AGP Executive Report

Montserrat Business: PRIME Weekend 2026 wraps with Montserrat’s first-ever Business Awards & Gala, running July 24–26 and spotlighting local entrepreneurs and innovators, with M.S. Osborne Limited already named Business of the Year. Regional Finance: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring national heroes and regional icons, moving away from Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness. ECCB Governance: The ECCB Monetary Council met July 10, reaffirming its push to protect the EC dollar while strengthening resilience and shared prosperity across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Local Economy & Health: Montserrat Festival UK is backing the Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Inc. 100 Million Step Challenge to fund breast cancer awareness and diabetic foot care, with podiatry clinics and workshops planned for late October. Education Abroad: Three Montserratians won Chevening Scholarships for 2026/27, heading to UK universities for master’s degrees in economics/finance and banking/finance. Safety & Travel: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands as seas and winds create hazardous conditions. Community & Culture: A Montserrat-linked monastery stay in Spain highlights the quieter, faith-focused side of Benedictine hospitality.

Montserrat Chevening Boost: Three Montserratians—Alverna Weekes, Denecia Furlonge and Dr. Georgette Skerritt—have won Chevening Scholarships for 2026/27, heading to UK master’s programmes before returning to support island priorities. Health Access: The Ministry of Health launches “Wellness in Motion,” a mobile clinic starting Aug 7, with free monthly screenings like blood pressure and blood sugar checks plus health education. Research Focus: Montserrat’s 4th Annual Research Day is set for July 29 (9AM) under “Evidence in Action,” covering mental health, noncommunicable diseases, vaccine hesitancy, antibiotic resistance, prostate cancer and older persons’ care. Regional Money Update: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s image with national heroes and regional icons. Fuel Relief: Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, with diesel and premium gasoline both reduced at wholesale and retail levels. Travel Note: A small craft advisory remains in effect for Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds. Visa-Free Travel: Nigerians can access 44 destinations in 2026 without a pre-arrival visa, including Montserrat, depending on entry rules.

Commonwealth Games: Glasgow is set for the 2026 Commonwealth Games starting Thursday, July 23, running to Aug 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports plus six integrated Para sports, and a day-by-day medal tracker for fans. Currency & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that remove Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with national heroes from ECCU member states, including a $100 note featuring Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir John Compton. Health Access: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services launches “Wellness in Motion,” a mobile clinic offering free monthly preventive screenings like blood pressure and blood sugar checks starting Aug 7. Research in Focus: The Ministry will also host its 4th Annual Research Day on Wed, July 29, highlighting local work on mental health, noncommunicable diseases, vaccine hesitancy, antibiotic resistance, prostate cancer and care for older persons. Cost of Living: Fuel prices in Montserrat have been cut effective July 11, with diesel and premium gasoline reduced at both wholesale and retail levels. Community Safety: A small craft advisory has been issued for Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds.

Local Energy Relief: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel wholesale from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail to EC$17.70; premium gasoline wholesale fell from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail to EC$20.87. Regional Weather Watch: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda and also covers Montserrat, with seas forecast around 5–8 feet and gusts up to 54 km/h, urging mariners—especially those in smaller vessels—to avoid affected waters. Health & Training: Two Montserrat nurses completed a four-week NHS training exchange in England, describing the experience as transformative and highlighting work across leadership, maternity care, infection control, and digital healthcare. Community Fundraiser: Montserrat Festival UK is backing Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat’s 100 Million Step Challenge, aiming for 100 million steps and £25,000 for breast cancer awareness and diabetic foot health clinics. Reparations Push: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is again pressing the UK on reparatory justice, including the status of Overseas Territories where Montserrat is among those named. Faith in the Region: Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to Montecassino to pray for peace, while Dominican President Luis Abinader credited daily prayer for strength in governing.

