AGP Executive Report

Community Safety & Pride: St. Kitts’ Department of Community Development, with the PM’s Office and the ELEVATE Programme, launched a gang graffiti removal drive in Central Basseterre, cleaning Durant Avenue and moving to Prickley Pear Alley, with residents and youth volunteers joining in. Tourism & Youth: The St. Kitts Yacht Club announced a Summer Aquatic & Sail Camp (July 13–17 and July 20–24) for ages 5–16, with sailing, kayaking, marine education and weekly fees for members and non-members. Regional Aid: CARICOM’s humanitarian package for Cuba has finally been cleared for delivery after sanctions-related banking hurdles, with supplies including food, medical items and solar equipment. Economic Planning: The National Productivity Council marked its first year, saying it’s building the framework for productivity-led growth and competitiveness. ECCB Focus: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US$2.70 rate and outlined next steps under its “Big Push” agenda. Governance at CARICOM: CARICOM agreed to refer the dispute over Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the CCJ for an advisory opinion. CBI Warning: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley renewed his push for OECS states to diversify, warning the EU’s 2028 CBI shutdown notice could bring visa-free access consequences. Infrastructure & Growth: SKELEC began phased AMI meter installations across St. Kitts, and St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at home-porting by 2027. Sports & Culture: Duggins said cultural tourism can drive sustainable growth, while Nevis was highlighted in regional travel and awards coverage.

CARICOM Politics: CARICOM leaders agreed to refer the dispute over CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, with the current status quo to remain while the ruling is pending. Regional Integration: In Saint Lucia, CARICOM Secretary-General Barnett urged faster implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, calling for stronger action in health, education and culture. CBI Pressure on OECS: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned OECS states to diversify as the EU moves to end Citizenship by Investment by 2028, warning of possible visa-free access fallout. Tourism & Airlift: American Airlines will add two daily nonstop Miami–St. Kitts flights for the winter season (Dec 17, 2026–Apr 5, 2027). Cruise Development: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at turnaround/home-port services by November 2027. Local Justice & Culture: Charges against Kollision Band members over noisy instruments during a funeral procession were dropped, alongside a diversion plan. Trade Services: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a four-day specialized services sector training seminar with OECS support. Sports: Nevis Mango Festival 2026 wrapped up after four days, ending with “For the Love of Mangoes.”

Airlift Boost for Tourism: American Airlines will add two daily non-stop Miami–St. Kitts flights from Dec. 17, 2026 to Apr. 5, 2027, timed for peak winter travel and Sugar Mas. Cruise Growth: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at turnaround/home-port services, with operations starting in Nov. 2027. Regional Aviation: Trans Anguilla Airways marks a milestone with GDS integration, expanding access across the Eastern Caribbean. CARICOM Governance Row: CARICOM leaders agreed to seek a CCJ advisory opinion on the reappointment process for Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett after Trinidad and Tobago objected, with the status quo maintained. Nevis Spotlight: Nevis Mango Festival 2026 wrapped up, and Nevis was featured in TravelPulse’s America 250 experiences tied to Alexander Hamilton. Local Energy Update: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley apologized for a communication lapse around the fuel surcharge and said savings will be passed on if oil prices ease. Sports & Culture: ECVA beach volleyball shifts to an Under-20 format in Frigate Bay, and the Nevis Dinghy Championships concluded with Optimist, RS Feva, ILCA 4.7 and ILCA 7 winners.

CARICOM Summit in St. Lucia: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an Associate Member, welcomed by Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, while outgoing CARICOM Chair Prime Minister Terrance Drew urged leaders to stay present for key decisions and push unity. CARICOM Leadership Row: Trinidad and Tobago is pressing for the Caribbean Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the process used to reappoint Dr Barnett, with CARICOM saying the current status of the reappointment will remain unchanged until the ruling. Nevis Tourism & Culture: Nevis is spotlighted by TravelPulse for the Alexander Hamilton Heritage experience, including “The Trial of Hamilton and Nelson,” and the Nevis Mango Festival 2026 has wrapped up after four days of events. Local Sports & Community: The St. Kitts and Nevis National Dinghy Championships concluded in Frigate Bay, and the WCPL named Limacol as its new title sponsor. Energy Costs in Nevis: Premier Mark Brantley says any sustained drop in global oil prices will be passed to electricity bills, after apologizing for a communication error that led to a fuel surcharge being applied. Regional Aid: St. Kitts and Nevis will send medical and food supplies to earthquake-affected Venezuela in a CARICOM-led effort.

