AGP Executive Report

OECS & EU CBI Pressure: OECS heads met in Dominica to review the European Union’s latest Citizenship by Investment demands, warning any changes could hit economic resilience and long-term prosperity, including funding for climate resilience and disaster recovery. CARICOM Affordability Push: CARICOM leaders and private sector partners agreed on practical steps to ease cost of living, including cutting intra-regional trade barriers, lowering transport and logistics costs, diversifying imports, and accelerating renewable energy and a regional ferry service. Brussels Mission on CBI: Eastern Caribbean CBI states also agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to engage EU officials and address concerns tied to visa-free access. Reparations Turns Practical: A regional forum alongside CARICOM’s meeting framed reparatory justice as a development and policy agenda, with a completed socioeconomic reparatory justice report presented to the Government of Saint Lucia. Labour Compliance in Security Sector: Saint Lucia’s Department of Labour held talks with private security providers to improve compliance with the Labour Act and reduce recurring complaints over wages, overtime, and termination practices. Regional Disaster Aid: CARICOM allies dispatched an 88-container relief shipment to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including food, medical supplies, and heavy equipment—one more sign of regional solidarity.

Affordability Push: CARICOM, the OECS Business Council and private-sector groups met in Saint Lucia to agree practical steps to cut the cost of living, including lowering intra-regional trade barriers, easing transport and logistics costs, diversifying imports, and tackling how the IMO net-zero rules could hit small island states. CARICOM Summit Focus: Leaders wrapped up the 51st CARICOM Heads meeting in Gros Islet with plans to protect consumers, reduce freight and fuel import costs, expand renewable energy, and fast-track an affordable regional ferry to strengthen trade and food security. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders agreed on a coordinated response to the EU’s concerns about Citizenship by Investment, including stronger due diligence and a high-level mission to Brussels—while debate continues over the financial risk if CBI is phased out. Regional Solidarity for Climate Disaster: Guyana and CARICOM partners sent 88 containers of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Saint Lucia among the contributing states. Tourism & Nature Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ tourism surge and Dominica’s Secret Bay ranking highlight the region’s rainforest-and-coast appeal, while a Star Clippers offer spotlights Grenadines and Tobago Cays excursions. People, Security, and Travel Warnings: U.S. travel advisories were updated for Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos due to rising crime concerns.

CARICOM Unity Push: CARICOM Day in Castries saw new chair Philip J. Pierre urge leaders to move “beyond discussion” and deliver real results on integration, cost of living, and extreme weather resilience. Regional Governance & Climate Agenda: A post-summit analysis by pollster Peter Wickham says the 51st CARICOM meeting in St. Lucia ended with stronger, more united diplomacy, including progress on consumer protection, an affordable interregional ferry, and faster food-security cooperation. Humanitarian Relief at Sea: CARICOM allies dispatched an 88-container relief shipment to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, with Saint Lucia among the participating states sending food, medicine, and recovery support. Food Security Research: CARDI showcased climate-resilient farming innovations aimed at boosting yields of crops like sweet potato, cassava, and dasheen—part of a wider push to cut food import bills. Biodiversity Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance during the CARICOM summit, aligning with efforts to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. Tourism & Nature: Dominica’s Secret Bay earned a top-10 Caribbean resort ranking from Travel + Leisure, highlighting sustainability-focused eco-tourism across the region. Reparations Debate: Barbados PM Mia Mottley called a UK lawmaker’s “repay Britain” claim “asinine,” renewing pressure for slavery reparations discussions tied to CARICOM talks.

CARICOM Summit Wrap: CARICOM leaders closed their 51st meeting in St. Lucia with a push on cost of living relief, consumer protection, and faster regional integration—plus progress on an affordable interregional ferry and food security. Energy & Prices: Leaders warned that while governments can cushion households, the real driver is imported fossil fuel costs, and the fix is scaling renewables to smooth the region’s “up and down” shocks. Humanitarian Response: A CARICOM relief ship carrying 88 containers of emergency supplies sailed for earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, including water tanks and heavy equipment to support recovery. Climate Finance Focus: Bahamian PM Philip Davis stressed fairer climate funding for small islands facing stronger storms and rising seas. ECCB Milestone: The EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate turns 50, with the ECCB pointing to stability as a base for the next “Big Push.” Biodiversity Push: Trinidad and Tobago joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, aligning with the 30% land and ocean protection goal by 2030. Local Safety & Environment: St. Lucia’s agriculture and forestry teams stepped up community work to reduce Fer-de-Lance snakebite risks through education and environmental management. Blue Economy Support: OECS extended the deadline for Window 2 matching grants for Blue Economy value chain groups, now due July 24.

