AGP Executive Report

Seismic Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged calm after major Venezuela earthquakes, saying there’s no clear link to a single fault system but residents should stay prepared as the region’s active seismic zone sees more activity. Digital Transformation: PM Terrance Drew used his Roundtable to outline digital upgrades across social security, national ID, healthcare, border security and government services, including progress toward a national digital ID and online passport applications. Healthcare Upgrades: JNF General Hospital is now fully air-conditioned, with units including oncology, pediatrics, outpatient and OBGYN receiving cooling, as PM Drew links the move to rising temperatures from climate change. Water Security Gains: Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has reliable 24-hour water supply, up from just over 20% in 2022, citing roughly EC$100 million in desalination, pipelines and wells. Local Governance & Safety: Four women were charged with disorderly conduct after an alleged beach altercation at Timothy Beach, Frigate Bay. Culture & Tourism: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival drew thousands, with PM Drew saying it welcomed over 5,000 overseas visitors, while Machel Montano’s return and Child Month’s grand parade kept Basseterre buzzing. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership, focusing on security, climate resilience and trade.

St. Kitts Music Festival: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up in Basseterre with star power and big crowds, with PM Drew saying it drew more than 5,000 overseas visitors and delivered major economic impact. Creative Economy: Minister Samal Duggins announced that soca icon Machel Montano and Grammy-nominated producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor will serve as facilitators at the Creative Power Arts Convention 2027 in St. Kitts. Water Security: PM Terrance Drew highlighted major gains, saying about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24-hour water supply, driven by roughly EC$100 million in water infrastructure including a new desalination plant. Child Month 41: The federation closed Child Month with colourful grand parades in Basseterre and Nevis under the theme “Fueling Our Bodies with the Best.” Health Services: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital and set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide the digital health rollout. Public Order: Four women were charged with disorderly conduct after a beach altercation at Timothy Beach, Frigate Bay.

Canada–CARICOM Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership at a foreign ministers’ meeting in Panama, agreeing on a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, including Haiti and transnational crime. Nevis Health Milestone: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist for JNF Hospital, expanding in-country public cardiology services as part of the federation’s wider healthcare upgrades. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says the federation is in contact with Venezuela and stands ready to provide support after back-to-back quakes devastated parts of the country. Water Security Update: Drew reported that about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24-hour water supply, with St. Peters moving to full-day service. Child Month 41: Basseterre and Nevis closed Child Month with grand parades highlighting nutrition and healthy habits for young children. Regional Health Access: Basseterre hosted a Regional Testing Day offering free health screenings through the HIV/AIDS advisory council and health ministry partners. St. Kitts Music Festival: The 28th festival opened with major soca names and a tribute to late cultural icon Ellie Matt Nero, with visitors arriving ahead of the weekend finale.

Healthcare Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first resident cardiologist, Dr. Angel Luis Olivera, to build the federation’s first comprehensive public cardiology service at JNF Hospital. Child Month 41: Basseterre and Nevis closed out Child Month with grand parades celebrating healthy lifestyles and good nutrition, movement and rest. Water Security: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24-hour water supply, with St. Peters restored to 24/7 service. Regional Health Access: Basseterre hosted a Regional Testing Day with free health screenings led by the National Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership, prioritizing security, Haiti and climate resilience. Disaster Response: St. Kitts and Nevis says it stands ready to support Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes. OECS Governance: Dr. Didacus Jules secured a fourth term as OECS Director General, while OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for ECSC judges to 70. Culture & Tourism: The St. Kitts Music Festival is in full swing, with big-name soca acts and a tribute to late cultural icon Ellie Matt Nero.

Water Security Update: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts and Nevis now has 24-hour water supply, with St. Peters restored to full-day service after major investments. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Drew also addressed shifting hurricane risks, noting a likely lower-than-average season but warning that major storms can still disrupt everything; NEMA and agencies held a desktop exercise. Digital Health & Education: The Ministry of Health set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide the HIS/EHR rollout, while UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean training for educators focused on inclusive media and information literacy. Festival & Culture: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival builds momentum ahead of June 25–27, including a tribute to late Ellie Matt Nero and interactive fan engagement from Shaneil Muir. Community & Safety: Nevis marked Child Month with a Charlestown parade; police confirmed a six-year robbery sentence for Keshaun Akers and are investigating Nevis’s first fatal traffic accident of 2026. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for ECSC judges from 65 to 70.

