AGP Executive Report

EU CBI Pressure on OECS: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including St. Kitts and Nevis, agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels after the EU urged a phase-out of Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, while stressing security, transparency and the role of CBI in funding climate resilience, disaster recovery and essential services. CARICOM Cost-of-Living Relief: CARICOM heads pushed measures to cut household pressure, including lower taxes on fuel imports, freight adjustments, cheaper intra-regional cargo, more renewable energy, and plans to fast-track a regional ferry service. FAO Backs Sustainable Farming: St. Kitts and Nevis met the FAO to set priorities for sustainable agriculture and food security, including site checks for Black Soldier Fly production and updates under the Country Programming Framework. Climate-Ready Education at UNESCO: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley will present St. Kitts and Nevis’ Education for Sustainable Development initiative at a UNESCO ministerial summit in Paris, aimed at preparing education systems for climate change. Climate + Health + Tourism Link: Local reporting highlights how climate shocks are already affecting health and tourism, with calls to strengthen climate-resilient healthcare and sustainable travel, including recycling and renewable energy targets. Regional Disaster Solidarity: CARICOM partners dispatched 88 containers of relief supplies, tanks and heavy equipment to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, including support from St. Kitts and Nevis.

Sustainable Agriculture: FAO teams met St. Kitts and Nevis agriculture officials to set priorities under the Country Programming Framework, including site checks for Black Soldier Fly production to support resilient farming and food security. Climate-Ready Education: Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley will showcase St. Kitts and Nevis’ Education for Sustainable Development initiative at a UNESCO ministerial summit in Paris, focused on preparing education systems for climate change. Health Meets Climate: A new push links climate action to healthcare delivery, arguing that stronger, climate-resilient health systems are essential for both residents and medical tourism. Tourism Resilience: St. Kitts’ Tourism Climate Action Plan highlights renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable sourcing as it targets major emissions cuts to protect coasts and freshwater. Community Clean-Up: Central Basseterre’s ELEVATE-led gang graffiti removal is reclaiming public spaces and improving safety through resident-led beautification. Regional Energy Pressure: CARICOM leaders, including PM Drew, warned that imported fossil fuel costs keep the region’s economy “up and down,” and urged faster renewable energy scaling. EU CBI Shock: Multiple reports say the EU is pressing OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by 2028, raising major uncertainty for small-island budgets. Cruise Infrastructure: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at boosting homeport services and strengthening cruise-sector resilience.

Climate-Health Link: St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing climate-resilient healthcare as rising heat, sea-level rise, stronger storms, and vector-borne risks threaten both residents and tourism—highlighting local training, upgraded infrastructure, and preparedness for climate shocks. Energy & Cost of Living: At the CARICOM Heads meeting, PM Terrance Drew said the region’s “up and down” cost pressures are driven by imported fossil fuels, arguing renewable energy is the only real stabiliser for long-term sustainability. Tourism Resilience: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at boosting home-porting and visitor spending while strengthening the sector’s resilience. Regional Disaster Response: CARICOM partners dispatched an 88-container relief fleet to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, including water tanks and equipment for recovery work. Community Clean-Up: Central Basseterre launched a gang graffiti removal and beautification drive to reclaim public spaces and support safer neighbourhoods. Trade Capacity: A four-day services-sector trade seminar in Basseterre is building skills to help local stakeholders compete in global markets. Money Milestone: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg, underscoring stability as a base for the next phase of growth. EU Pressure on CBI: EU demands to phase out Citizenship by Investment by 2028 are intensifying across the OECS, raising new uncertainty for regional policy and mobility.