CARICOM Legal Showdown: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar has formally urged the Caribbean Court of Justice to rule on the legality of CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment, arguing the process breached the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and warning the dispute has exposed divisions within the bloc. Regional Summit Focus: CARICOM leaders are meeting in St. Lucia under new chair Philip J. Pierre, with calls for unity and results as the Barnett row is expected to dominate talks. Nevis Airport Boost: Taiwan’s ambassador congratulated Nevis on the Vance Amory International Airport expansion after ground was broken July 1, saying it will strengthen tourism and grow the local economy. Nevis Power Costs: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says any sustained drop in global oil prices will be passed to electricity bills, while apologizing for a communication error that led to a temporary fuel surcharge being applied. Tourism & Jobs Push: St. Kitts is fast-tracking a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, with home-porting expected to begin in November 2027 and the inaugural Iona departure set for Nov. 15, 2027. Public Safety: Police announced charges across St. Kitts and Nevis, including wounding, firearm offences, housebreaking and larceny, tied to incidents from May 2025 to July 2026. Culture & Community: Felix Dexter Award ceremony celebrated creative excellence, while Nevis Mango Festival kicked off with new initiatives to boost the island’s visitor experience.

Tourism & Infrastructure: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aiming to boost the visitor experience and position the island for cruise home-porting by 2027/November 2027, with leaders calling it a jobs-and-growth push. Air Connectivity: American Airlines will add two daily non-stop flights between Miami and St. Kitts during the winter peak season (Dec. 17, 2027 to Apr. 5, 2028), a move expected to lift arrivals around Carnival and Sugar Mas. Regional Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis won the ANOCES Athletic Championship, and the federation will also host the 2026 ECVA U20 Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach (July 10–12). Culture & Community: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival drew record crowds, while the 12th Nevis Mango Festival kicked off with new initiatives like “Nevis Goes Mango.” Economy Diversification: PM Terrance Drew says the government is moving to reduce dependence on Citizenship by Investment by expanding other growth sectors. Regional Politics: CARICOM leaders meet in St. Lucia under a unity-and-results theme, with renewed focus on the CARICOM Secretary-General reappointment dispute. Health & Safety: ACTIF 2026 was postponed in St. Kitts after public health concerns raised by partners.

CARICOM Summit Focus: CARICOM leaders opened their four-day meeting in Saint Lucia calling for stronger unity and a bigger public voice in regional decisions, as incoming chair PM Philip J. Pierre urged action beyond election cycles. Reappointment Row: The summit is also set to intensify debate over CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett’s reappointment, with Trinidad and Tobago expected to renew concerns over the process and recognition beyond August 2026. Regional Solidarity Aid: Guyana’s PM Mark Phillips says 88 containers of disaster relief supplies are ready for shipment to Venezuela, with multiple CARICOM partners including St. Kitts and Nevis contributing. St. Kitts Tourism Push: St. Kitts has started building a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, targeting cruise home-porting by November 2027 to boost local spending and jobs. Nevis Airport Expansion: Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion broke ground, aiming to increase air traffic and strengthen the island’s tourism future. Health & Appointments: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed senior health leaders Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel, while St. Paul’s Health Centre held free men’s health screenings. Cooperatives Day: St. Kitts marked International Day of Cooperatives with “Cooperatives Week” events on nation-building and economic relevance.

Airport Expansion: Nevis has officially broken ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, including a longer runway, new terminal and customs facilities, and upgraded fire and fuel systems—aimed at boosting airlift and tourism. Cruise Home-Porting: St. Kitts has also started construction of a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, with home-porting targeted for November 2027 to keep visitors in-country longer and grow jobs and local business. Regional Politics: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in Saint Lucia as renewed scrutiny grows over the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, with Trinidad and Tobago expected to press the issue. Health & Safety: St. Kitts and Nevis is preparing for biometric registration for economic citizens, while the federation also begins a National Sargassum Management Project with UNDP support to protect coastlines and livelihoods. Local Health & Appointments: St. Paul’s Health Centre runs free men’s health screenings, and the Ministry of Health appoints Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel to senior institutional nursing roles. Culture & Sports: The 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival wraps after strong turnout, and Nevis and St. Kitts youth athletes are selected for upcoming regional cricket and athletics events.

