AGP Executive Report

Destination Marketing Push: St. Kitts and Nevis officially launched “Explore St. Kitts and Nevis,” a new campaign built on “Explore, Live and Invest,” now being featured across major airline fleets like British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic and United to boost tourism and investment visibility. Sustainable Tourism Watch: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says the region needs carrying capacity assessments to avoid oversaturating destinations and weakening the visitor experience, with cruise calls and investment decisions tied to smarter planning. Nevis Farming Focus: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley clarified his stance on farmer independence—government support should enable business, while farmers must run farming as a serious, self-sustaining enterprise. Caribbean Week in New York: Ministers and tourism leaders gathered for Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” while Henderson was inducted into the CTO Hall of Fame at the Women in Leadership Awards. Culture, Food & Media: St. Kitts Tourism promoted the Federation on PIX11 with Jonette Boyd and Chef Stephen Marsham, and Nevis’s Pan Gyul won two awards at Cannes’ Diversity showcase. Kids’ Health & Advocacy: Child Month 2026 kicked off with “Good Nutrition, Movement and Rest,” and youth/civil society groups called for urgent action to curb harmful ultra-processed food marketing around schools. Science & Innovation: Nevis marked a major milestone with the first Caribbean space life sciences experiment launched into microgravity, and local tech innovator Venetta J. Smithen placed second in the Build Club “Women Who Build AI” accelerator for “Island Tales.” Community & Sport: SKNFA rolled out women’s football safeguarding/first-aid training and coach education, while a 12-year-old sailor, Greyson Burrell, became the first Kittitian to compete at OPTINAM. National Recognition: Government opened nominations for the 2026 National Honours Awards ahead of Independence 43.

Space & Science Milestone: Nevis marked a historic first for the Caribbean by launching its space life sciences experiment on May 31 aboard SSC SubOrbital Express SIX-5/M17 from Sweden, studying how gravity affects human immune cells—an education-and-collaboration win involving Nevis’ Ministry of Education, the University of Zurich, and Switzerland’s space partners. Youth & Learning: Child Month 2026 officially kicked off with the theme “Good Nutrition, Movement and Rest,” spotlighting balanced meals, active play, and proper rest for children’s growth. Culture on Screen: St. Kitts Tourism took centre stage on New York’s PIX11 as Jonette Boyd and Chef Stephen Marsham promoted the island’s heritage and food culture, with a boost for the 2026 Music Festival. Women in Tech & Storytelling: Venetta J. Smithen’s “Island Tales” secured second place in Build Club’s “Women Who Build AI” accelerator, using AI to preserve Caribbean folklore and support literacy. Community Health & Safety: SKNFA and the Red Cross announced women’s football safeguarding and first-aid training ahead of the 2026 season. National Pride & Recognition: Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Honours Awards, with a July 31 deadline. Sports Spotlight: Twelve-year-old Greyson Burrell became the first Kittitian to compete at the Optimist North American Championship in Halifax, finishing 20th among 57 sailors. Tourism Momentum: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority launched the 2026 SKY Programme (“St. Kitts Your Way”) to reward travel agents and strengthen trade partnerships.

Women’s Football & Safety: SKNFA is gearing up for the 2026 season with a First Aid and Safeguarding Training Programme for women in football, partnering with the St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross to help clubs build safer match-day practices. Citizenship & Travel Access: The Investment Gateway Summit (IGS 2026) will offer eligible nationals a waiver on biometric processing fees under the passport modernisation programme, encouraging more people to attend June 17–20. Coaching Development: SKNFA continues its coach education push with the second cohort of the Concacaf C Licence course, training 46 coaches to strengthen a pathway from grassroots to higher-level football. Sports Tourism Spotlight: The ANOCES Athletics Championships are set for St. Kitts and Nevis July 4–5 at Kim Collins Stadium, with tickets and grounds pricing announced for the regional meet. Space & STEM Milestone: Nevis marked a historic win with the first Caribbean space life sciences experiment launched into microgravity, exploring how gravity affects human immune cells—an education-and-research partnership involving Nevis, the University of Zurich, and Swiss space partners. Tourism Trade Boost: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority launched the 2026 SKY Programme (“St. Kitts Your Way”), offering travel agents preferred rates, site inspections, and island perks through Dec. 15. Independence Build-Up: Independence 43 unveiled its theme—“One People, One Vision, Endless Possibility”—and a logo inspired by the Berkeley Memorial. Faith & Community in Storm Season: St. Kitts and Nevis began the Trans Atlantic Hurricane Season with a national church service themed “In the Shadow of His Wings: We Take Refuge.” Women in Tech & Culture: Venetta J. Smithen’s “Island Tales” won second place in the Build Club “Women Who Build AI” Accelerator, using AI to preserve Caribbean storytelling and support literacy. Film & Music Recognition: Nevis’s Pan Gyul won two awards at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, including Best First-Time Filmmaker and Best Original Song, and is set for further festival screenings. Child Month Starts: Education Minister launched Child Month 2026 with the theme focused on good nutrition, movement, and rest. Cruise Sector Update: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says cruise arrivals are rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, with plans to move toward transit-port operations in 2027. Environment Month Calendar: The Environment Month 2026 programme is set to kick off June 5 at Independence Square under “Climate Action: For Environment, For Empowerment, For Everyone.”

