AGP Executive Report

CPL Glory: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons booked the CPL final with a nine-wicket Qualifier 1 win over Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval, bowling Warriors out for 76 (hat-trick by Shadab Khan; four wickets each for Khan and Sufyan Moqim) before chasing 77 in 5.2 overs, led by Rahkeem Cornwall’s 49 off 16. Public Safety & Justice: Government communications chief Maurice Merchant says work is underway to publish a single, comprehensive sex offenders list with names and photos, while Cabinet also backs tougher measures including chemical castration for repeat child sex offenders. Local Governance: Mobile number portability is set for November 23, with a testing phase and a public education campaign ahead of consumers switching networks while keeping their numbers. Health System: Advocates renew calls for the Cancer Centre to reopen, pushing an online petition as patients continue to travel overseas for radiation and oncology care. Tourism & Business: ABTA joins SITE to boost MICE travel, and Cabinet approved a five-year strategic plan for the country’s airports. Sports & Community: The Benna Boys urge fans to pack the stands for the Nations League opener on 23 September at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

CPL Playoffs: Jamaica Kingsmen crushed Barbados Tridents in the Eliminator, with Maaz Sadaqat blasting 112 off 49 balls, and now set up a Qualifier clash against Guyana Amazon Warriors and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons—Falcons play for a direct route to Sunday’s final. Local Sports: Falcons captain Moeen Ali and Guyana’s Imran Tahir both look ahead to Qualifier 1 at Kensington Oval, with Tahir noting he’s “only a couple of bad games” from pressure. Aviation & Infrastructure: Cabinet approved a five-year strategic plan for Antigua and Barbuda’s two international airports (V.C. Bird and Barbuda), aiming to guide expansion, commercial development, and new routes. Public Safety: Police renewed an appeal for wanted man Janiah Antione of Golden Grove to surrender, warning he is believed armed and urging the public not to approach him. Community & Rights: A petition has launched to protect long-standing public access to Jolly Harbour Beach, calling for practical parking and convenient access to be preserved. Weather Watch: A flash flood advisory remains in effect as heavy showers continue, with residents urged to avoid flooded roads. Tourism & Travel: Air Canada extended Guatemala City flights from Montréal and confirmed Toronto–Guatemala City as year-round, boosting regional connectivity. International Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda placed second in a Global Citizen Solutions tax optimisation index, behind the UAE.

National Football: ABFA named a 26-member Benna Boys squad for the Concacaf Nations League, mixing overseas-based talent with domestic players as the team prepares for League C, Group B clashes. Cricket & Sports Spotlight: Sir Richie Richardson is pushing for a Commonwealth international cricket tournament as Antigua and Barbuda ramps up for CHOGM hosting; meanwhile, Imran Tahir’s CPL milestone and form talk is keeping regional cricket fans talking. Public Safety & Weather: A flash flood advisory is in effect as heavy showers continue, with residents urged to avoid flooded roads and stay tuned to official updates. Prison Leadership: Jermaine Anthony has been appointed acting superintendent of His Majesty’s Prison as Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather heads into pre-retirement leave. Education Watch: The Education Ministry says a circulating school closure notice is fake and students should report as usual. Health Security: CARPHA wrapped a CariPHLN workshop in Barbados to strengthen lab preparedness, disease detection, and regional response coordination, including virtual participation from Antigua and Barbuda. Crime Alert: Police are seeking Janiah Antion in connection with a murder investigation and warn he may be armed. Business & Community Sports: ABUT, CTM Auto Spa and APCMOL notched wins in the Business Basketball League, while UWI and the Ministry of Education recorded netball victories in the Business League. Local Fire: Three homes were completely destroyed in a major Pointe Villa blaze; the cause is still unknown.

