AGP Executive Report

Water Security: St. Kitts’ Saddlers groundwater drilling has delivered a promising new well under the EC$28m Groundwater Drilling Project, with initial testing at about 175 US gallons per minute as safe-yield tests continue. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government reconnection drives are being rolled out for SKELEC and the Water Services Department to help households facing arrears, alongside the wider push to cushion families from economic pressure. Housing & Health Access: The National Housing Corporation is accepting applications for sanitary upgrades to homes, aiming to improve safety and living conditions in communities. Local Jobs Debate: PLP deputy leader Dameon Lawrence is questioning whether the $270m Basseterre High School project is delivering real local construction jobs, after concerns raised about foreign labour on site. Tourism & Jobs: St. Kitts and Nevis has surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 1,002,282 year-to-date and highlighting renewed confidence in the sector. Youth & Education: PM Terrance Drew congratulated the first ELEVATE CSEC cohort after a 100% pass rate in English Language and Principles of Business, with Human and Social Biology at 75%. Agriculture & Climate: Officials warn drought is worsening, with rainfall about 50% below normal so far this year, even as hurricane season peaks.

Cost-of-Living Relief: The Drew-led government is rolling out another round of household support, including EC$250 Back-to-School vouchers for eligible students and renewed utility reconnection drives for electricity and water arrears. Housing & Health: NHC St. Kitts is now accepting applications for home sanitary upgrades aimed at making houses safer and healthier. Tourism Recovery: St. Kitts and Nevis has surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since COVID-19, with 1,002,282 visitors reported year-to-date. Education Wins: The first ELEVATE cohort is celebrating strong CSEC results, including 100% passes in English Language and Principles of Business. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis is pushing a Hurricane Awareness Drive as the season peaks, urging businesses and communities to prepare. Regional/International Watch: UEFA is pressuring FIFA president Gianni Infantino over governance disputes, with talks about expanding the Nations League beyond Europe.

Household Relief & Cost of Living: Government renewed utility reconnection support for families with electricity and water arrears, building on the Independence 40 Reset model. Education Support: The 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme opens for applications, offering EC$250 per eligible child to cover uniforms and supplies, alongside ongoing school uniform assistance. Youth & Exams: PM Terrance Drew celebrated the first ELEVATE cohort’s CSEC results, with 100% passes in English Language and Principles of Business and a 75% pass rate in Human and Social Biology. Economy Watch: Acting Financial Secretary Carlton Pogson said St. Kitts and Nevis is on a “solid performance leg,” driven by reduced CBI dependence and stronger domestic tax collections. Disaster Preparedness: Nevis launched a Hurricane Awareness Drive urging businesses and communities to prepare early as drought conditions persist. Regional Security: A police statement confirmed a major drug bust in St. Kitts involving cannabis and cocaine seized from a vessel, with crew detained for investigation. Tourism Milestone: St. Kitts surpassed one million cruise passengers for the first time since the pandemic. International Dialogue: St. Kitts and Nevis joined UN talks on Youth and AI, drafting a youth-led AI policy declaration.

Education & Social Mobility: Prime Minister Terrance Drew hailed the first Elevate Programme CSEC/CXC results, with a 100% pass rate in English Language and Principles of Business, plus 75% in Human and Social Biology, calling it “the power of opportunity” and a “second chance.” Cost of Living Relief: The government launched the 2026–2027 EC$250 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, with applications open from Aug. 17 to Dec. 31 for eligible children in licensed pre-schools through tertiary institutions, aimed at easing uniform and supplies costs. Water Security: St. Kitts is facing worsening drought, with rainfall about 50% below normal through June, and officials warning conditions could persist into the hurricane season, urging conservation and preparedness. Youth & Sports Development: Four Kittitian women cricketers—Zara Skerritt, Aaliyah Weekes, Leanga Warner and C’Quinya Dasent—were selected for Cricket West Indies’ Under-19 Women’s High-Performance Camp in Antigua (Aug. 17–29). Governance & Oversight: Opposition Leader Mark Brantley said he is taking responsibility for delays around the Public Accounts Committee, pushing back on criticism over PAC timing. Community Preparedness: Nevis launched a Hurricane Awareness Drive (Aug. 16–22) urging businesses and communities to build emergency plans and kits ahead of peak season.

