AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Update: Heads of Government wrapped up their 51st regular meeting in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia (5–8 July), with Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge among the leaders attending. Regional Culture & Food: St. Maarten placed third at the Nevis Mango Festival Chef Competition, with Chef Renata de Weever and Junior Chef Jaenanena Joseph earning the honour. Money & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes (EC$5, $20, $50, $100), replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s image with regional heroes and icons—Montserrrat’s William Henry Bramble and Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster share the EC$10. Women’s Recognition: Caribbean POSH’s 10th anniversary celebrated 15 women across seven territories at the POSH ICON Woman Awards in the British Virgin Islands. Rights Watch: A landmark Trinidad and Tobago gay sex case heads to England’s final appeals court, with potential ripple effects across the region. Anguilla Lifestyle Angle: Anguilla is also in the spotlight for earning millions through its AI-linked .ai domain—no data centres needed, just a lucky internet assignment.

Culture & Food: St. Maarten clinched third place at the Nevis Mango Festival Chef Competition, with NIPA Culinary Instructor Chef Renata de Weever and Junior Chef Jaenanena Joseph earning the regional honour after plant-based and conch-focused “mystery basket” challenges. Regional Identity & Money: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a redesigned EC banknote family, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s image with national heroes and regional icons; Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster appears on the EC$10 note alongside Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble. Sports (Regional): Anguilla finished eighth at the ANOCES Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Track and Field Championships, while St. Kitts and Nevis topped the standings. Community & Youth: A new Charlestown mural project, “Floral Elegance,” is underway through a partnership involving TDC, the Caribbean Foundation for Children, and Charlestown Secondary School students. Rights Watch: In a major legal moment for the region, England’s final appeals court is set to rule on Trinidad and Tobago’s anti-gay “buggery” law challenge, a case activists across the Caribbean are closely following. Health (Beyond Anguilla): South Texas Health System’s GME consortium welcomed 65 new medical residents, expanding training across multiple specialties.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC banknotes ($100, $50, $20 and $5), replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes and regional icons—new designs are expected to enter circulation in late 2027, with Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster featured on the EC$10 alongside Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble. Regional Sports: Anguilla placed 8th at the 2026 ANOCES OECS Track and Field Championships in St. Kitts and Nevis, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines finishing fourth overall and Anguilla scoring 35 points. Nevis Culture & Community: A new Charlestown mural project, “Floral Elegance,” is underway through a partnership involving TDC, the Caribbean Foundation for Children, and Charlestown Secondary School—students are helping beautify community spaces through art. Women’s Recognition: The 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards (10th anniversary) honoured 15 women across seven territories in the British Virgin Islands, spotlighting leadership across sectors from education to culture and wellness. LGBTQ+ Rights Watch: A landmark Trinidad and Tobago “buggery law” case is being heard in England’s final appeals court, with potential knock-on effects for decriminalisation across the region. Anguilla Tourism & Lifestyle: Equinox is reportedly planning its first Caribbean resort in Anguilla, signalling a new wave of lifestyle-led hospitality for the island.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes and icons, with circulation expected to start in late 2027 and the Queen’s likeness removed for the first time; Anguilla Connection: Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster is set to appear on the new EC$10 note alongside Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble; Regional Culture & Pride: Nevis is seeing a community mural project in Charlestown (“Floral Elegance”) bringing students and partners together to beautify public spaces; Women’s Recognition: The 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards in the British Virgin Islands honoured 15 women across seven territories, spotlighting leadership in areas like education, health advocacy, culture and more; Sport Spotlight: Anguilla placed 8th at the ANOCES Athletics Championships in St. Kitts and Nevis, while St. Kitts and Nevis topped the overall standings; Local Sports Calendar: St. Kitts will host the ECVA U20 Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship July 10–12, with Anguilla among the participating teams.

Community Arts & Youth: TDC is backing Charlestown’s new “Floral Elegance” mural project with The Caribbean Foundation for Children and Charlestown Secondary School, giving students a real-world way to build creativity, teamwork, and civic pride. Culinary Culture: Nevis’ Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Melissa Gumbs says Chef Renata de Weever and Junior Chef Jaenanena Joseph (NIPA) won 3rd place at the Nevis Mango Festival Chef Competition. Women’s Leadership: The 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards in the British Virgin Islands honoured 15 women across seven territories, spotlighting leadership in areas like education, health advocacy, youth, culture, and community development. Rights & Law (Regional Watch): A London court is set to hear the final challenge to Trinidad and Tobago’s gay sex ban, a case that could reshape how similar laws are treated across the region. Travel & Visas: Namibia released an updated visa-on-arrival list of 121 countries and territories, with Nigeria and 60+ others excluded. Anguilla in the Mix (Sports): Anguilla is among the teams named for the ECVA U20 Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship in St. Kitts (July 10–12). Nevis Tourism Boost: Nevis broke ground on a major expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to strengthen air access and grow tourism. Regional Pageant: Bank of Nevis’ Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant is set for August 3, with Anguilla’s Jasmin Ruan announced as a contestant.

