AGP Executive Report

Public Safety Tech & Data Sharing: Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers says international cooperation is key to Antigua and Barbuda’s fight against cross-border crime, citing partnerships with INTERPOL that enable intelligence sharing, cyber-crime tackling, and access to training and investigative technology. Legal Education Upgrade: UWI Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association signed an MOU to strengthen legal training as the LLB programme launches, with the Bar helping shape curriculum, mentoring, and plans for a student law society and journal. Forensics Capacity Boost: Cabinet says the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services Bill, 2026, is set for Parliament on Sept. 18 to formalize stronger forensic examinations supporting criminal investigations. Ocean Policy & Science-Based Use: A new opinion piece argues Antigua and Barbuda’s stance on sustainable ocean use is grounded in law and science, pushing back on claims that the country’s position depends on aid. Early Childhood Agriculture: A school garden at Simon Bolivar Pre-School is highlighted as a hands-on model for teaching agriculture, nutrition, and motor skills. Africa-CARICOM Day: Prime Minister Gaston Browne calls for practical Africa–Caricom cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, tourism, transport, culture, and people-to-people links. Climate Warning for Small States: Commentary says the world has broken the 1.5°C promise, warning small states shouldn’t take on more debt for damage they didn’t cause.

Mobile Data Costs: Broadband Genie ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband price at about $0.27 per 1GB, based on 3,446 SIM-only plans—useful context for how affordability debates play out across the region. Legal Education Boost: UWI Five Islands and the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association sign an MOU to strengthen the new LLB pipeline with mentoring, curriculum input, and plans for a student law society and law journal. Cybersecurity Upgrade: The government launches AB govCIRT, a dedicated cyber incident response team, bringing together police, defence, health, ministries, airport services, and ISPs to better detect and respond to digital threats. Forensics Modernisation: Cabinet moves toward creating a distinct forensic services institution via the Forensic Services Bill, aimed at supporting investigations with stronger scientific capability. Agriculture in Early Learning: Simon Bolivar Pre-School’s garden program is highlighted as a hands-on model for teaching agriculture, building skills through planting, harvesting, and even picking tea leaves. Regional Tech-Ready Governance: Prime Minister Holness stresses that digitising parliaments must keep human judgement central—technology should serve democracy, not replace it. Ocean Policy & Science: A prime ministerial message argues Antigua and Barbuda’s stance on sustainable ocean use is grounded in law and science, not outside funding.

Education & Food Systems: As schools reopen, Simon Bolivar Pre-School’s garden is being highlighted as a hands-on model for early agriculture learning—kids transplant seedlings, harvest produce, and even pick tea leaves, building nutrition habits and fine motor skills. Public Safety Tech & Training: The Royal Police Force marked UN International Day of Police Cooperation with INTERPOL, stressing cross-border help for intelligence sharing, cyber-enabled crime response, and tracking illicit firearms and drugs. Digital Government: Antigua and Barbuda launched an AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to strengthen how government prepares for, detects, and responds to cybersecurity threats. Climate Pressure on Small States: A new global warning says the world has broken its 1.5°C promise, arguing climate-vulnerable small states shouldn’t be forced into more debt for damage they didn’t cause. Africa-CARICOM Day: PM Gaston Browne used Africa-CARICOM Day to call for practical cooperation—trade, investment, technology, education, tourism, transport, culture, and people-to-people links—with better air connectivity as a key lever. Forensics Upgrade: The Forensic Services Bill is set for Parliament on Sept. 18, aiming to formalize stronger forensic capability for modern investigations. Energy & Industry: Nevis geothermal drilling is moving toward kickoff after a final rig inspection in Iceland, with operations expected within 60 days.

