AGP Executive Report

Renewables & Power Costs: APUA is moving toward a 55-megawatt renewable push, with officials saying solar could be financed and built over the next few years—while stressing it must come with battery storage and grid upgrades to keep supply reliable. Ocean Monitoring: Antigua and Barbuda’s Met Service is urging people not to tamper with three Sofar ocean-monitoring buoys after one was recovered in Barbuda; the data helps improve marine and weather forecasts. SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda helped launch the Island Investment Forum in the Maldives, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable, resilient development across small island states. Climate Resilience Planning: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society is strengthening hurricane preparedness through an Early Action Protocol approach, designed to trigger pre-funded help before disasters hit. Health & Environment Link: PAHO/WHO welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister for orientation on regional cooperation, including work to improve access to essential and high-cost medicines.

Marine Safety & Forecasting: The Antigua and Barbuda Met Office is urging mariners and the public to treat newly deployed monitoring buoys as a national asset after one was reported missing and later recovered on Barbuda—residents are asked not to move, tamper with, or interfere with the buoys, since their data improves marine and weather forecasts. SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda has joined the Maldives and the UN to launch an Island Investment Forum in Malé, bringing together 200+ participants to back sustainable, resilient development across small island states, with focus areas including tourism, renewable energy, digitalisation and financing. Health Leadership in the Region: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed duties as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, with priorities on strengthening equitable health systems and improving access to essential medicines. Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society is strengthening hurricane preparedness through an Early Action Protocol approach, aiming to trigger pre-funded help before disasters hit. Marine Monitoring Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three Sofar ocean data buoy stations under the RCCAME project, boosting coastal and marine observation capacity ahead of peak hurricane season.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda is stepping up for peak Atlantic hurricane season with three new Sofar ocean data buoy stations under the RCCAME project, funded by a US$1.5 million Caribbean Development Bank grant, managed by CIMH to strengthen a regional marine observation network. SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda joined the Maldives and the UN to launch the Island Investment Forum in Malé, aiming to attract investment and support sustainable, resilient development across Small Island Developing States, with discussions spanning tourism, renewable energy, digitalisation and financing. Health System Focus: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, with priorities that include access to essential and high-cost medicines. Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society is validating Early Action Protocols with regional partners so aid can be triggered and pre-funded before disasters hit. Climate & Biodiversity at COP31: Pacific leaders are urging COP31 to move from promises to funded, practical biodiversity and climate solutions as sea-level pressures intensify. STEM for a Hotter World: The Halo Foundation donated air-conditioning units to St. John’s Catholic School to support the TechByte STEM Academy launch in September 2026.

Marine Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda received three new SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to boost hurricane-season forecasting and marine safety under the RCCAME project, with training for local operators. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis officially assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with a focus on strengthening resilient, equitable health systems across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda. Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund humanitarian help before disasters hit. Youth & Skills: Fifty-eight young entrepreneurs completed the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, backed by the Sandals Foundation, while a STEM push added air-conditioning units for the TechByte STEM Academy at St. John’s Catholic School. Regional Economy: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but notes Guyana’s surge is driving the gap—Antigua and Barbuda is forecast at 3.5%. Governance & Services: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based trade-in-services policymaking using TiSSTAT.

Climate Resilience & Disaster Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society is strengthening hurricane preparedness with a regional Early Action Protocol approach, aiming to trigger pre-funded help before disasters hit. Marine Monitoring Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three new SOFAR ocean data buoy stations under the RCCAME project to boost forecasting and maritime safety ahead of peak Atlantic hurricane season. Regional Health Cooperation: PAHO/WHO welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister for orientation and discussed priorities like improving access to essential and high-cost medicines. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed duties as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, supporting resilient and equitable health systems across the OECS. Youth & Skills for Sustainability: The Entrepreneurship Edge Programme wrapped up with 58 young entrepreneurs completing training, while ABCAS reopened late applications for agriculture, environmental sciences, and other future-focused programmes. Regional Economic Context: ECLAC forecasts Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but highlights how much Guyana’s surge lifts the regional picture.

Marine Resilience Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three new SOFAR ocean data buoy stations as part of the RCCAME project, strengthening forecasting and early warnings ahead of peak hurricane season, with local training led by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. Coastal Cleanup Drive: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society continues its monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of plastics, glass, and discarded fishing gear to protect coral reefs, seagrass, fisheries, and reduce storm-surge impacts. Early Action for Hurricanes: ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to finalize pre-agreed, pre-funded disaster response plans—so aid can reach communities before the worst hits. SIDS Business Push: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organizing major SIDS forums in the Maldives (Aug 23–25) focused on investment and business opportunities, with UN support—an indirect but important lever for climate-proof development. Health & Environment Governance: Health Minister Michael Joseph met PAHO/WHO for orientation and talks on strengthening access to essential and high-cost medicines, including mental health and cancer treatment.

