AGP Executive Report

Youth & Sport: St. Paul’s United lead the Premier League with four straight wins, while St. Kitts and Nevis sailor Elijah Walters made history with silver at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. The Sports Department marked International Day of the Girl Child and highlighted its new girls’ football programme. Public Safety: Twenty-eight new officers have joined the police force; Zavian Harris was named top recruit and earned four awards. NEMA also completed training to assemble two 40-bed field hospitals. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Terrance Drew sent Taiwan National Day greetings, reaffirming the Federation’s 43-year relationship and cooperation in areas including health, education and agriculture. Government & CBI: Drew continues cabinet meetings while recovering from a stroke in Florida. Nevis Premier Mark Brantley has urged Caribbean leaders to seek more time from the EU before phasing out citizenship-by-investment programmes.

Diplomacy: Prime Minister Terrance Drew marked Taiwan’s 115th National Day, reaffirming more than four decades of ties and cooperation in health, education, technology and agriculture. Sport: Sailor Elijah Walters won silver at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portugal, becoming the first Federation athlete to compete at the event. Community: Nevis honoured eight seniors for their service and contributions to the island. Public Safety: Twenty-eight new officers graduated from police training, while NEMA completed exercises to assemble two 40-bed field hospitals for disaster response. Government: Drew continues to receive Cabinet updates as he recovers from a stroke in Florida, with Geoffrey Hanley serving as Acting Prime Minister. Nevis Politics: Former minister Hazel Brandy-Williams has announced an independent run in Gingerland, calling for stronger representation and practical results. Conservation: A turtle-meat sale advertisement has renewed calls for stronger wildlife protections after rescue attempts were unsuccessful.

Diplomacy: Prime Minister Terrance Drew marked Taiwan’s National Day, celebrating 43 years of diplomatic ties and cooperation in areas including education, health and infrastructure. Public Safety: The police force welcomed 28 new officers after their graduation, while NEMA completed training to assemble two 40-bed field hospitals donated by the United States. Leadership: Drew continues recovering from a stroke but has met with Cabinet members for updates; Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley remains in charge, with no return date announced. CBI: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urged Caribbean governments to seek more time from the EU before phasing out citizenship-by-investment programmes, arguing the proposed 2028 deadline is too soon. Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis closed its cruise season with more than one million passengers. Officials are also testing a non-solicitation zone at Port Zante ahead of planned cruise turnaround operations in 2027. Community: Twenty-three primary school girls were recognised for achievement and leadership. A sea turtle rescue group, meanwhile, says attempts to save animals shown in a meat-for-sale advertisement were unsuccessful and is calling for stronger protections.

Disaster Readiness: NEMA completed training on assembling two 40-bed field hospitals, donated by the United States and designated for St. Kitts and Nevis. Wildlife Protection: The St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network says rescue attempts failed after turtles were advertised for sale, renewing concerns about animal welfare and protections for threatened species. Government: Prime Minister Terrance Drew continues recovering from a stroke in Florida and has held Cabinet meetings; Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley is overseeing government business, with no return date announced. Tourism: The 2025–26 cruise season brought more than one million passengers. Officials are testing a non-solicitation zone at Port Zante as they prepare for changes to visitor operations. St. Kitts and Nevis was also elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board. Youth: Twenty-three primary school girls were honoured at the 2026 Girls of Excellence Awards. St. Paul’s Primary made history as the first St. Kitts school to win the Republic Bank Five for Fun cricket title.

Youth Cricket: St. Paul’s Primary became the first St. Kitts school to win the Republic Bank Five for Fun title, ending Nevis schools’ three-year run. West Indies Cricket: The team chased 250 against India for the second-highest successful run chase in T20 internationals, led by Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102. Government: Prime Minister Terrance Drew continues Cabinet meetings while recovering from a stroke in Florida; no return date has been announced, and Geoffrey Hanley remains Acting Prime Minister. Education: Hanley says construction of the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School is nearly complete, with students expected to return in January 2027. A record 67 students also received Monroe University scholarships. Tourism: The 2025–26 cruise season brought more than one million passengers. Officials are testing a no-solicitation zone at Port Zante as they prepare for P&O Cruises’ planned 2027 turnaround operations. Nevis Politics: Former minister Hazel Brandy-Williams has declared an independent candidacy in Gingerland, calling for representation focused on service and results.

