AGP Executive Report

Peace Beach Reef: Prime Minister Gaston Browne proposed restricting fishing around the new artificial reef so it can mature. He acknowledged some seagrass impact, while arguing the reef’s habitat benefits would outweigh it; no independent assessment was cited. Climate Action: Environment Minister Michael Joseph urged stronger climate finance and keeping the 1.5°C limit within reach, linking Barbuda’s experience after Hurricane Irma with the threats facing Tuvalu and other island communities. Local Stewardship: A cleanup removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands. Separately, a Fitches Creek resident condemned the dumping of a dead dog in the recently cleaned pond.

Marine Protection: Prime Minister Gaston Browne proposed restricting fishing near Peace Beach’s new artificial reef to give it time to mature. No start date or enforcement plan has been announced; Browne acknowledged some seagrass impact and promised public beach access would remain. Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda backed Pacific calls to keep the 1.5°C target within reach, protect island sovereignty and deliver climate finance, drawing parallels between Tuvalu’s coastal threats and Barbuda’s displacement after Hurricane Irma. Local Environment: A resident says a dead dog was dumped in Fitches Creek Pond, recently cleared of rubbish and planted with water lilies, and urged the public to protect the site. Wetlands: A cleanup removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands.

Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Michael Joseph linked Barbuda’s experience of Hurricane Irma to Tuvalu’s climate threat, backing the 1.5°C target, island sovereignty and greater climate finance. Clean Transport: Electric vehicles are heading to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM, the first delivery under its Octopus Energy partnership, to cut delegates’ transport emissions. Local Environment: A resident has condemned the dumping of a dead dog in Fitches Creek Pond, recently cleaned up by the community; a separate effort removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands. Marine Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda withdrew a disputed proposal at the International Whaling Commission that critics said could reopen the way to commercial whaling. Sustainable Culture: Art Week, November 11–18, will include activities using recycled materials.

Climate Front Line: Antigua and Barbuda’s Environment Minister Michael Joseph urged urgent climate action and greater finance for vulnerable islands at Pre-COP31, linking Tuvalu’s threats to Barbuda’s displacement after Hurricane Irma. Local Environment: A resident has condemned the dumping of a dead dog in Fitches Creek Pond, recently cleaned and restored by the community. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are on their way for CHOGM, a first practical step in the country’s clean-energy partnership with Octopus Energy. Wetland Cleanup: A cleanup removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands. Marine Wildlife: Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal at the International Whaling Commission to discuss “sustainable use” of whales was withdrawn after criticism that it could reopen the door to commercial whaling; the commission maintained its ban.

Climate Action: Antigua and Barbuda’s Environment Minister Michael Joseph told Pre-COP31 leaders that island communities need stronger climate finance and protection, drawing parallels between Barbuda’s displacement after Hurricane Irma and Tuvalu’s fight to remain on its land. Heat and Drought: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat to the Lesser Antilles; short-term drought had already developed in Antigua. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are heading to Antigua for November’s CHOGM, helping cut transport emissions and marking the first delivery under the country’s Octopus Energy partnership. Wetland Protection: A cleanup removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, while a Fitches Creek resident condemned the dumping of a dead dog in the recently restored pond. Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda withdrew a controversial proposal at the International Whaling Commission that could have opened a path to commercial whaling; the commission maintained its ban.

Climate Risks: Antigua and Barbuda’s Environment Minister Michael Joseph told Pacific leaders that climate threats endanger island homes, culture and sovereignty, drawing parallels between Tuvalu’s rising seas and Barbuda’s devastation by Hurricane Irma. CariCOF also warns a strong El Niño could bring worsening drought and lingering humid heat; short-term drought has already developed in Antigua. Local Environment: A Fitches Creek resident has condemned the dumping of a dead dog in the recently cleaned pond, calling for the community’s restoration work to be respected. Separately, 2,156 pounds of waste were removed from McKinnons Wetlands. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are on their way to Antigua for November’s CHOGM, the first practical step in the government’s clean-energy partnership with Octopus Energy, intended to cut transport emissions. Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda withdrew a controversial proposal at the International Whaling Commission that could have opened a path to commercial whaling; the commission maintained its longstanding ban.

