Citizenship by Investment Pressure: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will keep its Citizenship by Investment Programme even if the EU ends visa-free access, calling it too vital to the economy while negotiations continue ahead of a possible end-of-year decision. Visa-Free Talks: Browne also argues for an electronic travel authorization as a “sensible” fix to address EU security concerns without “throwing the baby out with the bath water.” Deportee Negotiations: Cabinet backed Browne’s stance with the U.S. on a third-country deportee deal, insisting on safeguards and due diligence, and rejecting any acceptance of criminals or people with serious health conditions. Jolly Beach Overhaul: Government has shifted to a hybrid plan for Jolly Beach—preserving about 200 rooms and setting aside roughly 20 acres for a private luxury hotel investor. Tourism Jobs & Training: Hammock Cove workers have elected the ABWU, with a wage increase effective 1 July 2026; ABHTA also completed kitchen leadership training for hospitality staff. Next-Gen Tourism: Janica Adams was named Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the Tourism Youth Congress, with regional competition in Guyana in October. Passenger Tax Rise: Cabinet approved a US$10 increase in the passenger head tax to US$50 to support regional institutions like ECCAA and the ECSC. Antigua Carnival Countdown: Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, running July 25–Aug 4 with 11 days of soca, mas, steelpan and festival energy. Sports at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: West Indies beat Sri Lanka in the first Test by 217 runs, with Kemar Roach reaching 300 Test wickets.