AGP Executive Report

Sports Spotlight: Justin Greaves’ 180 and Shai Hope’s 112 have West Indies in a strong position in the 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with the match now heading toward a likely draw as WI look to avoid the follow-on. Local Tech & Lifestyle: Flow launches “We Live For This,” a July–August summer campaign tied to its new CPL partnership, with prizes including a trip for two to Barbados for the CPL Finals. Regional Digital Push: UWI and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union formalised a strategic partnership to advance regional digital development, policy, and resilience. Community & Youth: Hopeful Hearts Foundation wraps up a Barbuda outreach mission with school supplies, toys, clothing, and a mural project at Holy Trinity Primary. Arts & Culture Call: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opens applications for artists and creatives to help shape the Nov. 11–18 celebration of visual art, design, fashion, and culture. Sport Development: ABAVA announces Antigua & Barbuda’s U20 beach volleyball delegation heading to St. Kitts & Nevis (July 7–12) for regional competition and training.

Cricket Comeback: Shai Hope and Justin Greaves powered West Indies to 318/4 on day three vs Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, putting the hosts within reach of avoiding the follow-on. Local Justice: Murder suspect Jermaine Nicholas, 24, was hospitalised after a reported suicide attempt at His Majesty’s Prison while on remand for the killing of Jahmarley Pierre. Medicinal Cannabis Watch: Health Minister Michael Joseph toured the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority, praising traceability and oversight systems for the growing industry. Barbuda Community: Hopeful Hearts Foundation wrapped a Barbuda outreach mission with school supplies, clothing and toy drives, youth activities, and a mural project at Holy Trinity Primary. Sports Spotlight: Rai Benjamin ran a personal best 44.11 for silver at the Prefontaine Classic, while Zonique Charles won OECS javelin silver with a new national record 42.92m. Entertainment & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opened its call for artists and creatives ahead of Nov. 11–18. Travel/Business: Caribbean Airlines stopped serving Blue Waters bottled water after the owners’ detention, switching to Dasani.

Cricket at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: West Indies fought back in the 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka as Shai Hope and Justin Greaves put on an unbeaten 174-run stand, taking WI to 318/4 by day three—still 229 behind, but close to avoiding the follow-on. Local Sports Spotlight: Zonique Charles won silver in the women’s javelin at the OECS Championships in St. Kitts with a national-record throw of 42.92m. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies is exploring a strategic partnership with China to build a high-performance center at Coolidge Cricket Ground, aiming to boost training, sports science, and operations. Arts & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opens its call for artists and creative partners for Nov. 11–18, with satellite events like workshops, open studios, performances and fashion shows. Music & Community: Hells Gate Steel Orchestra (Antigua) is set to headline Republic Bank Pandemonium at the National Botanical Gardens on July 5. Basketball: ABBA named its senior men’s national team for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Qualifiers in Georgetown (July 8–12).

West Indies vs Sri Lanka (2nd Test, Day 3): Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium hosts Day 3 with the Windies leading 1-0 after a huge innings-and-217-run win in the opener; Sri Lanka declared on 549-9 on Day 2, with Sonal Dinusha and Kusal Mendis driving the damage, while West Indies sit 58-1 in reply and chase a series-clinching win. Cricket West Indies & China link-up: CWI met China’s ambassador to explore building a world-class High-Performance Center at Coolidge Cricket Ground, with Chinese firms potentially involved in design, materials and future use by cricket stakeholders. Local sports spotlight: Zonique Charles wins women’s javelin silver at the OECS Championships in St. Kitts, throwing 42.92m to break Antigua and Barbuda’s national record (41.11m). Youth & media debate: Antigua and Barbuda has begun discussions on whether social media access should be restricted for children under 16, with no formal policy adopted yet. Carnival planning: Cabinet approved an EC$5.2 million Carnival 2026 budget and set up a finance committee to oversee spending. Arts & culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opens its call for artists and creatives (Nov 11–18), inviting exhibitions and satellite events.