Caricom Reparations Push: The Caricom Reparations Commission has included British Overseas Territories in its revised reparations manifesto, stepping up lobbying in London and the UN—while calling for Britain to relinquish territories such as Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands as part of “decolonisation” and reparatory justice. Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel and premium gasoline at both wholesale and retail levels to ease the cost of living. Health & Training Exchange: Two Montserrat nurses completed a four-week NHS training observership in England, working across leadership, theatre services, maternity care, infection control, and digital healthcare. Community Fundraiser: Montserrat Festival UK is backing Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat’s 100 Million Step Challenge, now past halfway, to fund breast cancer awareness and diabetic foot health clinics. Marine Safety: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds. Local Roads Update: Waltham Forest published its 2026 resurfacing list, with 30 roads identified and 16 already completed.

Health & Training Exchange: Two nurses from Glendon Hospital have finished a four-week NHS clinical observership in England, working across leadership, theatre services, maternity care, infection control and digital healthcare. Community Health & Fundraising: Montserrat Festival UK is backing Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Inc.’s 100 Million Step Challenge, aiming for 100 million steps and EC$25,000 for breast cancer awareness and diabetic foot health clinics and workshops. Local Economy: The Government of Montserrat says fuel prices have dropped, cutting wholesale and retail diesel and premium gasoline effective July 11, as it looks to ease the cost of living. Safety on the Water: A small craft advisory covers Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and nearby islands, warning of hazardous seas and strong winds until Monday before dawn. Regional Politics & Reparations: CARICOM leaders in London are pushing a decolonisation-and-reparations agenda that includes calls for Britain to relinquish territories such as Montserrat, alongside broader reparatory justice demands. Regional Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing frequent delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the region.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat says it has cut wholesale and retail prices for diesel and premium gasoline, effective July 11, aiming to ease the cost of living. Marine Safety: A small craft advisory has been issued for Antigua and Barbuda and also covers Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with hazardous seas and strong winds expected. Regional Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to long delays and missed connections that disrupt travel between islands. CARICOM & Decolonisation: CARICOM’s reparations push in London includes a demand that Britain relinquish territories such as Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, framing it as part of reparatory justice. CARICOM Tax Talks: Tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana, for a CARICOM Tax Administrators conference focused on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Cyber Fraud Warning: Bankers in the region are warning residents about “money mule” recruitment scams spreading via social media.

Local Energy Relief: Montserrat’s government 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), aiming to ease the cost of living. Marine Safety: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda until Monday before dawn, also covering Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with seas up to around 10 feet and gusts near 54 km/h. Regional Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the region. CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM’s delegation in London is pressing Britain to relinquish overseas territories including Montserrat and to expand reparations, framing decolonisation as part of reparatory justice. CARICOM Tax Talks: Tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” revenue systems, including smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches.

Marine Safety: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda and also covers Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with winds 22–35 km/h (gusts to 54 km/h) and seas up to 8 feet, urging mariners—especially less experienced operators—to avoid affected waters. Cost of Living: Montserrat’s government 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). Regional Politics/Reparations: CARICOM’s reparations push to Britain is expanding, with demands that the UK relinquish territories including Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, alongside calls for King Charles to back decolonisation. Regional Integration: Martinique and French Guiana officially joined CARICOM as associate members, boosting regional ties between French- and English-speaking islands. OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing long delays and missed connections while traveling to regional meetings. CARICOM Tax Talks: Tax administrators will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” tax systems, including smart, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches.

Weather Alert: A small craft advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda and covers Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with moderate to fresh easterly winds (22–35 km/h, gusts up to 54 km/h) and seas of 1.5–2.4 metres (up to nearly 3.1 metres/10 feet), expected to last until Monday before dawn; mariners are urged to avoid the Atlantic sides and smaller craft operators to stay clear. Cost of Living: Montserrat’s government cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel wholesale from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 and retail to EC$17.70, while premium gasoline wholesale drops from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail to EC$20.87. Local Administration: The Government of Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract starting July 15, aiming to build a modern, agile public service. Regional Politics: CARICOM reparations talks in London renewed calls for Britain to relinquish overseas territories including Montserrat, alongside reparatory justice demands.

