AGP Executive Report

Regional Air Connectivity: Anguilla’s tourism director welcomed Trans Anguilla Airways’ decision to open a dedicated St. Kitts office and locally based team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, calling it a practical boost for Caribbean airlift and passenger support. New Vehicle Market: Motorworld and S.L. Horsford & Co. Ltd. (Horsford’s Automotive) officially launched the Chery brand in St. Kitts and Nevis, showcasing SUVs and local cultural performances—another sign of fresh retail competition in the Federation. Consumer Protection Push: The Department of Consumer Affairs stepped up enforcement with fixed-penalty tickets for supermarkets and retailers, focusing on price disclosure, sales records, promotions, safety, labelling, and receipt requirements. Trade Facilitation & Digital Customs: A World Bank-supported Electronic Single Window visioning workshop will map out a national system to simplify and automate trade documents and improve import/export processes. Energy Cost Control: NEVLEC published its October 2026 non-payment disconnection schedule for Nevis, warning of a $100 reconnection fee if service is cut. UN Policy & Climate Finance: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA81 to press for fairer climate financing for SIDS and stronger action on sea-level rise, sovereignty, and development funding. Local Business & Finance Literacy: A retail bond promotion drew scrutiny in commentary urging clearer risk disclosure, given fiscal deficit and rising debt projections. People-to-People Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa-waiver agreement with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, easing travel and opening doors for wider cooperation.

New Car Deal: Chery officially launched in St. Kitts and Nevis at Horsford’s Automotive, with Motorworld and Horsford’s unveiling the SUV lineup and touting tech, safety and value. Regional Airlift: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office and local team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport to strengthen passenger support and connectivity. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Affairs Department is stepping up enforcement, issuing fixed penalty tickets to retailers over breaches like price disclosure, sales records, promotions, safety, misleading practices, and receipt/label requirements. Energy Payments: NEVLEC published its October 2026 non-payment disconnection schedule, warning of a $100 reconnection fee and urging customers to settle arrears. Trade Facilitation: St. Kitts and Nevis will host a World Bank-supported Electronic Single Window visioning workshop to simplify and automate trade documents and improve import/export processes. Diplomacy & Travel: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa-waiver agreement with Azerbaijan at UNGA 81, easing travel for all passport categories. Health Policy: St. Kitts and Nevis joined COHSOD Health talks in Washington, focusing on health security, NCD response, climate impacts on healthcare, and HIV financing changes. Tech & Youth: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley urged UN action on AI access so the next divide isn’t digital, while also highlighting local digital strategy work. Football: Tiquanny Williams’ hat-trick powered the Sugar Boyz to a 3–0 Nations League win over Grenada, setting up another home match.

Agriculture & Youth: Caribbean Week of Agriculture opened in Jamaica with St. Kitts and Nevis represented in the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture” youth video competition, where St. Vincent Girls’ High School won and Gingerland Secondary School (SKN) placed among the top—spotlighting food security and new opportunities for young farmers. Veterinary & Food Security: Dr. Burnell S. Nisbett marked 50 years in veterinary service, tracing how local animal health work evolved from colonial-era structures into modern, farmer-focused regulation and rabies protocols. Health Policy: St. Kitts and Nevis joined COHSOD Health talks in Washington to push regional health security, public health emergency preparedness, NCD response, and climate change’s impact on healthcare. Trade Facilitation: A World Bank-supported Electronic Single Window visioning workshop starts 30 Sept–1 Oct to simplify and automate trade documents and strengthen import/export processes. Energy Costs & Compliance: NEVLEC published October 2026 non-payment disconnection dates by area, warning of a $100 reconnection fee if service is cut. Diplomacy & Travel: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa-waiver agreement with Azerbaijan at UNGA 81 to ease travel for all passport categories. Business & Investment: Government retail bond plans are drawing public scrutiny over risk and returns, while a separate clarification warns the public not to confuse BONI with The Bank of Nevis Limited. Football & Community: The Sugar Boyz beat Grenada 3–0 with a hat-trick by Tiquanny Williams, and FIFA attended the opening of a new FIFA Arena at the SKNFA Technical Center in St. Peter’s.

