AGP Executive Report

Investment & Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis wrapped up the 2026 Investment Gateway Summit, with The Bank of Nevis Limited backing the official welcome reception and CEO Denrick Liburd taking part in panel discussions to spotlight financial services and investment opportunities. Financial Sector Reform: The National Assembly passed a suite of five bills to strengthen the Federation’s financial system, including amendments covering the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, gaming controls, virtual assets, anti-terrorism, and anti-proliferation financing. Energy Transition: Nevis reiterated its push for energy independence by 2035, while NEVLEC reintroduced a fuel surcharge in Nevis as generation costs rose. Renewables Pipeline & Water: Nevis geothermal drilling is set to begin later in 2026 after site works and preparations, and St. Peter’s is moving toward 24/7 water supply after new pipeline and pump testing. Infrastructure & Industry: Procurement is underway for the Lime Kiln Stadium project, with tenders expected soon. Compliance on the Roads: Police reminded truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris hazards. Regional Integration: OECS leaders met in Antigua as the bloc marks 45 years, with calls for deeper integration and stronger regional transport links.

OECS Regional Integration: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua, with incoming chair Gaston Browne pushing for a dedicated OECS airline, deeper regional cooperation and stronger US ties. Energy Independence: St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed a plan to reach energy independence by 2035, combining geothermal, solar and an undersea cable between islands. Financial Sector Reform: The National Assembly passed five bills to strengthen the Federation’s financial system, including updates to virtual assets, gaming controls, anti-terrorism and anti–WMD financing. Electricity Costs in Nevis: NEVLEC reintroduced a fuel surcharge for households and adjusted it for commercial users as fuel costs rose, starting with the June billing period. Water Supply Upgrade: St. Peter’s is set to move toward 24/7 service after new pipeline and pump testing for an extra 150,000 gallons per day. Cruise & Tourism Readiness: Star of the Seas brought 7,300+ passengers to St. Kitts, while Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson held taxi consultations to prepare for the next cruise season. Investment Migration Scrutiny: An expert says CBI applicants face currency volatility and tougher compliance checks, even as demand stays strong. Maritime Risk: Russia’s drone attacks in the Black Sea hit foreign-flagged ships, including one registered to St. Kitts and Nevis, injuring crew and raising concerns for trade and food routes. Local Industry & Skills: Public Works says procurement is underway for the Lime Kiln Stadium project, aiming to boost local contracting and trades.

Regional Air Connectivity: OECS incoming chair Gaston Browne is pushing for a dedicated OECS airline, deeper economic cooperation, and renewed US engagement to help small states move people and goods more efficiently. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A CBI industry expert says currency volatility and tougher compliance checks are the main hurdles for high-net-worth applicants, with exchange-rate swings affecting foreign-currency investment plans. Investment Gateway Summit 2026: St. Kitts and Nevis wrapped a four-day IGS 2026 focused on “Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate,” positioning the country as a reform-led standard-bearer amid global scrutiny. Financial Sector Reform: The National Assembly passed five bills to strengthen the Federation’s financial system, including updates to financial services regulation, virtual assets, gaming controls, and anti-terror/anti-WMD financing. Energy & Utilities: Nevis Electricity Company reintroduced a fuel surcharge as generation costs rose, while St. Peter’s water supply is set to move toward 24/7 after new pipeline and pump testing. Tourism & Transport: Minister Marsha Henderson launched cruise-season stakeholder talks, and TDC Airlines donated a first-responder Scherber backpack to the Port Health Unit at RLB International. Infrastructure Procurement: Government says it’s entering the tender phase for the Lime Kiln Stadium project. Maritime Risk for SKN: Russia’s drone attacks in the Black Sea injured St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged crew, underscoring ongoing threats to shipping and food routes. Climate Finance Push: IFC is investing up to US$15M into a Caribbean resilience debt fund aimed at unlocking SME and resilience financing across 13 countries.