Health Appointments: St. Kitts and Nevis named Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel to senior roles in the Ministry of Health, strengthening institutional nursing leadership. Regional Security: Eastern Caribbean law enforcement and prosecutors completed an RSS prosecution training course, aimed at improving criminal case handling and justice delivery. CARICOM Focus: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew heads to Saint Lucia for the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, with leaders set to discuss economic development, food security, climate resilience, regional security and integration. Tourism & Jobs: Construction has begun on Nevis International Airport’s major expansion, including a longer runway and upgraded terminal and fire services, while St. Kitts also pushes ahead with the Port Zante cruise terminal plan for cruise home-porting by Nov. 2027. Environment: Work started on the National Sargassum Management Project, including training and tractor equipment to help manage seaweed influxes. Business & Trade: AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum ACTIF 2026 was deferred due to evolving public health concerns in parts of Africa. Sports & Culture: St. Kitts and Nevis announced its team for the ANOCES athletics meet, and the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival was hailed as a success.

Public Health: St. Paul’s Health Centre in St. Kitts hosted “Men’s Health Matters Too,” offering free blood pressure, blood sugar, HIV testing, prostate checks and mental health screening from 8am–2pm. Health Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel to senior Ministry of Health roles, boosting institutional nursing services and health facilities leadership. Regional Politics: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew heads to CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (July 5–8) as the federation transitions chairmanship to Phillip J. Pierre, with talks on security, climate resilience, food security and integration. CARICOM Focus: CARICOM leaders also aim to present a more united front going forward, amid ongoing regional debates. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson called the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival a resounding success, citing strong attendance and expected visitor and hotel gains. Infrastructure & Jobs: Construction has started on Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion and on St. Kitts’ new Port Zante cruise terminal, both positioned to drive growth and employment. Environment: St. Kitts began preparations for a national sargassum cleanup initiative, including training and equipping tractor operators for coastal response. Skills & Education: Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a Hamburg skills partnership in Germany to build future-ready workforce training tied to green energy and sustainable industries. Regional Security: Eastern Caribbean RSS officers/prosecutors completed a criminal practice and procedure training course to strengthen prosecution and justice delivery. Business: AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2026) was postponed due to evolving public health concerns linked to Ebola in parts of Africa. Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis named teams for ANOCES athletics and Leeward Islands Under-19 cricket selections ahead of upcoming championships.

CARICOM Transition Watch: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to travel to Saint Lucia and Dominica for CARICOM Heads of Government meetings, including the July 5–8 summit where he hands over the CARICOM chair to Phillip J. Pierre, with talks focused on economic development, food security, climate resilience, and regional security. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts has begun preparations for a National Sargassum Management Project, equipping tractors and training operators to help protect coastlines, marine life, and livelihoods. Gender Equality Systems: With UNESCO support, the Department of Gender Affairs is strengthening monitoring and accountability through a Gender Focal Point Committee and a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework for the 2025–2030 gender plan. Tourism & Jobs Push: Nevis started construction on the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, while St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at cruise home-porting by November 2027. Regional Business Setback: The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2026) has been postponed due to evolving public health concerns in parts of Africa. Education & Skills: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership declaration with the City of Hamburg to boost workforce training for sustainable industries. Scholarships: Nevis residents are invited to apply for Moroccan higher education scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and travel.

ACTIF2026 Postponed: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2026 has been deferred after public health updates tied to an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, with organisers saying the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution.” Nevis Airport Expansion: Construction has started on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, including a 2,000-foot runway extension and new facilities such as a fire hall, expanded terminal, customs hall and parking apron. Cruise Home-Porting Push: Work has also begun on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aimed at shifting St. Kitts from port-of-call to home-porting by November 2027, boosting visitor spending and jobs. Skills Partnership (Germany): Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with the City of Hamburg to build future-ready workforce skills for sustainable sectors. Sports & Youth: St. Kitts and Nevis named its squad for the ANOCES Athletics Championship (July 4–5) and selected Leeward Islands U-19 Under-19 squad players, including Nevis cricketers. Citizenship by Investment Update: PM Drew says biometric registration for economic citizens will be required by next August, with passports becoming non-functional without biometrics. Disaster Preparedness Funding: St. Kitts and Nevis received EU funding to support Sendai Framework implementation to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery.

