AGP Executive Report

Lupus Support Boost: The Antigua Workers’ Union (ABWU) has partnered with the Lupus Association, pledging support through a new awareness initiative aimed at reaching more people—especially younger residents—who may be living with lupus without enough understanding or help. Mosquito Fight in Schools: The Central Board of Health is taking its mosquito campaign to six schools this week, pushing “source reduction” by removing standing water and breeding sites to cut disease risk before mosquitoes even reach adulthood. Mango Season Blood Sugar Warning: Health advocates are urging residents—particularly people with diabetes—to watch portions during mango season after reports of emergency cases linked to dangerously high blood sugar from eating too many mangoes at once. Community Health & Safety Concern: A letter from residents highlights ongoing hazards on Lightfoot Lane, arguing unfinished road works are creating real access and safety problems for emergency services and vulnerable households. Culture Back on Stage: The Line Dance Connection returned to St. Anthony’s Secondary School after a seven-year break, celebrating wellness roots and intergenerational community spirit.

Child Welfare Reform Push: An Anglican dean and a social work professor are urging lawmakers to broaden child protection beyond parents—calling for businesses and institutions to share responsibility, including practical supports like on-site daycare, as the Attorney General prepares updates to laws on abuse, social welfare, domestic violence and mental health. Teacher Burnout Alarm: A master teacher warns teacher burnout may be costing lives, citing deaths among colleagues and describing how requests for relief are often ignored. Health Alert—Mango Season Blood Sugar: Emergency cases at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre tied to dangerously high blood sugar are being linked to heavy mango consumption, with advocates urging diabetics and others to moderate portions. Medicinal Cannabis Research: UWI Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a research and education partnership to move the industry toward legitimate medicinal products. Mosquito Control in Schools: The Central Board of Health begins Mosquito Awareness Week visits to schools, focusing on removing breeding sites to prevent disease spread. Tourism Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda ranks 4th safest in the Caribbean, and a tourism minister is set to represent the Prime Minister at a London global partnerships forum.

Child Welfare Reform Push: Antigua and Barbuda’s Attorney General is set to revise laws on child abuse, social welfare, domestic violence and mental health, as Reverend Dwane Cassius and a social work professor argue the fix must go beyond parents to include businesses and institutions—like building daycare near workplaces—and add parenting education in secondary schools. Teacher Burnout Alarm: A master teacher warns burnout may be costing lives, citing deaths among teachers and describing a system where relief is hard to get. Diabetes Warning During Mango Season: Emergency cases at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre reportedly linked to dangerously high blood sugar after heavy mango consumption are prompting renewed advice for diabetics to watch portions. Medicinal Cannabis Research: UWIFIC and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a partnership to expand research, training and education. Mosquito Control in Schools: The Central Board of Health launches Mosquito Awareness Week with school visits focused on source reduction to cut disease risk. Sports & Health Spotlight: Jon Ferris earns an IFBB Pro Card after winning in Barbados.

CTE Drug Push: TriCelX has filed an FDA IND for XytriX™—a CTE-focused biotherapeutic—marking a major step for blast-related brain injury care under new U.S. rules. Medicinal Cannabis Research: The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and Antigua and Barbuda’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority formalised a research and training partnership to move the industry toward proven medicinal value. Mosquito Control in Schools: The Central Board of Health is taking its Mosquito Awareness Week campaign into six schools, urging source reduction to cut disease risk. Health System Focus: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched Project Bloom after local data showed many pregnant women are missing adequate prenatal care. Tourism Safety & Travel: Antigua and Barbuda ranked 4th safest in the Caribbean in a honeymoon safety survey, while tourism officials keep pushing global partnerships from London. Parliament Update: Opposition MPs Pringle and Walker apologised for missing the first Lower House sitting after election-related absences.

LGBTQ+ Rights Push: Equal Rights, Access and Opportunities SVG Inc. (ERAO SVG) marked IDAHOBIT with a National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians, pointing to criminalisation of adult consensual same-sex relations (up to 10 years), no explicit anti-discrimination protections, and an ongoing appeal after a 2024 High Court decision. Tourism & Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism leadership is set to be represented in London at the Global Partnerships Conference, with Minister of State Michael Freeland and Junior Tourism Minister Michael Freeland heading out to discuss climate, health and violence against women and girls. Health Spotlight: A new Commonwealth report highlights progress toward cervical cancer elimination, noting Antigua and Barbuda’s HPV-based screening and digital systems. Sports Momentum: Cricket West Indies begins a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua (May 21–31) ahead of the Sri Lanka series, with Ottis Gibson joining the setup. Local Care Focus: SLBMC’s Project Bloom targets late prenatal care, urging earlier antenatal visits to protect mothers and babies.