Workplace Rights: The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union says a new Collective Bargaining Agreement article will support workers dealing with menstruation, maternity, menopause and andropause, including “3Ms and Andropause” low days and access to wellness support, with Cricket West Indies first in line. Regional Labour Fight: The Caribbean Union of Teachers has launched a campaign backing Guyana teachers, accusing the government of suspending union dues “check-off” despite court rulings. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA held a workshop in Barbados to strengthen Caribbean lab readiness and faster detection of health threats, with Antigua and Barbuda joining virtually. Crime Alert: Police are seeking Janiah Antion of Golden Grove in connection with a murder investigation, warning he may be armed and urging people not to approach him. Tourism Strategy: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority meetings are pushing “smart growth,” with a carrying capacity study planned as airlift and cruise arrivals accelerate. Sports & Community: Falcons captain Moeen Ali credits “fire and passion” ahead of a key CPL qualifier, while ABFA hosted Concacaf’s executive mentorship programme to boost football governance. Energy Update: A cable fault at APC’s No. 5 generator triggered an island-wide outage, later restored. Education & Inclusion: A US$50,000 grant will fund a hydroponic farm and training for autistic people in John Hughes.

Tourism Strategy: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority kicked off two days of marketing strategy talks, with Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez announcing a carrying capacity study to guide “smart growth” as airlift, cruise traffic and hotel stock rise. Industry Accountability: Tourism Authority chairman warned stakeholders that marketing must translate into measurable bookings and real benefits for locals, not just higher arrivals. Community & Skills: A US$50,000 grant will fund a hydroponic farm and training for autistic people through the Blue Dragonfly Foundation, linking climate-smart farming with supported pathways to work. Local Governance & Environment: A coalition of environmental groups is urging a rethink of Antigua and Barbuda’s International Whaling Commission stance, arguing protection should extend beyond local waters. Sports & Development: The Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation says poor road conditions are frustrating training, while the ABFA hosted Concacaf’s executive mentorship programme to strengthen football governance. Power Update: A cable fault triggered a fire at the Antigua Power Company generator, causing an island-wide outage that has since been fully restored. International Links: France’s new ambassador presented credentials and met officials on expanding healthcare cooperation with the French Caribbean. CHOGM Momentum: Entrepreneurs are being shortlisted for investment pitches at the Commonwealth Business Forum, and Antigua and Barbuda is preparing for CHOGM-related activity across tourism and business.

Universal Education: Antigua and Barbuda has extended free public education from preschool through university, with the government covering major exam and tuition costs including CSEC, CAPE, AB-CAS and UWI Five Islands fees. CHOGM Business Push: Ahead of CHOGM 2026, Antigua and Barbuda is inviting local entrepreneurs to pitch investment-ready ventures at the Commonwealth Business Forum “Power Pitch,” while Prime Minister Browne says SpaceX is expected to be a major sponsor (Musk’s attendance not yet confirmed). Tourism Momentum: ABTA reports UK arrivals are up 5,394 more visitors in the first eight months of 2026, with July and August showing strong growth, tied to Carnival 70th anniversary promotion. Crime Update: Police arrested three men in Creekside after a vehicle stop, seizing about 30 pounds of suspected cannabis and over EC$1,000 in cash. Health & Youth: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority brought its substance-abuse awareness programme to the Harrison Center School, focusing on informed choices and responsible decision-making. Diplomacy: France’s new ambassador, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented credentials and met officials on expanding specialised healthcare cooperation. US Visa Shock: A report says U.S. visitor and student visas for Antiguans effectively dropped to near zero in early 2026 under new restrictions.

US Visa Pressure: New U.S. State Department figures show Antigua and Barbuda hit a near-total freeze on tourist visas in early 2026, with zero B1/B2 issuances in January and February and only one K-1 visa—sparking fresh claims of political bullying and punitive measures including a visa bond requirement. Public Safety Policy: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the Sex Offenders Registry will move to public access, including photographs, after pressure from child-protection advocates. CHOGM Prep: Browne is promising a “CHOGM with a difference” as preparations intensify ahead of the Nov. 1–4 summit. Local Community Support: Sandals Foundation, Digicel Antigua and Tropical Adventures handed out backpacks and supplies to hundreds of children across Antigua. Diplomacy Watch: Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with Antigua and Barbuda included in her concurrent remit. Sports: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons will face Guyana in Qualifier 1 after the CPL playoffs set-up.

