AGP Executive Report

Smart Utilities Upgrade: APUA is pushing a US$25m Advanced Metering Infrastructure overhaul, aiming to automate electricity and water readings and give customers clearer daily usage data. Biosecurity & Science Policy: Antigua and Barbuda strengthened biological security through a UN workshop tied to the Biological Weapons Convention, including training for the country’s confidence-building measures reporting. Cyber Readiness: The ICT Ministry launched a national Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both respond to attacks and prevent incidents, working with security partners as threats evolve. Health Capacity Building: PAHO/WHO brought Eastern Caribbean clinicians together for simulation-driven training to manage severe infections and critical illness, with Antigua and Barbuda among participating countries. AI Skills for Youth: The ECCB wrapped its Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, showcasing chatbot and multimedia projects built to support the ECCU’s Big Push agenda. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, offering potential access to financing and de-risking support. Tech & STEM Education: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to support Antigua’s new TechByte STEM Academy launch in September 2026. Climate & Disaster Alerts: Regional efforts continued to strengthen early warning systems and common alerting standards ahead of hurricane season. Investment Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch an Island Investment Forum in the Maldives to attract investment and support sustainable development across SIDS.

Cybersecurity Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda launched a Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both respond to attacks and prevent them, with the ICT Ministry rolling it out at the John E. St Luce Conference Centre. AI Skills for Youth: The ECCB wrapped its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects from young innovators across the ECCU. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Antigua and Barbuda among eligible countries and support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica moved to strengthen disaster early warning capacity, while the region also pushed the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) approach to make alerts faster and clearer. Water + Food Tech Push: Cabinet backed expanded water access and a drive to boost local food production, including a tissue culture lab at Bethesda for disease-free planting material. Health Capacity Building: PAHO/WHO supported Eastern Caribbean training to improve critical care skills for severe infections and pandemic preparedness. Investment Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch an Island Investment Forum in the Maldives to attract sustainable investment for small island states. Royal Attention on CHOGM: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s eight-day Caribbean tour, ending in Antigua for CHOGM 2026. Community Safety Message: An open letter urged young people in Antigua and Barbuda to adopt “Before you shoot, think” as gun violence prevention becomes a national priority.

Cybersecurity: Antigua and Barbuda launched a Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both respond to attacks and prevent incidents, with airport and security readiness highlighted. 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 funding and de-risking support. 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 regional services like banking, ports, water, and social security. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica’s Common Alerting Protocol workshop reinforced multi-hazard early warning systems, stressing trusted, timely alerts to save lives across the region. Water & Food Tech: Government moves to expand water access and boost local food production, including a tissue culture lab at Bethesda for disease-free planting material. Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO supported severe infection and critical care simulation training for Eastern Caribbean clinicians, including Antigua and Barbuda participants. Royal Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s eight-day Caribbean tour, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting stops tied to CHOGM 2026. STEM for Schools: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the TechByte STEM Academy launching in September 2026. Sustainable Investment: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch an Island Investment Forum aimed at attracting investment and supporting sustainable development in small island states.

Cybersecurity: Antigua and Barbuda launched a Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) to both respond to attacks and prevent them, with training and coordination built in. 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 banking, ports, water services, and more. Renewables Finance: IRENA is inviting renewable energy proposals across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica is strengthening disaster early warning capacity through a Common Alerting Protocol workshop, with regional partners including WMO and CMO. Water & Food Tech: Government moves to expand water access and boost local food production, including a tissue culture laboratory for disease-free planting material. Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO supported simulation-based training for severe infections and critical care across seven Eastern Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed PAHO/WHO representative duties for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering Antigua and Barbuda among others. STEM for Schools: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units for St. John’s Catholic School’s TechByte STEM Academy launch in September 2026. Investment Platform: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch an Island Investment Forum in the Maldives, aimed at attracting investment and supporting sustainable development across SIDS. Climate & Biodiversity: Calls are growing for COP31 to focus on funded, practical solutions—not just promises—while ocean and climate groups push for stronger action.

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.