Fuel Relief for Montserrat: The Government says new lower petroleum prices take effect immediately (from July 11, 2026), cutting diesel wholesale from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 and retail to EC$17.70, while premium gasoline drops wholesale from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail to EC$20.87. Regional Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to hours-long delays and missed connections that keep island travellers “stranded daily.” CARICOM Reparations Push: A CARICOM delegation in London is promoting a “decolonisation” agenda tied to reparatory justice, including demands that Britain relinquish territories such as Montserrat, the BVI, Bermuda, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos. CARICOM Membership Update: Martinique and French Guiana officially joined CARICOM as associate members, bringing associate membership to eight while member states remain unchanged. ECCB Money Matters: Eastern Caribbean leaders unveiled redesigned EC banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II imagery with regional icons and national heroes. Local Governance (Montserrat): Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer, starting July 15, 2026, on a three-year contract.

CARICOM & Regional Integration: Martinique and French Guiana have officially joined CARICOM as associate members, bringing the associate total to eight and deepening ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean territories. Local Cost of Living: Montserrat has cut fuel prices effective July 11, with diesel and premium gasoline both reduced at wholesale and retail levels, aiming to ease pressure on residents. Regional Aviation Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to frustrating delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the sub-region. Money & Identity: Eastern Caribbean leaders unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes featuring regional icons and national heroes, replacing the Queen Elizabeth II image. Reparations Push: CARICOM’s reparations delegation in London is urging Britain to return territories including Montserrat and to commit to decolonisation as part of reparatory justice demands. Tax Cooperation: Tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s conference on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration.

Fuel Relief in 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, as officials said the move is meant to ease the cost of living. Regional Money Updates: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional icons and national heroes, replacing the Queen Elizabeth II image, with new designs rolled out across ECCU member states. CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM leaders are urging Britain to give up overseas territories—including Montserrat—alongside reparations, with a manifesto presented in London and framed as “decolonisation” and “reparatory justice.” OECS Connectivity Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to frustrating flight delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the islands. Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Guyana later this month for COTA’s General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on making tax systems more “future-ready” with smarter, data-driven tools.

Regional Tax & Finance: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference on “Future-Ready CARICOM Tax Administration,” with a focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Decolonisation & Reparations: CARICOM leaders are pushing Britain to relinquish overseas territories—including Montserrat, the BVI, Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos—alongside reparations, arguing residents remain “second-class inhabitants.” OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing daily frustrations from flight delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the islands. ECCB Banknotes: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes and national icons, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image. Montserrat HR: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective 15 July, aiming to build a modern, agile public service. Travel Advisory: The US upgraded its travel advisory for Saint Lucia to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to concerns about violent crime and slower police response times.

OECS Air Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to daily delays and cancellations that strand travellers, including his six-hour wait in Barbados en route to a CARICOM meeting. Regional Currency Update: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes honouring regional heroes and national icons, with the new EC$10 note featuring Montserrat’s Henry Bramble. Montserrat Appointments: The Government of Montserrat named Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer, starting July 15 on a three-year contract, aiming to build a modern, agile public service. Reparations and Decolonisation Drive: CARICOM leaders in the UK urged Britain to return territories including Montserrat and back decolonisation as part of slavery reparations. Fuel Subsidy Warning: Premier Reuben Meade and DBRP’s Hyginus Leon urged careful balancing of short-term fuel subsidies against long-term fiscal sustainability amid US-Iran-driven oil price pressure. Travel Advisory: The US upgraded its travel advisory for Saint Lucia to Level 2, citing violent crime risks and slower police response times.

Caricom Reparations Push: A 15-member Caribbean delegation in the UK is urging Britain to hand back territories including the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos, and to back wider decolonisation as part of slavery reparations. Regional Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to hours-long delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the islands. ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and national icons, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note, with the new series rolling out after the current stock is depleted. Montserrat Public Service: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, starting July 15 on a three-year contract. Local Economy Under Pressure: Premier Reuben Meade said fuel subsidies during the US–Iran oil-price shock must be targeted and carefully managed, given limited fiscal space. Remembering Geoff Wadge: The week also marked the passing of volcanologist Geoff Wadge, whose work helped assess hazards for Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills.