AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Leadership & Regional Integration: Incoming CARICOM Chair Philip J. Pierre says regional integration must deliver real, everyday results—not just communiqués—as Saint Lucia prepares to host the July 5–8 heads meeting. Climate Justice: PM Terrance Drew urged climate justice and stronger partnerships at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, calling for local communities to shape solutions to sea-level rise. Financial Sector Overhaul: The National Assembly passed five bills to strengthen St. Kitts and Nevis’ financial system, including updates to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, virtual assets, gaming controls, anti-terrorism, and anti-WMD financing. OECS 45th Anniversary: The OECS marked its 45th anniversary with a “45 for 45 Changemaker” campaign, with St. Kitts and Nevis taking part in regional activities. Health & Families: A new pediatric therapy facility opened in Basseterre to expand outpatient support for children with speech, sensory, motor, and learning needs. Tourism Boost: Star of the Seas brought 7,368 passengers to St. Kitts, with multiple summer calls planned. Sports & Youth: Two Kittitian and Nevisian youths completed the Young Olympic Ambassadors programme in Greece, and the National Athletics Championships are set for Sunday at Kim Collins Stadium. World News With Local Link: Ukrainian officials say Russian drones struck a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship in the Black Sea, injuring crew and killing a sailor on another vessel.

Pediatric Care Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis has opened a new Pediatric Therapy Facility in Basseterre to expand outpatient support for children with speech and language issues, sensory and motor challenges, and learning needs. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson met with taxi operators and other stakeholders to review the cruise season and plan for 2026–27, including policy work on rainforest tour guides and ways to improve the visitor experience. Financial Sector Laws: The National Assembly passed a package of five bills strengthening the Federation’s financial sector, including updates to gaming controls, virtual assets, anti-terrorism, and anti–WMD financing. Climate Action at the Top: PM Terrance Drew urged people-centred action on sea-level rise at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, warning SIDS impacts are already here. Regional Legal Fight: A Privy Council showdown is looming after the Court of Appeal granted conditional leave in a Social Security vs bank mortgage priority dispute. Sports Spotlight: Jahzara Claxton was drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2026 Women’s CPL in Barbados.

Energy & Climate Policy: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the cap on the fuel surcharge will be removed as global volatility continues to shift. Clean Energy Push: The SKN 100 Project was launched to help St. Kitts and Nevis move toward rapid decarbonisation, with stakeholder talks focused on energy policy and investment in renewables. International Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis joined CARICOM in a symbolic signing of the UN Charter at the 80th anniversary ceremony, reaffirming commitment to multilateralism. Investment Gateway Summit: IGS 2026 opened in St. Kitts under “Shared Values, Shared Futures,” with reforms to the Citizenship Programme highlighted as the CIU shifts toward a “digital governance authority.” Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson met taxi operators to review the cruise season and prepare for 2026–27, including work on a Rainforest Tour Guides Policy. Local Services: A new Pediatric Therapy Facility opened at Lime Kiln to expand outpatient support for children, including autism spectrum services. Governance in Parliament: Five bills head for second reading in the National Assembly on June 18, including amendments to financial services regulation, virtual assets, gaming controls, anti-terrorism, and anti-WMD financing. Sports: Jahzara Claxton was drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2026 Women’s CPL in Barbados. Legal Watch: A Privy Council showdown looms after the Court of Appeal granted conditional leave in a major Social Security vs bank mortgage priority dispute.

Women’s Cricket: Jahzara Claxton, a 20-year-old all-rounder from Sandy Point, has been drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League in Barbados (Sept 5–15), joining stars like Deandra Dottin and Karishma Ramharack. Courts & Finance: A Privy Council fight is looming after the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court cleared the way for FirstCaribbean to challenge a Social Security priority dispute that could affect banks, credit unions, and mortgage holders. Nevis Financial Sector: Nevis FSRC praised as Nevis hosts its 17th Annual AML/CFT/CPF Conference, with local institutions pushing stronger compliance and risk management as AI reshapes supervision. Healthcare for Children: The new Discovery Centre Pediatric Therapy Facility opened in Lime Kiln, expanding outpatient speech and occupational therapy, including support for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Local Infrastructure: Construction on the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School is progressing toward completion, with officials targeting the January 2027 school start. Governance: The National Assembly meets June 18 for second readings of five bills, including amendments to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, gaming controls, virtual assets, anti-terrorism, and anti-WMD financing. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson met taxi operators to review cruise-season performance and prepare for 2026–27.

