AGP Executive Report

EU Engagement: Prime Minister Terrance Drew met European Commission adviser Salvador Pinto da França in Brussels, pushing cooperation on sustainable development, economic opportunity, and giving small island states a stronger global voice. CARICOM Summit Prep: CARICOM leaders will hold a retreat on July 6 after the ceremonial opening of the 51st Heads of Government summit in St. Lucia, with leaders aiming to align on regional priorities and integration decisions. Investment & Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up for IGS 2026 (June 17–20) at the St. Kitts Marriott, spotlighting investment, HNWIs, and the “Digital Trust” opening session on citizenship and global mobility; meanwhile, the IFC confirmed a US$15m investment into the CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to support SME financing across 13 countries. Banking Reform: The House of Assembly passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, strengthening consumer protection, disclosure, data protection, and access to banking services across the ECCU. Drought Watch: NEMA and meteorological officials warn drought conditions are likely to persist through the hurricane season and into the traditional rainy period, urging water conservation by residents and businesses. Maritime Growth: Curaçao-based KTK Tugs expanded to Basseterre via a partnership with SCASPA, deploying the tug Tribon to support port operations; St. Kitts and Nevis also hosted Nautical Kickstart to position the federation for yachting and superyacht services. Local Economy & Culture: Bank of Nevis will sponsor a new Nevis Culturama troupe, Bank of Nevis IKonic Mas, ahead of Parade Day on Aug. 3. Sports Community: Olympic Day Run/Walk 2026 is set for June 20, starting at 3:00 pm at the Olympic House and ending at Warner Park.

Maritime Expansion: Curaçao-based KTK Tugs has deployed its tugboat Tribon to Port Zante/Basseterre under a new partnership with SCASPA, aiming to boost tug assistance and marine services across the Eastern Caribbean. SME Financing Boost: The IFC has confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund arranged by Sygnus Capital, with up to US$5m senior and up to US$10m mezzanine, targeting on-lending to medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries. Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen consumer protection, disclosure, data protection, fair treatment, and financial inclusion across the ECCU. Drought & Preparedness: NEMA and meteorological officials warn drought conditions are likely to persist into the rainy season and beyond, urging water conservation and business readiness for the 2026 hurricane season. Yachting Push: Safe Harbour’s Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts and Nevis forum is positioning the Federation as a premier yachting/superyacht services destination, linking jobs and entrepreneurship to maritime growth. Tourism/Investment Pipeline: With IGS 2026 (June 17–20) nearing, St. Kitts and Nevis is set to host investors and HNWIs, including sessions on citizenship and global mobility. Local Business & Streets: Police traffic officials are calling out sidewalk parking in business districts, warning it damages infrastructure and endangers pedestrians.

Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis’ House of Assembly passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen consumer protection, improve disclosure, data protection, fair treatment, and financial inclusion across the ECCU. Drought & Preparedness: NEMA and meteorology officials warn drought is likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and through the 2026 Atlantic hurricane period, urging households and businesses to conserve water and stay ready for climate impacts. Maritime & Tourism Jobs: The Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts and Nevis forum (June 12–13) is positioning the Federation as a premier yachting and superyacht services destination, with Safe Harbour convening global and local stakeholders to spur entrepreneurship and skills. Investment Pipeline: With days to go before IGS 2026 (June 17–20), St. Kitts and Nevis is pitching new routes for HNWIs and investors, including a session on “Digital Trust” and the evolving citizenship and mobility landscape. Regional Diplomacy: The Federation joined a CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York, focusing on sustainable development, climate resilience, peace and security, development financing, and global governance reform. Local Heritage & Community: Environment Month 2026 included a cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon to preserve historic landmarks and support tourism. Leadership Loss: Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger died suddenly at 80, prompting national mourning for a long public service career.

Maritime & Tourism Growth: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the 2-day “Nautical Miles” and “Nautical Kickstart” forums at the St. Kitts Marriott to position the federation as a premier yachting and superyacht destination, with Prime Minister Drew linking the push to jobs, entrepreneurship, skills and the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Banking Reform: The House of Assembly passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen consumer protection, improve disclosure and data protection, and expand financial inclusion across the ECCU. Water & Business Risk: NEMA and meteorological officials warned drought is likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and through the 2026 Atlantic hurricane period, urging water conservation by residents and businesses to protect water, agriculture, public health and economic activity. Regional Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis took part in the CARICOM UN caucus retreat in New York, focusing on sustainable development, climate resilience, peace and security, financing for development and global governance reform. OECS Services Training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services-sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including St. Kitts and Nevis, aimed at boosting resilience and competitiveness in global services markets. Local Governance & Accountability: Concern continues over the East Coast Housing Development controversy, with citizens alleging a fraudulent government guarantee and failure to deliver serviced lots, now before the High Court.

Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen consumer protection, improve disclosure, boost data protection, and widen access to banking across the ECCU. Drought & Preparedness: NEMA and meteorological officials warn drought is likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and beyond, with rainfall far below average and risks to water, agriculture, health, and economic activity—while urging businesses and residents to conserve water and stay ready for hurricane season. Maritime Growth: Prime Minister Drew opened Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts and Nevis, a forum aimed at positioning the Federation as a premier yachting and superyacht services destination, linking the sector to jobs, skills, and entrepreneurship. Tourism Lift: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first summer off-season call to Port Zante, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits. Heritage & Environment Month: A community cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon highlighted efforts to preserve historic sites and support tourism. Regional Services Training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services-sector training programme (June 29–July 2) involving St. Kitts and Nevis to strengthen competitiveness in global services. Local Governance Watch: Concern grows over the East Coast Housing Development project, with allegations of a fraudulent government guarantee and missed serviced-lot obligations now before the courts.

Banking Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen consumer protection, improve disclosure, boost data protection, and widen access to banking services across the ECCU. Drought & Preparedness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to conserve water and stay ready for hurricane impacts, warning drought conditions are likely to persist into the traditional rainy season and could hit water, agriculture, health, and the economy. Maritime & Tourism Growth: Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts and Nevis is bringing global yachting stakeholders to position the Federation as a premier yachting destination, while Rhapsody of the Seas kicked off the summer cruise push with the first of nine calls to Port Zante. Environment Month: A cleanup at the historic Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon highlighted heritage protection and tourism value as part of Environment Month 2026. Local Business Climate: Prime Minister Drew renewed calls for urgent climate action tied to El Niño and rising temperatures, linking resilience planning to the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Governance & Public Trust: The East Coast Housing Development controversy continues, with citizens alleging a fraudulent government guarantee and missed serviced-lot delivery—now before the High Court. Infrastructure & Safety: Police are cracking down on sidewalk parking as curb and drainage damage worsens and pedestrian safety is compromised.

Drought & Hurricane Readiness: NEMA is urging residents and businesses to stay prepared as drought conditions persist into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with CIMH linking the dry spell to El Niño; officials warn the economy, water supply, agriculture and public health could all feel the strain. Banking Reform: The House of Assembly passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at harmonising ECCB-aligned rules and strengthening consumer protection, disclosure, data protection and financial inclusion. Maritime & Tourism Push: Safe Harbour is hosting “Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis” (June 12–13) to position the Federation as a premier yachting and superyacht services destination, while cruise momentum continues with Rhapsody of the Seas starting nine summer calls to Port Zante. Climate Policy in Action: PM Terrance Drew told the National Assembly that climate change is already hitting water resources and urged faster action under the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). Regional Services Training: OECS says Antigua will host a specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including St. Kitts and Nevis, targeting competitiveness in global services markets.

Banking & Consumer Protection: St. Kitts and Nevis passed Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amending 71 provisions to strengthen consumer rights, improve disclosure, data protection, financial inclusion, and fair treatment across ECCU banking. Climate & Water Security: PM Terrance Drew and NEMA are urging urgent preparedness as severe drought continues alongside the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season; officials cite El Niño and climate change pressures on water, health, agriculture, and the economy. Maritime & Tourism Growth: “Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis” runs June 12–13 at the St. Kitts Marriott to position the Federation as a premier yachting and superyacht destination, while SKANReg highlights compliance and sustainability work after Posidonia 2026. Off-Season Cruise Boost: Rhapsody of the Seas made Port Zante’s first summer off-season call with about 2,360 passengers, starting nine scheduled visits and supporting year-round tourism demand. Entrepreneurship & Skills: The Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program launched its second cohort with sessions on budgeting, planning, record-keeping, and banking relationships. Governance & Business Risk: The East Coast Housing Development dispute escalated again, with allegations of a fraudulent government guarantee and failure to deliver serviced lots, now before the High Court.

