AGP Executive Report

Cruise Infrastructure: St. Kitts and Nevis has broken ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aimed at modernising facilities and enabling 2027 home-porting operations, with upgraded passenger processing, security and immigration tech. Education & Workforce: Prime Minister Drew visited the Basseterre High School construction site, pushing back on claims that work was stalled and pointing to active local employment; separately, Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with the City of Hamburg to build future-ready training for sustainable sectors. Higher Education & Agriculture: Drew met Southern University officials to expand a framework for higher education access, research opportunities, and agricultural extension support for food security and workforce development. Energy & Utilities: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley apologised after a fuel surcharge was reintroduced on electricity bills without advance notice, following public complaints; PM Drew also reiterated conservation as relief measures near their July 31 deadline. Tourism & Culture: The SCASPA-led terminal push lands alongside fresh tourism momentum, while the Nevis Mango Festival gets National Bank sponsorship and Wet Fete 2026 returns with regional acts including St. Kitts’ Kolission Band. Regional Energy Talks: Antigua is exploring a subsea electricity cable from Nevis to import geothermal base-load power, with discussions already underway. Public Service: Government announced an official funeral for former Deputy PM Hugh C. Heyliger, with national mourning July 7–9.

Tourism Infrastructure: St. Kitts has broken ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, aiming to shift from port-of-call stops to home-porting by November 2027. Energy & Utilities: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley apologised after a sudden fuel surcharge hit electricity bills, following complaints of sharp increases; the NIA previously spent $28.9m to cushion households from oil shocks. Regional Leadership & Diplomacy: Philip J. Pierre begins CARICOM’s rotating chairmanship as Dr. Terrance Drew’s term ends amid public controversy, while Drew faces renewed criticism over CARICOM’s response to Venezuela’s earthquake disaster. Creative Economy & Skills: The Prime Creative Arts Centre is progressing under the Citizenship by Investment Public Benefit Option, with studios, theatres, workshops and a market block designed to grow local talent and jobs. Water Security: PM Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24-hour water supply after roughly EC$100m in desalination, pipelines and wells. Energy Resilience Talks: Antigua is exploring an undersea cable from Nevis to import geothermal base-load power. Local Food & Agriculture: “Eat Local Day” promoted locally produced food, highlighting farmers, fishers and agro-processors. Public Service: The government announced an official funeral for former Deputy PM Hugh C. Heyliger (July 7–9). Mobility & Passports: A Global Passport Index update points to widening gaps in global travel access, with St. Kitts and Nevis cited for strong citizenship-by-investment outperformance. Health Services: St. Kitts appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital to launch in-country public cardiology services.

Cruise Infrastructure: St. Kitts has broken ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, aiming to shift from port-of-call stops to true home-porting by November 2027. Energy & Regional Power: Antigua is exploring a subsea electricity link from Nevis to import geothermal base-load power, as St. Kitts pushes energy and water conservation while fuel/import relief runs to July 31. Water Security: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now gets 24-hour water supply after major desalination and pipeline investments. Creative Economy: The Prime Creative Arts Centre is progressing under the Citizenship Programme’s Public Benefit Option, with studios, theatres, workshops, and training; Nevis producer Jamal Jean-Jacques is spotlighted for music and film work, and Creative Power Arts Convention 2027 will feature Machel Montano and Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor. Agriculture & Food Culture: Eat Local Day promotes locally produced food, and National Bank sponsors the Nevis Mango Festival (July 2–5). Public Health & Services: St. Kitts appoints its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital. National Affairs: Former Deputy PM Hugh C. Heyliger will receive an official funeral with three days of mourning (July 7–9). Regional Politics: CARICOM chairmanship has passed to Philip J. Pierre as scrutiny continues around the prior Drew tenure and CARICOM’s Venezuela earthquake response.

Geothermal & Power Links: Antigua is exploring an undersea electricity cable from Nevis, aiming to buy geothermal “base-load” power to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels, though costs, approvals and timelines are still unclear. Energy Relief & Household Costs: PM Terrance Drew says St. Kitts and Nevis’ targeted fuel and import relief runs to July 31, with government already spending over EC$80 million on electricity subsidies, urging people to manage usage. Creative Economy Build-Out: Prime Minister Drew and Citizenship Unit chair Calvin St. Juste inspected the Prime Creative Arts Centre under the Citizenship by Investment Public Benefit Option, a new hub for studios, theatres, artisan workshops and training. Water Security Push: Drew reports about 70% of St. Kitts now has reliable 24-hour water supply after roughly EC$100 million in desalination, pipelines and wells. Local Food & Agriculture: Eat Local Day in Basseterre spotlighted farmers, fishers and agro-producers, with residents encouraged to buy locally made meals and products. Regional Culture & Tourism: The Nevis Mango Festival gets a National Bank sponsorship ahead of July 2–5, backing local agriculture and visitor spending. Public Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis appoints its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital to launch in-country public cardiology services. State Commemoration: The government announced an official funeral for former Deputy PM Hugh C. Heyliger, with a three-day mourning period starting July 7. Music Festival Economy: The St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up after three nights at Warner Park, with major international acts and strong visitor momentum.