Cricket Spotlight: Zonique Charles lit up the OECS Championships in St. Kitts, winning women’s javelin silver with a 42.92m throw and a new Antigua and Barbuda national record. West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: Sri Lanka piled on 549/9 declared in the second Test, with Sonal Dinusha (92) and Kusal Mendis (69) driving a big lead as the Windies closed day two on 58/1. CWI Moves Forward: Cricket West Indies says it’s exploring a strategic partnership with China to build a high-performance cricket campus in Antigua, while also hiring global advisory firm Teneo to support long-term sustainability. Local Sports Development: ABAVA selected Josanne Lewis and Randy St. Jean for the ECVA beach volleyball referee course, and named national U20 beach volleyball teams for the July event in St. Kitts. Public Safety & Trust: PM Gaston Browne warned people about a fake investment video using his image and voice, urging residents to verify offers through official channels. Community & Culture: Cabinet approved an EC$5.2 million Carnival 2026 budget and set up a finance committee to oversee spending. Youth & Wellbeing: Government has begun discussions on whether children under 16 should face restrictions on social media access.

Scam Alert: PM Gaston Browne is warning residents about a fake online investment ad using his image and voice, promising guaranteed weekly earnings and asking people to submit contact details—he says it’s fraudulent and to ignore it. Women’s Cricket Push: Cricket West Indies is offering FREE admission for ladies on all five days of the Antigua Test vs Sri Lanka (July 3–7), aiming to grow support for the women’s game. Test Match Buzz: West Indies captain Roston Chase says the team’s focus is a series-clinching win in the second Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, while Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Udara made a maiden Test 100 to put the visitors in command. CWI Strategy: CWI has brought in global advisory firm Teneo to review its reorganisation and cost optimisation for long-term sustainability. Art & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opens its call for artists and creatives (Nov 11–18), inviting visual artists and satellite event hosts. Carnival Planning: Cabinet approved an EC$5.2 million Carnival 2026 budget and set up a finance committee to oversee spending. Youth Online Safety: Government has begun discussions on possible social media restrictions for children under 16, with no decision yet. Local Sports Pathways: ABAVA selected officials for ECVA beach volleyball referee and coaching courses in St. Kitts, strengthening local volleyball development.

Art & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opens its call for artists and creative partners, inviting visual artists (painting, photography, mixed media, textile, digital and more) plus venues and groups to host satellite events from Nov 11–18. Carnival 2026: Cabinet has approved an EC$5.2 million budget for Carnival, with a new finance committee set to strengthen oversight as preparations ramp up. Youth Online Safety: Government has begun discussions on possible social media access restrictions for children under 16, but says no policy or ban is in place yet. Sports (Beach Volleyball): ABAVA selected Josanne Lewis and Randy St. Jean for the ECVA Beach Volleyball Referee Course, and named national teams for the 2026 ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball Championship in St. Kitts (July 10–12). Local Spotlight (Food): 12-year-old Gigar Campbell won the Grace Junior Chef Challenge overall in Toronto, earning a travel voucher for Antigua with mentorship from local culinary talent. Community & Public Life: Cabinet also announced a crackdown on illegal ski masks in public, and police are investigating recent shootings that left two teens wounded.

Violence Update: Two teenagers were shot in Antigua and Barbuda, with a 16-year-old in critical condition and a 17-year-old recovering from non-life-threatening injuries; police are appealing for witnesses after the suspect fled. Beach Volleyball: ABAVA named Antigua and Barbuda’s men’s and women’s national teams for the 2026 ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball Championship in St. Kitts (10–12 July), and also selected a local coach for an ECVA coaches course. Cricket (Local Spotlight): West Indies captain Roston Chase says the team’s focus is a series-clinching win over Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with Kemar Roach monitored after reaching 300 Test wickets. Sports Court News: Barbadian cricketer Shaqkere Parris pleaded guilty to battery in Antigua and was fined, after an altercation with a taxi driver at a resort. Arts & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opened applications for artists and creative partners (11–18 Nov). Government Watch: Cabinet discussed possible social media safeguards for children under 16 and announced an intensified crackdown on illegal ski masks in public.