Tourism momentum: Dominica says stayover arrivals jumped 10% in the first quarter of 2026, building on a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals in 2025, with 496,635 tourists last year and cruise arrivals up 23% (409,761) versus the prior season. Digital safety for seniors: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean Cybersecurity for Older Adults workshop in St. Kitts and Nevis brought regional stakeholders together to tackle cybersecurity, misinformation, and media literacy—framing digital skills as a right for older adults to access health care and stay connected safely. Cervical cancer push: A new Commonwealth compendium on cervical cancer elimination highlights country progress across vaccination, screening, treatment and care, including Antigua and Barbuda’s HPV-based screening and phased rollout using digital systems. Local health focus: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s Project Bloom targets earlier prenatal care after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate follow-up. Sports in Antigua: Cricket West Indies is running a 10-day high-performance ODI camp at Coolidge (May 21–31) as West Indies build toward the Sri Lanka series.

Cricket High-Performance Push: Cricket West Indies has confirmed a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua at Coolidge Cricket Ground from May 21–31, led by Daren Sammy and set to bring in fast-bowling consultant Ottis Gibson, with senior men’s players working through technical, tactical, fitness and match-simulation sessions ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI series in Jamaica and the wider push toward 2027 World Cup qualification. Tourism Spotlight: Antigua hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace this week, with Saint Lucia and Dominica using the platform to pitch growth plans—Saint Lucia highlighted its new destination website and summer campaign, while Dominica reported 2025 visitor gains (up 15% overall) and major infrastructure momentum. Digital Safety for All Ages: UNESCO workshops in St. Kitts and Nevis focused on cybersecurity and media literacy for older adults and youth, tackling misinformation and safer digital participation. Health & Care Moves: SLBMC launched Project Bloom to improve late prenatal care, after local data showed nearly one in three pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal follow-up. Power Update: Antigua’s island-wide blackout linked to the Cassada Gardens substation has been restored to all affected areas, with APUA urging customers still without service to contact 311.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica used CHTA Marketplace 2026 to spotlight a surge in visitors and big infrastructure plans, reporting total arrivals of 496,635 in 2025 (up 15%) and stayover growth of 19% to 99,846, with 2026 stayover momentum continuing. Digital Safety for Seniors: St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a UNESCO cybersecurity and media literacy workshop for older adults, framing digital skills as a “shield” for safer banking, health access, and staying connected. Local Health Focus: Antigua’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre launched Project Bloom, targeting late prenatal care—nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women are not getting adequate follow-up—using community clinics and enhanced antenatal classes to push earlier visits. Power Restored: Antigua’s APUA says electricity is back across areas hit by Wednesday’s island-wide blackout linked to the Cassada Gardens substation. Cricket Build-Up: West Indies named a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua starting May 21, with Alzarri Joseph among 17 players preparing for Sri Lanka.

Single-Use Plastics Law: Bermuda’s MPs have passed the Single-Use Plastics Act 2026, with phased restrictions and customs duty relief for alternatives—no blanket ban, and prohibited items will only be added once practical substitutes are ready. Health Focus: Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is pushing earlier prenatal care through Project Bloom after data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate follow-up. Public Health & Safety: Health officials say hantavirus risk remains low after cruise-linked deaths, while APUA reports power has been restored after a Cassada Gardens substation fault caused a widespread blackout. Governance & Accountability: Senator Jonathan Wehner is calling for constitutional reform to end conflicts of interest in the Public Accounts Committee. Sports: Cricket West Indies begins a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

Prenatal Care Push: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched Project Bloom, a year-long drive after local data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal care—aiming to get more women into antenatal clinics earlier and reduce late arrivals with preventable problems like hypertension and infections. Nurses Week Support: Health Minister Michael Joseph personally delivered gift baskets to nurses across multiple Antigua clinics, backing the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.” Low Hantavirus Risk, More Vigilance: Officials say the risk of hantavirus in Antigua and Barbuda remains extremely low even as guidance continues following a cruise-linked outbreak abroad. Health & Safety Reminder: A fatal traffic collision on All Saints Road is under investigation, with authorities urging drivers to stick to speed limits. Sports With Local Links: Cricket West Indies announced a 10-day high-performance ODI camp in Antigua starting May 21, with medical and sports science support built in.

