AGP Executive Report

CHOGM Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting preparations are moving steadily, with officials reporting progress across logistics, security, transport, accommodation, protocol and event management, plus strong local volunteer interest. Cruise Readiness: Tourism stakeholders were urged to raise service standards as Antigua charts future cruise growth, with the cruise season review highlighting that the visitor experience depends on everyone from port workers to taxi operators. Sports & Community Upgrade: The Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track for completion ahead of CHOGM, including new hard courts, lighting and fencing, with officials targeting substantial completion by Sept. 30. Tourism Marketing Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture landed on BBC MasterChef’s finals week episode, filmed at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay, giving the destination a major UK audience boost. Regional Tourism Business: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, announced during this year’s event in Antigua. Visa Shock Ripple: The US denied a visa renewal to newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief, adding to regional concerns about tighter US travel rules tied to citizenship-by-investment scrutiny. Language & Skills Push: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Spanish support from Spain, including lecturers, training and possible creation of a Spanish language and cultural institute—aimed at boosting tourism and workforce readiness. Sargassum Plan: Japan is being considered for technical assistance to turn sargassum into marketable products, tackling disposal challenges while creating new opportunities. Work Permits Tightened: Government plans stricter work permit rules, requiring proof of extensive vacancy advertising across multiple platforms to prioritize locals. LGBTQ+ Welcome Signals: Two Antigua resorts publicly reaffirmed LGBTQ+ inclusion, using social media ads featuring same-sex couples and “belonging is essential” messaging.

Work Permits: Government says it will tighten work permit rules, requiring employers to prove local vacancies were advertised across multiple independent platforms before foreign labor is approved. CHOGM 2026 Readiness: Preparations for the Commonwealth summit are advancing steadily, with strong international accommodation and travel interest; meanwhile, the Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track, and PM Browne has pledged funding to expand the pool as works near completion. Cruise Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing for stronger cruise growth and higher service standards as Rhapsody of the Seas continues summer off-season calls; Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez urged stakeholders to raise professionalism to protect the visitor experience. Regional Tourism Trade: CHTA has named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, signaling continued regional B2B momentum. Sargassum Plan: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical support to turn sargassum into marketable products, with disposal flagged as the main hurdle. Visa Shock Ripple: The U.S. visa denial of newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief (and reported denial for his wife) highlights tightening travel scrutiny across the region. On-the-Ground Safety: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound. Tourism Marketing Push: Antigua and Barbuda spotlighted at CTO Caribbean Week in New York, while Air Peace continues marketing the destination to Nigerian travelers.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first 2026 summer call to St. Kitts’ Port Zante, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits that keep cruise demand strong even in the off-season. CHOGM Prep & Sports Facilities: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Freeland and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill inspected the Potters Playing Field redevelopment, with three new hard courts (basketball, netball, volleyball) and covered seating for about 225 each, as work pushes toward completion ahead of CHOGM in November. Visa Pressure on Tourism Leaders: A U.S. visa renewal denial for newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief (and reports of his wife) is raising alarms across the region about tightening U.S. access tied to citizenship-by-investment screening. Public Health Advisory: Trinidad and Tobago activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to affected countries and adding enhanced screening for arrivals. Tourism Marketing Push: Air Peace is promoting Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travelers ahead of direct service, spotlighting major attractions to drive West African bookings. Safety at Sea: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound. Sustainability & Infrastructure: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives, focusing on sewage treatment upgrades in St. John’s and broader development priorities ahead of CHOGM.

Public Health Alert: Trinidad and Tobago has activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising people to avoid travel to Ebola-affected countries (DRC, South Sudan, Uganda) and to expect enhanced screening on arrival—no Ebola cases reported in the Caribbean so far. U.S. Visa Shock for Tourism Leaders: Dominica’s PM Skerrit declined to comment on the U.S. decision not to renew CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief’s visa, amid concerns the move is tied to partial travel restrictions affecting Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Safety on the Water: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive excursion near North Sound; an autopsy is expected. Sewage & Coast Protection: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives ahead of CHOGM 2026, flagging sewage treatment upgrades in St. John’s and broader resilience priorities. Tourism Marketing Push: Air Peace is promoting Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travelers ahead of direct service, spotlighting major attractions. Luxury Development: Construction has begun on the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, positioned as a premium tourism play with a focus on staff wages. Road Updates: Overnight detours are planned for All Saints Road works, with local access maintained. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Nevis launched its “Spring Into Summer” campaign to boost off-season arrivals with festivals, wellness and hotel packages.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed construction of the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, with PM Gaston Browne pitching premium stays and pledging support for staff pay and Vision 2030 tourism goals. Cruise Momentum: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ ship calls from June to September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9, bringing thousands and boosting local tourism businesses. Blue Economy in Schools: The Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a first-ever school-led public mural campaign, aiming to spread ocean stewardship messages at home. Sewage & Coast Protection: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives ahead of CHOGM 2026, focusing on sewage treatment upgrades in St. John’s and more accessible, resilient urban corridors. Airlift Marketing: Air Peace continues promoting Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travelers despite setbacks, highlighting direct service and key attractions. On-Island Safety Update: 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. Road Disruption: All Saints Road detours are planned overnight as major works run between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction.

