AGP Executive Report

Travel Boost: JetBlue is adding more summer flights from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten and Santo Domingo, starting July 9—daily service to both Aruba and St. Maarten, plus a second daily flight to Santo Domingo—signaling Americans are still booking easy, nonstop Caribbean getaways. Earthquake Aftermath: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean over the weekend, with tremors felt across multiple islands; officials say no major damage or injuries were reported, while teams assess impacts and keep an eye on coastal conditions. Healthcare Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for about 8,500 public servants and retirees, aiming to cut upfront costs and paperwork by processing claims electronically at participating providers. Regional Development: In Mississippi, federal CDBG funding topped $23 million for local infrastructure and community projects—an example of how grants are being used to improve water, drainage, roads and public facilities. Banking Modernization: SKNANB announced a Core banking upgrade to deliver a faster, more secure digital banking experience.

Earthquake Aftermath: A strong 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean Saturday, with tremors felt across multiple islands including St Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla; officials say there’s no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of major damage, while NODS and local disaster coordinators are still tallying costs and checking impacts. Local Infrastructure Push: In the background of the regional shake-up, Governor Tate Reeves announced over $23 million in federal funding for Mississippi community projects, including stormwater drainage and sewer and road improvements—showing how infrastructure dollars keep moving even when nature interrupts. Banking Upgrade: St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank says it’s upgrading to a new CORE system to deliver a faster, more secure, more digital banking experience, including new account numbers during the transition. Healthcare Access: St Kitts and Nevis also rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card, aiming to let public servants pay only co-payments at participating providers. Travel Buzz: Elsewhere, a Greek beach—Fteri Beach on Kefalonia—was just named Europe’s best, adding to the week’s tourism headlines.

Earthquake Aftermath: A strong magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis and across nearby islands; officials say no injuries or major damage have been reported so far, and there’s no tsunami expected. In Nevis, residents also flagged unusual drops in sea levels along Oualie Beach, but regional monitoring agencies have not confirmed any link to the quake. Public Works & Investment: In a separate development, Gov. Tate Reeves announced Mississippi is deploying over $23 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for local projects, including stormwater drainage and sewer improvements in Anguilla. Banking Upgrade: The St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank says it’s upgrading its core banking systems to roll out a faster, more secure, more digital experience for customers. Healthcare Access: St. Kitts and Nevis also continues expanding its NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for public servants and retirees, aiming to reduce upfront costs and paperwork.

Earthquake Aftermath: The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is still tallying damages after a 6.4 quake (UWI Seismic Research Centre revised from 6.5) struck Saturday at 10:50 a.m., shaking Antigua and Barbuda and being felt across the Eastern Caribbean. No injuries have been reported, but district disaster coordinators are checking homes and businesses, and NODS is also reaching out to regional partners it covers. Regional Safety Watch: Earlier reports said there was no tsunami threat, and officials across the islands are continuing to monitor for aftershocks. Public Services Upgrade: In St. Kitts and Nevis, the government rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for about 8,500 public servants and retirees, aiming to cut upfront payments and paperwork by processing claims electronically at participating providers.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful 6.0 quake hit the Eastern Caribbean on May 16 around 10:50am AST, with the epicenter about 80 km northeast of St. John’s (Antigua) and roughly 70 km east-southeast of Codrington (Barbuda). Shaking was widely felt across islands including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and as far as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but officials reported no immediate injuries or major damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no major tsunami threat. Public Services & Health: In St. Kitts and Nevis, the government rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for about 8,500 public servants and eligible dependents, aiming to cut upfront payments and remove reimbursement paperwork at participating providers in St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. Tourism Momentum: Caribbean tourism leaders are pushing a new strategy to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, including a regional logistics and supply-chain push unveiled at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Eastern Caribbean Saturday morning, with reports placing the epicentre about 43.5 miles from Codrington, Barbuda, and shaking felt across a wide stretch of islands including Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands; regional monitoring says there’s no tsunami threat and, so far, no major injuries or significant damage reported. Healthcare Upgrade: In St. Kitts and Nevis, the government rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for about 8,500 public servants and eligible dependents, aiming to cut upfront payments and paperwork by processing claims electronically at participating providers in St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. Tourism Momentum: The wider region keeps pushing forward on travel growth, with Caribbean tourism leaders highlighting a shift toward higher-value, year-round demand and stronger regional logistics to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake struck Saturday morning about 52 miles east of Antigua and Barbuda, with light shaking reported across nearby islands; a separate 6.5 quake also hit St Kitts and Nevis earlier, and authorities say there’s no tsunami danger. Healthcare Upgrade: Saint Kitts and Nevis rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for about 8,500 public servants and eligible dependents, cutting upfront payments and removing the need for reimbursement forms at participating providers in St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla. Tourism Momentum: Caribbean tourism leaders are pushing a new regional logistics and supply-chain plan to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, while the wider region looks to higher-value, year-round demand. Digital Services: Nepal Telecom revised international call billing to 60 seconds per pulse for 58 countries, with Anguilla included.

