AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the region, bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms first, then Saharan dust that could worsen air quality. Regional Health Security: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen Caribbean public health emergency preparedness and disaster response across 26 member states. Montserrat Health Exchange: Montserrat’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are visiting St. Helena to swap ideas on community health, disease prevention, emergency care, mental health, and smoking/vaping reduction. ECCB Money Milestone: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, highlighting stability and the “Big Push” for shared prosperity. Montserrat Football Rebuild: FIFA’s normalisation work for the Montserrat Football Association is gaining momentum, including a first official referee training course and renewed Under-14 youth development. CARICOM Leadership: CARICOM’s 51st regular meeting in Saint Lucia brought together regional leaders, with Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade among attendees.

CARICOM Leadership: A CARICOM heads-of-government communiqué was issued after the 5–8 July meeting in Gros Islet, listing leaders attending, including Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade, as regional priorities continue to be set. ECCB & EC Dollar Stability: The ECCB marked the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, while also holding its 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica—reaffirming the “Big Push” focus on resilience and shared prosperity. ECCB Chair Handover + New Currency: Dominica is set to assume ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship, with a ceremony also unveiling redesigned EC banknotes and coins tied to the 50-year peg milestone. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre (CREOC) to strengthen Caribbean disaster and public health emergency coordination across 26 member states, funded through EU support. Montserrat Health Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge visited St. Helena to exchange ideas on community health, disease prevention, emergency care, mental health, and smoking/vaping reduction. Air Travel & Investor Risk: Antigua PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline after delays and cancellations, while a separate report raised concerns about how a detention case involving Blue Waters and CAL’s bottled water switch could affect investor confidence. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may reduce air quality. Football Rebuilding: Montserrat Football Association updates show grassroots momentum after FIFA’s normalisation committee—plus the island’s first official referee training course with a formal pathway for officiating. Community & Environment: Uranium Heritage Days included hands-on upcycling and a “mock rescue mission” teaching kids how to protect the island from volcanic eruption and hurricane scenarios.

Public Health Exchange: Montserrat’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are visiting St. Helena (July 6–10) to swap ideas on community engagement, disease prevention, emergency care, mental health, and smoking/vaping reduction, including tours of hospital, mental health, prison, and social care services. Regional Finance & Currency: Dominica will take the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship (July 9) as the ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, with new redesigned banknotes and coins unveiled to mark the milestone. Disaster-Ready Health Systems: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre (July 3) to strengthen Caribbean preparedness and coordination for public health emergencies across 26 member states, supported by EU funding. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Eastern Caribbean bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality; another wave is being monitored in the central Atlantic. Tourism & Connectivity: Montserrat reaffirmed its tourism push after SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, while regional aviation groups flagged rising regulatory pressures tied to environmental fuel rules and passenger compensation.

ECCB Milestone & Currency Design: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg, with ceremonies in Dominica including the unveiling of newly redesigned EC banknotes and coins. Regional Health Security: CARPHA inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre to boost Caribbean readiness and coordination for public health emergencies and disasters. Montserrat-UK Health Exchange: Montserrat’s Chief Medical Officer and a parliamentary secretary visit St. Helena to swap practical ideas on community health, prevention, emergency care, mental health, and tackling vaping. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality across the region. Tourism Partnerships: Montserrat reaffirmed its tourism push after SMART 2026, securing new meetings with regional and international travel partners. Football Rebuild (Governance + Grassroots): FIFA’s normalisation work for Montserrat Football Association is translating into renewed momentum, including an Under-14 restart and the island’s first official referee training course. Community Wellbeing: MOPPA UK launched “Wisdom Groove,” a senior-focused music and movement space supported by Bank of Montserrat Ltd. Aviation Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways hit a major milestone with GDS integration, improving regional travel access that supports sustainable tourism.

ECCB Milestone & Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, with celebrations highlighting how the peg has supported low inflation and trade confidence across Montserrat and the wider ECCU. Regional Health Security: CARPHA has inaugurated the CARPHA Regional Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen Caribbean preparedness and coordination for public health emergencies and disasters. Montserrat–UK Health Exchange: Montserrat’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are visiting St. Helena to swap ideas on community health, disease prevention, emergency care, mental health, and tackling smoking and vaping. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality. Football Rebuilding: Montserrat Football Association momentum continues with a first official referee training course and ongoing grassroots youth programmes after FIFA’s normalisation push. Tourism & Connectivity: Montserrat is strengthening tourism partnerships after SMART 2026, while regional aviation groups warn that new environmental and passenger-rights rules could raise costs for remote routes.