CARICOM Summit Wrap (St. Lucia): The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet ended with leaders pushing cost-of-living relief and food security through stronger regional cooperation, including progress on an affordable interregional ferry and steps to protect consumers. Regional Integration & Food Systems: CARICOM leaders also stressed faster implementation of the CSME and deeper collaboration on health, education, and culture to make integration deliver real benefits. ECCB Milestone: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed peg to the US dollar, highlighting stability for trade and investment and a “Big Push” for shared prosperity. Blue Economy Support (St. Lucia): The OECS Commission extended the deadline for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme to July 24, backing blue economy value-chain groups with grant funding. Local Environment & Safety: St. Lucia’s agriculture and forestry teams stepped up community work to reduce Fer-de-Lance snake bite incidents, combining public education with environmental management. Biodiversity Push: Trinidad and Tobago joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, aligning with the goal of protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030.

CARICOM Summit Wrap-Up: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia ended with leaders pushing cost-of-living relief, stronger consumer protection, and faster steps toward an affordable interregional ferry to boost trade and food security. Regional Food & Farming Innovation: CARDI highlighted climate-resilient agricultural research, showing higher yields for crops like sweet potato, cassava and dasheen, while a separate push trains farmers in climate-smart irrigation. Biodiversity Push: Trinidad and Tobago joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance, aiming to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. Disaster Response Aid: A CARICOM relief ship left Port Georgetown for earthquake-hit Venezuela carrying food, medical supplies, water tanks and excavators. Local Safety & Environment: St. Lucia’s agriculture and forestry teams stepped up community education and environmental management to reduce Fer-de-Lance snakebite risks. CARICOM Leadership & Integration: Philip J. Pierre took over the CARICOM chair, with calls to speed up integration and deliver tangible benefits for people. Blue Economy Funding: OECS extended the Window 2 deadline for MSME matching grants to July 24 for blue economy value-chain groups. CBI Under EU Pressure: EU demands OECS states phase out Citizenship by Investment by 2028, triggering warnings about existential impacts on small island budgets.

CARICOM Youth & Climate Focus: At the 51st CARICOM Heads meeting in St. Lucia, youth advocate Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph urged leaders to back young people to speed up regional integration, pointing to CARICOM’s work on climate change and food security. Healthy Eating Push in Soufrière: The Ministry of Health unveiled a healthy eating mural at Soufrière Primary School to promote fruits, vegetables, water intake, and locally grown foods. Snakebite Prevention Drive: Government teams met residents in Millet and Tête Chemin to reduce Fer-de-Lance snakebite incidents through public education, environmental management, and community partnerships. CARICOM Leadership on Climate & Results: New chair Philip J. Pierre set a “conference rooms to communities” agenda, stressing unity and turning climate and disaster priorities into real outcomes for people. Ocean, Environment & Partnerships: CARICOM’s assistant secretary-general met partners including Korea, highlighting support for agricultural technology, climate resilience, environmental governance, and health systems. Regional Integration Under Pressure: The summit also continues amid a simmering dispute over the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett, with leaders calling for unity and faster implementation of regional decisions.

CARICOM Chair Pushes “Results” for Climate, Food and Security: Saint Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre took over CARICOM’s rotating chairmanship, telling leaders the bloc must move from “conference rooms to communities” and deliver on rising living costs, stronger hurricanes, unpredictable rainfall, climate impacts on farming and fishing, and crime. Regional Integration Under Pressure: CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett urged leaders to close gaps in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including capital markets, payments and settlements, and wider movement of persons. EU-Linked Citizenship by Investment Shock: Antigua and Barbuda received an EU request to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 1, 2028, citing a revised visa suspension mechanism that treats running CBI schemes as a stand-alone reason to suspend visa-free access—setting up a major diplomatic and economic showdown. Climate-Smart Water and Aquaculture Training: Saint Lucian interns visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm, learning freshwater aquaculture practices focused on water quality, filtration, and organic feeding methods. Local Environment and Community Resilience: A CARICOM-linked push highlights ocean governance, disaster risk management and water security as priorities under Pierre’s sustainable development remit. Gender-Based Violence Spotlight: A new look at Saint Lucia’s gender-based violence crisis points to underreporting and calls for stronger action as advocates warn existing figures likely miss the true scale.

