AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Rights Agenda: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been appointed to chair a new CARICOM committee focused on advancing the recognition, protection, and promotion of Rastafarians’ rights across the region. Regional Governance: CARICOM is also set to convene a meeting of member-state representatives and stakeholders to tackle ongoing discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians in education, employment, and public life. Tourism & Infrastructure: St. Kitts broke ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, aimed at modernising facilities and enabling home-porting operations from 2027. Education & Skills: Drew visited the Basseterre High School construction site amid claims of stalled work, while Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership agreement with Hamburg to strengthen workforce training for sustainable sectors. Public Services & Economy: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley apologised after a fuel surcharge was reintroduced without advance notice, following public complaints about electricity bills. Health & Labour: The government welcomed 47 Ghanaian nurses under a bilateral labour exchange to strengthen healthcare services. Sports: The ANOECS track and field championships return in St. Kitts from July 4-5, with regional teams including Dominica and the Virgin Islands set to compete. Maritime Safety: All passengers and crew were reported safe after the Apple Syder ferry incident, with emergency response and hospital evaluations underway. International Mobility: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals, with Drew saying the government is in contact with Irish officials.

CARICOM Leadership & Governance: St. Lucia has assumed the CARICOM chairmanship as Philip J. Pierre takes over from Dr. Terrance Drew, with the region facing pressure over leadership credibility and internal governance questions. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, with a committee including St. Kitts and Nevis among member states. Visa & Migration Politics: Prime Minister Drew says government is in conversation with Ireland after Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals, while the wider region continues to debate US “third-country national” deportee plans and the security and transparency risks they raise. Local Government & Cost Relief: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley apologised for a sudden electricity fuel surcharge after complaints of sharp bill increases, and St. Kitts and Nevis reminded residents that targeted fuel/import relief measures run to July 31. Public Service & Health: 47 Ghanaian nurses arrived to strengthen healthcare delivery under a bilateral labour agreement. Disaster Response: All passengers and crew were reported safe after the MV Apple Syder ferry began sinking between St. Kitts and Nevis; authorities launched investigations. Economy & Development: Nevis Premier said the Destiny SSZ project agreement is expected to go before Federal Cabinet, and St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at home-porting by Nov 2027. Community & Culture: An anonymous donor equipped Basseterre High School’s music department, and the government praised security forces for festival safety.

Maritime Safety: St. Kitts and Nevis authorities say all passengers and crew were safely rescued after the MV Apple Syder began taking on water and partially sank near Basseterre on Monday; Prime Minister Terrance Drew visited the hospital and confirmed everyone is safe, while SCASPA launched an investigation into the cause. National Mourning: The Government announced an official funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, with three days of mourning from July 7–9 and the service at the Wesleyan Methodist Church on Seton Street. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting to address discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, including setting up a committee with representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Local Governance & Diplomacy: The Speaker of the National Assembly received Cuba’s resident ambassador in a courtesy call highlighting parliamentary diplomacy and Cuba’s education support. Nevis Development: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the Destiny Special Sustainability Zone agreement is expected to go before Federal Cabinet, with a response anticipated from Prime Minister Drew within days. Energy Cooperation: Antigua is exploring a subsea geothermal power link from Nevis, though costs, approvals and timelines remain unclear. Public Service & Security: Drew praised security forces after the Music Festival and also received updates on the Apple Syder response; police issued a wanted bulletin for Rohan Mullings.

Maritime Safety: The MV Apple Syder partially sank after departing Basseterre for Nevis, but all 47 passengers and crew were rescued safely; Prime Minister Terrance Drew visited the J.N. France General Hospital and said everyone is accounted for as Coast Guard, fishermen, and civilians coordinated the response, while SCASPA and other agencies launched an investigation. Energy & Cost of Living: Drew confirmed the Federation’s targeted fuel and import relief measures run to July 31, with fuel support and customs charge reductions already costing government over EC$80 million, urging residents to conserve electricity as energy prices regularise. Nevis “Destiny” SSZ: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the Destiny Special Sustainability Zone agreement is expected to go before Federal Cabinet today, with a decision awaited from the Prime Minister after months of delays. Health Workforce: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 Ghanaian nurses under a bilateral labour agreement to strengthen hospital and community care, including emergency and critical services. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting and form a committee to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians across the region, including representation from St. Kitts and Nevis. Local Governance & Public Service: The government announced an Official Funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, with a three-day mourning period July 7–9. Diplomacy/Scholarships: The St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Taiwan announced a medicine scholarship at I-Shou University for eligible students, with applications open June 29–July 7. Security & Community: Police issued a wanted bulletin for Rohan Mullings, while Drew praised security forces for festival safety and rescue readiness.

