AGP Executive Report

Cruise Port Upgrade: Antigua Cruise Port’s new upland development in St John’s is nearing the finish line, with officials touring the waterfront complex ahead of a November opening; the project is expected to create 75–100 jobs and includes 27 stores plus leisure and dining spaces. Cruise Port Takeover: As Global Ports’ lease ends, St John’s Development Corporation is set to take control of the upland facility, with plans to turn it over to SJDC after the lease period. Whale Protection Push: A coalition of Antiguan and Barbudan NGOs has launched a petition urging Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reverse the country’s support for commercial whaling ahead of an international meeting in Australia. New Luxury Resort Plan: Luxury Hotel Partners co-owner Daniel Shamoon is partnering on a new resort at Pearns Point, with plans for suites and villas plus shared amenities for guests and residents. Travel Disruption Watch: Caribbean Airlines is ending its direct Tobago–Barbados passenger and cargo service, creating a regional airlift gap that other carriers say they’re monitoring. Royal/CHOGM Context: King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026, with the King set to deliver an address.

Cruise Port Upgrade: Antigua Cruise Port’s St John’s upland development is nearing the finish line, with officials touring the site as it’s now expected to be completed by late October and open in November—part of a major makeover aimed at boosting cruise tourism and the St John’s cityscape. Jobs & Local Business: Government says the project could create 75–100 jobs and includes 27 retail stores, many locally owned, plus new leisure and dining options designed to keep visitors spending in Antigua and Barbuda. Port Control Transition: As the Global Ports lease ends, the upland facility is set to be handed over to the St John’s Development Corporation (SJDC), with plans for long-term management and added benefits for residents. Whale Policy Pushback: A coalition of local NGOs has launched a petition urging Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reverse Antigua and Barbuda’s support for commercial whaling, ahead of international discussions in Australia—adding fresh pressure to the country’s marine protection stance. New Luxury Resort Plan: Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited are partnering to develop a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point, with suites, villas, and shared amenities built around the area’s beaches and sea views.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Antigua Cruise Port’s upland development in St John’s is on track for a November opening, with officials touring the new commercial and leisure complex that’s expected to create 75–100 jobs and add dozens of retail spots, restaurants, and attractions for cruise visitors. Whale Policy Pushback: Antigua and Barbuda’s role in a push to review commercial whaling quotas is drawing fresh criticism, with Togo cosponsoring the proposal at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Australia—while conservation groups warn it could weaken the long-standing moratorium. Royal Travel Spotlight: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s upcoming Caribbean programme includes Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026, with the King expected to deliver an address—while the King’s London return also featured a plaque mishap and a wasp incident. Tourism Talent Development: Sandals Grande Antigua graduates six managers and supervisors from a 16-week hospitality leadership programme, strengthening regional skills in areas like spa, housekeeping, and restaurant operations. Air Travel Friction: A family says LIAT left them stranded in Jamaica after a cancelled flight, raising concerns about accommodation, meal support, and clear rebooking information. New Luxury Resort Plan: Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited are partnering to develop a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point, Antigua, with suites and villas planned alongside shared amenities for guests and residents.

Cruise Port Boost: Antigua Cruise Port’s upland development in St John’s is on track for a November opening, with officials touring the site and saying it could create 75–100 jobs, add 27 mostly locally owned shops, and lift cruise arrivals from around one million toward 1.5 million. Royal Caribbean Spotlight: King Charles III and Queen Camilla have been announced for an eight-day Commonwealth tour that includes Antigua and Barbuda (Oct 27–Nov 4), with the King also visiting the Bahamas and Guyana. Whale Protection Push: A coalition of local NGOs has launched a petition urging Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reverse Antigua and Barbuda’s commercial whaling stance ahead of an International Whaling Commission meeting in Australia. New Luxury Development: Hotelier Daniel Shamoon and Dutch developer Albert Hartog plan a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point, featuring suites and villas plus shared amenities for both resort guests and property owners. Air Travel Friction: An Antiguan family says LIAT left them stranded in Jamaica after a cancelled flight, alleging no clear return date or support for unexpected costs.