CARICOM Leadership & Climate Focus: St. Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre officially took over the CARICOM chair for six months, pledging a people-centred push that turns regional decisions into results—especially on sustainable development, climate resilience, ocean governance, disaster risk, and water security—with youth urged to help drive sustainability. Regional Unity & Security: Outgoing chair Terrance Drew wrapped up his term with a call for integration that people can feel, while Pierre and CARICOM leaders repeatedly warned that division weakens the region as they confront crime, hurricanes, unpredictable rainfall, and rising living costs. CSME Implementation Gaps: CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett urged leaders to accelerate CSME work, including closing gaps on capital markets, payments and settlements, and expanding movement of persons, while also calling for deeper public participation. EU Citizenship by Investment Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda faces an EU demand to phase out its CBI programme by June 2028, with a 24-month transition and stricter vetting—sparking a likely diplomatic and economic showdown. Local Human Impact: Saint Lucia’s gender-based violence crisis remains in focus, with reporting highlighting how incomplete data can still point to serious levels of partner and former-partner violence.

CARICOM Summit in St. Lucia: Heads of Government opened the 51st CARICOM meeting under “From Resilience to Renewal,” with incoming chair Philip J. Pierre pushing for integration that people can feel—moving from “conference rooms to communities”—as leaders tackle climate change, food and energy security, crime, and regional security. CARICOM Single Market push: Secretary-General Carla Barnett urged leaders to close gaps in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including payments, capital markets, and movement of persons, and to speed up national implementation. Climate and agriculture on the agenda: Pierre’s remarks tied urgent action to hurricanes, unpredictable rainfall, and climate impacts on farming and fishing, alongside strengthening the agri-food systems agenda. Gender-based violence spotlight: A new report highlights Saint Lucia’s gender-based violence crisis, noting incomplete data but warning that recorded figures likely understate the scale. Regional training for security: A Regional Security System programme saw law enforcement and prosecutors graduate after training aimed at improving justice delivery across member states. Tourism and heritage: The Iconic Laborians Centre and Anse Kawet Crafters Gift Shop were unveiled in Laborie, supported by the Community Business Revitalisation Project.

CARICOM Summit in St. Lucia: Incoming chair Philip J. Pierre opened the 51st Heads of Government meeting with a clear message: CARICOM must move from “conference rooms to communities” and deliver results on crime, climate resilience, food and energy security, and the cost of living. Regional Unity Push: Leaders also stressed stronger collective action as the region faces global and regional pressures, with Pierre calling for accountability, timelines, and measurable impact. Climate and Disaster Focus: The agenda includes climate resilience and security, while regional leaders also discussed disaster preparedness and renewable energy. Water and Coastal Risk: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre linked last week’s Cedros coastline uplift to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, a reminder of how quickly coastal hazards can reshape local ecosystems. Animal Health & Trade Controversy: Saint Lucia’s agriculture authorities defended procedures around the export of two horses to Grenada, after euthanasia sparked debate over permits and handling. Local Conservation Funding: The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund backed community conservation projects and recognized participants completing sustainable development skills training. Agriculture Adaptation: FAO training in Soufrière and Union is helping farmers use irrigation, fertigation, and nutrient management to better handle changing conditions.

CARICOM Summit in St. Lucia: Leaders opened the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet under “From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” with St. Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre pushing a people-centred agenda on climate resilience, food and energy security, security cooperation, and regional integration. Public voice in integration: CARICOM SG Dr. Carla Barnett urged wider civil society participation so everyday citizens feel the impact of decisions tied to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. Climate risk watch: CariCOF warns strengthening El Niño and warming seas could mean hotter, more humid conditions, slower-to-ease drought in the Lesser Antilles, and a higher chance of damaging heavy-rain flooding later in the wet season. Water and farming support: FAO training with Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry is helping farmers use irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management to boost yields and cope with changing conditions. Animal health dispute: Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry defended approved protocols after two horses exported to Grenada were euthanised following Babesia spp. findings, amid ongoing debate over handling and permits. Conservation funding: The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund backed community conservation projects and recognised participants completing sustainable development training. Regional security capacity: Eastern Caribbean officers and prosecutors completed an RSS prosecution course aimed at improving justice delivery across member states.