Climate Accountability: UNEP says the world has already broken the 1.5°C promise, and small states like Antigua and Barbuda shouldn’t be forced to borrow more to pay for damage they didn’t cause. Cultural Restitution: The British Museum is set to hold talks with Caribbean slavery-reparations campaigners over returning sacred Caribbean “zemi” artefacts, including Taino sculptures. Digital Security: Antigua and Barbuda launched an AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to strengthen how government prepares for, detects, and responds to cyber threats. Forensics Upgrade: A Forensic Services Bill will go to Parliament on Sept. 18 to formalize forensic capability for criminal investigations. Energy Tech: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual meter readings and give customers clearer usage data. Geothermal Momentum (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland. Parliament in the Digital Age (Nevis): Nevis is taking part in a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference on keeping parliamentary decorum as AI and digital tools reshape governance. Tourism Skills (Antigua): Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers/supervisors graduate from a hospitality leadership programme with FIU, focused on analytics, leadership, and capstone problem-solving. Tech & Policy (Regional): Holness says technology should serve democracy, not replace human judgement, as parliaments modernize.

Cultural Repatriation: The British Museum will hold talks with Caribbean slavery-reparations campaigners over returning sacred Taino “zemi” sculptures and other artefacts taken during colonial rule, with Jamaica’s culture minister Olivia Grange expected to press the case. Regional Tech & Governance: Antigua and Barbuda’s forensic services are set to become a distinct legal institution under a bill heading to Parliament on Sept. 18, as officials say modern investigations increasingly rely on scientific work. Cybersecurity Upgrade: The government has launched an Antigua and Barbuda Cyber Incident Response Team (AB govCIRT) to strengthen how the country prepares for, detects, and responds to digital threats. Energy Tech: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m smart meter overhaul (AMI) to automate readings and give customers clearer usage data. Science & Biosecurity: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop, building capacity for Biological Weapons Convention reporting and peaceful-use safeguards. Nevis Geothermal: Nevis geothermal drilling is on track after a final rig inspection in Iceland, with operations expected to start within 60 days.

Canal Leadership Milestone: Panama’s Ilya Espino de Marotta takes over as administrator of the Panama Canal Authority this Monday, becoming the first woman to lead the waterway since it returned to Panamanian control—bringing decades of engineering and sustainability experience. Digital Security for Government: Antigua and Barbuda launched an AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to strengthen how the state prepares for, detects, and responds to cyber threats, with law enforcement, ministries, and private-sector partners onboard. Smart Utility Upgrade: APUA is moving toward a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to cut manual meter readings and give customers clearer, more frequent usage data. Forensics Bill in Parliament: Antigua and Barbuda’s Forensic Services Bill, 2026, is set for a September 18 parliamentary slot to formalize stronger forensic capacity for investigations and justice. Nevis Geothermal Drilling: Nevis cleared a final rig inspection milestone in Iceland, with drilling expected to start within 60 days as the 30MW geothermal push advances. Regional Tech & Governance: Nevis is taking part in the CPA conference on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including youth discussions on AI’s impact on the Caribbean’s digital future.

Cybersecurity Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda launched its AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to better prepare for, detect, and respond to digital threats, with law enforcement, ministries, and private internet providers onboard. Smart Utilities: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m smart meter overhaul using Advanced Metering Infrastructure to automate readings and give customers clearer usage details. Forensics Reform: The Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services Bill, 2026, is set for Parliament on Sept. 18 to formalize stronger forensic capacity for criminal investigations. Geothermal Push (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland cleared the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” for shipment. Digital Governance (Nevis): Nevis representatives joined the CPA conference in Jamaica on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including youth parliament discussions on AI. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and financing accelerator.

Cybersecurity Boost: Antigua and Barbuda launched its Government Cyber Incident Response Team (AB govCIRT) to better prepare for, detect, and respond to cyber threats, bringing together law enforcement, ministries, the airport authority, and private internet providers. Smart Utilities: APUA is pushing ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual meter reads with automatic data transmission and give customers clearer usage details. Forensics Upgrade: The Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services Bill, 2026, is set for Parliament on Sept. 18 to formalize forensic capability for criminal investigations. Biosecurity Training: A UN workshop helped strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s biological security awareness and support its Biological Weapons Convention confidence-building measures. Geothermal Progress (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland, clearing the way for shipment and mobilisation. Digital Governance (Nevis): Nevis leaders joined the CPA conference in Jamaica on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with youth parliamentarians discussing AI’s impact. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, for potential financing support. Arts & Culture: Mexican curator Cuauhtémoc Medina was appointed for the 25th Bienal de Arte Paiz in Guatemala and Antigua (Nov 2027–Feb 2028). Marine Policy: Antigua and Barbuda’s push to review commercial whaling quotas gained a new African co-sponsor (Togo), drawing criticism from conservation groups.

