AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy & Diaspora: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley, with Foreign Affairs Minister Denzil Douglas and Sustainable Development Minister Joyelle Clarke, held a UNGA town hall in New York to hear directly from the St. Kitts and Nevis diaspora. Climate, AI & Small-State Voice: Hanley used the UN General Debate to press that SIDS can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis deepens, and warned the next divide must not be “digital,” calling for developing countries to shape AI governance. Justice Reform Spotlight: Attorney General Garth Wilkin shared St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice reforms at a UN crime congress panel in Abu Dhabi, citing a 75% drop in homicides in 2025 versus 2024. Health Security Talks: The Ministry of Health joined the 53rd COHSOD meeting in Washington to focus on regional health security, public health emergency preparedness, NCD response, climate impacts, and HIV financing shifts. Labour Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis signed an additional labour agreement with Ghana to protect enhanced conditions for Ghanaian nurses, including higher salaries, insurance, rent support, and end-of-service benefits. Sports & Youth Infrastructure: The Sugar Boyz beat Grenada 3-0 with a Tiquanny Williams hat-trick, while FIFA opened a new FIFA Arena at the SKNFA Technical Center to expand youth football development. Culture Loss: Prime Minister Drew mourned calypso icon Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), who died in New York at 91.

UN Climate & AI Push: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA to warn that small island states can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis deepens, and urged a fairer global financing system plus a stronger voice for developing countries in AI governance. Justice Reforms Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice overhaul is being highlighted internationally after the UN invited the Attorney General to share reforms aimed at expanding access to justice, with reported homicide declines. Labour Protections for Nurses: Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis signed an additional labour agreement in New York to improve pay, health insurance, rent allowances, and end-of-service benefits for Ghanaian nurses. Trade Facilitation Plan: A World Bank-backed Electronic Single Window visioning workshop will map how to simplify and automate trade documents and strengthen WTO trade facilitation compliance. Nevis Federal Tensions: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley again accused the Drew-led federal government of sidelining Nevis, citing scholarships, geothermal and “Destiny.” Regional Security Call: OAS states renewed pressure for full funding and deployment of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate. Football & Community: FIFA opened a new arena at SKNFA’s technical center, while the Sugar Boyz prepare for Grenada in the Nations League and SKNABA held its 2026 awards.

UN Justice Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice reforms landed in Abu Dhabi as Attorney General Garth Wilkin shared progress at a UN Crime Congress, with UNODC citing people-centred, accountable policing and reporting a 75% homicide drop in 2025. AI Governance: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that the next divide must not be digital, urging developing states to shape AI governance beyond mere internet access. Trade Modernisation: The Ministry of International Trade and the World Bank will run a 30 Sept–1 Oct Electronic Single Window visioning workshop to streamline import/export processes and strengthen WTO Trade Facilitation commitments. Human Rights Alarm: UN human rights experts warned that US migration externalization arrangements across 35+ countries are driving risks of torture, enforced disappearance and rights violations. Regional Diplomacy: OAS states backed renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, calling for full deployment support. Local Governance & Services: St. Kitts and Nevis observed National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health and dental services. Sports & Youth: FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the opening of a new FIFA Arena in St. Peter’s, while SKNABA honoured top performers including Daivique Osbourne’s eight awards.

UNGA81 Climate & Sovereignty: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that climate commitments must become real action, warning sea-level rise threatens sovereignty, statehood, nationality and maritime rights, and urging reforms to how SIDS access development finance. Pandemic Preparedness: Hanley also co-chaired a UN high-level meeting calling for stronger health systems, early detection, sustainable funding, and fair access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. Right to Development & International Law: Hanley stressed “no hierarchy of human suffering” and backed consistent application of international law across Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and more. Water/Energy Delivery: In his national address, Hanley pointed to implementation gains under the Sustainable Island State Agenda, including a solar-powered desalination plant and progress on geothermal and solar projects. Health Services at Home: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health and dental services at Independence Square. Agro-Processing Boost: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit to cut post-harvest losses and expand value-added agriculture. Diplomacy & Travel: Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan, and the Federation also continues rolling out international travel access. Regional IP & Youth: St. Kitts and Nevis creatives represented the country at WIPO cross-regional forums, while First Lady Diani Prince-Drew pushed for youth inclusion in global tech and development talks. Sports & National Pride: The Sugar Boyz opened Concacaf Nations League play with a 2–1 win over Bonaire, and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force won the Independence 43 drill competition.

