AGP Executive Report

Art & Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is rolling out a new “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), spotlighting more than ten visual artists and offering a taste of what’s coming, including Makŏ Fine Art Gallery’s “Out of the Krokus Bag” programme. Parliament Modernisation: Government reps in Miami backed a regional push to modernize parliamentary practice using AI, including ParlLink to digitize and make decades of records searchable. Public Safety Policy: PM Gaston Browne says the Sex Offenders Registry will move to public access, including photographs, after pressure from child-protection advocates. Local Governance & Accountability: Questions are growing around Barnacle Point’s development after Browne-linked dredging and high-end plans raised concerns about public resources and private interests. Sports (Cycling): Tahje Browne is recovering from a June hit-and-run but will miss the rest of the 2026 season as he continues rehab. Sports (Cricket): Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have qualified for the CPL playoffs, with coach Paul Nixon stressing belief and staying focused game-by-game. Culture (Theatre): La Cour Des Arts de la Dominique stages Dorbrene O’Marde’s satirical political play “Fly on the Wall” on Sept 25–26. Education (Barbuda): Government moves to ease space constraints with a new primary school for Barbuda. Digital Skills: OECS opens applications for its Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II) starting Sept 10, with training across AI, cloud, cybersecurity and more.

Police & Community: Police Week 2026 kept the focus on people even with a shortened programme for CHOGM, with officers visiting sick and housebound colleagues and holding community consultations across Antigua, including Willikies where residents asked for a police station back in the area. Development Questions: Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his family could build luxury villas at Barnacle Point (about US$4m each), but the disclosure is reigniting debate over how public marine dredging and approvals intersect with private family interests. Cycling Update: National cyclist Tahje Browne is making steady progress after a June hit-and-run, but will miss the rest of the 2026 season as he continues rehab. Arts Calendar: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique presents Dorbrene O’Marde’s satirical play “Fly on the Wall” at St. Gerard’s Hall on Sept. 25–26, 8pm. Art Week Build-Up: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority launches its “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov. 11–18), spotlighting local visual artists and previewing programmes like “Out of the Krokus Bag” and the “Dual Thresholds” installation. Education & Skills: OECS opens applications Sept. 10 for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II), with Antigua and Barbuda among eligible countries. CHOGM Infrastructure: Cabinet received an update on accelerated road rehabilitation around St John’s, including routes near the Performing Arts Centre, aimed to be finished by end of September. Cricket Buzz: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons qualified for the CPL playoffs, with coach Paul Nixon stressing belief and staying focused as the tournament begins Sept. 16 in Barbados.

CHOGM Arts Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda’s Performing Arts Centre is set for a September 30 handover as CHOGM roadworks intensify, with targeted road rehab and utility pipe upgrades clearing the way for a new hub for concerts, conferences and major cultural events. Barbuda School Boost: Government moves to ease space constraints with a new primary school for Barbuda, replacing post-Irma damage and supporting nearly 200 students. Reparations on the Cultural Calendar: A Jamaican delegation defends its legal route to petition King Charles over slavery reparations, while local theatre group La Cour des Arts de la Dominique presents Dorbrene O’Marde’s satirical political play “Fly on the Wall” (Sept 25–26). Art Week Countdown: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority launches its “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), spotlighting visual artists and community programming. Digital Skills Push: OECS opens applications for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Sept 10–20) for Antigua and Barbuda and other member states, delivered via UWI Global Campus. Falcons CPL Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons qualify for the CPL playoffs after a 65-run win over Guyana Amazon Warriors, with coach Paul Nixon stressing belief and focus.

Barbuda School Upgrade: Government says Barbuda’s new primary school is moving ahead to ease long-running space constraints at Holy Trinity, damaged after Hurricane Irma. CHOGM Arts & Infrastructure: The Performing Arts Centre handover is set for Sept. 30 as Cabinet pushes CHOGM road rehabilitation across St John’s, with utilities upgrades clearing the way for resurfacing. Theatre Night Out: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique Inc. announces Dorbrene O’Marde’s satirical political play “Fly on the Wall,” running Sept. 25–26 at St. Gerard’s Hall. Art Week Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority launches its “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov. 11–18), spotlighting local visual artists and community programming. CPL Playoffs Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons qualify for the CPL playoffs, with coach Paul Nixon stressing belief and focus as the postseason begins Sept. 16. OECS Digital Skills: Applications open Sept. 10 for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II), delivered by UWI Global Campus via the World Bank-backed CARDTP.

