AGP Executive Report

OECS Tourism Push: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to strengthen Community-Based Tourism, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme, with a focus on turning local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism growth. Regional Currency Update: Grenada’s Olympic champion Kirani James is set to replace Queen Elizabeth II on the new Eastern Caribbean $5 banknote, with the redesigned series expected to roll out in 2027 across the OECS currency union. Montserrat Community & Skills: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship, funded via a Rotary District Grant. Health & Emergency Services (Montserrat): Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is calling for urgent restoration of safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, marking 29 years since the 1997 volcanic disaster and urging the Assembly to back a resolution. Business/Legal Watch: In Spain, Mango founder Isak Andic’s partner testified that he was preparing a new will that could cut children’s inheritance, as prosecutors continue to examine whether his death was an accident or foul play. Travel Mobility (India): The Henley Passport Index says Indian passport holders can enter 56 destinations visa-free, while experts note rankings shift as countries change visa policies.

ICE Facility Court Fight: A federal judge is still weighing whether to reinstate permits for a proposed ICE detention facility in Elkridge, with immigrant advocates rallying as Genesis GSA Strategic One argues a state public-comment rule unfairly targets the federal government. Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: Grenada’s Olympic champion Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the ECCB’s redesigned EC$5 banknote, with the new series rolling out in 2027 across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. OECS Tourism Push: OECS officials in Saint Lucia advanced community-based tourism planning, supported by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme, aiming to keep tourism income in local communities and back youth and women-led entrepreneurship. Montserrat Skills & Jobs: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support home-based business and financial independence. Montserrat Health Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is urging support for a resolution to restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation services, citing ongoing gaps since flights stopped in 2019. Regional Youth Tech: ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (July 6), a free four-week programme for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, focused on digital transformation and practical tech skills. Maritime Industry Meeting: The Red Ensign Group conference in Hamilton drew maritime officials to discuss fleet performance, regulation, future fuels, and security—key issues for shipping costs and reliability.

EV Infrastructure & Travel: GridX says public EV charging in Europe has surged to 1.2 million points across 32 countries, with fast-charging growth outpacing earlier years—good news for travelers who want charging to feel seamless, not stressful. Vatican Leadership & Economy: Pope Leo XIV named Italian economist Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican’s integral human development office, with Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect—another sign of shifting senior roles and policy focus on migrants, environment and development. Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: Grenada’s Olympic champion Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the new Eastern Caribbean $5 banknote, with the redesigned series expected to enter circulation in 2027. Montserrat Health & Safety: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent restoration of safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation flights, citing long-standing regulatory and operational gaps since 2019. Skills & Jobs for Youth: The ECCB will launch its 2026 free STEM Camp (July 6) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build digital and leadership skills. Women’s Economic Empowerment: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Regional Maritime Strategy: Montserrat’s harbourmaster joined the Red Ensign Group conference in Hamilton, where officials discussed future fuels, fleet performance and shipping security. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival schedule (July 18–26), with nine days of events spanning food, arts, youth activities and community markets.

EV Travel & Infrastructure: GridX says public EV charging in Europe has surged to 1.2 million points across 32 countries, with fast-charging growth continuing even as expansion slowed in 2025—good news for travelers who want charging to feel like part of the trip, not a detour. Vatican Leadership & Development: Pope Leo XIV named Italian Sister Alessandra Smerilli, an economist, as prefect of the Vatican dicastery overseeing migrants, environment and development, with Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect for the Laudato si’ education centre—another step in the church’s push to broaden senior roles. Montserrat Health & Safety: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is calling for urgent restoration of safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation flights, arguing key regulatory and operational gaps still need to be closed after service stopped in 2019. Skills & Women’s Empowerment (Montserrat): Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills with a Rotary District Grant to support income and entrepreneurship. Regional Youth & Tech (ECCB): The ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (free, ages 14–18) starting July 6 across ECCU territories, focused on AI, cybersecurity, design thinking and employability. Culture & Tourism (Montserrat): Calabash Festival 2026 runs July 18–26 with nine days of events, food and community, including market days, teen showcases and craft experiences. Regional Economy (OECS): OECS marked 45 years of integration and handed chairmanship to Gaston Browne, urging an “OECS renaissance” with stronger implementation to tackle shared climate and food security pressures.