UN Climate & Finance Push: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told UNGA81 that climate commitments must become action, with reforms to global financing for Small Island Developing States—plus safeguards so sea-level rise doesn’t erase sovereignty, UN membership, nationality, or maritime rights. Pandemic Preparedness: Hanley also co-chaired a UN high-level meeting urging stronger health systems, early detection, sustained funding, and fair access to vaccines and treatments. International Law & Human Suffering: In the same UNGA debate, Hanley stressed one standard of international law and “no hierarchy of human suffering,” backing ICJ processes on the Guyana–Venezuela dispute and other legal cases. Local Governance & Public Health: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health support, dental services, and nutrition counselling at Independence Square. Economic & Food Security: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit to cut post-harvest losses and expand value-added agriculture. Diplomacy & Mobility: Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport types, easing travel and strengthening ties. Youth & Technology: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew urged including SIDS youth in global conversations on technology, education, and development at the Concordia Annual Summit. Regional Security Cooperation: OAS member states called for renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and backing it with personnel, funding, and equipment.

UNGA81 & Sustainable Island State Agenda: Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley used his UN General Assembly national address to stress St. Kitts and Nevis is moving from “ambition to implementation,” citing progress on water security, renewable energy, food security and healthcare, including a commissioned solar-powered desalination plant and expanded household water access. Youth, tech and development: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew pushed for Small Island Developing States’ youth to be included in global tech, education and development discussions at the Concordia Annual Summit, as St. Kitts and Nevis looks ahead to hosting a regional follow-up. Agro-processing & food security: Minister Samal Duggins marked the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and grow value-added agriculture. Health services at home: National Testing Day returned to Independence Square with free HIV screening, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, mental health support, dental services and nutrition counselling. Regional diplomacy & travel: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, easing travel and strengthening bilateral ties. International security cooperation: OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, calling for sustained funding and support. Sports: The Sugar Boyz opened the Concacaf Nations League with a 2–1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice.

Public Health: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Testing Day at Independence Square in Basseterre with free screenings including HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, dental care, nutrition counselling and mental health support. UNGA81 & Sustainable Island State Agenda: Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that the Federation is moving from “ambition to implementation,” citing progress on water security, renewable energy and food security, including a commissioned solar-powered desalination plant and expanded household access to 24-hour water. Agro-Processing & Food Security: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit, aimed at cutting post-harvest losses and boosting value-added agriculture. Diplomacy & Travel: Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver agreement with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, strengthening bilateral ties. Regional Development & Youth: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew highlighted the need to include young people from Small Island Developing States in global discussions on technology, education and development at the Concordia Annual Summit. Sports (National Pride): The Sugar Boyz opened the Concacaf Nations League with a 2–1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice.

