AGP Executive Report

Royal Spotlight: King Charles III and Queen Camilla have confirmed an eight-day Caribbean tour (Oct 27–Nov 4, 2026) with stops in the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda, ending in St. John’s for CHOGM 2026. Cybersecurity: Antigua and Barbuda’s ICT Ministry launched a Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both respond to attacks and prevent incidents, working alongside national security services. AI & Skills: The ECCB wrapped its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects from Eastern Caribbean Currency Union youth. Renewables Finance: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, listing Antigua and Barbuda among eligible countries for potential support via its financing platforms. Disaster Readiness: Regional efforts continue to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems using the Common Alerting Protocol, with training aimed at faster, clearer alerts. Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO supported Eastern Caribbean clinical and critical care simulation training for severe infections, including participants from Antigua and Barbuda. Local Tech for Schools: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to help set up the TechByte STEM Academy at St. John’s Catholic School. Aviation Preparedness: Cabinet approved emergency and security upgrades at V.C. Bird International Airport, stressing maintenance, spare parts, and operator training. Food & Water: Government moves to expand water access and boost local food production, including a tissue culture lab at Bethesda for disease-free planting material. Sports Tech Culture: Guitar Center’s 2026 Crossroads Guitar Collection will support Crossroads Centre Antigua, linking music commerce with local addiction treatment funding. Tech in the Community: Antigua and Barbuda also joined an international Island Investment Forum launch in the Maldives focused on sustainable development, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

Cybersecurity: Antigua and Barbuda launched a national Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both respond to attacks and help prevent them, working closely with security agencies as threats evolve. AI & Skills: The ECCB wrapped its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with young innovators set to showcase chatbot and multimedia projects tied to the ECCU’s Big Push agenda. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica is strengthening disaster early warning capacity, while the region also continues training on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to make alerts faster and more trusted. Airport Safety Upgrades: Cabinet approved emergency and security upgrades at V.C. Bird International Airport, stressing maintenance, spare parts, and operator training. Food Tech & Labs: Government moves to expand water access and local food production, including a tissue culture laboratory at Bethesda for disease-free planting material. Health Leadership: PAHO/WHO welcomed Dr. Eva Jané Llopis as its new representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and Antigua’s Health Minister joined an orientation on PAHO/WHO cooperation. STEM Access: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to support the TechByte STEM Academy at St. John’s Catholic School ahead of its September 2026 launch. Investment Platform: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch an Island Investment Forum aimed at attracting investment and supporting sustainable development across SIDS.

Disaster Readiness: Jamaica is strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems through a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) workshop with WMO/CMO support—aimed at faster, clearer alerts that reach the right people. Airport Security Tech: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet welcomed emergency and security upgrades at V.C. Bird International Airport, stressing training, maintenance, and spare parts for reliable response. Water + Food Tech Push: Government moves to expand water access and acreage for local food production, including youth/women farm allocations and a Tissue Culture Laboratory at Bethesda for disease-free planting material. Public Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO-backed training brought about 25 health professionals from across the Eastern Caribbean (including Antigua and Barbuda) to improve critical care skills for severe infections and pandemic response. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed the PAHO/WHO representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with a focus on strengthening resilient, equitable health systems. STEM for Students: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the TechByte STEM Academy launch in September 2026. Security Drones Proposal: Cabinet reviewed a US-backed BVLOS drone network concept for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal checks before any decision. Climate Tech Spotlight: A Ugandan founder behind solar cold storage, shared irrigation, and AI farm advice was named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year—highlighting practical climate-tech for food loss reduction.

Drones for Public Safety: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet heard a proposal for a National BVLOS drone security network to boost surveillance, speed incident assessment, and support police and defence operations, with training offered locally—though no purchase decision is final yet. Health & Training: PAHO/WHO ran a simulation-based critical care workshop for severe infections and pandemic readiness, including Antigua and Barbuda clinicians, with added focus on point-of-care ultrasound and building national trainers. STEM in Schools: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to help launch the TechByte STEM Academy in September 2026. Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch an Island Investment Forum aimed at attracting investment and supporting sustainable development across Small Island Developing States, including digitalisation and AI. Environment & Policy: Eleven local environmental groups urged Prime Minister Gaston Browne to drop support for lifting the global commercial whaling ban ahead of the International Whaling Commission meeting in September. Tech/Science R&D: TriCelX filed with the FDA to test its biotherapeutic for ALS, expanding its clinical pipeline.