Black Sea Shipping Shock: Russia’s drone strikes hit a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged civilian vessel in the Black Sea, injuring three crew, as Ukraine warns the attacks threaten freedom of navigation and global trade. Cruise Momentum: Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class “Star of the Seas” brought 7,368 passengers to St. Kitts, with Port Zante set for 20 visits between June and September. Water Security Push: St. Peter’s is moving toward 24/7 service after new pipeline and pump testing, adding 150,000 gallons per day from the Basseterre desalination supply. Energy Cost Pressure in Nevis: NEVLEC reintroduced a fuel surcharge for households and adjusted it for commercial users, citing higher generation costs. Financial Sector Overhaul: The National Assembly passed five bills to strengthen St. Kitts and Nevis’ financial services, gaming controls, virtual assets rules, and anti-terror/anti-WMD financing measures. Sports Infrastructure Procurement: Government says it’s entering the tender stage for the Lime Kiln Stadium project, aiming to kick off construction in 2026–27. Clean Energy Planning (SKN 100): The SKN 100 Project launched stakeholder engagements to speed decarbonisation, strengthen energy policy, and support clean-energy investment. Tourism Readiness Talks: The Tourism Ministry held cruise-season consultations with taxi operators, focusing on visitor experience, policy updates, and next-season planning. Regional Capital for Resilience: IFC will invest up to US$15M in a Caribbean debt fund targeting SME financing and climate-resilience projects across 13 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis.

Citizenship by Investment: A CBI industry expert says currency volatility and tougher due-diligence checks are the biggest hurdles for high-net-worth applicants, even as demand for second passports stays strong. Regional Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a package of five financial-sector bills in the National Assembly, including updates to the financial services regulator, virtual assets, gaming controls, and anti-terror/anti-proliferation rules. Energy & Utilities: Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC) reintroduced a fuel surcharge for households and adjusted it for commercial users as generation costs rose, effective from the June 2026 billing period. Water Security: St. Peter’s is set for a major boost to 24-hour water service after new pipeline and pump testing, with an extra 150,000 gallons per day expected from the Basseterre desalination plant. Tourism & Transport: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson kicked off cruise-season stakeholder talks, including taxi operators, as Port Zante prepares for continued summer visits. Shipping & Risk: Russia’s drone attacks in the Black Sea injured crew on a St. Kitts-flagged vessel, underscoring how maritime trade routes remain exposed. Infrastructure & Sports: Government says it’s moving into procurement for the Lime Kiln Stadium project, inviting qualified contractors. Energy Transition: The SKN 100 clean-energy project launched stakeholder engagements to strengthen energy policy and support investment in renewables.

Port Health & Aviation Safety: TDC Airline Services donated a fully stocked Scherber first-responder backpack to the Port Health Unit at RLB International, aiming to speed critical response at the airport. Water Security: St. Peter’s is set for 24/7 water as the Water Services Department tests a new pipeline and pump, adding 150,000 gallons per day from the Basseterre desalination supply. Electricity Costs in Nevis: NEVLEC reintroduced a fuel surcharge for households and adjusted it for commercial users, citing higher fuel costs and pressure on electricity tariffs. Financial Sector Reform: The National Assembly passed five bills to strengthen the Federation’s financial system, including updates to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, gaming controls, virtual assets, anti-terrorism, and anti-WMD financing. Infrastructure & Procurement: Government says it is entering the procurement phase for the Lime Kiln Stadium project, with tender packages expected soon for qualified contractors. Clean Energy Policy: The SKN 100 project was launched to support cleaner, climate-resilient energy, with a joint Energy Task Force and energy policy work underway. Tourism & Cruise Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson began stakeholder talks to review cruise season performance and prepare for the next wave, including input from taxi operators. Regional Finance & Climate Resilience: IFC plans up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund across 13 countries, targeting resilience and SME financing. Maritime Disruption & Risk: Russia’s drone attacks hit foreign-flagged civilian ships in the Black Sea, including a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel, while Strait of Hormuz oil traffic shows a partial rebound after a ceasefire—still far below pre-conflict levels.