St. Kitts Music Festival: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival kicks off tonight (June 25) at Warner Park Stadium with a big opening-night “Jump Up” feel, headlined by soca stars including Machel Montano and Voice, plus local acts like Rucas H.E. Soca Support: Edwin Yearwood and Machel Montano used the pre-festival press conference to urge Caribbean audiences to back Caribbean artistes harder, arguing stronger sales and Recording Academy voting membership are key to soca’s global push. Tribute to Ellie Matt: The festival opening also includes a special musical salute to late St. Kitts maestro Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, following his earlier homegoing and state funeral. Water Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts and Nevis now has reliable full-day water supply, with St. Peter’s moving to 24/7 service. Digital Health: The Ministry of Health has set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide nursing input in the national HIS/EHR rollout. Nevis Public Safety: Police confirm Keshaun Akers was sentenced to six years for robbery, and Nevis traffic investigators are probing the first fatal road accident in 2026. OECS Courts: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70. Charity for Children: The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit raised EC$4,500 for Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School through a silent auction at IGS 2026.

Healthcare Digital Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has formally set up the Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide nursing input in the Federation’s HIS/EHR rollout, spanning institution and community nursing services. Local Governance & Disaster Readiness: Nevis and NEMA held synchronized pre-strike meetings as part of a hurricane preparedness drill, including evacuations in flood-prone Charlestown areas. Education & Community Giving: The Citizenship Unit raised $4,500 for Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School through a live silent auction at IGS 2026, with Prime Developments winning the artwork and an extra $1,000 added by a benefactor. Culture & Tourism: The St. Kitts Music Festival opens June 25 with a tribute to late maestro Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, while the festival’s soca lineup and sustainability talks draw regional attention. Regional Tech & Learning: ECCB announces a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member states. Renewable Energy Watch: Nevis geothermal drilling is expected to begin later this year, with preparatory works already underway. Cruise & Lifestyle: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s first Caribbean season, including sailings that feature St. Kitts and Nevis.

Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Prima is set for 13 Port Zante calls in St. Kitts between November 2026 and March 2027, with the ship homeporting out of San Juan and rotating Southern/Eastern Caribbean routes that include Basseterre. Healthcare Upgrade: JNF General Hospital welcomes its first resident cardiologist, Dr. Angel Luis Olivera, to expand outpatient cardiology clinics and move toward 24-hour inpatient cardiology coverage, including echocardiograms, CT angiograms and Holter monitoring. Digital Skills: ECCB launches a free 2026 STEM Camp on July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build youth capacity in tech, AI, and design thinking. Education & Tech in Schools: ALTA Online project staff visited St. Kitts primary schools to review how the digital literacy programme is working in classrooms. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis and St. Kitts ran a hurricane preparedness drill simulating “Hurricane Barry” to test emergency coordination. Festival Season: St. Kitts Music Festival runs June 25–27 in Basseterre, with a special Ellie Matt tribute on opening night and Shaneil Muir’s interactive talent search boosting hype. Nevis Energy: Nevis geothermal drilling is expected to begin later in 2026, with preparatory works already underway. Nevis Community & Culture: Nevis Mango Festival returns July 2–5 with new attractions, including “Nevis Goes Mango” and “Mango City.” Regional Governance: OECS marks 45 years of integration and calls for an “OECS renaissance” as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne. Human Security for Youth: Summer of Intervention stakeholders met to expand youth opportunities and reduce exposure to crime and violence during school break.

St. Kitts Music Festival: Basseterre is gearing up for the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival (June 25–27) at Warner Park Stadium, with major acts including Steel Pulse, Fantasia, Machel Montano and Steel Pan, plus a special opening-night tribute to legendary Kittitian musician Ellie Matt. Nevis Tourism: The Nevis Mango Festival returns July 2–5 with more than 60 chefs, new attractions like “Nevis Goes Mango” and “Mango City,” and sold-out events already flagged for early visitors. Healthcare Upgrade: JNF General Hospital’s Private Ward is set to reopen after refurbishment, while the Ministry of Health says all five general inpatient ward areas now have full temperature control—an island first. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis and St. Kitts disaster agencies are running hurricane drill preparations for “Hurricane Barry,” urging residents to review emergency plans. Energy Watch: Nevis geothermal drilling is expected to begin later this year, with preparatory works underway and public engagement planned. Regional & Global Links: Saudi Arabia launched a two-year maritime sustainability project for 14 Caribbean countries, and St. Kitts and Nevis police officer Jerry Watt represented the federation at IFPC 2026 in Taiwan. Telecom Change: Digicel will phase out 2G in St. Kitts and Nevis, affecting about 383 customers who must upgrade to 3G/4G devices. Road Safety: Nevis recorded its first road fatality of 2026 after a scooter crash in Gingerland; police say social media claims blaming officers are unsubstantiated.

