AGP Executive Report

Regional HR & workforce skills: The UWI Global Campus, via the Hugh Shearer Labour Studies Institute, signed an MOU with CaIHRM to strengthen HR education, professional pathways, curriculum relevance, applied research, and industry-linked training across the Caribbean. Public health logistics: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in an IATA workshop on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, aiming to boost lab systems and faster regional response. Education spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda honoured 151 top CSEC performers, including Anika Sablon, who rose from reading at grade one on entry to earning major recognition at the 40th annual awards. Digital healthcare push: Adroit Infosystems promoted practical EHR and connected clinic workflows at the CCFP Trinidad symposium, focusing on real-world digitization for patient access, billing, and care continuity. Border & postal operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs teams plan workflow reforms and will attend a regional summit to streamline mail processing and strengthen border security. Tourism tech & AI: CHTA president Sanovnik Destang says the association has embraced technology, including AI guidebooks for tourism employment and workforce strategy. Science & learning for youth: The Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a mural project celebrating children’s ocean art and marine stewardship.

Digital Health in the Region: Adroit Infosystems showcased practical EHR and connected-care workflows at the CCFP Trinidad “Compassionate Care in a Digital World” symposium, stressing digitizing real clinic operations (not just replacing paper). Sustainable Development & Water/Coast Protection: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives ahead of CHOGM 2026, flagging urgent needs like modernizing St. John’s sewage treatment and improving disability-friendly urban corridors. Tourism Tech & AI Skills: CHTA president Sanovnik Destang says the regional hotel body has embraced technology, including AI guidebooks for tourism workers, with a new focus on using AI to support jobs. Border Ops Modernization: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs teams are reforming workflows for smoother mail processing and stronger regional border security, including training on prohibited items. Climate Watch: ABMS data presented at a National Climate Outlook Forum shows April–May 2026 hotter than the same period in 2025, raising summer heat-pressure concerns. Ocean & Youth Creativity: The Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a mural project and awards for young artists, aiming to build early interest in the blue economy. Education Spotlight: The Ministry of Education will honour 150 top CSEC performers at the 40th annual awards ceremony.

Digital Healthcare & EHR Workflows: Adroit Infosystems spotlighted practical electronic health record adoption and connected clinic operations at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day Symposium, stressing digitizing real workflows (not just replacing paper). Sewage & Coastal Protection: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives ahead of CHOGM 2026, flagging St. John’s sewage treatment modernization and disability-friendly urban corridors as priority areas. Tourism Tech & AI Guidance: CHTA president Sanovnik Destang says the regional body is leaning into technology, including AI guidebooks for hotels focused on improving work (not replacing staff). Postal & Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s post and customs teams are reforming joint workflows, sending a delegation to a regional summit to streamline mail processing and strengthen security checks. Climate & Heat Alerts: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service warned that April–May 2026 temperatures ran higher than 2025, urging monitoring ahead of summer. Education Tech Spotlight: The Ministry of Education will honour 150 top CSEC performers at the 40th annual awards ceremony, with live broadcast and streaming. Youth, Green Economy Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study found youth in the Eastern Caribbean—especially Barbados—lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities. World Ocean Day Creativity: The Blue Economy Department unveiled a World Ocean Day mural featuring winning student art and marine stewardship themes. Ebola Screening Disruption: A report says an alleged Ebola-related landing withdrawal redirected passengers en route to Antigua, raising concerns about regional health screening consistency.

Digital Health in the Region: Adroit Infosystems used the CCFP Trinidad Chapter World Family Doctor Day Symposium to spotlight practical EHR and workflow digitization for Caribbean clinics, with consultant Tricia Medford urging providers to digitize real processes—not just replace paper with disconnected tools. Sustainable Urban Tech: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative reps ahead of CHOGM 2026, flagging St. John’s sewage treatment modernization and plans for more accessible, disability-friendly urban corridors. Postal + Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs teams are reforming workflows for smoother mail processing and stronger regional border security, sending a delegation to a San Salvador summit to align procedures and inspection rules. Climate Signals: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service warned that April–May 2026 temperatures ran higher than the same period in 2025, with maximum heat rising most sharply. Youth + Green Economy Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in Barbados (and across the Eastern Caribbean) are not fully connecting climate resilience and green economy opportunities to what’s available. Ocean Awareness for Kids: The Department of the Blue Economy unveiled a World Ocean Day mural featuring top art from local primary students, aiming to build early interest in the blue economy.