Education Relief: St. Kitts and Nevis launched the 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, giving eligible families EC$250 per child for uniforms and supplies; applications run Aug. 17 to Dec. 31, 2026. School Support Systems: The government also says the long-running school uniform assistance is being streamlined into a more coordinated digital approach, with approved vendors and digital wallet funding. Public Finance & Resilience: Acting Financial Secretary Carlton Pogson told WINN the economy is holding on a “solid performance leg,” relying more on domestic tax collections as CBI revenue dependence declines. Youth & Sports: Four Kittitian women—Zara Skerritt, Aaliyah Weekes, Leanga Warner and C’Quinya Dasent—were selected for Cricket West Indies’ Under-19 Women’s High-Performance Camp in Antigua ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Water Security: Drought conditions persist into the wet season, with rainfall far below normal and warnings urging conservation through November. Regional Security: RSS police urged cross-border cooperation to dismantle drug and gang networks, stressing better information sharing among law enforcement. Legal & Governance: Opposition Leader Mark Brantley addressed criticism over delays around the Public Accounts Committee, arguing the country has functioned without it for decades. Judicial Administration: Two High Court judges are reassigned and two new judges are set to arrive for September court changes. Energy & Cost Pressures: ECCB fuel-price data highlighted regional disparities, with St. Kitts and Nevis posting the highest diesel price in the ECCU for July.

Back-to-School Relief: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched its 2026–2027 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, giving EC$250 to every eligible child in licensed pre-schools, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions; applications opened Aug. 17 and run to Dec. 31, 2026, with families urged to use approved vendors and keep JAD Digital wallet details current. Education Support Upgrade: The long-running school uniform assistance is being consolidated into a more streamlined digital system, aiming to make disbursement faster and easier for parents. Water Watch: A drought warning remains in effect through November as rainfall stays far below normal, with officials urging conservation and vigilance. Tourism Land Dispute: At Fort Thomas, a major tourism and heritage development faces a land dispute after a neighbouring woman alleges she was gifted part of the property and is seeking to block work. Justice & Public Safety: The DPP says mandatory minimum sentences for firearm and sexual offences will be reviewed after a Privy Council ruling; meanwhile, a man was charged after a checkpoint incident involving a Glock pistol and ammunition. Regional Politics: Former PM Timothy Harris unveiled PLP candidates, framing the next election as a contest with the governing Labour Party. Sports & Youth: Three Kittitian women cricketers were selected for Cricket West Indies’ Under-19 Women’s High-Performance Camp in Antigua.

Cost-of-living relief: St. Kitts and Nevis launched its 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, giving EC$250 per eligible child (applications open Aug. 17 to Dec. 31) with funds loaded to approved JAD Digital Wallets for uniforms and school supplies. Household support: Government also pointed to broader household measures as global inflation and uncertainty keep pressure on families. Education upgrades: The Joy Project’s Cool Schools Initiative says it has completed installing 250 ceiling fans across every Government primary school in St. Kitts, aiming to make classrooms cooler for students and teachers. Health system modernization: PAHO/WHO praised the start of data entry for the Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), supporting stronger workforce planning. Justice and sentencing: The St. Kitts and Nevis DPP says he will study a Privy Council ruling and advise a review of mandatory minimum sentences for firearm and sexual offences. Public safety: Authorities intercepted the MV C Elizabeth again at the deep-water port, seizing cocaine and cannabis concealed in coconut cargo, and charged a separate firearm contraband case involving Adonis Concepcion. Energy project: Nevis’ geothermal push moved forward with a US$5.9m down payment to begin mobilising a drilling rig. Politics & governance: Former PM Timothy Harris unveiled PLP candidates at the party convention, while PAM set Sept. 1 for its leadership election. Youth sport: Four Kittitian cricketers were selected for Cricket West Indies’ Under-19 Women’s High-Performance Camp in Antigua.

Back-to-School Relief: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched its 2026–2027 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, providing EC$250 per eligible child (applications open Aug. 17 to Dec. 31) to help cover uniforms and supplies, with parents required to use a JAD Digital Wallet and confirm school enrollment. Regional Policy Capacity: The OECS says it has boosted evidence-based policymaking for services trade by rolling out UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to improve services trade data and export planning across member states. Energy & Investment: Nevis has made a US$5.9 million down payment to Icelandic Drilling Company to begin mobilising a geothermal rig, with a Nevis team set to inspect the equipment in Iceland before shipment. Health System Modernisation: The Ministry of Health has started data entry into a centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+) (DHIS2-based) with PAHO/WHO support, aiming for stronger workforce planning. Justice & Sentencing: The DPP says he will study a Privy Council ruling and advise the AG to revisit mandatory minimum sentences for firearm and sexual offences. Public Safety: Authorities seized cocaine and cannabis from the MV C Elizabeth at the deep-water port, and separately charged Adonis Concepcion after a firearm contraband incident tied to a Harris Village checkpoint. Judicial Appointments: Two High Court judges are being reassigned in September, with replacements arriving to take up duties in St. Kitts and Nevis. Community & Culture: Emmy-winning journalist Jego Armstrong has been named featured speaker for the Prime Minister’s Independence Lecture Series.

