AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism (Nevis): Nevis kicked off a multi-million-dollar expansion at Vance W. Amory International Airport on July 1, with Premier Mark Brantley calling it a “next generation” move to boost air access and tourism for the Federation. Aviation & Connectivity (Anguilla region): BermudAir says it will expand winter flying across the Caribbean and Central America, including new links involving Anguilla, plus added service patterns to Turks & Caicos and Belize. Regional Tourism Policy (OECS): OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism, training member states to turn local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism growth. Regional Governance (OECS): OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures. Public Safety (Anguilla): The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an awards and recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office, highlighting investigative excellence, firearms recovery, and training support. Local Culture (Anguilla): Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with a regional lineup spanning Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Anguilla.

Airport & Tourism Investment: Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, with Premier Mark Brantley calling it a generational boost for tourism and the wider economy. Regional Policy & Governance: OECS leaders moved on judicial administration by agreeing to raise the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures. OECS Capacity Building: OECS tourism officials held a Community-Based Tourism workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states turn CBT plans into action, backed by the EU’s RIGHT programme. Anguilla Community & Public Safety: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office, spotlighting investigative work, training, and partner support for justice outcomes. Travel Connectivity: JetBlue will add daily Fort Lauderdale–St. Maarten flights from July 9, while BermudAir expands winter routes that include expanded service to Anguilla. Culture & Identity: Grenada’s Kirani James is set to replace Queen Elizabeth II on the new EC$5 banknote, with redesigned Eastern Caribbean currency rolling out in 2027. Local Events: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with a regional lineup of soca, bouyon, and live bands.

OECS Justice Reform: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures and keep experienced jurists on the bench. Regional Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed as OECS Director General for a fourth term, with leaders citing progress on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities, and education reform. Air Connectivity for Anguilla: BermudAir is expanding winter service, including more flights to Anguilla and new nonstop routes across the Caribbean, while JetBlue adds daily Fort Lauderdale–St. Maarten flights from July 9—both moves that could boost travel links for Anguilla residents and visitors. Public Safety Recognition: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an awards and recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honoring officers for investigations, lifesaving actions, firearms recovery, and training support. Local Governance & Community: Police and community groups also marked the Fourth of July with a “Sticker Shock” style push for responsible gatherings and underage alcohol prevention. Education & Access: New Anglia University says it’s responding to rising UK medical demand by reinforcing a UK-focused MD pathway with NHS-based clinical training and support. Tourism & Business: ÀNI Private Resorts announced a January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla, positioning it as a flagship private-resort concept.

Air Connectivity: JetBlue will add daily Fort Lauderdale–St. Maarten flights starting July 9, boosting summer options for tourists and business travellers via Princess Juliana. Regional Aviation & Trade: BermudAir expands its winter network with new nonstop routes to Turks and Caicos and added service to Anguilla, while St. Vincent announces Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to strengthen tourism supply chains and help farmers export. Anguilla Travel Market: Trans Anguilla Airways has gone live on the Global Distribution System, making its inter-island flights easier for travel agents and international bookings. Justice & Governance (OECS): OECS leaders approved raising the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70. Public Safety (Anguilla): The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an awards and recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, spotlighting investigations, training, and life-saving actions. OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules was re-appointed OECS Director General for a fourth term. Local Community: Anguilla’s Fourth of July message campaign “Sticker Shock” targets responsible gatherings and underage alcohol sales.

Regional Air Links: JetBlue will start daily Fort Lauderdale–Princess Juliana flights from July 9, adding three extra weekly services to boost summer travel and connections for St. Maarten and onward trips to nearby islands including Anguilla. Anguilla Travel Access: Trans Anguilla Airways is now live on global distribution systems, making it easier for travel agents and travelers to search and book inter-island flights across the Eastern Caribbean. OECS Governance: OECS leaders have reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules as Director General for a fourth term, backing the integration agenda. Courts Reform: OECS heads agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures. Public Safety Recognition: Anguilla’s Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office garden, honoring officers for investigations, training, and major incident response. Judicial/Justice Capacity: A UK-funded prison leadership programme is nearing completion for senior Bermuda corrections officers, with Anguilla among participating territories.

