AGP Executive Report

Football & Governance: UEFA has voted unanimously to boycott FIFA competitions after FIFA’s plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, with CONCACAF pushing back on process details—an issue that could reshape major tournaments and how Caribbean football bodies plan ahead. Culturama 52 (Steelpan): Oualie Rhythms Steel Orchestra won the 2026 National Bank Panorama title on Nevis, scoring 434 points, with Gifted Youth Steel Orchestra taking first runners-up on 415 during the ongoing Culturama celebrations. Anguilla Summer Festival: “Anguilla for Summer” kicks off with Opening Night on July 29, followed by Junior Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch (July 30), Wet Fete (July 31), Band Clash/Band-O-Rama (Aug 1), Prince & Princess (Aug 2), and J’Ouvert and the Sandy Ground Beach Party on August Monday. Regional Development & Education: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while New Anglia University looks at why more graduates are choosing graduate-entry medicine routes. Community & Environment: Fire at Corito Landfill is contained but still burning, with crews working to cool and extinguish hot spots and residents urged to stay clear due to smoke. Virtual Events: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17 with a new three-day format focused on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Travel & Business: BermudAir’s Anguilla route is being called a runaway success as the airline expands with new Airbus A220 aircraft.

Anguilla Summer Festival: The “Anguilla for Summer” celebrations kick off Wednesday July 29 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with Miss Anguilla Pageant already underway (July 26). The week runs with Junior Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch (July 30), Wet Fete (July 31), Band Clash and Band-O-Rama (Aug 1), then Prince and Princess (Aug 2). J’Ouvert hits Aug Monday 3, starting in The Valley at 5am before the slow “jump up” to Sandy Ground for the Caribbean Beach Party, featuring boat races including the Sir Emile Gumbs event and performances by Nadia Batson, T-Vice, GBM Nutron, WCK, Freetown and Pantha Vibes plus local acts like Grand Masters Band, Synergy 264 and Vere Musiq. Regional Culture & Sport: OECS appoints Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while Anguilla’s regional links stay strong through events like the Three Countries Golf Tournament (Anguilla tops with 528 points). Community Safety: A major fire at Corito Landfill has been contained, but crews say it may burn for several days as they cool and extinguish hot spots. Online Island Spotlight: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17, 2026 with a free, three-day programme on adapting, transforming systems, and mobilising action.

Summer Festival: Anguilla’s “Anguilla for Summer” kicks off with Opening Night on Wednesday July 29 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, after the Miss Anguilla Pageant’s first segment on Sunday July 26. The lineup keeps building—Junior Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch on July 30, Wet Fete on July 31, Band Clash and Band-O-Rama on August 1, and the Prince and Princess show on August 2. J’Ouvert & Beach Party: J’Ouvert hits August Monday 3 with a 5am Valley start, then the big Sandy Ground Beach Party around 10am, featuring international and regional acts plus local favourites, DJs, and the Sir Emile Gumbs boat race. Regional Spotlight: OECS appoints Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, effective July 1, 2026. Culture & Sport: Oualie Rhythms Steel Orchestra wins the 2026 National Bank Panorama title in Nevis, and Anguilla takes the lead in the Three Countries Golf Tournament at Aurora International Golf Club. Community & Environment: Fire at Corito Landfill is contained but still burning, with crews working to cool and extinguish hot spots over several days. Online Event: The Virtual Island Summit returns September 15–17, 2026, with a new three-day format and confirmed speakers including Minister Jache Adams.