Education Support: The Ministry of Social Development opened applications for a $250 EC “Back to School” Voucher for the 2026–2027 year, with funds going straight into verified JAD Digital Wallets from now until Dec. 31. Healthcare Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System at JNF General Hospital, moving the Federation toward a more integrated, patient-centred health system after a May 2026 contract. Public Safety & Justice: The DPP says St. Kitts and Nevis will review mandatory minimum sentences after Privy Council guidance, as the DPP weighs firearm and child sexual offence sentencing rules. Law & Governance: President Justice Vincent Anderson responded to public debate over leaked confidential CCJ-related documents, condemning the disclosure as an attack on judicial independence. Security & Crime: MV C Elizabeth was intercepted again at the Deep Water Port after cocaine and cannabis were reportedly found in coconut cargo; crew were detained to assist investigations. Sports & Youth: The Government is inviting bids for fencing at Saddlers Playing Field, while Sport Minister Samal Duggins highlighted a basketball camp at SKABA Basketball City. Regional/International: OECS launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support.

PAM Leadership Race: The People’s Action Movement has set Sept. 1, 2026 for the election of its sixth Political Leader, with nominations opening Aug. 12 and closing Aug. 25 after Natasha Grey-Brookes’ July 31 resignation. Independence Lecture Spotlight: Emmy-winning journalist Jego Armstrong will be the featured speaker for the Prime Minister’s Independence Lecture Series on Sept. 8 at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium. Healthcare Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System at JNF General Hospital, moving the Federation toward a more integrated, patient-centred records system. Public Safety & Procurement: The Public Works Department is inviting bids for fencing at Saddlers Playing Field, with tender documents available Aug. 24 and submissions due Oct. 7. Sports & Youth: PM Drew announced a Back to School Fair for Constituency 8 on Aug. 29, while Minister Samal Duggins praised Kareem Queeley’s basketball camp at SKABA Basketball City. Justice & Sentencing: The DPP says St. Kitts and Nevis will review mandatory minimum sentences after a Privy Council ruling and Turner’s push for tougher statutory minimums. Weather Watch: A wind advisory warns of gusts up to 40 mph and hazardous seas as a tropical wave approaches.

Public Works & Infrastructure: The Public Works Department has opened bidding for fencing at Saddlers Playing Field, with tender documents available Aug. 24, a site meeting set for Aug. 27, and bids due Oct. 7. Healthcare Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System at JNF General Hospital, moving beyond paper records as part of a May 2026 contract. Youth & Women’s Empowerment: The Joy Project ran financial literacy sessions for young girls across the islands, supported by the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts & Nevis Health and Wellness programme. Agriculture Support: Coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers in St. Kitts to boost local production, alongside training on propagation and pest management. Justice & Governance: Public debate over a CCJ document leak continues, with President Justice Vincent Anderson issuing a strong response defending judicial independence. Criminal Sentencing: St. Kitts and Nevis DPP Adlai Smith says he will study a Privy Council ruling and advise the AG to revisit mandatory minimum sentences for firearms and sexual offences. Regional Policy: OECS unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support. Sports & Community: Minister Samal Duggins praised Kareem Queeley’s Dream Hoops Academy camp at SKABA Basketball City, and Desnarine Hanley (Miss SKN 2023) began Agriculture studies in the US on a scholarship.

Healthcare Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System at Joseph N. France General Hospital, with officials saying it goes beyond replacing paper records and is meant to strengthen an integrated, patient-centred system. Public Finance & Relief Measures: Financial Secretary (Ag) Carlton Pogson says the fuel-based relief extension has a “shelf life,” warning the concessions can’t last indefinitely as oil and shipping pressures ease. Judicial Integrity: President Justice Vincent Anderson responded to the CCJ leak of confidential internal documents, condemning the unauthorized disclosure as a blow to judicial independence and public trust. Sentencing Reform Debate: Director of Public Prosecutions Adlai Smith says he will study a Privy Council ruling and advise the AG on revisiting mandatory minimum sentences for firearm and sexual offences. Regional Child Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan for 2026–2032, pushing a whole-of-the-child approach across member states. Local Development & Youth: Government highlighted EC$2m investment in a new ambulance fleet, while Minister Samal Duggins praised youth-focused sports and education pathways, including a Miss St. Kitts and Nevis scholarship start and coconut seedling distribution to boost local production. Weather Advisory: A wind advisory warns of gusts up to 40 mph and hazardous seas as a tropical wave approaches.

