AGP Executive Report

Energy & Jobs: Nevis geothermal progress is back on track, with a contractor selected, funds disbursed, and a delegation sent to Iceland to inspect the drilling rig—aimed at cutting costly fuel imports and lowering electricity bills across the Federation. Renewables Watch: Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC) is also exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm as a faster stopgap while geothermal moves forward, amid rising fuel surcharges. Water Security: At UNCCD COP17, St. Kitts and Nevis warned drought is worsening, citing major rainfall reductions and ongoing water infrastructure upgrades. Fisheries: Government says 21 Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are now deployed, improving access to species like yellowfin tuna for fishers. Tourism Push: ASTA’s Caribbean Showcase wrapped in St. Kitts, with travel advisors touring hotels and attractions; Nevis is also targeting more U.S. visitors. Sports: In CPL action at Warner Park, Saim Ayub’s 102 powered Jamaica Kingsmen to an 11-run win over the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots; Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” continues linking CPL moments to community support. Women’s Football: Honda Newtown United won the SKNFA Elvis Star Browne Women’s League title after a final win over Mapau Cayon Rockettes.

Tourism Push: ASTA’s 2026 Caribbean Showcase wrapped in St. Kitts (Aug 22–25), bringing 120+ U.S. travel advisors and regional partners for hotel site visits and destination briefings, with officials saying it strengthens the Federation’s tourism product. Nevis Outreach: Nevis also used the showcase to court more U.S. visitors, taking advisors to the island for tours and experiences. Housing Progress: Deputy PM/Minister Konris Maynard toured ongoing affordable housing construction in Buckleys, saying contractor updates are positive and the project is creating local jobs. Diplomacy & Youth: St. Kitts and Nevis’ UN mission welcomed a delegation of Taiwanese youth ambassadors to deepen people-to-people ties. Regional Sports: CPL action continues with St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots set for a key home clash at Warner Park tonight, while Newtown United won the Women’s League title. Energy & Resilience: Nevis Electricity Company is exploring solar as fuel surcharges rise, and St. Kitts and Nevis flagged drought pressure at UNCCD COP17.

Fisheries Boost: Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins says 21 Fish Aggregating Devices have been deployed in Constituency #4 and beyond, with fishers helping build and place them to improve access to species like yellowfin tuna. Nevis Dialysis Staffing: Nevis welcomed specialist dialysis nurses and a biomedical technician for the Alexandra Hospital unit, a key step toward opening the island’s first dialysis service. Tourism Push: Nevis is targeting more U.S. visitors through the ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts, including hotel site visits and pitches aimed at “meaningful experiences.” Energy Costs & Power Plan: NEVLEC is exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm as fuel surcharges rise, while geothermal progress continues. Biometric Passport Rollout: St. Kitts and Nevis expanded biometric enrolment to Lagos, Nigeria, with a transition deadline for existing citizens set for July 31, 2027. Governance & Legal Tension: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” while also facing a defamation lawsuit from Nevis Reformation Party leader Dr Janice Daniel-Hodge. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, with plans to grow the economic value per visitor. Sports (CPL): St Lucia Kings reclaimed top spot after Tim Seifert’s 105* and Roston Chase’s three wickets in a 36-run win over TKR.

Tourism Push: Nevis is courting more U.S. visitors by targeting travel advisors at the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts, with Premier Mark Brantley and Nevis Tourism Authority CEO Andia Ravariere leading hotel site visits and tours to sell a more “meaningful” island experience. Energy Costs & Power Plan: NEVLEC says it’s exploring a 10-megawatt solar farm with Sol as a quicker fix while geothermal work moves ahead, as the fuel surcharge rose from EC$0.69 to EC$0.75 per kWh. Climate & Water Security: Experts warn climate change is stretching the dry season and compressing the wet season, while St. Kitts and Nevis reports drought pressures at UNCCD COP17 and highlights efforts to expand water access. Digital Skills for Youth: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is expanding into real-world projects with enterprise partners across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Governance & Justice: A second phase of criminal mediation training is underway in St. Kitts to support a restorative justice framework. Citizenship-by-Investment Tensions: Nevis Premier Brantley doubles down that “CBI as we know it is dead,” amid renewed international pressure to phase out investment migration schemes. Sports: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” links CPL sixes to community support, while cricket action continues with Falcons and TKR home-leg build-up.