Earthquake Alert: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck St Kitts and Nevis at 10:50 a.m. local time, at a reported depth of 31 kilometres, and was felt across the wider region including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, and Puerto Rico, with no damage reported so far. Healthcare Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has launched its NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for about 8,500 public servants and eligible dependents, cutting out upfront payments and reimbursement forms so cardholders pay only the co-payment at participating providers—now including Anguilla, with more providers expected. Tourism Momentum: The World’s Happiest Cities rankings for 2026 are out, while regional tourism coverage continues to point to a shift toward steadier, year-round demand and higher-value travellers.

Tourism Momentum: Sint Maarten is surging again, with new Amadeus data showing the destination up 18% year over year and nearby Saint Martin up 12%—a sign the island’s beach-and-dining pull is stronger than it’s been in years. Travel Convenience: The report points to what visitors feel on the ground: easy logistics, quick access from airport to beaches, marinas, and restaurants, plus more seats and fresh hotel openings. Regional Strategy: Across the Caribbean, tourism leaders are pushing a new push for regional logistics and supply chains so more tourism dollars stay local, not shipped in. Digital Healthcare: In St. Kitts and Nevis, the government launched an NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for public servants and retirees, aiming to cut upfront costs and reimbursement paperwork. Local Spotlight: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 as a strong, tech-driven showcase for food security.

Tourism Strategy Shift: Caribbean tourism leaders are pushing a “new strategic phase” after demand cooled—overseas arrivals rose just 1% year-on-year—while Latin America surged, with premium travel from South America jumping 117%, steering the region toward smarter targeting and higher-value, year-round bookings. Regional Supply Chain Push: At Antigua’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, officials unveiled plans for a regional logistics and supply-chain framework to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, with a working commission aimed at stronger production networks for hotels, restaurants, and cruise operators. Digital Benefits Expansion: Saint Kitts and Nevis launched the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card, letting public servants and retirees pay only co-payments at participating providers, with the rest handled electronically in real time; providers already include sites in Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. Travel & Tech Notes: Four Seasons announced 2028 private jet itineraries linking new properties in Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice, while Nepal Telecom revised international call billing to 60-second pulses for 58 countries starting May 15.

Medical Milestone: Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, 72, is set to become the world’s oldest medical school graduate and start a West Michigan residency this summer—after a life of nursing, family delays, and a 2020 “now or never” push following her husband’s brain hemorrhage. Tourism Push: Caribbean tourism leaders are urging a regional logistics and supply-chain plan to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, with the idea that hotels and restaurants shouldn’t rely so heavily on imports. Digital Benefits in the Region: Saint Kitts and Nevis has launched the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card, letting public servants and retirees pay only co-payments at participating providers while claims process electronically—providers already include sites in Anguilla. Travel Tech & Access: Nepal Telecom says international calls to 58 countries will be billed on a 60-second pulse starting May 15, including calls to Anguilla. Caribbean Demand Signals: A new CHTA-Amadeus report says overseas Caribbean demand is growing slowly overall, but Latin America—especially premium travel—is surging, pushing the region toward higher-value, year-round targeting.

