AGP Executive Report

Community-Based Tourism Boost: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to train Member States on “From Assessment to Action” CBT policy development and national action planning, backed by the 11th European Development Fund RIGHT programme—aiming to keep tourism income in local communities while protecting culture and natural assets. STEM for Youth: The ECCB is set to launch its 2026 STEM Camp on July 6, a free four-week programme for ages 14–18 across all eight ECCU territories (including Anguilla), focused on AI skills with Python plus design thinking and collaboration to turn young people into creators and innovators. Anguilla Hospitality Expansion: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite exclusive-use beachfront retreat, returning the brand’s “private resort” model to Anguilla. Caribbean Maritime Safety History: A special feature revisits the MV Christena inquiry, highlighting how the 1970 Commission of Inquiry shaped long-term maritime safety reforms across the Eastern Caribbean. Insurance Numbers Watch: A new look at captive insurance management counts how many captive managers operate across the 88 domiciles, using regulatory lists, trade association data, and public sources.

Maritime Safety History: A new Caribbean historical feature revisits the 1970 Commission of Inquiry into the MV Christena sinking, detailing what led to the disaster, whether it could have been prevented, and the sweeping reforms that reshaped Eastern Caribbean maritime oversight. STEM & Digital Skills: The ECCB is set to run a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, targeting ages 14–18 across ECCU territories including Anguilla, with training aimed at turning young people into tech creators (including AI skills with Python) and building leadership and collaboration. Local Tourism & Hospitality: ÀNI Private Resorts announces the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla—an exclusive 15-suite private resort model built for one group at a time, with a dedicated 1:1 staff-to-guest approach. Caribbean Finance: Scotiabank moves to take Scotia Group Jamaica private, buying the remaining stake it doesn’t own and delisting from the Jamaica Stock Exchange, raising questions about who controls regional banking and how Caribbean markets stay plugged into global finance. Insurance Numbers: A deep dive looks at captive insurance managers, using regulatory lists and public sources to estimate how many managers exist across domiciles.

STEM Skills for Youth: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, targeting ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories including Anguilla, with a focus on AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration. Anguilla Hospitality Growth: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla, a 15-suite exclusive-use beachfront retreat built around a private-resort model with a dedicated 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. Maritime Safety Lessons: A historical deep dive revisits the 1970 Commission of Inquiry into the MV Christena sinking, highlighting how the report’s findings and reforms shaped Eastern Caribbean maritime safety. Captive Insurance Numbers: RAIN founder Greg Lang shares new research on captive insurance managers, including how many domiciles have verifiable manager data and where the figures come from. Caribbean Finance Watch: A finance column reports Scotiabank is taking Scotia Group Jamaica private by buying the remaining stake, raising questions about who controls regional banking and how the Caribbean stays plugged into global markets. Tourism & Values Lens: Another commentary argues Caribbean “joy” and community-based values can be a strategic advantage as wealth and investment reshape tourism.

STEM for Anguilla youth: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, targeting ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, including Anguilla, with a focus on turning young people into digital creators using AI skills programming with Python plus design thinking and collaboration. Maritime safety legacy: A new Caribbean historical feature revisits the 1970 Commission of Inquiry into the MV Christena sinking, detailing what led to the disaster, whether it could have been prevented, and the reforms recommended after the deadliest peacetime tragedy in St. Kitts and Nevis. Local tech-adjacent business: A captive insurance deep dive looks at how many captive managers exist globally, using regulator and industry lists plus public records to map the landscape. Tourism & stays: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla, a 15-suite private resort built around one-group-at-a-time luxury and a 1:1 staff-to-guest model. Regional finance: A Caribbean banking series piece discusses who owns banks and what it means for the region’s link to the global financial system, highlighted by Scotiabank taking Scotia Group Jamaica private. Marine science culture: Blue whale sound and listening practices get a poetic, science-informed spotlight in a “Deep Dive” column.

Resort Development: ÀNI Private Resorts is set to open ÀNI Shoal Bay in January 2027 on Anguilla’s northern coast, a 15-suite exclusive-use retreat built around multigenerational stays, milestone celebrations, and 1:1 staff-to-guest service. Regional Tech & Skills: The ECCB will host its 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, a free four-week program for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories including Anguilla, focused on AI skills with Python, plus design thinking and collaboration as part of the ECCB’s digital transformation push. Climate & Resilience: A new look at the Lesser Antilles highlights how extreme weather has surged this century, with islands like Dominica and Montserrat exploring geothermal and disaster-linked recovery ideas—raising the stakes for energy, water, food, land, and tourism planning. Global Health Recognition: At the World Health Assembly, Anguilla received recognition for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis, alongside other public health milestones. Finance Watch: A Caribbean banking series spotlights Scotiabank’s move to take Scotia Group Jamaica private, fueling the bigger question of who controls regional banking and how that shapes access to global finance.