Prime Creative Arts Centre Progress: PM Terrance Drew and Citizenship Unit chair Calvin St. Juste toured the Prime Creative Arts Centre site, a Public Benefit Option project expected to add studios, exhibition space, artisan workshops, classrooms and performance venues to grow youth skills and the creative economy. State Funeral for Hugh Heyliger: The government announced a three-day Official Funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger (July 7–9), honoring his work as an economist, agriculture minister, educator and planning unit director. Water Security Push: Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now gets reliable 24-hour water supply after roughly EC$100 million in infrastructure, including the first public desalination plant. Regional Energy Talks: Antigua is discussing an undersea cable with St. Kitts and Nevis to support geothermal-linked baseload power and cut reliance on imported fuel. Nevis Mango Festival Sponsorship: National Bank is sponsoring the July 2–5 Nevis Mango Festival, backing local agriculture, food and tourism. Eat Local Day: St. Kitts’ Agriculture Department hosted Eat Local Day at Independence Square to spotlight farmers, fishers and agro-processors and boost demand for locally produced food. Destiny Project Stalled: On Nevis, the US$1bn Destiny Project remains frozen pending federal approval, with sovereignty and regulatory oversight still in dispute. JNF Hospital Upgrade: Drew inspected the refurbished Private Ward at JNF General Hospital ahead of its reopening. St. Kitts Music Festival Wrap: The 28th festival concluded after three nights of major regional and international acts, with Warner Park buzzing throughout.

Official Funeral: St. Kitts and Nevis will hold an Official Funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, honoring his decades of public service including roles in agriculture, education, and national planning. Disaster Relief: Guyana’s private sector and government are mobilizing relief containers for Venezuela after major earthquakes, with St. Kitts and Nevis already contributing three containers (food and pharmaceuticals). Creative Economy & Construction: Prime Minister Drew and Citizenship Unit chair Calvin St. Juste inspected the Prime Creative Arts Centre under the Citizenship by Investment Public Benefit Option, a new cultural hub with theatres, studios, workshops, and a market block. Water Security: Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24-hour water supply after roughly EC$100 million in desalination, pipelines, and well drilling. Energy & Renewables: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with early wells and plans for grid upgrades and possible St. Kitts–Nevis power export. Regional Power Link: Antigua is exploring a subsea electricity cable to Nevis to access geothermal baseload power. Agriculture & Food: Eat Local Day in Basseterre spotlighted farmers, fishers, and agro-producers, pushing demand for locally made food. Tourism & Culture: St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank sponsors the Nevis Mango Festival (July 2–5). Health Services: St. Kitts and Nevis appoints its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital, expanding in-country public cardiology. Music Industry: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wraps up after three nights, with major acts drawing record-level crowds and boosting visitor momentum.

St. Kitts Music Festival wrap: Warner Park closed the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival after three nights of nonstop regional and international hits, with standout sets from Boyz II Men, Fantasia, and Beres Hammond, plus local energy that kept crowds singing through the finale. Creative economy push: Prime Minister Drew and Citizenship Unit chair Calvin St. Juste inspected the Prime Creative Arts Centre, funded under the Public Benefit Option, aimed at boosting local artists with theatres, recording studios, workshops, and a market block. Sustainable Island agenda: Drew outlined a 10-year vision for 100% renewable energy, cheaper power, 24-hour water access, stronger local food production, and more chances for generational wealth. Water security gains: Drew said about 70% of St. Kitts now has reliable 24-hour water supply, supported by major investments including a desalination plant. Local food spotlight: Eat Local Day in Basseterre promoted farmers, fishers, and agro-producers, with community meals priced at EC$25. Energy cooperation: Antigua is exploring an undersea cable with St. Kitts/Nevis to support baseload electricity and geothermal-linked resilience. Nevis geothermal drilling: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, starting with five wells and paving the way for future power exports. Health upgrade: St. Kitts appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital, expanding in-country public cardiology services. Agriculture support: East Caribbean Feeds ECGC donated animal feed to strengthen livestock production and food security. Regional diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership focus on security, climate resilience, and trade. Festival industry momentum: Creative Power Arts Convention 2027 in St. Kitts will feature Machel Montano and Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor as facilitators.