Financial Sector Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a package of five bills in the National Assembly, including amendments to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Gaming Control, Virtual Assets, Anti-Terrorism, and Anti-Proliferation financing of WMDs—aimed at strengthening integrity, stability, and international credibility. Water & Utilities: St. Peter’s is set to move toward 24/7 service after Water Services testing of a new pipeline and pump that will add 150,000 gallons per day. Sports & Procurement: The Public Works Department says the Lime Kiln Stadium project is entering the procurement phase, with tenders expected soon for qualified contractors. Energy Transition: The Energy Policy Mixer highlighted the SKN100 clean energy push, including plans for a joint Energy Task Force and policy work to support solarisation and grid collaboration. Tourism & Cruise Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson launched stakeholder consultations to review the current cruise season and prepare for 2026–27, including feedback from taxi operators and plans around visitor experience. Maritime Risk (Global): Russia’s drone attacks in the Black Sea injured crew on a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel and killed a sailor on a Panama-flagged ship, underscoring ongoing threats to international shipping and food routes. Cruise Arrival: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas brought over 7,300 passengers to St. Kitts, with multiple summer calls scheduled.

Financial Sector Overhaul: St. Kitts and Nevis passed five new laws in the National Assembly to strengthen the Federation’s financial services and international credibility, including updates to the financial services regulator, gaming controls, virtual assets, and anti-terror and anti-WMD financing measures. Cruise & Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson kicked off stakeholder talks with taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, with focus on visitor experience, operational issues, and a planned Rainforest Tour Guides policy. Energy & Water Upgrades: Government progress updates highlighted water security work, including testing for a new pipeline and pump to boost St. Peter’s supply toward 24/7 service, alongside continued renewable energy momentum. Clean Energy Push: The SKN 100 Project was launched to support rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector through policy and investment support. Maritime Risk for the Flag: Ukrainian officials report a Russian drone attack in the Black Sea hit a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant vessel, injuring crew and raising fresh concerns for shipping and trade routes. Cruise Arrival Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class Star of the Seas brought more than 7,300 passengers to St. Kitts, supporting Port Zante’s busy summer schedule.

National Finance Overhaul: St. Kitts and Nevis passed a five-bill package in the National Assembly to strengthen the financial sector, including updates to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, gaming controls, virtual assets, and anti-terror/anti-proliferation rules. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder talks to review cruise season performance and prepare for 2026–27, including input from the taxi fraternity on visitor experience and the planned Rainforest Tour Guides policy. Infrastructure & Energy Progress: A government progress report highlighted work across water security (including desalination and new pipelines), renewable energy (solar and battery storage plans), roads, digital transformation, and postal connectivity. Clean Energy Push: The SKN 100 Project launched engagements to speed up decarbonisation of the energy sector, focusing on policy, regulation, and investment in clean power. Investment Gateway Summit: IGS 2026 opened under “Shared Values, Shared Futures,” spotlighting energy, real estate, and technology opportunities alongside further Citizenship by Investment reforms. Landfill Fire Disruption: A major Conaree landfill fire spread from construction debris to tire storage, prompting public health precautions; airport operations were confirmed unaffected.

Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) 2026: St. Kitts and Nevis opened the 3rd IGS 2026 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, with leaders pitching “Shared Values, Shared Futures” and laying out investment pillars including energy, real estate and technology, while Citizenship by Investment reforms and “digital governance” upgrades were highlighted by CIU chair Calvin St. Juste. Clean Energy Transition: The SKN 100 Project kicked off stakeholder talks on rapid decarbonisation, as Nevis Premier Mark Brantley said the fuel surcharge cap will be removed amid ongoing global volatility. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson met the taxi fraternity to review cruise-season performance and prepare for 2026–27, including a proposed Rainforest Tour Guides Policy, with cruise arrivals reported at their strongest since 2019. Infrastructure & Utilities: A progress report update covered water, renewable energy and road/digital projects, while the National Assembly set five bills for second reading on June 18, including financial services regulatory, virtual assets, gaming control and anti-terror/anti-proliferation amendments. Energy Resilience & Risk: A Conaree landfill fire spread from construction debris to tire storage, prompting public air-quality precautions, while NEMA urged drought preparedness alongside hurricane-season readiness.

