AGP Executive Report

Public Service Hiring Crunch: Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service met in Bermuda to confront a shared problem—governments are struggling to recruit civil servants as populations age, migration drains talent, and the private sector competes harder. Blue Belt Marine Push: Montserrat officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, and updated marine laws. Regional Parliament Talk: The Cayman Islands hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, with delegates focused on strengthening legislatures, governance reform, and how AI could affect parliamentary work. Decolonisation Pressure at the UN: The VI and BVI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining territories move toward integration, free association, or independence. Environment Month Partnering: St. Kitts and Nevis launched Environment Month with a climate-action theme tied to its Sustainable Island State Agenda, backed by a national bank partnership. Judicial Leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026.

UK Overseas Territories & Marine Policy: 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 to expand marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine legislation—bringing the programme to 11 UK territories, including Anguilla. Regional Governance & Democracy: The Cayman Islands hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, focusing on strengthening parliamentary institutions, governance reform, democratic accountability, and the role of commissions, with AI also on the agenda. Defence & Commemoration: St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force launched a new digital combat uniform to mark the June 10, 1967 event tied to the Bradshaw “coup” narrative. Decolonisation Push: The British Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands urged the UN Decolonisation Committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance the remaining non-self-governing territories toward integration, free association, or independence. Regional Courts: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court named Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026. Fisheries Ministers Meet: CRFM’s ministerial council convened to discuss aquaculture, food security, climate resilience, and progress against illegal fishing, with Antigua’s Randy Baltimore elected chair. Air Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter route expansion adding Turks and Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla, plus new service to Guatemala City—boosting regional travel options.

Blue Belt Marine Push: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using UK-backed science to expand marine protected areas and modernise marine laws—Anguilla is already in the programme, making this a regional signal for stronger ocean governance. Regional Decolonisation Pressure: The British Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands both urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories through integration, free association, or independence. Eastern Caribbean Court Leadership: King Charles III appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court effective April 9, 2026, reinforcing rule-of-law and access-to-justice across OECS states and UK overseas territories. Fisheries & Blue Economy Coordination: CRFM ministers met to back aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience via insurance, and continued action against illegal fishing; Antigua’s Randy Baltimore was elected chair, taking over from Anguilla’s Kyle Hodge. Air Connectivity for Anguilla: BermudAir announced winter expansion adding direct service to Turks and Caicos and continuing onward connectivity to Anguilla, plus new routes to Belize and Guatemala City—more options for regional travel and tourism planning. Security Commemoration: St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force launched a new digital combat uniform to mark June 10, 1967, the foiled attempt to overthrow the Bradshaw government. Parliamentary Governance Exchange: Cayman hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, focusing on good governance, constitutional reform, opposition accountability, and how AI may affect legislatures.

Caricom Membership Debate: A Bermuda lawmaker says the public process on Bermuda’s bid for full Caricom membership felt more like a presentation than real consultation, warning that deeper integration could clash with Bermuda’s high-income, tax-neutral financial model. Regional Airlift for Anguilla: BermudAir is rolling out major winter route expansion, including direct Toronto–Turks and Caicos with onward service to Anguilla, plus new links from U.S. cities to Turks and Caicos and Belize—an air-connectivity boost for Anguilla’s tourism and business travel. Marine Protection Push: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, joining Anguilla and other Caribbean UK territories, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and strengthen marine protected areas and fisheries governance. Fisheries Governance: The CRFM ministerial council met to advance aquaculture, food security, climate resilience and progress against illegal fishing, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as chair for 2026–27. ECCU Cost of Money: A regional finance analysis argues high borrowing costs in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union are slowing growth, while credit unions may offer more affordable lending options.

Regional Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir is rolling out a major winter expansion, including a new direct Toronto–Turks and Caicos service with onward connections to Anguilla, plus added nonstop links from U.S. cities to Turks and Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City—an effort aimed at easing Bermuda’s seasonality and boosting Caribbean connectivity. Local Governance & Environment: The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning against illegal dumping and misuse and citing fines up to $1,000. Judicial Appointments: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced King Charles III has appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026, reinforcing regional rule-of-law leadership. International Decolonisation Push: The VI and BVI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government options for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. Marine Policy: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and to strengthen marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine legislation. Regional Fisheries: CRFM ministers met to set fisheries and blue-economy priorities, including aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience via insurance, and progress on tackling IUU fishing.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: BermudAir is ramping up winter routes, including a new direct Toronto–Turks and Caicos service with onward connections to Anguilla, plus broader expansion that adds nonstop links to Anguilla, Belize and Guatemala City from multiple U.S. and Canadian cities—an effort aimed at easing Bermuda’s seasonality and boosting regional access. Regional Governance & Decolonisation: The Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including through integration, free association or independence. Marine Policy: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and to strengthen marine protected areas, fisheries management and marine legislation—alongside Anguilla and other Caribbean UK territories. Regional Fisheries: CARICOM’s CRFM ministerial council met to push aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience and continued progress against illegal fishing, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore elected chair for 2026–27. Local Environment Enforcement: The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority increased enforcement at public bin sites, warning of fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping or misuse.