Seismic Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged residents not to panic after major Venezuela earthquakes, saying the events disrupted the Caribbean Plate but aren’t clearly tied to the same fault system; the centre is seeing a small rise in regional quakes and reminded the public to stay ready. Water Security & Infrastructure: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now gets reliable 24-hour water, up from just over 20% in 2022, after roughly EC$100 million in works including the first public desalination plant and new pipelines. Energy Transition: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with five wells planned first and upgrades aimed at a future renewable power export link to St. Kitts. Healthcare Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital, expanding in-country public cardiology services as part of the Sustainable Island Agenda. Regional Trade & Security: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership with a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Music & Tourism Boost: The St. Kitts Music Festival kept momentum with major acts and strong visitor arrivals, while the Creative Power Arts Convention 2027 announced Machel Montano and Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor as facilitators. Road Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris and accidents on public roads.

Water Security & Infrastructure: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now gets 24-hour water after roughly EC$100m in upgrades, including the first public desalination plant producing 2 million gallons daily. Sustainable Growth Vision: Drew also laid out a 10-year Sustainable Island State Agenda goal of 100% renewable power, cheaper energy, reliable water, more local food production, and digital services. Nevis Energy Plan: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with five wells first, public engagement planned, and upgrades aimed at exporting excess renewable power across the Narrows. Healthcare Upgrade: JNF Hospital’s refurbished Private Ward is moving toward reopening after a major overhaul, with PM Drew inspecting progress ahead of the return of services. Cardiology Milestone: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital to launch an in-country public cardiology service. Regional Policy & Trade: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership with a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Investment & Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a suite of financial-sector and virtual asset amendments to strengthen compliance and international credibility. Road Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris hazards on public roads. Creative Economy & Tourism: The Creative Power Arts Convention 2027 will feature Machel Montano and Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor as facilitators, while the St. Kitts Music Festival continues to draw visitors and spotlight regional music.

Canada–CARICOM Partnership: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership in Panama, agreeing a results-focused action plan on regional security, climate resilience, and trade. Nevis Destiny Project: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the US$1bn Destiny Project remains stalled because federal sign-off is missing, while PM Terrance Drew reiterates constitutional sovereignty and federal checks. Healthcare & Jobs: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital, a push under the Sustainable Island Agenda to expand in-country care. Energy & Industry: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with five wells first, aiming to build a renewable power base and future St. Kitts–Nevis interconnection. STEM & Skills: ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across the ECCU, boosting digital transformation skills. Festival Economy: The St. Kitts Music Festival ramps up with major soca and regional acts, plus festival logistics upgrades at Warner Park—good news for tourism and local vendors. Finance Integrity: Parliament passed a suite of bills covering financial regulation and virtual assets, strengthening the federation’s global credibility. Road Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris hazards on public roads.

Healthcare Upgrade: Prime Minister Terrance Drew announced the Federation’s first in-country cardiology service at JNF Hospital, welcoming Cuban interventional cardiologist Dr. Angel Luis Olivera as part of the Sustainable Island Agenda. Regional Security & Climate: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership with a refreshed action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Nevis Energy Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley linked global conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions to higher costs and warned of knock-on effects for St. Kitts and Nevis. Renewables Push: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with five wells planned and upgrades aimed at powering both islands and enabling exports via an undersea interconnection. Financial Sector Integrity: Parliament passed a suite of bills covering financial services, virtual assets, gaming controls, and anti-terror/anti-proliferation updates. STEM for Youth: ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories. Festival Economy: St. Kitts Music Festival momentum is building with major arrivals and Warner Park preparations ahead of the June 25–27 run, boosting tourism during a slower season. Agriculture Support: The Ministry of Agriculture received animal feed donations from East Caribbean Feeds ECGC to strengthen livestock output and food security. Road Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris hazards on public roads.

Tourism & Events: St. Kitts Music Festival momentum is building fast, with Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport welcoming increased arrivals ahead of opening night June 25 at Warner Park and Victoria Road, including a VIP visit from West Indies legend Chris Gayle. Festival Industry: Organisers say the 28th edition runs June 25–27 with major soca and dancehall headliners, while local teams are also rolling out extra staging at Warner Park to keep live music flowing through the busy visitor rush. Culture & Creative Economy: The Masquerade Traditions Art Exhibition at Shadwell Greathouse (running to June 27) spotlights Mocko Jumbies, textile-based masquerade scenes, and printed art—showcasing heritage and supporting local creative work. Energy & Infrastructure: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later this year, with preparatory civil works already underway at Hamilton and a first phase of five wells aimed at powering both islands and enabling future renewable exports. Agriculture & Food Security: East Caribbean Feeds ECGC donated animal feed to St. Kitts and Nevis to support livestock farmers and strengthen regional food security through training on effective feed use. Regional Business: The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026) is scheduled for July 29–31 in Basseterre, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a hub for Africa-Caribbean trade and enterprise talks.