OECS Free Movement Debate: A new OECS commentary argues that borderless travel and work rights can be a “life raft” during disasters, but questions whether integration is helping or exposing islands to regional shocks. Education & Construction: Work on the replacement Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School is progressing toward an official opening targeted for January 2027, with the rebuilt campus expanded after the 2022 fire. Investment & Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis opened the 2026 Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) under “Shared Values, Shared Futures,” highlighting reforms to the Citizenship by Investment programme and a push for more transparent, digital governance. Energy Resilience: The government says new solar farm standards build in hurricane resilience, while an EU-linked push in Brussels advances geothermal and clean-energy cooperation. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson met taxi operators on cruise-season preparedness, including a proposed Rainforest Tour Guides policy and visitor-experience upgrades. Legislation Watch: Five bills move to second reading in the National Assembly on June 18, covering financial services regulation, gaming controls, virtual assets, and anti-terror/anti-proliferation updates. Public Health & Industry Compliance: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a “Responsible Use Campaign” to steer residents toward the regulated market and away from illegal channels. Waste & Air Quality: A landfill fire at Conaree spread from construction debris to tire storage; authorities say airport operations are unaffected, but residents are urged to protect themselves from smoke. Water & Risk Management: NEMA and the Water Services Department continue drought warnings and conservation guidance ahead of hurricane season.

Investment & Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis officially opened the 3rd Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) 2026, running June 17–20, with Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley highlighting “Shared Values, Shared Futures,” while Citizenship by Investment chief Calvin St. Juste described major reforms to boost integrity, transparency, and digital governance. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson met the taxi fraternity to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including discussion of a Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and visitor-experience upgrades. Legislation Watch: The National Assembly will sit June 18 for second reading of five bills, including Financial Services Regulatory Commission (Amendment), Gaming (Control) (Amendment), Virtual Asset (Amendment), Anti-Terrorism (Amendment), and Anti-Proliferation (WMD Financing) (Amendment). Energy & Infrastructure Progress: A government progress report points to work on water security (desalination, pipelines, storage), renewable energy (Solarise/DRIVE, grid upgrades, a proposed 50MW solar with battery storage), and road improvements. Health & Compliance: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a “Responsible Use Campaign” to steer residents toward the regulated medicinal market and away from illegal channels. Public Safety: A landfill fire at Conaree spread from construction debris to tire storage; SCASPA says airport operations are unaffected, while residents are urged to protect themselves from smoke.

Water Crisis & Preparedness: NEMA and the Water Services Department are urging residents and businesses to conserve as drought persists into the 2026 hurricane season, with rainfall far below normal and guidance focused on leak checks, reporting, and cutting non-essential use. Legislation & Financial Services: The National Assembly will convene June 18 for second readings of five bills, including Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Virtual Asset, Gaming, and Anti-Terrorism amendments, while St. Kitts and Nevis has already passed Banking (Amendment) reforms aimed at stronger consumer protection and easier access to banking. Medicinal Cannabis Industry: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide “Responsible Use Campaign” to steer residents toward the regulated medicinal market, stressing legal access rules, medical oversight, and hygiene standards. Maritime & Trade Links: St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged MV Jabal Ali 9 assisted in a US-coordinated rescue of 14 Indian crew after an engine failure caused a dhow to sink off Oman, underscoring the federation’s shipping footprint. Regional Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme June 29–July 2, supporting skills and policy capacity across the sub-region. Maritime Tourism & Yachting: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted “Nautical Miles” to position the federation as a yachting and marina destination, tied to the Sustainable Island State agenda. Investment Pipeline: The Investment Gateway Summit (June 17–20) is set to bring investors and HNWIs to St. Kitts Marriott, with a focus on new routes and opportunities. Sports Spotlight: Jahzara Claxton was drafted by the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2026 WCPL.

