AGP Executive Report

Cricket (Local Spotlight): Sri Lanka piled up 549/9 declared in the 2nd Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, leaving West Indies 58/1 at stumps on Day 2 and trailing by 491 runs, with John Campbell 31* and Kavem Hodge 6* after Brandon King fell for 17. Local Sports (Athletics): Zonique Charles won women’s javelin silver at the OECS Championships in St. Kitts with a new Antigua and Barbuda national record throw of 42.92m. Local Sports (Track & Field): Geolyna Dowdye also struck gold in the women’s 200m, setting a new OECS Championships record of 23.28 seconds. Community & Health: The Ministry of Health says Grays Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will remain open 8:00am–9:00pm, offering general consultations and minor emergency care. Security & Justice: A Regional Security System programme concluded with 20 officers and prosecutors completing training to strengthen criminal prosecution across member states. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies met China’s ambassador to discuss support for a High-Performance Center at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. Travel/Regional Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may affect air quality.

OECS Sports Spotlight: Zonique Charles won women’s javelin silver at the OECS Championships in St. Kitts, throwing 42.92m to set a new Antigua and Barbuda national record. Track & Field Records: Geolyna Dowdye added another gold in the women’s 200m, clocking 23.28s to break the championships record. First Medal for Antigua & Barbuda: Christopher Johnson grabbed the country’s first OECS medal, taking silver in men’s shot put with 16.31m. Cricket at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: Sri Lanka piled on to declare 549/9 in the second Test, with Sonal Dinusha (92) and Kusal Mendis (69) steering a 143-run sixth-wicket stand; West Indies closed day two on 58/1. Local Health Access: The Ministry of Health says Grays Farm and Clare Hall health centres will stay open 8am–9pm. Public Safety Warning: PM Gaston Browne warned residents about a fake investment ad using his image and voice. Housing Update: Final preparations continue for the Booby Alley Redevelopment Project’s official opening, including plans for parking, sewage, waste and maintenance. Regional Security: CARPHA inaugurated a Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen disaster and outbreak response across 26 member states.

Cricket at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: Sri Lanka ended Day 1 of the second Test on 338/5 after Lahiru Udara struck a maiden Test century (188) and Kamindu Mendis made 84, putting the visitors in control and setting up a Day 2 push for West Indies wickets. CHOGM security prep: Police have started a public awareness campaign ahead of next Friday’s Hard Lockdown Security Exercise, warning of temporary road closures, restricted security zones and traffic diversions. Migration policy update: The government says it will publish a White Paper on proposed U.S. third-country national relocation, laying out the background, risks and conditions for any cooperation, with a Special Session planned for the week of July 13. Scam warning: PM Gaston Browne cautioned residents about a fake investment video using his image and voice, urging people to rely on official channels. Public health for the region: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen emergency coordination across 26 member states. Local governance & services: Final preparations are underway for the Booby Alley Redevelopment opening, with officials also reviewing long-term operations like parking, sewage, waste and maintenance. Justice: A man was jailed for 3½ years after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting his five-year-old great-niece. Education spotlight: The Ministry of Education celebrated top performers from the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment, including top national student Denushka Gibbs, top male Marlensky Salien and third overall Necasia Ralph.

Cricket (WI vs SL): Lahiru Udara made a maiden Test century (188) and Kamindu Mendis struck 84 as Sri Lanka recovered from 25-2 to 338-5 at stumps on day one of the second Test in Antigua, after West Indies won the first match by 217 runs. CHOGM Security Prep: Police have started a public awareness push ahead of next week’s CHOGM hard lockdown security exercise, warning of temporary road closures, restricted zones and traffic diversions. Earthquake Update: A quake was recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Government & Policy: Antigua and Barbuda says it will publish a White Paper on its position regarding possible relocation of U.S. third-country nationals, stressing any memorandum is non-binding and any requests would be considered case-by-case. Local Governance & Health: The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board of directors was sworn in at Government House. Education: The Ministry of Education released Grade Six National Assessment results, naming Denushka H. Gibbs top overall, Marlensky J. Salien top male, and Necasia B. Ralph top government primary performer. Youth & Community: Hopeful Hearts Foundation arrived in Barbuda for a July 3–5 outreach mission, including school supplies and a mural project. Public Safety: Police report a shooting in Christian Street that left a 16-year-old in critical condition and a 17-year-old with non-life-threatening injuries. Arts & Culture: ABTA opened the call for artists and creatives to help shape Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 (Nov 11–18). Utilities: APUA marked 53 years of electricity, water and telecommunications service. Carnival: Cabinet approved an EC$5.2 million Carnival 2026 budget and set up a finance committee to oversee spending.