Music & Tourism: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival kicks off June 25 with a big opening-night “Jump Up” push, featuring Machel Montano, Voice, and local star Rucas H.E., with organizers saying the event should lift visitor arrivals in the slower season. Culture & Textiles: The Masquerade Traditions Art Exhibition at Shadwell Greathouse spotlights Mocko Jumbies, Bull Play characters, and a textile-made masquerade scene, running June 22–27. Festival Logistics: Warner Park is in final prep mode for June 25–27, with venue upgrades and vendor staging underway. Renewables & Energy Jobs: Nevis geothermal drilling is expected to begin later in 2026, with early civil works already underway at Hamilton and a plan for five wells plus community engagement. Public Health Infrastructure: Prime Minister Terrence Drew inspected the refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward ahead of its reopening after major structural and interior upgrades. Agriculture Support: The Ministry of Agriculture received animal feed donations from East Caribbean Feeds ECGC to support livestock farmers and strengthen food security. Regional Business Pipeline: The Investment Gateway Summit wrapped up after four days of investor engagement, with the Bank of Nevis as title sponsor. OECS Governance: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting, focusing on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience.

Music & Tourism: St. Kitts Music Festival kicks off June 25 at Warner Park with a three-day lineup headlined by Machel Montano and Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah, while artists used the press conference to push for soca’s global legitimacy and awards push. Festival Logistics: Warner Park is in final prep mode, with venue upgrades and a “Fete Land” secondary performance area aimed at keeping music going smoothly through the event. Digital Skills for Youth: ECCB announces a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, training ages 14–18 across ECCU territories in AI-focused coding and design thinking. Renewable Energy: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026, with five wells planned and community engagement built in, as the island targets renewable power and future interconnection with St. Kitts. Energy Policy: St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirm plans for energy independence by 2035, pairing geothermal, solar, storage, and an undersea cable strategy. Financial Sector Reform: The National Assembly passed a suite of bills to strengthen regulation, including virtual asset and anti-terror/anti-proliferation updates. Agriculture & Food Security: East Caribbean Feeds ECGC donated animal feed to support livestock farmers and training under the federation’s agriculture resilience push. Regional Business: AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2026 is set for July 29–31 in Basseterre, positioning St. Kitts as a hub for Africa-Caribbean enterprise and investment. Transport Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent falling debris and road hazards. Health Infrastructure: JNF General Hospital’s private ward is set to reopen after refurbishment, with the PM inspecting progress ahead of the return to service.

Renewables & Energy Security: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later this year, with active work expected in late 2026 and a first phase of five wells, alongside upgrades to the electrical network and plans for undersea power transfer to St. Kitts. Financial Sector Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a suite of five bills to strengthen regulation and international credibility, including updates to the financial services regulator, virtual assets, gaming controls, and anti-terror/anti-proliferation measures. Regional Tech Skills: The ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp on July 6, targeting ages 14–18 across ECCU member states and focusing on AI, coding, design thinking, and leadership. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture received animal feed donations from East Caribbean Feeds ECGC to support livestock farmers and improve feed use. OECS Integration Momentum: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration, with renewed calls for stronger regional cooperation, trade, and connectivity. Logistics & Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris and road hazards. Business & Investment: The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026) is set for July 29–31 in Basseterre, positioning St. Kitts as a hub for Africa–Caribbean enterprise. Local Industry Spotlight: Warner Park is in final festival prep for the St. Kitts Music Festival, with venue upgrades and expanded entertainment flow.

Health & Construction: Prime Minister Terrence Drew inspected the refurbished Private Ward at the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, set to reopen after major structural repairs, mould remediation, room-by-room upgrades and full air-conditioning. Energy & Industry: Nevis geothermal drilling is expected to start later in 2026, with five wells planned first, civil works already underway at Hamilton, and a longer-term plan for grid upgrades and an undersea link to export power to St. Kitts. Regional Business & Trade: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and set priorities on trade, connectivity, economic resilience and governance, with incoming OECS chair Gaston Browne pushing ideas like a dedicated OECS airline. Finance & Compliance: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a suite of financial-sector reform bills, including updates to regulation, virtual assets, gaming controls, and anti-terror/anti-proliferation measures. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture received animal feed donations from East Caribbean Feeds ECGC to support livestock farmers and strengthen regional food security. Logistics & Safety: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads—especially loose construction materials—to prevent road hazards. Aviation Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, boosting regional flight access including St. Kitts and Nevis. Investment Promotion: The St. Kitts Investment Gateway Summit wrapped up after four days of investor engagement, with local financial partners highlighting support for economic growth.