CHOGM Prep & Urban Tech: Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) reps to line up technical and partnership support ahead of CHOGM 2026, with priorities including modernizing St John’s sewage treatment and building more disability-friendly urban corridors. Tourism Tech in Practice: CHTA president Sanovnik Destang says the regional hotel body has leaned into technology, including AI guidebooks for tourism workers, with a new focus on AI’s impact on employment. Connectivity Retail Upgrade: Flow opened a new flagship store at Camana Bay, highlighting advanced connectivity, interactive tech demos, and ongoing network upgrades like full fibre and 5G. Science & Climate Watch: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service flagged hotter-than-2025 April–May readings, urging monitoring as summer heat pressures build. Digital Services: Cabinet backed “Main Collect,” a new app to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, aiming for full rollout in about six months. Ocean Education: Buckley’s pupils won top prizes in a World Ocean Day mural contest, boosting youth engagement with the blue economy. Regional Food Tech & Health: Caribbean leaders pushed faster healthy food policy implementation to tackle the NCD crisis, stressing evidence-based action.

Trade & Border Tech: Antigua and Barbuda’s Post Office and Customs are reforming joint workflows, sending a cross-agency team to a San Salvador summit (June 8–11) to streamline mail processing and tighten regional border security. Blue Economy in Schools: On World Ocean Day, Buckley’s Primary pupils won top prizes in a marine-themed art contest, now featured on a new public mural unveiled by the Department of the Blue Economy. Climate Monitoring: The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service says April–May 2026 temperatures ran higher than the same period in 2025, with forecasters urging immediate heat preparedness. Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Digital Government (Child Support): Cabinet backed the Main Collect application to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, targeting full rollout within six months. Public Works (Barbuda): A consultation opened on Barbuda Road and Wharf rehabilitation, with environmental and planning documents released for review.

Postal & Border Modernisation: Antigua and Barbuda’s Post Office and Customs are reforming joint workflows, sending a cross-agency delegation to a San Salvador summit (June 8–11) to streamline mail processing and tighten rules on prohibited items. Blue Economy in Schools: Buckley’s Primary pupils won top honours in a World Ocean Day mural contest, with the Department of the Blue Economy using student art to push ocean and climate action. Health Leadership: VGM Group named M. Kris Srinivasan as Chief Medical Officer, bringing clinical leadership to its non-acute healthcare businesses. Tourism Jobs & Marketing: ABTA announced Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Climate Watch: The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service flagged hotter April–May 2026 readings versus 2025, warning of rising heat pressure. Public Services Tech: Barbados is launching the Pearly App for citizens to report issues like potholes and water outages—an example of digital citizen reporting spreading across the region. Water Reality Check: APUA says record production doesn’t always mean water in every tap, citing distribution losses and aging pipes. Child Support Payments: Cabinet backed “Main Collect,” a digital platform to improve collection and oversight of child maintenance payments.

Climate & Youth Skills: A UNICEF-commissioned regional survey (Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda) found young people aren’t clearly connecting climate-smart and green circular economy investments to real opportunities—suggesting a communications and access gap, not a lack of interest. Heat Watch: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service data show April–May 2026 hotter than the same period in 2025, with officials urging monitoring and preparedness as summer pressures build. Digital Government: Cabinet backed the “Main Collect” app to modernize child maintenance payments, aiming to improve collection and oversight; rollout is expected within six months. Tourism Leadership & Markets: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, while regional tourism players push deeper Latin America targeting. Caribbean Week Wrap: Caribbean Week in New York ended after four days of tourism talks and partnerships, including a new CTO supply-side committee to strengthen regional linkages. Food & Health Policy: Regional leaders renewed calls for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to tackle the NCD crisis. Ocean & Fisheries: Antigua and Barbuda joined ocean summit work in Japan and took the CRFM ministerial council chair, focusing on blue economy priorities and stronger fisheries cooperation. Safety & Resilience: Liberty Caribbean says it’s ready for the 2026 hurricane season, stressing connectivity as a lifeline during crises.