Centenarians Day: The Governor-General led Federation-wide visits to honour seniors aged 100+ with praise and worship, including centenarians in Nevis (Eliza Jeffers, Olga Hicks-Jeffers, Evelyn Brown, Leontine Clarke, Geraldine Berry, Ernestine Wilks) and St. Kitts (Edmund Morton, Esther Harris, Rupert Griffin). Women in Tech & Culture: Venetta J. Smithen’s AI storytelling project “Island Tales” won second place in the global Build Club “Women Who Build AI” Accelerator, spotlighting Caribbean heritage, literacy, and women builders. Film & Music Recognition: Nevis-shot short film “Pan Gyul” won two awards at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, including Best First-Time Filmmaker for Juliette Jeffers and Best Original Song for Javid Allen, and was selected for ABFF’s “Voices of Culture.” STEM, Education & Space: A historic Nevis-built life sciences experiment launched from Sweden aboard SSC Space’s SubOrbital Express-5, linking local teachers and students with Swiss research to study microgravity’s effects on genome architecture. Child Month Launch: Education Minister Geoffery Hanley officially opened Child Month 2026, themed “Fueling Our Bodies with The Best: Good Nutrition, Movement and Rest,” with activities rolling out for children. Tourism & Community: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley pointed to seasonality as a key tourism challenge, while St. Kitts Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson reported a strong cruise rebound and plans to deepen community-led visitor experiences. Environment Month Coming: The Environment Month 2026 calendar was announced, with a June 5 launch at Independence Square under “Climate Action: For Environment, For Empowerment, For Everyone.” Culinary Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis named an eight-member team for Taste of the Caribbean 2026 in Barbados, aiming to showcase local flavours across the region.

Tourism & Culture: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley points to seasonality as the biggest hurdle for the island’s tourism, saying events like Culturama and the Mango Festival are built to pull visitors through slower months, while officials also push more regional travel and community-led experiences. Regional Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with ministers and tourism leaders meeting under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as St. Kitts and Nevis joins the push for stronger connectivity and a unified Caribbean tourism voice. Cruise Momentum: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson reports a strong rebound in St. Kitts’ cruise sector, with cruise passenger arrivals reaching pre-pandemic levels and plans to shift toward a transit-port model in 2027. Awards & Film Spotlight: Nevis’ Pan Gyul won two awards at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, and is set for further screenings, adding fresh international visibility to local storytelling. Child Month & Youth Sports: Education Minister Geoffery Hanley officially launched Child Month 2026, while the Early Childhood Development Unit hosted a cricket festival ahead of the celebrations. Women, Health & Inclusion: Nevis’ Department of Gender Affairs marked Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 with a push for dignity, education, and better access to products and services. Community Recognition: Centenarians Day celebrations honored seniors across both islands, with Governor-General-led tributes and faith-filled visits to citizens aged 100+. Environment Calendar: The Environment Month 2026 programme was announced, with a June 5 launch at Independence Square focused on climate action and public participation.

Arts & Film: Nevis’ Pan Gyul won two awards at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, taking Best First-Time Filmmaker for Juliette Jeffers and Best Original Song for “Kaiso Estasy” by Javid Allen, with the short also officially selected for the American Black Film Festival’s Voices of Culture showcase. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says St. Kitts’ cruise sector is rebounding strongly, with arrivals back near pre-pandemic levels, while the island also earned four 2026 World Travel Awards nominations across cultural, dive, adventure and tourist board categories. Community & Heritage: Centenarians Day celebrations honoured seniors across both islands, with Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd and officials visiting honourees aged 100+ in St. Kitts and Nevis. STEM & Education: St. Kitts and Nevis crossed into space with a historic Nevis-built life sciences experiment launched from Sweden, built through a partnership involving Nevis education and the University of Zurich. Gender & Health: Nevis Department of Gender Affairs marked Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, pushing a “period-friendly world” focused on dignity, education, products and services. Sports & Youth: LOUD 26 wrapped up in St. Kitts, blending HR leadership with cultural showcases, while a pre-Child Month cricket festival helped kick off early childhood active living. Environment: Environment Month 2026 is set to launch June 5 with a federation-wide calendar aimed at climate action and public participation.

