AGP Executive Report

World Bank/IFC Finance: The IFC has confirmed a US$15-million investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund arranged by Sygnus Capital, with up to US$5m in a senior tranche and up to US$10m in mezzanine—aimed at boosting SME lending across 13 countries. National Mourning: Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley led tributes after the sudden death of former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, praising his service to Sandy Point and the Federation. Sports & Youth: EPPS edged JLPS by two runs in a nail-biting practice match ahead of the Runako Morton/TDC Primary Schools Cricket Tournament. Olympic Activities: The St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee announced Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 on June 20, with a “Let’s Move” theme and events at Warner Park. Drought Preparedness: NEMA and meteorological officials warned drought conditions are likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and urged water conservation and hurricane-season readiness. Justice Reform: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training Programme opened in St. Kitts and Nevis with UNDP support. Maritime/Regional: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, MV Jabal Ali 9, helped rescue 14 Indian crew after the dhow Virat 1 sank off Oman following engine failure.

CARICOM Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis took part in the CARICOM Caucus retreat at the UN in New York, with discussions focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, peace and security, financing for development, and global governance reform. Investment Push: The Federation is gearing up to host IGS 2026 (June 17–20) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, aiming to attract investors and HNWIs and spotlight how citizenship and global mobility are evolving. Nevis Water Security: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Nevis is investing over $50 million toward a 24/7 potable water supply, including major tank and pipeline upgrades to fight drought impacts. Drought Preparedness: NEMA is warning residents and businesses that drought conditions are likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and urging water conservation ahead of hurricane season. Justice Modernisation: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards for rights. Maritime Rescue: A dhow, Virat 1, carrying 14 Indian crew off Oman sank after engine failure; the crew was rescued with help including a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, MV Jabal Ali 9. Sports & Youth: Kya Crooke made history for St. Kitts and Nevis by winning NCAA bronze in the high jump with a 1.90m clearance, while Nevis’ Everton Liburd graduated in Mechanical Engineering in Taiwan. Yachting Sector: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted Nautical Kickstart to position the federation as a premier yachting and superyachting destination.

Diplomacy & Climate: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew is set to travel to Europe for high-level meetings in Brussels and to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at Germany’s Climate Mobility Forum, with officials saying the trip will push the federation’s climate resilience agenda and keep its voice strong in global talks. Maritime & Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted “Nautical Miles” at the St. Kitts Marriott to position the federation as a premier yachting and superyachting destination, drawing global marina operators, crew and hospitality stakeholders under the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Drought Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water and stay ready as drought conditions are expected to persist into the traditional rainy season, with meteorological data showing major rainfall shortfalls and risks to water, agriculture and the economy. Justice Updates: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules with safeguards, while a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme begins to strengthen conflict resolution capacity. Nevis Water: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Nevis is investing over $50 million toward a 24/7 potable water supply, with major tank and pipe upgrades underway. International Incident: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, MV Jabal Ali 9, assisted in the rescue of 14 Indian crew members after the Indian-flagged Virat 1 suffered engine failure and began sinking off Oman.

Maritime Rescue: A dhow carrying 14 Indians began sinking off Oman, and a US Navy patrol aircraft plus the Saint Kitts and Nevis-registered cargo ship MV Jabal Ali 9 were diverted to help with the rescue. Climate & Water Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew heads to Europe for climate talks, while Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Nevis water exploration and upgrades are continuing, including major tank and pipe work to push toward reliable supply. Drought Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as meteorological updates warn drought conditions may persist into the traditional rainy season and beyond, even during hurricane season. Justice Modernisation: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating DNA evidence rules with safeguards, and a restorative justice and criminal mediation training programme is underway with UNDP support. Finance & Banking: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed to strengthen consumer protection and improve access to banking services. Regional Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis took part in a CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York focused on global priorities and SIDS advocacy. National Notes: The Federation mourns former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, and cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero was honoured at an official funeral.

Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expanding consumer protection, clearer disclosures, stronger data safeguards, and better access to banking services. Justice Updates: The Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed to modernise DNA evidence rules with safeguards to protect rights. Drought & Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as drought conditions are expected to persist into the traditional rainy season, even with forecasts pointing to a below-average hurricane season. Climate Action: PM Terrance Drew told lawmakers climate change is already hitting the Federation and pushed the Sustainable Island State Agenda for long-term resilience. Cannabis Education: The Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign focused on safe, lawful engagement and protection of vulnerable populations. Public Safety Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation programme began at Koi Resort with UNDP support to strengthen conflict resolution. National Remembrance: The Federation mourns former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, and held an official funeral for cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero. Sports & Culture: England opened the Women’s T20 World Cup with a record 219/1 win over Sri Lanka, while local school netball advanced to semi-finals and the Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for June 10’s anniversary.

Drought & Hurricane Season Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents, businesses and institutions to stay ready as drought conditions persist into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with officials warning that even a forecasted below-average season can still bring life-changing storms. Water Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly the government is pushing for reliable 24-hour water supply, citing ongoing upgrades, drilling and storage work aimed at lasting solutions. Cannabis Responsible Use: The St. Kitts and Nevis Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign, stressing safe, lawful access under medicinal and religious categories only. Justice Reform: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training Programme began at Koi Resort, bringing together justice and community professionals to strengthen dialogue, accountability and early conflict resolution. Youth & Learning: CTCS held Teacher–Student Switch Day, while teachers completed in-service training and students continue practical learning at CWIT through real construction projects. National Culture & Service: An official funeral honoured calypso icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, and the Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for the June 10 anniversary. Traffic Safety: Police warned against sidewalk parking, saying it damages infrastructure and endangers pedestrians.

Evidence Law Update: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating how DNA evidence is handled and adding safeguards to balance investigations with human rights. Defence Force Modernisation: The SKN Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for the June 10, 1967 anniversary, as PM Drew said the change reflects real work and national commitment. Maritime & Tourism: Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis brings global yachting leaders to Basseterre on June 12–13 to position the federation as a top yachting and superyacht destination. Water Crisis Politics: Former Deputy PM Shawn Richards hit back over claims tied to water-rate talk, saying he proposed no new rates and accusing misrepresentation while communities face worsening shortages. Public Safety & Traffic: Police warned that lack of curb space is driving more drivers to park on sidewalks, endangering pedestrians and damaging curbs and drainage. Health & Community: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a Responsible Use Campaign, stressing medicinal and religious cannabis as the only lawful categories. Sports: Primary schools netball is down to the semi-finals after four schools advanced from Tuesday’s quarter-finals.

Middle East Fallout: UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that renewed US strikes on Iran and fresh Iranian attacks are pushing up global oil and food prices, raising inflation fears for import-dependent Caribbean economies. Cannabis Education: The St. Kitts and Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a Responsible Use Campaign, stressing cannabis access is limited to medicinal and religious categories under current law. Tourism & Shipping: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first summer call to Port Zante, kicking off nine scheduled visits and boosting off-season trade. Water Crisis Politics: Former Deputy PM Shawn Richards hit back over claims tied to water-rate increases, saying he proposed no new rates while residents in Sandy Point and St. Peter’s face worsening shortages. Housing Scandal: East Coast Housing Development controversy deepened, with allegations of a fraudulent government guarantee and failure to deliver 600 serviced lots per year. Public Safety: Police confirmed cruise crew member Ziyuan Wang died from injuries after an accidental fall off Mt. Liamuiga. Traffic Enforcement: Traffic officials warned motorists against parking on sidewalks, citing damage to curbs and drainage and danger to pedestrians. Youth & Culture: KMAN 6IXX dropped “6IXX” from his name, urging young people that “joining a gang is not the answer.” Sports: SKNFA and the Red Cross ran safeguarding and first-aid training for women’s football.

