AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Culture: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Tree Planting Day with PM Dr Terrance Drew planting a breadfruit tree in Keys and backing community food-security efforts. Media & Community: Freedom FM 106.5 celebrated 16 years on air, highlighting how the station has grown into a major Caribbean broadcasting brand. Nevis Development Watch: A featured analysis urges Nevis residents to closely scrutinize the proposed Destiny project, warning that its special governance framework could bring big risks alongside promised benefits. Governance & Accountability: Another deep-dive on Christophe Harbour questions whether the federation gave away too much for too little return, citing debt, concessions and a marina sale needing answers. Local Politics: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley rejected claims of political victimisation after the dismissal of a public servant, saying it was tied to alleged misconduct and attendance issues. Tourism Trade: The ASTA Caribbean Showcase wrapped up in St. Kitts, with Nevis Tourism Authority outreach to U.S. travel advisors and a push to sell the island beyond “classic” vacations. Environment & Resilience: Government explored new strategies to strengthen waste management and recycling across the federation, with support from Taiwan. Energy: Nevis geothermal progress continues, with a selected company and a delegation inspecting a drilling rig in Iceland.

Tourism Trade Push: Nevis Tourism Authority and St. Kitts Tourism Authority used the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase (Aug. 22–25) to court U.S. travel advisors, with Premier Mark Brantley and NTA CEO Andia Ravariere pitching Nevis as an “authentic” destination and taking advisors on hotel site visits and local tours. Local Governance & Jobs: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew visited the CLICO Housing Project, checking road resurfacing and patching to improve safety and connectivity as the community grows. Energy & Cost Relief: Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC) is exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm as a faster hedge against fuel-surcharge swings while the Nevis Geothermal Project moves forward, with a delegation inspecting a drilling rig in Iceland. Environment & Waste: A federation-wide workshop mapped new strategies to strengthen waste management and recycling, with support from Taiwan’s technical mission. Nevis Culture & Heritage: The D. Lloyd Matheson Trust has been revived to back history, education and cultural development, including research, grants and a triennial award. Regional Diplomacy: OECS says two Caribbean women leaders—St. Kitts and Nevis Assembly Speaker Lanien Blanchette and St. Lucia’s Lisa Jawahir—were accepted into the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership. Sports Spotlight: Trinbago Knight Riders retired Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey in tribute to his CPL and TKR legacy.

Nevis Politics: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley rejected claims of political victimisation after the dismissal of Gender Affairs officer Mario Phillip, saying the termination followed documented misconduct and attendance issues. BHS Project Scrutiny: A new report questions the Basseterre High School deal, citing a $270m price tag, overseas manufacturing, and calls for transparency and full accountability. Tourism Push (U.S. trade): Nevis Tourism Authority stepped up outreach to American travel advisors at the ASTA Caribbean Showcase, bringing more than 70 U.S. advisors to experience Nevis firsthand. Energy & Cost Pressure: Nevis Electricity Company says it’s exploring a 10MW solar farm as a short-term help while geothermal work moves forward toward energy independence. Sustainability & Community: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Tree Planting Day as part of independence celebrations, linking tree planting to food security and the backyard initiative. Regional Development: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python camp wrapped with young innovators showcasing projects built with real businesses and public-sector partners.

Tourism Trade Boost: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) wrapped up the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts, with Nevis also using the event to reach more than 70 U.S. travel advisors through hotel site visits and destination presentations. Independence & Environment: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Tree Planting Day ahead of Independence Day, calling on communities to plant trees from 6 a.m. to noon to support unity and food security. Energy Push: Nevis and the Federation continue driving energy independence—Nevis geothermal progress was highlighted, while NEVLEC said it’s exploring a short-term 10-megawatt solar farm as fuel surcharge pressures rise. Local Housing Works: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew visited the CLICO Housing Project to check road resurfacing and patching under Public Works. Regional Connectivity Changes: Caribbean Airlines announced it will discontinue direct Trinidad–Barbados via Tobago flights from Sept. 2 as part of schedule optimisation. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts hit 1,002,282 cruise passengers since the pandemic, celebrated at Port Zante. Youth & Skills: The ECCB concluded its Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with young innovators showcasing projects tied to the region’s economic transformation goals. Governance & Culture: OECS said two Caribbean women leaders—Nevis Speaker Lanien Blanchette and St. Lucia’s Lisa Jawahir—were accepted into the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership.