Maritime Safety & Security: The MV Apple Syder ferry incident ended with all 47 passengers and crew safely rescued after the vessel began sinking off St. Kitts; SCASPA has launched an investigation and Prime Minister Drew praised the coordinated response by the Coast Guard, Defence Force units, fishermen and emergency services. Public Order: Police issued a wanted bulletin for Rohan Mullings, 44, a Jamaican national, seeking public help to locate him. Government & National Service: The state has announced an official funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, with a multi-day mourning period starting July 7. Local Governance & Development: Drew outlined a decade vision tied to renewable energy, 24/7 water access, digital services and food security, while the Prime Creative Arts Centre project is progressing under the Citizenship by Investment Public Benefit Option. Regional & Mobility: LIAT passengers in St. Kitts complained of hours-long delays, poor updates and lack of meals during disruptions. Community & Culture: The St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up, with tourism officials stressing the event’s role in boosting arrivals and the country’s international profile.

Maritime Safety Crisis: St. Kitts and Nevis authorities say all 47 passengers and crew aboard the inter-island ferry MV Apple Syder were rescued after the vessel began taking on water and partially submerged off Basseterre on Monday; the Coast Guard, local fishermen and the ferry Makana were credited with the rapid response, while an investigation is expected to determine what went wrong. Security & National Events: Prime Minister Terrance Drew met security leadership to review operations during the St. Kitts Music Festival and praised the coordinated work of police, defence forces, the Coast Guard and emergency responders, including during the Apple Syder rescue. State Commemoration: Government announced an official funeral for former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, honoring his decades of service as educator, parliamentarian and senior minister. Creative Economy Push: Drew and Citizenship Unit chairman Calvin St. Juste inspected progress on the Prime Creative Arts Centre, funded through the Citizenship by Investment Public Benefit Option, aimed at jobs and new space for artists. Regional Energy Talks: Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne says discussions have started with St. Kitts and Nevis on an undersea electricity cable to support geothermal-based power and reduce fuel dependence. Local Community Life: Child Month celebrations in Basseterre closed with a grand parade, and “Eat Local Day” promoted locally produced food across the federation.

Maritime Safety: All 47 passengers and crew aboard the inter-island ferry Apple Syder were safely rescued after the vessel began submerging minutes after leaving Basseterre for Nevis, with the Coast Guard, local fishermen and the vessel Markana credited for the rapid response. Copyright & Politics: The ruling St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party has paid for the unauthorised use of Vincentian musician Adrian Bailey’s campaign song “Get Rid ah Dem,” settling a dispute after legal action. Healthcare Upgrades: PM Terrance Drew says JNF General Hospital is now fully air-conditioned in key wards including oncology, pediatrics, outpatient and OBGYN, as part of broader improvements. Digital Government: Drew outlined digital transformation plans covering social security, national ID, healthcare, border security and government operations, including progress toward a national digital ID and online passport applications. Water Security: The PM reiterated that about 70% of St. Kitts now has reliable 24-hour water supply after roughly EC$100 million in water infrastructure, including a desalination plant producing two million gallons daily. Regional Finance: ECCB marks the EC dollar peg’s 50th anniversary with a July 1 panel discussion in Basseterre. Creative Economy: Drew and Citizenship Unit chairman Calvin St. Juste reviewed construction progress on the Prime Creative Arts Centre, built under the Citizenship by Investment Public Benefit Option. Public Health & Community: Child Month 41 closed with a grand Basseterre parade under the theme “Fueling Our Bodies with the Best.”

Water Security: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has reliable 24-hour water after roughly EC$100 million in desalination, pipelines and wells, warning the aquifer faced saltwater intrusion risks. Healthcare for Children: A new Pediatric Therapy Facility opened at the CMR Building in Lime Kiln, offering outpatient speech-language and occupational therapy via partners including the STAR Foundation and Discovery Centre. Regional Aid & Disaster Response: St. Kitts and Nevis says it’s in talks with Venezuela and stands ready to help after back-to-back earthquakes; Guyana also plans a humanitarian deployment. Governance & Sovereignty: The Destiny Project on Nevis remains stalled, with Nevis leaders citing missing federal approvals while PM Drew reiterates constitutional limits on federal land-use control. OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules secured a fourth term as OECS Director General. Public Health Workforce: Health officials defended Ghana’s managed health worker exchange, with 47 professionals set to serve in St. Kitts and Nevis on fixed-term contracts. Culture & Tourism: The St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped after star-studded nights and drew 5,000+ overseas visitors; Child Month 41 ended with a grand Basseterre parade.