OECS Judiciary Reform: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures and keep expertise in place. Public Safety Spotlight: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Governor’s Office, honoring officers for investigations, life-saving actions, firearms recovery, training, and partner support to the justice system. Regional Connectivity for Anguilla: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, a move expected to boost visibility and make multi-island travel easier for agents and visitors. Travel & Business Moves: BermudAir expands winter service with more routes including additional Anguilla flights, while JetBlue adds more Caribbean departures from Fort Lauderdale. Health Education Demand: New Anglia University says it’s responding to growing UK student demand for alternative medicine pathways, emphasizing its UK-focused MD route with NHS-based clinical training. Hospitality Expansion: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla.

Public Safety & Governance: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, spotlighting officers and partners for everything from investigative excellence and life-saving responses to firearms recovery and specialist Taser training. Community Messaging: The Warren and Bristol Prevention Coalitions are teaming up for “Sticker Shock,” placing reminders in local shops and liquor stores ahead of Fourth of July—aimed at responsible hosting and preventing underage sales. Regional Justice Policy: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when posts open. Anguilla’s Profile in Tourism: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay on Anguilla’s northern coast, positioning it as a global flagship for private, one-group-at-a-time luxury stays. Travel & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through global airline distribution systems, expanding how travel agents and visitors can find and reserve flights.

Regional Justice Reform: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures as experienced judges leave at 65. Currency & Identity: Grenada’s Olympic sprint legend Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the EC$5 banknote, with the redesigned notes expected to enter circulation in 2027. Anguilla Travel Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding its winter schedule with more service to Anguilla (including twice-weekly flights from Baltimore-Washington) alongside added routes to Turks and Caicos and Belize. Local Aviation Access: Trans Anguilla Airways has gone live on Global Distribution Systems, making it easier for travel agents and travelers to search and book inter-island flights internationally. Health Policy: At the World Health Assembly, Anguilla was among territories recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, as member states continued talks on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex.

Regional Courts & Governance: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 65 to 70, with Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne saying the change is meant to ease recruitment challenges as judges retire. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding its BWI winter schedule with new nonstop service to Turks and Caicos and adding a second weekly flight to Anguilla, improving options for travelers during the 2026-27 season. Local Business & Travel Access: Trans Anguilla Airways has gone live on the Global Distribution System, a move expected to make the airline easier to find and book through international travel networks. Health Policy: At the World Health Assembly, Anguilla and other territories received recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, as member states continued talks on the WHO pandemic agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex. Regional Integration Context: Commentary marking the OECS’s 45th anniversary highlights achievements like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union’s stability.

Air Links & Tourism: BermudAir is expanding its winter schedule from BWI with a new weekly nonstop to Turks and Caicos starting Dec. 24, plus Anguilla service growing to twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays) through May 2027, giving more direct options for winter travelers. Regional Finance: A market analysis piece says Scotiabank is taking Scotia Group Jamaica private—raising the bigger question of who will own Caribbean banks and how the region stays plugged into the global financial system. Judicial Policy (OECS): OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire earlier. Banking & Governance (ECCB): The ECCB highlights the role of its agency offices across member states, stressing they’re not commercial banks but support currency operations, oversight, and public education. Aviation & Trade: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new air cargo service, aimed at boosting imports for tourism and creating export routes for local farmers. Health (Anguilla in WHO list): WHO’s World Health Assembly update notes Anguilla among places recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis.

Regional Banking Ownership: Scotiabank has moved to buy the remaining 28.22% of Scotia Group Jamaica it doesn’t already own, taking the 137-year-old lender private and delisting it from the Jamaica Stock Exchange—raising the bigger question of who will control Caribbean banking and how the region stays plugged into global finance. OECS Justice Reform: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire earlier. ECCU Currency Update: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank plans to replace the EC$5 banknote’s Queen Elizabeth II portrait with Grenadian sprinter Kirani James, with the redesigned series expected to enter circulation in 2027. Anguilla Travel Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways has gone live on global distribution systems, making it easier for travel agents and travelers to find and book inter-island flights. Health & Governance in the Region: WHO reported progress on disease elimination and tobacco control at the World Health Assembly, while ECCB highlighted the role of its agency offices in member countries.