Forensic Services Bill: Antigua and Barbuda’s Forensic Services Bill, 2026 is set for Parliament on Sept. 18, aiming to formalize stronger forensic examinations to support police and prosecutors. Cybersecurity Push: The government has launched the Antigua and Barbuda Government Cyber Incident Response Team (AB govCIRT) to prepare for, detect, and respond to cyber threats, with law enforcement, ministries, and private-sector partners onboard. Smart Meter Overhaul: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to cut manual meter readings and give customers clearer, more frequent usage data. Digital Governance at CPA: Nevis is taking part in the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica under “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including youth talks on AI and parliamentary decorum. Geothermal Drilling Timeline: Nevis geothermal drilling is expected to start within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland, clearing the way for shipment and mobilization. Renewables Financing Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, with support via its financing and de-risking platforms. Press Freedom Legacy: A new retrospective revisits Leonard “Tim” Hector’s long fight with the state over Outlet newspaper, including court battles and attacks tied to major political controversies. Art & Culture: Cuauhtémoc Medina has been appointed curator for the 25th Bienal de Arte Paiz (Nov 2027–Feb 2028), with Antigua and Guatemala City included.

Forensic Reform: Antigua and Barbuda’s Forensic Services Bill, 2026 is set for Parliament on Sept. 18, aiming to formalize stronger forensic examinations to support police and prosecutors using modern scientific methods. Cybersecurity Upgrade: The government has launched the Antigua and Barbuda Government Cyber Incident Response Team (AB govCIRT) to improve how threats are detected, responded to, and prevented across public systems. Smart Utility Tech: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual meter readings with daily automated data to a central server, giving customers clearer usage details. Geothermal Push (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is on track after a final rig acceptance inspection in Iceland; drilling operations are expected to start within 60 days, supporting a planned 30MW development. Digital Governance (Nevis): Nevis is taking part in the CPA conference in Jamaica on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with youth parliamentarians also set to tackle AI’s impact on the Caribbean’s digital future. Renewables Financing Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, with support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Biosecurity Training: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop aligned with the Biological Weapons Convention, including preparation for confidence-building measures reporting. Tourism Talent (Antigua): Six Sandals Grande Antigua leaders graduated from a hospitality leadership diploma programme with Florida International University, focused on analytics, financial management, and practical leadership projects. Whaling Debate: Togo has cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the IWC meeting in Hobart, with Antigua and Barbuda named as the spearhead—drawing criticism from conservation groups.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Antigua and Barbuda launched the AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to improve readiness, detection, and response to digital threats, bringing together police, defence, airport and health services, plus private internet providers. Energy Tech: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual meter reads with daily automated data sent to a central server, giving customers clearer usage details. Geothermal Progress (Nevis): Nevis geothermal drilling is set to start within 60 days after an independent acceptance inspection cleared the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” rig in Iceland; NEVLEC is building local technical capacity ahead of mobilisation. AI & Skills (ECCU): The ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp in the Eastern Caribbean ends with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects aimed at banking, credit reporting, electricity, ports, social security, taxation, and water services. Biosecurity: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop tied to the Biological Weapons Convention, including training for confidence-building measures reporting. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Parliament in the Digital Age: Nevis leaders are taking part in the CPA conference on keeping parliamentary decorum intact while embracing digital tools, with a virtual youth parliament focused on AI.