CARICOM in St. Lucia: Prime Minister Gaston Browne will attend the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet (5–8 July), with leaders set to tackle climate resilience, food and nutrition security, regional security, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. People-first regional push: Incoming CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre says CARICOM must “move closer to the people,” with priorities including climate justice, economic renewal, and strengthening unity. Climate risk watch: CariCOF warns strengthening El Niño and warmer Caribbean seas could mean more heatwaves, slower drought relief in the Lesser Antilles, and higher chances of flooding from heavy rain. Water and farming resilience: FAO training is bringing practical irrigation and fertigation skills to Saint Lucian farmers, while officials urge storm-season water safety amid El Niño-linked health risks. Animal health dispute: Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry defends procedures around two horses exported to Grenada that were later euthanised after testing positive for Equine Piroplasmosis. Conservation funding: The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund backed two community conservation projects as dozens complete sustainability training. Regional justice capacity: Eastern Caribbean law enforcement and prosecutors finish an RSS programme to strengthen criminal prosecution and justice delivery.

CARICOM Leadership & Climate Agenda: Saint Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre opened the CARICOM Heads of Government summit push with a “From Resilience to Renewal” theme, calling for unity and people-first delivery as climate pressures, food and energy security, and crime remain top concerns. Regional Governance Dispute: Opposition to the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett is set to land at the Caribbean Court of Justice, with Ramlogan urging the matter be examined after Trinidad and Tobago’s objections. Water, Food & Farming Resilience: FAO training with Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry is equipping farmers with practical irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management skills to boost yields and cope with changing conditions. Animal Health & Trade Protocols: Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry defended procedures around the export of two horses to Grenada after euthanasia linked to Equine Piroplasmosis testing, amid ongoing regional debate. Coastal Risk After Quakes: UWI confirmed Venezuela’s twin earthquakes triggered coastal uplift near Cedros, shifting shorelines and stranding marine life. Community Conservation Funding: The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund backed two community groups with new conservation projects and recognized participants completing sustainable development skills training. Heat & El Niño Outlook: CariCOF warns strengthening El Niño and warming seas could mean more intense heat, slower drought relief in the Lesser Antilles, and higher flood risk from heavy rains later in the wet season.

CARICOM Leadership Shift: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre officially assumes the CARICOM chairmanship for July 1–Dec 31, pledging a people-first agenda focused on climate justice, food and nutrition security, economic renewal, and making regional decisions felt in communities, schools, and homes. Regional Security Training: Eastern Caribbean officers and prosecutors complete an RSS Criminal Practice and Procedure course, aimed at strengthening prosecution skills and improving justice delivery across member states. Animal Health & Trade Dispute: Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry defends the export of two horses to Grenada, saying veterinary checks and lab testing were done before Grenada euthanised animals after Babesia spp. results; the case continues to spark animal welfare and permit concerns. Conservation Funding: The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund backs two community conservation projects and recognises dozens of participants graduating from sustainability-focused training. Climate & Farming Support: FAO training brings climate-smart irrigation and fertigation skills to Saint Lucian farmers, helping improve crop performance and water use. Disaster Readiness & Water Safety: Officials warn that El Niño-influenced storm season can bring hidden health risks, especially around water contamination and food safety. Coastal Change Linked to Quakes: UWI confirms Venezuela’s twin earthquakes triggered coastal uplift near Cedros, leaving sea life stranded and reshaping shorelines.

CARICOM Leadership & Climate Focus: Saint Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre officially takes the CARICOM chair for July–December, pledging a people-first agenda that includes climate justice, food and nutrition security, and practical regional delivery. Regional Tourism & Communities: OECS is pushing community-based tourism after a June workshop in Saint Lucia aimed at strengthening local tourism policies so communities become the main beneficiaries. Farm Resilience Training: FAO and Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry delivered hands-on climate-smart irrigation and fertigation training in Soufrière and Union to help farmers boost crop performance and conserve water. Water Safety Warning: Officials are urging residents to prepare for El Niño-influenced storm impacts this hurricane season, with special attention on water contamination risks to health and food safety. Earthquake Aftermath: UWI confirms Venezuela quakes triggered coastal uplift near Cedros, leaving sea life stranded and reshaping the shoreline. Animal Health Dispute: Authorities defend Saint Lucia’s handling of a horse export case to Grenada after Babesia spp. testing led to euthanasia, amid renewed debate over quarantine and procedures. Weather Watch: Cold snaps and damaging wave warnings are reported regionally, including a KwaZulu-Natal alert for hazardous coastal conditions.