Investment Gateway Summit 2026: St. Kitts and Nevis opened the 2026 Investment Gateway Summit under “Shared Values, Shared Futures,” with officials highlighting reforms to the Citizenship by Investment programme aimed at stronger integrity and transparency. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson met taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and plan for 2026/27, including discussion of a Rainforest Tour Guides policy and ways to improve the visitor experience. Healthcare for Children: A new Pediatric Therapy Facility opened in the CMR Building at Lime Kiln, expanding outpatient speech-language and occupational therapy support for children and families. National Assembly Business: The National Assembly sits Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m., with five bills set for second reading, including amendments covering financial services regulation, virtual assets, gaming control, anti-terrorism, and anti-proliferation financing. Public Services & Community: Nevis marked Central Basseterre’s Future Leaders Summer Camp registration opening, while St. Kitts observed Global Garbage Man Day with a “Food Waste” theme. Sports: Old Road United Lady Jets defended the SKNFA Women’s President’s Cup title with a 1-0 win over Mapau Cayon Rockettes.

Pediatric Care Boost: A new Pediatric Therapy Facility opened in Saint Kitts and Nevis at the CMR Building in Lime Kiln, expanding outpatient speech-language and occupational therapy for children with developmental needs, including autism support. Lawmakers Set Agenda: The National Assembly will sit June 18 at 10 a.m. for second readings of five bills, including Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Gaming Control, Virtual Assets, Anti-Terrorism, and Anti-WMD financing amendments. Medicinal Cannabis Education: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide “Responsible Use Campaign” to steer residents toward the legal framework, with a focus on medical oversight, hygiene, and an age limit of 21+. Nevis Financial Compliance: Nevis hosted its 17th AML/CFT/CPF conference, with Premier Mark Brantley urging balanced thinking on regulation, risk, and opportunity for small island states. Politics Watch: CCM leader Mark Brantley says his party has not held coalition talks with St. Kitts political parties. Sports & Community: MFCR Old Road United Lady Jets won the SKNFA Women’s President’s Cup 1-0; Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 is set for June 20. Environment & Safety: A fire at the Conaree landfill spread toward tyre storage, with smoke affecting nearby communities. Regional & Global: CARICOM and PAHO pushed to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B; St. Kitts and Nevis’ PM Terrance Drew met EU officials in Brussels as drought and water worries continue at home.

Diplomacy & Climate: PM Terrance Drew met EU officials in Brussels to push stronger EU-Caribbean cooperation on climate action, renewable energy and innovation, as the Federation pursues its Sustainable Island transition. Local Governance & Compliance: Nevis hosted its 17th AML/CFT/CPF conference, with Premier Mark Brantley urging firms to balance regulation risks with new opportunities, including tech and AI. Health & Families: A new Pediatric Therapy Facility opened in Basseterre, expanding outpatient speech and occupational therapy support for children and caregivers. Sports: MFCR Old Road United Lady Jets defended the SKNFA Women’s President’s Cup with a 1-0 win, while Kya Crooke made history with a bronze medal at the NCAA high jump. Public Safety: A major fire at Conaree landfill in St Kitts spread smoke across communities, with airport operations reported normal. Disaster Preparedness: NEMA and meteorological services warned drought conditions may persist into hurricane season, urging water conservation and readiness. Travel Notice: Ireland’s new visa rules now affect St Kitts and Nevis nationals, with concerns for students and travellers. Regional/World Watch: Strait of Hormuz shipping is slowly recovering after near-zero traffic, but pre-war levels may take months.

Diplomacy & Climate: Prime Minister Terrance Drew met EU officials in Brussels as he pushes climate resilience and deeper St. Kitts and Nevis–EU cooperation, with more talks lined up in Berlin. Investment & Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up to host IGS 2026 (June 17–20) at the Marriott, spotlighting investment opportunities and a “Digital Trust” presentation on citizenship and global mobility. Healthcare for Families: The Discovery Centre and STAR Foundation opened a new pediatric therapy facility in the CMR Building at Lime Kiln, expanding outpatient speech and occupational therapy support. Sports Spotlight: Kya Crooke made history with a bronze at the NCAA Division 1 high jump (1.90m), while the Olympic Committee set Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 for June 20 with an “Old School Fun Day” at Warner Park. Community & Culture: RIDU welcomed Melanie Maynard, mother of Marcus Rashford, to the Federation, and the Bank of Nevis will sponsor a new Nevis Culturama troupe, “Bank of Nevis IKonic Mas.” Water & Disaster Readiness: NEMA and meteorological updates warn drought conditions are likely to persist into hurricane season, urging preparedness.

World Bank/IFC Finance: The IFC has confirmed a US$15-million investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund arranged by Sygnus Capital, with up to US$5m in a senior tranche and up to US$10m in mezzanine—aimed at boosting SME lending across 13 countries. National Mourning: Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley led tributes after the sudden death of former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, praising his service to Sandy Point and the Federation. Sports & Youth: EPPS edged JLPS by two runs in a nail-biting practice match ahead of the Runako Morton/TDC Primary Schools Cricket Tournament. Olympic Activities: The St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee announced Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 on June 20, with a “Let’s Move” theme and events at Warner Park. Drought Preparedness: NEMA and meteorological officials warned drought conditions are likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and urged water conservation and hurricane-season readiness. Justice Reform: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training Programme opened in St. Kitts and Nevis with UNDP support. Maritime/Regional: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, MV Jabal Ali 9, helped rescue 14 Indian crew after the dhow Virat 1 sank off Oman following engine failure.

CARICOM Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis took part in the CARICOM Caucus retreat at the UN in New York, with discussions focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, peace and security, financing for development, and global governance reform. Investment Push: The Federation is gearing up to host IGS 2026 (June 17–20) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, aiming to attract investors and HNWIs and spotlight how citizenship and global mobility are evolving. Nevis Water Security: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Nevis is investing over $50 million toward a 24/7 potable water supply, including major tank and pipeline upgrades to fight drought impacts. Drought Preparedness: NEMA is warning residents and businesses that drought conditions are likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and urging water conservation ahead of hurricane season. Justice Modernisation: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards for rights. Maritime Rescue: A dhow, Virat 1, carrying 14 Indian crew off Oman sank after engine failure; the crew was rescued with help including a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, MV Jabal Ali 9. Sports & Youth: Kya Crooke made history for St. Kitts and Nevis by winning NCAA bronze in the high jump with a 1.90m clearance, while Nevis’ Everton Liburd graduated in Mechanical Engineering in Taiwan. Yachting Sector: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted Nautical Kickstart to position the federation as a premier yachting and superyachting destination.

Diplomacy & Climate: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew is set to travel to Europe for high-level meetings in Brussels and to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at Germany’s Climate Mobility Forum, with officials saying the trip will push the federation’s climate resilience agenda and keep its voice strong in global talks. Maritime & Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted “Nautical Miles” at the St. Kitts Marriott to position the federation as a premier yachting and superyachting destination, drawing global marina operators, crew and hospitality stakeholders under the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Drought Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water and stay ready as drought conditions are expected to persist into the traditional rainy season, with meteorological data showing major rainfall shortfalls and risks to water, agriculture and the economy. Justice Updates: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules with safeguards, while a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme begins to strengthen conflict resolution capacity. Nevis Water: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Nevis is investing over $50 million toward a 24/7 potable water supply, with major tank and pipe upgrades underway. International Incident: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, MV Jabal Ali 9, assisted in the rescue of 14 Indian crew members after the Indian-flagged Virat 1 suffered engine failure and began sinking off Oman.

Maritime Rescue: A dhow carrying 14 Indians began sinking off Oman, and a US Navy patrol aircraft plus the Saint Kitts and Nevis-registered cargo ship MV Jabal Ali 9 were diverted to help with the rescue. Climate & Water Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew heads to Europe for climate talks, while Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Nevis water exploration and upgrades are continuing, including major tank and pipe work to push toward reliable supply. Drought Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as meteorological updates warn drought conditions may persist into the traditional rainy season and beyond, even during hurricane season. Justice Modernisation: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards, and a restorative justice and criminal mediation training programme is underway with UNDP support. Finance & Banking: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed to strengthen consumer protection and improve access to banking services. Regional Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis took part in a CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York focused on global priorities and SIDS advocacy. National Notes: The Federation mourns former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, and cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero was honoured at an official funeral.

Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expanding consumer protection, clearer disclosures, stronger data safeguards, and better access to banking services. Justice Updates: The Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed to modernise DNA evidence rules with safeguards to protect rights. Drought & Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as drought conditions are expected to persist into the traditional rainy season, even with forecasts pointing to a below-average hurricane season. Climate Action: PM Terrance Drew told lawmakers climate change is already hitting the Federation and pushed the Sustainable Island State Agenda for long-term resilience. Cannabis Education: The Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign focused on safe, lawful engagement and protection of vulnerable populations. Public Safety Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation programme began at Koi Resort with UNDP support to strengthen conflict resolution. National Remembrance: The Federation mourns former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, and held an official funeral for cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero. Sports & Culture: England opened the Women’s T20 World Cup with a record 219/1 win over Sri Lanka, while local school netball advanced to semi-finals and the Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for June 10’s anniversary.

Drought & Hurricane Season Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents, businesses and institutions to stay ready as drought conditions persist into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with officials warning that even a forecasted below-average season can still bring life-changing storms. Water Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly the government is pushing for reliable 24-hour water supply, citing ongoing upgrades, drilling and storage work aimed at lasting solutions. Cannabis Responsible Use: The St. Kitts and Nevis Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign, stressing safe, lawful access under medicinal and religious categories only. Justice Reform: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training Programme began at Koi Resort, bringing together justice and community professionals to strengthen dialogue, accountability and early conflict resolution. Youth & Learning: CTCS held Teacher–Student Switch Day, while teachers completed in-service training and students continue practical learning at CWIT through real construction projects. National Culture & Service: An official funeral honoured calypso icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, and the Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for the June 10 anniversary. Traffic Safety: Police warned against sidewalk parking, saying it damages infrastructure and endangers pedestrians.

Evidence Law Update: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating how DNA evidence is handled and adding safeguards to balance investigations with human rights. Defence Force Modernisation: The SKN Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for the June 10, 1967 anniversary, as PM Drew said the change reflects real work and national commitment. Maritime & Tourism: Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis brings global yachting leaders to Basseterre on June 12–13 to position the federation as a top yachting and superyacht destination. Water Crisis Politics: Former Deputy PM Shawn Richards hit back over claims tied to water-rate talk, saying he proposed no new rates and accusing misrepresentation while communities face worsening shortages. Public Safety & Traffic: Police warned that lack of curb space is driving more drivers to park on sidewalks, endangering pedestrians and damaging curbs and drainage. Health & Community: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a Responsible Use Campaign, stressing medicinal and religious cannabis as the only lawful categories. Sports: Primary schools netball is down to the semi-finals after four schools advanced from Tuesday’s quarter-finals.

Middle East Fallout: UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that renewed US strikes on Iran and fresh Iranian attacks are pushing up global oil and food prices, raising inflation fears for import-dependent Caribbean economies. Cannabis Education: The St. Kitts and Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a Responsible Use Campaign, stressing cannabis access is limited to medicinal and religious categories under current law. Tourism & Shipping: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first summer call to Port Zante, kicking off nine scheduled visits and boosting off-season trade. Water Crisis Politics: Former Deputy PM Shawn Richards hit back over claims tied to water-rate increases, saying he proposed no new rates while residents in Sandy Point and St. Peter’s face worsening shortages. Housing Scandal: East Coast Housing Development controversy deepened, with allegations of a fraudulent government guarantee and failure to deliver 600 serviced lots per year. Public Safety: Police confirmed cruise crew member Ziyuan Wang died from injuries after an accidental fall off Mt. Liamuiga. Traffic Enforcement: Traffic officials warned motorists against parking on sidewalks, citing damage to curbs and drainage and danger to pedestrians. Youth & Culture: KMAN 6IXX dropped “6IXX” from his name, urging young people that “joining a gang is not the answer.” Sports: SKNFA and the Red Cross ran safeguarding and first-aid training for women’s football.