AGP Executive Report

Drugs at the Airport: A 54-year-old pastor, Dean Robert Gould, was questioned after nearly 60 pounds of suspected cannabis were seized at V.C. Bird International Airport, with police saying the drugs were hidden in duffle bags. Medical Tragedy: Senior surgeon Dr. Subbiah Radhakrishnan (Dr. Krishnan) was found unresponsive outside his Belmont home; police are investigating and have not confirmed the cause of death. Public Accountability: PM Gaston Browne says the DPP should explain controversial prosecutorial decisions to maintain public confidence. Tourism & Investment: Browne announced a $6.5 million tax settlement with Sandals ahead of a major expansion, defended Sandals’ planned overwater bungalows, and outlined upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort plus talks with Club Med and TUI about acquiring it. Local Development: Construction is underway at Willoughby Bay; Cabinet also warned illegal structures in Barbuda could be demolished, and plans are moving for a Perry Bay housing-and-marina project. Work Permits: Government says work permit rules must protect jobs for nationals while still meeting genuine specialized-skill needs. Community & Culture: Two resorts publicly welcomed LGBTQIA+ travellers for Pride Month, and a new grand stage is being installed at the ARG for Carnival 2026.

Medical Tragedy: Police are investigating the death of senior surgeon Dr. Subbiah Radhakrishnan (Dr. Krishnan), found unresponsive outside his Belmont home on June 12; authorities have not confirmed the cause. Public Accountability: PM Gaston Browne says the DPP should explain controversial prosecution decisions to maintain public confidence, arguing independence isn’t immunity from justification. Education Funding: Browne says 130 people have already signed up for the UWI Five Islands law programme and proposes expanding the windfall tax beyond banks to help fund education. Tax System Scrutiny: Browne also questioned how ABST works for hotels, saying the input-output setup may let some businesses reclaim large amounts and reduce government revenue. Tourism Moves: Sandals agreed to pay the government $6.5 million in a tax settlement as it plans a major expansion; Browne also announced $13.5 million in upgrades for Jolly Beach Resort and said Club Med and TUI are interested in acquiring it. CHOGM Planning: Browne outlined “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point, an artificial beach and reef project aimed to be ready for CHOGM and designed to help resolve conflicts while teaching marine conservation. Work Permits: Cabinet says the work permit system must protect jobs for nationals, with employers expected to show genuine efforts to recruit qualified Antiguans and Barbudans first. Community & Culture: Two resorts publicly welcomed LGBTQIA+ travellers for Pride Month, and the Department of Culture announced a training workshop for Soca and Calypso adjudicators ahead of Carnival.

Work Permits: Cabinet says the work permit system must protect jobs for Antiguans and Barbudans, urging employers to show genuine efforts to recruit qualified nationals before hiring foreigners. Housing & Development: Perry Bay is set for a major mixed-use push, with 13 acres to be surveyed for condominium-style housing and a marina, following progress on the Bolans housing partnership. Barbuda Land Enforcement: Government warns unauthorized structures in Barbuda could be demolished as land laws and the Barbuda Land Registry drive enforcement. CHOGM Youth Planning: Twenty-three young people have been selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum international taskforce, to help shape the programme and logistics ahead of CHOGM in Antigua (1–4 Nov). Culture & Carnival: A new, larger grand stage is being installed at the Antigua Recreation Ground for Carnival 2026, alongside plans to upgrade the sound system. Tourism Inclusion: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa publicly welcome LGBTQIA+ travellers for Pride Month. Health & Community: The Health Minister paid tribute to surgeon Dr. Subbiah Radhakrishnan, while police continue investigating his death after he was found unresponsive outside his Belmont home. Education & Environment: Antigua and Barbuda students won top honours in the FCCA Foundation’s 2025 environmental poster and essay competitions.

Immigration Headache for World Cup: The Trump administration’s tightened U.S. entry rules are already derailing World Cup travel, with visa denials and “vetting concerns” stopping people from entering—highlighting the case of Somali referee Omar Artan. Local Justice & Accountability: PM Gaston Browne has pushed back hard on DPP Clement Joseph’s claim that he owes the public “no explanation,” warning it could weaken trust in the justice system. Work Permits Tightened: Cabinet says work permit approvals must prioritize hiring qualified Antiguans and Barbudans first, with stricter proof that vacancies were advertised widely. Back Pay Still Pending: Public servants report they’re still waiting on retroactive back pay promised after the election, as the budget cycle approaches. Health Community in Mourning: Tributes continue after surgeon Dr. Subbiah “Dr. Krishnan” Radhakrishnan was found dead outside his Belmont home; police investigations are ongoing. Culture & Youth: The Culture Department will train Soca and Calypso adjudicators, while 23 young people were named to help plan the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum in Antigua. Education Spotlight: Kaylei John-Baptiste topped the 40th National CSEC Awards, with leaders urging students to treat awards as a starting point. CHOGM Prep: Government says CHOGM planning is advancing across logistics, security, and protocol, with strong international interest.

