AGP Executive Report

Parliament Staffing Strain: Parliament President Sarah Wescot-Williams says the Parliament Secretariat “stretched itself thin” during the 2025–2026 year due to staff shortages from turnover, retirement, and maternity leave, even as the Secretariat kept the institution running. Open Parliament & AI Push: Wescot-Williams also flagged Parliament’s push toward digitalisation, AI integration, and paperless operations, including a new Digital Transformation and AI Workgroup and steps to strengthen public involvement, cybersecurity, and more efficient parliamentary systems. Parliament’s Independence: In her closing remarks, Wescot-Williams warned that adopted laws can get “stranded” once they reach Government, and she called for Parliament to set its own agenda, research independently, and hold ministers more directly to account. Regional Cooperation (OT Leaders): Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, with leaders coordinating positions on economic resilience, climate preparedness, regional cooperation, and UK-OT relations. OECS Skills Opportunity: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens Sept. 10 and runs to Sept. 20, offering Anguilla and other OECS citizens advanced training in areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and digital marketing.

Regional Diplomacy in Focus: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda this week for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus, convened by Bermuda Premier E. David Burt ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council in November, with leaders coordinating positions on economic resilience, climate preparedness, regional cooperation, health and social care, and financial services/trade. Digital Skills Push: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens Sept. 10 and runs to Sept. 20, offering advanced training and industry-recognised certifications across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, fintech/blockchain, and UX/UI—available to eligible citizens including Anguilla. Public Pay Spotlight (Anguilla): Reported annual compensation figures put Anguilla’s Premier at EC$386,478, with ministers at EC$322,065 and other senior roles listed, alongside claims about how ministers handle fuel and benefits. AI Sovereignty Row: Coverage continues of Donald Trump’s expanded-US map post, drawing sharp criticism from leaders including Iceland’s prime minister over mockery of state sovereignty. Community & Heritage: A major “Ancestral Echoes” ceremony in St. Kitts marked the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre and the arrival of enslaved Africans, emphasizing truth-telling and resilience.

OECS Digital Skills Push: The OECS Commission says applications for the 2026 OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II) open September 10 and close September 20, delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-backed CARDTP, with Anguilla included and training areas ranging from AI/ML and cybersecurity to cloud, data analytics, digital marketing, and e-learning. UKOT Diplomacy in Bermuda: Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders are meeting in Bermuda for an OT Caribbean Caucus ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, with Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge among those attending as discussions focus on economic resilience, climate preparedness, regional cooperation, health and social care, and financial services/trade. Public Pay Spotlight in Anguilla: Anguilla’s senior political compensation has been published, putting the Premier’s annual package at EC$386,478, with ministers at EC$322,065 and other parliamentary roles listed—raising fresh attention on how allowances and vehicle fuel rules work in practice. Responsible AI Governance: Parliament in Sint Maarten ratified a regional responsible AI outcome statement tied to an Anguilla workshop, committing to ethical governance, data privacy, and information integrity as AI expands. Caribbean Travel & Culture: Explora Journeys announced a 2026-27 Caribbean season across two ships with stops including Anguilla’s Little Bay, while Sunshine Awards set its 38th annual ceremony in Sint Maarten for Oct. 17 under the theme “Black Inventions.”

Overseas Territories Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge and other UK Overseas Territories leaders are in Bermuda for the OT Caribbean Caucus, setting common positions ahead of the November UK Joint Ministerial Council, with talks expected to cover health and social care, climate impacts, and financial services/trade. Regional Governance & Oversight: In St. Maarten, Parliament chair Sarah Wescot-Williams says adopted laws have “stranded” at government and pushes for stronger parliamentary independence, research, and scrutiny—while a separate Parliament move backs a responsible AI framework. Public Finance Transparency: Anguilla’s senior political pay packages are publicly listed, with the Premier reported at EC$386,478 annually, alongside ministers, the opposition leader, and MPs. Digital Skills Push: OECS opens applications for an advanced digital skills scholarship (Cohort II) starting Sept. 10, with Anguilla eligible for training across AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data, and more. Community & Safety: Cayman’s minister highlights regional offender rehabilitation and crime-reduction cooperation after a probation and parole conference in the Turks and Caicos. Local Life: A “Cash Trash Bash” update reports 1,805.7 pounds of trash collected in Bermuda this year, and Scouts seeks a new Lead Volunteer.