Trade Capacity Building: St. Kitts and Nevis, with the OECS, is running a four-day Specialized Services Sector training (July 7–10) at the National ICT Centre in Basseterre to boost negotiating skills and help the services sector compete in global markets. Community Safety & Clean Spaces: In Central Basseterre’s McKnight area, residents and youth joined a Gang Graffiti Removal Programme, clearing walls on Durant Avenue and Prickley Pear Alley to make neighbourhoods safer and more welcoming. Currency Stability Milestone: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed peg to the US dollar, highlighting how the long-standing rate supports low inflation and investor confidence while pointing to a “Big Push” for transformation. EU Pressure on CBI: EU communications to OECS CBI states are escalating, with reports that Antigua and Barbuda (and by extension the region) face a push to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028 under a revised visa suspension mechanism. Climate-Health Link: St. Kitts and Nevis is spotlighting climate-resilient healthcare as a practical SIDS priority, tying disaster-ready systems and local capacity to safer living and medical tourism. Regional Disaster Support: A CARICOM relief ship carrying food, medical supplies, water tanks, and equipment has sailed to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including support from St. Kitts and Nevis. Tourism Infrastructure: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at boosting turnaround/home-port services and strengthening resilience in cruise tourism.

Climate-Health Link: St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing climate-resilient healthcare, framing it as essential for small islands and for protecting medical tourism—covering resilience building, local sourcing of skills and supplies, specialised hubs, and community support during climate shocks. Regional Disaster Aid: A CARICOM relief ship has sailed to earthquake-hit Venezuela with food and medical supplies, plus water tanks and excavators to shift from rescue to recovery. EU Pressure on CBI: The EU has urged OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, warning of possible visa-free access suspension; Nevis Premier Mark Brantley calls it an existential threat and urges rapid regional self-reliance. Tourism Infrastructure (Cruise): St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at boosting turnaround/home-port services, visitor spending, and resilience in cruise operations. Currency Stability: ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed rate to the US dollar, stressing the “Big Push” to use stability for transformation and shared prosperity. Digital Governance: Taiwan-backed e-ID pilots are moving toward nationwide smart ID rollout, supporting secure access to public services.

Cruise Tourism & Resilience: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, aiming to boost home-porting and turnaround services from November 2027, with upgraded security and immigration systems to support visitor growth. Disaster & Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could lower air quality—locals are urged to stay alert for changing conditions. Digital Sustainability: Taiwan-backed e-ID rollout moves into an intensive pilot phase, with smart ID cards planned for nationwide distribution to improve access to public services. Regional Climate Agenda: At the 51st CARICOM summit in St. Lucia, leaders focused on climate resilience, food and water security, and turning regional plans into results for communities. Cooperatives for Food Security: St. Kitts marked International Day of Cooperatives with events highlighting cooperatives’ role in agriculture, fisheries, and building more resilient livelihoods. OECS/CBI Pressure: EU communications to OECS states—including St. Kitts and Nevis—signal pressure to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, raising new compliance and policy questions.

Climate & Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean, bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could cut air quality across the region. Disaster Preparedness Funding: St. Kitts and Nevis received support for Sendai Framework implementation to bolster disaster preparedness and recovery. Green Skills for a Low-Carbon Future: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a Hamburg skills partnership aimed at workforce training for the green energy transition, linking education to new jobs as industries shift away from fossil fuels. Tourism Infrastructure with Environmental Stakes: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal to strengthen home-porting, while Nevis started its Vance W. Amory airport expansion—both moves that can reshape local ecosystems and waste pressures if not managed. Regional Integration & Climate Priorities: At the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, leaders pushed for stronger unity and flagged climate change, climate financing, and food and water security as top agenda items. Local Sustainability Partnerships: Taiwan-backed e-ID rollout work continues, and Nevis also marked 30 years of Taiwan ICDF support, including environmental cooperation like recycling and training.