Child Vision & Learning: New research highlights how uncorrected refractive error harms kids’ schooling and long-term earnings, with experts urging parents to book routine eye tests and use quality glasses. Royal Visit: King Charles is set to tour the Caribbean this autumn, including a stop in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Health Leadership (PAHO/WHO): Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering Antigua and Barbuda and focusing on stronger, more equitable health systems. STEM in Schools: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the launch of the TechByte STEM Academy in September 2026. Tech for Security: Government is considering a National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with training offered and further reviews planned. Back-to-School Cost Relief: ABST will be reduced to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29. Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch an Island Investment Forum in the Maldives to attract investment and support sustainable development across SIDS. Disaster Readiness: ABRCS joined regional partners to strengthen hurricane preparedness through an Early Action Protocol approach.

Tech & Health Philanthropy: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the new TechByte STEM Academy launching in September 2026, backing hands-on learning in science, tech, engineering and math. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis officially assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, overseeing technical cooperation that includes Antigua and Barbuda. Security Tech Planning: Cabinet is considering a US-proposed National Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with training offered for local capacity before any final decision. Disaster Readiness: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund humanitarian actions when forecasts predict disasters. Education Cost Relief: Antigua and Barbuda will cut ABST to zero per cent on qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29 to ease back-to-school spending. Agriculture Skills Abroad: An Antigua and Barbuda delegation trained in China on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming, with an action plan to boost local food production amid water scarcity. Investment Push for SIDS: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch the Island Investment Forum in the Maldives, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable development across small island states. Sports Tech Moment (Local): Guyana’s Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer powered a win over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch the Island Investment Forum in Malé, aiming to pull in funding and partnerships for sustainable growth across small island states, with a focus that includes digitalisation, AI, tourism, renewables, and innovative financing. Biotech Trial Update: TriCelX filed with the U.S. FDA to test its biotherapeutic XytriX for ALS, adding a third clinical program to its platform and seeking rare-disease support plus faster review for a life-threatening condition. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering Antigua and Barbuda, with priorities on resilient, equitable health systems and access to essential and high-cost medicines. STEM for Students: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the TechByte STEM Academy launching in September 2026. Security Tech in Cabinet: Government is considering a National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal checks before any deployment. Back-to-School Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug. 28–29, including IT supplies and school essentials. Disaster Readiness: ABRCS took part in an Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund humanitarian response when forecasts predict disasters.

SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch the Island Investment Forum in Malé, aiming to pull in funding and partnerships for sustainable growth across small island states, with focus areas including digitalisation, AI, tourism, renewables, and innovative financing. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis officially took over as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering Antigua and Barbuda among other territories, with a strong emphasis on strengthening resilient, equitable health systems and improving access to essential and high-cost medicines. STEM for Students: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the new TechByte STEM Academy launching in September 2026, backing hands-on learning for science, tech, engineering, and maths. Public Safety Tech: Government is considering a National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance, faster incident assessment, and support for police and defence—subject to legal, privacy, and security reviews. Education Cost Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying school supplies and food items on Aug 28–29, cutting costs for back-to-school purchases. Clinical Biotech Update: TriCelX filed with the FDA to test XytriX for ALS, adding a third clinical program to its platform and seeking rare-disease and fast-track support. Regional Resilience: ABRCS joined partners to validate Early Action Protocols so pre-funded help can be triggered before disasters hit, improving hurricane readiness across the sub-region.

