AGP Executive Report

Youth Enterprise: The Dreamy Group’s “A Blooming Touch” programme is introducing Beach Allen Primary girls to entrepreneurship, floral design and balloon artistry, linking creative skills with future business opportunities. Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis has been elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, with a role in shaping regional tourism priorities and strengthening links to local industries. The Federation recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa-card visitor spending; the 2025–26 cruise season brought 1,031,710 excursionists. Investment and Resilience: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says about 75% of households now have 24-hour water access, while geothermal development in Nevis and a solar-and-battery project in East Basseterre are advancing. He is also urging lenders to factor island vulnerability—not income alone—into financing decisions.

Tourism Growth: St. Kitts welcomed more than one million cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season. Air arrivals reached 116,458 through August, with reported visitor spending topping US$34.5 million; officials say Air Canada will begin seasonal service earlier this year. Regional Tourism Leadership: The Federation’s election as vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board gives it a role in shaping regional priorities, including sustainability and stronger links between tourism and local suppliers. Investment and Resilience: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says about 75% of households now have 24-hour water access. Major energy projects include 30 megawatts of geothermal development in Nevis and a 50-megawatt solar and battery project in East Basseterre. He is also urging international lenders to weigh small-island vulnerability, not just income, when setting access to affordable financing. Entrepreneurship and Agriculture: A new programme is introducing Beach Allen Primary girls to floral design, balloon artistry and business skills. Separately, a retiring FAO regional coordinator is calling for a 30% cut in poultry-feed imports within five years, including through wider use of black soldier fly larvae.

Youth Entrepreneurship: The Dreamy Group’s “A Blooming Touch” programme is introducing Beach Allen Primary girls to floral design, balloon artistry and business opportunities in the creative events industry. Tourism: St. Kitts welcomed 1,031,710 cruise visitors in the 2025–26 season. Air arrivals reached 116,458 through August, with Visa-tracked visitor spending above US$34.5 million; Air Canada’s seasonal service is set to begin October 31, a month early. Regional Tourism Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice-chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, gaining a seat on its executive committee as the region focuses on sustainable tourism and stronger links with local businesses. Climate Finance: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley renewed calls for lenders to consider small states’ vulnerability—not just income levels—when assessing access to affordable financing.

Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis has been elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, giving the Federation a voice in regional tourism decisions. The sector reported 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending; the 2025–26 cruise season brought 1,031,710 passengers. Regional Trade: Sanitary products face a 20% CARICOM import tariff. The region imports about US$85 million worth annually and exports only US$1 million, highlighting a costly import dependence. Investment: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says developers behind the Destiny Project remain frustrated by federal approval delays, despite resolving four outstanding issues. No decision timeline has been set. Infrastructure: The government says about 75% of households now receive 24-hour water service and is advancing a 30-megawatt geothermal project in Nevis and a 50-megawatt solar-and-battery project in East Basseterre.

Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis has been elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, giving it a role in regional tourism planning. The sector welcomed more than 1.03 million cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season; air arrivals reached 116,458 through August, while Visa spending topped US$34.5 million. Investment: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says developers behind the Destiny Project are frustrated by delays in federal approval, despite resolving outstanding concerns. Trade Costs: A 20% CARICOM duty applies to imported sanitary products, a notable cost on goods the region imports at US$85 million annually while exporting about US$1 million. Energy and Resilience: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says work is advancing on a 50-megawatt solar-and-storage project in Basseterre and 30 megawatts of geothermal development in Nevis; he also urged lenders to weigh small-island vulnerability, not just income, when setting access to affordable financing.

Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 1,031,710 cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season. Air arrivals reached 116,458 through August, while Visa spending topped US$34.5 million—excluding cash and other card networks. Regional Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister was elected Caribbean Tourism Organization chair, while St. Kitts and Nevis became vice-chair of its board, giving the Federation a seat on the executive committee. Investment Climate: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Destiny Project developers are frustrated by federal approval delays, despite resolving four outstanding issues; no decision timeline has been set. Financing: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley renewed the call for lenders to consider small states’ climate and economic vulnerabilities, not income per capita alone, when deciding access to affordable financing. Resilience: The government says 75% of households now have 24-hour water access and is advancing geothermal energy in Nevis and solar-plus-storage in Basseterre.

Tourism Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, giving the Federation a stronger voice in regional tourism planning. Coastal Resilience: Two new workboats and trained local crews will help tackle sargassum offshore and protect beaches, marine life and tourism businesses. Tourism Results: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending; the 2025–26 cruise season brought over 1.03 million visitors. Air Canada’s seasonal service is set to begin October 31. Investment Climate: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Destiny Project developers remain frustrated by federal approval delays, despite resolving outstanding concerns. Small island states, including St. Kitts and Nevis, are also urging lenders to consider climate and economic vulnerabilities—not just income—when deciding access to financing. Skills Investment: A record 67 students received scholarships through the government’s partnership with Monroe University.

