AGP Executive Report

Eastern Caribbean Finance: The ECCB’s Monetary Council met on 10 July and unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that drop Queen Elizabeth II’s image in favour of national heroes and regional icons, with the new designs reflecting public nominations. Montserrat Education & Skills: Three Montserratians won Chevening Scholarships for 2026/27, including master’s study in Economics, Banking & Finance, and related fields aimed at supporting the island’s development. Cost of Living: Montserrat cut fuel prices effective 11 July, lowering diesel and premium gasoline wholesale and retail rates to ease pressure on households and businesses. Fraud & Banking Safety: A warning highlighted “money mule” scams where social media job offers recruit people to pass on stolen funds, ahead of a regional cybersecurity and fraud prevention forum. Regional Politics & Reparations: CARICOM’s reparations push is expanding to include British Overseas Territories, with a revised manifesto presented to the UK and UN and renewed calls for decolonisation. Health & Community Fundraising: Montserrat Festival UK backs Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat’s 100 Million Step Challenge, funding breast cancer awareness and diabetic foot care. Travel & Mobility: A visa-free travel update lists 44 destinations Nigerians can visit, including Montserrat, supporting tourism and business travel.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes that remove Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with national heroes from member states, with the $100 featuring Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir John Compton (St Lucia) and the $50 featuring Sir Dwight Venner and Sir Robert Bradshaw (St Kitts & Nevis). Fuel Costs: Montserrat’s government cut petroleum prices effective July 11, lowering wholesale and retail diesel and premium gasoline to ease the cost of living. Fraud & Banking: Montserrat and regional bankers warn of “money mule” scams where social media job offers recruit residents to launder stolen funds through their accounts. Health Fundraiser: Montserrat Festival UK backs Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat’s 100 Million Step Challenge, targeting £25,000 for breast cancer awareness and diabetic foot health clinics. CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pressing the UK on reparatory justice and decolonisation, including demands tied to British overseas territories such as Montserrat. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown for COTA’s conference on future-ready, data-driven tax administration. Marine Disruption Risk: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds, warning of potential damage and transport disruption.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel and gasoline wholesale and retail rates to ease cost-of-living pressure. Regional Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing daily flight delays that strand travellers and disrupt regional business and meetings. CARICOM Reparations Drive: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pressing the UK with a revised decolonisation/reparations manifesto that includes British Overseas Territories such as Montserrat, and is also pushing the wider “decolonisation” agenda in London. Local Health Fundraiser: Montserrat Festival UK backed the Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Inc. “100 Million Step Challenge,” supporting diabetic foot care via free podiatry clinics and community workshops. Cyber Fraud Warning: Bankers in the region warned residents about “money mule” recruitment through social media job scams ahead of a cybersecurity and fraud prevention forum. CARICOM Tax Talks: Tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana, to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue administration. Marine Safety: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering wholesale and retail diesel and premium gasoline to ease the cost of living. Cyber & Fraud Warning: Regional banking officials warned residents about “money mule” scams driven by social media job offers, as a National Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Forum prepares to tackle rising cyber-enabled fraud. Caricom Reparations Push: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pressing the UK and UN with a revised manifesto that includes British Overseas Territories—Montserrat among them—arguing for decolonisation alongside reparatory justice. Regional Tax Cooperation: Tax administrators will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” CARICOM tax administration, with a focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. OECS Connectivity & Money: Antigua and Barbuda renewed calls for an OECS airline amid chronic flight delays, while Eastern Caribbean Currency Union leaders unveiled new EC$ banknotes featuring regional icons. Health Fundraiser: Montserrat Festival UK backed the Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat “100 Million Step Challenge,” funding diabetic foot health clinics and prevention of avoidable amputations. Marine Safety: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds.

Health & Community Fundraising: Montserrat Festival UK is backing Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Inc.’s 100 Million Step Challenge, aiming to raise £25,000 for breast cancer awareness and the Feet for Life diabetic foot initiative, with specialist podiatry clinics and workshops planned for Oct 26–31, 2026; organisers say 128 walkers have already logged 53.9m steps toward the 100m goal. Fraud & Banking Safety: Residents are being warned that social media “job” ads may recruit people as “money mules,” with fraudsters promising big returns after small deposits and then using victims’ bank accounts to move stolen funds; the warning comes ahead of a regional cybersecurity and fraud prevention forum. Energy Costs: The Government of Montserrat has cut fuel prices effective July 11, reducing diesel wholesale from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail to EC$17.70, with premium gasoline retail down from EC$23.12 to EC$20.87. Regional Policy & Finance: CARICOM tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (July 27–31) to discuss “future-ready” tax administration, including smart, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches. Regional Integration & Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing long delays and missed connections that disrupt business and travel across the islands. Marine Safety: A small craft advisory has been issued for Antigua and Barbuda waters, also affecting Montserrat and nearby islands, warning of hazardous seas and strong winds.