Summer Festival Countdown: Anguilla’s “Anguilla for Summer” kicks off Wednesday July 29 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with Miss Anguilla already building momentum after Sunday’s first segment. Festival Line-Up: Junior Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch hit July 30, then Wet Fete (July 31), Band Clash and Band-O-Rama (Aug 1), and the Prince & Princess show (Aug 2). J’Ouvert & Beach Party: J’Ouvert roars on August Monday 3, starting 5am in The Valley and reaching Sandy Ground around 10am for the Caribbean Beach Party, with boat races and major local and regional performers. Regional Spotlight: OECS appoints Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, effective July 1, 2026. Culture & Sport: Oualie Rhythms Steel Orchestra wins the 2026 National Bank Panorama title, while Anguilla takes first place in the Three Countries Golf Tournament at Aurora International Golf Club. Community Update: A major fire at Corito Landfill is contained but still burning, with crews working to cool and extinguish hot spots. Tech & Climate Talk: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17 with a new three-day format focused on adapting, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Media & Lifestyle: BermudAir’s Anguilla route is called a “runaway success,” and the airline plans to expand with new Airbus A220s.

Summer Festival: Anguilla’s “Anguilla for Summer” kicks off Wednesday July 29 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, after the Miss Anguilla Pageant’s first segment on Sunday July 26. Culture & Community Calendar: Junior Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch hit July 30, Wet Fete follows Friday July 31, then Band Clash/Band-O-Rama on Aug 1, and Prince & Princess on Aug 2. J’Ouvert & Beach Party: J’Ouvert roars on August Monday 3, starting in The Valley at 5am and rolling to Sandy Ground for the Caribbean Beach Party around 10am, with a big stage for top performers and local favourites. Regional Spotlight: OECS appoints Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while Oualie Rhythms Steel Orchestra wins the 2026 National Bank Panorama title. Island Connections: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17 with a new three-day format and confirmed speakers, and Anguilla takes first place at the Three Countries Golf Tournament in Anguilla. Public Safety: A major fire at the Corito Landfill site is contained but still burning, with smoke and traffic cautions in place.

Steelpan & Festival Culture: Oualie Rhythms Steel Orchestra won the 2026 National Bank Panorama title in Nevis with 434 points, with Gifted Youth Steel Orchestra taking first runner-up on 415—another big moment for the region’s music scene. Education & Career Pathways: New Anglia University looks at why more graduates are choosing graduate-entry medicine, often aiming for faster routes and a clearer career decision after an earlier degree. Virtual Community & Climate Talk: The Virtual Island Summit returns for its 8th edition, set for Sept 15–17, with a new three-day format covering “Adapt to Change,” “Transform Systems,” and “Mobilise Action,” and it’s free to attend. Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir’s founder says its first year in Anguilla has been a “runaway success,” pointing to close collaboration with airport operators, tourism authorities, and hotels. Public Safety: A major fire at the Corito Landfill site is now contained, but crews will keep working to cool and extinguish hot spots; motorists and the public are urged to stay clear due to smoke. Local Governance: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge updated progress on Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, citing IMF support on the legislative framework and plans to turn strong revenues into long-term resilience. Sports & Regional Pride: Anguilla topped the 3 Countries Golf Tournament with 528 points, ahead of Sint Maarten (502) and St. Martin (464), highlighting island friendship through sport. Youth & Culture Calendar: The 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals are set for Aug 6 after eight calypsonians advanced from semi-finals at Landsome Bowl.

Regional Sports & Community: Anguilla topped the 2026 Three Countries Golf Tournament at Aurora International Golf Club with 528 points, while Sint Maarten finished runner-up on 502 and St. Martin took third on 464—highlighting the weekend’s focus on friendship and sportsmanship across the islands. Culture & Entertainment: Eight calypsonians have advanced to the 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre on August 6, with Queen Roxxy returning to defend her 2025 crown. Island Life & Safety: A huge fire at the Corito Landfill site is still burning but has been contained, with crews working to cool and extinguish hot spots; residents are urged to stay clear and motorists to drive carefully due to smoke and emergency vehicles. Online Events: The Virtual Island Summit returns September 15–17, 2026 for its 8th edition, now set as a three-day, narrative-style program with confirmed speakers and a free, public, zero-carbon knowledge focus. Education & Career Pathways: New Anglia University shares guidance for medical students preparing for the U.S. residency match, covering key academic, licensing, clinical, and application steps. Local Governance: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge provided an update on Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, including IMF support for institutional design and a legislative framework expected by quarter’s end.