Geopolitics & Prices: The UN warned of widening global fallout as renewed U.S.-Iran strikes and the risk to the Strait of Hormuz push up oil and food prices, raising inflation pressure on import-dependent Caribbean economies. Climate & Water Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly that St. Kitts and Nevis is facing one of its worst droughts, driven by El Niño and climate change, and urged urgent action under the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). Tourism & Maritime Business: Safe Harbour’s “Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis” forum (June 12-13) aims to position the Federation as a top yachting hub and spur new maritime services and entrepreneur opportunities. Cruise Demand: Rhapsody of the Seas made Port Zante’s first summer call, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits to support off-season trade. Regional Tourism Trade: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, a major B2B tourism deal-making event. Visa Shock for Tourism Leadership: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief reportedly had his U.S. visa renewal denied, adding uncertainty for regional tourism representation and operations. Local Governance & Housing Risk: The East Coast Housing Development dispute escalated again, with citizens alleging a fraudulent government guarantee and failure to deliver serviced lots—now tied up in court. Entrepreneurship & Skills: The Ministry launched the second cohort of its Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme with the National Bank to help small businesses manage and grow. Transport & Safety: Police warned against sidewalk parking as congestion worsens around key business streets, threatening pedestrian safety and drainage infrastructure. Energy/Trade Policy Context: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief measures to reduce cost-of-living pressure from higher global freight and fuel costs.

Cruise Economy: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first 2026 summer call to Port Zante on June 10, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits between June and September—supporting off-season tourism and local spend. Tourism Operations: Royal Caribbean also added an extra port stop (La Romana) to a July 4 sailing on Rhapsody, replacing a day at sea and expanding shore-excursion options. Entrepreneurship & Finance: The Ministry of Small Business launched the second cohort of its Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program (10 weeks, with SKN National Bank), training entrepreneurs on budgeting, planning, records, and banking relationships. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief, including waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs duty/tax calculations to reduce imported goods price pressure. Climate & Agriculture: The Greenhouse Village Initiative is shifting to a more structured, climate-smart model for farming at Brotherson’s Estate, with training to keep greenhouses hurricane-ready. Regional Preparedness: CDEMA urged continued preparedness as it reviews lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, stressing better emergency communications and integrated information sharing. Visa/CBI Pressure on Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, highlighting tighter Washington scrutiny tied to citizenship-by-investment concerns. Sports Administration: SKNOC’s Jessica Warner was selected for the IOC Immersion Stay Programme in Lausanne, a boost for federation sports governance capacity.

Environment & Resilience: The Ministry of Environment launched 2026 Environment Month in St. Kitts under “Climate Action: For Environment. For Empowerment. For Everyone,” pushing Sustainable Island State Agenda goals with community stewardship and a partnership with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. Tourism & Trade Access: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association president-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, while CHTA leadership also urges T&T to reconsider cuts to Caribbean airline routes that are hurting multi-destination travel and business connectivity. Energy & Cost-of-Living: Government reinforced customs surcharge relief by waiving bunker and shipper surcharges in customs value calculations to ease imported-goods costs, and launched a pathway toward 100% renewable electricity generation with EU/UNDP support. SME & Skills: The second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme began, training entrepreneurs on budgeting, planning, records, and banking relationships. Agriculture Modernisation: The Greenhouse Village Initiative is shifting to a central, hurricane-ready greenhouse model to protect investment and keep production going. Sports & Talent: SKNOC staff scored international recognition with IOC immersion selection for Jessica Warner, while the federation also backed athlete education and welfare at an Olympic academies session in Greece. Community & Culture: Beach coastal cleanups kicked off for sustainable tourism, and FRO Fest 2026 is set for June 20 at National Heroes Park.

Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA is urging regional readiness for the 2026 hurricane season, stressing that better emergency communications and integrated information sharing are key lessons from Hurricane Melissa’s 2025 devastation. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government says customs surcharge relief will stay in place until end of July, including a waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges in customs value calculations to reduce import cost pressure. Renewable Energy Roadmap: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a consultative workshop to build a 100% renewable electricity transition roadmap, supported by the EU/Euroclima Caribbean with UNDP and Greening the Islands Foundation, aiming to cut emissions and strengthen energy security. Greenhouse Village Overhaul: The Greenhouse Village Initiative is shifting to a more structured, centralised model at Brotherson’s Estate, with training designed to keep greenhouses hurricane-ready and reduce past damage from scattered setups. Small Business Finance Skills: The Ministry of Small Business launched the second cohort of the 10-week Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme with the National Bank, focusing on budgeting, planning, records, and banking relationships. Tourism & Events: Nevis rolled out its “Spring Into Summer” campaign to boost off-season arrivals, while FRO Fest 2026 returns June 20 at National Heroes Park with a “Sunflower & Curls” theme and a marketplace for regional entrepreneurs.