Vatican Appointments: Pope Leo XIV named Italian economist Sister Alessandra Smerilli as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, replacing Cardinal Michael Czerny, and also created a pro-prefect role for Cardinal Fabio Baggio for the Laudato si’ Higher Education Centre—another high-profile push to put women in top Vatican leadership. Maritime Policy: More than 70 officials met at the Red Ensign Group conference in Hamilton to align on maritime strategy, including future fuels and security, with Montserrat’s harbourmaster among attendees. Montserrat Health & Safety: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is urging the Legislative Assembly to back a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, noting service stopped in 2019 over aircraft safety margins and that key requirements still need completion. Regional Skills & Jobs: The ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (July 6), a free four-week programme for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aimed at building AI and digital skills for future work. Women’s Economic Empowerment: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills with a view to income and home-based entrepreneurship. Tourism & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global airline distribution systems, improving access for multi-island Caribbean travel that includes Montserrat.

Maritime & Transport: More than 70 delegates at the 37th Red Ensign Group conference in Hamilton are tackling shipping pressures like future fuels and security, with Montserrat’s Harbourmaster Joseph O’Garro among attendees focused on aligning priorities across the British maritime network. Regional Economy & Resilience: OECS leaders used their 78th Authority meeting to push an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a clear focus on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Tourism & Skills for Growth: Montserrat’s Rotary Club launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Health Services: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is urging support for a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, citing long-standing regulatory and operational gaps since 2019. STEM & Youth: The ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat, aimed at building tech and leadership skills. Culture & Community: The Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival calendar (July 18–26), highlighting nine days of events spanning food, arts, youth activities, and market days.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: Grenada’s Olympic hero Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the ECCB’s redesigned EC$5 banknote, with the new notes expected to enter circulation in 2027. Regional Economic & Tech Push: The ECCB is set to launch a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, aiming to build youth skills for digital work. Montserrat Health Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is calling for urgent restoration of safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, with a resolution expected to be tabled June 30. Women’s Skills & Income: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” a sewing and marketable-skills project funded by a Rotary District Grant to support women’s entrepreneurship. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival schedule (July 18–26), featuring nine days of events, food, and community activities. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and urged an “OECS renaissance,” with new chairmanship moving to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Travel & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global airline distribution systems, expanding access for multi-island Caribbean travel planning.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: Grenada’s Olympic sprint hero Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the ECCB’s redesigned EC$5 banknote, with the new notes expected to enter circulation in 2027. Regional Economic & Youth Skills: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, tied to its digital transformation push. Montserrat Health & Emergency Services: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is urging support for a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, with the matter expected to be tabled June 30. OECS Governance & Resilience: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting, calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity, economic resilience, and regional implementation. Tourism & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global airline distribution systems, improving access for multi-island Caribbean travel planning. Community & Women’s Empowerment (Montserrat): Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Public Health (Region): The World Health Assembly update highlighted health achievements including Montserrat’s elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis.

Women’s Economic Skills: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills through a Rotary District Grant with Unsewcial’s Kristen Taylor Hilton, aiming to boost income and entrepreneurship. Emergency Health Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent restoration of safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation flights, noting night service stopped in 2019 after safety concerns and that key requirements still need completion. Regional Digital Talent: ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6, four weeks) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, tied to the bank’s digital transformation push. Culture & Local Economy: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival calendar (July 18–26), highlighting market events, food fairs, and community programming that should draw visitors and spend. Regional Integration Focus: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua under new chair Gaston Browne, stressing trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and economic resilience. Health Milestone: WHO’s World Health Assembly update lists Montserrat among territories recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis.