Kim Collins Day: St. Kitts and Nevis marked the 23rd anniversary of Kim Collins’ 2003 World Championship 100m win, with government and Sports Minister Samal Duggins saluting his discipline and global impact. Tourism & Economy: Park Hyatt St. Kitts announced a temporary closure from Aug. 28 to Oct. 9 to prepare for the peak season, while Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson said cruise arrivals have topped one million (1,002,282 as of Aug. 20) and the focus is now on maximizing visitor spending. Education & Infrastructure: Deputy PM and Education Minister Geoffrey Hanley shared progress updates from the Basseterre High School construction site, showing Buildings A and B taking shape. Water Security: Sustainable Development Minister Dr. Joyelle Clarke told UNCCD COP17 that drought and a 44% rainfall reduction are driving major water-policy and infrastructure work, including the SKN TransWater project. Medicinal Cannabis Oversight: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority contracted GrowerIQ for a national seed-to-sale system that tracks transactions alongside plants and batches from licensing onward. Immigration & CBI Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley doubled down that “CBI as we know it is dead,” as Canada tightens visa document checks for CBI-linked Caribbean states and a US judge struck down Trump’s visa ban affecting 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis. Regional Tourism Trade: The ASTA Caribbean Showcase opened in St. Kitts with travel advisors and ministers, positioning the islands for sustainable tourism growth. Sports: Young Sugar Boyz showed resilience in the CFU U-14 Challenge Series, bouncing back after an opening loss with a win and a draw.

Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” arguing immigration policy is being “weaponised” by major powers and Caribbean states must pivot fast as the EU pushes a phase-out deadline. US Visa Ruling: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a New York federal court decision striking down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis, calling it unlawful and nationality-based. Tourism Trade Boost: The 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase is underway in St. Kitts, bringing hundreds of US travel advisors and regional tourism ministers to sell the destination beyond marketing. Water Security Update: Sustainable Development Minister Dr. Joyelle Clarke told UNCCD COP17 that 24/7 water access has risen from 25% to 70%, while drought warnings continue amid rainfall decline. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis Disaster Management concluded its Summer Safety Camp, graduating 75 children after two weeks of drills, first aid, fire safety and resilience training. Medicinal Cannabis Oversight: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is rolling out a seed-to-sale system with GrowerIQ to track transactions and plants from licensing onward, tied to anti-money laundering rules. Education & Diaspora: Two student cohorts headed to Taiwan on scholarships, and the St. Kitts and Nevis diaspora marked Heritage Day in Birmingham with 1,500 attendees. Cruise Milestone: St. Kitts surpassed one million cruise passengers (1,002,282 as of Aug. 20) and is now focused on maximizing spend per visitor, with P&O homeport plans for 2027.

PAHO/WHO Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the role of PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, bringing 25 years of public health experience to help strengthen resilient, equitable health systems across the region including St. Kitts and Nevis. Justice & Mediation: A second phase of Criminal Mediation Training is underway in St. Kitts and Nevis (Aug. 24–27), building local capacity for restorative justice with a focus on procedures, ethics, safeguarding and practical application. Medicinal Cannabis Oversight: St. Kitts and Nevis is moving to seed-to-sale tracking for medicinal cannabis, with GrowerIQ recording every related financial transaction alongside plants and batches from the licensing stage to support anti-money laundering obligations. Tourism Pressure Point: Park Hyatt St. Kitts is set for a temporary closure from Aug. 28 to Oct. 9 to prepare for the high season, a move that could affect jobs and household spending. Nevis Geothermal Progress: NEVLEC’s team has gone to Iceland for final inspection of the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” rig before it’s shipped to Nevis to drill five geothermal wells. Regional Mobility Watch: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis, while Canada tightens visa document and identity checks for several Eastern Caribbean CBI states.

US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge in New York struck down a Trump-era policy that blocked immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis, saying it was “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority. Tourism & Jobs: Park Hyatt St Kitts announced a temporary closure from Aug. 28 to Oct. 9 to prepare for the high season, a move that adds pressure as the federation grapples with CBI revenue decline, high living costs, and job concerns. Energy & Infrastructure: NEVLEC teams are in Iceland for final inspection of the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” rig before it ships to Nevis to drill five geothermal wells at Hamilton. Water Supply: St. Kitts’ Saddlers groundwater project reports promising results—175 gallons per minute now, with projections of 300–350 gpm after a permanent pump. Local Governance & Economy: The government renewed household utility reconnection support, while political voices continue pushing for more affordable housing and better constituency infrastructure. Sports & Culture: SKNFA backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid global football governance debate; and St. Kitts and Nevis Heritage Day in the UK drew more than 1,500 people.