Renewable Energy Push: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a consultative process to build a roadmap for 100% renewable electricity generation, supported by the EU (Euroclima Caribbean), UNDP and Greening the Islands—aimed at boosting energy security and cutting emissions by 61% by 2030. Water Crisis & Politics: PAM renewed pressure for a legislated national water security strategy with binding targets and oversight, as residents report days without running water and frustration grows. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government extended customs relief measures—keeping waivers on bunker and shipper surcharges in customs calculations—until end of July to reduce tax impacts from higher global freight and fuel costs. Small Business Finance Skills: The Ministry of Small Business launched the second cohort of its Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme (10 weeks) with St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, focusing on budgeting, planning, records and banking relationships. Tourism Momentum: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority and government kicked off a national beach cleanup drive for sustainable off-season tourism, while Nevis launched “Spring Into Summer” to drive arrivals with packages and curated experiences. Tourism Calendar & Events: Sugar Mas 55’s full schedule was released, and FRO Fest 2026 is set for June 20 in National Heroes Park. Regional Business & Legal Watch: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal ruled in the Boni banking regulator case, saying the regulator lacked legal authority to impose a US$120,000 fine.

Renewables Push: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched a consultative process to build a roadmap to reach 100% renewable electricity generation, with EU/UNDP support and a target of cutting emissions by 61% by 2030. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government says customs relief will stay in place until end of July, including waivers on bunker and shipper surcharges used in customs duty calculations to ease pressure from global freight and fuel costs. Business Skills: The Ministry of Small Business has started the second cohort of its Building Bankable Businesses financial literacy programme, pairing practical training with St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank support. Tourism & Markets: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is moving to target Latin America, while Sugar Mas 55’s full schedule was released, promising a major boost for hotels, restaurants, vendors and taxi operators. Energy, Jobs & Governance: Nevis Electricity Company and local officials highlighted renewable transition planning, and Prime Minister Drew congratulated newly confirmed police officers, stressing professionalism and national security. Finance & Courts: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal ruled the banking regulator lacked legal authority to impose a US$120,000 fine in a BONI case, a key signal for financial oversight. Water Crisis: Reports say hundreds of households in St. Kitts are again facing days without reliable running water, adding fresh pressure on public services.

Entrepreneurship & Finance: The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship has launched the second cohort of its 10-week “Building Bankable Businesses” financial literacy programme, delivered by Alex Straun with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, training entrepreneurs on budgeting, planning, record-keeping, banking relationships and how to access financing. Energy Transition: St. Kitts and Nevis moved closer to 100% renewable electricity with a consultative workshop to build a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap, funded by the EU and implemented with UNDP and Greening the Islands Foundation, with Nevis’ NEVLEC stressing geothermal’s role and resilience in the shift. Cost of Living Relief: Government says customs relief measures—waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations—stay in place until end of July to reduce the impact of global fuel and freight costs on imported goods. Tourism Growth: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority says it will target Latin America as an emerging market, focusing on visa-free travellers, B2B matchmaking and airline connectivity (including discussions with COPA). Jobs & Skills: ECCB has a call for a Facilities Maintenance Technician (Electricals) in St. Kitts, with a 2-year contract and renewal based on performance. Water Crisis: Reports say hundreds of households in St. Kitts are again facing days without reliable running potable water, fueling public frustration.

Renewables Roadmap: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off a two-day consultative workshop to build a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030, supported by the EU and delivered with UNDP and the Greening the Islands Foundation. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government says customs relief stays in place until end of July, including waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations to reduce imported-goods price pressure. Water Crisis: Residents report worsening shortages in St. Kitts, with some households facing days without running potable water, despite official claims of progress. Tourism Growth: SKTA CEO Kelly Fontenelle says St. Kitts will target Latin America, focusing on visa-free travellers, airline connectivity and B2B matchmaking with local hoteliers. Regional Tourism Strategy: Prime Minister Terrance Drew backed the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s new Tourism Supply Side Initiative aimed at building local capacity and longer-term value. Business & Skills: The Small Business ministry launched a financial management training programme for entrepreneurs, while SKNFA opened a free C License coaching course to expand coach capacity. Culture & Community: Nevis Mango Festival 2026 is set for July 2–5, and Culturama 52’s sashing ceremony officially began the race to the crown.