STEM Boost: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the launch of the TechByte STEM Academy in September 2026, backing hands-on learning for students (especially girls) through the Hope, Opportunity and Well-being through STEM initiative. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, bringing 25 years of public health experience and overseeing technical cooperation across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider OECS. Local Health Policy: Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister Michael Joseph joined a PAHO/WHO orientation focused on strengthening access to essential and high-cost medicines, including mental health and cancer treatments. Security Tech Planning: Cabinet is considering a National Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with training offered to build local operational capacity. Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society strengthened hurricane preparedness via a regional Early Action Protocol workshop, aiming to trigger pre-agreed, pre-funded aid before disasters hit. Maritime Forecasting Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three ocean data buoys to improve weather and maritime safety forecasting, with local training included. Education Costs Relief: ABST will be reduced to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29, easing back-to-school expenses. Agriculture Skills Abroad: Antigua and Barbuda participants gained agricultural training in China on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management and smart farming to tackle local water scarcity. Sports Tech Angle: Guyana’s Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer powered a CPL win over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Visa Policy Shock: A New York judge struck down a Trump directive that barred visa approvals for nationals from Haiti, Cuba, and 73 other countries, including Antigua and Barbuda—calling the nationality-based rule unlawful. STEM for Classrooms: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the September 2026 TechByte STEM Academy, partnering with The LocaL App to expand hands-on learning. Disaster Readiness: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund disaster help before storms hit. Radiation Safety Skills: A regional training programme is building radiation protection capacity across the Caribbean, aiming to strengthen safe use of ionising tech in healthcare and research. Security Tech Planning: Cabinet is reviewing a proposal for a National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal checks still pending. Health Systems: PAHO/WHO welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister for orientation, focusing on improving access to essential and high-cost medicines. Education Support: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29, easing back-to-school costs. Water & Forecasting Tech: Antigua and Barbuda is receiving ocean data buoys to boost forecasting and maritime safety, while WOTA deepens its water resilience partnership.

UNESCO Travel & Heritage: Historic Hotels Worldwide named its 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels World Heritage Experiences list, spotlighting 25 heritage stays tied to UNESCO World Heritage Sites—an easy win for tourism and tech-enabled travel planning. Public Health & Medicines: Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister joined a PAHO/WHO orientation focused on strengthening cooperation, with emphasis on access to essential and high-cost medicines, including mental health and cancer treatments; meanwhile, the Department of Pharmaceutical Services issued a recall of three product types (Diovan 160mg, Atorvastatin 10/20mg, and Cetirizine 5mg). Disaster Readiness: ABRCS is advancing hurricane preparedness via a regional Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe, aiming for pre-agreed, pre-funded responses before disasters hit; separate training is also building radiation safety capacity across the region. Security Tech: Cabinet is considering a National Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal reviews still pending. Education Support: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29, cutting costs for back-to-school purchases. Water & Forecasting Tech: Antigua and Barbuda is receiving three ocean data buoys to strengthen forecasting and maritime safety, while OECS work with UN partners is improving data-driven services trade policymaking. Health Innovation: Antigua and Barbuda opened a dedicated sickle cell unit, building on newborn screening to shift care toward prevention, education, and ongoing support. STEM & Skills Pipeline: ABCAS opened a late application window (Aug 19–21) and is expanding agriculture, tourism, fine arts, and science/health services options.

Citizenship by Investment Shockwave: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” warning Caribbean governments to stop leaning on CBI cash as EU pressure tightens and immigration becomes “weaponized” by major powers. Public Health & Medicines: Antigua’s Health Minister Michael Joseph met PAHO/WHO to align on priorities, including better access to essential and high-cost medicines for mental health and cancer care. Law & Order Tech-Adjacent Policy: Cabinet outlined new measures to tackle gun crime, including planned minimum/maximum sentencing legislation for serious gun offences and sexual offences against minors. Disaster Readiness (Early Action): ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund humanitarian steps before cyclones hit. Drones for Security: Government is considering a National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance, incident assessment, and emergency response, with privacy and legal checks still underway. Weather & Maritime Upgrades: Antigua and Barbuda received three ocean data buoys to strengthen forecasting and maritime safety, with local training for operation and maintenance. School Cost Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29. Radiation Safety Training: A regional programme is training professionals to manage radiation-related risks across healthcare and research. Health Recall: Three pharmaceutical products were recalled (Diovan 160mg; Atorvastatin 10mg/20mg; Cetirizine 5mg), urging people to check affected batches.