Women’s Economic Empowerment: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” a sewing and marketable-skills programme for women, funded via a Rotary District Grant and delivered with Unsewcial’s founder. Emergency Medical Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent restoration of safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, with a resolution expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly on June 30. Regional Digital Skills: ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp (ages 14–18) starting July 6 across ECCU territories, aiming to build youth capacity in tech creation and leadership. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival schedule (July 18–26), featuring nine days of events, food, music, and community activities. Regional Economic Integration: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and economic resilience. Currency & Identity: Kirani James has been selected to appear on the EC$5 banknote in a redesign rolling out in 2027. Health Promotion: Basil Chambers marks his 60th with a Men’s Health Fair on July 3, offering free screenings and prostate assessments. Travel & Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global airline distribution systems, boosting inter-island flight access including Montserrat.

World Cup & National Mood: Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. team run is being framed as a unifying “belief” story that’s pulling attention away from everyday cost pressures. Critical Materials & Supply Chains: A new public exhibition spotlights the growing scramble for “critical raw materials” needed for clean energy, tech and defence, warning that today’s mining and recycling choices will shape decades of availability. Montserrat Health Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing the Legislative Assembly to back urgent restoration of safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation flights, arguing key requirements could be addressed quickly. ECCB Digital Skills: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp (ages 14–18) across ECCU territories starting July 6, aimed at turning youth into tech creators and innovators. Calabash Festival 2026: Montserrat Arts Council released a nine-day Calabash calendar (July 18–26) packed with food, culture, markets and youth events. Regional Integration Focus: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua with priorities including trade, connectivity, economic resilience and climate action. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, improving access for multi-island Caribbean travel that includes Montserrat. Women’s Skills & Income: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support home-based enterprise. Currency & Identity: Kirani James is set to appear on the EC$5 note as part of an ECCB redesign rolling out in 2027. Payment Disruption Abroad: Cuba suspended Visa and Mastercard transactions after a partner scaled back processing, affecting travellers’ card use and ATM access. Business/Finance Governance: ECCB continues highlighting the role of its agency offices as the central bank’s local link—while stressing they are not commercial banks. Climate Adaptation Lens: A regional piece argues Caribbean islands must rethink energy, water, land and tourism as extreme weather and disasters intensify.

World Cup & National Mood: Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. team run is being framed as more than sport—90 minutes at a time, it’s helping a divided nation rally around belief. Critical Materials & Supply Security: A new public exhibition spotlights “critical raw materials” and why mining, recycling, and product choices now will shape clean energy and defence supply chains for decades. Women’s Skills for Income: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills with a clear aim of boosting household income and entrepreneurship. Emergency Health Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing a Legislative Assembly resolution to urgently restore safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation services, citing long-standing regulatory and infrastructure gaps since 2019. ECCB Digital Youth Push: The ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp (ages 14–18) across ECCU territories, using tech and leadership training to turn youth into creators and innovators. Montserrat Tourism Positioning: A travel-focused piece markets Montserrat as secure, uncrowded, and nature-driven—highlighting the island’s “modern-day Pompeii” Plymouth experience. Regional Integration & Trade Priorities: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua with an “OECS renaissance” message, focusing on trade, connectivity, economic resilience, climate and security. Air Connectivity Boost: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global airline distribution systems, expanding easier access to inter-island routes including Montserrat. Currency Identity Update: ECCB plans to redesign Eastern Caribbean banknotes from 2027, featuring regional figures—Kirani James on the EC$5. Health Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly updates include awards for disease elimination, with Montserrat noted for progress on mother-to-child transmission elimination. Cuba Payments Disrupted: Visitors to Cuba are warned that Visa and Mastercard transactions were suspended after a key payment processing partner scaled back amid sanctions.

