AGP Executive Report

EU Talks & CARICOM Links: PM Terrance Drew met EU officials in Brussels, including Adviser Salvador Pinto da França, pushing sustainable development, investment and a stronger global voice for small island states. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders will hold a retreat on July 6 after the ceremonial opening of the 51st Heads of Government summit in St. Lucia. Sports & Health: St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee sets Olympic Day Run/Walk for June 20, with a 3:00 pm Health Run from Alphonso Bridgewater Olympic House to Warner Park, plus an Old School Fun Day. Youth Achievement: Kya Crooke won bronze (1.90m) at the NCAA Division 1 high jump championships in Oregon. Water & Disaster Readiness: NEMA warns drought is persisting under El Niño and urges conservation and hurricane-season preparedness. Business & Investment: St. Kitts and Nevis hosts IGS 2026 June 17–20 at the Marriott, while IFC confirms a US$15m investment in a CARICOM debt fund targeting SME financing. Maritime Growth: Curaçao’s KTK Tugs expands to Basseterre with tug services under a new SCASPA partnership. Banking Reform: The Federation passed Banking (Amendment) Bill 2026 to strengthen consumer protection and access to banking services.

Drought & Hurricane Readiness: NEMA says El Niño is driving below-normal rainfall and drier conditions across St. Kitts and Nevis, with drought expected to linger into the rainy season; officials urged residents and businesses to conserve water and stay prepared for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Maritime & Trade Growth: Curaçao-based KTK Tugs has deployed its tugboat Tribon to Port Zante/Basseterre under a new partnership with SCASPA, boosting tug and harbour support services for Eastern Caribbean shipping. Banking & Consumer Protection: The Federation passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at stronger consumer rights, better disclosure, data protection, and wider access to banking services across the ECCU. Justice Modernisation: Parliament also passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards for human rights. Water Security in Nevis: Nevis Premier says water exploration and major upgrades are continuing to secure supply, including progress on 24/7 potable water access. Sports & Youth: Jahzara Claxton helped West Indies Women beat New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener; locally, EPPS edged JLPS in a tense practice match ahead of the Runako Morton/TDC Primary Schools Cricket Tournament. Olympic Events: The SKN Olympic Committee announced Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 on June 20 with a Health Run and Old School Fun Day at Warner Park. Regional Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis took part in a CARICOM UN retreat in New York focused on climate resilience, sustainable development, peace and security, financing for development, and global governance reform. Investment & Business: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund to support SME financing across 13 countries. Maritime Forum: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted Nautical Kickstart and a related forum to position the Federation as a premier yachting and superyachting destination. National Mourning: Deputy Prime Minister Hanley led tributes following the sudden passing of former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger.

Water Security & Drought Response: St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing hard for reliable 24/7 water, with the government citing more than EC$60M invested in drilling, storage and distribution upgrades, while NEMA warns drought conditions are likely to persist into the rainy season and urges conservation ahead of hurricane season. Banking & Consumer Protection: The House passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at stronger consumer rights, better disclosure, data protection, and wider access to banking services across the ECCU. Justice Modernisation: Parliament also approved the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards for human rights, and a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme began with UNDP support. Maritime & Investment Push: St. Kitts hosted the Nautical Kickstart forum to position the federation as a yachting hub, and the Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) 2026 runs June 17–20, spotlighting investment and citizenship mobility. International Engagement: PM Terrance Drew heads to Europe for diplomatic meetings and the Climate Mobility Forum in Germany, while St. Kitts and Nevis took part in a CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York. Sports Spotlight: Jahzara Claxton helped West Indies stun defending champions New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener.

Cricket Spotlight: Jahzara Claxton helped West Indies Women stun defending champions New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, finishing unbeaten as the Maroon Warriors chased 162/6 to win by seven wickets with one ball to spare. Maritime & Safety: A rescue operation off Oman is underway after a dhow carrying 14 Indian nationals began sinking about 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd; a US Navy P-8 aircraft dropped a life raft and a St Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant vessel, MV Jabal Ali 9, assisted as authorities work to determine the cause. Diplomacy & Climate: PM Dr Terrance Drew heads to Europe for meetings in Brussels and Germany’s Climate Mobility Forum, pushing St Kitts and Nevis’ climate resilience agenda and SIDS advocacy. Local Economy & Tourism: St Kitts and Nevis hosted Nautical Kickstart, a forum to position the federation as a premier yachting and superyacht destination, linking jobs and entrepreneurship to the growing maritime sector. Water Crisis Response: Nevis says water exploration and upgrades continue, while NEMA urges drought preparedness as conditions are expected to persist into the rainy season and hurricane season. Governance & Justice: Parliament passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to strengthen consumer protection and access to banking, and the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to modernise DNA evidence rules. Community Programs: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme begins with UNDP support to build local capacity for dialogue and conflict resolution. National Mourning: Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger has died suddenly at his home at age 80.

Water Security & Drought Response: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says water exploration and upgrades are continuing as the island pushes toward reliable supply, while NEMA is urging residents to conserve water and stay ready as drought is expected to persist into the rainy season and the Atlantic hurricane season continues. Legislation & Justice Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards, and also approved Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at stronger consumer protection, better disclosure, data protection, and wider access to banking. Defence & International Links: The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force strengthened its U.S. military partnership with a visit from a senior U.S. liaison officer. CARICOM Diplomacy: The federation took part in a CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York focused on global priorities and SIDS advocacy. Local Economy & Tourism: PM Drew backed efforts to grow the yachting and superyacht sector through the Nautical Kickstart forum, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier maritime destination. National Loss: Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger has died suddenly at home at age 80.

Water Crisis & Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents, businesses and institutions to conserve water as drought conditions persist into the traditional rainy season and the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season continues, warning the economy, agriculture and public health could be hit. Water Infrastructure Push: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly the government is investing more than EC$60 million to move toward reliable 24/7 water access, including drilling, desalination and upgrades to storage and distribution. Banking Reform: The National Assembly passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at stronger consumer protection, better disclosure, data protection and wider access to banking services across the ECCU. Justice Modernisation: Parliament also passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards to balance investigations and human rights. Restorative Justice Training: A restorative justice and criminal mediation training programme began in St. Kitts with UNDP support to build local capacity for dialogue and conflict resolution. Defence Partnership: SKNDF welcomed a U.S. military liaison officer visit to reaffirm the strategic partnership. National Mourning: Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, 80, died suddenly at home. Local Development & Culture: Environment Month cleanup targeted the historic Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery, and the police warned against sidewalk parking that endangers pedestrians.

Drought & Hurricane Readiness: NEMA is urging residents, businesses and institutions to stay prepared as drought conditions persist into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with El Niño cited as a key driver of dry weather and knock-on risks for water, agriculture, health and the economy. Water Security Push: In Parliament, PM Terrance Drew reiterated the drive for reliable 24/7 water access, pointing to investments of more than EC$60M in drilling, desalination, storage and distribution upgrades. Justice System Updates: The House passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating rules for modern DNA evidence with safeguards for rights. Banking Reform: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was also passed, aiming to strengthen consumer protection, disclosure, data protection and fair treatment across the ECCU banking sector. Responsible Cannabis Use: The Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide “Responsible Use Campaign” focused on safe, lawful engagement and protection of vulnerable populations. Training for Peace: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training Programme began in St. Kitts with UNDP support to build local capacity in dialogue and conflict resolution. Tourism & Maritime: Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis gets underway June 12-13 to boost yachting and superyacht services, while Rhapsody of the Seas made the first summer call to Port Zante, kicking off nine scheduled visits. Food Security: Taiwan ICDF-supported efforts delivered 480 parent-stock chicks (400 hens, 80 roosters) to strengthen local poultry production.

Water & Climate Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to stay vigilant as drought conditions persist alongside the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, warning that El Niño-linked dryness could keep biting into water, health, farming and the economy. 24/7 Water Push: In Parliament, PM Terrance Drew reiterated the drive for reliable 24-hour water access, citing over EC$60 million invested in drilling, desalination, storage, distribution upgrades and equipment to build long-term drought resilience. Justice Reform: The Federation passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards to balance modern forensics and human rights. Banking Consumer Protection: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was also passed, strengthening disclosure, data protection, fair treatment and consumer rights across ECCU banking. Maritime & Tourism Growth: Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis brings global yachting stakeholders together June 12–13 to position the Federation as a premier yachting destination. Education & Skills: CWIT construction students are getting hands-on training through real concrete works, while Monroe University graduates are celebrated for major academic milestones. Traffic & Safety: Police warned against sidewalk parking that blocks pedestrians and damages curbs and drainage, especially around busy downtown areas. Sports: The 2026 Women’s League kicks off this Sunday with the President’s Cup.