Cricket & Courts: Barbadian batsman Shaqkere Parris, based with the West Indies Academy in Antigua, pleaded guilty to battery after an altercation with a taxi driver at a resort; he was fined EC$1,500 and ordered to pay EC$500 compensation, with jail time if he defaults. Community & Safety: Police are investigating a Grays Farm shooting that left two teenage boys (16 and 17) with multiple gunshot wounds; no suspects or motive have been announced. Youth Online: Cabinet has started talks on possible social media safeguards for children under 16, but stressed no ban or policy is in place yet. Arts & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 opens its call for artists and creatives for Nov 11–18. Food & Talent: 12-year-old Gigar Campbell won the Grace Junior Chef Challenge in Toronto, earning a travel voucher after mentoring from local culinary pros. Tourism Development: Government plans to turn Darkwood Beach into a public park, and also outlined a Perry Bay-Keeling Point marina, housing and commercial hub. Regional Sport: West Indies captain Roston Chase says the team’s focus is sealing a series win in the second Test vs Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Climate Finance Reform: Regional leaders used the Caribbean Development Bank’s annual meeting in Nassau to push for major changes to the global climate funding system, saying Small Island Developing States can’t access enough support to handle worsening impacts. Art & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has opened applications for Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 (Nov 11–18), inviting visual artists and creatives plus satellite event hosts. Local Sports Fundraiser: Westport United’s under-10 to under-19 teams are launching “Goals for Daisy,” with donations pledged per goal to support The Daisy Voyage and the Cancer Fund for Children. Cricket Update: West Indies received a boost as Shai Hope is cleared for selection for the second Test versus Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. CHOGM Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority completed tabletop security exercises to strengthen emergency response ahead of CHOGM in November. Community Sport: Caribbean Corporate Games announced an August 28–30 family activation weekend in Antigua, with registration open for community participation. Music & Hospitality: Elite Island Resorts chefs in Antigua earned American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef designations, adding fresh momentum to the islands’ culinary scene.

Cricket & Local Sports: Shai Hope is cleared to return for West Indies’ second Test vs Sri Lanka in Antigua after a shoulder injury, while Keemo Paul earns a surprise Test recall as the series continues at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. CHOGM Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has been running tabletop security exercises to sharpen emergency response and coordination ahead of CHOGM 2026, with more drills planned and possible road closures. Community Sport: The Caribbean Corporate Games launches an August 28–30 family activation weekend in Antigua (sports like football, beach cricket and volleyball confirmed; more to come). Music & Culture: ECCO’s 2025 Annual Report is released after its AGM, with a new board tasked with protecting and monetising the region’s musical heritage. Culinary Recognition: Elite Island Resorts chefs in Antigua earn American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef designations. Local Arts & Education: Antigua Grammar School alumni donate toward a steelpan expansion, backing students’ music programme. Travel Disruption: LIAT delays spark complaints from passengers in the region, including long waits and poor updates. Politics & Reputation: PM Gaston Browne rejects claims tied to the Alfa Nero superyacht sale and says legal action will continue.

Arts & Memory: A new art installation at Comfort Kitchen on Columbia Road in Boston honours three enslaved people—Betty, Bristol and Cambridge—through stone sculptures by local artist Nora Valdez, culminating a walk from the Strand Theatre to the Dorchester North Burying Ground. Regional Leadership: OECS reappointed Dr Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation and education reform. Sports Tourism: The Caribbean Corporate Games officially launched, aiming to draw 1,500 visitors for the inaugural 2027 event, with registration open for 16+ and proceeds supporting the Bright Horizons Foundation. Music Spotlight: Masicka announced his album Forever Reign (Aug 14) and a debut headlining show at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center (Aug 15) for Reggae Fest. Local Culture & Education: Antigua Grammar School alumni (Form 5 Class of 1999) donated toward steelpan instruments to expand the school’s music programme. Culinary Excellence: Elite Island Resorts chefs earned American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef designations, boosting Antigua’s hospitality talent. Governance & Security: Antigua prepares for CHOGM with a three-day islandwide security exercise (July 8–10) that will bring temporary road closures and access limits.