Government: Prime Minister Terrance Drew is continuing Cabinet meetings while recovering from a stroke in Florida. Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley has been leading government business, and Drew has not announced a return date. Education: Hanley says the rebuilt Joshua Obediah Williams Primary School in Molineux is nearly complete and is expected to open in January 2027. Girls’ Achievement: Twenty-three primary school students were honoured for contributions to their homes, schools and communities at the annual Girls in Excellence awards. Tourism: St. Kitts welcomed more than one million cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season. The Federation was also elected vice-chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, while officials are testing a no-solicitation zone at Port Zante. Politics: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley is urging regional governments to seek more time from the EU over its call to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes. Former minister Hazel Brandy-Williams has announced an independent run in Gingerland. Education Investment: A record 67 students from St. Kitts and Nevis have received Monroe University scholarships.

Government: Prime Minister Terrance Drew is continuing to receive Cabinet briefings while recovering from a stroke in Florida; no return date has been announced. Education & Youth: Twenty-three girls were honoured for their contributions at home, school and in their communities. Separately, 67 students received Monroe University scholarships, the largest cohort since the partnership began, while St. Paul’s Primary became the first St. Kitts school to win the Republic Bank Five for Fun cricket title. Tourism: St. Kitts welcomed more than 1.03 million cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season, and the Federation was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board. Officials are also testing a non-solicitation zone at Port Zante to improve the visitor experience. Citizenship & Finance: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urged Caribbean CBI countries to seek more time from the EU to phase out the programmes, proposing an extension of at least five years. Climate Finance: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small island states’ vulnerability to disasters and economic shocks should count alongside income levels when determining access to affordable financing.

Prime Minister’s Recovery: Dr. Terrance Drew is continuing his recovery in Florida after a stroke and has been receiving updates from Cabinet. He thanked Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley and colleagues for their work; no return date has been announced. Football: The SKNFA Division One season opens with Molineux Pitbulls facing Rivers of Living Water and Sandy Point meeting Village Galaxy. Regional Cooperation: St. Kitts and Nevis joined OECS ministers in discussing social protection and how to turn policy into practical help amid rising costs and global challenges. Education: A record 67 students received Monroe University scholarships, the largest group since the government partnership began. Tourism: The Federation was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, while officials reported more than one million cruise passengers in the season that ended in September. A trial non-solicitation zone is also underway at Port Zante.

Education: Prime Minister Terrance Drew congratulated 67 Monroe University scholarship recipients, the largest cohort since the Federation’s partnership with the university began. Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, while Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson was featured on its magazine cover. Separately, a Port Zante trial has designated the courtyard a non-solicitation zone as officials prepare for the 2027 cruise season. Visitor Economy: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic island awards. St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than 1.03 million cruise visitors during the 2025–26 season. Coastal Resilience: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being brought into service to intercept sargassum, with local operators trained to use and maintain the equipment. Public Safety: Police warned residents that scammers may use AI-cloned voices in calls seeking money or sensitive information. Budget: The government has begun public consultations to gather residents’ priorities for the 2027 National Budget.

Tourism Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards, based on visitors’ experiences. Education: A record 67 students received Monroe University scholarships, expanding access to tertiary study through the government partnership. Visitor Growth: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending; cruise visitors topped 1 million by September. Senior Support: Officials highlighted higher pensions, a larger funeral grant and expanded health and home-care services for older residents. Budget Input: Public consultations for the 2027 national budget began in St. Paul’s, inviting residents to help set development priorities. Maritime Incident: A cargo ship sailing under the St. Kitts and Nevis flag sank in the Black Sea after a fire; two crew members died and 11 were rescued. Ukraine blamed Russian drones, but Romanian authorities had not confirmed the cause.

Education: Government and Monroe University honoured a record 67 scholarship recipients, the largest cohort since their partnership began. Cadet Achievement: The SKNDF Cadet Corps won overall first place at a regional drill competition in Anguilla, also taking honours for turnout, discipline and best drill squad. Budget 2027: Community consultations are under way, giving residents a chance to shape national spending priorities. Tourism: Officials report 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa-card spending; the last cruise season brought over one million visitors. Sugar Boyz: St. Kitts and Nevis drew 2-2 with Cuba in their Nations League rematch, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice. Maritime Incident: The cargo ship Royad Mammadov, sailing under the Federation’s flag, sank in the Black Sea after a fire; Romanian authorities reported two deaths and 11 rescues. Ukraine blamed Russian drones, but Romania did not confirm the cause.