CPL Playoffs Focus: Barbados Tridents stormed into the knockouts after bowling Guyana Amazon Warriors out for 99 and chasing 100 for four in 14.5 overs, with AM Ghazanfar starring (3/17) and Brandon King making 44*; the result keeps Guyana top and sets a Qualifier #1 on Thursday vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. Local Governance & Public Safety: Prime Minister Gaston Browne ordered Antigua and Barbuda’s Sex Offenders Registry to be made publicly accessible, including photographs, after calls from child-protection advocates. Parliament Modernisation: A two-day regional workshop in Miami backed Antigua and Barbuda’s push to use AI and digital tools to modernize Parliament, including ParlLink to digitize and improve access to records. Housing Pressure (HAPPI): The HAPPI programme faces mounting demand, with the government saying hundreds more homes are needed as resources and manpower limit how fast applications can be processed. Crime Update: Police are hunting a hooded suspect after a man was shot dead in Swetes Village, and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

CPL Playoffs Set: Barbados Tridents chased 100 for 4 to beat Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets, confirming the league order and setting up Tridents vs Kingsmen in the Eliminator, with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to face Warriors in Qualifier 1. Shooting Update: Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting in Villa that left a man hospitalised; details on motive and circumstances are still unclear. Local Conservation Win: A new look at the Antiguan racer’s recovery says just 51 survived on Great Bird Island in 1995, but targeted conservation helped push the population to over 1,100 by 2016. Parliament Modernisation: Senator O’Donoghue and Deputy Clerk Ondell Constant represented Antigua and Barbuda at a Caribbean Parliamentary Modernization Workshop focused on digital tools and legislative records. Education & Tech: Rotary Club of Antigua donated about 35 laptops to Trinity Academy to boost computer literacy, alongside student eye screenings. OECS Scholarship Call: Applications for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship open Sept. 10 and run to Sept. 20, with training delivered via UWI Global Campus. National Prayer: Antigua and Barbuda marked National Day of Prayer with services led by calls for stronger families, public safety, and guidance for leaders.

Education & Human Capital: The OECS Embassy in Morocco held its first graduate recognition ceremony in Rabat, spotlighting South-South education ties and Morocco’s scholarship support for Eastern Caribbean students. Parliament Modernisation: Senator O’Donoghue and Deputy Clerk Ondell Constant represented Antigua and Barbuda at a Caribbean Parliamentary Modernization Workshop, focusing on digital tools, legislative digitisation, and responsible AI use. Barbuda School Upgrade: Government moves to build a new primary school in Barbuda to ease long-running space constraints at Holy Trinity, damaged during Hurricane Irma. Water Security Debate: A new look at desalination argues it’s becoming a mainstream option for climate-stressed CARICOM states, while raising environmental and cost concerns. Regional Mobility & Travel: Reports say Antigua and Barbuda is among destinations offering eVisa access for Nigerians, and Ghana has introduced visa-free travel for its citizens to Antigua and Barbuda (up to 90 days). Local Economy & Infrastructure: Cabinet updates include road rehabilitation around St John’s and progress tied to CHOGM preparations, plus an electric vehicle training laboratory investment for skills development.

CPL Playoff Picture: Gudakesh Motie’s late heroics sent Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Kingsmen into the CPL 2026 playoffs, with Tridents booking their berth and Kingsmen finishing fourth; Tridents and Kingsmen will meet again in the Eliminator, while Antigua and Barbuda Falcons face Guyana Amazon Warriors in Qualifier 1. Parliament Modernisation: Senator O’Donoghue and Deputy Clerk Ondell Constant represented Antigua and Barbuda at a Caribbean Parliamentary Modernization Workshop, focusing on digital tools to modernize parliamentary procedures, records, and responsible AI use. Barbuda School Upgrade: Government moves to ease space constraints with a new primary school for Barbuda, replacing facilities strained since Hurricane Irma and supporting students and teachers with a modern learning environment. Education Tech Boost: Rotary Club of Antigua donated about 35 laptops to Trinity Academy to strengthen early computer literacy, alongside eye screenings for students. Regional Diplomacy: Sir Ronald Sanders, chairing an OAS CIDI meeting, urged stronger development cooperation across OAS member states and Permanent Observers, arguing development underpins human rights, democracy, and security.

