AGP Executive Report

National Mourning: Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley led tributes after the sudden death of former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, praising his Sandy Point service and faith-rooted leadership. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly sits Thursday, June 18, 10:00 a.m., with bills posted online and the sitting broadcast on ZIZ Radio and TV Channel 5/Nevis Channel 98. Water Crisis: NEMA and the Water Services Department warn drought could last into November 30, 2026, citing a 44% rainfall deficit and urging leak checks, reporting leaks, and cutting non-essential water use. Justice Reform: The House passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules with fair trial safeguards. Public Safety Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation programme begins at Koi Resort with UNDP support. International Diplomacy: PM Terrance Drew heads to Europe for Brussels talks and Germany’s Climate Mobility Forum, while SKN participates in a CARICOM UN caucus retreat. Investment & Maritime Push: IGS 2026 runs June 17–20, and Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts and Nevis spotlights yachting as an economic driver. Regional Security Link: SKNDF highlights strengthened U.S. military partnership as a U.S. liaison officer visits Camp Springfield.

International Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew heads to Europe for talks in Brussels and the Climate Mobility Forum in Berlin, aiming to boost partnerships and keep small-island climate priorities on the agenda. Maritime & Tourism Development: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted “Nautical Miles” and “Nautical Kickstart” events to position the Federation as a premier yachting and superyacht destination, linking local entrepreneurs to global marina and crew expertise. Water Security Under Strain: NEMA and meteorological officials warn drought may persist into the traditional rainy season and beyond, citing major rainfall shortfalls; the government and Nevis leadership are pushing 24/7 supply upgrades. Legislative Justice Reform: The National Assembly passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules while adding fair-trial safeguards. Consumer Protection in Banking: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed to strengthen disclosure, data protection, and access to banking services across the ECCU. Public Health & Compliance: The Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign. Travel Policy Change: Ireland introduced a visa requirement for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals from June 15, with transit visas also required. Regional Security Link: SKNDF met a U.S. military liaison officer, reaffirming the strategic partnership. Loss: Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger died suddenly at home, prompting national mourning.

Maritime Safety & International Coordination: A major rescue operation is underway off Oman after the Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel Virat 1 suffered engine failure and 14 Indian crew abandoned ship into a liferaft about 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd; Omani authorities and nearby vessels joined the response, with the US Navy coordinating via a P-8 aircraft and the St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant ship MV Jabal Ali 9 taking survivors aboard. Water Security & Drought Preparedness: NEMA and meteorological officials warn drought may persist into the traditional rainy season, citing rainfall deficits and urging conservation as the 2026 hurricane season approaches. Government & Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Terrance Drew heads to Europe for high-level talks in Brussels and the Climate Mobility Forum in Berlin, while also tying national resilience efforts to the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Justice Reform: The House passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules with fair-trial safeguards, alongside restorative justice and criminal mediation training with UNDP support. Regional Finance: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed to strengthen consumer protection, disclosure, data protection, and financial inclusion across the ECCU. Defence & National Affairs: SKNDF marked June 10 with a new digital combat uniform and renewed partnership messaging with the US military. Travel Policy: Ireland announced visa requirements for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals effective June 15, with a limited transitional arrangement for pre-booked travel.

Water Security & Drought Response: Nevis says it has invested over $50M toward a 24/7 potable water supply, with the near-complete Stoney Hill 500,000-gallon tank and upgrades to reduce leaks and distribution loss, as NEMA warns drought could persist into the traditional rainy season. National Assembly & Climate Diplomacy: PM Terrance Drew heads to Europe for high-level meetings in Belgium and Germany’s Climate Mobility Forum, while also pushing urgent climate action at home through the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Justice Reform: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules and adding safeguards for fairness, privacy, and due process. Consumer Protection: The Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, cleared the National Assembly, strengthening consumer rights, disclosure, data protection, and financial inclusion across the ECCU. Public Safety Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation programme opened in Basseterre with UNDP support to build local conflict-resolution capacity. International Mobility: Ireland announced a visa requirement for St. Kitts and Nevis travellers effective June 15, with a transit visa also needed. Defence Partnership: SKNDF met U.S. military liaison officials, reaffirming the strategic partnership. Tourism & Maritime Economy: Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis is underway to position the Federation as a premier yachting destination. National Mourning: Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger has died suddenly at home, prompting tributes across the political landscape.