Royal Spotlight for CHOGM: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean Oct. 27–Nov. 4, including Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026 (Nov. 1–4), plus stops in the Bahamas and Guyana. Whale Policy Push: A coalition of local NGOs launched a petition urging Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reverse Antigua and Barbuda’s commercial whaling stance and back a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary. New Luxury Resort at Pearns Point: Hotelier Daniel Shamoon and Dutch developer Albert Hartog plan a luxury boutique resort inside Pearns Point, with suites, villas, and shared amenities for guests and owners. Tourism Skills Boost: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers completed a hospitality leadership programme, strengthening Caribbean talent through a capstone and leadership training. Creative Industries Plan: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting a White Paper and roadmap to grow music, film, festivals, and other creative sectors—linking them to tourism. Travel Disruption Complaint: An Antiguan family with a toddler says LIAT left them stranded in Jamaica after a cancelled flight, with no clear return date or support. Weather Watch: Authorities warned of heavy rainfall and flash-flood risk across the Leeward Islands this weekend as Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants move through. On-Island Screen Premiere: Love Link Caribbean held its premiere at Weatherills Hotel, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a romance destination.

Luxury Resort Push: Daniel Shamoon and Dutch developer Albert Hartog are teaming up to build a new luxury boutique resort inside Antigua’s Pearns Point (160 acres), with 20 single-story suites, 20 two-bedroom villas, and 36 additional villas for sale ($3m–$6m), plus a beach club by boat, organic-farm dining, spa/fitness, racquet club, and watersports. Royal Tourism Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s eight-day Caribbean tour (Oct 27–Nov 4, 2026), ending in St. John’s for CHOGM 2026 and including Antigua and Barbuda (Nov 1–4). Local Governance Shift: Antigua and Barbuda has dropped the oath of allegiance to the King, with officials now swearing loyalty to the state, laws, and constitution. Weather Watch: The Met Office is warning of heavy rain and possible flash flooding this weekend as Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants move through the Leeward Islands. Travel Disruption: An Antiguan family says LIAT left them stranded in Jamaica after a Montego Bay flight cancellation, with no clear return date and added costs. Creative Economy: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting a creative industries White Paper and roadmap, linking music, film, festivals, and tourism for more jobs and investment. Nevis Energy Update: Nevis officials inspected the Tyr drilling rig ahead of geothermal drilling expected to start in the second half of 2026. Cruise Industry: Oceania Sonata was floated out in Italy, nearly 30% larger than its predecessor with 695 suites/rooms, debuting Aug 7, 2027. CPL Match Hit by Rain: Patriots vs Falcons at Warner Park was abandoned after heavy downpour left the pitch saturated. Visa News: The US ended a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, effective Aug 21, 2026.

Royal Spotlight for CHOGM: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct 27 to Nov 4, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from Nov 1–4—plus stops in the Bahamas and Guyana—putting St. John’s firmly on the travel map. Local Governance & Identity: Antigua and Barbuda has dropped its oath of allegiance to the King, with newly appointed officials pledging loyalty to the state, its laws and constitution—an independence-era shift that lands just as the royal visit is announced. Tourism & Culture Launch: Love Link Caribbean premiered at Weatherills Hotel, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a “Romance Capital” backdrop for the new reality series aimed at boosting destination appeal. New Luxury Developments: Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited plan a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point, while Carlisle Bay prepares phase-two renovations for October, adding family-friendly suites. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly remnants are expected to bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk across the Leeward Islands and Antigua and Barbuda this weekend—clear drains and avoid flooded roads. Travel Disruption Alert: An Antiguan family says LIAT left them stranded in Jamaica after a Montego Bay cancellation, raising concerns about accommodation, meals, and reliable return info.