Middle East Shock to Caribbean Costs: UN chief António Guterres warned that renewed US-Iran strikes and wider Gulf attacks are driving up food and oil prices, stoking inflation and slowing growth—raising fresh pressure for import-dependent Caribbean economies. Water Crisis Fallout: Former Deputy PM Shawn Richards hit back at claims he supported higher water rates, saying he made no proposal and calling the controversy a distraction from worsening shortages in places like Sandy Point and St. Peter’s. Housing Scandal Returns: Concerned citizens say the East Coast Housing Development project is still mired in alleged wrongdoing, including a “fraudulent” government guarantee and failure to deliver 600 serviced lots per year, with the matter in court. Tourism Boost in Summer: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first off-season call to Port Zante, starting nine scheduled visits and bringing about 2,360 passengers. Regional Tourism Visa Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief’s US visa renewal was denied, sparking debate across the region about how tighter Washington rules tied to citizenship-by-investment could affect tourism leadership and travel. Food Security Push: St. Kitts and Nevis received 480 parent-stock chicks (400 hens, 80 roosters) to strengthen the local poultry layer industry. Traffic Safety Warning: Police urged motorists to stop parking on sidewalks, saying it damages curbs and drainage and endangers pedestrians. Defence Force Modernisation: SKNDF launched a new digital combat uniform for the June 10, 1967 anniversary, with a parade through Basseterre. Education and Scholarships: Monroe University graduates from St. Kitts and Nevis were celebrated, including multiple Summa Cum Laude honours.

Visa & Travel: Minister Colm Brophy says new visa rules take effect Monday, 15 June 2026 for Nicaraguan, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia nationals travelling to Ireland, including a transit visa if you’re passing through. Cruise Tourism: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first 2026 summer call to Port Zante on June 10, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits through September. Defence & National Commemoration: The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force launched a new digital combat uniform in a parade marking the 59th anniversary of the 10 June 1967 attempted overthrow. Public Safety & Community: Police confirmed missing Chinese national Ziyuan Wang died from injuries in an accidental fall, ruling out foul play. Cost of Living: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief, including waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations. Environment & Food Security: Environment Month was officially launched under a climate-action theme, while the Greenhouse Village Initiative is being shifted toward a more structured, centralised approach for hurricane-resilient farming. Sports & Youth: SKNOC highlighted international participation for athlete education and welfare, and the Youth Summit 2026 was launched with plans to engage ages 7–21 across key national areas.

Defence & National Memory: St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force marked June 10’s 59th anniversary of the 1967 attempted overthrow of the Bradshaw government with a ceremonial parade and the launch of a new digital combat uniform, marching from Warner Park to Camp Springfield after remarks at Government Headquarters. Police & Community: Police confirmed missing Chinese national Ziyuan Wang died from injuries sustained in an accidental fall; officials said a post-mortem found no evidence of foul play. Public Notices & Culture: Ahead of the official funeral of Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero on June 11, the RSCNPF issued a Basseterre traffic advisory, with viewing expected from 12:00 p.m. at Newtown Playfield and the procession starting 10:30 a.m. Environment & Food Security: Environment Month kicked off June 5 under “Inspired by Nature for Climate Action for Our Future,” while the Greenhouse Village Initiative is being shifted toward a more structured, centralised model to keep climate-smart farming running through hurricane season. Sports & Youth: SKNOC staff and delegates continued international Olympic education work in Greece, and SKNFA’s Women’s and Girls’ Football Festival drew a record turnout as the federation gears up for the next competitions. Tourism & Cost of Living: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief measures to ease import costs, as St. Kitts Tourism Authority and partners launched national beach cleanups for the off-season.

Public Safety & Community Mourning: The Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force has issued a traffic advisory for the Official Funeral of cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero on Thursday, June 11, with viewing and tributes starting 12:00 p.m. at Newtown Playfield, Basseterre, and the procession departing Jenkins Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. along a detailed Basseterre route. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government is reminding residents and businesses that customs relief measures remain in effect, including waivers of bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations to ease pressure from global fuel and freight costs. Defence & National Day Commemoration: The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force launched a new combat uniform with a ceremonial parade through Basseterre, timed to mark the 59th anniversary of the 1967 overthrow attempt. Entrepreneurship & Skills: The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship has kicked off the second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program, a 10-week push to help entrepreneurs with budgeting, planning, record-keeping and banking relationships. Sports Development: SKNFA hosted a Women’s and Girls’ Football Festival at the National Bank Group Technical Centre, drawing nearly 70 participants and building momentum toward upcoming competitions. Renewable Energy Push: Work continues on a structured push toward 100% renewable electricity generation, with a national energy roadmap supported by the EU and UNDP.