Maritime & Trade: Strait of Hormuz traffic is still far below normal after the US-Iran deal, with analysts saying it may take months to fully recover as uncertainty lingers. Financial Compliance: Nevis hosted its 17th AML/CFT/CPF conference, with Premier Mark Brantley urging regulators and industry to balance risk management with new opportunities, including tech and AI. Disaster & Environment: A major fire at the Conaree landfill in St Kitts spread toward the tyre storage area, with smoke affecting nearby communities and airport operations reported normal. Water Security: NEMA and the Water Services Department are pushing strict water conservation as drought warnings extend into hurricane season, citing sharply reduced rainfall and urging leak checks and reduced non-essential use. Investment & Business: St Kitts and Nevis is gearing up for IGS 2026 (June 17–20) at the Marriott, spotlighting investment, HNW opportunities, and the evolving citizenship framework. Regional Finance: IFC will invest US$15m into a CARICOM resilience debt fund to support SME lending across 13 countries. Maritime Tourism & Skills: Nautical Miles St Kitts and Nevis and related yachting forums are positioning the federation as a yachting and marina hub. EU Cooperation: PM Terrance Drew met an EU official in Brussels to advance climate action, renewable energy, and innovation partnerships. Banking Reform: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed to strengthen consumer protection, disclosure, data protection, and financial inclusion across the ECCU. Sports: Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 is set for June 20 in Basseterre.

Maritime Security & Trade Disruption: Reports say AIS-visible commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to near zero while “dark” movements continue, and IRGC small-craft activity surged—highlighting how shipping routes can shift fast even under enforcement. Drought & Hurricane Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water and stay ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as rainfall remains far below normal and drought warnings are expected to run through late November. Water Conservation Steps: The Water Services Department says drought conditions are likely to persist and calls on households to fix leaks, report suspected leaks, and cut non-essential use. Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at stronger consumer protection, better disclosure, data protection, and wider access to banking services. Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) 2026: The June 17–20 summit at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort will bring investors and HNWIs to discuss emerging sectors and citizenship-related “digital trust” themes. Yachting & Marinas: A Nautical Miles forum and Nautical Kickstart events are positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier yachting destination, with emphasis on jobs, skills, and maritime services. Regional Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund targeting SME lending and resilience projects. Oman Rescue Links Back to SKN: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship (MV Jabal Ali 9) assisted in rescuing 14 crew from a sinking dhow off Oman after engine failure.

SME Finance Boost: IFC has confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund arranged by Sygnus Capital, with up to US$5m in a senior tranche and up to US$10m in mezzanine, targeting on-lending to medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries. Drought Pressure: Water Services and NEMA are urging strict conservation as St. Kitts and Nevis records a 44% rainfall deficit versus the 1990–2020 average, with drought warnings expected to run into late 2026 and guidance focused on leak checks, smarter household use, and preparedness for hurricane season. Banking Consumer Protection: The House of Assembly passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen consumer rights, disclosure, data protection, financial inclusion, and fair treatment across the ECCU banking system. Maritime & Yachting Push: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted Nautical Kickstart and a related forum to position the federation as a premier yachting and marina services destination under the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Olympic Community Event: The Olympic Committee announced Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 on June 20 with a Health Run from the Olympic House to Warner Park plus an Old School Fun Day. Regional Diplomacy: The federation took part in a CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York focused on SIDS advocacy, climate resilience, peace and security, development financing, and global governance reform.