AGP Executive Report

Football Governance: SAFA vice-president Bennett Bailey is calling for SAFA elections to be postponed by 12 months and for FIFA/SASCOC to place the association under administration, proposing a three-person administrator team as South Africa’s football power struggle deepens. Caribbean Mobility & Markets: A Henley Passport Index update says South African passport holders can access 17 Caribbean destinations visa-free, including Montserrat, boosting the region’s travel and trade appeal. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, covering Barbados, OECS states, Anguilla, BVI and Montserrat, with a focus on stronger, more equitable health systems. Montserrat Public Services: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has opened a public consultation to help residents and the diaspora choose a name for the new national hospital, running to Sept 3. Air Connectivity: Winair says it’s exploring ways to strengthen Montserrat’s Caribbean air links after talks with the island’s government, with an emphasis on improving connections via St. Maarten. Culture as an Economy: Montserrat-born music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen urges Caribbean governments and artistes to treat culture as a revenue engine, pushing for better creative business training and stronger intellectual property and contract skills.

Caribbean Air Connectivity: Winair met with Montserrat’s Premier Reuben T. Meade and Permanent Secretary Camille Thomas-Gerald to explore strengthening air links, building on its key St. Maarten route and looking at wider regional cooperation for tourism and economic development. National Health Infrastructure: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services opened a public consultation (Aug 21–Sept 3) asking residents and the diaspora to suggest a name for the new national hospital, with submissions judged on fit for everyday use and island identity. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, covering technical cooperation across OECS states and UK Overseas Territories including Montserrat. Creative Economy & Culture: Montserrat-born music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen renewed calls for Caribbean governments and artistes to treat music as a business engine—pushing stronger creative training, IP management, and systems that turn culture into sustainable revenue. Travel & Mobility: The Henley Passport Index highlights Montserrat among visa-free destinations for South African passport holders, boosting the island’s visibility for regional travel. Geology & Resources: New research on Soufrière Hills suggests a metal-rich, fluid-filled zone beneath Montserrat’s active volcano could help explain how valuable metals concentrate underground.

Visa & Mobility: The Henley Passport Index says South African passport holders can travel to 17 Caribbean destinations visa-free, including Montserrat, alongside Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia and more. Volcano & Resources: Scientists report signs of a salty, metal-carrying underground fluid zone beneath Soufrière Hills volcano on Montserrat, pointing to how valuable metals may concentrate under active volcanic systems. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has taken up her role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, covering Barbados, OECS states and UK territories including Montserrat. Hospital Naming (Local Governance): Montserrat’s Ministry of Health is inviting residents and the diaspora to suggest a name for the new national hospital, with submissions open until September 3. Air Connectivity: Winair says it’s exploring ways to strengthen Montserrat’s Caribbean air links after talks with the island’s government, focused on routes and cooperation via St. Maarten. Culture as Economy: Music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen pushes the idea that “Culture is Currency,” urging better training and support so Caribbean artists can turn music into sustainable national revenue.

Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, overseeing technical cooperation across Barbados, OECS states, Anguilla, BVI and Montserrat, plus French Caribbean departments, with a focus on resilient, equitable, people-centred health systems. Local Healthcare Planning: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health is inviting the public and the diaspora to suggest a name for the new national hospital, with submissions open until Sept 3 and a naming committee to select a final option. Air Connectivity: Winair met Montserrat’s government to explore strengthening Caribbean air links, building on its service between Montserrat and St. Maarten and looking at wider regional cooperation. Culture as an Economic Engine: Montserrat-born music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen is pushing a “Culture is Currency” agenda, urging better creative business training, stronger IP and contract skills, and systems that turn music into sustainable revenue. Trade Policy for Growth: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a project to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and support export strategies. Energy Costs Watch: ECCB fuel data shows Montserrat among the higher-priced ECCU gasoline and diesel markets, while Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest prices in July. Sports (Community Interest): Bahamas’ U14 boys opened with a 3-0 win over Anguilla and then beat Montserrat 5-0 in the CFU challenge series.

