AGP Executive Report

CHOGM Preparations: Antigua and Barbuda says it will publish the full Commonwealth summit budget, including overseas contributions, before the November 1 opening. More than 5,000 delegates are expected, and Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o will lead her country’s delegation. Food Security: The government has distributed a record 30,000 seedlings to small-scale and backyard farmers to boost local food production and reduce reliance on imports. Pelican Court: Cabinet has appointed a facilities manager and plans strict rules against drugs and disruptive behaviour at the new 150-home development. Some apartments may be offered to new applicants if former Booby Alley residents do not return. Climate Finance: Antigua and Barbuda is working with the OECS to strengthen its ability to secure funding for climate resilience projects. Arts and Culture: Art Week returns November 11–18, with evening tours, live painting and new exhibitions planned across the country.

Beach Cleanup: Taxi Association members and volunteers collected 40 bags of rubbish from Big and Little Ffryes beaches ahead of cruise season, with plans to repeat the clean-ups twice a year. Pelican Court: Cabinet appointed Kem Hodge to manage the new housing development, with strict rules against drug activity and disruptive behaviour. Vacant apartments may be offered to other applicants if some former Booby Alley residents do not return. CHOGM Security: Regional troops are helping prepare for the November 1–4 summit. The Defence Force says residents may see more military personnel and security activity across the country. Food Security: The government announced plans to distribute more than 30,000 seedlings to farmers and build two abattoirs. Climate Finance: An OECS mission met government agencies to discuss funding needs and ways to strengthen project development and access to climate finance. Youth Policy: Findings from a regional survey will help shape youth development proposals to be discussed at UWI Five Islands Campus on November 4.

Climate Finance: Antigua and Barbuda is working with the OECS to improve coordination, develop projects and attract funding for climate resilience. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is also pressing global leaders for stronger climate finance and clean-energy partnerships. Pelican Court: The 150-unit, China-funded development has been handed over, with a police outpost, management office and EC$50 monthly community charge approved. Some vacant apartments may be offered to new applicants, while officials promise strict rules against drugs and disruptive behaviour. CHOGM Preparations: Regional and foreign troops are supporting security preparations ahead of the November 1–4 summit. A CARICOM youth survey will also help shape regional policy proposals at discussions in Antigua on November 4. Tourism and Food Security: Taxi association members and volunteers removed 40 bags of waste from Ffryes beaches ahead of cruise season. The government also announced distribution of more than 30,000 seedlings and plans for two abattoirs. Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean tourism conference SOTIC in 2027.

Climate Action: Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in Australia for the Global Citizen NOW summit, where he is expected to press for climate finance and stronger support for vulnerable island nations. Youth Policy: Findings from CARICOM’s 2026 youth survey will shape regional policy discussions at UWI Five Islands on November 4, covering education, health, crime, technology and civic participation. Housing: Pelican Court’s 150 homes have been handed over, marking a major step in the Booby Alley redevelopment. Cabinet approved a management office, police outpost and EC$50 monthly community charge; residents are expected to move in from January. Infrastructure: A new water main is serving High Street as APUA completes final connections and prepares to clear streets for road repairs. Food Security: The Government says it is distributing more than 30,000 seedlings to farmers and plans two new abattoirs. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s SOTIC conference in 2027, building on its growing role in regional tourism.

CHOGM Preparations: Regional troops have arrived to support security and logistics ahead of November’s Commonwealth summit. A proposed “One Commonwealth Night” concert is also set for November 2, featuring local performers and regional stars. Pelican Court: Cabinet approved rules for the 150-unit housing development, including enforceable occupancy agreements and a monthly EC$50 community charge; residents are expected to move in from January 2027. Health: Cabinet approved a five-year national health strategy, setting a framework for improving care, though funding and detailed targets were not disclosed. Water and Roads: A new water main is supplying High Street as APUA works to finish connections and clear the way for road repairs. Cabinet has ordered service checks and closer contractor oversight. Food Security: More than 30,000 seedlings are being distributed to farmers, with two abattoirs also planned. Regional Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association’s 2027 conference, bringing about 300 delegates to discuss water security and infrastructure.