OECS Judicial Reform: OECS leaders agreed to raise the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when posts open at 65. Regional Integration Milestone: As the OECS marks 45 years, coverage highlights what the bloc has delivered—especially the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union’s stability. ECCB Banknote Overhaul: Grenada’s Kirani James is set to appear on the EC$5 note as the ECCB moves away from Queen Elizabeth II portraits, with new notes expected to enter circulation in 2027. Anguilla Connectivity Boost: Trans Anguilla Airways is now live on global distribution systems, making it easier for travel agents and passengers to book inter-island flights across the Eastern Caribbean. UNHCR Funding Opportunity: Antigua and Barbuda is eligible for new UNHCR protection and refugee assistance grants, with an application call for organisations supporting displaced and stateless people across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Health & Governance: WHO’s World Health Assembly update notes Anguilla among countries recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis. Aviation & Trade: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service aimed at strengthening tourism supply chains and helping farmers export.

Regional Justice: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire at 65. Banking & Ownership: Scotiabank is moving to buy the remaining stake in Scotia Group Jamaica and take it private, raising the bigger question of who will control Caribbean banking and how the region stays plugged into global finance. Currency Reform: Grenada’s Kirani James is set to appear on the EC$5 banknote as the ECCB replaces Queen Elizabeth II portraits with regional figures, with new notes expected to enter circulation in 2027. Travel Connectivity: Anguilla’s Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems via a Global Distribution System link, aiming to boost visibility and easier multi-island planning. Aviation & Trade: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to strengthen tourism supply chains and help farmers export. Humanitarian Funding: UNHCR opened an expression of interest for organisations to support refugees and displaced people across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with a 24 July 2026 deadline.

OECS Judicial Reform: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment problems when experienced judges leave at 65. Regional Banking & Finance: A new Caribbean banking shake-up is in motion as Scotiabank moves to buy the remaining stake in Scotia Group Jamaica and delist it—raising the bigger question of who will ultimately control regional banking. Currency & Identity: The ECCB is set to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on new EC banknotes with Caribbean figures; Grenada’s Kirani James is confirmed for the EC$5 note, expected to enter circulation in 2027. Local Connectivity for Anguilla Travelers: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through global distribution systems, expanding how travel agents and passengers can find and reserve inter-island flights. Health Governance: At the World Health Assembly, Anguilla was among countries recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis.

Regional Air Connectivity: Anguilla’s inter-island travel gets a boost as Trans Anguilla Airways goes live on global distribution systems, making its flights easier for travel agents and travellers to search and book. Regional Aviation & Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional air cargo service, aimed at improving tourism supply chains and helping farmers export produce. Currency & Identity: Eastern Caribbean Currency Union members are moving to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional figures; Grenada’s Kirani James is set for the EC$5 banknote series entering circulation in 2027. Public Health Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Anguilla among territories recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis. OECS at 45: Commentary and coverage mark the OECS anniversary, spotlighting regional integration achievements like the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Sports & Community: St. Eustatius hosted the Alliance—Hoops & Heritage FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest with teams including Anguilla, while St. Lucia prepares a 10-person squad for the OECS bridge championships in Dominica.

Regional Air & Trade: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport says Executive Air has launched a new air cargo service, aiming to boost tourism and help farmers ship produce to international markets, with the carrier linking Anguilla and much of the Eastern Caribbean. Travel & Connectivity: Anguilla’s Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, a move the Anguilla Tourist Board says should make flights easier to find for travel agents and multi-island visitors. Currency & Identity: Eastern Caribbean Currency Union banknotes are set for a redesign, with Grenada’s Kirani James chosen for the EC$5 note entering circulation in 2027. Public Health Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Anguilla among territories recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis. OECS at 45: Commentary marks the OECS’ 45th anniversary, pointing to regional integration gains like the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Emergency Preparedness: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Port Health Unit received a Scherber First Responder Backpack donated by Anguilla’s TDC Group to strengthen airport emergency response.