Culture & Creative Economy: Caribbean music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen is urging artistes, promoters and governments to treat music as real economic infrastructure, calling for stronger creative business training, better intellectual property management, sustainable branding, smarter contracts, and access to international markets. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has taken up the PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, working with governments and health ministries across the OECS and Montserrat to strengthen resilient, equitable health systems. Healthcare Infrastructure (Montserrat): Montserrat’s Ministry of Health has opened a public consultation to help name the new national hospital, running to Sept 3, with submissions judged on identity, everyday use, and non-controversial relevance. Air Connectivity (Montserrat): Winair says it’s exploring ways to strengthen Montserrat’s Caribbean air links after talks with the island’s government, focusing on service needs and regional cooperation. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based services trade policymaking using TiSSTAT data tools. Energy Prices (ECCU): ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gas and diesel prices in the ECCU, while Montserrat sits among the higher-priced gasoline and diesel markets.

Healthcare Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, covering work with governments across the OECS and UK Overseas Territories including Montserrat. Public Health & Community Input: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health is inviting residents and the diaspora to suggest a name for the new national hospital, with submissions open until Sept 3 and a committee to recommend a final choice. Air Connectivity: Winair says it’s exploring ways to strengthen Montserrat’s Caribbean air links after talks with the island’s government, focusing on service needs and closer cooperation (no new routes announced yet). Culture as an Economy: Montserrat-born music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen argues the Caribbean should treat culture as a business engine, pushing for stronger creative training, better IP management, and support for sustainable creative economies. Trade & Data for Growth: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC have wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to help member states build stronger export strategies. Energy Costs Watch: ECCB fuel data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gas and diesel prices in the ECCU, while Montserrat is among the higher-priced countries for gasoline. Sports: The Bahamas U14 boys started their CFU challenge series with a 5-0 win over Montserrat.

Business Awards: Gosport Business Awards 2026 are officially launched, with StandardAero UK backing the third year and organisers urging residents to nominate standout local firms after last year’s winners including Montserrat Events and Wickham Micro. Public Health & Community: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health is inviting residents and the diaspora to suggest a name for the new national hospital; submissions run Aug 21–Sep 3 and will be judged on fit with island identity and everyday use. Air Connectivity: Winair met Montserrat’s government to explore strengthening Caribbean air links, focusing on routes and cooperation around St. Maarten connections. Culture as an Economy: Music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen argues “Culture is Currency,” calling for better creative business training, stronger IP management, and systems that turn Caribbean music into sustainable national revenue. Radio & Heritage: Franklyn “Algie” Greaves launches “Strat Talk” on ZJB Radio Montserrat, a non-political weekly forum on culture, heritage and development. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the Eastern Caribbean. Energy Prices: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gas and diesel prices in the ECCU for July, while Montserrat’s gasoline and diesel sit among the higher end.

Healthcare & Risk Screening: New research says the breast cancer referral method used by GPs and the NHS criteria can miss up to 95% of women under 50 who will develop the disease in the next 10 years, with Cambridge’s BOADICEA tool flagging far more cases. National Infrastructure (Montserrat): The Ministry of Health has opened a public consultation to help residents and the diaspora suggest a name for Montserrat’s new national hospital, with submissions due by Sept 3 and a committee to select a final, non-divisive option. Air Connectivity (Montserrat): Winair met Montserrat’s leadership to explore strengthening Caribbean air links, building on its existing St. Maarten connection and looking at more cooperation opportunities. Culture as an Economic Engine: Montserrat-born music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen argues Caribbean artistes and governments must “professionalize” the sector through IP management, contract skills, digital marketing, and creative business training. OECS Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based services trade policymaking by boosting services statistics through TiSSTAT. Energy Prices (ECCU): ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest July gas and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while Montserrat’s gasoline and diesel were among the higher-priced. Broadcast & Community: Franklyn ‘Algie’ Greaves is launching “Strat Talk” on ZJB Radio Montserrat, a non-political weekly programme focused on culture, heritage and development discussions.