Barbuda Education Boost: Government says Holy Trinity Primary’s space crunch is easing with a new primary school for Barbuda after years of disruption following Hurricane Irma. Reparations in the Spotlight: A Jamaican delegation in the UK met diaspora and institutions, including the British Museum, to press King Charles on slavery reparations—framed around legal questions tied to the Zong massacre anniversary. Stage & Screen for Antiguans: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique brings Dorbrene O’Marde’s satirical play “Fly on the Wall” to St. Gerard’s Hall (Sept 25–26). Plus, Antiguan singer Causion drops “One Life to Live,” with a video directed by his son Jeron, filmed in English Harbour. Art Week Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority launches its “Meet the Artists” series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), spotlighting local visual artists and community programming. Digital Skills Push: OECS opens applications for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Sept 10–20) via UWI Global Campus. Falcons CPL Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons qualify for CPL playoffs; coach Paul Nixon stresses belief and staying focused as the Sept 16 start approaches. CHOGM Venue Update: Cabinet backs accelerated roadworks around the Performing Arts Centre, expected to be ready for CHOGM and future cultural events.

Antigua & Barbuda Art Week: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is rolling out a new “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), spotlighting more than ten visual artists and teasing public art, workshops, and community events like Makŏ Fine Art Gallery’s “Out of the Krokus Bag” and the “Dual Thresholds” installation. CHOGM Arts & Infrastructure: Antigua’s Performing Arts Centre is on track for a Sept 30 handover, with road rehabilitation in St John’s accelerating around the venue as the country prepares to host CHOGM leaders and major cultural programming. Local Music Spotlight: Antiguan singer Causion shares the story behind “One Life to Live,” now paired with a new video directed by his son Jeron, filmed in English Harbour. Regional Tech Skills: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens Sept 10, offering advanced training across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital marketing for eligible citizens including Antigua and Barbuda. Cricket & Belief: The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons are in playoff mode in Barbados, with coach Paul Nixon praising the team’s confidence and belief after qualifying for the CPL playoffs.

Art Week Build-Up: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is rolling out a new “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), featuring 10+ visual artists and spotlighting projects like Makŏ Fine Art Gallery’s “Out of the Krokus Bag” and the public installation “Dual Thresholds.” CHOGM Arts & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing to finish the National Performing Arts Centre in time for CHOGM’s opening ceremony, while the National Theatre’s 2027 programme is announced with a free-to-watch online run of “The Jungle Book” next March. Cricket & Entertainment Energy: The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons are in CPL playoff mode after a 65-run win over Guyana Amazon Warriors, with coach Paul Nixon stressing “belief” as the team heads to Barbados. Sports Training Spotlight: Liam Evans is helping Bermuda’s Davis Cup team with strength and conditioning, with a link to Antigua via his past work with pro tennis players from the region. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda brought Carnival to Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, using PIX11 coverage to boost excitement for Carnival’s 70th anniversary. Tech Skills Push: OECS opens applications for advanced digital skills scholarships (Sept 10–20), including AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data analytics. Legal/Business Buzz: A U.S. court has expanded subpoenas in the Alfa Nero superyacht sale inquiry, pulling in documents tied to Antiguan officials and yacht brokers.

CPL Cricket Buzz: The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are through to the playoffs after a 65-run win over the Guyana Amazon Warriors, ending the Warriors’ unbeaten run and locking in a top-two finish; coach Paul Nixon says the camp’s “belief” is driving the charge as playoffs begin Sept. 16 in Barbados. Art Week Countdown: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is rolling out a new “Meet the Artists” video series ahead of Art Week (Nov 11–18), spotlighting more than ten creators and previewing events like “Out of the Krokus Bag” and the “Dual Thresholds” interactive installation. Tourism & Culture Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda brought Carnival energy to Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, with PIX11 coverage and a push to build excitement for Antigua Carnival’s 70th anniversary. Education & Skills: OECS opens applications Sept. 10 for its Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (CARDTP/UWI Global Campus), offering advanced training and certifications across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital marketing. Local Sports/Community: Falcons’ CPL momentum continues as they prepare in Barbados for the playoff run. Prison Tech Boost: CIBC Caribbean and UWI Lifelong Learning Unit donated computers to His Majesty’s Prison to expand inmate IT and literacy coursework. International Watch: U.S. visitor visa issuances to Antigua and Barbuda reportedly fell to zero in early 2026, following new restrictions.