Housing: Pelican Court’s 150 China-funded homes have been handed over to the government, with former Booby Alley homeowners set to receive replacement units without extra payment. Residents could move in by January. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has requested Chinese funding for 300 more homes at Perry Bay, but the proposal has not been approved; preparations are underway for another 100 units in Bolans and Barbuda. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda has been named the world’s and Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination, adding to its growing push to promote local food and culture. The country will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference in 2027, with Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez elected to chair the CTO’s ministerial council. Economic Outlook: The IMF says regional growth remains resilient, but prospects are mixed. High public debt and rising food and energy prices continue to weigh on the Caribbean.

Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda has been named the world’s and Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination for 2026. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has also taken the chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, as the OECS urges the industry to keep more visitor spending in the region and involve local businesses and communities. Housing: China has handed over Pelican Court, a 150-home development in Point funded by an EC$50 million grant. Former Booby Alley homeowners will receive replacement condos without extra payment, and residents could begin moving in by January. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has requested Chinese funding for 300 more homes at Perry Bay; Beijing has not approved the request, while preparations are underway for 100 units in Bolans and Barbuda. Browne warned that drug activity, gambling and disruptive behaviour could lead to residents’ removal. CHOGM: Organisers say town halls will explain traffic restrictions ahead of the Commonwealth meeting, but there is no plan to close the island. Education: ABCAS celebrated its first short-course graduates, with more than 100 course completions across 11 professional and technical programmes.

Housing and China Ties: China says it is ready to fund more public-welfare projects after handing over 150 homes at Pelican Court, a EC$50 million development in Point financed by a Chinese grant. Economy: The IMF forecasts Antigua and Barbuda’s growth slowing to 2.4% in 2026, while inflation rises to 3.6%, putting added pressure on household budgets. Utilities: Residents protested outside APUA over rising bills and unreliable water and electricity, calling for action from the utility and government. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference in 2027, a major opportunity for the sector. Maritime Security: The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao has sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after being struck in an earlier attack; one crew member was killed. Citizenship Programme: Antigua and Barbuda placed fifth among 14 programmes in the 2026 CBI Index, with a score of 65 out of 90.

Maritime Safety: Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao has sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after a September attack that killed one crew member; the rest of its crew were evacuated. Housing: 150 new homes at Booby Alley are due to be handed over to the government today, replacing dilapidated dwellings in St John’s City West. Economy: The IMF expects growth to slow to 2.4% this year as inflation rises to 3.6%, adding pressure on household budgets. Utilities: Protesters took their complaints about high bills, unreliable water and power outages to APUA, calling for action. Legal: Colombian businessman Álvaro Pulido appeared in a US court on money-laundering charges; prosecutors allege funds passed through Antigua accounts. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s SOTIC conference in October 2027, and Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has been elected CTO chair. Energy: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Barbuda could run entirely on renewable power within 18 to 24 months, with plans to expand solar capacity and storage. Citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda ranked fifth in the 2026 CBI Index, behind St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada and St Lucia.

Renewable Energy: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Barbuda could run entirely on renewable power within 18 to 24 months, with plans to expand solar generation and add battery storage using support from India. Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference from October 4–8, 2027; Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez has also been elected CTO chair. Food Security: Browne outlined plans for cold and dry storage, a farmers’ market, supermarket, abattoirs and water projects to support local agriculture and reduce food losses. Healthcare: Seven government nurses are among the first graduates of UWI Five Islands’ Master of Public Health programme. The government has also relaunched its Universal Health Coverage initiative, with National Health Insurance potentially starting in 2028. US Deportation Deal: Browne says negotiations on accepting third-country nationals deported from the United States are nearing completion, but Antigua and Barbuda wants funding and support arrangements secured first. CHOGM Preparations: Outreach activities reached 297 Barbuda students ahead of next month’s Commonwealth meeting. At a London reception, King Charles tried playing steelpan with Antiguan cultural director Khan Cordice.

Deportation Talks: Antigua and Barbuda says it will not accept US deportees until funding and support arrangements are secured, with the government retaining a say over who can be transferred. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has been elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while the country also won the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination award for 2026. Resort Investment: Work is advancing on the $400-million-plus Nikki Beach development at Jolly Beach, with piling underway ahead of construction. Health Services: A renovated autopsy suite and morgue has opened, providing improved facilities for staff and a dedicated waiting area for families. Disability Support: Antigua and Barbuda will join a UNICEF-OECS study examining support for children with disabilities from early childhood through employment. Climate Resilience: The government is discussing joining a regional insurance facility to help protect utilities infrastructure from disasters.