Royal Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct 27–Nov 4, 2026, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting them for CHOGM 2026 (Nov 1–4), plus stops in The Bahamas and Guyana. Local Governance: Antigua and Barbuda has dropped its oath of allegiance to the King, with newly appointed officials swearing loyalty to the state, its laws, and constitution instead. Tourism & Stays: Carlisle Bay will roll out phase two of its renovation in October, including new Carlisle Suites and upgraded Signature Beach Suites for easier multigenerational bookings. New Developments: Hotelier Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited are partnering to develop a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point in Antigua, while Wynn Al Marjan Island announced Townhomes as a new ultra-private accommodation option. Culture & Media: Love Link Caribbean premiered in Antigua, positioning the islands as a romance destination. Weather Watch: The region is bracing for heavy rain and flash-flood risk linked to Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants.

Royal Visit & CHOGM Prep: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4, with Antigua and Barbuda as the final stop for CHOGM 2026 (Nov. 1–4), plus separate legs for Charles to the Bahamas and Guyana. Local Governance Shift: Antigua and Barbuda has dropped the oath of allegiance to King Charles, with newly appointed officials swearing loyalty to the state, its laws, and constitution instead. New Luxury Stays: Wynn Al Marjan Island unveiled Townhomes at Enclave, while Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited announced a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point on Antigua’s west peninsula. Resort Upgrades: Carlisle Bay Antigua will debut phase two of its renovation in October, including reimagined suites for families. Women’s Wellness Tourism: The Landings Resort & Spa launched a women-focused spa programme, including an Oncology Spa Programme in the Caribbean. Weather Watch: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services warned of heavy rainfall and flash-flood risk this weekend tied to Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants. Creative Industries Push: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting a White Paper and roadmap to grow music, film, festivals and other creative sectors—linking them to tourism.

Royal CHOGM Push: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct 27–Nov 4, 2026, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting CHOGM Nov 1–4 in St. John’s—an event expected to bring major global attention and visitors. Local Governance & Identity: Antigua and Barbuda has dropped its oath of allegiance to the King, with officials pledging allegiance to the state and constitution instead, as the country continues its republic-minded direction. Hotel & Resort Growth: Luxury hotelier Daniel Shamoon and Orange Limited will develop a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point on Antigua’s west coast, while Carlisle Bay begins phase two renovations in October, unveiling new family-friendly suites. Creative Economy: Antigua and Barbuda is working on a white paper and roadmap to formalize and grow music, film, festivals, and creative industries, including links to tourism. Weather Watch: Residents and travelers should prepare for heavy rainfall and flash-flood risk this weekend as Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants move through the Leeward Islands.

Royal Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s eight-day Caribbean tour (Oct 27–Nov 4), with Antigua and Barbuda hosting CHOGM 2026 (Nov 1–4) and the royal couple also visiting The Bahamas and Guyana—an event likely to bring extra attention and visitors to St John’s. Local Governance & Identity: Antigua and Barbuda’s newly elected officials have dropped the oath of allegiance to the King, pledging instead to the state, laws, and constitution—part of a wider push toward republican status. Weather Watch: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services is warning of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding this weekend as Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants move through, with 1–3 inches possible and higher totals in short bursts. Tourism & Hospitality: Carlisle Bay Antigua is rolling out phase two of its multimillion-dollar renovation in October, including new Carlisle Suites and Signature Beach Suites designed for more residential-style family stays. Culture & Economy: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting a White Paper and roadmap to grow music, film, festivals, and other creative industries—explicitly linking the sector to tourism growth. Sports Tourism: Falcons’ recent CPL momentum continues after a big win over Tridents, with Sunil Narine starring in the league’s latest Antigua-Barbuda connection.

Weather Watch: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services is warning residents across the Leeward Islands to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding this weekend, tied to Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants, with 1–3 inches expected and locally higher bursts; low-lying areas, small creeks, and poorly drained spots are most at risk, and motorists are urged to avoid driving through flooded roads. Royal Travel & CHOGM: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4, with Antigua and Barbuda as the CHOGM 2026 host (Nov. 1–4); Charles will also visit the Bahamas (as head of state) and Guyana (state visit marking 60 years of ties), with Camilla joining for Antigua. Tourism & Hospitality: Carlisle Bay Antigua is set to roll out phase two of its multimillion-dollar renovation in October, adding new three-bedroom Carlisle Suites and 20 two-bedroom Signature Beach Suites. Local Economy: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing a White Paper and roadmap to grow its creative industries—music, film, festivals and more—into a bigger economic driver, including stronger links to tourism. Cruise Inspiration: Star Clippers’ tall-ship Leeward Islands itinerary is pitched as an ideal first-timer cruise, calling at Barbuda and Antigua among other ports.