Healthcare & Public Input: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has opened a public consultation to help residents and the diaspora suggest a name for the island’s new national hospital, running Aug 21 to Sept 3, with a committee to review submissions and announce the final choice. Aviation & Tourism Links: Winair held talks with Montserrat’s government on strengthening Caribbean air connections, focusing on service needs, links via St. Maarten, and potential cooperation to support tourism and economic development. Culture as an Economic Engine: Music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen is urging Caribbean artistes and governments to treat culture as “currency,” calling for better creative business training, stronger intellectual property skills, and systems that make the sector more sustainable. Radio & Community Dialogue: Former ZJB broadcaster Franklyn “Algie” Greaves is launching “Strat Talk,” a weekly cultural affairs programme on ZJB Radio Montserrat, aiming for a non-political forum on culture, heritage, and development. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC say they’ve wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the Eastern Caribbean, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to close data gaps. Energy Prices in the ECCU: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gas and diesel prices in the ECCU for July, while Montserrat’s gasoline and diesel prices were among the higher end of the regional range. Social Security Move Watch: A reminder for beneficiaries: moving within the U.S. can change take-home Social Security pay in the eight states that tax benefits, and address updates are needed to avoid payment disruptions.

Health & Community: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is inviting residents and people in the diaspora to suggest a name for the island’s new national hospital, with submissions open Aug 21 to Sept 3 and a committee to review and announce the final choice. Culture as Business: Caribbean music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen argues that the region’s music sector is under-monetised and calls for stronger creative business training, better intellectual property management, and systems that help artistes build sustainable brands. Radio & Heritage: Former ZJB broadcaster Franklyn “Algie” Greaves is launching “Strat Talk,” a weekly cultural affairs programme aimed at sparking discussion on Montserrat’s culture, heritage, and development. Air Connectivity: Winair says it is exploring ways to strengthen Montserrat’s Caribbean air links after talks with the island’s government, focusing on service to St. Maarten and wider regional cooperation. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC have wrapped up a project to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the Eastern Caribbean, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps. Energy Costs (ECCU): ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest gas and diesel prices in the ECCU in July, while Montserrat’s gasoline and diesel were among the higher-priced figures. Sports (Montserrat in region): The Bahamas U14 boys started strong in the CFU challenge series, beating Montserrat 5-0.

Culture & Creative Economy: Montserrat-born music producer Eddie Prynze Duberry-Allen is urging Caribbean artistes, promoters, and governments to treat music as real economic infrastructure, calling for stronger creative business training, better intellectual property management, and support for studios, archives, and grants so artists can build sustainable brands and access international markets. Local Health Governance: The Ministry of Health has opened a public consultation (Aug 21–Sept 3) asking residents and the diaspora to suggest a name for Montserrat’s new national hospital, with a naming committee to review submissions and publish the decision. Air Connectivity & Tourism: Winair says it’s in talks with Montserrat’s government to strengthen Caribbean air connections, focusing on its St. Maarten links and opportunities to boost travel between Montserrat and regional hubs. Regional Trade Policy (OECS): OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC have wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the Eastern Caribbean, using better services data to help countries plan export strategies. Energy Prices (ECCU): ECCB fuel data shows Antigua and Barbuda leading with the lowest July gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU, while Montserrat’s gasoline and diesel sit among the higher-priced end.