Cruise Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at shifting the islands from “port of call” to cruise home-porting, with home-porting targeted for November 2027 and upgrades including passenger processing, security and immigration tech. Nevis Aviation Upgrade: Nevis also launched its Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion at Newcastle, pitching the multi-million-dollar project as a tourism and jobs driver for the next generation. Education Watch: Prime Minister Terrance Drew visited the Basseterre High School construction site to push back on claims that “nothing is happening,” pointing to active work and local jobs. CARICOM Focus: Drew was named to chair a new CARICOM committee on Rastafarian rights, while CARICOM leaders meet in St. Lucia this week under incoming chair Philip J. Pierre. Regional Politics: Former CARICOM minister Amery Browne urged CARICOM to avoid reopening the Barnett reappointment row and instead concentrate on helping Venezuela after last week’s earthquakes. Venezuela Aid Logistics: Government-organised aid for Venezuela is set to move via the Galleons Passage, with Shell committing US$5 million, as Browne criticized delays in tangible relief arriving. Skills & Partnerships: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a skills partnership with Hamburg to build future-ready workforce capabilities, and Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed the deal in Germany. Health & Labour: The Ministry of Health welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana to strengthen healthcare services. Business & Youth: A Small Business Boot Camp wrapped up for 50 entrepreneurs, and Nevis’ Runako Morton primary schools cricket tournament continues with corporate support.

Airport & tourism push: Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, with Premier Mark Brantley calling it a major step to boost air traffic and strengthen the island’s tourism and economy. Cruise homeporting momentum: St. Kitts also moved ahead with groundbreakings for a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aimed at shifting from “port of call” to home-porting by 2027, with modern passenger processing and security. Skills & education partnerships: Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership agreement with the City of Hamburg to train the next generation for environmental and future-ready sectors. Local school progress: Prime Minister Terrance Drew visited the Basseterre High School construction site to show work is underway and highlight jobs for locals. Scholarships & workforce support: Nevis announced Morocco medicine scholarships for eligible students, and the Ministry of Health welcomed 47 Ghanaian nurses to strengthen healthcare services. Community & business: TDC sponsored the Runako Morton primary schools cricket tournament, while 50 entrepreneurs completed a Small Business Boot Camp.

Education & Partnerships: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew met senior officers from Southern University to expand collaboration in education, research, agriculture, workforce development and innovation. Youth Sports: TDC kept primary school cricket alive in Nevis with sponsorship of the Runako Morton tournament, honouring the late cricketer and building skills and values in young players. Healthcare Staffing: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana under a bilateral labour agreement to strengthen community and hospital services. Gender Equality: The OECS Commission launched a three-part gender mainstreaming staff training series to embed gender-responsive planning across programmes. Small Business Support: 50 entrepreneurs completed a Small Business Boot Camp, with PM Drew urging participants to keep building and growing. Tourism Infrastructure: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aiming for home-porting operations by November 2027. Nevis Cost of Living: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley apologised for the sudden fuel surcharge on electricity bills after complaints of sharp increases. Regional Governance & Security: CARICOM chairmanship passed to Philip J. Pierre as critics continue to question Drew’s divisive tenure, while a new study raises fresh concerns about security vetting in Citizenship by Investment programmes. Maritime Safety: Investigations continue after the partial sinking of MV Apple Syder; all 52 aboard were rescued. Public Service Remembrance: The Federation announced an official funeral and three days of mourning for former Deputy PM Hugh C. Heyliger (July 7–9).

Maritime Safety: St. Kitts and Nevis launched investigations after the MV Apple Syder partially sank near Basseterre; all 52 passengers and crew were rescued, and the vessel was towed to Port Zante while agencies including the Coast Guard, police and maritime authorities reviewed what went wrong. Tourism & Infrastructure: Ground has been broken on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aiming to shift St. Kitts from port-of-call to home-porting by November 2027. Regional Politics & Security: CARICOM leadership is under fresh scrutiny as Phillip J. Pierre assumes the rotating chairmanship, while a new study raises questions about security vetting in Citizenship by Investment programmes. Healthcare & Community: The Ministry of Health welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana under a bilateral labour agreement to strengthen services, and an anonymous donor supplied musical instruments to Basseterre High School. Local Governance & Development: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the Destiny SSZ project agreement is expected for Federal Cabinet review, with a response anticipated soon. Public Life: The government announced an official funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, with national mourning July 7–9.