AGP Executive Report

Cricket Glory Call: Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force just ended a 20-year title drought, crushing Guyana Harpy Eagles at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium—and now TTCB president Azim Bassarath is urging a national award for the team after their first West Indies Professional Championship win since 2006. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is riding a strong wave from CTM 2026, reporting 110,832 stay-over visitors in Q1 2026 (up 6.7%), with the UK leading growth (+14%) and the US still the biggest source market. CPL Ticket Rush: CPL group-stage tickets for Antigua, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia go on sale Friday, May 22, with a 48-hour Visa priority window starting May 20. Local Sports & Community: Antigua’s Jon Ferris earns an IFBB Pro Card after a standout physique win in Barbados, while the Line Dance Connection returns to the stage after a seven-year break.

Cricket Spotlight: West Indies Women have arrived in Newport, Wales for a May 14–23 training camp ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with 16 players named to sharpen skills and match-readiness. West Indies Championship: Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force surged to their first title in 20 years, bowling Guyana Harpy Eagles out for 139 in the final at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda hosted CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 for a second straight year, backing strong visitor growth and new airlift and cruise momentum. CPL Ticket Alert: Republic Bank CPL tickets for Antigua, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia go on sale May 22, with a 48-hour Visa priority window starting May 20. Tsunami Readiness: After recent strong quakes, Antigua’s Met Office says tsunami preparedness is improving, including Barbuda readiness work—though alert capability still needs strengthening. Local Culture: Line Dance Connection returned to the stage after seven years, packing St. Anthony’s Secondary School with high-energy performances.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua & Barbuda just wrapped CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, doubling down on visitor growth, airlift and cruise arrivals, and fresh hotel investment as the country positions itself for CHOGM 2026. CPL Ticket Rush: Cricket fans get a head start—Visa cardholders have a 48-hour priority window from May 20–21, with group-stage tickets going on general sale May 22 for matches across Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia. Disaster Readiness: After the recent strong quake, officials say tsunami preparedness is improving, including Barbuda readiness projects and ongoing mapping—though the Met Office still needs to strengthen timely alerting. Community & Sport: The Line Dance Connection returned to the stage after seven years, while Antigua Ball Masters received a football donation from former national player Garry Gonsalves. Local Cricket: ABSCA 30-overs action continued with wins for Buckleys 3Js, Dredgers and Potters Uprising.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026: Antigua and Barbuda just wrapped up hosting CTM 2026 for the second year running, bringing global travel trade, tour operators and media to the American University of Antigua—plus a big tourism spotlight during Culinary Month. CPL Ticket Rush: CPL group-stage tickets across Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia go on sale Friday, May 22, with Visa cardholders getting a 48-hour priority purchase window starting May 20. Tsunami Readiness: After the recent earthquake, Antigua and Barbuda’s meteorology officials say tsunami preparedness is improving, with more work needed—especially around getting timely alerts. Community & Sport: Line Dance Connection is back on stage after a seven-year break, while Antigua’s Jon Ferris earned an IFBB Pro Card after a standout win in Barbados. Tourism Lifestyle Talk: New UK research says many Brits can’t properly switch off on holiday—scrolling and checking work emails even while away.

Tsunami Readiness Boost: After last week’s strong quake, Antigua and Barbuda’s tsunami prep is “on the road” to being ready, with officials pointing to ongoing mapping and a Barbuda-focused project—while admitting the Met Office still needs to improve how fast alerts can be issued. Local Stage Energy: The Line Dance Connection is back on stage at St. Anthony’s Secondary School after a seven-year break, drawing a packed crowd for an intergenerational showcase. Football Community Support: Former national player Garfield “Garry” Gonsalves donated footballs to the Antigua Ball Masters ahead of their Trinidad and Tobago tour. Softball Cricket Highlights: ABSCA 30 Overs action returned with standout half-centuries and key bowling spells, including Kenrick Scott’s 67* in a chase. CPL Momentum: CPL and UWI relaunch the 2026 sports marketing internship (21 students), and tickets for Antigua and other host venues go on sale May 22.

Tourism Momentum: Barbados is trending toward another strong 2026, with BTMI reporting about 214,000 visitors already in Q1 and pointing to double-digit growth from Europe plus improving airlift and cruise homeporting. CPL & UWI Pathway: The Republic Bank CPL and UWI are opening applications for a 2026 internship programme, placing 21 students across seven host nations and pairing study with real CPL marketing work. Cricket Shock in Tests: Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana have Pakistan wobbling at 200/5 in Sylhet, with Pakistan chasing 437 after a big Bangladesh second-innings total. Legal Crossroads: A Delaware court has sent a Sinovac Biotech shareholder fight to Antigua and Barbuda, since Sinovac is incorporated here. Local Sports Drama: ABCA says it will consult match officials over a postponed Super 40 final, after wet conditions derailed the New Winthorpes Lions vs Empire Nation showdown. Earthquake Aftercare: NODS is still tallying damage costs after the May 16 quake, with no local injuries reported.

