AGP Executive Report

Montserrat & Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support to safeguard coral reefs, seagrass and hawksbill turtles. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness across the region, including Montserrat. Local Economy & Pensions: Montserrat’s government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system and moving toward a defined contribution model. Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition. Food Security: Spain’s “No Home Without Food” campaign (la Caixa Foundation/CaixaBank) is underway for its seventh year, highlighting ongoing poverty pressures and reliance on food banks. Global Business Watch: Spain’s property market shows a mix of rising home prices and falling transactions, with mortgage activity still strong.

Montserrat Pension Reform: Montserrat’s Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a shift toward a defined contribution model and a 17-member Pension Reform Committee supported by TELUS Health. Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support for marine conservation. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness across public and private stakeholders, including Montserrat. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a new borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is positioned to help Caribbean professionals receive international payments via a virtual US dollar account. Spain Economy Watch: Spain’s property market shows a squeeze: home prices are rising while purchases fall, with mortgages at high levels—an affordability and demand signal worth watching. Local Governance & Jobs: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges, including ageing populations and outward migration.

Montserrat & Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support; it’s the fourth Caribbean UK Overseas Territory in the scheme. Montserrat Economy & Finance: Government has begun major pension reform, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system and moving toward a defined contribution model, with a 17-member committee and international technical support. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by offering access to a virtual US dollar account to receive overseas payments more easily. Public Sector Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil servant recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, migration and private-sector competition, including Montserrat’s participation. Spain Property Watch: Spain’s housing market shows a squeeze: second-hand prices rose sharply while purchases fell, with mortgages at their highest in 15 years. Global Spotlight (Business-adjacent): In Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the Tower of Jesus Christ at Sagrada Família, drawing major crowds and reinforcing tourism momentum around the Gaudí centenary.

Montserrat & Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific expertise and technical support. Montserrat Tourism & Payments: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, aiming to make planning easier for visitors as Montserrat pushes for more stayover and cruise tourism. Montserrat Pensions Reform: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, with a 17-member committee and international support, moving toward a more modern, transparent, sustainable retirement system. Regional Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by offering access to a virtual US dollar account for receiving international payments. Spain Property Market Watch: Spain’s home prices rose sharply while transactions fell, with experts pointing to the mismatch between affordability pressures and mortgage activity. Global Context (Pope in Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Barcelona visit highlighted themes of human dignity, migration, and social responsibility, including a Sagrada Família tower blessing tied to Gaudí’s centenary.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support to set up marine protected areas, improve fisheries management and modernise marine laws. Local Governance & Finance: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming to move toward a defined contribution model for public and private workers, with a 17-member committee and international actuarial support. Tourism & Payments: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors choose dates and pay securely in advance via its redesigned website. Regional Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS services sector training initiative (June 29–July 2) to strengthen policymaking and negotiating skills across the region, including Montserrat. Global Business Tech: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year, highlighting security operations support for AI-driven threats. Property Markets (Context): Spain’s housing story is mixed: prices rose while property purchases fell, even as mortgage signings hit a 15-year high.

Montserrat Pension Reform: Montserrat’s Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a move toward a defined contribution model and a 17-member Pension Reform Committee supported by TELUS Health. Marine Protection Boost: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, with support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management and update marine legislation. Tourism Payments Upgrade: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan and pay before arrival. Volcano Risk Outlook: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring showing ground inflation, gas emissions and seismic activity. Business & Finance Tech: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Global South by offering access to a virtual US dollar account for receiving international payments. Regional Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training initiative (June 29–July 2) to strengthen policy and negotiating skills across the region, including Montserrat. Cybersecurity Award: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year for helping organisations defend against AI-driven threats. Property Market Watch (Spain): Spain’s home prices are rising fast while purchases fall, with mortgages at a 15-year high—highlighting a squeeze between affordability and demand.

Montserrat Business & Economy: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a 17-member Pension Reform Committee and technical support from TELUS Health; the review is expected to explore a shift toward a defined contribution model and a transition strategy that protects workers. Local Finance: The MBPF Soft Loan Programme is fully deployed after EC$2 million was issued through 39 approved loans (97.3% utilisation) with no defaults reported, and Government is now seeking additional funding to expand the programme. Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan and pay ahead. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support for marine protected areas and fisheries management. Business Growth (Regional): Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs across the Global South, is gaining traction by offering access to a virtual US dollar account to receive overseas payments more easily. Business/Trade Context: A market analysis on ECCU lending rates argues the region is in a “decade of decision,” with financing needs and policy priorities shaping the cost of money.