UN Decolonisation Push: The Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands both urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use “good offices” and visiting missions to accelerate self-government options for the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including integration, free association or independence. Regional Marine Policy: Montserrat officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, joining Anguilla and other Caribbean UK territories; the partnership targets stronger marine governance, fisheries management, Marine Protected Areas and marine legislation, with a commitment to protect at least 20% of the maritime zone. Anguilla in the Spotlight: Anguilla’s Tourist Board delegation is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, aiming to strengthen partnerships and promote the island under the “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” theme. Eastern Caribbean Governance: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court named Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026, reinforcing judicial leadership across OECS states and British Overseas Territories. Fisheries Cooperation: Ministers under the CRFM met to advance aquaculture, food security, climate resilience and progress against illegal fishing, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore elected chair for 2026-2027. Travel Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter route expansion that includes renewed service to Anguilla and new nonstop links to Turks and Caicos and Belize from multiple US and Canadian cities.

Regional Tourism & Air Links: BermudAir is rolling out a bigger winter network, including new nonstop service from U.S. and Canada to Turks and Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, plus expanded Anguilla routes—an immediate connectivity boost for Anguilla’s visitor pipeline. Local Government & Public Life: Anguilla marked Anguilla Day 59 with a full lineup of officials and ministers, with Premier Cora Richardson Hodge pointing to priorities from ports and water to renewable energy and fisheries. Regional Governance & Law: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court named Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026, underscoring judicial leadership across OECS states. Environment & Policy: The CRFM ministerial council met to push fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy priorities, including action on IUU fishing and climate resilience. Business Support: In St. Maarten, COCI and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) hosted a business support session on grants and access-to-finance tools for entrepreneurs. Waste Enforcement: The BVI waste authority is tightening enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000.

Eastern Caribbean Justice: King Charles III has appointed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as the new Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026, reinforcing judicial leadership across OECS states and British Overseas Territories. Regional Fisheries Governance: The CRFM Ministerial Council met by teleconference, electing Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore as Chair for 2026-27, with ministers focused on aquaculture growth, food security, climate/disaster resilience, and progress against illegal fishing. ECCU Economic Pressure: A new regional analysis argues the “cost of money” in the Eastern Caribbean is weighing on growth, while pointing to policy choices and the role of cheaper credit options. Anguilla Tourism & Connectivity: Anguilla is represented at Caribbean Week in New York 2026, as regional tourism leaders push for stronger connectivity and resilience. Air Links That Matter: BermudAir’s winter expansion adds new nonstop routes to Turks and Caicos and Belize from multiple U.S. cities, and grows service to Anguilla—key for Anguilla’s visitor access and planning.

Eastern Caribbean Justice: King Charles III has appointed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as the new Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026—an institutional leadership change watched across OECS states and British overseas territories. Regional Fisheries Governance: The CRFM Ministerial Council met by teleconference, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair for 2026-27, with ministers focused on aquaculture growth, food security, climate/disaster resilience, and progress against illegal fishing. ECCU Economic Policy: A new analysis revisits the ECCU “cost of money” problem, tying high lending rates to the region’s broader “decade of decision” agenda—highlighting the push to double ECCU economies over the next decade. Anguilla in the Spotlight: Anguilla’s tourism leadership is attending Caribbean Week in New York, while local celebrations mark Anguilla Day and outline government priorities from ports and water to renewable energy and fisheries. Air Connectivity: BermudAir’s winter expansion adds more direct links across the region, including expanded service to Anguilla and new nonstop routes to Turks and Caicos and Belize.

Regional Finance Watch: A new analysis argues the ECCU’s “cost of money” is keeping Caribbean borrowing expensive, even as the CDB and ECCB push a “decade of decision” agenda aimed at resilience and growth. Judicial Appointments: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced King Charles III has appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026—an institutional leadership change for the OECS court. Fisheries & Food Security: Ministers under the CRFM met by teleconference, with aquaculture expansion, climate/disaster resilience, and progress against illegal fishing on the agenda, plus a new chair for 2026-27. Local Environment Enforcement: The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority says it’s stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with illegal dumping fines up to $1,000. Anguilla in the Spotlight: Anguilla’s Tourist Board delegation is attending Caribbean Week in New York, while BermudAir’s winter expansion highlights more air access to Anguilla via new US/Canada routes.