Drought Watch: NEMA says rainfall is far below normal (about 44% less by end of May) and warns drought conditions could linger into the traditional rainy season, with El Niño blamed for the weak outlook. Water Security Politics: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly the government is pushing toward 24/7 supply, citing EC$60M+ in upgrades (drilling, desalination, pipelines, storage) and promising lasting solutions, even as communities report worsening shortages. Justice Reform: Parliament passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules and adding safeguards for fairness and due process; the Attorney-General and MPs backed the changes. Community Safety Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation programme opened in Basseterre with UNDP support, aiming to build local skills for dialogue, accountability, and conflict resolution. Health & Regulation: The Medical Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign, stressing lawful access and safe, moderated engagement. Tourism & Industry: PM Drew opened Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis, positioning the federation as a premier yachting services destination. Travel Policy: Ireland will require visas for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals from June 15, with a short transitional arrangement for pre-booked trips.

Justice Reform: St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modernising DNA evidence rules while adding safeguards for privacy and fair trial protections, including clearer limits on how samples are sought and used. Banking & Consumer Protection: The House also approved the Banking (Amendment) Bill, 2026, updating 71 provisions to strengthen disclosure, data protection, and consumer rights across the ECCU banking system. Water & Climate: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly that severe drought conditions demand urgent climate action, pointing to El Niño and climate change, while stressing the push for reliable 24/7 water access and major infrastructure investment. International Travel: Ireland announced visa requirements for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals effective June 15, with a limited transition for travellers who booked before then. Defence & Security: The SKN Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform for the June 10, 1967 anniversary, as the government highlighted modernization and border protection. Public Safety & Health: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a Responsible Use Campaign, reiterating medicinal and religious cannabis as the lawful categories.

Water Security Under Pressure: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly that severe drought conditions—linked to El Niño and climate change—are driving urgent action, while the government pushes EC$60M+ in water projects to move toward 24/7 access. Justice Reform: The Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2026 modernises DNA evidence rules and adds stronger safeguards for privacy and due process, with MPs backing passage. Defence & National Anniversary: St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force marked June 10’s 59th anniversary with a new digital combat uniform and PM Drew praised the force’s role in defending democracy. Public Safety & Daily Life: Traffic officials warned against sidewalk parking that blocks pedestrians and damages infrastructure. Health & Regulation: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a Responsible Use Campaign, stressing medicinal and religious cannabis as the only lawful pathways. Housing Controversy: The East Coast Housing Development dispute resurfaced with renewed calls for transparency over alleged guarantee issues and missed serviced-lot commitments. Tourism & Economy: A Nautical Kickstart forum aims to position St. Kitts and Nevis as a yachting hub, while cruise activity continues with Rhapsody of the Seas adding port calls. Regional/International Watch: UN concerns grow over Middle East escalation affecting oil and food prices; US visa restrictions also ripple through regional tourism leadership.

Responsible Cannabis Education: The St. Kitts and Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority launched a nationwide Responsible Use Campaign, stressing only medicinal and religious cannabis are legal and outlining guidance on rights, science, medical oversight, and protecting vulnerable people. Climate & Water Crisis: Prime Minister Terrance Drew told the National Assembly the severe drought demands urgent, sustained climate action, linking the crisis to El Niño and climate change and pointing to the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Public Safety & Traffic: A traffic official warned motorists that parking on sidewalks is becoming “normal,” damaging infrastructure and endangering pedestrians, with enforcement urged in busy areas. Migration & Travel Rules: Migration Minister Colm Brophy announced new visa requirements for Nicaraguans, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia nationals traveling to Ireland from June 15, with limited transitional arrangements. Regional Health Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states through an IATA workshop to improve safe transport of infectious substances and strengthen preparedness. Food Security Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis received 480 parent-stock chicks (400 hens, 80 roosters) from the U.S. under a Taiwan-supported poultry development project. Defence & June 10 Commemoration: PM Drew saluted the SKNDF as the Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform and marked the 59th anniversary of June 10, 1967. Tourism Pulse: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first off-season call to Port Zante, with nine summer calls scheduled, while Royal Caribbean added an extra port to a July sailing. Justice Reform: Attorney-General Garth Wilkin opened restorative justice and criminal mediation training with UNDP, pushing early intervention beyond enforcement. Funeral Logistics: Police issued a traffic advisory for the official funeral of cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero on June 11.

Defence & National Security: Prime Minister Terrance Drew marked the 59th anniversary of June 10, 1967, praising the people and security forces for preserving the Federation’s democracy, as the SKN Defence Force unveiled a new digital combat uniform in a Basseterre march tied to the anniversary. Justice Reform: Attorney-General Garth Wilkin opened restorative justice and criminal mediation training with UNDP, stressing that enforcement must be paired with mediation and early intervention to reduce conflict and harm. Public Safety Update: Police confirmed cruise crew member Ziyuan Wang died from injuries in a fall on Mt. Liamuiga, with a post-mortem finding no evidence of foul play, after a multi-agency search. Cost of Living & Trade Policy: Government reiterated customs relief measures, including waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs value calculations to ease imported-goods price pressure. Regional Diplomacy & Travel Access: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief said he and his wife were denied US visa renewal, while Dominica’s Skerrit said he can’t comment on the US decision. Education & Opportunity: Nevis announced Morocco scholarship applications for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate studies, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and travel. Sports Administration: SKNOC office manager Jessica Warner was selected for the IOC Immersion Stay Programme in Lausanne. Environment & Community: Environment Month kicked off under a climate-action theme, with calls for collective stewardship and empowerment.