CPL Playoffs Push: The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win at Providence Stadium, powered by Alzarri Joseph and leg-spinner Shadab Khan, booking a top-two finish and setting up a likely playoff showdown. CHOGM Build-Up: Antigua is pressing ahead with major CHOGM preparations, including a promise that the National Performing Arts Centre in St John’s will be completed by end-September for the opening ceremony (Nov 1–4). Commonwealth Cricket: Sir Vivian Richards’ “One Commonwealth, One Team” exhibition match series is set to bring Commonwealth leaders and future cricket talent to Antigua in November alongside CHOGM. Tourism Spotlight: Antigua Carnival promotion hit Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, with ABTA’s U.S. team using PIX11 coverage to boost excitement for Antigua Carnival’s 70th anniversary. Education & Skills: CIBC Caribbean and UWI’s Lifelong Learning Unit donated 10 computers to His Majesty’s Prison, expanding IT and learning access for inmates. Sports & Talent Pathways: ABCAS welcomed over 1,200 students in its first unified intake, while Antigua Grammar School defended a uniform crackdown sending senior students home for dress-code breaches.

CPL Playoffs Buzz: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are in Barbados with “belief” ahead of the CPL playoffs after ending Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win; Alzarri Joseph and Shadab Khan starred as the Falcons posted 182/5 and then bowled the Warriors out for 117. CHOGM Hosting Update: The National Performing Arts Centre in St John’s is set to be completed by end of September, with the CHOGM opening ceremony due Nov 1–4. Carnival Goes Global: Antigua and Barbuda brought Carnival energy to Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, using PIX11 TV coverage to build excitement for Antigua Carnival’s 70th anniversary. Education Boost: Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) welcomed 1,200+ students in its first unified intake, while the government also announced universal free education from early childhood to university. Local Sports & Arts: Benna Boys football looks set to feature more homegrown talent for the Concacaf Nations League, and the Falcons’ CPL momentum is feeding a wider wave of island pride. Tourism & Travel Signals: U.S. visitor visa issuances to Antigua and Barbuda reportedly fell to zero in early 2026, a major concern for travel planning.

Cricket & CHOGM Build-Up: Sir Vivian Richards launched the “One Commonwealth, One Team” exhibition cricket series, set for 1 November at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, pairing Commonwealth leaders with future stars as Antigua and Barbuda gears up for CHOGM 2026. Carnival in the Diaspora: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority brought Carnival energy to Brooklyn for the West Indian Day Parade, kicking off the run-up to Antigua Carnival 2027 (70th anniversary). CPL Spotlight: The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win at Providence, powered by Alzarri Joseph and Shadab Khan. Local Education & School Life: ABCAS welcomed 1,200+ students for its first unified intake, while Antigua Grammar School defended sending senior students home over uniform rules. Sports Development: ABFA ran a national referee pre-season course, and the Benna Boys are eyeing more homegrown talent for the Concacaf Nations League. Public Safety Policy: Antigua and Barbuda moved to make its sex offenders registry more accessible, reigniting calls for similar action in the BVI. Regional Governance Clash: PM Gaston Browne escalated his feud with the regional judiciary, questioning women judges’ silence over sentencing in sexual violence cases.

CPL Cricket: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons snapped Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win at Providence Stadium, with Alzarri Joseph and Shadab Khan starring as the Falcons finished in the top two. CPL Player Moves: Guyana also confirmed Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a like-for-like replacement for Mohammad Nabi, while Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris steps in for Rahmanullah Gurbaz—both changes tied to Afghanistan’s India T20I series. Education & School Life: ABCAS welcomed more than 1,200 students for its first unified intake, while Antigua Grammar School defended sending senior students home over uniform breaches: “Rules are rules.” Local Football & Netball: ABFA says the Benna Boys squad could feature more homegrown talent for the Concacaf Nations League, and the netball association named a 22-member women’s training squad for the Battle of the Isles in St Maarten. Culture & Community: Antigua Carnival energy hit Notting Hill Carnival in London as Young Lyrics and Tian Winter performed, building buzz for the island’s 70th Anniversary Carnival in 2027.