STEM & Digital Skills: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp from July 6 for ages 14–18 across all ECCU territories, including Anguilla, aiming to turn young people into tech creators using AI-focused Python, design thinking, collaboration, and job-ready soft skills. Climate Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: A new look at the region’s front-line adaptation shows extreme weather is rising fast, with islands rethinking energy, water, land, and tourism—highlighting Dominica’s climate-resilient geothermal push, Montserrat’s interest in volcano-linked power, and Antigua & Barbuda’s water stress. Global Health Recognition: At the World Health Assembly, WHO highlighted public health wins including Anguilla’s certificate for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis, alongside progress on trachoma, leprosy, malaria, and other diseases. Caribbean Banking Watch: Scotiabank announced it will buy the remaining shares of Scotia Group Jamaica and take it private, raising the bigger question of who will control regional banking and how that affects access to the global financial system. Marine Science & Wonder: A Blue Whale deep-dive explores how low-frequency calls travel far underwater, blending listening culture with lessons from marine mammals.

STEM & Digital Skills: The ECCB is launching a free 2026 STEM Camp on July 6, running four weeks and targeting ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories including Anguilla, with hands-on AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration—part of the ECCB’s digital transformation push. Global Health Updates: At the World Health Assembly, WHO recognized multiple disease-elimination milestones, including Anguilla for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, and continued negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Climate Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: A new look at the Lesser Antilles highlights how extreme weather is rising, and how islands like Dominica and Montserrat are turning to geothermal and disaster-linked recovery planning to rethink energy, water, food, land and tourism. Caribbean Tourism Trends: A Caribbean Travel Trends Report with Amadeus says St. Maarten is the region’s fastest-rising couples destination, with duo-trips now making up 40.4% of Caribbean tourist arrivals. Regional Finance Watch: Scotiabank plans to buy the remaining stake in Scotia Group Jamaica and take it private, raising the bigger question of who controls Caribbean banking and how the region stays plugged into global finance.

STEM & Digital Skills: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp from July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Anguilla, with a four-week focus on AI skills (Python) plus design thinking, collaboration, and leadership as part of its digital transformation push. Climate Resilience: A new look at the Lesser Antilles highlights how extreme weather has more than doubled this century, with islands like Dominica and Montserrat exploring geothermal and disaster-linked recovery planning while others tackle water stress and tourism pressures. Global Health Updates: At the World Health Assembly, WHO recognized Anguilla among territories achieving elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis, and continued negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex. Tourism Tech & Couples Travel: A Caribbean Travel Trends Report (CHTA + Amadeus) names St. Maarten the fastest-rising couples destination, citing an 8% year-over-year rise in two-person trips and showing duo-travel now drives 40.4% of Caribbean arrivals. Caribbean Banking Watch: Scotiabank plans to buy the remaining stake in Scotia Group Jamaica and take it private, raising the big question of who controls regional banking and how that affects access to the global financial system.

STEM Education: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp on July 6, running for four weeks and targeting ages 14–18 across all eight ECCU territories, including Anguilla, with a focus on digital transformation skills like AI programming (Python), design thinking, collaboration, and leadership. Climate Resilience: A new look at the Lesser Antilles highlights how extreme weather is reshaping island life, pointing to Dominica’s geothermal push, Montserrat’s questions about volcano-linked recovery, and Antigua & Barbuda’s water stress as tourism faces tougher conditions. Public Health Updates: At the World Health Assembly, WHO recognized multiple countries for disease elimination and noted progress on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement, with negotiations continuing. Tourism Tech & Data: A Caribbean Travel Trends Report from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Amadeus names St. Maarten the fastest-rising couples destination, citing an 8% year-over-year increase in two-person travel and showing “duo-trips” now make up 40.4% of Caribbean arrivals. Regional Finance Watch: Commentary on Scotiabank taking Scotia Group Jamaica private spotlights what it could mean for who controls Caribbean banking and how the region stays connected to global finance.

STEM & Digital Skills: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, targeting ages 14–18 across all ECCU territories (including Anguilla) with training in AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration, as part of the ECCB’s digital transformation push. Caribbean Banking Ownership: Scotiabank is moving to buy the remaining 28.22% of Scotia Group Jamaica it doesn’t already own, paying minority shareholders about J$54 billion and delisting the 137-year-old bank—raising the big question of who controls Caribbean finance and how local economies stay plugged into global systems. Climate Resilience on the Ground: A regional look at the Lesser Antilles highlights how extreme weather is accelerating, with islands like Dominica pursuing geothermal power for resilience and others tackling volcano recovery, water stress, and tourism impacts. Global Health Updates: The World Health Assembly daily update notes awards for disease elimination and tobacco control, plus continued negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex. Tourism Trends for Couples: A new Caribbean Travel Trends Report (CHTA + Amadeus) names St. Maarten the fastest-rising couples destination, with duo-trips now making up 40.4% of Caribbean tourist arrivals. Marine Science & Wonder: A Blue Whale feature explores how their ultra-low calls travel far underwater, blending science with listening-based reflection.