Montserrat Business & Finance: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a move toward a defined contribution model and a 17-member Pension Reform Committee supported by TELUS Health. SME Support: Montserrat is also seeking extra funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, approving 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults or arrears so far. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using new scientific and technical support to expand marine protected areas and strengthen fisheries management. Tourism & Trade: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan and pay before arrival. Regional Business Context: A Caribbean banking analysis highlights why lending rates in the ECCU remain high and what strategic choices lie ahead for the region’s growth. Local Resilience: Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, reinforcing the need for close monitoring.

Montserrat Tourism: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided Montserrat tours, making it easier for visitors to choose dates, view itineraries and confirm reservations before arrival. Marine & Environment: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with support for marine protected areas, fisheries management and updated marine legislation. Local Finance: The Montserrat Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, approving 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults reported. Disaster Readiness: A new look at hurricane preparedness highlights how modern reliance on phones and power can create new risks during outages, stressing power banks, radios and offline document copies. Volcano Watch: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with ongoing monitoring of ground movement, gas and seismic activity. Regional Business: A Caribbean banking analysis focuses on why lending rates in the ECCU stay high and what policy choices could lower the “cost of money” for growth. Global Business Tech: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers, is gaining traction across the Global South, offering virtual US dollar accounts to help entrepreneurs get paid internationally.

Public Finance & Wages: Spain’s civil service union CC OO is pushing for a €1,500 minimum net monthly salary for state administration workers, arguing low pay is driving vacancies in high-cost cities and leaving a third of posts unfilled. Marine Conservation & Jobs: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and aiming to expand marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine planning with new scientific support. Local Business Funding: The Montserrat Government is seeking fresh money to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, approving 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults reported. ECCU Lending Costs: A Caribbean banking analysis spotlights why borrowing is so expensive across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and frames the “decade of decision” for regional financing and growth. Disaster Readiness: A Montserrat piece revisits Hurricane Hugo’s lessons and asks whether households are ready today, stressing power, charging, radios, and offline document backups. Governance & Oversight: The BVI urges the UN decolonization committee to use its mandate more actively, including visiting missions, to advance remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories toward self-government. Church & Society (Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip is underway amid polarization and migration debate, with Spain also rolling out a reparations programme for historic clergy abuse cases.

Marine & Trade Policy: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support to set up Marine Protected Areas, improve fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. SME Finance: The Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2m, with 39 loans approved across 11 sectors and no defaults reported. Disaster Readiness: Montserrat is upgrading hurricane response with new tech, including thermal-imaging drones for the police and expanded drone capabilities for the Volcano Observatory to speed up damage checks and locate people in need. Volcano Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active and in “unrest,” with monitoring showing ground inflation, gas emissions, and increased seismic activity despite no eruption since 2010. Regional Business & Markets: A Caribbean banking analysis argues the “cost of money” in the ECCU is keeping lending rates high, shaping the region’s next “decade of decision.”

Montserrat Finance: The Montserrat Government is seeking fresh funding to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, with EC$1.94 million already pushed through 39 approved loans across 11 sectors and no defaults reported. Caribbean Banking: A new analysis in the ECCU “cost of money” series links high lending rates to the region’s wider “decade of decision” agenda, arguing the next two years will shape growth for years ahead. Disaster Readiness Tech: Montserrat’s disaster response is getting a boost with thermal-imaging drones and expanded drone programmes, helping responders assess damage, spot blocked roads, and locate people after storms. Local Recognition: Dulcie James received an OBE at Windsor Castle for services to public and financial services and community development in Montserrat. Sports Business: Rush Sports says it’s building a major World Cup viewing experience across 13 Caribbean markets, including full match coverage in most territories and shared coverage in Jamaica. Vatican & Media: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit is drawing attention to migration, polarization, and church reforms, while Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado is set to become the first laywoman to lead the Vatican’s communications dicastery.