Royal Spotlight for CHOGM 2026: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct 27–Nov 4, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Nov 1–4). Charles will start in the Bahamas, then head to Guyana for a state visit marking 60 years of UK–Guyana relations, before joining Camilla in Antigua for CHOGM—an event expected to bring major diplomatic and visitor activity to St John’s. Creative Economy Push: Antigua and Barbuda is drafting a White Paper and implementation roadmap to grow music, film, festivals and other creative industries, aiming to formalize the sector and strengthen links with tourism. Hotel Upgrade in Antigua: Carlisle Bay is set to unveil phase two of its renovation in October, adding reimagined family-friendly suites and more residential-style luxury. Cruise & Safety Notes: A retired RAF pilot died after a medical emergency while snorkeling during a Caribbean cruise, underscoring risks for water activities. Environment vs Whaling: Local and international environmental groups are urging Antigua and Barbuda to withdraw support for lifting the global ban on commercial whaling ahead of the International Whaling Commission meeting. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the Atlantic; travelers are advised to monitor its path for possible impacts across the region.

Royal & CHOGM Travel: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026, with the wider autumn tour running Oct 27–Nov 4; Charles will also make separate stops in the Bahamas and Guyana, with Antigua hosting the Nov 1–4 summit. Hotel & Resorts: Carlisle Bay Antigua is rolling out Phase Two of its multimillion-dollar renovation in October, adding reimagined three-bedroom Carlisle Suites and 20 two-bedroom Signature Beach Suites with upgraded family-friendly layouts. Public Access Watch: Antigua and Barbuda’s Development Control Authority is urging residents to report blocked or restricted public beach access, stressing lawful access rights as coastal development continues. Whaling Policy Pushback: Eleven local environmental groups have asked Prime Minister Gaston Browne to drop support for lifting the global ban on commercial whaling ahead of the International Whaling Commission meeting in September. Hurricane Update: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the Atlantic; travelers are advised to monitor its path as the season typically ramps up in September.

Royal Calendar for CHOGM: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct 27–Nov 4, 2026, with Antigua and Barbuda as the CHOGM 2026 stop (Nov 1–4 in St John’s), plus visits to the Bahamas and Guyana. Luxury Stays Update: Carlisle Bay Antigua will roll out Phase Two of its multimillion-dollar renovation in October, adding reimagined suites (including family-focused options with added bathrooms) for easier multigenerational bookings. Hotel Development: Orange Limited and global hotelier Daniel Shamoone are partnering to develop a luxury boutique resort at Pearns Point in Antigua. Public Access Watch: Antigua and Barbuda residents are being urged to report blocked or restricted public beach access, with the Development Control Authority reminding developers to protect lawful entry points. Travel Paperwork Pressure: Canada is tightening identity checks for travellers from Antigua and Barbuda (and other OECS states), urging applicants to keep documents consistent and complete. Investment Push for SIDS: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch an Island Investment Forum aimed at attracting investment and supporting sustainable growth across small island states.

Royal Travel & CHOGM: Buckingham Palace says King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4, with Antigua and Barbuda hosting CHOGM 2026 (Nov. 1–4). The trip also includes a Bahamas royal visit and a state visit to Guyana marking 60 years of bilateral ties—good news for travel demand ahead of the summit. US Visa Shock: The Trump administration has suspended new immigrant visa processing worldwide, with some applicants reportedly getting cancelled appointment emails—an important heads-up for travelers planning US-bound trips. Public Beach Access: Antigua and Barbuda’s Development Control Authority is urging residents to report blocked or restricted public beach access, reminding developers that lawful access points must be protected. Canada Tightens Checks: Canada is increasing identity and document verification for Antigua and Barbuda nationals applying to visit, stressing consistency across passports, travel plans, and supporting records. Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch the Island Investment Forum in the Maldives, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable development across small island states.