Tourism & Tech in the Spotlight: Antigua travel agent Indira Ramgarib-Katwaroo launched The Professional Travel Advisor, aiming to help local operators avoid common mistakes and plan more strategically. Language & Regional Links: Sir Ronald Sanders argues Antigua and Barbuda’s move to make Spanish a second official language could deepen ties with Latin America and better integrate the Spanish-speaking community. Climate Data Watch: The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service says April and May 2026 were hotter than the same period in 2025, with higher maximum temperatures raising heat-pressure concerns. Public Services Digitization: Cabinet endorsed the “Main Collect” digital platform to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, targeting full rollout within six months. Water Reality Check: APUA’s water production hit record levels, but officials warn distribution issues still leave some homes without reliable supply. Digital Resilience: Antigua’s ICTs ministry joined a Belize workshop on “data embassies,” exploring secure data storage to keep services running during crises. Food Safety & Labs: Antigua’s Analytical Services director attended a regional meeting on lab testing and food safety systems across CARIFORUM. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Antigua helped lead regional ocean and fisheries discussions, including CRFM ministerial priorities on aquaculture, food security, and tackling illegal fishing. Tourism Leadership Moves: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Heat, Health, and Safety: Meteorological warnings link extreme heat with rising domestic abuse risk, especially where cooling and reliable power are limited.

Tourism & Tech in the Spotlight: Local travel agent Indira Ramgarib-Katwaroo launched The Professional Travel Advisor, aiming to help travel professionals avoid costly mistakes and plan smarter. Language & Regional Links: Sir Ronald Sanders argues Antigua and Barbuda’s move to make Spanish a second official language could deepen ties with Latin America and better integrate the Spanish-speaking community. Climate Signals: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service data show April–May 2026 hotter than the same period in 2025, raising heat-pressure concerns heading into summer. Water Reality Check: APUA’s record production still doesn’t guarantee every household gets water, with distribution losses and aging pipes cited. Digital Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda’s ICTs ministry is represented at a Belize workshop on “data embassies” to protect essential services during crises. Food Safety & Labs: Antigua’s Analytical Services director attended a regional meeting on strengthening laboratory testing and food safety systems across CARIFORUM. Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Regional Policy: Cabinet endorsed the “Main Collect” digital platform to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution.

Tourism & Markets: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority reshuffled leadership, appointing Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as the destination pushes market diversification. Climate & Health: Antigua meteorologists say April–May 2026 ran hotter than the same period in 2025, and the Met Office warns extreme heat can fuel domestic abuse as stress and irritability rise. Digital Government: Cabinet backed the “Main Collect” app to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, targeting delinquent payments affecting 1,500–2,500 fathers, with rollout expected within six months. Blue Economy & Food Systems: Antigua is part of the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, highlighting ocean governance, a Blue Economy Bill, and marine spatial planning; separately, CRFM ministers advanced aquaculture and blue economy priorities and elected Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair for 2026–27. Regional Policy: CHTA released a framework to help destinations regulate short-term rentals without killing growth. Culture & Language: A push to make Spanish Antigua and Barbuda’s second official language is framed as a bridge to Latin America and the island’s Spanish-speaking community.

Language & Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s move to make Spanish a second official language is framed as both community integration and a signal to Latin America for deeper ties. Tourism Strategy: ABTA reshuffled leadership with Charmaine Spencer named Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy promoted to Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Climate Watch: The Meteorological Service reports April–May 2026 hotter than 2025, with maximum temperatures rising sharply—raising summer heat pressure. Public Health Policy: Caribbean leaders pushed for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to tackle the region’s NCD crisis. Child Support Tech: Cabinet backed “Main Collect,” a digital platform to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, aiming for full rollout within six months. Water Reality Check: APUA says production is up, but residents still face supply gaps tied to distribution losses and aging pipes. Blue Economy & Fisheries: CRFM ministers met by teleconference, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair and adopting priorities on aquaculture, food security, and IUU fishing. Barbuda Works: Government opened consultation on Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation, covering 12.6 km across key corridors. Hurricane Readiness: Liberty Caribbean says it’s prepared for the 2026 hurricane season, citing lessons from recent storms.

Climate Watch: ABMS scientists say April–May 2026 temperatures in Antigua and Barbuda ran hotter than the same period in 2025, with maximums rising fastest—prompting calls for immediate summer monitoring and preparedness. Public Health & Safety: Meteorological warnings link extreme heat to higher domestic abuse risk, especially where overnight cooling and reliable power are limited. Healthy Food Policy: Caribbean health leaders and partners are pushing faster rollout of evidence-based healthy food policies to curb the region’s NCD crisis, citing gaps in implementation and the need for better cross-sector action. Digital Government: Cabinet endorsed a new digital platform, “Main Collect,” to modernize child maintenance collection and distribution, targeting thousands affected by delinquent court orders. Blue Economy & Fisheries: CRFM ministers met to back aquaculture growth, food security, climate-disaster resilience (including insurance), and progress against IUU fishing; Antigua’s Randy Baltimore was elected chair. Water & Infrastructure: APUA says record water production still doesn’t guarantee every tap gets supply, pointing to distribution losses and aging pipes. ICT Resilience: Antigua’s ICT ministry attended a Belize workshop on “data embassies” to strengthen digital resilience during national crises. Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America. Barbuda Works: Government opened consultation on Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation, with environmental and planning documents released for public review.