Utilities & Household Costs: NEVLEC has published its October 2026 non-payment disconnection schedule, with St. Paul’s/St. John’s (Oct 12), St. George’s (Oct 19), and St. James’/St. Thomas’ (Oct 26); reconnection after disconnection due to non-payment will cost EC$100 and service should return within 24 hours. Public Finance & Consumer Watch: A retail bond launch is drawing scrutiny as commentators warn citizens are being asked to lend to government debt—highlighting deficit, rising debt projections, and the need for clearer risk explanations before households invest from as little as EC$500 at 4.5% annually. Trade Facilitation: The Ministry of International Trade, with the World Bank, will host an Electronic Single Window visioning workshop (Sept 30–Oct 1) to simplify and automate trade document flows and support WTO Trade Facilitation commitments. Digital & AI Policy: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley urged UN members to avoid a “digital divide,” arguing AI access must include computing, data, skills, energy, cybersecurity and investment—not just internet. Football & Youth Infrastructure: FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the opening of a FIFA Arena at the SKNFA Technical Center in St. Peter’s, positioning it as a safe development hub for young players. Nevis Political Tensions: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley renewed complaints that Nevis is being sidelined on scholarships, geothermal and “Destiny,” again targeting the Drew-led Federal Government. Regional Business Skills: OECS, funded by the EU, is training services-sector stakeholders across Protocol states (including St. Kitts and Nevis) to strengthen trade policy and negotiating capacity. Sports Results: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sugar Boyz are set to face Grenada in the CONCACAF Nations League after winning their opener against Bonaire.

Trade & Business Capacity: OECS is training services-sector stakeholders across member states, including St. Kitts and Nevis, to strengthen trade policy, regulation and negotiating skills, funded by the EU’s RIGHT Programme. UN Climate & AI Policy: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that small islands can’t keep adapting as climate impacts worsen, and urged fairer financing; he also pushed for a voice in AI governance so the next digital divide doesn’t leave developing states behind. Trade Facilitation: St. Kitts and Nevis and the World Bank Group will run a 30 Sept–1 Oct Electronic Single Window visioning workshop to simplify and automate trade documents and improve import/export processes. Nevis Governance Tensions: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley again accused the federal government of sidelining Nevis, citing scholarships, geothermal and “Destiny.” Finance & Public Risk: A retail bond launch is drawing scrutiny over whether citizens are getting the full picture on government borrowing and fiscal risks. Diplomacy & Mobility: Visa waiver deals were signed with Azerbaijan, and St. Kitts and Nevis continues expanding international links. Health & Development: A global partnership push for sickle cell care was launched at UNGA, with St. Kitts and Nevis named among partners. Local Economy & Food Security: Agro-processing at Needsmust was recommissioned to cut post-harvest losses and boost value-added agriculture.

FIFA Politics & Caribbean Influence: Gianni Infantino kicked off a Caribbean tour seeking backing for next year’s FIFA election, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Kieron Edwards and Jamaica’s Michael Ricketts among those publicly supporting him as he visits St. Kitts and Nevis and other islands. Haiti Security Funding Push: All 32 OAS member states backed renewing Haiti’s UN Gang Suppression Force mandate and urged full deployment with personnel, financing, equipment and logistics. Climate Finance & SIDS Survival: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA81 to demand fairer financing for Small Island Developing States, stronger guarantees on sea-level rise impacts, and resilience-focused investment beyond GNI. Health & Sickle Cell Partnerships: St. Kitts and Nevis co-hosted the OneSCD launch, calling for country-owned systems and moving proven care from pilots to national scale. Agro-Processing Boost: Minister Samal Duggins marked the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit to cut post-harvest losses and grow value-added agriculture. Diplomacy That Opens Doors: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan, and the First Lady highlighted youth inclusion in tech and development at the Concordia Summit.

UNGA Climate & Finance Push: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told UNGA81 that climate commitments must turn into real action, with stronger guarantees on sea-level rise impacts and reforms to global financing for Small Island Developing States. Pandemic Preparedness: Hanley co-chaired a UN high-level meeting calling for earlier detection, sustainable funding, and fair access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatment. Health Partnerships (Sickle Cell): St. Kitts and Nevis co-hosted the OneSCD launch, backing a shift from pilots to national scale and country-owned systems. Agro-Processing Boost: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit to cut post-harvest losses and grow value-added agriculture. Local Business & IP: St. Kitts and Nevis creatives represented the islands at WIPO cross-regional forums, pitching IP-backed creative businesses. Financial Sector Clarification: The Bank of Nevis Limited issued a public statement distancing itself from “BONI” (Bank of New Innovation) amid court-related confusion. Regional Business Expansion: General Accident outlined plans to expand across the English-speaking Caribbean, including agency operations in St. Kitts and Nevis. Travel & Diplomacy for Trade: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan, easing travel for business and people-to-people links.