Sports & Youth: Dani Wyatt-Hodge says she’s “on cloud nine” after the birth of her daughter as England begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, with Wyatt-Hodge returning to the squad after maternity leave. Tourism & Culture: The Federation is gearing up for its Summer of Fun, including the St. Kitts Music Festival (June 25–27) and Culturama 52 (July 23–Aug 4), while the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and government launch a national beach cleanup drive to boost sustainable off-season tourism. Education & Skills: A St. Kitts drone entrepreneur celebrates earning a BSc in Computer Information Systems, and Nevis signs a strategic education and sport partnership with G.C. Foster College. Energy & Environment: Government moves toward 100% renewable electricity with a national transition roadmap workshop, while World Environment Day messaging ties renewable energy and water security to long-term resilience. Justice & Public Safety: A UNDP-backed restorative justice and criminal mediation training programme begins at Koi Resort, and the Attorney General again points to alternatives to detention. Local Economy & Governance: PAM renews pressure for binding water security laws, and customs relief surcharge waivers are set to continue until end of July. International Spotlight: Adeola Moore represents St. Kitts and Nevis at the Inter-American Ports meeting in Barbados, and Nevis launches the Caribbean’s first space life sciences experiment.

Renewable Energy Push: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched a consultative process to build a 100% renewable electricity roadmap, funded by the EU via Euroclima Caribbean and delivered with UNDP and Greening the Islands, aiming to cut emissions by 61% by 2030 and strengthen energy security. Justice Reform: The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, with UNDP, started a 10-day Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training at Koi Resort, focused on accountability, dialogue, rehabilitation, and practical conflict-handling skills. Public Safety & Policing: Attorney General Garth Wilkin renewed calls for alternatives to detention, while PM Terrance Drew congratulated newly confirmed police officers and promoted women to senior ranks. Youth & Sports Diplomacy: Adeola Moore represented the Federation at the Inter-American Ports meeting in Barbados, while St. Kitts and Nevis youth and sports delegates are in Greece for the Young Olympic Ambassadors session. Entrepreneurship & Skills: The second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme kicked off, and SKNFA launched a free C License coaching course to boost local coach capacity. Cost of Living & Water Pressure: Customs relief surcharges remain waived until end of July, but St. Kitts’ water crisis is again hitting households with days of unreliable supply. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Sugar Mas 55’s full schedule is out, and Nevis Culturama 52/53 sashing ceremonies have officially started the race to the crown.

Entrepreneurship & Finance: The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship has launched the second cohort of its 10-week “Building Bankable Businesses” financial literacy programme in Basseterre, delivered by Alex Straun with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, training entrepreneurs in budgeting, business planning, record keeping, and banking relationships. Justice & Banking Regulation: The Court of Appeal delivered a major ruling in the Boni case, saying the banking regulator lacked legal authority to impose a US$120,000 fine, after examining the regulator’s power under the Nevis International Banking Ordinance. Energy & Climate Resilience: St. Kitts and Nevis has advanced its push for 100% renewable electricity by 2030, launching a consultative roadmap workshop with UNDP and the Greening the Islands Foundation, including Nevis’ renewable transition priorities. Cost of Living Relief: Government says customs relief measures—waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations—will stay in place until end of July to reduce pressure from global fuel and freight costs. Water Crisis: Residents report worsening shortages in St. Kitts, with hundreds of households facing days without reliable running potable water. Environment & Community: World Environment Day saw renewed government calls for action under the Sustainable Island State Agenda, alongside recycling efforts including a new recycling bin launch. Sports & Youth: Nevis’ Demarre Brown won the national chess championship and earned a spot at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Culture: Nevis Culturama 53 kicked off with a sashing ceremony introducing contestants for major pageants.

Renewable Energy Push: St. Kitts and Nevis has kicked off a two-day consultative workshop to build a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030, with EU funding and support from UNDP and the Greening the Islands Foundation. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government says customs relief measures—waiving bunker and shipper surcharges in customs tax and duty calculations—will stay in place until end of July to reduce the impact of global fuel and freight increases. World Environment Day: PM Terrance Drew used the occasion to reaffirm the Sustainable Island State Agenda, pointing to renewable energy and water security as key resilience pillars. Tourism Development: The Caribbean Tourism Supply Side Initiative was launched with Drew backing the push for resilience and inclusion, while SKTA CEO Kelly Fontenelle says St. Kitts and Nevis will target Latin America, focusing on visa-free travellers and B2B matchmaking. Nevis Innovation: Nevis launched the Caribbean’s first space life sciences experiment, studying how human immune cells react to gravity changes. Water Crisis: Residents report worsening water shortages in St. Kitts, with some households facing days without running potable water. Sports & Training: SKNFA launched a free C License coaching course, and Republic Bank’s Five for Fun cricket programme continues to roll out across the region.