CHOGM Prep Watch: Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for November’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting with a three-day national security exercise, Exercise STRONGHOLD (July 8–10), bringing temporary road closures and restricted access around key routes, including areas near the American University of Antigua and the National Performing Arts Centre. Sports & Cricket: Cricket West Indies’ board met in Antigua to push forward its 2024–2027 “The Long Run” strategy, focusing on the future growth of West Indies cricket. Local Arts & Culture: The Senate approved compulsory acquisition of land on St. Mary’s Street to support secure access and infrastructure for the National Performing Arts Centre. Community Housing: HAPPI shared before-and-after photos of a major build for a family of nearly 30, replacing an aging wooden home with a new eight-bedroom house. Entertainment Spotlight: A new local live band, de Alphas, is turning heads with three dynamic female vocalists and a mission to diversify Antigua’s music scene beyond jam bands. Public Safety & Planning: Antigua is moving toward a new era of flood forecasting, shifting from predicting rainfall to predicting impacts with new standard operating procedures.

CHOGM Prep: Antigua and Barbuda’s National Security Planning Committee will run a three-day CHOGM security exercise (Exercise STRONGHOLD) July 8–10, with convoy activity, temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access around key routes including AUA, northern hotels, and areas near the National Performing Arts Centre. Money Talk: The ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg with a July 1 panel discussion in Basseterre, featuring regional leaders and youth voices, and a live stream across ECCB platforms. Local Entertainment: A new Antigua live band, de Alphas, is turning heads with three dynamic female vocalists and a fresh push beyond the usual jam-band dominance. Arts & Culture: Elite Island Resorts and reggae ambassador Causion release a new Caribbean Heritage Month music video, “Feels Like I’m Dreaming,” filmed at The Verandah Antigua. Sports Spotlight: West Indies’ Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase set a Test record with a 401-run sixth-wicket partnership vs Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Travel Woes: LIAT passengers from St. Kitts report hours-long delays, poor communication, and missing meals during disruptions.

CHOGM Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for CHOGM 2026 with a Commonwealth Leaders Lunch in London, bringing together business and partners behind the November 1–4 summit in St. John’s. Security & Traffic: A three-day CHOGM security exercise (July 8–10) called Exercise STRONGHOLD will bring convoy drills, restricted access, and temporary road closures across key routes and around the National Performing Arts Centre. Music Scene: A new Antigua live band, de Alphas, is turning heads with three dynamic female vocalists and a fresh push beyond the usual jam-band dominance. Education & Skills: The UWI Five Islands Campus expansion is set to move into its next phase, with an $80-million Saudi-funded bidding process closing end of July, while OECS and UWI Global Campus recognized 172 digital skills scholarship recipients. Local Culture & Media: ABFC is urging broadcasters and artistes to keep local music at the heart of Carnival year-round, with plans for a dedicated media booth at Carnival City. Sports Spotlight: West Indies’ Kemar Roach hit 300 Test wickets as Antigua hosted a dominant win over Sri Lanka, with Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase also making record-setting headlines.

Infrastructure Anger: A Newfield resident blasts APUA and PWD over repeated road digging that’s “connected to nothing,” leaving dust, no water, and a sidewalk project that keeps restarting. Flood Forecast Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service is working with partners on new flood forecasting Standard Operating Procedures, aiming to predict flooding impacts—not just rainfall—before roads and communities are cut off. Local Music & Media: ABFC urges broadcasters and artistes to keep Antiguan and Barbudan music at the heart of Carnival year-round, with plans for a dedicated Carnival City media booth. Carnival Countdown: Antigua Carnival 2026 kicks off in one month (July 25–Aug 4) under “Feel the Rhythm,” with 11 days of soca, mas, steelpan and summer festival energy. Sports Spotlight: Kemar Roach hits 300 Test wickets as West Indies crush Sri Lanka in Antigua, while Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase set a record 401-run sixth-wicket stand. Fraud Alert: The UWI warns of an unauthorised site using its branding and collecting personal data. Entertainment Law: St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party pays for unauthorised use of Vincentian song “Get Rid Ah Dem.” Charity/Resorts: Elite Island Resorts and Causion release a new Caribbean Heritage Month music video filmed at The Verandah Antigua.