Maritime Risk: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship carrying grain sank in the Black Sea after a suspected drone strike; two crew members died and 11 were rescued. Bulgaria has also ended its search for the crew of another sunken vessel, while the St. Kitts-flagged Mercy assisted in the response. Tourism: Nevis and St. Kitts ranked 13th and 17th, respectively, in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean island awards. St. Kitts reported 116,458 air arrivals through August, more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending and over one million cruise visitors through September. Air Canada is set to start seasonal service earlier this year, on October 31. Investment and Skills: The government and Monroe University awarded scholarships to a record 67 students. Nevis’s geothermal project is poised for regional impact, with the EU ready to mobilise financial support. Trans Anguilla Airways has opened an office at the St. Kitts airport, and the Bank of Nevis promoted Starlina Roserie to lead corporate banking, digital payments and St. Kitts operations.

Education and Skills: Government and Monroe University awarded a record 67 scholarships, while Tropical Shipping also backed 10 students with scholarships—investments in the skills pipeline. Tourism: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa visitor spending; cruise visits topped 1.03 million through September. Air Canada is set to begin its seasonal service on October 31, a month earlier than usual. Shipping and Trade: The St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship Royad Mammadov sank in Romania’s exclusive economic zone after a fire; two crew members died and 11 were rescued. Ukraine blamed Russian drones, but Romanian authorities had not confirmed the cause. Connectivity and Energy: Trans Anguilla Airways has opened an office at St. Kitts’ airport as it expands in the Federation, while the Nevis geothermal project is poised to attract EU financial support.

Maritime & Trade Risk: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship, the Royad Mammadov, was hit by drones in the Black Sea near Romania’s exclusive economic zone, sparking a fire and sinking the vessel; Romania says 11 crew were rescued and two died, while Ukraine’s President Zelensky blames Russian drones and reports the captain was killed, with other crew injured or missing—an incident that underlines how quickly shipping and food-grain routes can be disrupted. Regional Business & Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off Tourism Awareness Month with a month-long programme aimed at community buy-in and highlighting tourism’s role in the economy. Air Connectivity Boost: Trans Anguilla Airways expanded its St. Kitts and Nevis presence with a new office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, with officials calling regional airlift an economic lifeline for tourism and trade. Local Economy & Community: The Bank of Nevis promoted Starlina Roserie to Chief Corporate Banking and Digital Payments Officer and Head of St. Kitts Operations, signaling continued focus on corporate banking and digital payments. Youth & Scholarships: Tropical Shipping recognized 10 students in St. Kitts with Monetary Scholarships, supporting education pathways as part of its ongoing investment in young people. Culture & Brand Value: The National Queen Pageant for Sugarmas 55 announced a bigger prize package—EC$20,000 plus a plot of land—and a new venue at the Royal St. Kitts Event Dome, with the St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank as title sponsor.

Maritime & Trade Risk: A Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo vessel, Royad Mammadov, sank in the Black Sea after a suspected drone strike off Romania, killing two crew members and rescuing 11; Ukrainian President Zelensky blamed Russia, while Romanian authorities confirmed the deaths and rescue operation, with injured sailors airlifted to hospital. Tourism Economy: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off Tourism Awareness Month with a month-long schedule aimed at boosting community buy-in and highlighting tourism’s role in economic growth. Regional Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office at RLB International Airport, with Anguilla’s tourism minister calling regional air links an “economic lifeline” for tourism and trade. Local Housing & Livelihoods: In Constituency 4, the government handed over 10 new homes, framing housing as dignity and security—not just construction. Banking & Business People: The Bank of Nevis promoted Starlina Roserie to Chief Corporate Banking and Digital Payments Officer and Head of St. Kitts Operations. Culture & Sponsorship: The National Queen Pageant prize package was expanded to include EC$20,000 and a plot of land, with St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank named title sponsor.

Black Sea Shipping Shock: A Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged Turkish-owned grain/corn cargo ship, the Royad Mammadov, sank after a suspected drone attack off Romania in its exclusive economic zone. Romanian authorities reported 2 deaths and 11 rescued, with additional injuries and at least one missing sailor; Ukraine’s President Zelensky blamed Russia. Maritime & Food-Trade Impact: The vessel had been sailing from Ukraine’s Izmail toward Italy (Ravenna), underscoring how Black Sea disruptions keep hitting global food supply routes. Tourism Momentum: St. Kitts kicked off Tourism Awareness Month with a month-long schedule aimed at highlighting tourism’s role in the economy and community life. Cruise Business Boost: Star of the Seas brought about 7,069 passengers ashore, driving demand for taxis, tours, shopping at Port Zante, and local attractions. Regional Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office at RLB Airport, positioning better links for tourism and business across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Finance & Talent: The Bank of Nevis congratulated Starlina Roserie on promotion to Chief Corporate Banking and Digital Payments Officer, and backed the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Team heading to the First Global Challenge. Housing Delivery: In Constituency 4, 10 families received keys to new homes, with officials framing it as dignity and opportunity, not just construction.