Regional Health Preparedness: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, boosting lab and pandemic response capacity across the Caribbean. Defence & National Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew praised the SKNDF as it unveiled a new digital combat uniform, calling it a symbol of discipline and service. June 10 Anniversary: Drew urged citizens to reflect on the courage that preserved democracy during the 1967 events, marking 59 years since the attempted overthrow. Public Safety Through Justice: Attorney-General Garth Wilkin opened a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training with UNDP, stressing that enforcement alone can’t solve conflict. Tourism & Travel: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first summer call to Port Zante, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits. Sports Development: SKNFA and Red Cross delivered safeguarding and first aid training for women’s football, while the Aqua Ballers won the Federal Netball League title in an undefeated run. Community & Culture: The nation holds an official funeral for calypso icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, with police issuing traffic advisories for Basseterre. Tragic Update: Police confirmed visiting cruise crew member Ziyuan Wang died from injuries after a fall on Mt. Liamuiga; no foul play was found.

Football: SKNFA and the St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross hailed a successful Safeguarding and First Aid Training on June 5, equipping women in football with CPR and practical emergency response skills, including emotional support during crises. National Security & History: Prime Minister Terrance Drew marked the 59th anniversary of June 10, 1967, calling it a defining moment that tested the nation’s democracy and highlighted the resolve of the defence forces and people. Justice Reform: Attorney-General Garth Wilkin opened a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training at Koi Resort, stressing early intervention and mediation alongside enforcement to build safer communities. Environment Month: The Ministry launched 2026 Environment Month under “Inspired by Nature for Climate Action for Our Future,” pushing shared stewardship through public engagement. Public Safety Update: Police confirmed visiting cruise crew member Ziyuan Wang died from injuries after a fall on Mt. Liamuiga; no foul play was found. Sports Administration: SKNOC says Jessica Warner was selected for the IOC Immersion Stay Programme in Lausanne, while delegates also attended the IOA session in Greece. Tourism & Culture: Nevis launched “Spring Into Summer” to boost off-season travel, and FRO Fest 2026 is set for June 20 at National Heroes Park. Community & Sports: Aqua Ballers won the 2026 Federal Netball League championship in an undefeated run.

Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA is urging regional readiness as it reviews lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, stressing better emergency communications and smoother information-sharing. Public Safety & Culture: The RSCNPF issued a traffic advisory for the June 11 official funeral of cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, with viewing at 12:00 PM and processions starting 10:30 AM in Basseterre. Tourism & Events: Nevis is rolling out its “Spring Into Summer” campaign to boost off-season travel, while FRO Fest 2026 returns June 20 at National Heroes Park under the “Sunflower & Curls” theme. Business Skills: The Ministry of Small Business launched the second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme, a 10-week push to help entrepreneurs with budgeting, planning, records and banking. Sports & Youth: SKNFA’s Women’s and Girls’ Football Festival drew nearly 70 participants, and Nevis chess player Demarre Browne won the national championship and earned a spot at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad. Justice Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis began a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training with UNDP, aimed at improving accountability and rehabilitation.

Summer & Culture Calendar: St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up for a packed season, with the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival set for June 25–27 at Warner Park Stadium, plus Culturama 52 running July 23–Aug 4 and the National Bank Soca Teasers leading into Soca Finals on July 30. Nevis Tourism Push: Nevis has launched its “Spring Into Summer” campaign to draw visitors during the off-season, spotlighting culture, wellness, adventure, and seasonal hotel packages. Education & Youth: The OECS PEARL programme is moving into its “Legacy” phase with a Communication for Development campaign, while the St. Kitts and Nevis Youth Summit 2026 has been launched to gather ages 7–21 around education, governance, economy, health, and culture. Justice & Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training programme began June 8 at Koi Resort with UNDP support, aiming to strengthen dialogue, accountability, and rehabilitation. Sports & Talent: Nevis chess star Demarre Browne won the national championship and earned a spot to represent the Federation at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad; and Nevisian athletes are training in Jamaica as part of the island’s youth sports support. Renewables Roadmap: Government has launched work toward a 100% renewable electricity transition roadmap, supported by the EU via Euroclima Caribbean and UNDP.