Climate Policy Shock: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” warning Caribbean governments to stop leaning on Citizenship by Investment money as EU deadlines and foreign pressure tighten. Maritime Safety & Environment: Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority has published a “Non-Compliant Vessels” list for ships it says break rules in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention and seizure—raising stakes for regional shipping and environmental protection. Hurricane Readiness: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to pre-plan and pre-fund disaster response before storms hit. Marine Monitoring Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to strengthen forecasting and maritime safety during peak hurricane season. Coastal Pollution Action: ABRCS volunteers ran monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of waste to protect coral reefs, seagrass and marine life. Health & Medicines: PAHO/WHO oriented Antigua and Barbuda’s new Health Minister on priorities like access to essential and high-cost medicines, while a recall was issued for three pharmaceutical products. Cyber Alert: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims but has “no confirmed evidence” of a breach, urging staff and students to stay vigilant.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three new SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to strengthen hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety, with local training starting for the Met Service under the RCCAME project. Coastal Cleanup Push: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society continued its monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of plastics, glass, and fishing debris to protect reefs, seagrass, and marine life. Early Action for Hurricanes: ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to finalize pre-agreed, pre-funded disaster responses so help can reach communities before storms hit. Weather Warnings That Act: CMO and WMO are rolling out workshops to shift the region toward impact-based forecasting and better alert delivery, including Antigua and Barbuda’s training dates. Regional Resilience via Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and support economic diversification. Health & Environment Link: ABCAS reopened late applications, including new environmental sciences offerings, as the country pushes skills for sustainable development.

Marine Forecast Upgrade: Antigua and Barbuda received three new SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to boost hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety, with local training starting after the handover. Coastal Pollution Fight: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society kept up its monthly beach clean-ups, pulling thousands of pounds of plastics, glass and fishing gear from shorelines to protect reefs and marine life. Disaster Readiness (Early Action): ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to finalize pre-agreed, pre-funded steps that trigger before storms hit. Youth & Climate Stewardship: Barbuda’s Blue Halo Ocean Camp put 26 young people into “citizen science” on mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs, linking climate change impacts to hands-on monitoring. Regional Resilience & Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based trade-in-services policymaking across the Eastern Caribbean using TiSSTAT. SIDS Investment Push: Antigua and Barbuda will co-host SIDS business forums in the Maldives (Aug 23–25) with UN support, aiming to connect island economies to investment and development partners.

Cyber Safety Watch: UWI says it’s investigating ransomware claims after receiving an alert, but reports no confirmed breach of its systems or leaked information, urging the community to avoid suspicious links and report unusual activity. Climate & Coasts: Antigua and Barbuda received three Sofar ocean data buoy stations to boost marine forecasting and hurricane-season readiness, while the ABRCS keeps up monthly beach clean-ups to cut plastics and fishing debris before it reaches reefs and seagrass. Disaster Readiness: ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to help trigger pre-agreed, pre-funded help when forecasts predict cyclones—so aid arrives before the worst hits. Marine Stewardship for Youth: Barbuda’s Blue Halo Ocean Camp is training 10–16-year-olds in citizen science across mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs, linking climate change impacts to local protection. Weather Warnings That Act: CMO and WMO workshops are rolling out across the region to shift alerts toward impact-based warnings, including Antigua and Barbuda’s training dates. Local Development & Skills: The Entrepreneurship Edge Programme just wrapped with 58 young entrepreneurs completing training supported by the Sandals Foundation.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoy stations as part of the RCCAME project, strengthening forecasting and maritime safety ahead of peak hurricane season, with local training underway for deployment and maintenance. Disaster Preparedness (Early Action): The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to finalize pre-agreed, pre-funded actions that trigger before disasters hit. Coastal Pollution Fight: ABRCS continues monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of plastics, glass and fishing debris to protect coral reefs, seagrass and fisheries while urging stronger personal responsibility. Weather Warnings Upgrade: CMO and WMO are rolling out workshops on CAP and impact-based forecasting so alerts focus on what the weather will do—and what it means for people—starting with Antigua and Barbuda on Aug 24–25. Youth & Environment Stewardship: Barbuda’s Blue Halo Ocean Camp put 26 young people into hands-on science on mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs, linking citizen science to climate resilience in Codrington Lagoon. Regional Policy for Resilience: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based trade-in-services policymaking across the Eastern Caribbean using TiSSTAT.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three new SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to strengthen forecasting and maritime safety as the Atlantic hurricane season peaks, supporting a wider regional marine observation network. Coastal Pollution Fight: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross says its monthly beach clean-ups keep removing thousands of pounds of waste, helping protect coral reefs, seagrass and marine life from litter and microplastics. Hurricane Preparedness, Earlier Action: ABRCS joined a regional Early Action Protocol workshop to finalize pre-agreed, pre-funded disaster steps so help can reach people before storms hit. Youth & Entrepreneurship: 58 young entrepreneurs completed the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, supported by the Sandals Foundation, with an expo showcasing new businesses. Regional Trade Data Push: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the Eastern Caribbean. SIDS Investment Forum: Antigua and Barbuda is co-organizing with the Maldives and UN-OHRLLS the SIDS Global Business Network Forum and Island Investment Forum (Aug 23–25) in Malé.