Taste of the Caribbean 2026: St. Kitts and Nevis names an eight-member culinary team—led by Chef Larry Monrose and Chef Peter Marshall—to represent the Federation in Bridgetown this November, spotlighting local flavours from kitchens to the bar. World Travel Awards: Tourism stakeholders earn four 2026 World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean Cultural Destination and Caribbean Dive Destination, with public voting now open. Centenarians Day: Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd and officials visit centenarians across St. Kitts and Nevis, celebrating 100+ citizens with tokens, praise, and worship. Nevis on the big screen: Short film Pan Gyul wins two awards at Diversity in Cannes and lands an ABFF selection, putting Nevisian music and identity at the centre. STEM & culture through space: A historic St. Kitts and Nevis–Switzerland life sciences mission launches to boost STEM learning and research links for Nevis. Environment Month 2026: The Federation announces a June calendar of activities under “Climate Action: For Environment, For Empowerment, For Everyone,” starting June 5. Tourism access: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts route withdrawal is said to have happened without consultation, as officials move to secure alternatives. Community sport for kids: ECDU hosts a cricket festival ahead of Child Month, pushing active play and teamwork for young learners.

Caribbean Culture on the Global Stage: Nevis made film history as Pan Gyul won two awards at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and earned an ABFF “Voices of Culture” selection, spotlighting local music and storytelling. Tourism & Community Livelihoods: St. Kitts pushed for wider benefits as tourism products get decentralised into communities like Old Road and Black Rocks, linking visitors to local vendors, agriculture and experiences. Environment & Public Engagement: St. Kitts and Nevis announced the Environment Month 2026 calendar under “Climate Action: For Environment, For Empowerment, For Everyone,” kicking off June 5 at Independence Square. Education for Sustainable Futures: With UNESCO support, the Federation plans to embed Education for Sustainable Development into the curriculum from September 2026, starting with Grade 3 and 5. Sports & Youth Pride: Jahzara Claxton was named to the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad, while Nevis marked World Centenarians Day with tributes to six centenarians. Diplomacy & Diaspora: A new St. Kitts High Commission opened in India, and the government launched a Diaspora Heritage Emergence 2026 week for diaspora youth to reconnect with culture and governance.

Space & STEM: St. Kitts and Nevis and Switzerland launched a historic space life sciences mission (SSC SubOrbital Express) to boost STEM learning and research capacity in Nevis through a University of Zurich partnership. Tourism & Culture: Saint Kitts scored four 2026 World Travel Awards nominations—Caribbean Adventure, Caribbean Cultural, Caribbean Dive, and Caribbean Tourist Board—urging public voting to keep the Federation in the spotlight. Diaspora & Film: Brooklyn-born filmmaker Louric Rankine, with roots in Jamaica and St. Kitts and Nevis, is set to bring his new project “Melody Heals the Soul” to the islands for production, spotlighting local talent and stories. Workplace Leadership: LOUD 26 wrapped up after three days of HR leadership, workforce innovation, neurodiversity sessions, and cultural showcases. Child Protection Debate: A viral Xoan Laws post sparked public concern over alleged spiritual/therapeutic practices involving minors, with the discussion touching the Obeah Act and the line between culture and regulation. Community Heritage: Nevis honoured six centenarians ahead of World Centenarians Day, celebrating living history and community contributions. Education for Sustainability: With UNESCO support, St. Kitts and Nevis plans to embed Education for Sustainable Development into the national curriculum starting Sept. 2026. Tourism Access in Communities: Tourism officials say products are being decentralised so benefits reach rural areas, linking visitors to local agriculture, fisheries, and community experiences. Women & Digital Inclusion: St. Kitts and Nevis highlighted initiatives and ongoing barriers for women’s full participation in digital spaces at the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women. Sports & Youth Pride: Jahzara Claxton was named to the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad, while Nevis hosted a pre-Child Month cricket festival to get kids active early. Environment Month: The Federation announced Environment Month 2026 activities, launching June 5 at Independence Square under a climate action theme.