Budget 2027 Consultations: St. Kitts and Nevis has begun public community consultations for the 2027 National Budget, with the first meeting set for Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Connor-Gumbs Primary School (6:00 p.m.), inviting residents from St. Paul’s to share priorities under the theme “Investing Strategically, Strengthening Resilience, Delivering for the People.” World Teachers Day: Acting Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley marked World Teachers Day (Oct. 5), thanking teachers for their dedication and noting the 60-year anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation on teachers’ status. Community Services Return: Cayon Community Centre has reopened after nearly five years, restoring the Cayon Post Office and adding a satellite Social Services and Community Development office. Sports—Sugar Boyz: St. Kitts and Nevis drew Cuba 2-2 in CONCACAF Nations League action, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice (including a penalty) and the teams remaining level on points. International Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis cricketer Jahzara Claxton impressed in West Indies Women’s T20Is against Zimbabwe, earning Player of the Match in the opening game. Black Sea Incident: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship, Royad Mammadov, was hit in the Black Sea and later sank after a fire; Romania says 11 were rescued and two died, while Ukraine blames Russian drones.

Budget Consultations 2027: St. Kitts and Nevis has kicked off community meetings for the 2027 National Budget, starting Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Connor-Gumbs Primary School (6:00 pm), inviting residents from St. Paul’s to share priorities under the theme “Investing Strategically, Strengthening Resilience, Delivering for the People.” Education & Teachers: Acting PM and Education Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley marked World Teachers Day, thanking teachers for their dedication and noting the 60-year anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation on teachers’ status. Community Services in Nevis: The Cayon Community Centre has reopened after nearly five years, restoring the Cayon Post Office and adding a satellite Social Services and Community Development office. World Food Day Inclusion: SKNAPD members joined a World Food Day fishing trip promoting inclusion and sustainable marine food systems. Football (CONCACAF Nations League): The Sugar Boyz drew Cuba 2-2 in League B action, keeping both sides on 8 points, while a separate report highlights St. Kitts’ strong start built on preparation and scouting. International Rescue Update: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel, Royad Mammadov, sank after a suspected drone attack in Romania’s Black Sea waters; Romanian authorities reported two deaths and 11 rescued, with Ukraine blaming Russia.

Black Sea Shipping Incident: A Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel, the Royad Mammadov, was hit by drones in Romania’s exclusive economic zone, sparking a fire and sinking. Romanian authorities say two crew members died and 11 were rescued, with one more reported missing; Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia and said the ship carried corn with Azerbaijani and Indian crew aboard. Tourism & Community: Tourism Awareness Month kicked off in St. Kitts and Nevis with a church service and a month-long programme aimed at highlighting tourism’s role in the economy. Local Development: The Cayon Community Centre reopened after nearly five years, bringing back the Cayon Post Office and adding a satellite Social Services and Community Development office. Sports: The Sugar Boyz drew 3-3 with Cuba in CONCACAF Nations League action, setting up another key clash as both sides remain level on points. Culture & Youth: The National Queen Pageant winner for Sugarmas 55 will receive EC$20,000 plus a plot of land, while the Bank of Nevis congratulated Starlina Roserie on a leadership promotion.

Black Sea Incident: Romania says two people died and 11 crew were rescued after a fire and sinking aboard the Royad Mammadov, a cargo ship flying the St. Kitts and Nevis flag, in the Black Sea outside Romanian territorial waters. Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russian drones, saying the vessel was carrying corn and had Turkish ownership, while Russia offered no immediate comment. Local Road Safety: In Basseterre, police are investigating a Cayon Street accident involving former Deputy Prime Minister and UN Ambassador Sam Condor and his wife Eugenie; both were treated for minor injuries and are reported stable. Banking Leadership: The Bank of Nevis congratulated Starlina Roserie on promotion to Chief Corporate Banking and Digital Payments Officer and Head of St. Kitts Operations. Sports (Nations League): St. Kitts and Nevis drew Cuba 3-3 in Group B action, with Kyle Kelly and Tyreece Simpson scoring for St. Kitts and Tiquanny Williams netting late to level the match. Tourism & Travel: Star of the Seas brought about 7,069 cruise passengers to St. Kitts, boosting Port Zante shopping and island tours. Regional Business: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, calling air connectivity an “economic lifeline.”

Education & Youth: Tropical Shipping honoured 10 St. Kitts students with its 2026 Monetary Scholarship, with education officials urging recipients to stay focused, disciplined and persistent. Tourism Boost: Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts, with visitors filling Port Zante and popular stops like Brimstone Hill, Romney Manor, Black Rocks and Basseterre attractions. Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, calling regional air links an “economic lifeline” for tourism, trade and family travel. Housing & Community: Ten families received keys to new homes at the Harry Phipps Housing Development in Half Way Tree, as officials stressed housing is about dignity and security, not just construction. Tourism Recognition: St. Kitts earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall. Sports: The Sugar Boyz continued their Nations League push, while St. Kitts and Nevis drew 3–3 with Cuba in Group C action. Energy & Development: The EU signalled readiness to support Nevis’ geothermal project with expertise and possible financial backing.