Public Safety & Justice: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet says it’s moving to strengthen the criminal justice system amid rising gun-related crime, including planned legislation for minimum/maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors. Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society is advancing hurricane preparedness with a regional Early Action Protocol workshop, aiming to trigger pre-agreed, pre-funded help before disasters hit. Radiation Skills: A regional training programme is building radiation protection and safety capacity across the English-speaking Caribbean, addressing a shortage of qualified professionals. Drone Security Network: Government is considering a US-backed National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal reviews before any deployment. Weather Warnings Upgrade: Caribbean nations are rolling out Impact-Based Forecasting and Common Alerting Protocol training, shifting alerts toward “what it means” for communities. Food & School Cost Relief: ABST will drop to zero for food items and a wide range of back-to-school supplies on Aug 28–29, with guidance expected for qualifying products. Water & Tech for Resilience: WOTA and Antigua and Barbuda are deepening a partnership on water resilience, while the country received ocean data buoys to boost forecasting and maritime safety. Health Innovation: Antigua and Barbuda has opened a dedicated sickle cell unit focused on prevention, education, and ongoing support.

Public Safety & Justice: Cabinet says it’s moving toward new legislation setting minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors, after discussions on rising gun-related violence. Disaster Readiness: ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to help trigger pre-agreed, pre-funded hurricane response before disasters hit. Radiation Safety Training: A regional radiation protection course is training professionals across the English-speaking Caribbean to strengthen safety and emergency preparedness as ionising tech expands. Drone Security Plan: Government is reviewing a proposed National BVLOS drone security network for surveillance and faster incident assessment, with privacy and legal checks still underway. Weather Forecasting Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda is set to receive SOFAR ocean data buoys to improve forecasting and maritime safety, with local training for operation and maintenance. Education Support: ABST will drop to zero for two days (Aug 28–29) on qualifying food items and back-to-school supplies. Agriculture & Water Tech: Antigua and Barbuda participants are in China training on irrigation, soil monitoring and smart farming, aiming to tackle local water scarcity. Health Services: Antigua and Barbuda opened a dedicated sickle cell unit focused on prevention, education and ongoing support, building on newborn screening since 2020.

Public Safety Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet says it’s moving to tighten the criminal justice response to rising gun-related crime, including proposed minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun offences and sexual offences against minors, with stakeholder consultations before legislation heads to Parliament. Drone Security Plan: Government is weighing a US-backed National Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone security network for aerial surveillance, faster incident assessment, and support for police and defence—plus training for local operators—while stressing no final purchase decision yet. Disaster Readiness Upgrade: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society is strengthening hurricane preparedness through a regional Early Action Protocol approach, aiming to trigger pre-agreed, pre-funded help when forecasts predict disasters. Radiation Safety Training: A regional radiation protection and safety course is building specialist capacity across the English-speaking Caribbean, addressing a long-standing shortage of qualified professionals. Weather Warnings That Act: Caribbean meteorology and disaster partners are rolling out workshops on the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based forecasting so warnings translate into coordinated action. Water & Forecasting Tech: Antigua and Barbuda is set to receive ocean data buoys to boost forecasting and maritime safety, supporting a “Meteorological Renaissance” with local training for operations and maintenance. School Cost Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29, easing back-to-school expenses. Agriculture Skills Abroad: Antigua and Barbuda participants are training in China on irrigation, soil monitoring, water management, and smart farming, with an action plan to tackle local water scarcity and improve food production.

Public Safety & Justice: Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet says it’s moving toward new legislation to set minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors, after discussions on rising gun-related crime and violence. Disaster Readiness (Red Cross): The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to help trigger pre-agreed, pre-funded humanitarian actions before disasters hit. Radiation Safety Training: A regional radiation protection and safety course under the UWI STAR framework is training professionals across the English-speaking Caribbean to strengthen emergency preparedness as ionising technologies expand. Drone Security Network: Government is considering a US-backed National Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone network for surveillance, incident assessment, and support for police and defence—pending legal, privacy, and security reviews. Education Cost Relief: ABST will drop to zero for qualifying food items and school supplies on Aug 28–29, with the Inland Revenue Department set to guide businesses and shoppers. Weather Tech Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda is slated to take part in CAP and impact-based warning workshops aimed at making alerts more actionable for emergency response. Agriculture & Water Tech: Antigua and Barbuda participants are in China for agricultural training, and WOTA is deepening its partnership on water resilience. Health (Sickle Cell): Antigua and Barbuda opened a dedicated sickle cell unit focused on prevention, education, counselling, and ongoing support. Maritime Forecasting: The country received three ocean data buoys to improve forecasting and maritime safety. Scholarships & Skills: ABCAS opened a late application window (Aug 19–21) and sports officials warn scholarship access abroad is tightening, pushing more support toward local pathways.