National Unity & Food Security: St. Kitts and Nevis marks Independence 43 with National Tree Planting Day on Saturday, Aug. 29 (6am–12noon), inviting communities to plant trees that support food security and the government’s backyard food-tree push. Tourism Trade Push: The ASTA Caribbean Showcase wrapped up in St. Kitts, with Nevis and St. Kitts tourism leaders telling U.S. travel advisors to sell the destination’s “unspoiled” experience; Nevis also hosted site visits for advisors. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts hit a post-pandemic high, welcoming 1,002,282 cruise passengers—celebrated at Port Zante—boosting taxis, tours, vendors and restaurants. Energy & Cost Relief: Nevis geothermal progress continues as the Federal Government says a company is selected and funds disbursed, while NEVLEC explores a short-term 10MW solar farm to ease fuel-surcharge pressure ahead of geothermal. Regional Resilience: Water and climate officials reaffirmed plans to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems under the Common Alerting Protocol. Local Housing Works: PM Drew visited the CLICO Housing Project to check road resurfacing and patching. Nevis Politics in Court: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says he was served with a defamation lawsuit filed by NRP leader Dr. Janice Daniel-Hodge. Youth Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp ends with young innovators showcasing projects built for real business and public-sector needs.

Energy & Jobs: Federal and Nevis leaders say the Nevis geothermal push is back on track, with a company selected, funds disbursed, and a delegation sent to Iceland to inspect the drilling rig—framed as a path to cheaper, more reliable power for the whole Federation. Tourism Trade: Nevis used the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase to court U.S. travel advisors, with site visits and hotel tours aimed at selling Nevis as a distinct, high-quality escape. Tourism & Travel Updates: St. Kitts welcomed its one-million-plus cruise milestone (1,002,282 passengers) and Caribbean Airlines announced it will end direct Barbados–Tobago flights from Sept. 2. Regional Diplomacy: OECS Commission says St. Kitts’ Lanien Blanchette and St. Lucia’s Lisa Jawahir were accepted into the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership. Community & Inclusion: SKNAPD is appealing for help to finish an accessible bathroom at Eden Farmstead. Water Security: At UNCCD COP17, St. Kitts and Nevis highlighted drought pressure and water upgrades, including progress toward 24/7 supply. Cricket: St. Kitts players earned CWI Under-19 High-Performance Camp selections, while CPL action featured Saim Ayub’s viral century for Jamaica Kingsmen.

Tourism Push: Nevis is targeting more U.S. visitors after taking part in the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, with travel advisors flown to Nevis for hotel site visits and tours. Regional Diplomacy: OECS Commission says St. Kitts and Nevis Assembly Speaker Lanien Blanchette and St. Lucia Minister Lisa Jawahir were accepted into the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali. Housing & Jobs: Konris Maynard toured ongoing Buckleys housing construction, saying the “housing revolution” is creating local jobs while delivering affordable homes. Energy Costs: NEVLEC is exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm as fuel surcharges rise, while geothermal progress continues. Water Security: At UNCCD COP17, Sustainable Development Minister Joyelle Clarke warned drought is worsening, citing a 44% rainfall reduction and investments to expand water supply. Community Support: SKNAPD is appealing for help to finish an accessible bathroom at Eden Farmstead for persons with disabilities. Sports & Youth: Four St. Kitts players were selected for CWI’s Under-19 High-Performance Camp in Antigua.

Tourism Push to U.S.: Nevis is courting American travel advisors at the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, bringing more than 70 agents to the island for hotel visits and tours with Premier Mark Brantley and NTA CEO Andia Ravariere leading presentations. Energy Costs & Renewables: NEVLEC says it’s exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm with Sol as fuel surcharges rise, while it continues moving toward geothermal generation. Cricket Pathway: Four St. Kitts players—Aaliyah Weekes, Zara Skerritt, Leanga Warner and Cquinya Dasent—earned Cricket West Indies Under-19 High-Performance Camp selections. Digital Skills for Youth: The ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is placing students with real enterprise clients to solve real-world problems. Local Politics in Court: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says he’s been served in a defamation case filed by Nevis Reformation Party leader Dr Janice Daniel-Hodge. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts has welcomed over one million cruise passengers in 2026, with officials now focusing on maximizing visitor spending. Water Security at UN Talks: St. Kitts and Nevis reports major progress on 24/7 water access and warns drought pressures are intensifying. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis Disaster Management Department wrapped up its Summer Safety Camp, urging children to spread safety knowledge in their communities.

