AGP Executive Report

OECS Integration Push: Heads of Government met in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, marking 45 years of regional cooperation and passing the chairmanship from Dr Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne, who urged an “OECS renaissance” with bold implementation on economic development, integration, climate resilience and security. Currency Update: Grenada’s Olympic sprint star Kirani James will appear on the EC$5 banknote in a wider ECCB redesign, with the first notes expected to enter circulation in 2027. ECCB on the Ground: The ECCB highlighted how its Agency Offices support currency operations and regulatory oversight across member states, stressing they are not commercial banks. Montserrat Pensions Reform: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits toward a more defined contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions remain over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while Government says its tender process is still underway. Green Business Support: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, planning support and regional networks. Health & Community: Basil Chambers turns 60 by launching a Men’s Health Fair in Montserrat on July 3 with free screenings and prostate assessments.

Currency & Identity: Grenadian sprint star Kirani James will appear on the EC$5 banknote as part of an Eastern Caribbean currency redesign, with the first new series expected to enter circulation in 2027. Local Economy & Governance: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits across public and private sectors. Business & Opportunity: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting in July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and regional networks for women and youth-led ventures. Transport Watch: Questions remain over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while the Government completes its long-awaited ferry tender. Regional Integration: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua, setting priorities around economic development, climate resilience, security, and deeper regional integration. Health & Policy: WHO’s World Health Assembly update highlighted progress on disease elimination and continued negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Legal/Local Impact: In the Mango founder death investigation tied to Montserrat, a judge ordered new inquiries and a forensic reconstruction of the fatal fall, with additional witnesses called.

World Health: WHO’s World Health Assembly opened with Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus reporting progress and recognising countries including Montserrat for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, while members extended talks on the Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex. Montserrat Business & Policy: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and move toward a more defined contribution model. Local Transport & Trade: Questions remain over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators market services while Government says its ferry tender is still being completed and no government-run service is operating yet. Regional Finance & Governance: The ECCB says its Agency Offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—while also clarifying they are not commercial banks. Entrepreneurship: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks. OECS Integration: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua under Dr Gaston Browne, with priorities including economic development, climate resilience, security, and regional integration. Health & Community: Basil Chambers turns 60 by hosting a Men’s Health Fair in Montserrat on July 3 with free screenings and prostate assessments, raising funds for Meals on Wheels. Mango Case (Business/Legal): In the investigation into Mango founder Isak Andic’s death in Montserrat, a judge ordered new inquiries including forensic reconstruction, and prosecutors say phone data shows he was not using his phone before the fatal fall.

Montserrat Business & Economy: Montserrat’s Government has kicked off a comprehensive pensions review, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits across public and private sectors. The work is led by a 17-member committee and supported by Canadian firm TELUS Health, with a shift toward a more transparent defined contribution model and expected completion in about six months. Transport & Trade: Questions are mounting over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators market routes while the Government says its long-awaited tender is still being completed. Regional Finance & Policy: The ECCB says its Agency Offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—while Grenada’s Kirani James is set to appear on new EC banknotes from 2027. OECS Governance: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua, with priorities including economic development, integration, climate resilience, and security. Entrepreneurship: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, targeting women and youth with mentorship and business planning support. Major Local Case: In the investigation into Mango founder Isak Andic’s death in Montserrat, a judge ordered fresh inquiries, including witness hearings and a forensic reconstruction of the fatal fall.

Pensions Reform: Montserrat has kicked off a comprehensive pensions review, with a 17-member committee and TELUS Health support, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined contribution model with more individual control and portability. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are still swirling over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while the Government completes its long-awaited tender; officials say the island is not currently running a ferry service and the recent vessel visit was a private initiative. Green Entrepreneurship: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator (starting July 2026), offering mentorship, business planning support, and regional networks, with a focus on women and youth-led sustainable ventures. Regional Currency Update: The ECCU will replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image on new EC banknotes with Caribbean figures, with Grenada’s Kirani James set for the $5 note from 2027. ECCB Outreach: The ECCB says its Agency Offices across member states are key for currency operations support, regulatory oversight, and public education—highlighting Grenada’s long-running office since 1984. Trade & Services Training: OECS-linked specialised services sector training is set for Antigua and Barbuda (June 29–July 2), supporting trade officials and policymakers to strengthen skills for regional economic integration.