Father’s Day in Constituency 8: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew hosted a “Father’s Day Grill and Chill” for men in Constituency 8 at his home on Sunday, June 21, with food, games, grooming activities, and hampers for winners. Nevis Mango Festival: Nevis will celebrate mangoes July 2–5 with more than 60 chefs, “Nevis Goes Mango” digital mapping, and a “For the Love of Mangoes” event that already has two sold-out days. Aman at Sea cruises: Reservations opened for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with itineraries calling at St. Kitts and Nevis and other islands. Renewables push in Nevis: Geothermal drilling is set to begin later this year, with preparatory work underway at the Hamilton site and five wells planned for the first phase. Energy and policy: The Federation is also moving toward energy independence by 2035, while a suite of financial-sector legislation was passed in the National Assembly. Public safety: Nevis recorded its first road fatality of 2026 after a scooter crash killed Keshawn Merchant; police say social media claims blaming officers are untrue. Telecom update: Digicel will phase out its 2G network, affecting about 383 customers on 2G-only devices who must upgrade.

Human Security & Youth: St. Kitts and Nevis’ National Secretariat for Human Security and Wellbeing brought together summer camps, community groups, churches and youth programmes to expand the “Summer of Intervention” and “Own Your Summer” push, using local data showing higher crime risk when schools are out. Regional Governance: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship shifting to PM Gaston Browne as the bloc focuses on trade, connectivity, economic resilience and integration. Nevis Safety: Nevis police are investigating Nevis’ first road fatality of 2026 after scooter rider Keshawn Merchant died following a crash on the Island Main Road; police say social media claims about police involvement are unsubstantiated. Telecom Update: Digicel will phase out 2G in St. Kitts and Nevis, affecting about 383 customers on 2G-only devices who must upgrade to 3G/4G. Disaster Preparedness: NEMA and NDMD are monitoring Hurricane Barry and held a pre-strike planning session as residents are urged to review emergency plans. Energy Plan: Nevis and federal leaders reaffirmed a renewable path to energy independence by 2035, including geothermal, solar and an undersea cable linking the islands. Local Crime: Two separate larceny cases saw Domingo Louis and Kadira Hendrickson arrested and charged, with court dates set after remand.

Road Safety: Nevis police are investigating the first fatal traffic accident in the island for 2026 after scooter rider Keshawn Merchant of Pond Hill, Gingerland, died following a high-impact crash near Old Hospital Road on June 22; officers say social media claims linking police vehicles were not supported by findings. Youth & Community: The National Human Security Secretariat gathered summer camp and community partners for its Summer of Intervention, aiming to keep young people engaged and reduce summer crime and violence risks. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary in Antigua, praising functional cooperation and resilience-building as the 78th Authority meeting gets underway. Energy & Policy: Nevis and St. Kitts reaffirmed plans for energy independence by 2035, with geothermal drilling expected to begin later this year and geothermal/solar plus an undersea cable and storage forming the backbone of the strategy. Finance & Law: The National Assembly passed a suite of financial-sector reform bills, including updates to virtual assets, gaming controls, anti-terror and anti-WMD financing measures. Sports & Culture: Nevis kicked off its Runako Morton/TDC Primary Schools Cricket Tournament, while Nevis also celebrated Child Month 2026 with a grand parade. International Spotlight: Kirani James is set to appear on the EC$5 banknote in a 2027 ECCB redesign, and St. Kitts’ Dr. Almesha Richardson-Campbell was named a finalist for a Caribbean academic leadership award.