Currency Stability: The ECCB is marking 50 years since the EC dollar was fixed at EC$2.70 to US$1.00, calling the unchanged parity a key reason inflation stayed low and trade confidence held steady—now the bank’s “Big Push” aims to use that stability for transformation and shared prosperity. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Eastern Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could worsen air quality; the U.S. National Hurricane Centre is also tracking another wave farther out. Tourism & Connectivity: Montserrat says it’s expanding its tourism reach after SMART 2026, where its team logged 35 meetings with regional and international partners. Community-Based Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, running a Saint Lucia workshop to help member states build stronger local tourism policies so communities become the main beneficiaries. Regional Aviation Policy: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU fuel mandates could raise compliance costs and create liquidity risks for regional carriers. Montserrat in the Mix: Trans Anguilla Airways highlighted its GDS integration and continued service links that include Montserrat, supporting regional mobility and sustainable tourism development. Local Environment & Creativity: Uranium Heritage Days included upcycled crafts and a “mock rescue mission” for kids focused on protecting Montserrat from volcanic eruption and hurricanes.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways says its new GDS integration is a major milestone, boosting visibility and making it easier for travellers to reach islands including Montserrat, supporting tourism and regional mobility. Weather & Air Quality Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality across the region. Montserrat Tourism Push: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority highlights SMART 2026 results, reporting strong buyer and supplier participation and 35 business meetings as it works to expand the island’s tourism reach. Community-Based Tourism in the OECS: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to strengthen community-based tourism, training member states to build policies that keep benefits within communities while protecting culture and natural assets. Aviation Regulation Pressure: The ERAA board meeting in the Canary Islands focused on regulatory threats to regional airlines, including EU passenger compensation rules and ReFuelEU fuel blending requirements that could raise costs and strain networks. Local Climate-Ready Play: During Uranium Heritage Days, children took part in a mock rescue mission training them to “protect Montserrat” from a volcanic eruption and hurricane, alongside upcycled crafts and community activities. Vatican Environment & Development Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican office tied to migrants, the environment and development, signaling continued emphasis on climate and social issues.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways says its new GDS integration is a major milestone, boosting visibility and making it easier for travellers to reach Montserrat and other Eastern Caribbean destinations. Weather & Air Quality: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could reduce air quality. Tourism Partnerships: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority highlighted renewed destination momentum after SMART 2026, using buyer meetings to strengthen regional and international travel links. Community-Based Tourism: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to keep benefits in local communities and protect natural and cultural assets. Aviation Regulation Pressure: The ERAA board warned that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU fuel mandates could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline liquidity. Local Climate Readiness Play: During Uranium Heritage Days, children took part in a mock rescue mission focused on protecting Montserrat from volcanic eruption and hurricane scenarios. EV Travel Trend (Europe): A new charging report suggests EV road trips are getting easier as fast-charging expands, shifting the focus from range anxiety to route planning.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean, bringing periods of heavy showers and thunderstorms, then a surge of Saharan dust that could lower air quality across the region. Aviation & Climate Policy: The European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 passenger rules and ReFuelEU Aviation fuel blending targets could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline networks. Tourism Partnerships: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s doubling down after SMART 2026, reporting strong buyer and supplier participation and new meetings with regional and international partners. Community-Based Tourism: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism as a growth engine that keeps benefits in local communities, supported by EU funding. EV Travel (Europe): A new charging report highlights rapid growth in public EV charging across Europe, making road trips feel more seamless for drivers. Vatican Environment & Development: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering migration, social justice, development, and the environment, with a new leadership structure also tied to Laudato si’ education.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave moving into the Caribbean is bringing periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, with some gusty conditions, before a surge of Saharan dust could follow and reduce air quality; the U.S. National Hurricane Centre is also tracking another wave farther east with a low chance of development. Tourism & Community Resilience: The OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, running a capacity-building workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states turn local communities into the main beneficiaries—linking tourism with culture, agriculture, heritage, and natural assets. Montserrat Tourism Outreach: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it is strengthening regional partnerships after SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, citing increased buyer and supplier participation and dozens of pre-scheduled meetings. Regional Aviation Policy: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 passenger rules and ReFuelEU fuel mandates could raise compliance costs and threaten regional airline liquidity, especially for remote networks. Climate-Linked Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering integral human development, including migration and environmental work, with a new pro-prefect role tied to Laudato si’ education.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean, bringing periods of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms, then followed by a surge of Saharan dust that could reduce air quality. Aviation & Environment Policy: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 passenger rules and ReFuelEU sustainable fuel blending targets could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline finances. Tourism Strategy: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s building momentum after SMART 2026, reporting strong buyer and supplier participation and new business meetings with regional and international partners. Community-Based Tourism: OECS officials held a workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states strengthen community-based tourism policies, aiming to keep tourism benefits in local communities while protecting culture and natural assets. EV Travel Infrastructure: A European charging report highlights rapid growth in public EV charging, making road trips easier as fast and ultra-fast options expand. Food & Water Stress Signals: Early European pear estimates point to declines in Spain, France, and Belgium, with Portugal up—while growers cite rising input costs, labor shortages, water access limits, and tighter pest-control rules. Vatican Leadership & Climate: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering migration, social justice, development, and the environment, with a new pro-prefect role tied to Laudato si’ education.