Critical Materials Exhibition: A new public exhibition spotlights 34 “critical” raw materials vital to tech, clean energy and defence, linking rising demand to long-term choices on mining, recycling and product design. Women’s Skills & Jobs: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills with a path toward home-based income and entrepreneurship. Emergency Health Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent restoration of safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation services, with a resolution expected to be tabled June 30 after service stopped in 2019. Regional Tech & Youth: ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, focusing on AI, design thinking and job-ready skills. Tourism & Culture Calendar: Calabash Festival 2026 runs July 18–26 with nine days of events, food and community activities. OECS Economic Push: OECS leaders meeting in Antigua are calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity, economic resilience and implementation. Currency Update: Kirani James is set to appear on the EC$5 banknote in a 2027 ECCB redesign. Montserrat in the Air: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global airline distribution systems, improving access to inter-island flights including Montserrat. Health Recognition: World Health Assembly updates include awards for disease elimination and progress on HIV, HBV and syphilis mother-to-child transmission in Montserrat.

Pensions Reform: Montserrat has started a comprehensive review of its pension system, with TELUS Health providing technical support as the island moves toward a more transparent, defined-contribution model aimed at stabilising retirement benefits across public and private sectors. Emergency Medical Access: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing the Legislative Assembly to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, arguing key regulatory and infrastructure gaps could be fixed quickly. Skills & Jobs for Women: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” a sewing and marketable-skills project funded by a Rotary District Grant and delivered with Unsewcial to support women’s income and entrepreneurship. Regional Tech & Youth: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, linking digital transformation with practical AI and design-thinking training. Regional Economic Leadership: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity, climate resilience, security, and economic resilience. Tourism & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through global airline distribution systems, expanding access for travel agents and multi-island trip planning across the Eastern Caribbean. Health & Community Fundraising: Basil Chambers turns 60 by hosting a men’s health fair on July 3 with free screenings and prostate assessments, raising support for Meals on Wheels. Currency Update: ECCU plans to redesign EC banknotes from 2027, including featuring Grenadian sprinter Kirani James on the EC$5 note.

Women & Skills: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing, garment construction, and turning skills into income and entrepreneurship, funded via a Rotary District Grant with Unsewcial’s founder as facilitator. Health & Emergency Services: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing the Legislative Assembly to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, arguing key regulatory and infrastructure gaps could be addressed quickly. Banking & Youth Tech: ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6–four weeks) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build practical digital and AI-related skills tied to the bank’s digital transformation push. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival programme (July 18–26), featuring tours, craft and food events, teen showcases, and a major Market Day and Grand Food Fair. Regional Economy & Currency: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting, with a renewed push for “OECS renaissance” on trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and economic resilience. ECCB Notes Update: Kirani James is set to appear on the EC$5 banknote in a 2027 redesign, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional figures. Public Finance: Montserrat is starting a comprehensive pension system review with TELUS Health support, moving toward a more transparent defined contribution model with greater worker control and portability. Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global airline distribution systems, expanding access to inter-island flights including Montserrat.

Montserrat Pensions Reform: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined contribution model, expected to run about six months. ECCB STEM & Digital Skills: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build AI, Python, design thinking, collaboration and job-ready skills as part of its digital transformation push. ECCB Banknote Redesign: The ECCU’s EC$5 note is set to feature Grenadian Olympic champion Kirani James, with new currency portraits replacing Queen Elizabeth II expected to enter circulation in 2027. OECS Regional Push: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship moving to Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, economic resilience, climate and security. Montserrat Ferry Uncertainty: Questions remain over future ferry service to Montserrat as private operators market routes while the Government says its tender process is still underway and no government-run service is active yet. Calabash Festival Calendar: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival programme (July 18–26), themed “Carved in Culture, Spiced to Life,” with events spanning tours, markets, teen showcases and major food and community days. Health & Community: Basil Chambers turns 60 by launching a Men’s Health Fair on July 3 with free screenings and prostate checks, alongside fundraising for Meals on Wheels.