Pandemic finance push at UNGA81: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley co-chaired a UN high-level meeting urging countries to strengthen early detection, secure sustainable funding, and ensure vaccines, diagnostics and treatments reach small states fast—arguing no country can face the next pandemic alone. Banking clarification: The Bank of Nevis Limited (BON) issued a public statement after High Court proceedings involving BONI (Bank of New Innovation) Ltd., stressing the two are not connected and warning the public to avoid confusion. Climate + right to development: Hanley also told UN audiences that for CARICOM the climate crisis is a development crisis tied to debt, limited fiscal space and weak access to concessional financing, calling for resilience and reform of the international financial system. Agro-processing boost: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Agro-Processing Unit at Needsmust, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and expand value-added food production. Nevis financial services pitch: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley promoted the island as a secure, well-regulated investment and wealth-mobility destination at a New York summit. Diplomacy with business impact: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan, easing travel for citizens and officials. Regional insurance expansion: General Accident moves to acquire a 70% stake in Beacon Insurance, expanding its Caribbean footprint via agency operations that include St. Kitts and Nevis.

Agro-Processing Boost: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and push more locally grown produce into value-added products. Sickle Cell Partnership: St. Kitts and Nevis joined the OneSCD launch at UNGA81, backing a push for country-led scale-up of diagnosis and treatment so outcomes don’t depend on where a child is born. UN Development Push: Acting PM Dr Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA81 to stress SIDS priorities—climate resilience, debt pressure, and better access to concessional finance—framing resilience as economic and national security. Diplomatic Travel Ease: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan, covering all passport categories, to deepen people-to-people links and business travel. Youth & Tech Focus: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew highlighted the need to include young people from small island states in global tech, education, and development discussions at Concordia’s summit. Regional Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, a win for St. Kitts and Nevis in regional ICT governance. Business Expansion: DDL is expanding in St. Kitts to use the island as a hub for distributing more Guyanese-made products across smaller Caribbean markets.

Agro-Processing Push: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Agro-Processing Unit at Needsmust, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and grow value-added agriculture through upgraded equipment and training. UNGA Sustainable Development: Acting PM Dr Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that St. Kitts and Nevis is making progress on its Sustainable Island State agenda, highlighting water security moves like a solar-powered desalination plant and new well drilling. Climate & Energy Resilience: St. Kitts and Nevis urged stronger global partnerships for SIDS, arguing climate change, energy security and resilience are tied to economic and national security. Health Partnership for Sickle Cell: St. Kitts and Nevis joined the OneSCD launch at UNGA, backing calls to scale up country-owned systems and move from pilots to national care. Nevis Financial Services Pitch: Premier Mark Brantley promoted Nevis as a secure, well-regulated jurisdiction at a New York investment summit, stressing decades of experience and rule of law. Visa Waivers Expand Travel: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan, easing travel for diplomatic/official/service and ordinary passport holders. Regional Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, boosting St. Kitts and Nevis’ regional ICT profile. Retail Bond for Households: Government launched an inaugural Household and NGO retail bond via the ECCB/RGSM, with a 2-year EC$500 minimum and 4.5% fixed annual returns.

Visa & Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, easing travel and boosting people-to-people ties. Climate & Resilience: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley pushed for stronger global partnerships, more climate finance access, and faster renewable energy investment to help SIDS handle climate, economic and geopolitical shocks. Health & Development: Nigeria co-launched OneSCD at UNGA81, with St. Kitts and Nevis among hosts, calling for country-led scale-up of sickle cell care beyond pilots. Nevis Finance Pitch: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley promoted Nevis as a secure, well-regulated base for international investors and high-net-worth families at a New York investment summit. Regional Tech Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, adding another leadership win for St. Kitts and Nevis in regional ICT. Business & Investment: DDL is expanding in St. Kitts as a regional hub for bottling and wider Guyanese product distribution. Citizenship Reform: Government moved to allow grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap.

SIDS & climate finance push: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told AOSIS leaders in New York that climate, energy security and resilience are inseparable for small island economies, calling for stronger global partnerships and faster renewable energy investment. Bilateral travel ties: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan for all passport categories, aiming to boost tourism, business and people-to-people links. Health partnership spotlight: The Federation backed the UNGA-linked OneSCD initiative to expand equitable sickle cell diagnosis and treatment, joining global partners to move from pilots to national scale. Regional telecom leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, a win for St. Kitts and Nevis in regional ICT governance. Public finance for households: Government launched an inaugural retail bond with a 2-year term and 4.5% fixed annual return, with minimum investment starting at EC$500. Trade & investment expansion: DDL is expanding in St. Kitts as a regional hub for bottling and distributing more Guyanese products to smaller Caribbean markets. Citizenship reform: A Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would allow qualifying grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, addressing a long-standing legal gap. Sports/business crossover: SKNFA Premier League action saw St. Pauls United and Rams Village Superstars secure key wins.