ECCU “Cost of Money” Debate: A new analysis ties Caribbean lending rates to the region’s “decade of decision,” pointing to major financing needs and the ECCB’s push for shared prosperity across six policy pillars. Environment Month Partnership (St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla): St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank is named Official Sustainability Partner for Environment Month 2026, aligning banking support with the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Eastern Caribbean Justice: King Charles III appoints Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Regional Fisheries Governance: The CRFM Ministerial Council meets to advance aquaculture, food security, climate resilience and insurance, and continued progress against IUU fishing, with Antigua’s Randy Baltimore elected Chair. Anguilla Tourism at CTO Forum: Anguilla’s Minister Cardigan Connor and ATB officials attend Caribbean Week in New York 2026 to push the island’s tourism agenda. Air Connectivity Watch (Anguilla-linked): BermudAir expands winter routes, including new U.S./Canada links to Turks & Caicos and Belize and renewed service connecting to Anguilla, with tickets set to go on sale Friday.

Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir, Bermuda’s homegrown carrier, is rolling out a major winter expansion that reaches beyond Bermuda—adding Turks and Caicos, Belize and Guatemala City, and boosting service to Anguilla, with new links from U.S. and Canada gateways including Boston, Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Newark and St. Pete–Clearwater. Tourism Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Tourist Board delegation is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, joining regional ministers and industry leaders under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Regional Justice: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court confirmed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026. Fisheries Governance: The CRFM Ministerial Council met by teleconference, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair and focusing on aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience and progress on illegal fishing. Public Health & Enforcement: The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000.

Regional Tourism Diplomacy: Anguilla’s Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports Cardigan Connor and ATB officials are in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 (June 1–5), joining CTO talks aimed at boosting connectivity and market share. Air Connectivity: BermudAir is rolling out major winter route expansions, including new nonstop service to Turks and Caicos and Belize from multiple U.S. cities and a return/expansion of service to Anguilla—key for Anguilla’s visitor access. Judicial Leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced King Charles III’s appointment of Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026, a governance and rule-of-law milestone across OECS. Fisheries Policy: CRFM ministers met by teleconference, electing Antigua’s Randy Baltimore as Chair and focusing on aquaculture growth, food security, climate resilience, and progress against illegal fishing. Environment & Enforcement: The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is increasing enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Local Culture: Anguilla marked Anguilla Day with a strong public turnout and Premier Cora Richardson Hodge highlighting priorities from ports and water to renewable energy and fisheries.

Air Connectivity for Anguilla: BermudAir says it’s launching major winter expansion with new nonstop and direct routes to Turks and Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, while also reconnecting Anguilla—tickets for the new services go on sale June 5, with Anguilla tied into the Turks & Caicos connection in some itineraries. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its 14th Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026, taking on judicial leadership across OECS states and British Overseas Territories. Fisheries Policy: CARICOM’s CRFM Ministerial Council met by teleconference and elected Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore as Chair for 2026–27, focusing on aquaculture growth, food security, climate/disaster resilience, and continued action against IUU fishing. Tourism Leadership in Anguilla: The Anguilla Tourist Board named Sean Richard as Chairman effective June 1, replacing Cecile Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, as the government frames the change as part of strengthening tourism governance. Caribbean Week in New York: CTO-led Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” bringing tourism ministers and officials—including Anguilla—to push connectivity and market resilience.

Regional Fisheries & Food Security: CRFM ministers meeting virtually at the 20th Ministerial Council session adopted 19 resolutions, backed a new aquaculture plan, and pressed on climate/disaster insurance, food security, and steps to curb illegal IUU fishing; Antigua and Barbuda’s Randy Baltimore was elected Chair for 2026–2027, taking over from Anguilla’s Kyle Hodge. Anguilla Tourism Governance: The Anguilla Tourist Board named Sean Richard as new Chairman effective June 1, replacing Cecile Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, as the government frames the move as strengthening oversight and strategic leadership. Caribbean Tourism Push in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1 with ministers and officials from across the region, including Anguilla, aiming to secure markets, improve resilience, and promote a shift toward cultural and regenerative travel. Air Connectivity Watch: BermudAir’s winter expansion keeps Anguilla in the spotlight, with new/expanded nonstop and connecting services linking Anguilla with U.S. and Canadian gateways via Turks & Caicos, alongside fresh routes to Belize and Grand Cayman.