Airlift & Tourism: Winair and Montserrat’s government held talks on strengthening Caribbean air connections, with a focus on the airline’s service linking Montserrat and St. Maarten and exploring more travel options via Princess Juliana. Creative Economy: A Montserrat-born music producer argues “culture is currency,” pushing artistes and governments to professionalize the sector through IP management, contract skills, digital marketing, and better creative business training. OECS Trade Policy: The OECS, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, wrapped up an evidence-based push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using TiSSTAT to help member states build stronger export strategies and join global value chains. Energy Costs (ECCU): ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda had the lowest July gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while Montserrat recorded some of the highest gasoline and diesel figures. Child Policy (OECS): OECS launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for safer, supported, and empowered children across the region through whole-of-the-child action. Business & Innovation: Route 27 in Costa Rica is inviting startups to reuse highway waste—especially tires and plastics—through a circular-economy innovation challenge.

OECS Trade in Services: The OECS Commission, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, has wrapped up a regional push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states build better export strategies and plug into global value chains. OECS Child Policy: The OECS also unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach so every child is protected and empowered by 2032. Fuel Prices Watch: ECCB data show Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest July gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU, while Montserrat sat among the higher diesel and gasoline rates—useful for local cost planning. Sports (Regional Youth): The Bahamas U14 boys started strong in the CFU U14 Boys Challenge Series, beating Anguilla 3-0 and Montserrat 5-0. Health Research (UK): Cambridge research says current NHS breast cancer referral criteria may miss up to 95% of women under 50 who later develop the disease, pointing to the need for better risk assessment tools.

OECS Trade in Services: The OECS Commission, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, has wrapped up a regional push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states build better export strategies and plug into global value chains. OECS Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF also unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach shaped by input from children and parents, with a focus on turning policy into real on-the-ground protection and support. Fuel Costs in the ECCU: Antigua and Barbuda recorded the lowest July gasoline and diesel prices across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while Montserrat reported the highest gasoline and relatively high diesel figures, according to ECCB data. Local Business & Energy Context: The ECCB notes retail fuel prices are influenced by more than global oil, including import costs, taxes, duties, subsidies, and margins—key context for businesses planning around energy costs. Sports (Regional): The Bahamas U14 boys started strong in the CFU U14 Boys Challenge Series, beating Anguilla 3-0 and Montserrat 5-0. Politics & Education (US): A Center Square investigation says major teacher unions directed millions in taxpayer-funded dues to Democratic state lawmakers’ campaigns, keeping pressure on how union money is used.

Trade & Growth: OECS, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, has wrapped up a regional push to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, tackling long-running data gaps by rolling out UNCTAD’s Trade in Services Information System (TiSSTAT) and supporting ministries with tailored policy advice to help member states build export strategies and plug into global value chains. Energy Costs (ECCU): Antigua and Barbuda logged the lowest July gas and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with gasoline at EC$14.50/imperial gallon and diesel at EC$14.25, while Montserrat recorded among the highest retail gasoline and diesel figures in the ECCB’s fuel price data. Child Policy: OECS unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built with input from children and parents and aimed at delivering safer, supported outcomes across health, education, justice, protection and social support. Circular Economy (Innovation): Costa Rica’s Route 27 Innovation Challenge is inviting startups to turn highway waste—especially tires and plastics—into prototypes, offering up to €20,000 for a functional circular-economy solution.

Trade & Services Policy: OECS, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, has wrapped up a CARICOM-backed push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states build stronger export strategies and plug into global value chains. Energy Costs (ECCU): Antigua and Barbuda logged the lowest July gasoline and diesel prices across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while Montserrat sat at the top end for gasoline (EC$20.74) and diesel (EC$19.84); the ECCB also notes regional averages eased in July as crude prices fell. Local Business Context: The same ECCB fuel-price release highlights how retail prices are shaped by more than oil—import costs, taxes, duties, subsidies, and margins all matter. Regional Social Policy: OECS unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming for whole-of-the-child protection and support across health, education, justice, and social services. Sports (Community Interest): The Bahamas U14 boys opened their CFU challenge series with a 3-0 win over Anguilla and followed with a 5-0 victory over Montserrat.