Sustainable Island Agenda: Prime Minister Terrance Drew laid out a 10-year vision for St. Kitts and Nevis—100% renewable energy, cheaper electricity, reliable water, stronger food security, and more digital services—framing it as a generational wealth project for citizens. Water Security: Drew also said major water investments are shielding the Federation from drought conditions, with about 70% of St. Kitts now on 24-hour supply and St. Peters moving to full-time service. Healthcare Modernisation: Government announced the first cardiologist at JNF Hospital and created a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide the HIS/EHR rollout, with nurses central to the clinical governance of the digital transformation. Nevis Destiny Project: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the US$1 billion Destiny Project remains stalled pending federal approval, while Drew reiterates constitutional sovereignty and limits on federal land-use authority. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership, prioritising security, climate resilience, and resilient economies after talks in Panama on the margins of the OAS. Humanitarian Support: Drew said St. Kitts and Nevis is in contact with Venezuela and stands ready to help after back-to-back earthquakes. Public Health & Community: Child Month 41 closed with grand parades in Basseterre and Charlestown, while a Regional Testing Day in Basseterre offered free health services. Culture & Tourism: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival opened with a major lineup and a tribute to late cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, as arrivals build ahead of the weekend finale.

Constitutional Governance: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the US$1 billion “Destiny Project” is stalled because federal approval is still missing, while PM Terrance Drew stresses constitutional safeguards and limits on federal land-use authority. Healthcare & Digital Government: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital (Dr. Angel Luis Olivera) and created a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide the HIS/EHR rollout. Disaster Response: PM Drew reiterated the Federation stands ready to support Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes, following calls and condolences. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed cooperation at the OAS in Panama, with a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Public Health Access: A Regional Testing Day in Basseterre offered free health services in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Water Security: Drew reported about 70% of the Federation now has 24/7 water supply, citing desalination and pipeline upgrades. Community & Culture: Child Month 41 closed with grand parades in Basseterre and Charlestown, while the St. Kitts Music Festival opened with major international acts and a tribute to Ellie Matt Nero.

Health Workforce Exchange: Ghana is sending 47 nurses to St. Kitts and Nevis under a two-year managed exchange, with officials saying the workers will return after fixed-term contracts. Public Health Access: Basseterre hosted a Regional Testing Day at Independence Square, offering free screenings and services in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Child Month Close: The 41st Child Month wrapped with grand parades across the federation, including a Basseterre event attended by the Governor-General and Nevis celebrations in Charlestown. Water Security: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24-hour water supply, including St. Peters moving to full-day service after major infrastructure work. Digital Health Governance: The Ministry of Health set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide clinical governance for the HIS/EHR rollout. Regional/International Context: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned that U.S.-Iran tensions and shipping and energy shocks could keep squeezing household finances. OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules secured a fourth term as OECS Director General, as regional leaders backed continuity on integration priorities.

Water Security & Climate Risk: PM Terrance Drew says major water investments have shielded St. Kitts and Nevis from the worst drought in recorded history, with about 70% of the population now on 24-hour supply and St. Peters moving to full-day service as desalination, new wells, and pipeline upgrades counter saltwater intrusion. Disaster Preparedness: NEMA and Nevis Disaster Management ran a hurricane “pre-strike” drill with a simulated rapid intensification to test coordination and evacuations ahead of the 2026 Atlantic season. Digital Government & Healthcare: The Ministry of Health has formally set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide nursing clinical governance for the national HIS/EHR rollout, supported by the St. Kitts Nevis Robotics Association. Local Governance & Regional Diplomacy: Drew also reiterated the Federation stands ready to support Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes. Culture & Tourism: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival opens June 25 with a tribute to late Ellie Matt Nero, while festival momentum builds at RLB Airport with major arrivals; Nevis meanwhile held its Child Month Parade in Charlestown. Legal & Rights: The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party reportedly settled a three-year copyright dispute over “Get Rid Ah Dem,” paying Vincentian artist Adrian Bailey after unauthorized campaign use.