World Centenarian Day: St. Kitts and Nevis marked May 29 by honouring nine citizens aged 100 and over, with home visits on both islands led by youth, health, and ageing-focused ministries. Child Month Prep: The Early Childhood Development Unit hosted a Cricket Festival in Basseterre as a fun, active lead-up to Child Month launch on May 31. Education & Sustainability: With UNESCO support, St. Kitts and Nevis is set to embed Education for Sustainable Development into the national curriculum from September 2026, starting with Grade 3 and 5 and expanding to secondary schools by 2030. Women, Tech & Inclusion: Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin told the Inter-American Commission of Women that digital inclusion must be more than access—calling out barriers like harassment, bias, and gaps in digital literacy. Cricket Pride: Nevis-born Jahzara Claxton was named to the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad, a major milestone for Federation cricket. Regional Security: CARICOM IMPACS turns 20 next month as leaders point to rising border pressures and the need for shared security. Diplomacy & Culture: St. Kitts and Nevis opened its High Commission in India, strengthening South-South ties and development cooperation. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts sparked concern after officials said it happened without consultation, while talks move to secure a new partner. Diaspora & Heritage: Government launched a Diaspora Heritage Emergence (DHE) 2026 week-long programme for diaspora youth, mixing learning, culture, and tours from July 18–25. Sports Calendar: Netball fans get a big night in Nevis with the 2026 Federal Netball League Finals on May 30. Biometrics Update: The Federation also announced mandatory biometric passport enrolment, with appointments already underway and a deadline set for July 31, 2027. Culture in Action: Nevis’ Mango Fest 2026 spotlights local chefs and mango creativity over four days.

Tourism & Connectivity: Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines pulled out of St. Kitts without consulting the government, even as officials move to secure a new airline partner to protect regional travel links. Global Diplomacy & Culture: St. Kitts and Nevis opened its High Commission in India, with leaders stressing South-South cooperation and new development pathways. Women, Tech & Equality: Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin told the Inter-American Commission of Women that digital inclusion must be more than access—women need safe, equitable online spaces and protection from bias and harassment. Sports Pride: Jahzara Claxton was named to the West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup squad, adding another Federation milestone to the growing list of young talent. Nevis & Community Events: The 2026 Federal Netball League Finals hit Nevis on May 30, with a family-friendly ticketing push for a big night at Dora Stevens Netball Complex. Culture & Food: Nevis’ Mango Fest 2026 spotlights local chefs and mango creativity under “Meet the Mangofest Chefs.” Diaspora & Heritage: Government launched the Diaspora Heritage Emergence (DHE) 2026, a July 18–25 programme meant to reconnect diaspora youth with culture, governance, and island life. Travel Documents: St. Kitts and Nevis begins mandatory biometric passport upgrades, with completion required by July 31, 2027.

World Cup Spotlight: St. Kitts’ Jahzara Claxton has been named to the West Indies Women’s 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, a big win for local cricket and young players dreaming big. Immigration & Community Questions: Concerns are rising after a Belizean national was transferred to St. Kitts under a U.S. “safe-third country” migration arrangement, with officials saying it was for U.S. immigration violations and that the person could choose to return home. Travel Documents Update: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched mandatory biometric passport enrolment, with citizens required to complete the upgrade by 31 July 2027. Women’s Health & Dignity: Nevis’ Department of Gender Affairs took part in Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 activities, reinforcing period-friendly education and support. Sport for Families: The 2026 Federal Netball League Finals are set for May 30 in Nevis, bringing four top teams to the Dora Stevens Netball Complex. Culture & Heritage in Motion: The “Explore SKN” destination campaign is officially launched to market St. Kitts and Nevis as a lifestyle and investment escape, not just a beach stop. Music & National Pride: Plans are confirmed for the official funeral of cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero on June 11 at Newtown Playing Field.

Passport & Identity: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched a mandatory biometric passport upgrade, with citizens required to complete enrolment by 31 July 2027 at designated collection centres worldwide. Women & Health: Nevis marked Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 with community activities focused on dignity, education, and period-friendly support. Sport & Community: The 2026 Federal Netball League Finals hit Nevis on May 30 at the Cicely Grell-Hull Dora Stevens Netball Complex, featuring Bath United vs Phoenix Ballers and the championship clash Coca Cola Shamrock vs Aqua Ballers. Youth & Talent: Shirvon Greene, a Nevis-born head coach at Monroe University, was ranked among the top Black head coaches in NJCAA Division I women’s track and field. Culture & Food: Nevis’ Mango Fest 2026 returns with an all-local chef lineup and mango-inspired culinary challenges and dining over four days. Diaspora & Heritage: Government announced the Diaspora Heritage Emergence (DHE) 2026 programme (July 18–25) to reconnect diaspora youth with governance, culture, and island life. State Culture: An official funeral has been set for cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero on June 11 at Newtown Playing Field.