Regional Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus (Sept 8–12), joining other OT leaders to align positions ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, with talks covering UK–OT relations, climate and disaster preparedness, health and social care, and financial services/trade. Local Governance Watch: Anguilla’s senior political pay packages are now publicly listed, with the Premier reported at EC$386,478 annually (plus allowances), alongside ministers, the Speaker, and the Opposition Leader—fuel and some duty benefits reportedly handled differently. Digital Skills Access: The OECS has opened applications (Sept 10–20) for an advanced digital scholarship programme for eligible citizens across the Eastern Caribbean, including Anguilla, with training spanning AI, cybersecurity, cloud, fintech, and more. Public Accountability & Tech: In the wider region, Parliament leaders are pushing for stronger independence and responsible AI frameworks, including moves toward digitalisation and paperless operations. Community & Environment: Bermuda’s “Cash Trash Bash” reports collecting 1,805.7 pounds of ocean and beach trash this year, continuing a volunteer-led push that ties donations to environmental charities.

Overseas Territories Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda this week for the UK Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus, alongside leaders from the BVI, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks & Caicos, as they line up shared positions ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council in London. Parliament Watch: St. Maarten’s Parliament chair Sarah Wescot-Williams says adopted laws have “stranded” at government and is pushing for stronger parliamentary independence, plus a responsible AI framework that warns the region not to be left behind. AI & Governance: A regional workshop outcome statement on responsible artificial intelligence—ratified in St. Maarten’s Parliament—focuses on ethical governance, data privacy and information integrity, with Anguilla-linked regional participation noted. Public Finance Transparency (Anguilla): Anguilla’s senior political pay is revealed, with the Premier listed at EC$386,478 annually and ministers at EC$322,065, alongside details on what allowances do and don’t apply. Regional Crime Reduction: Minister Nickolas DaCosta (Cayman Islands) highlights offender rehabilitation and regional probation cooperation after the CAPP conference, with Anguilla’s Shellya Rogers-Webster panel participation cited. Community & Culture: St. Kitts marks “Ancestral Echoes” at the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre, while SKNYPA unveils a “A World We Make” mural featuring young parliamentarians and the SDGs.

Overseas Territories Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus (Sept 8–12), joining leaders from the BVI, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks & Caicos to align positions ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council in November. Regional Governance & AI: Parliament in St. Maarten moved toward a more open, digital legislature, creating a Digital Transformation and AI Workgroup and backing a responsible AI framework—while warning the region must not be left behind. Local Pay Transparency: Anguilla’s senior political compensation is now public, with the Premier listed at EC$386,478 annually and ministers at EC$322,065, alongside notes on allowances and vehicle fuel arrangements. Parliament’s Independence Push: St. Maarten’s Parliament chair Sarah Wescot-Williams says adopted laws have stalled at government and is calling for stronger parliamentary research, scrutiny, and independent agenda-setting. Community & Youth Civic Life: SKNYPA unveiled its Silver Jubilee mural “A World We Make,” featuring young parliamentarians and the SDGs, while Nevis delegates took part in a CPA conference on strengthening parliaments in the digital age. International Politics: Donald Trump’s expanded-US map post drew sharp backlash over sovereignty and territorial claims, with Caribbean and European leaders criticizing the messaging.

Overseas Territories Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda for the UK Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus (Sept 8–12), led by Bermuda Premier E. David Burt, with talks feeding into the November UK Joint Ministerial Council. Regional Governance & Policy: The caucus agenda includes health and social care, climate impacts, and financial services/trade partnerships—while leaders coordinate common positions ahead of the UK meeting. Parliament & Digital Reform (St. Maarten): Parliament chair Sarah Wescot-Williams says adopted laws have “stranded” at government and pushes for stronger parliamentary independence, plus a new Digital Transformation and AI Workgroup and a paperless push. Responsible AI (Regional): Sint Maarten MPs ratified a responsible AI outcome statement from an Anguilla-hosted workshop, focusing on ethical governance, privacy, and keeping the region from being left behind. Public Finance Spotlight (Anguilla): Reported annual compensation figures put the Premier at EC$386,478, with ministers at EC$322,065 and MPs at EC$158,553. Sovereignty Clash (International): Donald Trump’s Truth Social map of an enlarged US sparked international backlash, including Iceland’s PM calling it an insult to sovereignty.

