AGP Executive Report
Last update: 7 hours agoDeportee Negotiations: PM Gaston Browne says the U.S. is pressuring Antigua and Barbuda with “a gun to our heads” over a third-country deportee deal, arguing the island needs safeguards to keep out criminals and people with serious health conditions. EU Travel Risk: Browne also warns the EU could end visa-free Schengen access by year-end tied to concerns around Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment programme, with the government pushing for a high-level fix via electronic travel authorization. Tourism Policy & Costs: Cabinet backs talks with the U.S. and approves a US$10 jump in passenger head tax to US$50, with extra revenue earmarked for regional aviation and justice bodies. Labour & Hospitality: Hammock Cove workers have elected the ABWU as their bargaining agent, with a July 1 wage increase and clearer public holiday pay terms. Carnival Countdown: Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, running July 25–Aug 4 under the “Feel the Rhythm” theme. New Tourism Leadership: Janica Adams has been named Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the 2026 Tourism Youth Congress, with the regional competition in Guyana in October. Resort Development: Government is moving ahead with the Fort James Renaissance Park via coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design.
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