Generative AI Skills Push: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is placing youth into real business and public-sector projects, with support from Taiwan’s fund, to build digital-workforce readiness. CPL Community Boost: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” turns CPL sixes into support for education, cricket gear, health and disability inclusion across multiple islands, including St. Kitts and Nevis via free connectivity for cricket clubs. Nevis Premier in Court Fight: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says he’s been served with a defamation lawsuit filed by Nevis Reformation Party leader Dr Janice Daniel-Hodge over allegations tied to land sales for the Destiny Project. Tourism Trade in Focus: Nevis Tourism Authority showcased Nevis at the ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts, with travel advisors touring Nevis properties and experiences. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts welcomed 1,002,282 cruise passengers this year, a post-COVID rebound milestone, while Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas completed its final summer call with 6,392 passengers. Water Security at UN Talks: St. Kitts and Nevis updated UNCCD COP17 on drought impacts and water-development efforts, including moves to expand 24/7 water access. Nevis Safety Camp Wrap-Up: NDMD concluded its Summer Safety Camp, training 75 young Nevisians in preparedness and life-saving skills. Medicinal Cannabis Tracking: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is deploying a seed-to-sale system that tracks transactions as closely as plants to strengthen compliance and anti-money laundering controls.

Basseterre High School Update: Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Geoffrey Hanley shared fresh images from the Basseterre High School construction site, saying work is progressing through key stages toward completion. Kim Collins Day: St. Kitts and Nevis marked Kim Collins Day, celebrating the sprint legend’s 23rd anniversary since becoming world champion in the men’s 100m and honouring his lasting impact on the nation. Tourism Trade Push: The 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase is underway in St. Kitts, bringing travel advisors and senior tourism officials for destination briefings and hands-on experiences across the islands. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts has surpassed one million cruise passengers for 2026, reaching 1,002,282 and signalling renewed confidence in the destination. Water Security at UN Talks: Sustainable Development Minister Dr Joyelle Clarke told UNCCD COP17 that 24/7 water access has risen from 25% to 70%, as the country tackles drought resilience and rainfall decline. Nevis Safety Camp Wrap-Up: Nevis Disaster Management Department’s Summer Safety Camp concluded with 75 young participants urged to spread life-saving preparedness skills at home and in their communities. CBI Pressure Continues: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley reiterated that “CBI as we know it is dead,” warning of growing hostility toward investment migration. Medicinal Cannabis Tracking: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority says it will track medicinal cannabis transactions seed-to-sale using a national system, strengthening compliance ahead of commercial licensing.

Tourism & Trade: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, bringing hundreds of travel advisors and tourism leaders for destination briefings and hands-on experiences, including a Nevis tour for advisors. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282, with officials saying the focus now is squeezing more economic value from each visitor. Water Security: Sustainable Development Minister Dr. Joyelle Clarke updated the UNCCD COP17 on drought pressures and new water investments, including a push to expand 24/7 water access. Medicinal Cannabis Oversight: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is rolling out a seed-to-sale tracking system that records financial transactions alongside plants and batches, tied to anti-money laundering rules. Immigration Legal Win: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa processing suspension affecting 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis. Nevis Culturama Dates: Organisers announced Culturama 53 will run July 22–August 3, 2027. Public Safety: Nevis Disaster Management wrapped up its annual Summer Safety Camp with drills, first aid training, and graduation for 75 young participants. CBI Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley doubled down that “CBI as we know it is dead,” warning of mounting geopolitical and immigration hostility.

Criminal Justice & Mediation: St. Kitts and Nevis is running the second phase of its Criminal Mediation Training Programme from Aug. 24–27, building local capacity for restorative justice and a national mediation framework, with a focus on procedures, safeguarding, ethics and practical application. Nevis Culture: The Nevis Culturama Festival 53 is set for July 22–Aug. 3, 2027 in Charlestown, with organisers urging residents and visitors to save the dates. Healthcare Reform: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says his government is reversing long-standing injustices in healthcare, including treating qualified doctors as full government employees and changing registration access for Cuban-trained nurses. Medicinal Cannabis Oversight: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is moving to seed-to-sale tracking by contracting GrowerIQ, requiring financial transactions to be recorded alongside plants and batches under Regulation 55. Tourism Watch: Park Hyatt St. Kitts will temporarily close Aug. 28–Oct. 9 for seasonal preparations, with reservations paused during the closure. Nevis Energy: NEVLEC’s delegation is in Iceland for final acceptance inspection of the Drillmec HH-300 rig ahead of drilling five geothermal wells on Nevis. Immigration Update (US): A New York federal judge struck down a Trump administration policy that would have indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis.