Tourism & Business: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, the event’s 45th edition, announced at this year’s CTM in Antigua. CHOGM Prep: Cabinet says CHOGM 2026 planning is advancing across logistics, security, transport, and accommodation, with 800+ volunteers and 130+ liaison officers already lined up. Sports & Youth: Cabinet backed Antigua and Barbuda’s historic U-20 CONCACAF qualification, while coach Schyan Jeffers says the team is adding mental preparation for Mexico’s July tournament; Omar Al Somah also visited the squad. Local Development: PM Browne pledged funding to expand the Potters Playing Field swimming pool, as the wider redevelopment pushes toward a CHOGM-ready timeline. Labour Policy: Government plans to tighten work permit rules and require stronger proof that jobs were advertised widely to prioritize locals. Community Health: “Hope for the Future” held a public engagement on protecting children from unhealthy food marketing around schools. Culture on Screen: Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture featured on the BBC MasterChef final episode. Land Tensions (Barbuda): Barbuda Council rejects the government’s land registry and Crown lands sale plans, saying the moves are misleading and already before the courts.

Work Permits Tightened: Cabinet says Antigua and Barbuda will tighten work permit rules and require stronger proof that jobs were widely advertised locally before foreign workers are approved. CHOGM 2026 Push: Preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting are moving steadily, with hundreds of volunteers and delegation liaison officers already lined up, plus ongoing security and logistics planning. Potters Sports Upgrade: PM Gaston Browne has pledged funding to expand the Potters Playing Field swimming pool as the wider redevelopment nears completion ahead of CHOGM. Barbuda Land Registry Fight: The Barbuda Council is pushing back hard against the government’s plan for a Barbuda Land Registry and the sale of Crown lands, saying the island’s lands are not for sale and the matter is headed to court. Tourism Standards: The tourism minister urged cruise stakeholders to raise professionalism and service quality as Antigua targets stronger cruise growth. Education Wins: Antigua and Barbuda honoured top performers at the 40th National CSEC Awards, including Kaylei John-Baptiste as Student of the Year. Visa Shock in Tourism: The newly elected CHTA president, Gregor Nassief, was denied a US visa renewal, raising concerns about wider Caribbean travel and investment fallout. Sports Spotlight: The U20 team’s CONCACAF preparations continue with support from striker Omar Al Somah, while ABFA says top-tier football returns to the Antigua Recreation Ground on a trial basis. Health & Youth Advocacy: A community engagement drive focused on protecting children from unhealthy food marketing around schools.

Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 countries on safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, using an IATA workshop in Port of Spain to strengthen regional lab and pandemic readiness. CHOGM Infrastructure Push: PM Browne pledged funding to expand the Potters Playing Field swimming pool, while officials say the wider Potters redevelopment is on track for completion ahead of CHOGM 2026, with hard courts, lighting, and security upgrades progressing. Jobs First Policy: Cabinet moved to tighten work permit rules and widen public access to vacancies, aiming to give Antiguans and Barbudans a better shot before foreign workers are approved. Regional Leadership Call: PM Browne urged OECS leaders to go beyond “routine leadership,” backing bolder moves like improving regional air transport through shared investment. Barbuda Land Fight: The Barbuda Council rejected a government land registry push, saying island lands are “not for sale” and warning the plan is meant to mislead the public. Health Alert: Trinidad and Tobago activated precautionary Ebola measures for travellers from DRC, South Sudan and Uganda, with enhanced screening on arrival. Visa Shock Hits Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, adding to wider Caribbean concerns about tightened travel and CBI-linked scrutiny. Community & Culture: Festivals Commission unveiled 2026 Queen of Carnival contestants, while Miss Abigail Piper’s regional pageant plans changed after visa issues, with her set to compete in another event later this year.

Land Rights Clash in Barbuda: The Barbuda Council is pushing back hard against Cabinet-backed plans for a Barbuda land registry and land sales, saying the moves are meant to mislead the public and that “the People’s land will not be accepted or allowed” to be registered and sold without the island’s consent; the matter is before the courts with hearings noted for June 9 and June 11. CHOGM Works Update: Officials inspected the Potters Playing Field redevelopment as construction speeds toward CHOGM 2026, with hard courts, lighting, fencing and security upgrades, and targets for major completion by late September. Carnival Spotlight: The Festivals Commission unveiled the seven contestants for Queen of Carnival 2026, each sashed by sponsors and supported by the reigning queen, as preparations intensify. Health & Safety: The Health Ministry activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to affected countries and adding enhanced screening for arrivals in Trinidad and Tobago; locally, SLBMC reported 1,074 pediatric emergency visits so far in 2026. Tourism Pressure Point: Antigua and Barbuda’s growth forecast was revised down to about 4% for 2026 as fuel and food costs rise amid global tensions. Community & Culture: A “Ride for a Cause” backed by cancer support groups highlighted solidarity with local cancer survivors, while the National Archives faces ongoing roof leaks despite climate-control repairs. Regional Access Shock: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association leader Gregor Nassief’s U.S. visa renewal denial is being linked to wider CBI-related travel restrictions affecting the region.

CHOGM Prep & Sustainability: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative reps to line up support for CHOGM 2026 priorities, including upgrades to St. John’s sewage treatment and plans for more accessible, disability-friendly urban corridors. Tourism Marketing: Air Peace is pushing Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travellers with a campaign spotlighting key sights and promoting the airline’s direct service. Public Health Demand: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre says its Pediatric Emergency Department has handled 1,074 children’s visits so far in 2026. Local Infrastructure: Works on All Saints Road trigger an overnight detour (June 9, 7pm to June 10, 7am), and the Ministry of Works is using smaller concrete trucks to reach tight roadwork sites. Community & Culture: A CHOGM mural made from recycled bottle caps features Sir Rodney Williams and Sir Vivian Richards, blending sustainability with public engagement. Sports & Youth: Overseas-based A&B U20 players returned to step up training for next month’s CONCACAF U20 Championship in Mexico. Safety & Crime: Police are investigating the death of a U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound; separately, two Mack Pond residents were charged in the Sheldon Dias murder case.

CHOGM 2026 Buzz: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says billionaire Elon Musk is “showing some interest” in attending the Commonwealth Business Forum alongside CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda, though nothing is confirmed yet. Blue Economy & Schools: The Department of the Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a new mural campaign involving primary pupils, aiming to spark household-level action on ocean stewardship. Sewage & City Access: Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative reps ahead of CHOGM, flagging St. John’s sewage treatment upgrades and more disability-friendly urban corridors as priorities. Accreditation Fees Explained: ABNAB says its accreditation price increase is driven by higher training costs, expanded responsibilities, and the need to meet international standards. Centenarians Honoured: PM Browne and Governor General Sir Rodney Williams visited the nation’s oldest centenarians during Centenarian Week, praising them as “living treasures.” Living Wage Reality Check: A panel warns a living wage is achievable but will take years, with costs likely landing on businesses and then consumers. Tourism Pressure: Opposition tourism MP Andrea Purkiss again criticized the cruise sector’s decline, arguing Jamaica is losing market share while others boom. Roadworks Update: Major All Saints Road detours run nightly from 7pm Tuesday to 7am Wednesday, with flag persons on site. Health Warning: A medical official says heat and dehydration cases are already appearing, urging extra care for elderly and people with limited mobility. Police & Safety: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound; an autopsy is expected.

AI and governance debate: Letters to the editor warn that rapid AI rollout, corporate greed, and weak regulation could enable dystopian surveillance and even autonomous harm. Tourism investment: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed construction of the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as premium, staff-focused luxury tourism. Sports—West Indies cricket: Cricket West Indies named a 15-man T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series in Jamaica, with new faces including Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew. Regional security and drugs: Four men were charged after a major Pares Village cannabis operation seized about 1,200 pounds of cannabis; bail was set at EC$500,000. Health—heat risk: A medical official says patients are reporting dehydration and heat-related symptoms as El Niño-driven temperatures are expected to intensify. Border and mail operations: Post and customs teams are reforming workflows after announcing a regional summit to improve security and streamline international mail handling. Earthquake update: After a 6.4 quake near Cuba, authorities say there’s no tsunami threat to Antigua and Barbuda. Community and environment: PABRO, with ABEF funding, is tackling illegal dumping at Byams Wharf to protect a key biodiversity area.

Drug Bust Court Case: Four men were charged after police dismantled an unlicensed cannabis plantation near Pares Village, seizing 158.1 pounds of cured cannabis and 1,119.1 pounds of plants; Rodwell McCurdy, Vincent Isaac, Garry Creighton and Javen Ryner were granted bail of EC$500,000 each with strict reporting and witness-interference conditions. Education & Agriculture: AUA donated 20 whiteboards and flip charts to ABCAS, with much of the support earmarked for the incoming School of Agriculture programme. Customs & Postal Reform: Post Office and Customs are overhauling joint workflows, sending a delegation to a regional summit in San Salvador to tighten border security and streamline mail processing. CHOGM Momentum Through Art: Organisers invited residents to add bottle caps to a growing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting mural at the Antigua Recreation Grounds, building public engagement ahead of 2026. Health Warning: A medical association vice president says patients are showing dehydration and heat-exposure symptoms as El Niño-driven heat is expected to intensify. Election Oversight: A Commonwealth Observer Group’s final report urges urgent constituency boundary reform, warning outdated seat sizes could undermine equal suffrage. Local Safety & Work Notices: All Saints Road detours are planned for major works, and police also reported a break-in charge against Tristan Armstrong.