Blue Economy Education Push: Antigua and Barbuda marked World Ocean Day by unveiling a new school-focused campaign, using a mural to bring Blue Economy messages to primary pupils and spread the word at home. CHOGM Prep Partnerships: Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative reps, flagging priorities like St. John’s sewage upgrades and more disability-friendly urban corridors ahead of CHOGM 2026. Luxury Tourism Investment: PM Gaston Browne welcomed construction of the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as premium, staff-focused luxury aligned with Vision 2030. Cruise Momentum: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ ship calls from June to September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9, bringing thousands of visitors. Safety Alert for Visitors: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. tourist who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound; an autopsy is expected. Roadworks for Travelers: Overnight detours are planned on All Saints Road between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction, with businesses staying open. Regional Tourism Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warned that U.S. visa renewal denials could disrupt Caribbean tourism and business travel. Nevis Off-Season Boost: Nevis launched its “Spring Into Summer” campaign with culture, wellness, adventure and hotel packages to attract visitors in the slower season.

Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy June–September run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more calls on June 17 and June 23, as the port expects 15+ cruise ship visits and thousands of visitors. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda used Caribbean Week in New York to push culture, heritage and Carnival, with a TV appearance highlighting Nelson’s Dockyard, Barbuda’s frigate bird sanctuary, local rum and Culinary Month. Airlift Push: New interline deals across the region aim to reduce hassle and cost from fragmented Caribbean air travel, improving connections for island-hopping passengers. Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denials tied to restrictions affecting Antigua and Barbuda could ripple through Caribbean travel and business. Local Jobs & Services: Jumby Bay Island advertised for an Estate House Gardener role supporting ultra-luxury grounds and guest-ready estates. Road Disruption: Overnight detours are planned on All Saints Road for major works, with businesses staying open. Industry Governance: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach redevelopment, setting aside a Royal Caribbean beach club plan and moving ahead with a leisure and event-focused vision. Safety & Enforcement: Four men charged after a major Pares Village cannabis seizure were granted $500,000 bail with strict reporting and travel conditions.

Drug Case in Court: Four men charged after a June 4 Pares Village raid—1,200+ pounds of cannabis seized—were granted $500,000 bail each, with strict reporting and travel limits. Tourism Leadership & Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority names Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, as stayover arrivals rise 7% in Q1 2026. U.S. Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denial could signal wider fallout for Caribbean travelers and tourism business ties. Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ ship calls from June to September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9. Road Works Detours: All Saints Road gets overnight detours (Buckley Line Roundabout to Herberts Junction) with one-way sections and flag persons. Regional Airlift Push: New interline partnerships aim to make hopping between Caribbean islands easier, reducing separate tickets and layovers. Fort James Plan: Cabinet backs Fort James Beach redevelopment, including about three acres of reclaimed land for an expanded leisure and event district.

Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy mid-year run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (after a June 3 stop) and more visits on June 17 and June 23, as the port expects 15+ cruise calls from June to September. Destination Spotlight: A new travel feature puts Dickenson Bay Beach front and center, praising its calm blue water, white sand, and the iconic red phone booth. Tourism Leadership: ABTA has named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as stayover arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026 and the authority pushes deeper global marketing. Regional Connectivity: New airline interline partnerships aim to reduce hassle for Caribbean travelers, including smoother links involving LIAT and Air Caraïbes for multi-island itineraries. Policy & Safety Watch: CHTA is urging smarter regulation of short-term rentals across the region, while Antigua police continue a search after two vessel crew members were wounded and robbed near Heritage Quay. Culture & Heritage: Antigua and Barbuda used Caribbean Week in New York to promote Nelson’s Dockyard, Barbuda’s frigate bird sanctuary, Culinary Month, and Carnival.

Tourism Awards: Antigua and Barbuda-backed Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York saw Barbados’ Andrea Franklin named Director of Tourism of the Year and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith take Minister/Commissioner of the Year. Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy June–September run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more visits on June 17 and 23, as the port expects 15+ ship calls and thousands of visitors. Airlift Push: New airline interline deals (including LIAT 2020 with Air Caraïbes) aim to make multi-island Caribbean travel easier with single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage. Destination Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as it targets stronger global growth. Infrastructure & Tourism Development: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach redevelopment, including about three acres of reclaimed land, plus shoreline protection and new leisure/event space. Culture & Festivals: Festivals Commission Board members were sworn in to oversee Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. On-the-ground Updates: Overnight All Saints Road detours are in place for major works, and police are investigating an attack and robbery on crew members near Heritage Quay.

Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port expects a busy mid-year run with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers), plus stops June 17 and June 23, as the port rolls out a June–September schedule of 15+ ship calls to lift tourism spending. Tourism Leadership: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer (effective June 1) and names Shermain Jeremy as Regional Tourism Director for the Caribbean and Latin America. Fort James Overhaul: Cabinet has taken over the Fort James Beach redevelopment, setting aside a Royal Caribbean beach club idea and approving shoreline protection, beach replenishment, vendor spaces, and a three-acre land reclamation for an expanded heritage and leisure district. Infrastructure for Travelers: Motorists face an overnight All Saints Road detour (Buckley Line Roundabout to Herberts Junction) from 5:00 pm Sat June 6 to 7:00 am Sun June 7, with local access maintained. Market & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal for single-ticket, through-booking travel across the Caribbean and onward to Europe. Safety Update: Police are investigating a wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay, with a backpack stolen.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals reportedly rose 7% in Q1 2026. Market Push: At CHTA Marketplace, St. Kitts Tourism Authority CEO Kelly Fontenelle said she’s targeting Latin America, highlighting connectivity and airline partnerships—an approach Antigua will likely watch closely. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal for single-ticket, through-checked itineraries across the Eastern Caribbean and onward to Europe. Short-Term Rentals: CHTA releases a comprehensive framework urging smarter regulation of Caribbean short-term rentals to balance growth with oversight. Fort James Overhaul: Cabinet takes over Fort James Beach redevelopment, including shoreline protection and plans to reclaim about three acres for a larger leisure and events district, setting aside a Royal Caribbean beach club proposal. On-the-Ground Updates: All Saints Road gets an overnight detour for major works. Culture & Calendar: Antigua promotes heritage and Carnival during Caribbean Week in New York, while the Festivals Commission Board is sworn in to oversee Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Resort Spotlight: The Verandah Antigua launches a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with pro clinics and camps. Safety Note: Police investigate a wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rise 7% in Q1 2026 and the destination pushes deeper into global markets. Global Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda lands major UK exposure with a BBC MasterChef Finals Week episode filmed at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay, showcasing local chefs and Antiguan cuisine. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage across the Caribbean and onward to Europe via Paris-Orly. Culture & Community: Twelve new members are sworn in to the Festivals Commission Board under the 2026 Act, tasked with overseeing Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Safety Update: Police seek suspects after a wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay; one victim is treated on scene, the other is in hospital (serious but stable). Infrastructure & Tourism Assets: Cabinet backs government-led redevelopment of Fort James Beach into a heritage and leisure attraction, including shoreline protection and vendor spaces. Language Policy: A new editorial argues Spanish as a second official language could strengthen ties with Latin America and better integrate the Spanish-speaking community.

Festivals Governance: Twelve members were sworn in to Antigua and Barbuda’s newly constituted Festivals Commission Board under the Festivals Commission Act 2026, with Elizabeth Makhoul as Chair and Ryan Johnson as Deputy—tasked with overseeing Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival for two-year terms. Tourism Leadership: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer (effective June 1) and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel across networks (including Antigua via V.C. Bird) with checked baggage through. Resort & Sports Tourism: The Verandah Antigua launches a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with clinics and a pro-led camp, positioning Antigua as a pickleball destination. Cruise Planning: SeaDream announced fall 2028 Caribbean voyages and New Year’s 2029 sailings with multiple overnights in St. Barths and stops including Antigua. Local Development: Cabinet approved a Fort James Beach redevelopment plan led by government, aiming to preserve heritage while expanding tourism and creating space for vendors and artisans. Public Safety: Police are searching for suspects after two vessel crew members were wounded and robbed near Heritage Quay.

Fort James Redevelopment: Cabinet has approved a government-led plan to redevelop Fort James Beach, aiming to protect its historical value while boosting tourism and recreation, including beach replenishment, shoreline protection, and reorganized vendor spaces. Safety & Security: Police are investigating an early-morning attack near Heritage Quay that left two vessel crew members wounded and a backpack stolen. Tourism Leadership: ABTA has appointed Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals reportedly rose 7% in Q1 2026. Pickleball Tourism: The Verandah Antigua launches a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with U.S. Open champion Frank Solana leading clinics and a premium training camp. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel across combined networks. Entry Rules Tightened: Antigua and Barbuda will not grant visa waivers for travelers departing from Africa amid heightened Ebola-related precautions. Road Works: Overnight detours are set for All Saints Road as major works continue. International Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda featured on BBC MasterChef in a Finals Week episode highlighting local cuisine and landmarks.

Tourism Leadership: ABTA has named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, aiming to build a stronger global brand and trade partnerships. Global Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda featured in BBC MasterChef’s Finals Week episode, with contestants cooking at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay. Luxury & Product Growth: The Verandah Antigua is launching “The Pickleball Pro Series” (June 8–17), while Nikki Beach’s $400M Residences at Jolly Beach is moving toward an early-2026 sales launch. Water Reality Check: APUA says production is at record levels, but residents still report gaps, with distribution issues and pipe aging blamed. Public Health & Travel Policy: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is pressing Government for a clear Ebola preparedness plan as visa waivers are halted for some African travelers and screening rules tighten. Regional Connectivity: Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe on the KARULINK project to improve maritime routes and mobility across the islands. Sports Tourism: Minister Michael Freeland says sports events are boosting Antigua’s economy beyond the racetrack, driving demand for stays and services. Infrastructure & Safety: NODS released the 2026 hurricane shelter list (46 shelters), and traffic updates continue for All Saints Road works.