Virtual Island Summit (VIS): The free online Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17, 2026, with a three-day storyline—Adapt to Change, Transform Systems, and Mobilise Action—and programming timed across the Pacific to the Caribbean. Anguilla Sports & Culture: Anguilla’s calypso scene heats up as eight finalists set for the 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch on Aug 6, with Queen Roxxy returning to defend her crown. Commonwealth Games: Anguilla names a 10-athlete team for Glasgow (July 23–Aug 2), including Track Cycling at the Commonwealth Games for the first time. Local Governance & Economy: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge updates progress on Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, citing IMF work on the institutional design and a legislative framework expected by year’s end, alongside cost-of-living relief measures. Community & Service: Rotary District 7020 installs Bahamian Lindsey Cancino as District Governor, with Anguilla included in the district’s regional clubs. Regional Transport Safety: A Caribbean investigative look revisits ferry capsizing concerns after the MV Barima incident, drawing uncomfortable parallels to the 1970 MV Christena tragedy.

Anguilla Commonwealth Games: Ten Anguilla athletes head to the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July–2 August 2026), with Anguilla set to compete in Track Cycling for the first time; the delegation includes coaches and officials and departs in stages starting 20 July. Anguilla Calypso Culture: Eight calypsonians advance to the 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals after semi-finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre on 19 July; reigning monarch Queen Roxxy returns to defend her 2025 crown, with finals set for 6 August during the Anguilla Summer Festival. Sovereign Wealth Fund Update: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge says Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund work is progressing, with an IMF technical team supporting institutional design and a legislative framework expected by end of the quarter; the plan aims to convert strong revenues, including from .ai domain activity, into long-term prosperity. Regional Sports & Youth: A1 Culturama Invitational (formerly Culturama Games) brings emerging track and field talent from across the region to Nevis Athletic Stadium this weekend, with CARIFTA athletes expected to compete. Business & Community: St. Maarten’s COCI draws 240+ attendees for “Island Roots to Global Routes” prep, geared toward US expansion and an expo mission in Miami in November 2026. Media & Women’s Influence: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates Freedom FM 106.5’s Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Greenaway-Stokes on her birthday, highlighting her role as a leading female media voice. Legal & Public Life: The Caribbean mourns Charles Wilkin KC, a major St. Kitts and Nevis lawyer, sportsman, constitutional thinker and nation-builder, who reportedly passed away 25 July 2026.

Commonwealth Games: Anguilla will send 10 athletes to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Track Cycling making its debut for the island and a full support team led by Chef de Mission Rollins Richardson. Calypso Spotlight: Eight calypsonians have advanced to the 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre on August 6, with Queen Roxxy returning to defend her 2025 crown. Sovereign Wealth Fund Update: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge says Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund work is moving ahead after an IMF technical team visit, aiming to finalise the legislative framework by quarter’s end, with .ai-related revenues highlighted as a key driver. Sports & Culture: Anguilla’s team is also set for the A1 Culturama Invitational this weekend in Nevis, bringing together regional track and field talent. Business & Community: Rotary District 7020 installed Bahamian Lindsey Cancino as District Governor, with Anguilla included in the district’s clubs. Media & Lifestyle: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Greenaway-Stokes on her birthday, praising her impact as a leading radio voice and DJ. Regional Governance: Grenada’s tourism leadership faces turbulence as CEO Stacey Liburd is reported to be parting ways after one year.