Montserrat Pensions Reform: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pensions review, with a 17-member committee and TELUS Health support, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined-contribution model with more individual control and portability. Ferry Future: Questions are swirling after a private ferry vessel appeared in Montserrat waters and was promoted online, but the Government says it’s still completing its tender and is not currently running a ferry service. ECCB on the Ground: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank says its Agency Offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—while clarifying they are not commercial banks. ECCU Banknotes: Grenada’s Kirani James is set to appear on a new Eastern Caribbean $5 note from 2027 as the region moves away from Queen Elizabeth II imagery. Green Business Support: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks. OECS Services Training: A regional specialised services sector training programme is set for June 29–July 2 in Antigua and Barbuda, supporting trade officials and policymakers across OECS member states.

Regional Finance: The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union says new EC banknotes will replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with Caribbean figures, with Grenada’s Olympic hero Kirani James set for the $5 note from 2027—covering ECCU members including Montserrat. Local Governance: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a more defined contribution model over about six months. Transport & Trade: Questions are still swirling over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead of the Government’s long-awaited tender; officials confirm no government-run service is operating yet. Entrepreneurship: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, targeting women and youth with mentorship, business planning support, and regional networks. Agriculture & Community: Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her farming work and contribution to food security and community development. Regional Skills: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen trade and policymaking capacity across member states.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: From 2027, ECCU banknotes are set to swap Queen Elizabeth II’s image for prominent Caribbean figures, with Grenada’s Olympic medalist Kirani James to appear on the $5 note—an update that will also affect Montserrat’s EC currency in circulation. 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 more transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Future Watch: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry plans as private operators move ahead while Government says its tender process is still underway and no government-run service is operating yet. Green Entrepreneurship Push: Applications are open for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, backing women and youth entrepreneurs with mentorship, business planning support, and regional networks. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen trade officials and policymakers across the region, including Montserrat. Regional Business Context: EU aviation rules are poised to change after a 13-year stalemate, with new obligations around free cabin luggage expected to raise costs for low-cost and regional carriers.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for the first time in 13 years, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a more transparent defined contribution model with portability and flexible investment choices. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead of a government tender; the Access Division says no government-run service is in place yet and the tender process is still being completed. Green Entrepreneurship Push: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks for women and youth-led sustainable ventures. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) aimed at strengthening trade officials’ and policymakers’ skills to improve competitiveness in global services. Local Agriculture Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for contributions to agriculture, food security, and community development.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun its first comprehensive pensions review in 13 years, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a more transparent defined-contribution model with portability and flexible investment choices. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead of the Government’s still-incomplete tender process, with officials stressing no government-run service is active yet. Green Entrepreneurship Push: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks for women and youth-led ventures. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) aimed at strengthening trade officials and policymakers’ skills for regional competitiveness. Mango Case Update: In Spain, investigators say phone data suggests Mango founder Isak Andic was motionless and not using his phone moments before his fatal Montserrat mountain plunge, adding pressure to the ongoing investigation into his son Jonathan.

Pensions Reform: Montserrat is starting its first comprehensive pension review in 13 years, with TELUS Health providing technical support to help the Government modernise and stabilise retirement benefits across public and private sectors. A 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor is moving toward a more transparent defined contribution model, with more individual control, flexible investment choices, and portability; the initial phase began in May and is expected to run about six months. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators appear to be positioning themselves while the Government completes its long-awaited tender; officials say the vessel spotted in local waters is a private initiative and the tender process is still underway. Entrepreneurship Support: Applications are open for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, aimed at mentoring women and youth entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with support for business planning, networks, and one-on-one guidance. Agriculture Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received Montserrat’s inaugural Governor’s Award for contributions to local agriculture, food security, and community development. Regional Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, with Montserrat among participating member states.