Telecom Billing Change: Nepal Telecom has revised international call charging, switching to a 60-second “pulse” for outgoing calls to 58 countries, including Anguilla, effective May 15, 2026 (Jestha 1, 2083 BS), after approval from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Public Health Benefits: Saint Kitts and Nevis rolled out the NCI WellCare Digital Insurance Card for public servants and retirees, letting cardholders use participating providers by paying only a co-payment on the spot while the rest is handled electronically in real time. Tourism Strategy Shift: The CHTA and Amadeus say Caribbean tourism is moving into a higher-value, smarter-targeting phase as overseas demand growth cools, with Latin America—especially premium travel from South America—pushing the next wave. Luxury Travel Buzz: Four Seasons announced new 2028 Private Jet Experience itineraries, including “Uncharted Discovery” and “New World Icons,” linking guests to Cartagena, Puerto Rico and Venice.

Travel Deals & Demand Shift: JetBlue has launched a New York–St. Maarten roundtrip fare for $382 (May 30–June 5), a rare sub-$400 nonstop option that’s likely to move fast as summer demand stays strong. Tourism Strategy: The CHTA and Amadeus 2026 Caribbean Travel Trends Report says the region is moving from “recovery mode” to smarter targeting and higher-value visitors, with Latin America demand up 24% year over year. Local Spotlight: Nevis’ Agriculture Minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 as a well-run showcase of modern farming and food security progress. Tourism Mix Watch: Curaçao is highlighted for keeping a balanced luxury-and-economy visitor profile, a resilience play as premium travel grows. What’s Next for Anguilla: With tourism momentum and regional attention building, the big question is how quickly islands convert that interest into bookings.

Medical Education Push: New Anglia University says more students want MD programmes tied to U.S. hospital clinical training and residency pathways, reflecting a growing focus on “residency readiness” as physician demand rises. Sports & Community: The Leeward Islands Masters Cricket Tournament returns to Nevis May 22–24 with free admission and matches across three grounds, while the Karibuni Grand Prix wrapped up with Team SBH-BMW taking first in the Diam 24 fleet event. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out the red carpet for the 44th CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15), with Anguilla’s tourism leadership among delegates arriving at VC Bird International Airport. Public Health & Safety Spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis is again being highlighted as one of the safest islands, crediting its Public Health-Crime Prevention Model. Local Lifestyle: Beach Enclave launched Ámbra Beach Club & Restaurant at Long Bay, bringing an all-day beach-club vibe to the Turks and Caicos scene.

Judicial shake-up in the making: A nominating commission is weighing judicial recommendations for the Governor, signaling a fresh round of appointments ahead. Caribbean tourism in the spotlight: Puerto Rico and Jamaica are leading the Caribbean’s official destination social media race, but the next growth push may hinge on creators and diaspora storytellers—not just tourism boards. Regional deal-making begins: Antigua and Barbuda has kicked off the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace, welcoming delegates at VC Bird International Airport with Anguilla’s tourism leadership among the arrivals, as the May 12–15 event lines up buyers, networking, and exposure. Visa access shifts: India’s top e-visa destinations for Indian travellers are changing, while Pakistan’s passport mobility has slipped in the latest update to 30 destinations. Local business buzz: Beach Enclave has launched Ámbra Beach Club & Restaurant at Long Bay, adding a new all-day dining and beach-club option.

Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda kicked off the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace with a red-carpet welcome at VC Bird International Airport, where newly appointed Tourism State Minister Michael Freeland personally greeted delegates—including Anguilla’s Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor and Anguilla’s Director of Tourism Chantelle Richardson—setting the tone for May 12–15 of meetings, networking, and business deals. Visa & Mobility Watch: A fresh look at travel access shows Pakistan’s passport slipping in the latest May update, with visa-free options still including Barbados, Dominica, Montserrat and Trinidad and Tobago, while e-visa systems keep expanding across Africa, Asia and parts of the Americas and Caribbean. Regional Spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis remains in the safety spotlight, credited to its Public Health-Crime Prevention Model, as the wider Caribbean also tracks new tourism and lifestyle developments like Ámbra Beach Club opening at Long Bay. Finance Pressure: In the background, cracks are widening in private credit as Apollo weighs a $3B fund sale amid rising defaults and redemption strain.