Global Africa & Diaspora Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched the ACTIF 2026 website (actif2026.com) for the Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, themed “Shared Roots. New Routes,” inviting governments, investors, creatives, academics and the diaspora to register and connect. Destination Marketing: The “Explore SKN” campaign goes global, pitching the Federation as a rare Caribbean sanctuary to explore, live and invest—positioned for tourism growth and Port Zante home-porting. Culinary Culture: Nevis’ Mango Fest 2026 spotlights an all-local chef lineup for four days of mango innovation, challenges and dining experiences. Youth & Learning: Tech Tank SKN launches to inspire ages 14–18 to pitch ideas, get mentorship and compete as future innovators. Community & Heritage: The Diaspora Heritage Emergence (DHE) 2026 program runs July 18–25, bringing diaspora youth back for governance, culture and economic immersion. Music & National Memory: An Official Funeral is set for cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero on June 11 at Newtown Playing Field. Education Wins: Gingerland Secondary and Ivor Walters Primary take spelling bee titles in Nevis. Regional Security (Culture-adjacent): CARICOM, UN and UNDP roll out a public-health approach to crime and violence across the region.

Cultural Diplomacy: H.E. Jacinth Henry-Martin urged St. Kitts and Nevis to treat the diaspora as “strategic capital,” linking culture, gastronomy, artistry and market access to national development. Tourism & Lifestyle Branding: “Explore SKN” was launched to position the Federation as a Caribbean sanctuary for travel, lifestyle and investment, with plans for major international visibility. Africa-Caribbean Exchange: The ACTIF 2026 website went live under “Shared Roots. New Routes,” inviting diaspora, creatives and investors to register for the Africa-Caribbean trade and cultural forum. Youth Talent & Culture: Haynes Smith Youth Club named three women to its Miss Caribbean Talented Teen committee ahead of the 44th pageant, spotlighting youth confidence and cultural expression. Community Learning: Nevis and Gingerland schools won spelling bee titles at NEPAC, celebrating literacy and student achievement. National Mourning: St. Kitts and Nevis announced an Official Funeral for calypsonian “King Ellie Matt” Nero on June 11 at Newtown Playing Field. Diaspora Heritage: Government unveiled a one-week Diaspora Heritage Emergence (DHE) 2026 program for diaspora youth to learn governance, culture and economic life. Regional Security (Public Health Lens): CARICOM, UN and UNDP launched a framework to treat crime and violence as a public health issue, with cross-sector prevention focus. Youth Entrepreneurship: Stakeholders met to shape a Youth Economic Empowerment Bureau to help young people start and sustain businesses. Sports & Homecoming: Honda Newtown United FC appointed Alexis “Al” Richards as men’s head coach for 2026/27. Education & Research: Doctoral student Khalisha Halley presented maternal substance-use research at CARPHA’s health conference, linking pregnancy outcomes to low birth weight. Immigration & Travel Tension: Reports described an airport stand-off after Nigerian passengers were allegedly denied entry over documentation issues, raising questions about regional travel coordination.

State & Culture: St. Kitts and Nevis has announced an Official Funeral for cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, with public tributes at 12:00 p.m. and the main service at 1:00 p.m. on June 11 at Newtown Playing Field, honoring the calypsonian’s legacy as founder of “Ellie Matt and the GI’s Brass.” Education & Youth: Nevis and St. Kitts spelling-bee spotlights continue, with Ivor Walters Primary School winning the 17th Annual Primary Spelling Bee and Gingerland Secondary crowned champs in the 17th Annual Secondary Spelling Bee. Community & Heritage: Girls Illuminated Nevis shared how Hollywood actress Nia Long’s visit inspired young women with messages of confidence and purpose. Regional People-Moves: St. Kitts and Nevis will receive its first group of third-country CARICOM citizens transferred from the U.S., with officials stressing it’s tied to immigration violations, not criminal convictions. Youth Empowerment: Government consultations advance plans for a Youth Economic Empowerment Bureau, bringing together youth, finance, and public-sector stakeholders to shape the framework. Health & Regional News: WHO is intensifying efforts to contain a worsening Ebola outbreak in Africa, as confirmed and suspected cases rise.