 for 17 as the Falcons posted 183/4 and restricted TKR to 175/7; the result leaves TKR on the brink of elimination. Diplomatic Transparency: Government says it will table a formal list of Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic appointees in Parliament to improve transparency and public accountability. Youth Leadership: CARICOM has appointed Janet Simon of Antigua and Barbuda as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, effective 1 September, with a focus on youth mental health, nutrition, peace, life skills and pathways to employment. Local Governance/Legal Education: UWI Five Islands’ first LLB cohort has started classes, and the move has sparked opposition criticism over the programme being held at the Labour Party headquarters. Sports Development: ABFA named a 33-member training squad for the inaugural FIFA Under-15 tournament in Azerbaijan.

CPL Cricket: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons finished the season finale with an eight-run win over Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval, keeping their top-spot momentum as the Knight Riders suffered another loss. Local Sports: ABFA named a 33-member training squad for the inaugural FIFA Under-15 tournament in Azerbaijan (Oct. 22–31), with weekly sessions at the ABFA Technical Centre. Education & Law: Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin welcomed the first UWI Five Islands Campus LLB cohort being delivered at the People’s Place, and renewed his push for a full professional law school in Antigua and Barbuda. Local Governance & Tourism: SJDC will take over the cruise port upland facility after Global Ports’ lease ends, with chairman Kevin Morgan saying the handover will benefit St John’s and improve the city’s look. Public Policy: The government is inviting stakeholders to register for the Disability Council ahead of its formal establishment under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017. Community & Health: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre celebrated doctors completing its 2025–2026 Medical Internship Programme, marking progress toward full registration. Regional Agenda: CARICOM’s Third Reparations Conference is set for Sept. 17–19 in Barbados under “Reparatory Justice as the Coming Enlightenment.”