Cybersecurity Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda launched an AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to boost government readiness, detection, and response, with partners from law enforcement, ministries, the airport, healthcare, and private ISPs. Smart Utilities: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual meter reads, send usage data to a central server, and give customers clearer consumption timing. Geothermal Progress (Regional): Nevis’ geothermal drilling is set to begin within 60 days after a final rig acceptance inspection in Iceland cleared the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” for shipment. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA is calling for renewable energy project proposals across the Caribbean and Central America, including solar, wind, geothermal, and green transport, with potential support via its financing platforms. Biosecurity & Training: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop tied to the Biological Weapons Convention, including preparation for confidence-building measures reporting. Tourism Talent: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors graduated from a hospitality leadership diploma programme with FIU, focused on analytics, leadership, and practical capstone projects. Marine Policy Clash: Togo cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the IWC, drawing criticism from conservation groups; the draft was spearheaded by Antigua and Barbuda.

Cybersecurity Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda launched an official Cyber Incident Response Team (AB govCIRT) to help the government prepare for, detect, and respond to cyber threats, bringing together law enforcement, ministries, airport and health services, and private internet providers. Smart Utilities: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to replace manual meter readings with daily automated transmissions and give customers clearer usage details. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Antigua and Barbuda included, aiming to unlock financing and de-risking for solar, wind, geothermal, e-mobility, and green industrialization. Biosecurity Capacity: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop tied to the Biological Weapons Convention, including training for confidence-building measures reporting. Regional Tech Skills: The ECCB wrapped its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with young innovators set to showcase chatbot and multimedia projects supporting banking, electricity, ports, and social services. Energy Project Watch: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin within 60 days after a final rig inspection in Iceland clears mobilisation. Marine Protection Debate: Togo cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas, a move spearheaded by Antigua and Barbuda that conservation groups say undermines the global moratorium.

Cybersecurity Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda launched its AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to boost government readiness, detection, and response, with law enforcement and private-sector partners onboard. Smart Utilities: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to cut manual meter readings and give customers clearer daily usage data. Geothermal Push (Nevis): Nevis cleared a final rig inspection in Iceland; the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” is set to ship and drilling should start within 60 days, supporting a planned 30MW geothermal build. AI Skills for ECCU: The ECCB wrapped its Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with young innovators showcasing chatbot and multimedia projects tied to banking, electricity, ports, and public services. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the region for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Biosecurity & Compliance: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop tied to the Biological Weapons Convention and confidence-building measures reporting. Tourism Talent: Sandals managers and supervisors graduated from a hospitality leadership diploma programme with FIU, focused on analytics, leadership, and real operational capstones. CHOGM Royal Spotlight: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2026 Caribbean tour includes Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026.

Cybersecurity: The Antigua and Barbuda Government has launched its AB govCIRT cyber incident response team to improve how the country prepares for, detects, and responds to digital threats, with support from law enforcement, ministries, the airport authority, and private internet providers. Digital governance: Prime Minister Andrew Holness told delegates that technology should modernise parliaments without replacing human judgement or eroding the dignity at the heart of democracy. Utilities tech: APUA is moving ahead with a US$25m smart meter overhaul under an Advanced Metering Infrastructure plan, aiming for automated readings and clearer customer usage data. STEM & AI skills: The ECCB’s 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is wrapping with a showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects from young innovators across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Energy & climate: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Tourism talent: Sandals Grande Antigua supervisors and managers completed a hospitality leadership diploma programme with FIU, including a capstone focused on real operational challenges.

Cybersecurity & Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda launched a national Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both prevent and respond to cyber attacks, working with security partners as threats evolve. Smart Utilities: APUA is moving toward a US$25m automated metering system (AMI) to cut manual meter readings and give customers clearer, more frequent usage data. Biological Security: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop tied to the Biological Weapons Convention, including training for the country’s first Confidence-Building Measures report. Early Warning Systems: Regional work continues to improve disaster alerts using the Common Alerting Protocol, with a focus on faster, clearer warnings that reach the right people. Energy & Climate Finance: IRENA is calling for renewable energy project proposals across the Caribbean, with potential access to financing and de-risking support. Geothermal Progress (Nevis): Nevis inspected a drilling rig ahead of geothermal drilling expected to begin in the second half of 2026. STEM Push: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to support the upcoming TechByte STEM Academy. Royal Spotlight: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Antigua and Barbuda in late 2026 as part of an eight-day Caribbean tour ending with CHOGM 2026.