Tourism Investment: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua has completed site preparation at Jolly Beach and begun installing pilings for its $400-million-plus development, with an opening planned for 2030. US Deportation Talks: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says negotiations are nearing completion, but Antigua and Barbuda will not accept deportees until funding and support arrangements are secured. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has been elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while Antigua and Barbuda was named the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination for 2026. Financial Allegations: Colombian businessman Alvaro Pulido Vargas, now in US custody, faces charges over alleged Venezuelan bribery and money laundering; prosecutors say about US$3.13 million was transferred from accounts in Antigua and Barbuda. Health Services: A renovated autopsy suite and morgue has opened, providing improved facilities for staff and a dedicated waiting area for families. Arts: The prize for the National Performing Arts Theatre logo competition has doubled to EC$5,000; entries are due October 15.

US Transfer Talks: Antigua and Barbuda says it will not accept third-country nationals deported from the US until funding and support are secured. Its counterproposal would cap transfers at seven every three months and give the government final approval; Washington has not yet responded. Tourism: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has been elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and Antigua and Barbuda will host its 2027 conference. The country was also named the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination for 2026. Public Health: A renovated autopsy suite and morgue has opened, with improved work areas and a designated space for families, addressing longstanding concerns about conditions. Regional Cooperation: Antigua and Barbuda is earmarked to host the OECS social development ministers in 2027. Minister Kiz Johnson urged governments to turn policy into practical support for vulnerable people. Community: JCI Antigua won Most Outstanding Organisation at the regional convention, while former president Laurel Jonas was elected JCI West Indies president for 2027. Infrastructure: Crabbs Channel dredging gives the country a backup route for maritime trade if access to St. John’s Harbour is disrupted.

Social Development: Antigua and Barbuda is slated to host the OECS Council of Ministers for Human and Social Development in 2027. Minister Kiz Johnson urged regional governments to turn social policies into practical support for vulnerable people. Tourism: The country was named the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination for 2026, while Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez’s election as CTO chair puts Antigua and Barbuda at the helm of regional tourism leadership. Health: A renovated Autopsy Suite and Morgue has opened, providing improved facilities for staff and a designated waiting area for families. Trade and Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda plans to establish a permanent mission in Qatar by 2027, with aviation, tourism and climate finance among potential areas of cooperation. A Crabbs Channel upgrade also provides a backup maritime route if access to St. John’s Harbour is disrupted. Regional Investigation: US prosecutors allege that fugitive businessman Alvaro Pulido’s Venezuelan bribery and money-laundering schemes used bank accounts in Antigua and Barbuda; Pulido is now in US custody.

Barbuda Roads: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has renewed a EC$50 million road pledge, but major construction remains pending despite earlier assurances that financing was secured. Peace Beach: Browne proposed restricting fishing around the new artificial reef while it matures, but gave no start date or enforcement details. Higher Education: The Five Islands Campus celebrated 144 graduates, including its first MBA cohort; Browne says expansion could begin by early 2027, with enrolment projected to reach 5,000 within five years. Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2027 State of the Tourism Industry Conference, following its election to the organization’s leadership. Food Security: Agriculture officials warn the Mediterranean fruit fly could threaten crops and urge travellers and importers to follow prevention measures; the pest has not been detected locally. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams are assessing whether the region can supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, findings that could shape future tariffs.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2027 State of the Tourism Industry Conference, adding to its new leadership role in the regional body. Commonwealth Summit: Jamaican Paralympian Alphanso Cunningham will bring his call for greater inclusion and opportunity for athletes with disabilities to a sports summit in Antigua next month. Fuel Dispute: The government is seeking three new WIOC stations and has promised fuel dealers higher margins, while Prime Minister Gaston Browne is also urging banks to reduce card-processing fees. Food Security: Agriculture officials warn that the Mediterranean fruit fly could threaten local crops and household budgets, and are urging vigilance to keep the pest out. Culture and Tourism: Art Week returns November 11–18 with Jam Bull performances, evening gallery tours, workshops and other events promoting local artists. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, findings that could influence future tariffs.