Retail Bonds & Financial Inclusion: St. Kitts and Nevis launched its inaugural Household and NGO Retail Bond via the RGSM/ECCB, with a 2-year term, fixed 4.5% annual return (paid semi-annually) and a low EC$500 minimum—aimed at shifting people from saving to investing. Government Finance: The federation also moved to launch a new retail bond initiative and passed key payment reforms, including a Payment Systems and Services Bill to modernise rules for digital and non-bank payment services. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), a major regional role for St. Kitts and Nevis. Trade & Industry Expansion: Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is expanding in St. Kitts as a hub to distribute more Guyanese products across smaller Caribbean markets. Environment & Education Partnerships: CFBC and TaiwanICDF formalised cooperation on plastic waste and marine litter under PROMAR. Diplomacy for Development: Acting PM Hanley pushed CARICOM’s right-to-development message at UNGA, stressing climate, debt, and the need for better concessional financing and resilience support. Citizenship Reform: Government approved a Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to allow grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap.

Retail Bonds & Financial Inclusion: St. Kitts and Nevis launched its inaugural Household and Non-Governmental Organisation Retail Bond via the RGSM/ECCB, offering a 2-year, fixed 4.5% annual return (paid semi-annually) with a low EC$500 minimum and EC$100 increments, as the ECCB Governor urged a shift from saving to investing. Government Finance: The government also moved to launch a new bond initiative and passed the Payment Systems and Services Bill, 2026, updating rules for modern digital payments. Citizenship Reform: A Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would allow grandchildren born overseas (third generation) to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap. Regional Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, boosting St. Kitts and Nevis’ regional ICT profile. Trade & Industry Expansion: DDL is expanding in St. Kitts, positioning the island as a hub to distribute more Guyanese-made products across smaller Caribbean markets. Environment & Education Partnerships: CFBC and TaiwanICDF formalised cooperation to tackle plastic waste and marine litter, including recycling, circular economy work, and shoreline monitoring. Diplomacy at UNGA: Acting PM Hanley delivered CARICOM’s right to development statement, while India-CARICOM foreign ministers’ talks focused on trade, investment, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience, and UN reforms. Sports & Business Culture: Newtown United began the Premier League season with three straight wins; and Elijah Walters was selected for the 2026 World Sailing Inclusive Championship in Portugal.

Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) on 23 Sept in French Guiana, adding another regional leadership win for St. Kitts and Nevis. Retail Bond Push: The government launched an inaugural Household and NGO Retail Bond via the RGSM/ECCB, with a 2-year term, fixed 4.5% annual return (paid semi-annually) and a low EC$500 minimum—part of a push to shift citizens from saving to investing. Finance Law Update: Parliament passed the Payment Systems and Services Bill, 2026, modernising rules for card, wallet and digital transfers and extending licensing coverage beyond banks. Citizenship Reform: Cabinet approved a Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to let eligible grandchildren born abroad apply for citizenship, closing a gap since 1983. Diplomacy for Small States: St. Kitts and Nevis’ UN envoy joined OECS foreign ministers in New York to press for stronger regional diplomatic coordination. UNGA Engagement: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley led the Federation’s UNGA 81 delegation, highlighting climate, energy security and development financing priorities. Business & Growth Sectors: The country broadened investment focus beyond tourism to agriculture, renewable energy, technology, financial services and light manufacturing. Sports & Community: Newtown United started the Premier League season with a perfect run; Nevis also celebrated Elijah Walters’ historic selection for an inclusive sailing championship in Portugal.

Retail Bond Push: St. Kitts and Nevis officially launched its inaugural Household and NGO Retail Bond via the RGSM, offering a 2-year, fixed 4.5% return (paid semi-annually) with a low EC$500 minimum and EC$100 increments, aiming to shift households from saving to investing. Financial Reform: The National Assembly also passed the Payment Systems and Services Bill, 2026, updating rules for modern card, wallet and digital transfers and creating a licensing framework for non-bank payment providers. Investment Focus: Government says it’s widening investment beyond tourism into agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, IT, financial services, light manufacturing and international education, with IMF growth projections pointing to construction, farming and renewables. Diplomacy for Growth: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley leads the UNGA 81 delegation, while Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas backs stronger CELAC–India ties, including through St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commission in New Delhi. Tech & Youth: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew joined UN-linked discussions on children and technology, aligning with Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” coalition backed by major tech firms. Local Business Spotlight: Horsford’s Automotive announced a CHERY launch weekend and a promotional SUV offer from EC$997/month, alongside a 10-year/1,000,000-km warranty. Community & Recognition: Nevis’ Independence 43 awards honoured 10 Nevisians for service and entrepreneurship, while national honours named Medal of Honour and Star of Merit recipients.