Police Leadership: Two veteran female officers say rank and titles don’t make a great cop—real service starts with love for the people and treating everyone with dignity. Senate Return: Malaka Parker is back in the Senate for the UPP, bringing union and legal experience, and warning that accountability standards may be slipping. Sports Breakthrough: Jon Ferris earns an IFBB Pro Card after winning the Roger Boyce Classic in Barbados, with other Antiguan athletes placing across physique and bikini categories. Cricket Decision Looms: ABFA will consult match officials over the postponed Super 40 final between New Winthorpes Lions and Empire Nation, with a Saturday restart still on the table. Earthquake Aftercare: Climatologist Dale Destin urges tsunami readiness after the strong Eastern Caribbean quake near Antigua, even though no tsunami was expected. Digital Skills Push: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity workshop for older adults runs across islands, including Antigua, focusing on safer online life. Local Spotlight: Veterans and recruits are also being reminded that the job is about purpose, not promotions.

Earthquake Update: A powerful quake shook Antigua and Barbuda and nearby islands around 10:50 a.m., with the UWI Seismic Research Centre initially reading 6.5 then revising to 6.4; residents reported strong, scary shaking but no local injuries, while NODS teams are checking damage and contacting businesses for impact details. Public Voice: Attorney E Ann Henry is urging stronger civil society engagement in policy-making, warning that people have gone too quiet and fear public backlash. Health & Science: TriCelX filed an FDA IND for XytriX™—positioned as the first CTE-directed biotherapeutic IND since 2024’s Blast Overpressure Safety Act. Sports Spotlight: West Indies Championship final day is set—Jayden Seales’ 63* helped T&T Red Force fight through an opening-day pitch delay, and they now face Guyana Harpy Eagles. Regional Tech Skills: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity workshop for older adults ran across St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on safer digital life. Arts & Culture: Richie Morales’ layered, memory-driven paintings are getting attention for how music and craft shape his work.

Earthquake Update: A powerful 6.0 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean on May 16, with Antigua and nearby islands reporting strong shaking around 10:50am AST; the UWI Seismic Research Centre first logged it at 6.5 before the USGS revised to 6.0, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there’s no major tsunami threat. Basketball (OECS): In the VI-hosted first-ever 3X3 ANOECS U23 tournament, the Virgin Islands reached the semis after wins over St Lucia, and will now face St Kitts and Nevis in the semis today. Regional Cybersecurity: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean Cybersecurity for Older Adults hybrid workshop brought regional stakeholders together in St Kitts and Nevis, with sessions also running across Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada to tackle safer digital life, misinformation, and media literacy. Sports Spotlight: Cricket West Indies is gearing up with a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua (May 21–31), while the West Indies Championship final is set for Sunday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Cybersecurity for Seniors: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean Cybersecurity for Older Adults hybrid workshop brought regional stakeholders together in St. Kitts and Nevis, with Antigua and Barbuda also involved, focusing on safer online living, media literacy, and fighting misinformation. Cricket Showdown: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force are chasing their first West Indies Championship title in 20 years, taking on Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium after a hard-fought path to the final. Local Cricket Pipeline: St. Kitts and Nevis launched the Republic Bank “Five for Fun” Cricket programme, spotlighting youth development and selections feeding into the Leeward Islands Under-15 setup. Earthquake Jolt: A strong 6.5 quake was felt across Antigua and neighbouring islands, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. CPL Draft Buzz: The CPL 2026 draft locked in key local moves, including Anderson Phillip returning to the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and Johnson Charles drafted for the Patriots.

Earthquake Update: A strong 6.0 quake struck Saturday morning off Antigua and Barbuda, with reports of shaking felt across several islands and no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. Cricket Development: CWI is set to run a 10-day high-performance camp in Antigua (May 21–31) for senior men ahead of the ODI series vs Sri Lanka. CPL Draft Buzz: The CPL draft is locked in for Aug 7–Sept 20, with Motie moving to the Barbados Tridents, Narine and Pooran staying with TKR, and Johnson Charles joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots—while Andre Russell heads to the new Jamaica Kingsmen. Sports Tourism: The OECS’s first-ever 3X3 ANOECS Basketball Tournament is underway in the Virgin Islands (May 16–17), drawing teams from across the region including Antigua. Local Spotlight: Anderson Phillip says he’s staying true to his preparation as T&T Red Force chase West Indies Championship glory. Regional Sports: Jamaica won bronze at the West Indies Full Bore Championship, bringing home medals from Crabbs Range.