CARICOM Climate & Food Agenda: Prime Minister Terrance Drew wrapped up his CARICOM chairmanship at the 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, urging leaders to modernise governance and deliver unity that strengthens climate resilience and food security for the region. Regional Integration Push: Incoming chair Philip J. Pierre challenged CARICOM to move from “conference rooms to communities,” with priorities including climate change, climate financing, agri-food systems, and citizen security. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis has started work on a National Sargassum Management Project, equipping tractors for extraction and training operators to protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems, with UNDP and Japan support. Co-ops for Resilience: St. Kitts marked International Day of Cooperatives under “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” highlighting cooperatives’ role in agriculture, fisheries, savings, youth development, and stronger food security. Nevis Airport Expansion: Nevis broke ground on the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, framed as a tourism and economic boost for the next generation. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier rain and thunderstorms across the region, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality. EU Pressure on CBI: Antigua and Barbuda faced an EU request to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 2028, with a 24-month transition and tighter vetting. Cruise Growth: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal aimed at improving the visitor experience and positioning the island for home-porting.

Nevis Airport Expansion: Taiwan’s ambassador congratulated the Nevis Island Administration on breaking ground for the Vance Amory International Airport expansion, calling it a boost for tourism and local growth, with Taiwan ICDF support tied to skills and environmental cooperation. Cruise Home-Port Push: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aiming to improve the visitor experience and strengthen St. Kitts’ home-porting role; P&O Cruises’ Iona is set for its inaugural St. Kitts turnaround on Nov. 29, 2027. Sargassum Cleanup Prep: St. Kitts and Nevis has started work on a National Sargassum Management Project, equipping tractors and training operators to help protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems as seaweed arrives. Disaster Risk Funding: The EU provided funding to support Sendai Framework implementation and disaster risk reduction work, including updates to Nevis disaster planning and a Delta Resilience Platform to track hazards and impacts. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality across the region. Regional Climate Agenda: At the CARICOM summit in St. Lucia, leaders focused on climate change and climate financing, resilience, and food security—key themes for small island sustainability.

Coastal Cleanup Prep: St. Kitts and Nevis has started work on a National Sargassum Management Project, equipping tractors for extraction along the coastline to protect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and livelihoods, with UNDP support and Japan partnership. Tourism Infrastructure: Ground was broken for a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aimed at boosting visitor experience and shifting St. Kitts toward cruise home-porting by November 2027. Nevis Aviation Upgrade: The Nevis Island Administration also broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, targeting stronger air connectivity and long-term tourism growth. Climate & Disaster Readiness: St. Kitts and Nevis received EU-backed support to implement the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction, including work tied to the Delta Resilience Platform for better hazard tracking and response planning. Regional Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may reduce air quality. Green Skills Pipeline: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a Hamburg skills partnership focused on future-ready training for sustainable and green-energy industries.

CARICOM Unity Push: CARICOM leaders opened their 51st Heads of Government summit in St. Lucia with a clear message: regional decisions must include more public voices, especially as climate pressures and economic uncertainty mount. Climate & Air Quality Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms across the Caribbean, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality—an issue St. Kitts and Nevis will be watching closely. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis has started preparations for a National Sargassum Management Project, equipping tractors and training operators to help protect coastlines, marine life, and livelihoods as seaweed influxes increase. Disaster Risk Funding: The EU is backing Sendai Framework implementation in St. Kitts and Nevis to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery systems. Skills for a Greener Economy: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with Hamburg aimed at building future-ready workforces for renewable energy and other sustainable industries. Nevis Airport Upgrade: Nevis broke ground on a major expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, targeting stronger tourism connectivity and longer-term economic growth. Tourism Infrastructure: St. Kitts also began construction on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, positioning the federation for cruise home-porting by November 2027.

Coastal Cleanup Prep: St. Kitts and Nevis has started work on a National Sargassum Management Project, equipping tractors for coastline extraction and training operators to protect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and livelihoods as sargassum influxes intensify. Disaster Risk Reduction: The EU is funding Sendai Framework implementation across St. Kitts and Nevis, boosting disaster preparedness and recovery, including updates to Nevis’ disaster plan and support for the Delta Resilience Platform. Green Skills Push: Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with Hamburg at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, aiming to build future-ready workforce skills for renewable energy and other sustainable industries under the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Aviation for Resilience-Tourism: Nevis broke ground on the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, expected to increase air traffic and strengthen tourism and the wider economy. Tourism Infrastructure: St. Kitts also broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal to support cruise home-porting from November 2027, with knock-on benefits for local businesses and jobs. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality—locals are urged to stay alert.