Regional Diplomacy: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA81 sidelines to press for stronger global partnerships for SIDS resilience, linking climate, energy security and economic stability. Bilateral Travel Links: Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, easing travel and deepening ties. Right to Development: Hanley delivered CARICOM’s position at UN on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, warning that debt, limited fiscal space and weak access to concessional finance are blocking progress. Health & Global Partnerships: St. Kitts and Nevis co-hosted the OneSCD launch, with partners calling for country-led scale-up of sickle cell care beyond pilots. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, with St. Kitts and Nevis set to lead on resilience, inclusion and cybersecurity. Environment Cooperation: CFBC and TaiwanICDF formalised an MOU to tackle plastic waste and marine litter. Local Governance & Economy: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley promoted Nevis’ financial services and CBI track record at a New York investment summit. Sports (National Pride): The Sugar Boyz opened the Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice and the winner in the 89th minute.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley pushed for stronger global partnerships and faster climate finance to help SIDS build resilience, warning that climate change, energy security and economic shocks are tightly linked. Bilateral Visas: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan covering diplomatic, official/service and ordinary passport holders, easing travel and boosting people-to-people ties. Taiwan Engagement: Hanley attended a Taiwan Friendship Night at UNGA81, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas like healthcare, education and energy transition. Right to Development at UN: Hanley delivered CARICOM’s position at a UN event marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, citing debt pressure, limited concessional finance and climate impacts. Health Partnership: St. Kitts and Nevis co-hosted the OneSCD launch to expand equitable sickle cell care, with Hanley stressing that outcomes shouldn’t depend on where a child is born. Regional Tech Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, giving St. Kitts and Nevis a new regional platform in ICT policy. Energy & Water Talks: Hanley met Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister to deepen geothermal and energy transition support and explore cooperation on water and infrastructure.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that the “right to development” for CARICOM must be backed by stronger international cooperation and a financial system that fits small island realities, citing climate disasters, debt, and limited fiscal space. Bilateral Energy Talks: Hanley also met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, focusing on geothermal support, generators, energy transition, training, and water challenges. Foreign Ministry MoU: Serbia’s caretaker FM Marko Djuric signed an MoU with St. Kitts and Nevis FM Denzil Douglas to set up a mechanism for political consultations. Regional Telecom Leadership: Infrastructure Minister Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, adding another regional leadership win for St. Kitts and Nevis. Health Partnership: The federation co-hosted the OneSCD launch to expand equitable sickle cell care, with Hanley representing the country. Domestic Justice: Ex-cop Anson Belle-Carty was charged over alleged cannabis importation and related customs offences at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. Citizenship Reform: Government moved to allow grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap. Public Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis launched an inaugural retail bond for households and NGOs with a 2-year, 4.5% fixed return and a minimum EC$500 investment.

Right to Development at UNGA: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that climate disasters, debt and limited fiscal space are crushing Caribbean development, calling for stronger international cooperation and a financial system that fits small island realities. Saudi Ties: Hanley met Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, discussing energy partnerships, geothermal support, generators, and future cooperation on training, infrastructure and water challenges. Foreign Policy Moves: Serbia’s caretaker FM Marko Djuric met St. Kitts and Nevis FM Denzil Douglas in New York, signing an MoU for political consultations. Regional Health Equity: The federation co-hosted the OneSCD launch to expand access to quality sickle cell care, with Hanley representing the country. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, boosting St. Kitts and Nevis’ role in regional ICT policy. Finance for Households: Government launched an inaugural Household and NGO retail bond at 4.5% for two years, with a minimum EC$500 investment. Citizenship Reform: A Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would allow eligible grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap.

Regional Diplomacy at UNGA: St. Kitts and Nevis’ UN envoy joined OECS foreign ministers in New York as the bloc pushed for stronger diplomatic coordination and a more unified regional voice. CARICOM-India Engagement: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, adding another regional post for St. Kitts and Nevis. Finance & Housing-Linked Investing: The government launched an inaugural Household and Non-Governmental Organisation retail bond via the ECCB/RGSM, with a 2-year EC$500 minimum and 4.5% fixed annual return, as ECCB Governor Antoine urged a shift from saving to investing. Citizenship Reform: A Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would allow grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap. Foreign Policy Focus: Dr. Denzil Douglas backed Guyana’s UN Secretary-General bid and supported the Franco-Mexican initiative on regulating the veto in mass atrocity cases.

Retail Bond Push: St. Kitts and Nevis launched an inaugural Household and Non-Governmental Organisation Retail Bond via the RGSM/ECCB, with a 2-year, fixed 4.5% rate and a low EC$500 minimum (interest paid semi-annually), as officials and ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine urged a shift from saving to investing. Citizenship Reform: The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is set to expand eligibility for overseas-born grandchildren, closing a long-standing gap since 1983 and potentially easing related property fee impacts. UNGA Diplomacy: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley led the delegation to UNGA 81, while Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas backed Guyana’s UN Secretary-General bid and pushed CELAC–India ties, including support for a Franco-Mexican veto-regulation initiative. Children, Tech, and Governance: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew brought a Caribbean voice to the “Fostering the Future Together” children-and-technology push, aligning with Melania Trump’s expanded coalition and big-tech partnerships. Public Finance & Oversight: Parliament passed the Payment Systems and Services Bill, updating the framework for modern digital payments and licensing for non-bank providers. Sports & Culture: Elijah Walters was selected to represent SKN at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusive Championship in Portugal; Nevis also honoured 10 outstanding citizens at Independence 43 awards.