Defence & Public Order: St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force unveiled a new combat uniform in a Basseterre ceremony tied to the 59th anniversary of the 1967 coup attempt, while police issued a traffic advisory for the June 11 official funeral of cultural icon Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero. Justice Reform: The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, with UNDP, launched a 10-day Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training programme aimed at conflict resolution beyond detention. Environment & Resilience: Environment Month kicked off under Minister Joyelle Clarke, and CDEMA renewed calls for regional hurricane preparedness after lessons from the 2025 season. Cost of Living & Trade: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief measures, waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs calculations to ease import costs. Energy Transition: Work began on a roadmap toward 100% renewable electricity generation, supported by the EU via Euroclima Caribbean and UNDP. Governance & Capacity: Greenhouse Village Initiative is shifting to a more structured, centralised model for climate-smart farming, and SKNOC highlighted athlete welfare and Olympic values training after its Greece session. Sports & Culture: SKNFA’s women’s and girls’ football festival drew a record turnout, while Nevis Premier Mark Brantley celebrated award-winning film “Pan Gyul” and Abena Amory’s “Making Your Country Proud” honour.

Renewable Energy Push: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a consultative process to build a roadmap for 100% renewable electricity generation, with EU/UNDP support and a target of cutting emissions by 61% by 2030. Water Security Politics: PAM is pressing for a legislated, legally binding national water security strategy with independent oversight, arguing repeated promises have failed households and key sectors. Justice Reform: The government, with UNDP, opened a Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme to strengthen accountability, dialogue, rehabilitation, and conflict resolution. Cost-of-Living Relief: Customs relief measures—waiving bunker and shipper surcharges in customs value—will stay in place until end of July to reduce imported price pressure. Public Safety: Police renewed calls for child passenger safety, warning against children riding unrestrained and highlighting gaps in how rules apply on commercial vehicles. Regional Engagement: SCASPA CEO Adeola Moore represented the Federation at a ports meeting in Barbados focused on port resilience and new technologies. Tourism & Community: St. Kitts Tourism Authority and government launched a national beach cleanup drive for sustainable off-season tourism, while Nevis rolled out “Spring Into Summer” to boost arrivals. Sports & Youth: SKNFA hosted a women’s and girls’ football festival with record turnout; a Youth Summit planning launch set education, governance, economy, health, and culture as key themes.

Restorative Justice Push: St. Kitts and Nevis has opened a 10-day Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training with UNDP at the Koi Resort, with Attorney General Garth Wilkin on hand, aiming to build local skills for dialogue, accountability, rehabilitation, and conflict resolution. Renewables Roadmap: The Federation launched a consultative workshop to chart a path to 100% renewable electricity generation, supported by the EU via Euroclima Caribbean and implemented with UNDP and Greening the Islands, targeting major emissions cuts by 2030. Water Security Debate: PAM leader Sheldon Pemberton renewed calls for a legislated, binding National Water Security Strategy with oversight and consequences, arguing current promises haven’t delivered lasting solutions. Policing and Justice: Prime Minister Terrance Drew congratulated newly confirmed police officers and highlighted professionalism and gender progress, while the AG also promoted alternatives to detention at a CARICOM-UNDP forum. Child Safety Warning: Traffic enforcement officials again urged stricter child passenger restraint practices, criticizing unsafe habits on minibuses and private vehicles. Tourism and Youth: Nevis launched “Spring Into Summer” to boost off-season arrivals, while the Youth Summit 2026 was formally launched to engage ages 7–21 across education, governance, economy, health, and culture. Sports/International Links: Adeola Moore represented the Federation at the Inter-American Ports meeting in Barbados, and Nevisian athletes were backed for training in Jamaica.