Caribbean POSH Celebrations: Fifteen women from seven Caribbean territories were honoured at the 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards in the British Virgin Islands, marking the event’s 10th anniversary with categories spanning entrepreneurship, education, health advocacy, youth leadership, culture, culinary arts, and more. Court Watch (Regional Rights): A nearly 10-year legal fight over Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era “buggery” law is set for a final appeals hearing in England, with activists across the region watching for a potential decriminalisation precedent. Travel & Visas (Practical Planning): Namibia has released an updated visa-on-arrival list of 121 countries and territories, with Nigeria and over 60 others excluded—Anguilla is listed as eligible. Anguilla Summer Culture: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, featuring soca and bouyon acts from across the region plus local performers. Air & Tourism Growth (Nevis): Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to boost air traffic and tourism for the next generation. Sports (Regional Spotlight): St. Kitts and Nevis named squads for upcoming OECS athletics and beach volleyball events, with Anguilla included among participating teams.

Court Ruling on Gay Sex Ban: A long-running human rights case in Trinidad and Tobago could reach a turning point in London this week, with judges weighing whether colonial-era “buggery” laws that criminalise gay sex should be decriminalised—an outcome that could ripple across the Caribbean. Regional Women’s Recognition: The Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards marked its 10th anniversary in the British Virgin Islands, honouring 15 women from seven territories for leadership across business, culture, education, health and more. Anguilla Summer Festival Buzz: Wet Fete 2026 returns on July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, bringing soca and bouyon with acts from Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands plus local talent. Tourism Development Focus: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism, aiming to keep tourism benefits inside communities through stronger national plans and policy support. Travel & Access: Nevis broke ground on a major airport expansion at VAIA, positioning improved air connectivity as a boost for tourism and the wider economy.

Caribbean Culture & Women’s Leadership: The Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards marked its 10th anniversary in the British Virgin Islands, honoring 15 women from seven territories across categories like entrepreneurship, education, health advocacy, fashion, digital influence, wellness, film, sports, culture, culinary arts, and community development. LGBTQ+ Rights in the Region: A long-running Trinidad and Tobago case on colonial-era “buggery” laws is back before the Privy Council in London, with activists across the Caribbean watching for a potential decriminalization shift that could set a wider precedent; the UK has already repealed similar laws in Anguilla and other territories. Anguilla Summer Spotlight: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, bringing soca and bouyon with regional acts from Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands plus local performers. Tourism & Community Growth: OECS is pushing community-based tourism after a Saint Lucia workshop, aiming to make local communities the main beneficiaries of tourism revenue. Travel & Connectivity: Nevis broke ground on a major airport expansion at VAIA, signaling stronger air links and future tourism momentum. Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis topped the OECS Athletics Championships standings, with Anguilla placing ninth.

Wet Fete 2026: Anguilla’s annual summer festival returns July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with a buoyon, soca and live-band lineup featuring artists from Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, the U.S. Virgin Islands and local acts. Community Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, running a June 9–11 workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states turn community projects into real policy and action, backed by the European Development Fund. Airport Boost (Nevis): Nevis broke ground July 1 on the multi-million-dollar Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, aiming to strengthen air access and lift tourism and the wider economy. Regional Sports (St. Kitts & Nevis): St. Kitts and Nevis named squads for upcoming OECS athletics and beach volleyball events, with Anguilla among the participating teams. Culture & Pageantry: Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant is set for August 3, with Anguilla’s Jasmin Ruan announced as a contestant. Travel & Lifestyle: Equinox is planning its first Caribbean hotel resort in Anguilla, while a new travel app (BRDRS) is rolling out tools for authentic local experiences across Africa and the Caribbean.

Medical Pathways: New Anglia University spotlights ECFMG certification for international medical graduates, linking it to U.S. residency eligibility, exam progression, and long-term licensure planning. Public Health & Community: A reissued Health & Veritas episode features trauma surgeon Dr. Selwyn Rogers on bearing witness to gun violence and keeping humanity in the middle of crisis. Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis topped the OECS Athletics Championships at Kim Collin Stadium, with Anguilla finishing 8th in the final standings. Pageantry: Dominica’s Miss Dainisha Eusebe is set for her first regional pageant, joining contestants representing Anguilla, St. Kitts, Antigua & Barbuda, and more for the Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant on Aug. 3. Tourism & Travel: Equinox is moving into the Caribbean hotel market with plans for its first regional resort in Anguilla, while Nevis breaks ground on a major airport expansion aimed at boosting air traffic and tourism. Culture Calendar: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with soca, bouyon, and live bands from across the region. Regional Development: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a people-first growth engine, training member states to turn local communities into primary beneficiaries.