Child Support Digitization: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet endorsed a new digital platform, “Main Collect,” to modernize collection and distribution of child maintenance payments, targeting full rollout within six months and addressing delinquency affecting 1,500–2,500 fathers listed in court records. Tourism Leadership Moves: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, aiming to boost market diversification and brand visibility. Water Reality Check: APUA reported record production, but Acting Manager Jason Peters warned that distribution issues—like burst pipes and aging cast iron lines—still leave some neighborhoods without reliable water. Barbuda Works Consultation: Government opened public consultation on Barbuda road and wharf rehabilitation, covering 12.6 km across six corridors with environmental and social documents released for review. Blue Economy & Fisheries: CRFM ministers met by teleconference, electing Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore as Chair and adopting resolutions on aquaculture, food security, climate/disaster resilience, and progress against IUU fishing. Ocean Summit in Tokyo: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Island States Ocean Summit, highlighting Blue Economy planning, a national Blue Economy Bill, and Marine Spatial Planning while calling for more ocean science and support for small islands. Crime Tech Upgrade: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit is upgrading fingerprint capabilities and pushing for supporting legislation, alongside moves toward a regional-style criminal database and a forensic lab coming online. Hurricane Season Readiness: Liberty Caribbean (Flow/BTC) confirmed readiness for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, stressing resilient communications as a crisis lifeline.

Tourism Leadership: ABTA named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, aiming to sharpen market diversification and regional growth. Water & Infrastructure: APUA’s record production still isn’t reaching every home; Acting Manager Jason Peters points to distribution losses, burst pipes, and aging cast iron lines, with Potworks Dam also taken offline. Regional Fisheries & Blue Economy: CRFM ministers held their 20th council meeting by teleconference, adopting 19 resolutions and approving a new aquaculture plan, while pushing food security, climate resilience, and action against IUU fishing. Pensions & Food Support: ABPA is pressing the Ministry of Finance for a “livable pension” and food vouchers to protect retirees from inflation. Disaster Resilience Programme: Antigua hosts the final BRICS steering committee meeting, with decision-makers touring local disaster-mitigation projects. Digital Resilience & Labs: Antigua’s ICTs ministry attended a Belize workshop on “data embassies,” while Analytical Services’ director joined a Barbados lab rationalisation meeting to strengthen regional food safety testing. Crime Tech Upgrade: Antigua’s Crime Scene Unit is moving toward fingerprint upgrades, a forensic lab ramp-up, and a criminal database. Hurricane Readiness: Liberty Caribbean/Flow says it’s prepared for the 2026 hurricane season, stressing communications as a crisis lifeline. Tourism in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings regional tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Local Tech in Education: Flow Antigua donated a laptop to Seaview Farm Primary after an educational tour of its telecom operations. Fuel Leak Response: ICTs/Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says agencies are mobilized to contain a fuel leak at the former Friars Hill facility. Luxury Resort Push: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200M) launched on Antigua’s east coast, positioning “quiet luxury” and wellness-led tourism.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials from across the region are meeting in Manhattan (June 1–5) under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Antigua and Barbuda among the delegations pushing for stronger connectivity, market resilience, and a unified Caribbean tourism voice. Disaster Resilience (BRICS): Antigua is hosting the final BRICS Steering Committee meeting today at Tradewinds Hotel, bringing decision-makers together to review disaster-risk readiness and show board members local mitigation work in action. Digital Resilience & Data Security: Antigua’s ICTs team (via Desiree Zachariah) joined a Belize workshop on “data embassies,” aiming for secure data storage and continuity planning during national crises. Public Safety Tech Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda’s Crime Scene unit says fingerprint upgrades are in the pipeline, alongside plans for a regional-style criminal database and a forensic lab coming online. Hurricane Readiness: Liberty Caribbean (Flow/BTC) says it’s prepared for the 2026 hurricane season, citing connectivity as a lifeline during crises. Fuel Leak Response: Authorities are coordinating to contain a major fuel leak at APUA’s former Friars Hill facility, with multiple agencies mobilized to protect residents and limit environmental damage. Luxury Tourism Push: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200M) has officially launched/broken ground, with “quiet luxury” branding and “smart island” claims including AI service and sustainability features. Livable Pensions: ABPA is pressing the Ministry of Finance for pension increases and food vouchers to help retirees cope with inflation.