Water Security & Infrastructure: PM Terrance Drew says about 70% of St. Kitts now has 24/7 water supply, with St. Peter’s improvements tied to recent investments, desalination, drilling, and pipeline upgrades. Digital Health Governance: The Ministry of Health has set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to guide nursing input in the national HIS/EHR rollout, supported by the Robotics Association. Judicial Administration: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70 to ease recruitment pressures. Hospital Capacity Upgrade: JNF General Hospital moves ahead with major refurbishments and completes full temperature control across all general inpatient wards, including new air-conditioning in maternity and paediatrics. Culture, Rights & Politics: The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has reportedly paid Adrian Bailey after a three-year copyright dispute over “Get Rid Ah Dem,” underscoring that campaign music needs permission. Public Safety Drill: NEMA and Nevis disaster officials ran a hurricane preparedness simulation ahead of “Hurricane Barry” strike planning. Festival & Tourism: The St. Kitts Music Festival (June 25–27) kicks off with a tribute to Ellie Matt, while Shaneil Muir turns her appearance into an interactive talent search.

St. Kitts Music Festival: Basseterre gears up for the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival (June 25–27) at Warner Park Stadium, opening with a tribute to cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero and featuring major soca and dancehall names; during day-one talks, artists pushed for genre sustainability and wider global recognition. Tourism & Ports: Norwegian Prima is set for 13 Port Zante calls between Nov 2026 and Mar 2027, boosting winter cruise arrivals. Digital & Education: ALTA Online mentors visited St. Kitts primary schools to assess the digital literacy programme’s classroom impact and next steps. Health System Upgrade: JNF General Hospital moves ahead with cardiology capacity—new resident cardiologist Dr. Angel Luis Olivera—and completes temperature control across all general inpatient wards, with the Private Ward reopening after refurbishment. Governance & Security: NEMA and Nevis disaster officials ran a hurricane preparedness drill; police also reported a six-year robbery sentence for Keshaun Akers. Youth & Community: The “Summer of Intervention” initiative continues with stakeholder meetings aimed at reducing summer risk factors for young people.

Healthcare & Governance: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed interventional cardiologist Dr. Angel Luis Olivera to JNF General Hospital, with plans for phased cardiology services, twice-weekly outpatient clinics, 24-hour inpatient coverage, echocardiograms, CT angiogram services, and 24-hour Holter monitoring. Hospital Upgrades: The Prime Minister inspected the refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward ahead of its reopening, while air conditioning was commissioned across all five general inpatient ward areas—an inpatient temperature-control first for the hospital. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Police issued a reminder to truck operators to secure and cover loads to prevent debris hazards on public roads. Regional Integration & Law: OECS marked 45 years of integration and launched an “OECS renaissance” push under new chair Gaston Browne, while a UNDP official urged Caribbean-EU judicial cooperation to tackle transnational crime. Youth & Community: The National Secretariat for Human Security and Wellbeing advanced its “Summer of Intervention” with stakeholder talks to expand positive youth opportunities and reduce summer crime risks. Local Politics & Culture: The St. Kitts Music Festival kicks off June 25–27 in Basseterre, including a special Ellie Matt tribute, and the Citizenship Unit raised $4,500 for Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School via an IGS silent auction.

Health & Digital Governance: The Ministry of Health has formally set up a Nursing Informatics Advisory Committee to steer clinical governance for St. Kitts and Nevis’ national Hospital Information System and Electronic Health Record rollout, with nursing services positioned as the clinical authority. Hospital Care Upgrade: Prime Minister Terrance Drew inspected the refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward ahead of its reopening, while the hospital also completed full inpatient temperature control across all general wards—an all-wards first for the facility. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis and NEMA ran synchronized pre-strike hurricane preparedness drills using a rapidly intensifying “Hurricane Barry” scenario, with evacuation and flooding readiness central to the exercise. Youth & Community Safety: The National Secretariat for Human Security and Wellbeing advanced its “Summer of Intervention” with stakeholder talks aimed at expanding positive youth engagement and reducing exposure to crime and violence during school break. Regional Politics & Law: A legal opinion says CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment was procedurally flawed and legally void, adding fuel to a wider dispute over the process. Public Order Notices: Police issued reminders on securing and covering truck loads and, during the Music Festival period, banning street vending near the venue to protect traffic flow and emergency access. Diplomacy & International Links: St. Kitts and Nevis’ ambassador highlighted the OAS’s ongoing relevance, while the federation’s police chief represented the country at an international forum on transnational crime in Taiwan.