Education & Youth: The OECS launched “The OECS PEARL Legacy” communications campaign to carry forward education regeneration across member states as the PEARL project phase ends June 30. Justice Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis began a 10-day Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training with UNDP, aiming to boost dialogue, accountability and rehabilitation as alternatives to detention. Renewable Energy: Government unveiled plans for a 100% renewable electricity roadmap, supported by the EU and UNDP, targeting major emissions cuts by 2030. Sports & International Exposure: Nevis and St. Kitts athletes and officials are heading abroad—young Olympic Ambassadors in Greece, SKNOC staff selected for an IOC immersion programme, and Nevis chess champion Demarre Browne earning a spot at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad. Community & Culture: Sugar Mas 55 schedules were released, and Nevis Culturama 52 and 53 kicked off with sashing ceremonies. Entrepreneurship: A second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme started, backing small business owners with practical money and planning skills.

Youth & Sport: Nevis Minister Troy Liburd and Sports Director Aljay Newton visited Nevisian athletes Shamarie Newton and Chesson Liburd training in Jamaica with Glen Mills’ Racers Track Club, praising their progress after JAAA/PUMA Meet #4. Chess: Demarre Browne won the St. Kitts and Nevis National Chess Championship and will represent the Federation at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Entrepreneurship & Finance: The Ministry of Small Business launched the second cohort of its Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Programme, a 10-week push on budgeting, planning, record-keeping and banking relationships. Justice Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training Programme began in St. Kitts and Nevis (June 8–18) with UNDP support to strengthen conflict resolution. Nevis Culture: Nevis Culturama 53 kicked off with a sashing ceremony introducing contestants for the Mr Kool, Culture Swimwear and Culture Queen events. Nevis Innovation: Nevis launched the Caribbean’s first space life sciences experiment, studying how human immune cells respond to gravity changes. Public Safety: Police charged eight men in a gang-related crackdown, facing 21 charges including firearms and murder-related allegations. Sports Development: SKNFA launched a C License Coaching Course, offering it free to build local coaching capacity.

Tourism & Regional Policy: Prime Minister Terrance Drew backed the Caribbean Tourism Supply Side Initiative, with CTO leaders saying the focus is on building local capacity and creating long-term value from tourism. Nevis Culture & Food: Nevis Mango Fest 2026 runs July 2–5, spotlighting the island’s “sweet Nevis mango” with nearly 60 celebrity chefs and expanded four-day programming. Science & Innovation (Nevis): Nevis launched the Caribbean’s first space life sciences experiment on May 31, studying how human immune cells react to gravity changes. Environment: On World Environment Day, the Department of Environment, Taiwan Technical Mission and Antioch Baptist Church unveiled a new recycling bin at Lime Kiln Commercial Development as part of the nationwide Recycling Project. Public Safety: Police charged eight men in a gang crackdown, facing 21 charges including firearm and murder-related offences. Education & Leadership: Etsu Bradshaw-Caines received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (Honoris Causa). Sports Development: SKNFA launched its C License Coaching Course 2026, offering the training free to participants.

Honours & Education: Etsu Bradshaw-Caines, daughter of national hero Sir Robert Bradshaw, received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education Leadership, celebrating her lifelong work in education, leadership and national development. Police & Public Safety: The RSCNPF confirmed promotions for nearly 30 officers, with senior ranks including Assistant Commissioner James Francis and Travis Rogers, as well as multiple Superintendent, Inspector, Sergeant and Corporal appointments. Gang Crackdown: Police charged eight men with 21 gang-related offences, including alleged leadership roles, firearm and ammunition offences, and links to murder-related activity, under strengthened anti-gang laws. Nevis Science & Innovation: Nevis launched the Caribbean’s first space life sciences experiment aboard a Sweden mission, studying how human immune cells respond to gravity changes. Environment & Community: On World Environment Day, the Department of Environment, Taiwan Technical Mission and Antioch Baptist Church launched a new recycling bin at Lime Kiln, with the church named the first faith-based partner in the national recycling project. Water Crisis: St. Kitts residents report worsening shortages, with hundreds of households facing days without running potable water despite government assurances.