AGP Executive Report

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.

Water Crisis: Hundreds of St. Kitts households report days without running potable water, with residents in areas like St. Peter’s saying official updates don’t match daily hardship. Renewables & Energy Planning: Government has kicked off a consultative workshop to build a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030, supported by the EU and delivered with UNDP and GTI. Cost-of-Living Relief: Authorities reiterated customs surcharge relief, including a waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges in customs tax and duty calculations to reduce imported-goods price pressure. Banking Court Ruling: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal said the Banking Regulator lacked legal authority to impose a US$120,000 fine in a Boni case, reshaping how regulator powers are applied. Investment & Business Climate: Preparations continue for the Investment Gateway Summit (June 17–20) and SKTA says it’s targeting Latin America, including airline connectivity work. Tourism & Culture: CTO recognized regional tourism leaders at Caribbean Week awards; Nevis also pushed the Nevis Mango Festival internationally in Miami. Environment & Governance: St. Kitts and Nevis backed stronger support for SIDS at the GEF Assembly, while UNESCO approved Aruba’s biosphere reserve designation.

Investment & Tourism Pipeline: St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up to host the 2026 Investment Gateway Summit (June 17–20) at the St. Kitts Marriott, aiming to connect high-net-worth investors, officials and business leaders under the “connect, collaborate and celebrate” theme. Market Expansion: SKTA CEO Kelly Fontenelle says the tourism authority is actively targeting Latin America, including airline talks (notably COPA) to boost visitor connectivity. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief, including a waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations to reduce imported-goods price pressure. Renewables & Energy Security: A consultative workshop kicked off work on a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, supported by the EU via EUROCLIMA and implemented with UNDP and GTI. Small Business Skills: The Ministry of Small Business launched a financial management training programme for entrepreneurs, covering budgeting, cash flow, record-keeping and planning, with National Bank as a partner. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting is set for July 5–8 in St. Lucia, with business sessions and a closing press conference. Local Business Leadership: TDC Group appointed Christopher Lewis as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, bringing regional finance and transformation experience. Culture & Talent: Project Xport’s “New Faces” modelling track held a casting call in St. Johnston, building pathways for young creatives through industry-ready training. International Compliance Watch: The U.S. expanded sanctions tied to Iran-linked LPG smuggling and shadow banking, including vessels flagged under Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Investment & Tourism Pipeline: St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up to host the 2026 Investment Gateway Summit (June 17–20) at the St Kitts Marriott Resort, bringing together high-net-worth investors, officials and business leaders under the theme “connect, collaborate and celebrate.” Market Expansion: SKTA CEO Kelly Fontenelle says the tourism authority is targeting Latin America, with connectivity and airline partnerships (including COPA links via St. Martin) central to the push. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief, including a waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations, aimed at easing imported-goods price pressure. Small Business Support: The Ministry of Small Business & Entrepreneurship launched a financial management training programme for entrepreneurs, covering budgeting, cash flow, record-keeping and strategic planning, with National Bank as a partner. Renewables & Resilience: A consultative workshop is underway to build a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity generation, funded by the EU and implemented with UNDP and GTI. Regional Business Climate: CARICOM Heads of Government are set to meet in St Lucia (July 5–8), with business sessions on the regional agenda following the opening ceremony. Tourism Supply Side: The CTO unveiled a Tourism Supply Side Initiative to improve economic retention and make tourism deliver more value for Caribbean people and businesses. Local Business & Community: Construction has started on Cluster Homes in Buckley’s Housing Area, as the government expands affordable housing options.

Cost-of-Living Relief: The Government reminded residents and businesses that customs relief is still in effect, including a waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations to blunt rising global fuel and freight costs. Small Business Support: The Ministry of Small Business & Entrepreneurship launched a financial management training programme for entrepreneurs, covering budgeting, cash flow, record-keeping and strategic planning, with National Bank as a partner. Green Finance & Banking: St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank was named Official Sustainability Partner for Environment Month 2026, linking banking support to the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Renewables Push: A consultative workshop kicked off work on a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap aimed at moving St. Kitts and Nevis toward 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, funded by the EU via EUROCLIMA and delivered with UNDP and GTI. Regional Business & Policy: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St. Lucia from July 5–8, with business sessions and a streamed opening ceremony featuring St. Kitts and Nevis’ outgoing chair, Dr. Terrance Drew. Tourism Economy: Caribbean Tourism Organisation unveiled a Tourism Supply Side Initiative to boost local economic retention and resilience, with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew backing the push. Housing Development: Construction has started on Cluster Homes in Buckley’s Housing Area, with officials urging eligible residents to apply.