Constitutional Reform Push: Senator Jonathan Wehner is calling for immediate constitutional change to end what he says is “rubber stamp” governance—criticizing the Public Accounts Committee for conflicts of interest and quorum problems, and arguing modern oversight rules have not kept up since independence. Public Health Focus: Antigua and Barbuda’s health teams are reinforcing preparedness around hantavirus fears linked to a cruise outbreak, while also urging strict sanitation and rodent control; at the same time, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is driving Project Bloom to tackle late prenatal care, targeting the nearly 30% of pregnant women not meeting recommended follow-up. Power and Services: The Antigua Public Utilities Authority says electricity has been restored to all areas hit by Wednesday’s island-wide blackout tied to the Cassada Gardens Substation, with any remaining interruptions to be reported via 311. Regional Signals: St. Kitts and Nevis is being highlighted as one of the Caribbean’s safest islands, with reported crime declines attributed to policing plus a public health approach. Tourism Momentum: Antigua hosted Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, where regional leaders stressed growth, connectivity, and major infrastructure plans.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Prince William helped officially open James’ Place in Birmingham, a referrals centre aimed at supporting about 500 men in suicidal crisis each year. Nursing Pressure: Antigua’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Director of Nursing says Nurses Week must translate into real support for the people keeping the system running. Prenatal Care Push: SLBMC launched Project Bloom after local data showed nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women aren’t getting adequate prenatal care, with a focus on earlier clinic visits and community clinics. Food Tourism Spotlight: CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper will keynote the 2026 Caribbean Food Forum in Antigua on May 21. Power & Service: APUA says electricity is restored after a Cassada Gardens Substation fault caused an island-wide blackout; customers still affected are told to call 311. Public Health Watch: Health officials reiterate hantavirus risk is low and ports are reinforcing precautions. Men’s Health & Equity: Scrub Life Cares starts a month-long menstrual health campaign to reduce stigma and expand access to accurate education.

Power Update: Antigua Public Utilities Authority says electricity has been restored to all areas hit by Wednesday’s island-wide blackout after issues at the Cassada Gardens Substation, and urges any still-affected customers to call the 24-hour Support Centre at 311. Public Health Watch: Health officials continue to stress hantavirus risk in Antigua and Barbuda remains low after cruise-linked deaths abroad, while reinforcing port and cruise precautions and urging strict sanitation and rodent control. Water Safety Reminder: A public health specialist warns rainwater collected from rooftops is contaminated and should be treated before any household use, including showering, to reduce risks like skin infections and Legionella. Nursing Support: Health Minister Michael Joseph personally delivered gift baskets to nurses across multiple clinics for Nurses Week 2026. Local Governance & Health Services: The Health Minister says plans are underway to ease overcrowding at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre emergency room, including moving dialysis once the new renal centre is completed.

Hantavirus Watch: Health officials say the risk of hantavirus spreading in Antigua and Barbuda remains low after a cruise-linked outbreak that has caused three deaths, but they’ve reinforced port and cruise surveillance and are urging strict sanitation and rodent control. Public Health Reminder: A separate advisory warns residents that rainwater collected from rooftops can be contaminated by animals and should be treated for all household uses, not just drinking. Care on the Ground: Health Minister Michael Joseph personally delivered gift baskets to nurses across multiple clinics during Nurses Week, highlighting ongoing pressure on frontline services. Emergency Room Focus: Joseph also outlined planned changes to ease congestion at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, including moving dialysis and shifting some services to create more space. Back Pay Update: Treasury says retroactive salary payments are continuing for eligible public servants, though some workers still report delays. Local Life: Police released the identity of a fatal All Saints Road crash victim, 29-year-old Okeem Lightfoot.

Hantavirus watch: Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health is urging calm after cruise-linked deaths in the Central Atlantic, saying the risk of hantavirus spreading locally remains extremely low and that ports and incoming ships are under reinforced precautions. Public health basics: Residents are told to keep surroundings clean, store garbage properly, and avoid contact with rodent droppings or urine. Water safety reminder: A public health specialist also warned that rooftop-collected rainwater can be contaminated and should be treated before use, not just for drinking. Local governance: The Barbuda Council is running a survey to capture residents’ top social and economic concerns after a court ruling reaffirmed Barbudan land can’t be sold. Health system pressure: Health Minister Michael Joseph says improvements are planned for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s emergency room to ease overcrowding, including moving dialysis services once a new renal centre is completed.

Hantavirus Watch: Antigua and Barbuda health officials say the risk remains low after cruise-ship deaths tied to the Andes strain, urging residents to keep homes clean, store garbage properly, and step up rodent control while port measures are reinforced. Catchment Water Warning: A public health specialist cautioned that rooftop rainwater is contaminated and should be treated before any household use, noting risks from skin infections and illnesses linked to aerosol exposure. Health System Pressure: Health Minister Michael Joseph says Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s emergency room is being assessed for congestion relief, including moving dialysis to a new renal centre and shifting some services out of the ER. Back Pay Update: The Treasury says retroactive salary payments are continuing for eligible public servants, though some workers still report delays. Youth in Politics: Opposition UPP PR officer Jonathan Wehner has been appointed to the Senate, pledging a focus on youth issues like healthcare, education, jobs, and cost of living.