Disaster Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) joined a French Red Cross-led Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to finalize sub-regional plans that trigger pre-funded help when cyclone forecasts hit. Coastal Pollution: ABRCS volunteers kept up monthly beach clean-ups, pulling thousands of pounds of plastics, glass, and fishing debris before it reaches coral reefs and seagrass. Marine Monitoring: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to boost hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety, with local training underway. Radiation Safety Training: A regional course is training professionals to manage radiation-related risks across healthcare and research. Youth & Environment: Barbuda’s Blue Halo Ocean Camp brought 26 young people into citizen science, studying mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs in Codrington Lagoon. Weather Warnings Upgrade: CMO and WMO workshops are rolling out impact-based forecasting and alert delivery across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda later this month.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three Sofar ocean data buoy stations to strengthen hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety, part of a US$1.5m RCCAME project aimed at upgrading the Meteorological Service and building local skills. Weather Warnings Upgrade: CMO and WMO are rolling out workshops across the region to shift alerts toward impact-based forecasting, with Antigua and Barbuda scheduled for Aug 24–25. Coastal Pollution Fight: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross keeps running monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of plastics, glass, and fishing gear to protect reefs, seagrass, and marine life. Youth Entrepreneurship: 58 young entrepreneurs completed the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, backed by the Sandals Foundation, with an expo to help turn training into real businesses. Regional Policy for Resilience: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps. Barbuda Climate Science: Blue Halo Ocean Camp put 26 Barbudan youth into hands-on citizen science on mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoy stations to strengthen hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety, with training starting for local operators under the RCCAME project. Coastal Pollution Fight: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross continued monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of waste and warning that marine litter can harm reefs, seagrass and fisheries. Early Warnings for All: CMO and WMO-backed workshops aim to shift weather alerts toward impact-based warnings, with Antigua and Barbuda set for training later this month. OECS Trade Data Push: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a services-trade project using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states plan stronger export strategies. Youth & Environment Stewardship: Barbuda’s Blue Halo Ocean Camp put 10–16-year-olds into “living laboratory” science on mangroves, seagrass and coral, linking climate change to local stewardship. Health & Safety Notices: Antigua and Barbuda issued a recall of three pharmaceutical products (Diovan, Atorvastatin, Cetirizine) and urged people to check affected batches.

Marine Monitoring Boost: Antigua and Barbuda received three SOFAR ocean data buoys under the RCCAME project, with one already deployed and two more due this week, aiming to strengthen hurricane-season forecasting and maritime safety through better early warnings and local training. Coastal Pollution Push: The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society continued monthly beach clean-ups, removing thousands of pounds of plastics, glass, and fishing gear to protect coral reefs, seagrass, and marine life. Youth Entrepreneurship: Fifty-eight young entrepreneurs completed the 2026 Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, backed by the Sandals Foundation, with an expo on International Youth Day showcasing new businesses and skills. Disaster Readiness for Fisherfolk: ABRCS held a Barbuda fisherfolk consultation to shape early actions under the Early Action Protocol, supporting anticipatory disaster preparedness through the 3 Oceans Project. Weather Watch: Antigua and Barbuda warned of heavy rain and flooding risk as a tropical wave moves toward the Lesser Antilles, with gusts and downpours expected into the weekend.