Montserrat Finance: The Montserrat Business and Professional Fund (MBPF) is set to get a boost after government fully deployed its initial EC$2 million soft-loan allocation, with EC$1.94 million already issued via 39 approved loans across 11 sectors; 19 loans are active and administrators report no defaults or arrears so far, with officials now in talks to replenish and expand the programme. Regional Banking Outlook: A new Caribbean banking analysis argues the “cost of money” in the ECCU remains high, shaping lending and growth decisions, and points to credit unions as a potential route to more affordable borrowing. Disaster Readiness: Montserrat’s hurricane preparations are getting more tech-heavy, with thermal-imaging drones and expanded drone support for responders, alongside updates on shelters and critical service readiness. Local Recognition: Dulcie James received an OBE at Windsor Castle for public and financial services and community development in Montserrat. Sports Media: Rush Sports says it’s preparing a wide Caribbean World Cup broadcast push, including coverage for Montserrat and other regional markets.

Caribbean Finance: A new market analysis argues the “cost of money” in the ECCU is a drag on growth, tying today’s high lending rates to a wider “decade of decision” for regional development—amid CDB and ECCB pushes to expand ECCU economies through food, energy, digital, human capital, financial wealth creation, and trade logistics. Montserrat Resilience: Montserrat’s hurricane season push continues with updates from the DMCA on shelter readiness, emergency communications, healthcare, transport, fuel security, and new disaster-response tech—highlighting drones with thermal imaging to speed damage checks and locate people after storms. Papal Visit & Policy Watch: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip is underway, with messages focused on peace and unity while Spain rolls out a reparations programme for historic clergy abuse cases; the visit also spotlights migration and a polarized political backdrop. World Cup Business: Rush Sports (CPSL) says it’s preparing a region-wide World Cup viewing push across 13 Caribbean markets, including full match coverage in most territories and a shared arrangement in Jamaica. Local Recognition: Dulcie James receives an OBE for public and financial services and community development in Montserrat.

Caribbean Finance: A new analysis argues “the cost of money” in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union is keeping borrowing expensive and slowing growth, while credit unions can offer cheaper rates—key context as the region pushes its “decade of decision” and shared prosperity plans. Local Resilience: Montserrat’s disaster agencies say hurricane readiness is getting more tech-heavy, with thermal imaging drones, expanded drone programs, and updated shelter and emergency communications planning ahead of the 2026 season. Hurricane Preparedness: Leaders urge residents and businesses to stay ready year-round, citing recent flooding damage even without a major hurricane hit. Vatican & Media Reform: Pope Leo XIV begins a Spain visit focused on peace, migration, and unity, while Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado is set to become the first laywoman (non-religious) to lead the Vatican’s communications dicastery from Nov. 1. Montserrat Recognition: Dulcie James received an OBE at Windsor Castle for public and financial services and community development in Montserrat. Business & Markets: Walker & Dunlop arranged $223m in bridge financing for a Southeast multifamily portfolio, and Avery Dennison named Danny Allouche president of its Materials Group.

Vatican & Migration: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip (June 6–12) is set to spotlight migrant treatment, political polarization, and meetings with abuse survivors, with Spain’s government and bishops pushing ahead on a new clergy sex-abuse reparations programme. Local Governance & Business Impact: Spain’s reparations plan gives the government final say on payouts, while Catalonia is choosing transport upgrades over remote-work guidance during the Pope’s Barcelona visit—an approach that could affect local employers and footfall. ECCU Finance: A new commentary argues the Eastern Caribbean’s “decade of decision” hinges on how lending rates and policy choices shape growth, resilience, and shared prosperity. Montserrat Resilience: Montserrat’s hurricane readiness updates highlight expanded disaster tech, including thermal-imaging drones and improved shelter and emergency communications planning. Health & Food Costs: A Montserrat study links high hypertension rates to barriers like fresh produce prices and limited access to fish, even when residents know what to eat. Sports Media: Rush Sports is rolling out expanded 2026 World Cup coverage across multiple Caribbean markets, including Montserrat. Trade & Tourism: SMART 2026 bookings in St Maarten are at 79% with only a few booths left, signaling strong regional business momentum. Corporate Appointments: Avery Dennison names Danny Allouche president of its Materials Group, and Walker & Dunlop arranges $223m bridge financing for multifamily properties in the Southeast.