Anguilla Commonwealth Games: Anguilla will send 10 athletes to the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July–2 August), with Track Cycling making its debut for the island and a full coaching/officials team supporting swimmers, track and field, and the track cyclist. Calypso Spotlight: The 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals are set for 6 August after semi-finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre crowned Mighty Gossip, Hot Shot, Mr Decent, De Messenger, His Majesty Baker Jr, Springer, Singing Vero and Queen B, with reigning monarch Queen Roxxy returning to defend her title. Sovereign Wealth Fund Update: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge says Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund work is advancing, with an IMF technical team supporting institutional design and a legislative framework expected by end of the quarter, alongside cost-of-living relief measures. Rotary Leadership: Bahamian Lindsey Cancino installed as Rotary District Governor for 2026–2027, covering Anguilla and the northern Caribbean. Regional Culture & Sports: A1 Culturama Invitational (Nevis) brings emerging track talent from across the region, while Anguilla’s calypso and Commonwealth prep keep the island’s summer festival energy high. Business & Identity: The .AI domain extension is highlighted as a growing digital identity for AI-focused companies, tying into Anguilla’s own .ai revenue conversation. Legal & Governance Watch: In Grenada, Jimmy Bristol scores a major Court of Appeal setback after a ruling found a judge’s appointment unconstitutional. Maritime Safety Questions: A Caribbean investigative look revisits two ferry capsizings decades apart, raising concerns about loading, accountability and crew conduct. Remembering Charles Wilkin KC: St. Kitts and Nevis mourns constitutional thinker and sportsman Charles Wilkin KC, described as a nation-builder across law, sport, media and public service.

Sovereign Wealth Fund Update: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge says Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is moving ahead, with an IMF technical team working on the institutional design and a legislative framework expected to be finalised by quarter’s end; she also pointed to revenue opportunities tied to .ai and noted cost-of-living relief measures like an extended fuel surcharge and import duty. Maritime Safety Questions: A Times Caribbean investigative piece revisits two major ferry capsizings—St. Kitts and Nevis’ MV Christena (1970) and Guyana’s MV Barima—raising concerns about loading, passenger accountability, stability, and crew conduct. Anguilla at the Commonwealth Games: Anguilla will send 10 athletes to Glasgow for the XXIII Commonwealth Games, including a first-ever appearance in Track Cycling, with teams and departures mapped across July 20–26. Calypso Monarch Finals Set: Eight calypsonians won semi-finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre and will return August 6 for the Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals, with reigning monarch Queen Roxxy set to defend her 2025 title. Local Sports & Culture: Anguilla’s Summer Festival continues as the calypso finals approach, while regional sports coverage highlights the A1 Culturama Invitational in Nevis this weekend featuring emerging track and field talent from across the islands. Community & Leadership: A St. Kitts and Nevis student leader, Kahnein Blanchette, was elected founding President of Southern University’s first Caribbean Student Association, aiming to build a “home away from home” for Caribbean students. Media & Women’s Voices: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates Freedom FM 106.5 announcer and DJ Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Greenaway-Stokes on her birthday, spotlighting her influence across radio and the wider entertainment circuit.

Commonwealth Games: Anguilla is sending 10 athletes to the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July–2 August), including a first-ever appearance in Track Cycling, with a full coaching and officials team led by Chef de Mission Rollins Richardson. Calypso Culture: The 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals are set after eight calypsonians won semi-finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre; reigning monarch Queen Roxxy returns to defend her 2025 crown on 6 August as the Anguilla Summer Festival runs through 9 August. Local Economy & Planning: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge updated progress on Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, saying IMF work on institutional design and a legislative framework is on track for completion by quarter’s end, with the fund set to convert strong revenues, including from .ai domain income, while cost-of-living relief measures continue. Regional Spotlight: A Caribbean investigative look compares two historic ferry capsizings, raising questions about loading and accountability, while Rotary District 7020 installed Bahamian Lindsey Cancino as District Governor and St. Kitts Grill Fest crowned regional category winners. Tech & Identity: A feature notes how the .ai domain extension—born in Anguilla—has become a global tech brand for AI-focused businesses.