Climate & Air Quality: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms expected, followed by a surge of Saharan dust that could reduce air quality. Coastal Cleanup Prep: St. Kitts and Nevis has started preparations for a National Sargassum Management Project, including equipping tractors for sargassum extraction to protect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and livelihoods. Disaster Risk Reduction: The EU is funding Sendai Framework implementation to bolster disaster preparedness and recovery, with support tied to hazard tracking and stronger national risk systems. Green Skills & Jobs: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with Hamburg aimed at workforce training for sustainable industries, including renewable energy and other climate-linked sectors. Tourism Infrastructure (Environment Watch): St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal to enable cruise home-porting by Nov 2027, a major shift that will raise questions about managing environmental impacts alongside growth. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders head to St. Lucia for talks that include climate resilience and food security priorities, as the bloc navigates leadership and policy tensions.

Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis has begun preparations for a National Sargassum Management Project, with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources Ministry equipping tractors for coastal extraction and training operators to protect shorelines, marine life, and livelihoods. Disaster Preparedness: The EU is funding Sendai Framework implementation across the region, with St. Kitts and Nevis among beneficiaries, aimed at stronger disaster risk reduction, better recovery planning, and improved hazard tracking. Skills for a Greener Economy: Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with Hamburg at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, linking education and workforce training to renewable energy and other sustainable industries under the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Regional Climate Resilience: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in Saint Lucia (July 5–8) with climate resilience, food security, and disaster preparedness on the agenda as the region’s chairmanship transitions. Water Stress Context: A new global snapshot highlights how severe water stress is rising worldwide, underscoring why local water planning and resilience matter for small islands. Coastal & Marine Safety Capacity: Regional officers completed an RSS prosecution training course to strengthen justice delivery—supporting fair enforcement that can back environmental and public safety efforts.

Coastal Cleanup & Marine Protection: St. Kitts and Nevis has started work on a National Sargassum Management Project, including equipping tractors for sargassum extraction along the coastline, with operator training underway. The UNDP-led effort is supported by Japan and aims to protect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and livelihoods. Disaster Preparedness Funding: The EU has provided dedicated support for Sendai Framework implementation to strengthen disaster risk reduction and recovery planning, including work tied to the Delta Resilience Platform for tracking hazards and impacts. Skills for a Sustainable Economy: Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership with the City of Hamburg, focused on future-ready training for environmental challenges and sustainable industries. Energy & Climate Resilience Links: Discussions in the region include a possible geothermal power connection from Nevis to Antigua via a subsea line, as countries seek more reliable, lower-carbon electricity. Tourism Infrastructure With Environmental Stakes: Construction has begun on a new Port Zante cruise terminal to support cruise home-porting by November 2027, while Nevis also broke ground on a major airport expansion—both moves that could reshape local environmental pressures and planning needs.

Disaster Preparedness: St. Kitts and Nevis received EU funding to help implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, with support aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and recovery and updating Nevis’ disaster plan. Skills for Sustainability: Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a Skills Partnership with the City of Hamburg in Germany to build future-ready workforce skills to tackle environmental challenges, including training linked to renewable energy and sustainable industries. Water Security & Resilience: Prime Minister Drew reiterated major water gains, saying 70% of St. Kitts now benefits from 24-hour water supply, while urging energy and water conservation. Tourism Infrastructure & Environment: Work has started on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, positioning St. Kitts for cruise home-porting from November 2027—an economic boost that also raises the stakes for managing coastal impacts. Aviation Expansion in Nevis: Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport to strengthen air connectivity and tourism growth. Food Security & Agriculture: A Taiwan mission reviewed progress on St. Kitts and Nevis’ layer chicken development project, focused on boosting local egg production and reducing dependence on imported chicks.