Visa Scrutiny: Canada is tightening document accuracy and identity checks for Caribbean travellers, including St. Kitts and Nevis, while stressing it’s not a new country-specific ban. Diplomacy: Grenada opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan set to handle consular work and boost ties. Energy Project: A NEVLEC delegation heads to Iceland for the final inspection of the Nevis geothermal drilling rig before it’s shipped to Nevis to drill five wells. Tourism Push: St. Kitts and Nevis hosts the 4-day 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, while Discover Dominica promotes its “Nature Island” events in the federation. Security at Sea: Somali piracy is resurging, with 13 vessels attacked or targeted so far in 2026, including incidents involving a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship. Local Economy & Cost Pressures: Park Hyatt’s seasonal closure adds pressure as households face high living costs and job concerns amid CBI revenue decline. Governance & Crime: Three people were charged in a computer-related fraud and money laundering case. Utilities Support: Government announced SKELEC Reconnect 15 and Water Services reconnection options to help households restore essential services. Sports: SKNFA backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid governance controversy; and St. Kitts and Nevis cruise arrivals hit 1 million-plus for the first time since COVID.

Citizenship by Investment Warning: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” urging St. Kitts and the wider Caribbean to cut reliance on CBI and push faster diversification as foreign powers tighten pressure. Water & Power Relief: PM Terrance Drew announced SKELEC’s “Reconnect 15” and the Water Services reconnection programme to help households clear arrears and restore essential services. Major Water Project Update: In Saddlers, groundwater drilling is showing strong results, with testing pointing to 175 gallons per minute and projections of 300–350 gallons, supported by a EC$28 million investment. Back-to-School Support: The 2026 EC$250 Back-to-School Voucher Programme is open for eligible students, aimed at easing household costs amid inflation. Cruise Tourism Milestone: St. Kitts surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 year-to-date and highlighting renewed partner confidence. Cybercrime Charges: Three people were charged over computer-related fraud and money laundering offences linked to 2025 incidents, as police renew focus on financial and cybercrime. US Visa Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis applicants. Sports—CPL & Football: CPL action continues as Antigua & Barbuda Falcons host Trinbago Knight Riders; locally, CXC flags rising absenteeism, while St. Kitts and Nevis youth teams saw mixed results in regional finals.

US Immigration: A Manhattan federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension for applicants from 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and noting it affected people from St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean states. Local Utilities Relief: PM Terrance Drew announced SKELEC’s Reconnect 15 promotion and the Water Services reconnection programme to help households restore electricity and water amid cost pressures. Water Supply Boost: Government reports promising results from Saddlers groundwater drilling, with an initial 175 gallons per minute and projections of 300–350 gpm, supported by a EC$28 million investment. Crime Update: Three St. Kitts residents were charged in a computer-related fraud and money laundering case dating to late 2025; police say investigations continue. Tourism Milestone: St. Kitts surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 year-to-date. Sports—CPL: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots by three wickets in CPL, while Jamaica’s U-14 Reggae Boyz chase back-to-back CFU titles. Regional Football Governance: FIFA President Infantino attended a CFU event despite a Concacaf request to skip it, as governance concerns keep swirling.

Water & Power Relief: PM Terrance Drew announced SKELEC’s Reconnect 15 promotion and a Water Services reconnection programme to help households clear arrears and restore electricity and water. Crime Charges: Three people were charged over computer-related fraud and money laundering offences linked to incidents in late 2025, with investigations ongoing. Infrastructure & Jobs Debate: PLP deputy leader Dameon Lawrence questioned whether the $270m Basseterre High School project is delivering real local construction jobs. Water Supply Boost: In Saddlers, groundwater drilling is reporting promising results—175 gallons per minute now, projected to reach 300–350 gpm—after EC$28m investment. Tourism Milestone: St. Kitts and Nevis has surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID, with 1,002,282 visitors year-to-date. Sports (CPL): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by three wickets, setting up tonight’s clash with Trinbago Knight Riders. Youth Sports: T&T girls won the ITF/COTECC U-12 title, defeating St Kitts and Nevis 2-0 in the final.

