AGP Executive Report

Montserrat & UK Overseas Territories: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support. OECS Services & Jobs: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services-sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness across member states including Montserrat. Public Service Recruitment: A summit of Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service highlighted civil service hiring pressures from ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition. Food Security: Spain’s “No Home Without Food” campaign (la Caixa Foundation and CaixaBank) is underway for its seventh year, citing poverty pressures affecting millions and the role of food banks. Caribbean Business Climate: A Caribbean investor is drawing attention and sparking debate over regional competition and perceptions of “foreigners.” Local Economy Watch: Spain’s property market shows a squeeze: second-hand prices up sharply while home purchases and transactions fall.

Montserrat & Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support to safeguard coral reefs, seagrass and hawksbill turtles. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2), aimed at boosting resilience and competitiveness for public and private stakeholders across Montserrat and other OECS islands. Public Service Hiring Push: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil servant recruitment problems driven by ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition. Pension Reform (Montserrat): Government has begun a major pension reform process for Montserrat, signalling upcoming changes for retirement planning. Food Security: Spain’s “No Home Without Food” campaign (7th year) is underway, with the la Caixa Foundation and CaixaBank backing food banks as poverty risk remains high. Mango Death Case (Business/Legal): In Barcelona, prosecutors argue Mango founder Isak Andic’s son Jonathan Andic poses a flight risk, citing his financial resources as the investigation continues after new court material. Property Market (Spain): Spain’s home prices rose sharply while purchases fell, with experts pointing to a market mismatch between affordability and mortgage activity.

Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support for marine conservation. Public Service & Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda, highlighting recruitment struggles driven by ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition—Montserrat was among those represented. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness, with Montserrat included in the participating member states. Montserrat Pensions Reform: Montserrat’s government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent, and sustainable system and moving toward a defined contribution model, supported by a 17-member committee and international technical input. Regional Business & Mobility: A report flags visa-free Caribbean travel options for Nigerian passport holders in 2026, pointing to growing tourism and travel links. Caribbean Investor Spotlight: A Caribbean investor’s expansion plans are drawing attention, with regional rivals reportedly using “foreigner” labels—raising fresh questions about intra-regional attitudes.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support to safeguard coral reefs, seagrass and hawksbill turtles. Local Economy & Jobs: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment woes, with ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition cited as key pressures. Regional Training for Services: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness in global services markets, with Montserrat among participating territories. Tourism & Business Growth: Montserrat’s Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking, a new step aimed at making tourism easier to access. Public Finance: The Government of Montserrat has started comprehensive pension reform, moving toward a more modern, transparent and sustainable system with a defined contribution direction and a 17-member committee supported by TELUS Health. Global Business Watch: In Spain, property prices rose while sales fell, as experts point to a market paradox driven by high costs and mortgage activity. Caribbean Business & Migration Debate: A Caribbean investor’s profile is sparking regional chatter, including claims of being labelled “Foreigner” by competitors.

Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support for marine conservation. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness across public and private stakeholders, including Montserrat. Montserrat Pensions Reform: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent, sustainable system and moving toward a defined contribution model, with a 17-member committee and international technical support. Public Service Recruitment Push: Overseas Territories leaders met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition, with Montserrat among the attendees. Caribbean Business Climate & Mobility: A report highlights visa-free travel options for Nigerian passport holders, including several Caribbean islands, pointing to growing tourism and regional connectivity opportunities. Regional Business Spotlight: A Caribbean investor’s expansion is drawing attention and sparking intra-regional “foreigner” backlash, underscoring how investment can trigger identity and competition tensions.

Montserrat & Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support to safeguard coral reefs, seagrass and hawksbill turtles. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness across the region, including Montserrat. Local Economy & Pensions: Montserrat’s government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system and moving toward a defined contribution model. Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition. Food Security: Spain’s “No Home Without Food” campaign (la Caixa Foundation/CaixaBank) is underway for its seventh year, highlighting ongoing poverty pressures and reliance on food banks. Global Business Watch: Spain’s property market shows a mix of rising home prices and falling transactions, with mortgage activity still strong.

Montserrat Pension Reform: Montserrat’s Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a shift toward a defined contribution model and a 17-member Pension Reform Committee supported by TELUS Health. Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support for marine conservation. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to boost resilience and competitiveness across public and private stakeholders, including Montserrat. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a new borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is positioned to help Caribbean professionals receive international payments via a virtual US dollar account. Spain Economy Watch: Spain’s property market shows a squeeze: home prices are rising while purchases fall, with mortgages at high levels—an affordability and demand signal worth watching. Local Governance & Jobs: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges, including ageing populations and outward migration.

Montserrat & Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support; it’s the fourth Caribbean UK Overseas Territory in the scheme. Montserrat Economy & Finance: Government has begun major pension reform, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system and moving toward a defined contribution model, with a 17-member committee and international technical support. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by offering access to a virtual US dollar account to receive overseas payments more easily. Public Sector Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil servant recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, migration and private-sector competition, including Montserrat’s participation. Spain Property Watch: Spain’s housing market shows a squeeze: second-hand prices rose sharply while purchases fell, with mortgages at their highest in 15 years. Global Spotlight (Business-adjacent): In Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the Tower of Jesus Christ at Sagrada Família, drawing major crowds and reinforcing tourism momentum around the Gaudí centenary.