Cyber & Fraud Watch: Antigua and Barbuda Montserrat Bankers Association warns residents about “money mule” scams where social media job ads lure people to share bank details and unknowingly launder stolen funds, as a National Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Forum prepares a regional response. Montserrat Economy: Montserrat’s government cut fuel prices immediately, lowering diesel and premium gasoline retail costs to ease the cost of living. Regional Governance & Finance: CARICOM Tax Administrators’ conference in Georgetown (27–31 July) will focus on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems to boost compliance and revenue. Reparations & Decolonisation: A CARICOM delegation in London is pushing a “decolonisation” agenda tied to reparatory justice, including calls for Britain to relinquish overseas territories such as Montserrat and Bermuda. OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing daily delays and missed connections that disrupt regional business and travel. Public Service (Montserrat): Montserrat appoints Paula Simone Atkinson as new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 15, 2026. Maritime Safety: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds.

Fuel Relief for Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering wholesale diesel from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail diesel from EC$21.00 to EC$17.70; premium gasoline wholesale fell from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail from EC$23.12 to EC$20.87, aiming to ease the cost of living. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM’s Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administrators (COTA) will hold its 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July), focused on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration, with a parallel high-level tax-and-development meeting with the OECD. CARICOM Expansion: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member effective 16 June 2026, boosting associate membership to eight and strengthening integration between French- and English-speaking Caribbean territories. OECS Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing repeated delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the sub-region. ECCB Money Update: Eastern Caribbean leaders unveiled new EC$ banknotes featuring regional icons and national heroes, replacing the Queen Elizabeth II designs.

Marine & Transport Risk: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, and it also covers Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with easterly winds (22–35 km/h, gusts to 54 km/h) and seas up to around 10 feet—warning of hazards to mariners, fishing and marine transport. Cost of Living (Montserrat): The Montserrat government cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel (wholesale EC$19.60→16.30; retail 21.00→17.70) and premium gasoline (wholesale 21.72→19.47; retail 23.12→20.87). Regional Finance & Policy: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” tax administration, including smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. CARICOM & Decolonisation: CARICOM’s reparations push in London includes a demand that Britain relinquish territories such as Montserrat and others, framing it as structural economic decolonisation. Regional Connectivity (OECS): Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing repeated delays and missed connections that disrupt business and travel across the islands.

Marine Safety: A small craft advisory is in force for Antigua and Barbuda, and covers Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with easterly winds (22–35 km/h, gusts to 54 km/h) and seas of 5–8 feet, occasionally near 10 feet. Energy Costs: Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel wholesale from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 and retail to EC$17.70, with premium gasoline retail down to EC$20.87. Regional Finance: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled new EC$ banknotes featuring regional icons, as the ECCB Monetary Council met in Dominica and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s role in stability. Governance & People: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer (effective July 15, 2026) to modernise and strengthen the public service. Regional Integration: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member effective 16 June 2026, boosting ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean territories. Trade & Logistics: CARICOM tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) to focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue administration. OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing persistent delays and missed connections that disrupt regional travel.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering wholesale diesel from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail diesel from EC$21.00 to EC$17.70; premium gasoline wholesale fell from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail from EC$23.12 to EC$20.87, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressure. OECS Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and missed connections that strand regional travellers, including Montserrat-linked routes. ECCB Money Update: Eastern Caribbean leaders unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II imagery with regional icons; the new EC$10 note highlights Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster and Montserrat’s Henry Bramble. CARICOM Integration: Martinique and French Guiana officially joined CARICOM as associate members, expanding the bloc’s French-English regional links. Reparations & Decolonisation: CARICOM’s delegation in London pressed Britain to relinquish overseas territories including Montserrat and to expand reparatory justice demands. Regional Finance Agenda: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” digital, data-driven and AI-enabled tax administration.