Renewable Energy Roadmap: St. Kitts and Nevis moved closer to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 with a consultative workshop launching a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap, led by the Energy Unit and backed by the EU’s EUROCLIMA Caribbean programme with UNDP and GTI. Cost of Living Relief: Government says customs relief measures—waiving bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations—stay in place until end of July to reduce the impact of global fuel and freight costs on imported goods. Justice Reform Training: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme began June 8 at Koi Resort, run with the Society of Mediators and UNDP to strengthen conflict resolution across the justice system. Public Safety: Police charged eight men in a gang-related crackdown, facing 21 charges including firearm and ammunition offences and accessory-to-murder allegations. Policing Leadership: Thirty RSCNPF officers received confirmed promotions in a ceremony attended by Commissioner of Police James Sutton and PM Dr. Terrance Drew. National Assembly: The National Assembly sits Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m., with live broadcast and streaming details announced. Nevis Education & Sport: Nevis signed an MOU with Jamaica’s G.C. Foster College to expand education and sport pathways, while Minister Troy Liburd and Director Aljay Newton visited Nevis athletes training in Jamaica. Youth & Culture: Nevis Culturama 52 and 53 kicked off with sashing ceremonies, and a Nevis chess standout Demarre Browne won national champion status and earned a spot for the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad.

Courtroom Watch: The Court of Appeal delivered a major ruling in the Nevis BONI banking case, finding the Banking Regulator lacked legal authority to impose a US$120,000 fine—an important win for due process in financial regulation. Justice & Mediation: A Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation training programme opened in St. Kitts and Nevis, with UNDP support, aiming to strengthen conflict resolution through dialogue and accountability. Public Safety: Police charged eight men with gang-related offences, including firearms and murder-related allegations, as the RSCNPF pushes a zero-tolerance approach. Policing Leadership: Thirty officers received confirmed promotions across senior ranks in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Commissioner James Sutton. Energy & Climate Policy: Government launched consultative work toward a 100% renewable electricity roadmap, while Nevis highlighted its role in the renewable transition at a national workshop. Cost of Living: Customs relief measures—waiving bunker and shipper surcharges in customs value calculations—will stay in place until end of July. Environment in Action: A new recycling bin was launched with the Antioch Baptist Church and Taiwan’s technical mission as part of the national recycling push. National Assembly: The National Assembly sits June 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., with live broadcast and streaming details released. Tourism & Regional Moves: PM Drew backed the Caribbean Tourism Supply Side Initiative, and SKTA CEO Kelly Fontenelle said St. Kitts is targeting Latin America with new market outreach. Local Culture & Youth: Nevis Culturama 53 began with a sashing ceremony, and a Nevis chess player won the national title to earn a spot at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad.

World Environment Day: PM Terrance Drew used the occasion to reaffirm the Sustainable Island State Agenda, pointing to renewable energy and water security as core resilience priorities. Community Recycling Push: The Department of Environment, Taiwan’s Technical Mission and Antioch Baptist Church launched a new recycling bin at Lime Kiln, with the church hailed as the first faith group to back the national recycling drive. Water Crisis Watch: Residents in St. Kitts say the water situation is worsening again, with some households reporting days without running potable water, while officials cite reduced rainfall and short-term supply fixes. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged eight men with 21 gang-related offences, including firearms and murder-related allegations, as the force leans on strengthened anti-gang laws. Police Leadership: RSCNPF confirmed promotions for about 30 officers across senior ranks after a June 5 ceremony attended by the PM and Commissioner of Police. Governance Calendar: The National Assembly is set to sit June 11 at 10:00 a.m., with bills to be posted online and the sitting broadcast and streamed. Economy Relief: Government reiterated customs surcharge relief, including a waiver affecting bunker and shipper surcharges in customs tax and duty calculations. Next Big Investment Event: The Investment Gateway Summit runs June 17–20 at St. Kitts Marriott, billed as a flagship platform for investment dialogue and the citizenship programme.

Police & Public Safety: The RSCNPF has charged eight men with 21 gang-related offences, including leadership/membership of a criminal gang, firearm and ammunition possession, and links to murder, as police stress zero tolerance and point to strengthened anti-gang laws. Law & Courts: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal ruled in the Nevis BONI banking case that the Banking Regulator lacked legal authority to impose a US$120,000 fine, clarifying the regulator’s powers under the Nevis International Banking Ordinance. National Security Leadership: About 30 RSCNPF officers were officially promoted on June 5, with senior upgrades to Assistant Commissioner, Superintendent, Inspector, Sergeant and Corporal ranks. Water Crisis: St. Kitts residents report worsening disruption, with hundreds of households in some areas facing days without running potable water despite government assurances. Energy & Environment: Government, with EU/UNDP support, is advancing a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap workshop aimed at moving toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030, while World Environment Day saw a new recycling bin launched with the Antioch Baptist Church. Governance Calendar: The National Assembly sits Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m., with live broadcast on ZIZ Radio/TV Channel 5 and streaming online. Nevis Innovation: Nevis launched the Caribbean’s first space life sciences experiment, studying immune cells under microgravity/hypergravity.