Drug Enforcement: Four Antiguan men were charged and granted bail after police dismantled an unlicensed cannabis plantation near Pares Village, seizing 158.1 pounds of cured cannabis and 1,119.1 pounds of plants. Sports & Youth: ABFA’s U20 Concacaf Championship trip to Mexico is budgeted at about US$230,000, with medical and acclimatisation support flagged as key. Public Safety Recognition: RSS deputy executive director Atlee Rodney received a NOBLE International Presidential Award for regional law-enforcement leadership. Education & Culture: Macmillan Education Caribbean opened entries for its second “New Branches” Poetry Competition, adding an Upper Secondary category and Caribbean-themed prompts. Climate Preparedness: The Met Office warned that every month brings some hazard, with summer carrying the heaviest risks. Governance & Justice: Commonwealth observers urged faster resolution of election petitions and called for urgent constituency boundary review. Tourism & Community: Antigua Cruise Port expects a busy June–September season with Rhapsody of the Seas returning and more than 15 calls scheduled. National Affairs: PM Browne and the Governor General paid tribute at Sir Aziz Hadeed’s official funeral, highlighting his service and business impact.

Football & Youth Sports: ABFA’s newly appointed General Secretary Zorol Barthley says Antigua and Barbuda’s U20 Concacaf Championship run in Mexico could cost about US$230,000, with extra focus on medical and acclimatisation support. Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA chief Elizabeth Riley praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience framework, calling it a national roadmap for protecting lives and livelihoods as hazards evolve. National Remembrance: Antigua and Barbuda marked the passing of Sir Aziz Hadeed with an official state funeral, with tributes highlighting his business leadership, public service, and quiet philanthropy. Climate Watch: The Met Office warned there’s no “safe” month, mapping year-round hazards from hurricanes and drought to winter swells and UV risks. Tourism Momentum: Antigua Cruise Port expects a busy June–September period with more than 15 cruise ship calls, including Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9. Sports Fixtures: All Saints United will face Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Academy in the CFU Club Shield Round of 16 in July. Road & Daily Life: Overnight detours are planned on All Saints Road for major works, with traffic guidance in place.

Tourism Push: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy mid-year season, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning on June 9 and more visits on June 17 and 23, as the port expects 15+ cruise calls from June to September. Local Governance & Justice: Cabinet approved a dedicated night court for traffic offences, expected to start within weeks, and Parliament is set to debate new powers over derelict buildings on June 16. Cost of Living: Fuel subsidies will continue even as APUA’s daily fuel bill climbs to about $886,000. Child Support Enforcement: Government is moving toward stronger collection tools, including MainCollect and options like salary deductions for repeat child maintenance defaulters. Elections & Reform: Commonwealth observers praised the April 30 election as peaceful and transparent, but urged urgent constituency boundary review and changes to how votes are counted. Migration Talks: Antigua and Barbuda says it will not accept up to 120 third-country deportees proposed by the U.S., and is awaiting a response to its counterproposal. Education & Community: Two new preschool centres are planned, and JCI Antigua donated water tanks to Bendals Primary School. Climate Resilience: Antigua signed a five-year disaster defence framework, as drought and heat warnings intensify.

Language & Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s move to make Spanish a second official language is being framed as a major step toward deeper ties with Latin America, with Latin delegations reacting enthusiastically. US Immigration Fallout: A Rhode Island federal judge struck down Trump-era US immigration policies that paused asylum and other decisions for people from 39 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, calling the delays unlawful. Disaster Preparedness: Antigua signed a five-year national framework to strengthen hurricane, drought and all-hazards resilience, aligning national plans with CDEMA and global risk-reduction goals. Road & Court Moves: Major overnight detours are set for All Saints Road works, and Cabinet has approved a dedicated night court for traffic offences within weeks. Child Support Overhaul: Government backed MainCollect, a digital platform to modernise child maintenance payments, with Cabinet also weighing salary deductions for repeat defaulters. Local Governance & Economy: Cabinet approved taking over Fort James Beach redevelopment from Royal Caribbean talks, and shifted fisheries complex management to Antigua Fisheries Limited. Climate Pressure: The Met Service reports rainfall down 91% and warns of hotter conditions, urging drought and heat preparedness. Sports & Culture: The weightlifting team is training in Barbados ahead of regional games, while the Festivals Commission Board was sworn in to steer Carnival and other major events.