CHTA Momentum: Dominica used CHTA Marketplace 2026 in Antigua to sell its tourism comeback—visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 in 2025 and stayover arrivals up 19% to 99,846—backed by major infrastructure plans. Digital Access: CHTA also went “always-on,” with a virtual immersive digital twin letting travel buyers revisit the event 24/7. Cyber Skills for Seniors: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a UNESCO cybersecurity workshop for older adults, pushing media literacy and safer navigation online. Sports Spotlight: West Indies Championship final is set—Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force—after big wins in the playoffs. CPL Build-Up: TKR retained key stars for CPL 2026 while Andre Russell heads to the new Jamaica Kingsmen; Jamaica targets 5,000 diaspora fans. Local Health Push: SLBMC rolled out Project Bloom to tackle late prenatal care, aiming to get more pregnant women into antenatal services earlier. Politics Watch: PM Gaston Browne denies superyacht kickback claims and threatens legal action against OffshoreAlert publisher David Marchant.

Superyacht Row Escalates: PM Gaston Browne has denied OffshoreAlert publisher David Marchant’s claims of a US$6 million kickback tied to the seized Alfa Nero, calling the allegations false and politically motivated—and warning legal action may follow. Tourism Policy Pressure: CHTA is pushing back on Booking.com’s proposed booking commission changes, arguing the move could cost Caribbean hotels millions and add strain to an already high-cost sector. Regional Tourism Momentum: Antigua hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, with strong optimism from destinations like Dominica, plus wider talk of how events and infrastructure are driving demand. Health Focus: SLBMC launched Project Bloom after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal care, aiming to get women into antenatal services earlier. Payments for Small Businesses: CIBC Caribbean is rolling out “Tap on Phone,” letting merchants accept contactless payments via an Android device. Community & Culture: Creatives were invited to tour the construction site of the new National Performing Arts Centre at the former Deluxe Cinema ahead of CHOGM opening plans.

Tourism Showdown: CHTA is pushing back hard against new Booking.com commission rules, warning the plan could hit Caribbean hotels with millions in losses and more pressure on an already costly sector. Regional Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s government is backing an OAS push for a Declaration on the Rights of Persons and Peoples of African Descent, even as some states try to block it ahead of the General Assembly in Panama. Local Governance: Cabinet has approved the Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP) to strengthen support for Dominican nationals living in Antigua and Barbuda. Arts & Culture: Creatives are being invited to shape the new National Performing Arts Centre while construction continues at the former Deluxe Cinema. Health & Community: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched Project Bloom to tackle late or missing prenatal care, aiming to get more mothers into antenatal services earlier. Sports: West Indies Championship playoff action continues at Coolidge Cricket Ground, with Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force and Barbados’ Pride battling for a spot in the final.

West Indies Championship Playoff: Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force just took control at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, with Khary Pierre (5/54) and Bryan Charles (4/62) bowling Barbados Pride out and winning by 140 runs, setting up a big final showdown. Local Sports & Youth: A 12-month push is also underway at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre with Project Bloom, targeting earlier prenatal care after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate follow-up. Community Spotlight: Young gospel artist Enoch Thomas had a standout Mother’s Day banquet at Green Castle Ranch, performing with his mother and drawing an emotional crowd. Football Leadership: Garfield “Garry” Gonsalves says, if elected ABFA president, his first priority is getting the U20s ready for their July Concacaf campaign. Democracy Watch: The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission rejected election fraud claims and warned legal action if accusations aren’t withdrawn. Tourism Buzz: CHTA Marketplace momentum continues, with Dominica highlighting major tourism projects and visitor growth.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is leaning into fresh visitor demand as a Caribbean Travel Trends report urges destinations to “look south” for new tourists, while the region’s travel marketplace buzz continues to build confidence in airlift and events. Health Focus: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched Project Bloom after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal care—pushing earlier clinic visits and community support. Payments Go Mobile: CIBC Caribbean is rolling out “Tap on Phone,” letting small businesses accept contactless payments via an Android smartphone instead of a card terminal. Youth & Sport: The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association’s youth championships (ages 9–15) run May 16–17, and cricket action continues to dominate regional headlines. Local Watch: ABEC has rejected election fraud claims and warns legal action may follow if allegations aren’t withdrawn.