Overseas Territories Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda for the UK Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus (Sept 8–12), joining other OT leaders to align positions ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council in November, with talks covering UK–OT relations, economic and financial services resilience, climate/disaster preparedness, and citizen wellbeing. Parliament & Governance: St. Maarten’s Parliament chair Sarah Wescot-Williams says Parliament must set its own agenda and stop relying on government pace, warning that adopted laws can get “stranded” at the executive level; she also highlighted a push toward digitalisation and AI integration for a more open, paperless legislature. Public Finance Transparency: Anguilla’s senior political compensation is laid out publicly, with the Premier reported at EC$386,478 annually (plus other officeholders listed), alongside notes on allowances and vehicle fuel arrangements. AI Sovereignty Clash: Internationally, President Trump’s AI-style expansion map sparked backlash, including from Iceland’s leaders, with Anguilla listed among depicted territories. Industry Recognition: NCCIA honoured Martin Eveleigh with the Lane Brown Award for decades of work in captive insurance, including drafting regulatory guidance for Anguilla and Nevis.

Caribbean OT diplomacy: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is in Bermuda this week for the UK Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus, hosted by Bermuda Premier David Burt, with leaders from the BVI, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks & Caicos also attending. Discussions run in Hamilton through Saturday and are aimed at agreeing common positions ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, covering the UK–OT relationship, economic and financial services resilience, climate and disaster preparedness, regional cooperation and citizen wellbeing. Parliament pay spotlight (Anguilla): A new public breakdown puts Anguilla’s Premier at EC$386,478 annually, with ministers at EC$322,065, the Opposition Leader at EC$190,263 and MPs at EC$158,553—figures described as total compensation including allowances. Open Parliament & AI push (region): St. Maarten’s Parliament backed a responsible AI framework and warned it must not leave the territory behind, while Parliament’s chair in the region says adopted laws can “strand” at government—raising fresh calls for stronger legislative independence and oversight.

Public Pay Spotlight: Anguilla’s senior political compensation is now out in the open, with the Premier listed at EC$386,478 annually, ministers at EC$322,065, the Opposition Leader at EC$190,263, and MPs at EC$158,553—figures described as total annual compensation including allowances, plus notes that ministers reportedly buy their own fuel. Parliament’s Independence Push: In Sint Maarten, Parliament’s chair Sarah A. Wescot-Williams says adopted laws have “stranded” at government and calls for stronger parliamentary research, scrutiny, and independence from the executive, including moves like referendum and no-confidence ordinances. AI Governance in the Region: Sint Maarten also ratified a regional responsible AI outcome statement after an Anguilla-hosted workshop, while St Maarten’s Parliament backs a responsible AI framework and warns it must not be left behind. Regional Political Networking: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge is set to join an Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus in Bermuda (Sept. 8–12), bringing together regional leaders under UKOTA. International Boundary Talk: Separately, Donald Trump posted an AI-style map suggesting a vastly expanded U.S., including parts of North America and Caribbean territories, without clarifying it as formal policy.

Regional Governance & Youth Parliament: Nevis is sending Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke to the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica, focused on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with a presentation on keeping parliamentary decorum as technology reshapes legislatures; Nevis youth parliamentarians Shevonne Daniel and KJel Smithen will also join a virtual youth session on AI. Community Care & Seniors: Recovery Homecare Assistance’s second annual summer camp in St. Maarten grew from 11 to 60 participants, including an Anguilla day trip, grooming services, and a visit to the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation. Local Government Outreach: Anguilla Governor Julia Crouch hosted five students heading to Birmingham, advising them on city life, public transport, and community fit. Cultural Heritage & Reconciliation: Saint Kitts marked the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre and the arrival of the first enslaved Africans on Liamigua with “Ancestral Echoes,” featuring regional participation, drumming, spiritual healing, and calls for enduring justice. Aviation & Travel Links: BermudAir marked its third anniversary with a 30% fare discount and announced new nonstop service to South Caicos starting December 20.