Ferry Watch: Questions are still swirling around Montserrat’s ferry future after a private vessel appeared in local waters and was promoted online, but the Access Division says Government is not running a ferry yet and is still completing its long-awaited tender. Entrepreneurship & Green Growth: Applications are open for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator (starting July 2026), offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks for women and youth entrepreneurs, with Montserrat targeting sectors like agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, agro-processing, creative industries, digital services, and environmental innovation. Skills for the Services Economy: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, with Montserrat included among participating member states. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson has received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for contributions to local agriculture, food security, and community development.

Montserrat Business & Economy: Entrepreneur Support: Montserrat entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator (starting July 2026) offering mentorship, business planning help, and Caribbean-wide networks, aimed especially at women and youth building sustainable ventures. OECS Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2, 2026) to strengthen trade officials and policymakers as islands push for stronger competitiveness in global services. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support. Regional Business Context: Aviation Costs & Rules: EU negotiators have agreed a provisional overhaul of passenger rights, including free standard cabin luggage, while keeping delay compensation thresholds—sparking warnings from regional airlines about higher costs and pressure on peripheral connectivity. Local/Regional Governance & Jobs: Public Service Recruitment: Overseas Territories leaders discussed civil service hiring challenges at a summit in Bermuda, citing ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition.

Green Entrepreneurship: Montserrat entrepreneurs can now apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks for women and youth-led early ventures in areas like agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, agro-processing, creative industries, digital services, and environmental innovation. Regional Trade & Skills: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS Specialised Services Sector Training Programme from June 29 to July 2, 2026, aimed at strengthening trade officials and policymakers’ knowledge for competitiveness in global services markets, supporting the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and deeper economic integration across OECS member states including Montserrat. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Overseas Territories Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific expertise and technical support for marine habitat and species conservation. EU Aviation Rules: EU negotiators reached a provisional deal to overhaul passenger rights, including free standard cabin luggage, while keeping existing delay compensation thresholds—sparking pushback from regional airlines warning of higher costs and pressure on peripheral connectivity. Migration & Human Exploitation: Pope Leo XIV condemned traffickers and criminals profiting from dangerous migrant routes, urging repentance and warning that exploitation will face justice. Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories discussed civil service recruitment challenges at a summit in Bermuda, with ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition making it harder to attract new talent.

OECS Training Push: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, 2026, aimed at boosting trade officials’ and policymakers’ skills in knowledge, policymaking and negotiating—part of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union drive toward deeper regional economic integration. Aviation Costs & Rules: EU negotiators have agreed a provisional overhaul of air passenger rights, including mandatory free standard cabin luggage, while keeping existing delay compensation thresholds—sparking backlash from regional airlines warning of higher costs and pressure on peripheral connectivity. Montserrat in 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 access to scientific and technical support. Public Service Hiring Strain: Overseas Territories leaders discussed recruitment challenges for civil service roles, citing ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition, with Montserrat among the territories represented. Food Security Funding: Spain’s “No Home Without Food” campaign (la Caixa Foundation and CaixaBank) is in its seventh year, targeting families at risk of poverty and supporting food banks with millions raised and thousands of tonnes collected.

Montserrat & UK 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) aimed at boosting resilience and competitiveness across the region, including Montserrat. Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil servant recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition. Mango Death Case (Montserrat link): In Spain, audio from Mango founder Isak Andic’s son Jonathan Andic’s emergency calls—made after the Montserrat mountains fall—has been released as prosecutors argue the death may not be an accident. Food Security: Spain’s “No Home Without Food” campaign (7th year) is underway, citing poverty pressures and the role of food banks in supporting families at risk.