Regional Child Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled its OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a “whole-of-the-child” approach and action that improves children’s everyday lives across the sub-region. Healthcare Modernisation: St. Kitts and Nevis deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at JNF General Hospital, moving beyond paper records toward a more integrated, patient-centred system. Judicial Integrity Row: President Justice Vincent Anderson issued a nine-page response after confidential CCJ-related documents were leaked, warning the disclosures damage judicial independence and public trust. Sentencing Reform Talk: St. Kitts and Nevis DPP Adlai Smith says he will study a Privy Council ruling and advise the AG to revisit mandatory minimum sentences for firearm and sexual offences. Public Safety & Weather: A wind advisory warned of gusts up to 40 mph and hazardous seas as a tropical wave approaches, with showers and possible thunderstorms expected. Local Governance & Services: Government highlighted EC$2 million investment in a new ambulance fleet and school transport upgrades, including the return of a major school bus and Taiwan-donated electric buses for students. Sports & Youth: Minister Samal Duggins praised Kareem Queeley’s Dream Hoops camp at SKABA Basketball City, while the SKNFA welcomed FIFA’s withdrawal of the Football Fund Enterprise proposal. International Watch: Ukraine imposed sanctions tied to illegal grain exports, including one vessel flagged to St. Kitts and Nevis.

Healthcare Modernisation: The Ministry of Health says the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) has been successfully deployed at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, moving beyond paper records toward an integrated, patient-centred system. Public Services & Cost of Living: PM Terrance Drew announced EC$2 million-plus investment in a new ambulance fleet, aimed at fixing a long-standing shortage and improving emergency response. Education Transport: The Education Ministry reports a repaired return of its largest school bus for the Sept. 7 term, plus two new Taiwan-donated electric buses for students, including accessibility for persons with disabilities. Regional Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built on a whole-of-the-child approach. Sports & Youth: Minister Samal Duggins praised Kareem Queeley’s Dream Hoops camp at SKABA Basketball City, while Desnarine Hanley (Miss SKN 2023) begins Agriculture studies in the US. Local Representation Debate: Cricket commentators renewed calls for more homegrown players in the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots pathway. Weather Advisory: A wind advisory warns of gusts up to 40 mph and hazardous seas as a tropical wave nears. International Watch: Ukraine imposed sanctions on vessels and firms tied to illegal export of occupied Ukrainian grain, including one ship flagged to St. Kitts and Nevis.

Healthcare Modernisation: The Ministry of Health has deployed the National Digital Health Information System at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, moving beyond paper records toward an integrated, patient-centred system. Emergency Response: PM Terrance Drew says government has invested over EC$2 million in a new ambulance fleet to improve emergency coverage. Education Transport: Ahead of the Sept. 7 school term, the Education Ministry says the largest school bus is back in service after repairs, and two Taiwan-donated electric buses will support students, including persons with disabilities. Youth & Community: On International Youth Day, PM Drew urged young people to “dream boldly and lead positively,” while Central Basseterre MP Marsha Henderson highlighted her constituency’s youth camp work. Governance & Law: DPP Adlai Smith says sentencing concerns should be raised with the OECS Sentencing Council, not handled through political pressure. Regional Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a 2026–2032 regional child policy aimed at turning protections into everyday improvements. International Spotlight (CBI/Travel): St. Kitts and Nevis is rolling out mandatory biometric enrolment for citizens, with biometric-enabled passports required for travel after July 31, 2027. Sports (Local Pathways): SKNFA confirmed St. Kitts and Nevis will participate in the 2026 FIFA U-15 Boys’ World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. International Security: Ukraine imposed sanctions tied to illegal grain exports, including one vessel flagged to St. Kitts and Nevis.

Healthcare Upgrade: PM Terrance Drew reopened the refurbished Private Ward at Joseph N. France General Hospital after EC$400,000+ in upgrades, including 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs and a new buzzer system. Education Transport: The Education Ministry says the biggest school bus is back in service for the Sept. 7 term after repairs with Jamaica’s Elhydro, and it will add two new Taiwan-donated electric buses for students, including accessibility for persons with disabilities. Regional Child Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, using a “whole-of-the-child” approach shaped by children and families. Justice & Sentencing: St. Kitts and Nevis DPP Adlai Smith urged OECS leaders and PM Gaston Browne to engage the Sentencing Council on firearm sentencing guidelines, arguing guidelines can sharply reduce actual time served. Youth & Scholarships: Drew marked International Youth Day urging young people to “dream boldly,” while 37 nationals were awarded Taiwan scholarships for 2026 study. Football Governance: SKNFA welcomed FIFA’s withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Football Fund Enterprise, stressing respect for FIFA’s institutional processes. Energy & Skills: SOLARISE solar PV application training was delivered to local energy technicians. International Watch: Ukraine announced sanctions tied to illegal export of Ukrainian grain, listing a vessel flagged to St. Kitts and Nevis.