Tourism & Travel Trade: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, with tourism leaders and travel advisers meeting at the St. Kitts Marriott and touring across the islands, as the destination pushes sustainable growth and stronger trade ties. Resort Update: Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour announced a temporary closure from Aug. 28 to Oct. 9 to prepare for the high season, with no reservations during the shutdown. Nevis Culture: Culturama 52 wrapped up successfully, celebrating Nevisian heritage with music, food and dance, and thanking sponsors, performers and community partners. Local Tourism Youth: The Nevis Tourism Authority hosted Junior Minister Rondré Daniel for a behind-the-scenes look at its marketing and promotion work ahead of the October 2026 CTO Tourism Youth Congress. Heritage in the UK: St. Kitts & Nevis’ Heritage Day in Birmingham drew more than 1,500 people, with island artistes and a strong diaspora turnout. Immigration (US Court): Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court ruling blocking an indefinite Trump visa-processing suspension affecting 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis. Energy/Water (Nevis): NEVLEC’s geothermal rig is undergoing final acceptance inspection in Iceland before being shipped to Nevis for drilling, while St. Kitts’ Saddlers groundwater project reported promising early results.

Tourism & Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis is hosting the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, with regional tourism leaders meeting for destination presentations and travel briefings across a four-day programme, while Nevis also welcomed Junior Minister Rondré Daniel to the Nevis Tourism Authority ahead of the October 2026 CTO Tourism Youth Congress. Energy & Water Security: NEVLEC says a Nevis geothermal drilling rig is heading to Iceland for final acceptance inspection before being shipped to Nevis to drill five wells at Hamilton, and St. Kitts’ Saddlers groundwater project is reporting promising early results after a first well test. Economy & Cost of Living: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley renewed warnings that “CBI as we know it is dead,” urging faster diversification as households face high living costs and job concerns, and the Park Hyatt seasonal closure is adding pressure to an already tight tourism economy. Sports & Governance: SKNFA has thrown its full support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid wider Caribbean football governance controversy, while Nevis and St. Kitts’ cruise rebound continues after surpassing one million cruise passengers for 2026 year-to-date. Regional Links: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila to deepen ties with the Philippines. US Policy Impact: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down Trump’s visa ban affecting nationals of 75 countries, including some in the Caribbean.

Cruise Tourism Milestone: St. Kitts and Nevis has surpassed 1 million cruise passengers for 2026 year-to-date, with Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson saying it signals renewed confidence and stronger partnerships, and that the rebound is feeding local businesses from taxi operators to vendors. Local Water & Power Support: Prime Minister Terrance Drew announced SKELEC’s “Reconnect 15” and the Water Services reconnection programme to help households get back on essential services, alongside a major groundwater push in Saddlers that is testing at about 175 gallons per minute with projections up to 300–350. Nevis Tourism Youth Prep: The Nevis Tourism Authority hosted Junior Minister Rondré Daniel for a behind-the-scenes look at marketing and promotion ahead of the October 2026 CTO Tourism Youth Congress. Heritage & Culture: Culturama 52 wrapped up in Nevis under “Our Heritage Proud and True,” with organisers thanking sponsors, performers, and responders for a safe, successful run. US Visa Ruling: A US judge struck down a Trump administration immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis, calling the policy “patently unlawful.” Sports & CPL: Jamaica’s Culture Minister Olivia Grange said CPL’s return to Jamaica could strengthen local cricket and boost interest, including more opportunities for young players and women.

Cruise Tourism Milestone: St. Kitts and Nevis has passed 1 million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID, reaching 1,002,282 visitors year-to-date, with Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson saying it reflects renewed confidence and stronger partnerships. Water Security: In Saddlers, St. Kitts, groundwater drilling is showing promising results after testing found 175 gallons per minute, with projections of 300–350 gpm and plans for about 500,000 gallons daily once a permanent pump is installed. Household Relief: Prime Minister Terrance Drew announced reconnection drives under SKELEC’s Reconnect 15 promotion and the Water Services reconnection programme to help families get electricity and water back on track. Heritage Preservation: The St. Christopher National Trust and the Ministry of Environment’s Parks and Beaches Division cleaned and stabilized the Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon to protect St. Kitts’ agro-industrial heritage. Nevis Culture: Culturama 52 wrapped up successfully, celebrating Nevisian heritage under the theme “Our Heritage Proud and True.” Football Governance Row: FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended a Caribbean Football Union event in the Dominican Republic despite Concacaf’s request to skip it, angering some Caribbean leaders amid wider FIFA leadership controversy.