Regional Governance & Youth Parliament: Nevis is sending Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke to the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica, focused on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including her talk on keeping parliamentary decorum as legislatures modernize. Nevis will also be represented at the virtual 19th Regional Youth Parliament on Sept. 3, with Shevonne Daniel and KJel Smithen set to discuss youth leadership and AI’s implications for the Caribbean’s digital future. Local Leadership & Education: Anguilla Governor Julia Crouch met five students heading to Birmingham for studies spanning engineering, project management, and baking, offering advice on city life, public transport, and settling in. Community Care: Recovery Homecare Assistance’s second annual summer camp in St. Maarten grew from 11 to 60 seniors, including island tours, an Anguilla day trip, grooming services, and a closing dinner and dance. Cultural Memory: A major 400th anniversary commemoration in St. Kitts marked the Kalinago Massacre and the arrival of the first enslaved Africans on Liamigua, with regional indigenous participation and calls for enduring justice.

Regional Governance & Youth Parliament: Nevis is sending Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke to the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica, with a focus on “Maintaining Parliamentary Decorum in the Digital Age,” and it’s also nominating Shevonne Daniel and KJel Smithen for the virtual Regional Youth Parliament on AI. Health Access: St. Maarten’s “Man UP, Check UP” campaign is running free PSA screenings for men 40+ on Sept. 5, 12 and 19, with vouchers for uninsured participants and coverage for insured men via local insurance partners. Cultural Heritage & Reconciliation: St. Kitts marked the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre and the arrival of enslaved Africans on Liamigua with the “Ancestral Echoes” ceremony near Bloody River, featuring regional indigenous participation and calls for justice. Local Development (Anguilla link): Recovery Homecare Assistance’s summer camp in St. Maarten expanded from 11 to 60 participants, including an Anguilla day trip and visits to local care foundations. Business & Connectivity: BermudAir marked its third anniversary with a 30% fare discount and announced new nonstop service to South Caicos, while also expanding its network—an indirect reminder of how regional air links shape opportunity.

Regional Indigenous & Heritage Commemoration: St. Kitts marked the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre and the arrival of the first enslaved Africans on Liamigua with “Ancestral Echoes,” featuring truth-telling, drumming, spiritual healing, and calls for justice. Health & Community Services: Recovery Homecare Assistance expanded its second annual summer camp from 11 to 60 seniors, including an Anguilla day trip, grooming services, and a visit to the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation. Parliamentary Governance in the Digital Age: Nevis is sending Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke to the CPA conference in Jamaica, with a focus on maintaining decorum as legislatures go digital, plus a virtual Youth Parliament on AI. Local Government Support for Students: Anguilla Governor Julia Crouch hosted five students bound for Birmingham, advising them on study, city life, and public transport. Public Health Campaign: St. Maarten launched its “Man UP, Check UP” prostate cancer awareness push, offering free PSA screenings for men 40+ on set Saturdays. Governance & Accountability Watch: A renewed debate in St. Kitts over Christophe Harbour frames the issue as practical sovereignty—taxing, regulating, enforcing, and recovering public money amid major concessions and reported bank debt.

Cultural Heritage & Reconciliation: St. Kitts marked the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre and the arrival of the first enslaved Africans on Liamigua with “Ancestral Echoes,” featuring libations, drumming, and calls for enduring justice near Bloody River. Aging & Community Support: Recovery Homecare Assistance’s second annual summer camp in St. Maarten jumped from 11 to 60 seniors, including an Anguilla day trip, care visits, and a closing dinner/dance. Regional Parliamentary Governance: Nevis Island Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke is in Jamaica for the CPA conference on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” presenting on maintaining decorum as AI reshapes youth parliament discussions. Public Health (Regional): St. Maarten launched its “Man UP, Check UP” prostate cancer awareness drive with free PSA screenings for men 40+ on Sept. 5, 12, and 19. Local Leadership & Youth: Anguilla Governor Julia Crouch hosted five students headed to Birmingham for studies in engineering, project management, and baking. Governance & Accountability (Regional): A St. Kitts debate revisits the Christophe Harbour deal, arguing the core issue is practical sovereignty—taxing, regulating, and recovering public money amid major concessions and bank debt claims.