Pollution Watch: A dead dog wrapped in plastic bags was dumped in Fitches Creek Pond, residents say, despite a recent community cleanup and restoration effort. Climate Action: Environment Minister Michael Joseph urged stronger climate action and finance at Pre-COP31, linking Tuvalu’s rising-sea threats to Barbuda’s displacement after Hurricane Irma and backing the 1.5°C goal. Drought Risk: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat; short-term drought has already developed in Antigua. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are en route for CHOGM to cut emissions from official transport, the first delivery under Antigua and Barbuda’s partnership with Octopus Energy. Whale Protection: Antigua and Barbuda withdrew a proposal at the International Whaling Commission that could have opened a path to commercial whaling; the commission maintained its ban.

Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Michael Joseph told Pre-COP31 leaders that climate change threatens island homes, culture and sovereignty, drawing parallels between Tuvalu and Barbuda after Hurricane Irma. Antigua and Barbuda backed the 1.5°C goal and called for stronger climate finance. Sustainable Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez has taken the chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, with sustainability and stronger links between tourism and local businesses among its priorities. Wetland Protection: A community cleanup removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands; volunteers also found bulky items requiring further support to remove. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat to the region. Short-term drought had developed in Antigua as of September 1, though flood risks remain across much of the Caribbean. Clean Transport: Electric vehicles are on their way for November’s CHOGM, marking the first delivery under Antigua and Barbuda’s clean-energy partnership with Octopus Energy. Marine Oversight: Dredging and reef works at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required written approvals were obtained within the protected North East Marine Management Area.

Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Michael Joseph told Pre-COP31 leaders that Tuvalu’s rising-sea threats echo Barbuda’s devastation by Hurricane Irma. He called for action to keep the 1.5°C target within reach, protect island sovereignty and deliver climate finance. Resilient Housing: Pelican Court’s 150 climate-resilient homes could welcome former Booby Alley residents as early as January, pending final arrangements. Weather Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could worsen drought and humid heat; short-term drought has already developed in Antigua, though flood risks remain across the region. Wetlands: Volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, bringing the total from two cleanups to more than 2,600 pounds. Marine Protection: Dredging and reef work at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required permits were issued for work inside the North East Marine Management Area. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are en route for CHOGM, the first practical delivery under Antigua and Barbuda’s Octopus Energy partnership, intended to cut transport emissions.

Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal at the International Whaling Commission to discuss “sustainable use” of whales — opening a path to commercial whaling — was withdrawn. A separate South Atlantic sanctuary bid also failed, while the commission maintained its commercial whaling ban. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and lingering humid heat to the Lesser Antilles. Short-term drought had already developed in Antigua by September 1, though flood risks remain high across much of the region. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are heading to Antigua for CHOGM, the first delivery under the government’s Octopus Energy partnership, to cut meeting-related transport emissions. Wetlands Cleanup: More than 53 volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands. Mattresses, stoves and other bulky items remain and need extra equipment to remove. Marine Protection: Dredging and artificial reef works at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required written approvals were obtained within the protected North East Marine Management Area. Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda joined Pacific pre-COP talks, where small-island states pressed for better access to climate finance and support for adaptation.

Clean Transport: Electric vehicles are on their way to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM in November, the first delivery under the country’s Octopus Energy partnership. They will help cut delegates’ transport emissions and showcase cleaner mobility. Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal at the International Whaling Commission to discuss the “sustainable use” of whales—and a possible path to commercial whaling—was withdrawn. The commission maintained its long-standing ban, while a proposed South Atlantic sanctuary also failed. Climate Risks: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat to the region; short-term drought has already developed in Antigua. Antigua and Barbuda also joined Pacific climate talks focused on island priorities, including adaptation and access to climate finance. Wetland Cleanup: Volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, bringing the total collected across two cleanups to more than 2,600 pounds. Larger dumped items still need heavy equipment. Marine Protection: Dredging and reef work at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether the written approvals required for activity in the North East Marine Management Area were obtained.

Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could expand drought risk and bring humid heat and possible heatwaves across the Caribbean in Oct–Dec, while still flagging flooding, flash-flooding and cascading hazards in many areas. Coastal Cleanup: EcoShores’ “Do It Twice” campaign removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, adding to earlier cleanup totals and highlighting how plastics and heavy items are getting embedded in wetland habitats. CHOGM Education & Recycling: Antigua’s CHOGM schools outreach programme has visited 50+ schools, bringing Commonwealth lessons and recycling-focused activities to classrooms islandwide. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda is represented at Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing for SIDS priorities like climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage ahead of COP31. Local Environment Governance: Barnacle Point marine works are under scrutiny over whether required fisheries and environmental approvals were properly granted for dredging and related activity in a marine reserve. Aviation & Sustainability: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority secured a seat on the ACI-LAC governing board, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation on safety, connectivity and sustainability. Commonwealth Leadership: Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey begins a Uganda visit ahead of CHOGM, with discussions centered on resilience, sustainable development and governance.

Regional Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Joseph is in Fiji and Tuvalu for pre-COP31 talks, pushing Small Island priorities like climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Local Environment Action: EcoShores’ “Do It Twice” campaign removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands, adding to earlier cleanup totals and highlighting how plastic and heavy items are getting embedded in the ecosystem. CHOGM Outreach & Recycling: The CHOGM schools outreach programme has visited 50+ schools across Antigua, bringing Commonwealth lessons and recycling-focused activities into classrooms. Marine Protection Scrutiny: Barnacle Point dredging and artificial reef works are drawing legal questions over whether required fisheries and environmental approvals were granted inside the North East Marine Management Area. Commonwealth Leadership Prep: Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey will visit Uganda to strengthen institutions and support sustainable development discussions ahead of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. Aviation & Sustainability: The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority secured a seat on the ACI-LAC governing board, aiming to boost regional influence on safety, connectivity and sustainability.

Marine & Permits: Dredging and artificial reef works at Barnacle Point have put Antigua’s fisheries and environmental approvals under scrutiny, with the key question being whether the written permissions required for activities inside the North East Marine Management Area were properly granted. COP31 Prep: Antigua and Barbuda is sending Minister Michael Joseph and Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas to Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing small-island priorities like climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Ocean Protection Funding: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator opened Round II, offering grants up to £50,000 for 10–15 ocean-focused projects led by Commonwealth countries. Whales & Policy: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission by just four votes, despite strong support, underscoring how hard it is to lock in long-term marine protection. Blue Economy & Resilience: Japan’s first Honorary Consul General in St. John’s, Donna Francis, was inaugurated with emphasis on climate resilience, sustainable development, and blue economy cooperation. Climate Diplomacy Attendance: Reuters reports few leaders outside the Pacific are attending the Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP, with Antigua and Barbuda among the confirmed exceptions.

Commonwealth CHOGM push: Antigua and Barbuda is set to host CHOGM in November 2026, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam meeting the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network to attract investors by pitching Bangladesh’s manufacturing drive, blue economy, renewable energy and circular economy plans. Royal tour with an environment angle: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Guyana Oct. 29–30 ahead of CHOGM, with meetings involving Indigenous leaders, scientists and environmentalists, plus conservation-focused engagements. Climate diplomacy spotlight: World powers are gathering in the Pacific for pre-COP talks in Fiji, but attendance from outside the region is thin—only a limited set of leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda, are confirmed—raising pressure for stronger climate action for small island states. Ocean protection funding: The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator opened a second round of grants (up to £50,000 each) for 10–15 ocean projects, backing sustainable blue economy work. Whale sanctuary setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed at the International Whaling Commission by four votes, despite strong support for non-lethal whale protection. Local climate resilience: Antigua and Barbuda’s Joy-Marie King urged evidence-based policy and financing for Small Island Developing States during a UN SDG consultation in Ecuador.

Climate Diplomacy Watch: World powers are heading to Fiji for a pre-COP meeting on Oct 5–8, but only a small set of leaders from outside the Pacific are confirmed—Antigua and Barbuda is among the few—while Pacific ministers push hard for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and urgent ocean-focused action ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Whale Protection: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, falling short by just four votes, despite growing support for non-lethal whale-watching benefits. Local Climate Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda is sending officials to climate warning and SDG-focused consultations, with calls for evidence-based policy and financing that matches small-island vulnerabilities. Commonwealth & Environment: King Charles III’s autumn tour includes Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026, with environmental conservation and biodiversity highlighted in the programme. Regional Social Policy: Minister Kiz Johnson will represent Antigua and Barbuda at an OECS Human and Social Development meeting focused on social protection, inclusion, and resilience.