Tropical Weather Watch: A tropical wave moving into the Caribbean is bringing periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, with locally gusty conditions, before Saharan dust later threatens air quality. Regional Aviation Policy: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 passenger compensation rules and the ReFuelEU Aviation fuel mandate could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline networks. Tourism Partnerships: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s building momentum after SMART 2026, reporting strong buyer and supplier participation and dozens of business meetings with regional and international partners. Community-Based Tourism Push: OECS officials held a workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states strengthen community-based tourism policies, aiming to keep more tourism benefits in local communities and protect natural and cultural assets. EV Charging for Travel: A Europe-wide charging report highlights rapid growth in public EV chargers, making road trips easier as charging becomes more integrated into route planning. Vatican Climate & Migration Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering integral human development, including migration and environmental work. Maritime Safety Legacy: A special Caribbean history feature revisits the MV Christena inquiry and the reforms it helped shape for maritime safety. Agriculture & Water Stress: New European pear estimates point to declines in Spain, France, and Belgium, with Portugal up—amid rising input costs, labor shortages, and tighter limits on pest control and water access.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean, bringing periods of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms, then a surge of Saharan dust that could worsen air quality. Regional Aviation Policy: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 passenger rules and the ReFuelEU Aviation fuel mandate could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline finances. Tourism Partnerships: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s pushing wider reach after SMART 2026, reporting more buyer and supplier participation and dozens of business meetings. Community-Based Tourism: OECS officials held a workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states build stronger community-based tourism plans, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF, with a focus on keeping tourism benefits in local communities and protecting natural and cultural assets. EV Charging for Travelers: A European charging report highlights rapid growth in public EV charging points, making road trips easier as fast-charging expands. Leadership & Climate Link: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering migration, social justice, development, and the environment—another senior role for women in church leadership. Agriculture & Water Stress: Early estimates for the 2026/27 pear season show declines in Spain, France, and Belgium, with Portugal up—amid rising input costs, labor shortages, and water and pest-control pressures.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean, bringing periods of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms, then a surge of Saharan dust that could lower air quality. Aviation Policy & Emissions: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU Aviation’s sustainable fuel blending targets could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline liquidity. Tourism Strategy: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s building stronger partnerships after SMART 2026, reporting expanded buyer and supplier participation and dozens of business meetings. Community-Based Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, running workshops in Saint Lucia to help member states turn local communities into primary beneficiaries of tourism. EV Infrastructure: A European charging report highlights rapid growth in public EV charging, making road trips easier as fast and ultra-fast options expand. Food & Water Stress: Europe’s pear outlook for 2026/27 points to declines in Spain, France, and Belgium, with Portugal up—amid rising input costs, labor shortages, water access issues, and tighter pest-control limits. Church & Environment: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering migration, social justice, development, and care for creation, effective Sept. 1.

Montserrat Tourism: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s pushing deeper regional reach after a strong run at SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, with a bigger delegation and 35 pre-scheduled meetings aimed at tour operators and travel partners across the US, Netherlands, Spain and more. Regional Aviation & Emissions Rules: In the Canary Islands, the ERAA board met with Binter to warn that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU’s sustainable fuel blending targets could raise compliance costs and strain liquidity for airlines serving remote destinations. OECS Community-Based Tourism: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism policy, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF, stressing local communities as the main beneficiaries and stewards of culture and natural assets. Vatican Environment & Development Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering migration, social justice, development and the environment, with a new pro-prefect role tied to Laudato si’ education. Agriculture & Water/Inputs Pressure: European pear estimates for 2026/27 point to declines in Spain, France and Belgium, while Portugal rises—amid rising input costs, labor shortages, water access issues and tighter pest-control limits.

Montserrat Tourism: The Montserrat Tourism Authority says it’s pushing deeper tourism links after a strong showing at SMART 2026 in St. Maarten/St. Martin, where the island logged 35 pre-scheduled meetings with tour operators and partners across the US, Netherlands, Spain and the Dominican Republic. Regional Aviation & Emissions Rules: In the Canary Islands, the European Regions Airline Association met with Binter to warn that EU261 passenger compensation and ReFuelEU Aviation fuel blending targets could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline liquidity. OECS Community-Based Tourism: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to strengthen community-based tourism policies, backed by the EU’s 11th European Development Fund, aiming to keep more tourism benefits in local communities while protecting culture and natural assets. Local Community Wellbeing: MOPPA UK unveiled “Wisdom Groove,” a senior-focused music and movement space at its Family Fun Day, supported by Bank of Montserrat and delivered with Moving Waves. Vatican Environment & Development Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican dicastery covering migration, social justice and the environment, effective September 1, 2026. Food & Water Stress Signals: A European pear outlook points to declines in Spain, France and Belgium but a rise in Portugal, with growers citing higher input costs, labor limits, water access and tighter pest-control rules.