CPL Spotlight: Guyana Amazon Warriors have signed Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the rest of the season, with his CPL debut potentially coming against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Sept 8. Local Security & Training: Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force chief Brig. Gen. Telbert Benjamin says soldiers are being continuously trained on rules of engagement while supporting police, with commanders assessing each operation case-by-case. Education Boost: Government says universal free education now covers early childhood through university, including key exam and tuition costs. Football Prep: ABFA hosted a four-day national referee pre-season course to gear match officials up for the October season. Netball Build-Up: ABNA names a 22-member senior women’s training squad for the Battle of the Isles in St Maarten (Oct 28–Nov 1). Culture & Reparations: PM Gaston Browne marks Africa-CARICOM Day with a call for practical Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while Jamaica’s reparations push heads to King Charles with a petition seeking Privy Council legal guidance. Arts & Tourism Buzz: Antigua and Barbuda invites local content creators to enter the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards.

Education Boost: Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out universal free public education from preschool through university, with the government covering major exam and tuition costs as the new academic year begins. Defence & Policing: Defence Force chief Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin says soldiers are being continuously refreshed on the rules of engagement while supporting police, with commanders assessing each operation and weapon load case-by-case. Sport Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons keep their CPL playoff push alive with an eight-run win over Trinbago Knight Riders, while netball gears up for the Battle of the Isles with a 22-member senior women’s squad. Fitness & Culture: Bodybuilding’s Ollyn Martin says rivalry is fading as more athletes turn pro faster, and Antigua’s Soca Kings bring Carnival 70 energy to Notting Hill, London. Reparations Talk: Africa-CARICOM Day messages and Jamaica’s slavery reparations petition to King Charles keep the spotlight on reparatory justice and cultural restitution. Tourism/Media: ABTA and ABHTA open entries for the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards, inviting local creators to spotlight Antigua and Barbuda online.

Africa-CARICOM Day: Prime Minister Gaston Browne marks Sept. 7 by calling for a practical new era of Africa–Caribbean cooperation, urging trade, investment, tech, education, tourism, transport, culture and people-to-people links. Reparations push: Jamaica’s delegation heads to the UK to file a slavery reparations petition to King Charles, while the British Museum plans talks with Caribbean campaigners about returning sacred artefacts. Local diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s Madrid embassy helped secure the release of an Antigua citizen detained in Spain amid possible extradition to Algeria. Sports spotlight: ABNA names a 22-member netball squad for the Battle of the Isles; ABFA runs a national referee pre-season course; and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons’ CPL win keeps the playoff race hot. Arts & culture: Antigua Carnival soca kings Young Lyrics and Tian Winter bring the island’s sound to Notting Hill, London. Community & media: Veteran broadcaster Marcella André dies, and Janet Simon of Antigua becomes Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps.

CPL Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons kept their top spot in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, beating Trinbago Knight Riders by eight runs at the Queen’s Park Oval as Hasan Nawaz made 76 and Rahkeem Cornwall’s spell swung the game. Sports & Community: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” campaign is set to donate TT$200 per TKR six to the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities, linking CPL excitement with local support. Fitness & Local Talent: Antigua’s own Tiffany Gordon earned an IFBB Elite Pro Card at the Caribbean Championships in Guatemala, with Franklin Carbon, Jonte’ Barnes, Che-Vaughn Ferris and Andrei Phillip also representing the islands. Arts & Culture: Mexican curator Cuauhtémoc Medina has been appointed curator of the 25th Bienal de Arte Paiz, taking place in Guatemala City and Antigua in late 2027 into early 2028. Media & Public Life: Veteran broadcaster Marcella André has died, leaving a major void across Antigua and the wider Caribbean media scene. Tourism Creators: Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority opened entries for the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards, inviting local creators to spotlight Carnival, sailing, cuisine and everyday island life.