Crime Update: Police say a 16-year-old is in critical condition after a shooting on Armstrong Road in St. John’s left a second teen injured; the gunman fled and investigators are appealing for witnesses. U.S. Deportation White Paper: Government confirms it signed a non-binding Dec. 19, 2025 MoU with the U.S. on possible third-country nationals transfers, but says Antigua and Barbuda will only consider cases if Washington covers full costs and lifts blanket visa restrictions. Immigration Amnesty: The 2026 amnesty opened July 2, giving undocumented residents until September to regularise status, with eligibility limits for repeat applicants. Public Safety Crackdown: Cabinet says police will more aggressively remove illegal ski masks in public, while discussions continue on possible social media access limits for children under 16. Sports—West Indies vs Sri Lanka: West Indies head into the second Test focused on sealing the series; Kemar Roach is monitored after a hamstring issue. Local Sport & Youth: ABAVA named Antigua’s ECVA U20 beach volleyball teams for July 10–12 in St. Kitts, and the Antigua Cup youth football tournament starts July 5. Health & Community: Minister Michael Joseph toured the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, praising traceability and oversight systems.

Public Safety Crackdown: Cabinet says police will intensify enforcement against illegal ski masks in public, with officers removing the items from people found wearing them outside work-related use. Youth Online Protection: Government has begun discussions on restricting social media access for children under 16, but stresses no decision or ban is in place yet. Immigration Regularisation: Antigua and Barbuda opened its 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme, giving eligible undocumented residents until September to regularise status, with application and fee requirements outlined by the Immigration Department. Third-Country Nationals White Paper: Government published a White Paper on possible reception of certain removed third-country nationals from the U.S., saying the issue involves sovereignty, security, public finance and social stability and must be handled clearly and transparently. Crime & Courts: Barbadian cricketer Shaqkere Parris pleaded guilty to battery and was fined, after an incident involving a taxi driver at a resort; he also later received bail in related court coverage. Violence Update: Police are investigating a Grays Farm shooting that left two teenage boys wounded. Local Development: Cabinet approved EC$5.2m for Carnival 2026 while tightening oversight at the Festivals Commission; it also backed plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park and to develop Perry Bay-Keeling Point with a marina, housing and commercial lots, pending environmental assessments. Education & Community: UWIFIC and the Ecclesiastical Commission signed an MOU for a Caribbean-focused lifelong learning series; ABCAS held its inaugural graduation; and Kiwanis launched “Bright Eyes” vision support for vulnerable children. Sports Spotlight: West Indies’ Kemar Roach reached 300 Test wickets, while the West Indies Academy and local youth cricket selection activity continues to feed the region’s pipeline.

World Bank Classification: Antigua & Barbuda has been rated “high income” in the latest World Bank Country Income Classification, based on 2025 Gross National Income per capita (Atlas Method), with the high-income threshold set at more than US$14,375 per person. Health & Prevention: Minister Michael Joseph opened a workshop linking food, soil and the environment to disease prevention, stressing that public health starts long before the doctor’s office. Emergency Care Upgrade: Joseph also congratulated ABEMS critical care paramedic Brandon Browne on completing a Master’s in Acute Medicine, saying it strengthens local emergency services. Immigration Amnesty: The 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme opened July 1, giving eligible undocumented residents until September to regularise status, with specific documentation and fees outlined by the Immigration Department. Public Safety: Police are investigating two teenage boys shot in Grays Farm; one victim is in critical condition after a chest wound. Culture & Tourism: Applications are open for Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 (Nov 11–18), inviting artists and creatives to exhibit and propose satellite events. Regional Security: Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed support for regional intelligence cooperation at the 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting in St. John’s.

Commonwealth CHOGM Prep: Antigua’s airport authority has completed two tabletop security exercises at VC Bird International to test emergency response and coordination ahead of CHOGM 2026 in November. Cricket Update: West Indies’ Shai Hope has been cleared after a shoulder injury and is available for the second Test against Sri Lanka, while the squad also includes Keemo Paul for a surprise recall. Immigration Amnesty: Antigua’s three-month immigration amnesty starts July 1, with guidelines requiring applicants to have lived in the country for at least four years, submit police records, and pay set processing and change-of-status fees. Public Safety: Police are urging the public not to confront a wanted man from St. Kitts and Nevis, asking anyone with information to contact CID or Crime Stoppers. Reparations & Education: The ABRSC named winners of its 2026 reparatory justice essay competition and announced Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as the feature speaker for the Watchnight Gathering on July 31. Health & Training: Nurses at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre completed medication safety refresher training to strengthen patient care. Sports Tourism: The Caribbean Corporate Games will run a family activation weekend in Antigua from August 28–30, with more sports still being confirmed.

