AGP Executive Report

Cricket Fallout: West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph hit back at head coach Daren Sammy after Sammy said he “declined selection” for the Pakistan Tests, calling the remarks “controversial, without context” and saying his absence was fitness-related after a recurring lower-back stress fracture. Sports & Community: The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons say “business as usual” after a change in CPL ownership, with new US-based owners promising cricket development and succession planning ahead of their August 7 opener. Court Update: The High Court lifted an injunction blocking the Leeward Islands Cricket Board AGM and elections, citing material non-disclosure in the original ex parte application. Aviation Upgrade: V.C. Bird International Airport has completed runway paving, moving the US$50m rehabilitation into final testing and approvals, with completion expected in late August/early September. Public Safety Loss: Beach Safety and Security Officer Kevon Warner died while on duty, with the Ministry of Tourism and colleagues paying tribute to his 15+ years of service. Regional Watch: Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI passports face a Schengen reckoning as the EU asks several countries to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028. Education: CXC and the Education Ministry are hosting two virtual sessions on the reformed School-Based Assessment framework for schools and families.

Airport Upgrade: Runway paving at V.C. Bird International is now finished, moving the US$50m rehabilitation into final testing and approvals, with completion expected in late August/early September. Local Aviation Convenience: The airport has also rolled out new self-service TS6 kiosks that can print baggage tags and include wheelchair-accessibility options. Tourism Loss: Beach Safety and Security Officer Kevon Warner has died while on duty, with the Ministry of Tourism offering condolences and saying protocols were followed. Safety Update: The Coast Guard has suspended the active search for three missing fishermen after nearly two weeks, citing no new information, while police continue investigations. Sports & Business: The High Court lifted an injunction blocking LICB’s AGM and elections, clearing the way for the board’s next steps. Cricket CPL: Falcons head of operations Sabina Webster says the franchise ownership change is “business as usual” ahead of the Aug. 7 CPL opener. Justice: A Guyanese man convicted of rape, Eustace Barry, has been deported after serving an 18-year sentence. Regional Mobility: EU letters warn Antigua and other CBI states to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028 or face possible Schengen visa-free suspension.

Court Ruling: The High Court in St. Kitts and Nevis discharged a restraint order sought by the DPP against Gregory Gilpin-Payne and three companies, saying the statutory threshold wasn’t met and the original ex parte application materially misdisclosed key information, with the DPP ordered to pay costs. Airport Works: Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport has completed runway paving on Runway 07-25, part of a US$50m rehabilitation, with full completion expected by Sept. 6. Maritime Jobs: The Port Authority and partners welcomed a second cohort into the Maritime Apprenticeship Programme, giving young Antiguans and Barbudans six weeks of hands-on training across shipping and port operations. Power Disruption: APUA carried out emergency repairs on a Pigotts transmission tower, causing temporary electricity interruptions and reduced water production while reverse osmosis plants were taken offline. Junior Carnival: The rescheduled Junior Carnival parade is back on in St. John’s after weather delays, with children and schools taking to the streets from 1 p.m. Culture & Community: Halo Foundation donated $30,000 to CIAB’s Chinese Bridge Summer School, supporting a two-week cultural visit to China. Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture is asking former ADC land tenants to regularize crown land leases or risk losing access.

Antigua–Jersey Cultural Exchange: Three ABCAS students helped create a “Safe Haven Across the Sea” mural in Jersey, with a second mural planned for later this year ahead of CHOGM 2026. Maritime Jobs Pipeline: The Maritime Apprenticeship Programme has started its second cohort, with three apprentices rotating through port and shipping roles over six weeks. Junior Carnival Returns: St John’s Smalta Junior Carnival Parade is back on after weather delays, bringing schools and children’s troupes to the streets under “Feel the Rhythm.” Sports & Talent: Schyan Jeffers urges U20 players to be considered for the senior Benna Boys squad after early Concacaf Championship setbacks. CHOGM Security Boost: AUA donated laptops and desktops to the Royal Police Force to support mobile operations during the summit. Power Disruption: APUA repaired a damaged Pigotts transmission tower, causing temporary electricity and reduced water production in affected communities. Crime Update: Alvin Spencer was shot again in Bellevue Estate and is reported in stable condition after surgery. Aviation: Tradewind Aviation opened reservations for added Caribbean flights through Spring 2027, including Virgin Gorda, Tortola and Anguilla.