Maritime & Trade Risk: Romania says two people died and 11 were rescued after a fire and sinking aboard the Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea; the ship is flagged to St. Kitts and Nevis and was carrying corn, with Ukraine blaming Russian drones. Banking & Talent: The Bank of Nevis congratulates Starlina Roserie on promotion to Chief Corporate Banking and Digital Payments Officer and Head of St. Kitts Operations. Regional Connectivity Boost: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office at RLB International Airport, with officials calling airlift an “economic lifeline” for tourism, trade, and family travel. Tourism Demand: Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts, keeping Port Zante and local tours busy. Energy & Investment: The EU signals readiness to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, including technical support and possible funding. Housing & Local Economy: Constituency 4 received 10 new homes via the National Housing Corporation, with ministers framing housing as dignity and opportunity. Trade Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis advances a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes.

Tourism & Trade Boost: Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts on Oct. 1, with visitors filling Port Zante and supporting local taxis, tours, vendors, restaurants, beaches and major attractions like Brimstone Hill and Independence Square. Regional Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Sept. 30, backed by local officials, as Anguilla’s tourism minister called airlift an “economic lifeline” for tourism, business and family links. Housing Delivery: In Constituency 4, the National Housing Corporation and the Ministry of Housing handed over 10 new homes to families in Half Way Tree, with Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins stressing dignity, security and opportunity. Energy & Investment: The EU signaled readiness to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering technical expertise and possible financial support after meetings with Nevis officials. Consumer Protection: The Department of Consumer Affairs issued reminders and enforcement actions to supermarkets and retailers to comply with the Consumer Protection Act, including pricing, labeling and receipts. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard reported stopping the fuel ship M/V Grace en route to Cuba, citing hidden fuel in ballast tanks and deceptive shipping tactics. Education Support: Tropical Shipping recognized 10 St. Kitts students with its 2026 Monetary Scholarship, urging focus, discipline and perseverance.

Cruise Economy Boost: Star of the Seas kept Port Zante and Basseterre busy with 7,069 passengers (plus crew) landing for shopping, tours, and visits to Brimstone Hill, Romney Manor, Black Rocks, and local churches and memorials. Regional Airlift Investment: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated office and local team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, with officials calling air connectivity an “economic lifeline” for tourism, trade, and family links. Housing Delivery: Constituency 4 received 10 new homes in Half Way Tree, with the National Housing Corporation and Housing Ministry framing the move as dignity and security—not just construction. Energy & Jobs Pipeline: The EU signaled readiness to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering technical expertise and possible financial support. Trade Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis advanced its National Electronic Single Window initiative with a World Bank-supported visioning workshop to streamline cross-border trade. Consumer Protection Push: Consumer Affairs stepped up enforcement with fixed penalty tickets, focusing on price disclosure, promotions, safety, labelling, and receipts. Maritime Enforcement: The U.S. Coast Guard reported stopping a Cuba-bound fuel shipment (M/V Grace) after finding fuel hidden in ballast tanks. Tourism Strategy Update: Tourism officials marked Tourism Awareness Month, citing air arrivals and cruise performance, plus upcoming airlift changes for the 2026–27 season. Business Risk Watch: EU moves to end citizenship-by-investment programmes in several Caribbean states by 2028, raising uncertainty for investors using the route.

Housing Delivery: St. Kitts and Nevis handed over 10 new homes to families in Constituency 4 in Half Way Tree, with Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins stressing housing is about dignity, security and opportunity—not just construction. Tourism Pulse: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts on Oct. 1, boosting Port Zante activity for taxis, tours, vendors and attractions. Airlift & Business Links: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated office and local team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity for tourism, trade and passenger support. Energy & Investment: The EU signaled willingness to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering expertise and potential financial support after high-level meetings in Nevis. Trade Modernisation: The Ministry of International Trade, with the World Bank Group, advanced plans for a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Affairs Department stepped up enforcement with fixed penalty tickets for retailers over consumer protection compliance, including pricing and sales records. Regional Opportunity: Eastern Caribbean fishers, including St. Kitts and Nevis representatives, explored Belize’s lobster industry and fisheries management to expand seafood trade. International Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa-waiver agreement with Azerbaijan to ease travel for citizens and official passport holders. Security & Shipping: The U.S. Coast Guard reported stopping a fuel shipment vessel, Grace, believed bound for Cuba, after finding fuel hidden in ballast tanks.