ICC Rankings Shake-Up: Ishan Kishan has overtaken Abhishek Sharma to become the world No. 1 T20I batter, while Australia’s Travis Head moved to top spot among Test batters as Joe Root slipped to No. 3. OECS Leadership: The OECS reappointed Dr Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, citing his role in regional priorities like digital transformation and healthier communities. West Indies Cricket (Antigua): Ahead of the second Test vs Sri Lanka, Daren Sammy credited batting coach Floyd Reifer for the team’s improved form, and Guyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul was added to the squad. Tourism & Sports Economy: Antigua and Barbuda is set to host the Caribbean Corporate Games, with organisers targeting 1,500 visitors and linking the event to a broader push to grow a “tourism economy.” Local Development: Antigua Slipway launched phase two of the Marine Railway redevelopment in English Harbour, with construction expected to begin in late July. Citizenship Debate: Opposition Senator Malaka Parker urged a fair, humane immigration pathway for non-nationals, warning against relying on recurring amnesties. Health Leadership: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched its first six-month Leadership Development Programme to strengthen leadership across clinical and administrative teams.

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: PM Gaston Browne says Europe could tighten travel rules and potentially end visa-free access by year-end, warning the EU may not be satisfied with an electronic travel authorisation approach. Port Expansion Plans: Government is considering cutting down Rat Island to create more land for St John’s port container storage as Antigua pushes to grow transshipment links. Energy Talks: Antigua is exploring an undersea geothermal power link from Nevis, but cost, approvals and timelines are still unclear. Carnival Spending Reset: ABFC has appointed a new Finance Committee to tighten financial control and spending ahead of Antigua Carnival 2026. Public Safety & Justice: Crime reports fell by 158 cases (Jan–May) year-on-year, while Opposition Senator Malaka Parker called for tighter safeguards in search warrant and electronic production order laws. Local Community Recognition: A street was named to honour netball legend Karen Joseph. Infrastructure Disruption: Overnight single-lane traffic restrictions are set for All Saints Road. Sports: Keemo Paul added to the Windies Test squad for the 2nd match vs Sri Lanka in Antigua.

CHOGM Prep: Antigua and Barbuda is stepping up security ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with a three-day Exercise STRONGHOLD running July 8–10 that will bring convoy activity, temporary road closures and restricted access around key northern roads, AUA, and parts of St John’s. Fatal Accidents Bill: Senators passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, replacing the 1924 law and creating a new wrongful-death framework, including a bereavement award capped at $20,000, plus wider dependent coverage and protections against compensation being reduced by insurance or Social Security. Regional Finance: The ECCB will mark 50 years of the EC dollar’s US peg with a July 1 panel discussion on the peg’s progress and future role. Energy Update: PM Gaston Browne says LNG shipments could start arriving within a month for the Crabbs Peninsula power plant, after dredging delays linked to hard rock. Flood Readiness: A national early warning workshop advanced end-to-end flood forecasting and warning processes, laying groundwork for a new Urban and Flash Flood Information System. Education Quality: ABNAB marked its 20th anniversary, renewing calls for strong quality assurance in higher education. Sports: Cricket West Indies congratulated Kemar Roach on reaching 300 Test wickets as West Indies beat Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Antigua. Travel Troubles: LIAT passengers from St Kitts reported hours-long delays, poor communication, and lack of meals or refreshments.

CHOGM Prep: Antigua and Barbuda is stepping up for CHOGM 2026 with a major security exercise, Exercise STRONGHOLD, set for July 8–10, bringing temporary road closures and restricted access around key northern roads, AUA routes, and parts of St John’s. Local Governance: The Senate is now fully constituted after Barbuda Council representative Fabian Jones was sworn in, completing the 17-member Upper House. Energy & Infrastructure: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua could start receiving LNG shipments within a month for the Crabbs Peninsula power plant, with delays blamed on hard-rock dredging. Education & Standards: ABNAB marks 20 years of accreditation and quality assurance in higher education, while UWI warns the public about a fraudulent website using its name. Public Services: Census response is running behind, and officials warn funding could be at risk if participation stays low. Road Safety & Justice: The Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 passed in the Senate, expanding wrongful-death compensation and introducing a bereavement award up to $20,000, with debate also highlighting road injuries and the need for psychological support. Regional Solidarity: India launched “Operation Amistad” for Venezuela earthquake relief, and CARICOM is preparing a coordinated aid shipment.

LGBTQ Deportees: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will not accept LGBTQ individuals under the US third-country deportee plan, arguing the country already has “enough” and that any arrivals must be thoroughly vetted. Local Accountability: In a letter, residents complain APUA roadworks in Newfield have left roads dusty, water missing, and sidewalks repeatedly dug up—calling it a lack of supervision and accountability. Flood Readiness: Antigua is developing new flood forecasting and warning procedures, shifting from predicting rainfall to predicting impacts, with a Standard Operating Procedures push and an Urban Flash Flood Information System. Senate Focus: Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant urged newly appointed senators to put the national interest first, reading a letter from National Youth Parliament alumni. Justice Update: La-Shanti Cooper pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in the 2023 crash that killed Keane Gregoire; a case management hearing is set for Sept. 25. Sports: West Indies crushed Sri Lanka in the first Test in Antigua, with Kemar Roach taking 300 Test wickets. Humanitarian Aid: Antigua will send US$150,000 to Venezuela for earthquake relief.

West Indies Cricket in Antigua: Kemar Roach took his 300th Test wicket as West Indies crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with Roach finishing 4/51 and Sri Lanka bowled out for 101; the win also puts West Indies 1-0 up in the series. Record Batting: Amir Jangoo’s 233 and Roston Chase’s 194 powered a historic 401-run sixth-wicket stand, lifting West Indies to 626/9 declared. Local Sports Loss: Queen’s Park Cricket Club and the wider cricket community mourned the death of former West Indies player Charlie “Charlie” Davis, aged 82. Citizenship by Investment: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will keep its CIP running even if the EU ends visa-free access, arguing it’s vital non-tax revenue. Tourism Update: Government has revised the Jolly Beach plan to preserve about 200 rooms while setting aside roughly 20 acres for a new private hotel project. Public Safety: Police are investigating a shooting that wounded two teenagers on South Street; injuries are not life-threatening. Weather Watch: A tropical wave may bring showers and possible thunderstorms later today and tonight.

Cost of Living Push: OECS is studying cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic and possible tariff suspensions to lower prices for households. U.S. Deportees Talks: PM Gaston Browne says the U.S. is pressuring Antigua and Barbuda with “a gun to our heads” over a third-country deportee deal, insisting on safeguards for public safety and health. Renewable Energy Plan: Government says it will acquire a major solar plant within 24 months and open the door for Antiguans and Barbudans to invest in renewable power. LNG Dispute Settled: Browne says an LNG contractor claim was rejected and a compromise reached, clearing the way for shipments to start within about a month. Visa-Free Warning: EU has warned Antigua and Barbuda could lose Schengen visa-free access by year-end over Citizenship by Investment concerns, with the government seeking high-level talks. Humanitarian Aid: Antigua and Barbuda pledges US$150,000 for Venezuela earthquake relief. Mental Health in Schools: WISH donates UNESCO-supported “Be Kind to Your Mind” posters to Parham Primary School. Cricket Spotlight: Amir Jangoo’s 233 and Roston Chase’s 194 power West Indies to 626/9 declared, a 318-run lead over Sri Lanka, with a record 401-run sixth-wicket stand. Sports Loss: West Indies batter Charlie Davis dies at 82. Local Business: Celia Samuel elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for 2026–2027. Antigua Carnival Countdown: Festival returns July 25–Aug 4 under the theme “Feel the Rhythm.”

Cricket Fever in Antigua: Amir Jangoo smashed a maiden Test double-century (233) and captain Roston Chase hit 194 as West Indies piled up 626/9, then declared with a 318-run lead over Sri Lanka on Day 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Sri Lanka closed on 15/1 in their second innings, still 303 behind. Humanitarian Response: Antigua and Barbuda pledged US$150,000 to help Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, with PM Gaston Browne citing the island’s own experience with Hurricane Irma and Venezuela’s past aid to evacuate Barbuda. UN Gender Rights Win: Sheila Roseau was elected to the UN CEDAW committee, giving Antigua and Barbuda another major leadership role at the UN. Local Governance & Titles: Government defended PM Browne’s lifetime use of “The Right Honourable,” pointing to a Vice-Regal Warrant issued in December 2025. Business Leadership: Celia Samuel was elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for 2026–2027. Safety & Crime: Police are investigating a daylight gold chain robbery on Armstrong Road where a 63-year-old man was stabbed during the struggle. Ebola Preparedness: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre began mandatory Ebola response training for clinical staff. Antigua Carnival Countdown: Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, running July 25 to Aug. 4 under the theme “Feel the Rhythm.”