Financial Sector Update: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a suite of five bills in the National Assembly to strengthen the Federation’s financial sector, including amendments covering financial services regulation, gaming controls, virtual assets, anti-terrorism, and anti-proliferation financing. Energy & Infrastructure: Nevis says geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with site work already underway at Hamilton, while the Federation reiterates its push for energy independence by 2035 through geothermal, solar, and inter-island grid links. Water Supply: St. Peter’s is moving toward 24-hour water service after pipeline and pump upgrades, with an added 150,000 gallons per day expected from Basseterre’s desalination plant. Regional Integration: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with incoming chair Gaston Browne calling for stronger integration, including a dedicated OECS airline. Tourism & Culture: The summer season is set to boost visitors and spending, with festivals and events including the St. Kitts Music Festival and Nevis Culturama. Community & Safety: Port Health at RLB International Airport received a Scherber first-responder backpack to improve emergency response. Local Notes: Tasha Hendrickson was named a finalist for the Caribbean POSH Film ICON Award, and football coach Yusuf Saunders takes on U-17 and U-19 head coaching roles at Kalonji Soccer Academy.

Energy & Infrastructure: St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its push for energy independence by 2035, with plans combining geothermal, solar expansion, and an undersea cable to link the islands into one renewable-powered grid. Education & Inclusion: Special education teachers took part in a UNESCO media and information literacy training, using tools like Google Classroom to support inclusive learning and help students navigate misinformation. Water Security: St. Peter’s is set for a boost to 24/7 water supply after new pipeline and pump testing, with an added 150,000 gallons per day coming from the Basseterre desalination plant. Digital Health: The National Digital Health Information System moved ahead as SKNRA completed phase one, aiming to improve access to health information and secure data across the Federation. Local Governance & Finance: The National Assembly passed a major financial sector reform package, including amendments covering virtual assets, gaming controls, anti-terrorism, and weapons-of-mass-destruction financing. Public Safety & Crime: Police charged Domingo Louis and Kadira Hendrickson in separate larceny matters, while other arrests and charges were reported in separate cases. Community & Culture: The Bank of Nevis sponsored Nevis Culturama, backing the island’s cultural festival and its wider social and economic impact. Sports & Talent: Yusuf Saunders was appointed head coach for Kalonji Soccer Academy’s U-17 and U-19 teams, and Tasha Hendrickson was named a finalist for the Caribbean POSH Film ICON Award.

Windrush & Culture: A new Windrush Prize for British Caribbean playwrights has been launched using compensation awarded to a Windrush victim who died before receiving it, offering £10,000 plus a 2027 Arcola theatre run. Regional Integration: Incoming OECS Chairman Gaston Browne called for a dedicated OECS airline, deeper economic cooperation and stronger US/Caribbean ties as he took the chair. Local Crime: Police charged four people in separate matters, including simple larceny and cocaine possession/intent to supply, with investigations ongoing. Financial Sector Reform: The National Assembly passed five bills strengthening St. Kitts and Nevis’ financial sector, including amendments covering gaming, virtual assets, anti-terrorism and anti-proliferation financing. Health & Infrastructure: Port Health at RLB International received a Scherber first-responder backpack, while St. Peter’s is set for a move toward 24/7 water service after new pipeline and pump testing. Digital Health: SKNRA says phase one of the National Digital Health Information System is complete. Sports & Youth: Two young Olympic ambassadors from St. Kitts and Nevis completed a session in Greece, and volleyball teams continue NORCECA tour action. Energy & Climate: PM Terrance Drew pushed climate justice at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, and the Energy Policy Mixer highlighted the SKN100 clean energy push.

Financial Sector Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis’ National Assembly passed five financial-sector and compliance Bills on June 18, including amendments to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Gaming Control, Virtual Assets, Anti-Terrorism, and Anti-WMD financing. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew told the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum that climate change is a justice issue for small islands, calling for real partnerships and local community involvement in solutions. Water Upgrade for St. Peter’s: The Water Services Department says testing of a new pipeline and pump will add 150,000 gallons per day, aiming to restore 24/7 water service to St. Peter’s. National Addressing System: Government is moving ahead with a new National Addressing System to fix gaps in street naming and improve postal delivery, emergency response, and GPS-based planning. Public Safety & Health Tech: SKNRA says it has completed phase one of the National Digital Health Information System, while UNESCO media and information literacy training supported special education teachers. Culture & Community: Bank of Nevis renewed support for Nevis Culturama, and the Discovery Centre opened a new pediatric therapy facility.