CBI Pressure Talks: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the EU’s push to end Citizenship by Investment in just two years is unrealistic, urging a five-year transition and a coordinated OECS/CARICOM response to protect economies that rely on CBI inflows. Public Works Pay Dispute: Ministry of Public Works employees protested unpaid wages and overtime, then met PM Gaston Browne, who apologized and promised payments by Friday after blaming missing paperwork to the Treasury. Power & Water Disruption: APUA repaired a damaged Pigotts transmission tower, restoring electricity after outages and warning of brief follow-up interruptions; water production was scaled back during the work. Health Initiative: Free reading glasses distribution under the Prime Minister’s Vision Initiative shifts to Gray’s Green Community Centre, with screenings and eligibility for residents 40+ starting July 31. Land for Farming: The Agriculture Ministry says former ADC land tenants must regularize crown land leases or risk losing access, with reallocation to farmers who will cultivate. Maritime Training: A second group of apprentices has started the Maritime Apprenticeship Programme with Tropical Shipping and the Port Authority, rotating through port and shipping roles. Crime Update: Police say Alvin Spencer survived a second targeted shooting in Bellevue Estate and is in stable condition; investigations continue. Sports (CWG): India’s Ankush Panghal advanced to the 80kg semifinals after beating Antigua and Barbuda’s Zalaan Jan earlier, while boxing and other Commonwealth Games action continues.

CHOGM Security Boost: The American University of Antigua donated laptops and desktop computers to the Royal Police Force to strengthen mobile operations during CHOGM 2026 (Nov 1–4). Power Reliability: APUA says electricity was fully restored by 3:53 a.m. after Monday night’s widespread outage, and is now reviewing the incident and repairs to reduce repeat disruptions. Local Crime: Police investigate a second apparent targeted shooting in Bellevue Estate after Alvin Spencer was shot in the neck; he’s in stable condition and authorities are appealing for public help. Parliament Watch: Opposition Senator Malaka Parker raised constitutional concerns in the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 over transferring abandoned Eastern Caribbean Central Bank assets to the Crown. Transport Pressure: Taxi operators are calling for urgent repairs to the road to Devil’s Bridge, saying the damage is hurting vehicles and tourism. Health Access: The Health Ministry expanded free HPV screening across Antigua and Barbuda for eligible women aged 30–65. Community & Culture: The ABRSC will open its free Ukumbusho Exhibition Thursday as part of the 2026 Emancipation programme.

Junior Carnival Rescheduled: Antigua’s Junior Carnival Parade 2026 has been pushed to Wednesday, July 29 at 1 p.m. after unsafe weather brought showers, thunder and lightning and raised concerns along the parade route. Power Update: APUA says electricity has been restored to all feeders and communities as of 3:53 a.m., but several areas remain without power while crews repair an isolated transmission line section. Vision Initiative: The Prime Minister’s Vision Initiative begins July 31, offering free screenings and reading glasses for residents 40+ at community clinics nationwide through Dec. 15. Mental Health Reform: The government has started a five-day PAHO/WHO technical mission to advance a more modern, community-based mental health system. Biodiversity Commitment: Officials met the Campaign for Nature to reaffirm Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the 30×30 goal to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. Education Partnership: UWI Five Islands and the Education Ministry discussed campus expansion to boost higher education access. Commonwealth Games: Local sprinters Cejhae Greene and Geolyna Dowdye advanced to CWG semifinals, while Jadon Wuilliez set a national record in the 50m breaststroke. Health Services: The Health Ministry published an updated schedule for public dental clinics at Glanvilles and Villa. Public Safety: Police say missing teen Janteah Smith has been safely reunited with her family.

Commonwealth Games buzz: India’s Sharmila Dhankar made history in Glasgow, becoming the first Indian para-athletics gold medallist at the Games with a season-best 9.81m in women’s shot put F57, while Sarvesh Kushare and weightlifters Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav added silvers and others took bronze as India’s medal haul hit 10. Antigua Carnival prep: The Calypso Monarch finalists drew numbers for the July 31 showdown, and CHOGM messaging was pushed to revellers during Carnival’s opening parade as the 100-day countdown to the Nov. 1–4 summit continues. Safety first for Carnival: Meteorologists warned of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning that could disrupt outdoor events, urging people to monitor updates and seek shelter. Local health & community: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a tourism health partnership through 2030, and more than 800 food handlers have completed Carnival food safety training. Environment: Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to the 30×30 biodiversity goal, with officials stressing long-term financing and community-focused conservation. Missing teen: Janteah Smith has been safely reunited with her family after police appealed for help locating her.