Cruise Recovery: St. Kitts and Nevis has officially topped one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 visitors year-to-date, a milestone Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says reflects renewed confidence and stronger cruise partnerships. Cost-of-Living Relief: The Drew-led government is rolling out measures to ease pressure on households, including the 2026 EC$250 back-to-school voucher programme for eligible students and renewed utility reconnection support for families in arrears. Water Security: Saddlers is set for a major boost after groundwater drilling results showed an initial supply of 175 gallons per minute, with projections of 300–350 gallons and daily access to about 500,000 gallons. Housing & Health: NHC St. Kitts is now accepting applications for home sanitary upgrades to help make houses safer and healthier. Local Jobs Concern: PLP deputy leader Dameon Lawrence is questioning whether the $270m Basseterre High School project is delivering real local construction jobs. Sports (CPL): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beat the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots by three wickets in a bottom-of-the-table clash, while the Patriots remain near the bottom of the standings. Education: CXC is flagging rising exam absenteeism and irregularities across the region, including thousands of missed CSEC sittings.

Cruise Boom: St. Kitts and Nevis has officially passed the one-million mark for cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 visitors year-to-date, with Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson calling it proof of renewed confidence and stronger partnerships. Household Relief: The Government says it’s continuing to ease economic pressure with utility reconnection drives for electricity and water, aimed at helping families facing arrears. Back-to-School Support: Applications are open for the 2026 EC$250 Back-to-School Voucher Programme for eligible students, as part of a wider cost-of-living response. Education Wins: Prime Minister Terrance Drew congratulated the first ELEVATE cohort after a 100% pass rate in English Language and Principles of Business, and 75% in Human and Social Biology. Sports—CPL: In CPL action, Jamaica Kingsmen beat the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 51 runs, while Antigua & Barbuda Falcons edged the Patriots by three wickets in another close finish. Youth Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-12 girls captured the COTECC U-12 title, defeating St. Kitts and Nevis 2-0 in the final.

Cruise Boom: St. Kitts and Nevis has crossed the one-million cruise passenger mark for the first time since COVID-19, with 1,002,282 visitors recorded as of Aug. 20, a milestone Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson says reflects renewed confidence and stronger partnerships. Household Relief: Prime Minister Terrance Drew announced reconnection drives for electricity and water to help families facing arrears, echoing earlier “Independence 40 Reset” support. Cost-of-Living Measures: Government says it’s rolling out a mix of income support, tax and duty relief, and targeted assistance to cushion inflation pressures on households. Back-to-School Support: Applications for the EC$250 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme opened Aug. 17 and run to Dec. 31, aiming to ease costs for uniforms and supplies. Education Wins: Drew congratulated the first ELEVATE cohort after stellar CSEC results, including 100% passes in English Language and Principles of Business. Hurricane Preparedness: Nevis Disaster Management is pushing its Hurricane Awareness Drive 2026, urging communities to prepare now as peak season approaches. Sports (CPL): The Falcons beat the Patriots by three wickets in a thriller, while Jamaica Kingsmen surged with a 51-run win over St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Household Relief: The Drew administration is renewing utility reconnection support for families with electricity and water arrears, building on the 2023 “Independence 40 Reset” to help people regain essential services. Cost-of-Living Measures: Government says it’s rolling out steps to ease economic pressure on households, including targeted assistance. Back-to-School Support: Applications are open for the 2026 EC$250 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, running to Dec. 31, to help eligible students with uniforms and supplies. Education Win: PM Terrance Drew congratulated ELEVATE students after the first cohort achieved 100% pass rates in English Language and Principles of Business, and 75% in Human and Social Biology. Youth & Tech: St. Kitts and Nevis joined UN talks on Youth and AI for International Youth Day, producing a youth-led AI policy declaration. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis is running a Hurricane Awareness Drive 2026 (“Preparedness Starts With You”) as peak season nears, urging communities to prepare and monitor official alerts. Tourism: St. Kitts welcomed 1,002,282 cruise passengers, surpassing one million for the first time since the pandemic. Sports: In CPL, Keemo Paul’s all-round show powered Jamaica Kingsmen to a 51-run win over St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.