CARICOM Tax Agenda: Tax administrators and revenue experts will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems to boost compliance and sustainable revenue. Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective 11 July, lowering diesel and premium gasoline at both wholesale and retail levels to ease cost-of-living pressure. Decolonisation & Reparations Push: CARICOM leaders and the Caribbean Reparations Commission are again pressing Britain to relinquish overseas territories (including Montserrat, Bermuda and others) as part of a broader reparatory justice agenda, with talks aimed at Westminster. Regional Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing repeated flight delays that strand travellers across the sub-region. ECCB Money Update: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes and icons, including a new EC$10 note spotlighting Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster and Montserrat’s Henry Bramble. Regional Integration: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member, expanding the bloc’s associate membership to eight.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel (wholesale EC$19.60→EC$16.30; retail EC$21.00→EC$17.70) and premium gasoline (wholesale EC$21.72→EC$19.47; retail EC$23.12→EC$20.87), as it looks to ease cost-of-living pressure. Regional Money & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes in Dominica, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and nation builders, with the EC$10 note featuring Montserrat’s Henry Bramble; rollout is set for late 2027. OECS Airline Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing delays and missed connections that strand travellers across the islands, including Montserrat. CARICOM Reparations & Decolonisation: CARICOM leaders are pressing Britain to relinquish territories including Montserrat as part of a reparations “decolonisation” push, with demands presented to MPs in London. ECCB Leadership: Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, focusing on stability and resilience across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Guyana later this month for COTA’s 27th General Assembly on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue administration. OECS Logistics Plan: A concept note backs creating an air cargo transport hub at Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport to improve regional freight links. Montserrat HR Appointment: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract starting July 15, 2026.

ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes in Dominica, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and national icons—Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble is set for the EC$10 note, with circulation expected to begin in late 2027. Regional Finance Leadership: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council, with the council stressing stability for the EC dollar amid global uncertainty. OECS Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to costly delays and missed connections that disrupt business and travel across the islands. Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s General Assembly and Technical Conference, focusing on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Caribbean Reparations Demand: CARICOM leaders are pressing Britain to decolonise further—calling for Britain to give up territories including Montserrat and others as part of reparatory justice. Montserrat HR Appointment: Montserrat named Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract starting July 15, aiming to modernise and digitise public service delivery. Trade/Industry Watch: Saronic Technologies selected the Port of Brownsville for its $3.2B “Port Alpha” autonomous shipyard project, targeting major job creation and regional economic impact.

Regional Reparations Push: CARICOM leaders in the UK are urging Britain to hand back overseas territories including Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, and to expand slavery reparations via a “decolonisation” plan presented to MPs. OECS Connectivity & Air Cargo: Antigua PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays that disrupt regional business and travel, while a separate proposal backs turning Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra airport into an OECS air cargo hub to speed logistics across the islands. ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes and Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10, with full circulation expected from late 2027. Montserrat Policy & Cost Pressures: Premier Reuben Meade said fuel subsidies amid US-Iran tensions must be targeted and fiscally careful, noting Montserrat’s heavy UK funding share. Local Governance & Jobs: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as new Chief Human Resources Officer, starting July 15 on a three-year contract.

Caricom Reparations Push: A 15-country Caribbean delegation in the UK is pressing for Britain to decolonise by handing back territories including Montserrat, alongside reparations for slavery and “extractive colonialism,” with MPs set to receive the manifesto. Regional Connectivity & Aviation: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, saying unreliable regional flights strand travellers and disrupt business and regional meetings. ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and national icons; Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble is set for the EC$10 note, with circulation expected from late 2027. Montserrat Public Service: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract from July 15, aiming to modernise and strengthen the public service. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade urged careful, targeted fuel subsidies amid US-Iran tensions and higher oil prices, warning of fiscal strain. Sargassum Plan: An analyst says Antigua and Barbuda should pursue an OECS joint approach to sargassum disposal, since small islands lack the scale and research resources alone.

Decolonisation Push: A CARICOM delegation in the UK is demanding Britain return overseas territories including Montserrat, alongside slavery reparations and a decolonisation framework—raising fresh political pressure on London. Regional Environment & Waste: An analyst says Antigua can’t repurpose sargassum at scale alone and should pursue an OECS-linked approach with islands like Montserrat to pool supply and funding for safe reuse. Oil-Price Strain: Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade warns fuel subsidies must be tightly targeted as US-Iran tensions lift oil prices and squeeze public finances, with DBRP stressing “no free lunch” trade-offs. OECS Air Connectivity: Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne renews calls for an OECS airline, citing daily delays and missed meetings that disrupt business and regional travel. ECCB Currency Update: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes—featuring Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10—while the Monetary Council chairmanship shifts to Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre. Local Governance & People: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 15, aiming to modernise and strengthen the public service.