Regional Digital Skills: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run its 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, a free four-week program for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories including Anguilla, with training built around AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration. Public Health Recognition: At the World Health Assembly, Anguilla was among countries recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis, as WHO also advanced talks on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system under the Pandemic Agreement. Climate Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: A new deep-dive highlights how islands like Dominica, Montserrat, and Antigua and Barbuda are rethinking energy, water, land, and tourism to adapt to more frequent extreme weather and warming seas. Caribbean Banking Watch: A finance analysis reports Scotiabank is moving to buy the remaining stake in Scotia Group Jamaica and take it private—raising the bigger question of who will control Caribbean banking and how the region stays plugged into global finance. Marine Science & Sound: A reflective piece explores blue whale calls and what their low-frequency songs reveal about ocean life and human listening.

STEM & Skills for Anguilla Youth: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp from July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, including Anguilla, with a focus on AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration as part of the ECCB’s digital transformation push. Global Health Updates: At the 79th World Health Assembly, WHO recognized multiple countries for disease elimination and Anguilla received an achievement certificate for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis; the Assembly also continued work on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex. Caribbean Climate Resilience: A new deep-dive highlights how Lesser Antilles islands are adapting on the ground—Dominica’s geothermal push, Montserrat’s questions about using volcanic resources for recovery, and Antigua & Barbuda’s water stress tied to tourism. Caribbean Banking Watch: A finance analysis reports Scotiabank is buying the remaining stake in Scotia Group Jamaica to take it private, raising the bigger question of who will control regional banking and how the Caribbean stays connected to global finance. Marine Life & Sound: A Blue Whale feature explores how low-frequency calls can travel far underwater, blending science with listening and reflection. Tourism Tech & Couples Travel: A Caribbean Travel Trends Report from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Amadeus says St. Maarten is the fastest-rising couples destination, with duo-trips now making up 40.4% of Caribbean arrivals.

Caribbean Banking Shift: Scotiabank is moving to buy the remaining 28.22% of Scotia Group Jamaica it doesn’t already own, paying minority shareholders about J$54 billion and taking the 137-year-old bank private—raising the big question of who will control regional banking and how the Caribbean stays plugged into global finance. STEM for Youth: The ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp on July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, including Anguilla, with training tied to digital transformation and hands-on AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration. Climate Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: A new look at how islands are adapting on the front line—Dominica’s geothermal push, Montserrat’s science around volcanic recovery, and Antigua & Barbuda’s water stress—shows adaptation is about rethinking energy, food, water, land, and tourism before the next disaster. Health Policy Update: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Anguilla among countries recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis, while continuing talks on the Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Tourism Trend: St. Maarten is emerging as the Caribbean’s fastest-rising couples destination, with duo-trips making up 40.4% of tourist arrivals in the region.

STEM & Digital Skills: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will run a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, welcoming ages 14–18 from all eight ECCU territories (including Anguilla). The four-week program is tied to the ECCB’s digital transformation push, aiming to turn young people into active tech creators, with training that includes AI skills using Python plus design thinking and collaboration. Public Health Governance: At the World Health Assembly, WHO reported progress across major disease programs and continued negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Anguilla was among territories recognized for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis. Climate Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: A regional look at how extreme weather has accelerated across the Caribbean, highlighting front-line adaptation needs for energy, water, land, and tourism—featuring examples like Dominica’s geothermal push and broader island recovery planning.

Public Health Recognition: The World Health Assembly highlighted major disease-control wins, including Anguilla’s certificate for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, while Member States also continued talks on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Climate Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: A new look at the Lesser Antilles shows extreme weather hitting harder this century, with islands like Dominica and Montserrat using geothermal and science to rethink energy and recovery before the next disaster. Regional Tech & AI in Government: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit where leaders from Anguilla and others discussed workforce shortages, public service reform, and how to integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence into administration. Wildlife Crime Watch: A deep dive into eel smuggling describes an organized, high-value trade that has helped drive European eel populations down sharply, with major impacts on rivers and conservation status. Medical Training Trends: New Anglia University outlines how U.S. graduate medical education is expanding and adapting to workforce needs and evolving care models. Tourism Data: A Caribbean Travel Trends report names St. Maarten the fastest-rising couples destination, with duo-trips making up a large share of arrivals. Marine Life Story: A reflective piece on blue whales connects their ultra-low-frequency calls to long-distance communication and broader lessons from marine mammals.

Marine Science & Sound: A new deep-dive on blue whales highlights how their ultra-low, continent-reaching calls can travel far underwater—mixing wonder with a personal reminder of why listening to nature matters. Caribbean Climate Resilience: Coverage of the Lesser Antilles stresses that extreme weather has surged this century, pushing islands to rethink energy, water, land, and tourism—spotlighting Dominica’s geothermal push and Montserrat’s “power recovery” questions. Public Health (WHO): At the World Health Assembly, WHO recognized Anguilla among territories for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV, and syphilis, while member states continued talks on the Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Regional Tech in Governance: Bermuda’s Overseas Territories summit (including Anguilla) focused on workforce shortages and public service reform, with a clear thread on integrating emerging technologies like AI into administration. Wildlife Crime: An explainer on eel smuggling calls it a major organized-crime trade, linking collapsing eel populations to a high-value illicit market.