Montserrat & Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific expertise and technical support. Montserrat Tourism & Payments: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, aiming to make planning easier for visitors as Montserrat pushes for more stayover and cruise tourism. Montserrat Pensions Reform: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, with a 17-member committee and international support, moving toward a more modern, transparent, sustainable retirement system. Regional Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by offering access to a virtual US dollar account for receiving international payments. Spain Property Market Watch: Spain’s home prices rose sharply while transactions fell, with experts pointing to the mismatch between affordability pressures and mortgage activity. Global Context (Pope in Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Barcelona visit highlighted themes of human dignity, migration, and social responsibility, including a Sagrada Família tower blessing tied to Gaudí’s centenary.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support to set up marine protected areas, improve fisheries management and modernise marine laws. Local Governance & Finance: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming to move toward a defined contribution model for public and private workers, with a 17-member committee and international actuarial support. Tourism & Payments: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors choose dates and pay securely in advance via its redesigned website. Regional Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS services sector training initiative (June 29–July 2) to strengthen policymaking and negotiating skills across the region, including Montserrat. Global Business Tech: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year, highlighting security operations support for AI-driven threats. Property Markets (Context): Spain’s housing story is mixed: prices rose while property purchases fell, even as mortgage signings hit a 15-year high.

Montserrat Pension Reform: Montserrat’s Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a move toward a defined contribution model and a 17-member Pension Reform Committee supported by TELUS Health. Marine Protection Boost: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, with support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management and update marine legislation. Tourism Payments Upgrade: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan and pay before arrival. Volcano Risk Outlook: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring showing ground inflation, gas emissions and seismic activity. Business & Finance Tech: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Global South by offering access to a virtual US dollar account for receiving international payments. Regional Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training initiative (June 29–July 2) to strengthen policy and negotiating skills across the region, including Montserrat. Cybersecurity Award: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year for helping organisations defend against AI-driven threats. Property Market Watch (Spain): Spain’s home prices are rising fast while purchases fall, with mortgages at a 15-year high—highlighting a squeeze between affordability and demand.

Montserrat Business & Economy: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a 17-member Pension Reform Committee and technical support from TELUS Health; the review is expected to explore a shift toward a defined contribution model and a transition strategy that protects workers. Local Finance: The MBPF Soft Loan Programme is fully deployed after EC$2 million was issued through 39 approved loans (97.3% utilisation) with no defaults reported, and Government is now seeking additional funding to expand the programme. Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan and pay ahead. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support for marine protected areas and fisheries management. Business Growth (Regional): Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs across the Global South, is gaining traction by offering access to a virtual US dollar account to receive overseas payments more easily. Business/Trade Context: A market analysis on ECCU lending rates argues the region is in a “decade of decision,” with financing needs and policy priorities shaping the cost of money.

Montserrat Business & Finance: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a move toward a defined contribution model and a 17-member Pension Reform Committee supported by TELUS Health. SME Support: Montserrat is also seeking extra funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, approving 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults or arrears so far. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using new scientific and technical support to expand marine protected areas and strengthen fisheries management. Tourism & Trade: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan and pay before arrival. Regional Business Context: A Caribbean banking analysis highlights why lending rates in the ECCU remain high and what strategic choices lie ahead for the region’s growth. Local Resilience: Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, reinforcing the need for close monitoring.

Montserrat Tourism: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided Montserrat tours, making it easier for visitors to choose dates, view itineraries and confirm reservations before arrival. Marine & Environment: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with support for marine protected areas, fisheries management and updated marine legislation. Local Finance: The Montserrat Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, approving 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults reported. Disaster Readiness: A new look at hurricane preparedness highlights how modern reliance on phones and power can create new risks during outages, stressing power banks, radios and offline document copies. Volcano Watch: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with ongoing monitoring of ground movement, gas and seismic activity. Regional Business: A Caribbean banking analysis focuses on why lending rates in the ECCU stay high and what policy choices could lower the “cost of money” for growth. Global Business Tech: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers, is gaining traction across the Global South, offering virtual US dollar accounts to help entrepreneurs get paid internationally.

Public Finance & Wages: Spain’s civil service union CC OO is pushing for a €1,500 minimum net monthly salary for state administration workers, arguing low pay is driving vacancies in high-cost cities and leaving a third of posts unfilled. Marine Conservation & Jobs: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and aiming to expand marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine planning with new scientific support. Local Business Funding: The Montserrat Government is seeking fresh money to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, approving 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults reported. ECCU Lending Costs: A Caribbean banking analysis spotlights why borrowing is so expensive across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and frames the “decade of decision” for regional financing and growth. Disaster Readiness: A Montserrat piece revisits Hurricane Hugo’s lessons and asks whether households are ready today, stressing power, charging, radios, and offline document backups. Governance & Oversight: The BVI urges the UN decolonization committee to use its mandate more actively, including visiting missions, to advance remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories toward self-government. Church & Society (Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip is underway amid polarization and migration debate, with Spain also rolling out a reparations programme for historic clergy abuse cases.

Marine & Trade Policy: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support to set up Marine Protected Areas, improve fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. SME Finance: The Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2m, with 39 loans approved across 11 sectors and no defaults reported. Disaster Readiness: Montserrat is upgrading hurricane response with new tech, including thermal-imaging drones for the police and expanded drone capabilities for the Volcano Observatory to speed up damage checks and locate people in need. Volcano Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active and in “unrest,” with monitoring showing ground inflation, gas emissions, and increased seismic activity despite no eruption since 2010. Regional Business & Markets: A Caribbean banking analysis argues the “cost of money” in the ECCU is keeping lending rates high, shaping the region’s next “decade of decision.”