Sovereign Wealth Fund Update: Premier Cora Richardson Hodge says Anguilla’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is moving ahead after an IMF technical team worked with the Ministry of Finance on the fund’s institutional design and legislative framework, expected to be finalised by year’s end; she also pointed to revenue opportunities tied to the .ai domain and noted cost-of-living protections including fuel surcharge and import duty extensions. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Anguilla will send 10 athletes to the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Track Cycling making its debut for the island; the delegation includes coaches and officials and a full travel schedule starting this week. Calypso Monarch Finals Set: Eight calypsonians advanced to the 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals after semi-finals at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with reigning monarch Queen Roxxy set to defend her title on August 6 as the Anguilla Summer Festival continues. Youth & Money Skills: St. Kitts and Nevis’ ASPIRE Programme featured an interactive savings deposit exercise at the National Bank, with Prime Minister Terrance Drew matching student deposits up to EC$200 to boost financial literacy. Culture & Community Events: St. Kitts-Nevis Restaurant Week runs July 16–26 with 40+ restaurants and a lineup of food and music events, while regional grill and athletics showcases keep the spotlight on Caribbean talent. Global Lifestyle Buzz: A travel ranking names Greenland the priciest holiday destination for 2026, and a Caribbean readers’ poll highlights Dominica as the friendliest island in the region.

Sovereign Wealth Fund Update: Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson Hodge says an IMF technical team is shaping the fund’s institutional design and a legislative framework, expected to be finalised by quarter’s end, with strong revenues (including from the .ai domain) earmarked to build long-term resilience; she also flagged cost-of-living relief via an extended fuel surcharge and import duty, plus public debt of EC$278 million. Commonwealth Games Prep: Anguilla will send 10 athletes to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including a first-ever appearance in Track Cycling, with teams departing between July 20 and July 26. Calypso Monarch Line-Up: Eight calypsonians—Mighty Gossip, Hot Shot, Mr Decent, De Messenger, His Majesty Baker Jr, Springer, Singing Vero and Queen B—won semi-finals and will compete in the Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals on August 6, with Queen Roxxy returning to defend her 2025 title. Anguilla Culture & Sports Calendar: The island’s Summer Festival runs July 10 to August 9, while the calypso finals and Commonwealth Games build momentum for a busy, community-led season. Regional Media Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates Freedom FM 106.5 announcer and DJ Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Greenaway-Stokes on her birthday, highlighting her influence across the Caribbean. Rotary Leadership: Bahamian Lindsey Cancino installed as Rotary District Governor for 2026–2027, with District 7020 spanning Anguilla and other northern Caribbean territories. Maritime Safety Questions: A Times Caribbean investigative piece revisits the capsizing of MV Christena (1970) alongside Guyana’s MV Barima, raising concerns about vessel conduct and accountability while urging careful scrutiny. Travel & Lifestyle Buzz: A new Squaremouth ranking names Greenland the world’s most expensive holiday destination for 2026, driven by remoteness and high daily costs.

Media & Community Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis radio star Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Greenaway-Stokes is celebrating another year, hailed as Freedom FM 106.5’s “Ladies’ Defender” and a powerful voice for women across the Caribbean. Local Governance & Economy: Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson Hodge updated residents on the Sovereign Wealth Fund, saying IMF work on the legislative framework is set to finish this quarter, with revenues (including from .ai) aimed at long-term resilience; she also noted cost-of-living relief measures tied to fuel surcharge and import duty. Anguilla Sports & Youth: Ten Anguilla athletes will head to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including Track Cycling for the first time, with a full coaching and support team in place. Culture & Music: Eight calypsonians won spots in the 2026 Bro Lee Senior Calypso Monarch finals on Aug. 6, with Queen Roxxy returning to defend her 2025 crown. Festival Season: The Anguilla Summer Festival continues through Aug. 9 with pageants, calypso, live entertainment, boat races, parades and family events—tickets available via the Lansdowne Bowl Cultural Centre. Regional Education: OECS Grade 2 results show the Virgin Islands leading in early reading and mathematics, with Anguilla among the participating islands.