Small Business Support: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a financial management training programme for entrepreneurs, with sessions on budgeting, cash flow, record-keeping and planning, backed by the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief, waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs value calculations to reduce tax pressure on imported goods. Energy Transition: A consultative workshop kicked off the Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030, funded by the EU and implemented with UNDP and GTI. Housing Development: Construction began on the Cluster Homes Development in Buckley’s Housing Area (constituency 3), aimed at expanding affordable housing. Tourism & Regional Business: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St. Lucia July 5–8, with business sessions on the regional agenda. Tourism Promotion: Nevis pushed the Nevis Mango Festival to US audiences at Food, Wine & Fete in Miami. Legal & Digital Economy: A High Court defamation ruling awarded Justin Hawley $115,000 over a Facebook post, raising major questions about social media liability. Utilities & Public Pressure: Opposition voices renewed criticism over reported electricity disconnections in Shadwell amid the cost-of-living squeeze.

Renewable Energy Roadmap: St. Kitts and Nevis has kicked off a consultative process to build a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030, funded by the EU via EUROCLIMA Caribbean and delivered with UNDP and the Greening the Islands Foundation. Housing & Cost of Living: The government says construction has officially started on Cluster Homes in Buckley’s Housing Area, while officials also reiterated that “dollar bread” prices must stay unchanged unless approved through the proper cost-of-living process. Utility Disconnections Backlash: Political parties and residents are sharply condemning reported electricity and water disconnections in communities like Shadwell and St. Peter’s, arguing the timing is especially harsh amid household strain. Tourism & Trade: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launched its Tourism Supply Side Initiative to keep more value in the region, and Nevis promoted the Nevis Mango Festival in Miami to boost international culinary tourism interest. Regional Governance: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St. Lucia (July 5–8), with St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew set to speak at the opening ceremony. Business Leadership: TDC Group appointed Trinidad business executive Christopher Lewis as Chief Financial and Operations Officer. Sports & Community: SKNFA is rolling out women’s football safeguarding and first-aid training ahead of the season. Legal & Digital Risks: A major defamation ruling in Justin Hawley vs Damien Weekes highlights growing social media liability concerns for tagged posts. Environment Finance & Resilience: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Joyelle Clarke urged stronger GEF support for SIDS at the Eighth GEF Assembly, stressing nature-positive, integrated action.

World Cup Business: Rush Sports (CPSL) says it’s building a “whole experience” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across 13 Caribbean markets, with St. Kitts and Nevis included in full match coverage in most territories. Energy Transition: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a roadmap push toward 100% renewable electricity, backed by the EU’s EUROCLIMA CARIBBEAN via UNDP and GTI, starting with a June 3–4 workshop at the St. Kitts Marriott. Tourism Marketing: Nevis scored a US boost as the Nevis Tourism Authority promoted the Nevis Mango Festival at Miami’s Food, Wine & Fete, using QR sign-ups and mango-infused giveaways to pull in new international interest. Cost-of-Living & Utilities: Political pressure is rising over reported electricity and water disconnections in communities including Shadwell and St. Peter’s, with PAM and PLP both condemning the programme amid broader affordability strain. Social Media Liability: A High Court defamation ruling awarded Justin Hawley $115,000 against Damien Weekes, raising fresh questions for Facebook users on when tagged posts can create legal responsibility. Corporate Appointments: TDC Group named Trinidad business leader Christopher Lewis as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, strengthening executive leadership at one of the federation’s key private sector groups. Safety on the Trail: Authorities confirmed the death of Chinese cruise passenger Wang Zyuan, found after going missing on the Mount Liamuiga hike.