Commonwealth Games (Boxing): India’s Ankush powered into the men’s 80kg quarterfinals with a dominant unanimous 5-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda’s Zalaan Jan, while compatriot Sachin Siwach also advanced in the 60kg after beating England’s William Hewitt 4-1—both results put the boxers one win from at least a bronze. UN Watch: A new explainer lists the candidates for the next UN secretary-general, with Argentina’s Rafael Grossi repeatedly flagged as a frontrunner alongside Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan and others. Local Governance & Rights: Opposition senators raised concerns in the Senate about freedom-of-movement protections for third-country nationals if transferred from the US to Antigua and Barbuda. Public Health & Carnival: The AIDS Secretariat urged safer sex during Carnival, highlighting condoms and PrEP as key prevention options. Agriculture & Climate: Farmers have largely paused planting and are waiting for rain later in the year as El Niño looms, with water management now the big challenge. Cybersecurity: Government is developing a national Computer Incident Response Team to better protect banks, telecoms and utilities from cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity & Fraud: Antigua and Barbuda is building a national Computer Incident Response Team to coordinate defence against cyberattacks on banks, telecoms and utilities, while police say cyber-enabled fraud prosecutions are “forthcoming” as cases near court. Carnival Health & Safety: The AIDS Secretariat is urging safer sex during Carnival, including condom use and PrEP for people dating or partying. Weather Disruption: Junior Carnival has been postponed from Sunday to Wednesday (July 29) due to thunderstorms and heavy rain; the Met Office says no flood warning is in place but conditions remain unsettled. CARIFESTA 2029 Readiness: Culture officials say Antigua and Barbuda is better positioned to host CARIFESTA in 2029, with the National Performing Arts Theatre expected to expand staging capacity. Local Economy & Travel: Antigua and Barbuda is ranked among the best Caribbean retirement spots for Americans, and authorities are also developing a stronger cybersecurity posture to protect investment confidence. Community & Culture: Mangrove conservation activities continue, and Queen of Carnival Zaine Frederick will represent the country at a regional pageant.

US Immigration Crackdown: A new U.S. bill would indefinitely block legal entry for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean states, citing alleged non-cooperation with deportation orders. Crime and Justice: Police say they’ve recovered an illegal firearm, seized items including a Colombian passport, and arrested three during intensified islandwide operations; separately, an investigation is underway into the death of prisoner Rashawn Shabazz after an incident at His Majesty’s Prison. Public Safety Warning: The Police Commissioner warns violent offenders to expect a more aggressive response as security operations ramp up. Carnival Spotlight: Sports Minister Dwayne George officially opened Antigua Carnival 2026, with T-Shirt Mas and a full festival calendar through Aug. 4. Culture and Representation: Newly crowned Queen of Carnival Zaine Frederick will represent Antigua and Barbuda at the Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen pageant. Health and Skills: SLBMC doctors are representing Antigua and Barbuda at a regional cardiology conference, while St. Mary’s student Aleka Lewis Jr. begins a culinary internship through the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy. Regional Links: OECS and Morocco highlight trade and investment cooperation during Economic Promotion Week. Sports (Local Interest): Antigua and Barbuda U20 kick off their CONCACAF campaign against Guatemala on Monday, July 27.

CCJ Outreach Debate: A new commentary argues the Caribbean Court of Justice must actively persuade citizens across the region—especially Antigua and Barbuda—by proving its judgments are fair and independent, or risk integration stalling. Crime and Public Safety: Police say they’ve intensified islandwide operations, recovering an illegal firearm and ammunition in Collins and arresting suspects, while the Police Commissioner warns violent offenders of a more aggressive response. Prison Death Investigation: Investigators are probing the death of inmate Rashawn Shabazz after an incident at His Majesty’s Prison, with police saying non-lethal measures were used during an attempted medical escort. Cybersecurity Push: ICT officials warn that critical systems like SCADA for electricity—and water later—could be vulnerable to cyber attack, urging stronger legal and international cooperation. Carnival 2026 Kicks Off: Minister Dwayne George officially opened Antigua Carnival 2026, with T-Shirt Mas and a full schedule running through Aug. 4. Culture Queen Spotlight: Newly crowned Queen of Carnival Zaine Frederick will represent Antigua and Barbuda at the Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen pageant. Sports and Community: SLBMC doctors attend a regional cardiology conference; meanwhile, Antigua’s U20 football campaign gets backing from local business partners.