Education & Youth: Barbuda is set to get a new primary school to ease long-running space constraints after Hurricane Irma damaged older buildings, while Rotary donated about 35 laptops to Trinity Academy to boost early computer literacy and included eye screenings for students. Local Infrastructure: Cabinet approved accelerated road rehabilitation in St John’s, including around the Performing Arts Centre, with utility pipe upgrades expected to clear the way for resurfacing and more road works planned ahead of CHOGM. Skills & Jobs: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens Sept. 10 (applications close Sept. 20), offering training in areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data analytics for citizens across OECS member states including Antigua and Barbuda. Public Safety: Government says it’s moving to strengthen the response to gun crime, including tougher legislation, more police training and equipment, and expansion of the CCTV network, urging the public to report shootings, robberies and illegal firearms. Travel & Mobility: Ghana’s visa waiver now lets Ghanaians visit Antigua and Barbuda visa-free for up to 90 days, and Nigerians can apply for eVisas to 54 countries including Antigua and Barbuda. Culture: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique stages “Fly on the Wall” at St. Gerard’s Hall on Sept. 25–26.

CHOGM Infrastructure Push: Cabinet received updates on accelerated road rehabilitation in St John’s, including works around the Performing Arts Centre, with pipe upgrades expected to clear the way for resurfacing and more road work planned for CHOGM sites. Electric Vehicle Skills: Antigua and Barbuda is investing EC$346,000 in an electric vehicle training laboratory, with equipment and two training programmes to build local capacity in hybrid and electric vehicle repair. Digital Learning Boost: Rotary Club of Antigua donated about 35 laptops to Trinity Academy for Grades Four and Five, alongside eye screenings to support students’ use of the devices. Visa News for Ghanaians: Ghana announced visa-free travel for its citizens to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda—up to 30 days for the first two and up to 90 days for Antigua and Barbuda—while warning travellers must still meet entry rules. OECS Scholarships: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens September 10, offering industry-focused training across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud and data analytics. CPL Spotlight: Imran Tahir, at 47, backed Guyana Amazon Warriors with a historic five-wicket haul, while Mehedi Hasan Miraz impressed in his CPL debut run. National Prayer Service: Antigua and Barbuda marked a National Day of Prayer with calls for stronger families, public safety, and guidance for leaders, with PM Gaston Browne attending.

OAS Development Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s OAS ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, chairing a CIDI meeting, urged that development be treated as the foundation of the inter-American system—not a “fourth pillar”—linking weak development to migration pressures. Crime and Firearms: Government says it’s taking a new firearms law to Parliament as it targets repeat gun offenders, expands CCTV and surveillance, and calls on the public to report shootings and illegal weapons. Visa-Free Travel: Ghanaian passport holders can now travel visa-free to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda—up to 30 days for the first two and up to 90 days for Antigua and Barbuda—while still meeting entry and permit rules. CHOGM Venue Progress: Antigua and Barbuda’s Performing Arts Centre redevelopment is nearing completion, set to support CHOGM opening ceremony plans and future cultural events. Art Week Build-Up: The Tourism Authority launched its “Meet the Artists” series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), spotlighting local visual artists and community programming. Sports: In CPL, Imran Tahir made history at 47 with a five-wicket haul for Guyana Amazon Warriors; locally, Falcons’ playoff qualification keeps the cricket buzz high.

CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero: Vincere Barthley-Cochrane was named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero, honoured for decades of service through teaching, Girl Guides, netball coaching and community work. Education Watch: The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers says some schools still await promised construction, spotlighting Ottos Comprehensive School’s long-delayed new wing and ongoing parking problems. CPL Playoffs Push: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have qualified for the Caribbean Premier League T20 playoffs, with coach Paul Nixon pointing to team belief and momentum heading into the September 16 start. Deep-Sea Mining Draft Laws: Government drafts laws to prepare for possible deep-sea mining, as experts warn Antigua and Barbuda is not ready to monitor impacts and question whether promised benefits will materialise. Cost of Living: Inflation hit 4.4% in July, driven largely by a 23.1% jump in communication costs. Weather: Unsettled conditions are expected with two tropical waves bringing showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, with no cyclone threat. Tourism & Culture: The Tourism Authority launches a “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (Nov 11–18). Legal Spotlight (Alfa Nero): A US court expanded subpoenas in the Alfa Nero superyacht sale inquiry, including documents and testimony tied to PM Browne’s son. Travel Update: American Airlines is adding more winter frequency from Miami, including expanded service to Antigua.

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.