Pageantry & Culture: Miss Dominica Dainisha Eusebe has been announced as a contestant for the Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant, set for Monday, August 3 at the NEDACS Cultural Complex—an annual regional showcase featuring winners of national pageants across the 2025–26 period, including Anguilla, St. Kitts, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, USVI and more. Education & Youth: Milton Peters College VWO valedictorian Gabriëlle Pauletta urged graduates to “finish” their race, sharing lessons from long-distance running about endurance, timing, and not being discouraged when others pass you. Anguilla Lifestyle & Travel: Wet Fete 2026 returns to Anguilla on July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, bringing soca, bouyon and live bands with performers from across the region plus local acts. Tourism Development: The OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, following a June workshop in Saint Lucia focused on helping member states turn community tourism plans into action. Aviation & Tourism (Nevis): Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion for the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to boost air traffic and strengthen tourism and the wider economy.

Graduation & Youth Motivation: Milton Peters College VWO valedictorian Gabriëlle Pauletta told graduates to “finish” their race, using her long-distance running story to remind them that being passed doesn’t mean you’re behind. Luxury Travel & Anguilla Buzz: Equinox is planning its first regional resort in Anguilla, signaling a major new fitness-and-lifestyle brand push into the Caribbean hotel market. Sports & Regional Pride: St. Kitts will host the 2026 ECVA U20 Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship July 10–12 at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach, with teams including Anguilla. Aviation & Tourism Growth (Nevis): Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to boost air traffic and strengthen tourism. Culture & Community Tourism: OECS is training member states on community-based tourism, stressing that local communities should be the main beneficiaries. Anguilla Summer Fest: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with soca, bouyon, and live bands from across the region. Local Spotlight (Anguilla): ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite private resort built around one-group-at-a-time luxury.

Airport & Tourism Boost: Nevis has broken ground on the multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to lift air traffic and strengthen tourism and the wider economy. Anguilla Summer Culture: Wet Fete 2026 returns on July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with soca and bouyon from regional stars plus Anguilla performers. Community-Led Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to turn local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism. Anguilla Travel Business: BRDRS, a new app for travelers across Africa and the Caribbean, is expanding access to local recommendations, events, and travel support, with Anguilla included. Luxury Stays Spotlight: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla, a 15-suite private resort built for one group at a time. Regional Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis named its squad for the ANOCES Athletics Championship, with Anguilla among the participating countries. Culture & Pageantry: Bank of Nevis is backing the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant on August 3, with Anguilla’s Jasmin Ruan announced as a contestant. Travel & Safety Picks: A new roundup highlights “ultra-safe” Caribbean destinations for travelers looking to explore beyond the resort.

Air Travel & Tourism: BermudAir CEO Adam Scott says the airline’s niche, holiday-focused routes are growing—now with AnguillAir—aimed at underserved markets between the U.S. and Caribbean islands, with onboard touches like Dark ’n Stormy and plans to keep expanding service. Anguilla Summer Culture: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with soca, bouyon and live bands plus a regional lineup that includes Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Luxury Stays: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla—15 suites built around its private-resort model for one group at a time, with a 1:1 staff-to-guest approach. Community Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to turn local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism. Nevis Spotlight: Nevis broke ground on a major expansion at Vance W. Amory International Airport, while Bank of Nevis continues backing the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant (Aug. 3).

Wet Fete 2026: Anguilla’s annual Summer festival brings Wet Fete back on July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with buoyon, soca and live bands plus a water-themed party vibe. Culture & Community: Bank of Nevis is inviting island residents to the Aug. 3, 2026 Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant at the NEDACS Cultural Complex, with Anguilla’s Jasmin Ruan among the regional contestants. Travel & Lifestyle: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite private resort concept returning to Anguilla’s northern coast. Tourism Strategy: OECS is pushing community-based tourism across member states after a Saint Lucia workshop focused on turning local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism growth. Aviation Boost (Nevis): Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion at Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to strengthen air connectivity and tourism. Sports (Regional): St. Kitts and Nevis named its squad for the ANOCES Athletics Championship (July 4–5) at Kim Collins Stadium, with Anguilla among the participating countries.

Wet Fete 2026: Anguilla’s summer festival returns July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with soca, bouyon and live bands, featuring Dominica’s Little Boy, Quan Dan and Jahari Chi plus St. Kitts and Nevis acts Nu Vybes Band and Kolission Band, St. Martin’s Skillful Band and St. Croix’s Instylz Band. Community-Based Tourism: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to push community-based tourism as a people-first growth engine, supported by the EU’s 11th EDF, with a focus on turning local communities into the main beneficiaries. Aviation & Tourism Boost (Nevis): Nevis broke ground July 1 on a multi-million-dollar expansion of Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to strengthen air connectivity and lift tourism and the wider economy. UWI Postgraduate Spotlight: The UWI announced its 4th OneUWI Postgraduate Student Conference for Nov 18–21, 2026, after recognizing 14 top presentations from the previous edition. Anguilla Travel Tech: BRDRS, a new app for travelers across Africa and the Caribbean, is live in Anguilla and other markets, offering culturally relevant recommendations plus tools like a virtual wallet and visa help. Anguilla Hospitality: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite private resort returning to Anguilla as its global flagship.