UNGA Diplomacy: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley led St. Kitts and Nevis’ UNGA 81 push in New York, stressing multilateralism and SIDS priorities like climate resilience, energy security, and development financing. Finance & Housing-Style Wealth Building: Government passed the Payment Systems and Services Bill, 2026, and launched an inaugural Household and NGO Retail Bond via the RGSM—2 years, fixed 4.5% paid semi-annually, with a low EC$500 minimum. Citizenship & Property Rules: A proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would add a grandparent pathway for overseas-born applicants, potentially exempting them from the 10% Alien Landholder License fee when buying property. National Governance & Oversight: Questions were raised over SKNDF officer training and reported administrative handling tied to a traffic case involving Lt. Giddel Smithen. Independence & National Recognition: Independence 43 events continued with National Heroes Day wreath-laying and the announcement of 2026 national honours recipients. Regional Sports: Jahzara Claxton was named to the West Indies Women’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour. Public Safety & Heritage: Police continue investigating the boating incident that killed historian and cultural figure Larry Armony at Frigate Bay Marina.

UNGA Diplomacy: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley leads St. Kitts and Nevis’ delegation to UNGA 81 in New York, saying the Federation will push Small Island priorities like climate change, sustainable development, energy security and development financing. First Lady on Tech & Youth: Diani Prince-Drew spoke at the Concordia Annual Summit on “Fostering the Future Together,” urging that small island youth be included in global conversations on digital education and online protection. Sea Level Rise Spotlight: The Federation co-convened a Rising Nations Gala Dinner celebrating adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, with leadership from low-lying states and SIDS. Retail Bond Launch: Government opened a 2-year Retail Bond on the ECCB/RGSM, offering a 4.50% fixed rate and lowering the entry barrier to EC$500 for citizens and NGOs across the ECCU. Citizenship & Property Fees: A Nevis-focused report says a new Citizenship (Amendment) pathway could let overseas descendants qualify via grandparents, potentially exempting them from the 10% Alien Landholder License fee. Independence 43 Honours: During Independence 43, the state named Medal of Honour and Companion of the Star of Merit recipients across public service, law, community, diaspora, sports and defence. Local Governance Reform: A Liquor Licence (Amendment) Bill would shift renewals to four scheduled sittings yearly and reduce court appearances for small businesses. Politics Watch: Former PM Denzil Douglas announced he will contest Constituency 6 for the SKNLP at the next general election.

Independence 43 Coverage: St. Kitts and Nevis marked 43 years of independence with a Warner Park Ceremonial Parade featuring SKNDF and police units, plus a Guyana Defence Force contingent, while Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley used the occasion to argue that “true independence” means delivering water security, energy independence and social support. National Heroes Day: The Federation paused for wreath-laying ceremonies honouring five National Heroes, with Hanley delivering the commemorative address. UNGA Diplomacy: Hanley led the delegation to UNGA 81 in New York, pushing Small Island priorities including climate resilience and sustainable development, while Minister Claret Connor spoke on sustainable procurement at a UN Global Compact forum. Local Governance & Business: Government tabled amendments to the Liquor Licence Act to streamline licensing for small businesses, adding four sittings per year and reducing unnecessary court appearances. Politics: Former PM and Foreign Affairs Minister Denzil Douglas announced he will contest Constituency 6 for the next general election. Defence Personnel Questions: A former maritime official raised concerns about reported SKNDF training assignments involving Captain Garnette and about the handling of Lt. Giddel Smithen after a traffic case. International Messages: The US (Marco Rubio) and India (Jaishankar) sent independence congratulations, reaffirming cooperation on security and development.