Commonwealth & Regional Politics: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the EU’s push to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes is driven by philosophy, not just reforms—raising fresh fears for visa-free access. Tax Cooperation: Guyana’s Ashni Singh will speak at the opening of the 27th COTA General Assembly and Technical Conference, with CARICOM tax leaders meeting in Guyana. Crime & Youth Safety: Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers warns criminals: “We’re coming for you,” as Cabinet weighs stronger parental involvement and conflict-resolution education to curb youth violence. Public Services Under Pressure: APUA is adjusting water distribution as drought strains reverse-osmosis plants, while Health Minister Michael Joseph meets EMS staff and signals support for a structured salary scale. Housing & Economy: China-funded Barbuda housing at Louis Hill is moving toward construction after surveying work, and Cabinet has ratified freehold land certificates under the EC$1-an-acre programme. Sports (Local Interest): Cricket West Indies offers free admission for women and girls on two Test match days in Trinidad during the WI vs Pakistan series, and names a 15-man squad including Joshua Bishop’s maiden Test call-up. Culture & Events: Antigua and Barbuda is 100 days from CHOGM, and Director of Culture Khan Cordice says the country is better prepared to host CARIFESTA in 2029.

Crime & Policing: Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers issued a hard warning to violent offenders, saying “We’re coming for you,” as security ramps up ahead of Carnival and investigations continue into recent shootings, including the Potters drive-by killing where detectives are urging residents to come forward. Youth & Community Safety: Cabinet is pushing for stronger parental involvement and conflict-resolution education to tackle youth violence, while the government says it’s still assessing whether to restrict social media for under-16s. Public Services Under Pressure: APUA is adjusting water distribution as drought strains its reverse-osmosis plants, with outages expected to continue. Sports (Regional Focus): West Indies coach Daren Sammy confirmed Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the Pakistan Tests, while Cricket West Indies named a 15-man squad including maiden Test call-up Joshua Bishop and recall Kirk McKenzie. CHOGM Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda is 100 days from CHOGM 2026, with plans for thousands of delegates and a national push to get ready. Regional Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched a new twice-weekly Antigua–Barbados route, with Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill calling it key to sustaining airlift and tourism.

Aviation & Tourism: Sunrise Airways has launched a new direct Antigua–Barbados service, with officials hailing the twice-weekly link as a boost for regional travel, business and tourism—especially around Carnival and Crop Over. Politics & Citizenship by Investment: Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner accused the government of damaging the international reputation of Antigua and Barbuda’s passport, arguing reforms to the Citizenship by Investment Amendment Bill 2026 come too late and that key financial audits have not been produced for years. Sports (Cricket): Cricket West Indies named a 15-member Pakistan Test squad, including maiden call-up left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop and recall batter Kirk McKenzie; the series begins July 25 at Brian Lara Stadium, with West Indies captain Roston Chase expected to be fit. Local Safety & Crime: Police are investigating the fatal shooting of Freemans Village shopkeeper Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis, and two people are in custody. Maritime Search: The Coast Guard continues searching for three fishermen missing at sea after the vessel Lady Madesha failed to return. Transport Board Court Case: A Transport Board employee, Rockell Browne, was convicted of wounding a colleague with scissors after a workplace confrontation. Senate & Costs: The Senate approved higher airport administration charges for international passengers, with the change based on destination rather than nationality.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Sunrise Airways launched a direct Antigua–Barbados service, with officials hailing the twice-weekly link as a boost for regional travel and Carnival-season business. Education Policy: Government is weighing a three-year Spanish expansion, potentially hiring 18–20 more teachers, while keeping French in the curriculum. Barbuda Land Reform: Cabinet approved the first freehold land certificates under the EC$1-per-acre programme, including former MP Arthur Nibbs, paving the way for a Barbuda Land Registry. Transport & Accountability: Transport Board financial statements covering 2006–2025 were tabled in the Senate, alongside Tourism Authority and Ombudsman reports. Airport Fees: The Senate approved higher airport administration charges for international passengers, with the increase based on destination rather than nationality. Public Safety & Justice: Police say two people are in custody after the fatal shooting of Freemans Village shopkeeper Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis; separately, a Transport Board worker was convicted of wounding a colleague with scissors. Sports & Regional Spotlight: West Indies named a 15-man Pakistan Test squad, with Joshua Bishop earning a maiden call-up as Alzarri Joseph misses out. Environment: Queen Conch closed season is now in effect through Aug. 31.